FOR THE LADIES: Optometrist and violinist Angelina
Angelina is an impressive lady. She's an optometrist, a talented violinist, a teacher and amongst all that, manages to fit in being a phD candidate. Angelina has a keen eye for fashion and is better known around instagram as @fab_confab, where she documents her gorgeous dress collection.
. . . . . . .
What neighbourhood in Melbourne do you live in and what do you like about it?
I live in a two-storey apartment in Coburg. I like that it is a meeting point of many different cultures, which has resulted in some great places to eat, and created an unusual patchwork of atmospheres.
What is your day job and what do you love about it?
Much to the dismay of my parents and relatives, I currently have a successful career of multiple day jobs, and I have recently realised that variety is what I love most. I work in a small private practice as an optometrist, where I have the privilege of caring for people’s eyes. I love helping people’s eyes to feel or see better, but I especially love helping them choose glasses that make them feel comfortable and confident in themselves. I also teach optometry at the University of Melbourne. My favourite moment has to be when I am successful at breaking down an idea and building it back up for the student, and I feel like I can literally see them understanding a concept.
I also freelance as a musician, mainly on the violin, playing at weddings, in local amateur musical theatre productions and other projects that catch my interest. Music is my main creative outlet, but I find the process can also be my mindfulness exercise, and it helps keep me balanced. In between it all, I am a PhD candidate who should be writing…
Do you have a passion project or hobby?
I love to garden! In my little balcony garden, I mainly try to grow food, and have developed a newfound respect for all farmers. My crop yield in 2017 came to 3 lemons, 2 strawberries, 1 onion (I think, I haven’t tackled harvesting it yet), and briefly, some cos lettuce leaves. I am also curating an indoor jungle made up of plants that can be readily purchased in Melbourne, but have not evolved for the Melbourne climate.
When did you first start shopping at Obus (and can you remember the first piece you purchased?)
Actually yes, because I still have the order confirmation! The Hopi dress, purchased in December 2014, which is still on high rotation.
How does wearing Obus make you feel?
Free-spirited, beautiful and practical. I find many of the prints - especially my favourite, the llama print - great conversation starters!
Is wearing locally made clothing important to you, and if so, why?
Recently, I’ve been learning about feminism, how to minimise my environmental footprint, and how to be more socially responsible… which are overwhelming issues in their own right, but I’ve realised there are many common solutions, like choosing to purchase local produce and products where possible. So now, when I’m shopping, it feels even more special when I find and fall in love with a dress that is locally made.
What do you like most about Obus?
Obus openly shares the many views and values I’ve developed as I learn more about the world.
What’s your favourite thing to do on your days off?
I love to go on little adventures with family and friends, like taking on puzzle rooms, playing board games, exploring neighbourhoods and parks, and trying new places to eat. I’m a foodie!
I’ve just finished watching:Jane the Virgin and Star Wars: The Last Jedi
My favourite place I’ve ever travelled to is:San Francisco
I love to sing loudly along to:Hello by Adele
I love the saying: “All truth passes through three stages. First, it is ridiculed. Second, it is violently opposed. Third, it is accepted as being self-evident.”
My super power is: Being able to sleep whenever, wherever
