Welcome to the second issue of the Australasian Sophisticate!

We're coming into one of our favourite times of year: Spring. Spring in Canberra is so lovely. Aside from the blossoming trees we are treated to the return of the light; those special weeks when it is clear and warm during the day and cool during the night; the evenings are sweetly scented and the blackbirds sing at night. It's heavenly. A wonderful time of year for Sophisticates to brush off those glad rags and get out and make the most of it!

The Darlings have been so busy lately! We had A Very Darling (mid-year) Christmas in June — a great night. We opened our online boutique and have been having so much fun stocking it with lovely things — and more to come! We popped into the Canberrang ball to host a little stall, and had a great night with the gorgeous swing dancers, meeting heaps of fabulous people. We held a Salon in Canberra, and are planning our next. And of course, one thing especially is on our mind: travel!

Spring is a good time to start thinking about travel. We're so privileged to have the freedom that we do to pack a bag and race off: for a night, a weekend, or weeks at a time. When the warm weather returns festival time begins! We have the Under The Blue Moon festival in Sydney and the Elvis festival in Parkes NSW to look forward to in the next few months.

No doubt you have also put your mind to some Spring/Summer holidays, so you might find it amusing to keep an eye open for the Darlings’ travel blogs, coming up in August and September. Darla is going to the US and Blossom is going to Tasmania, and we will be keeping careful track of everything that happens, to contribute to our upcoming Travel Salon in November.

In this issue of the Australasian Sophisticate you will read a bit more about our Travel Challenge that we have set ourselves. You will also meet two of our favourite people: the dreamy Koop Kooper and our lovely talented friend Leah of Custom Vintage. Darla has some tips on how to interpret dress codes (hint: jeans are not formalwear) and Blossom discusses the Daytime Tipple.

Finally we list some upcoming events in Canberra and surrounds that would be perfect for Sophisticates looking for something fabulous to do. Check your wardrobes: you will need something elegant for high tea, something classy for dinner, something fifties-inspired for dancing, and something tweed to cycle in!

Enjoy … and remember, if you would like to contribute anything to future editions, just email us at thedarlingsisters@live.com.

 XXOO
Darla and Blossom Darling