Sunday 12 August 2012

Kids in Derbyshire

You all know I am an urbanite, but living in Sheffield means we have some stunning countryside right on our doorstep, including the Peak District National Park.

It would be crazy not to go and enjoy it sometimes!





Under pressure to sort a picnic, find the kids' sun hats/sun screen, get everyone fed and watered and organised for an early-ish start, I hadn't really thought about what to wear myself.

Here I am, hiding among the Derbyshire foliage, awaiting my gorgeous friend Vix's disapproval!



Yeah, I am in disguise as Generic Scummy Yummy Mummy, wearing the ubiquitous cropped denim, Breton striped top and ballerina flats.

I hardly recognise myself!


In my imagination, I looked like Brigitte...






... or Audrey...









... or Jean...






... or even Kim!






Ha, who am I kidding?!




Caught!


Still, our day in the Peaks wasn't really about fashion or style or vintage or anything other than beautiful countryside, a picnic by the river, and a good long walk.





Seldom Seen scampered about on the rocks like a puppy.




Littlest lagged behind a wee bit...



... and Eldest led the charge, as always.





They got tired though...







... and needed a little lie down half way round.






Even I have to admit it's gorgeous out there among the greenery.


















So forgive the uninspired outfit just this once, I didn't want to frighten the hikers by wearing frilly pants or a wig and a corset on this occasion!






So what does one wear to tramp through the countryside, go paddling, avoid sheep shit, skirt muddy patches, clamber on rocks and still look glamorous?





Buggered if I know!

xxx



33 comments:

Melanie said...

What a gorgeous part of the country and my if you don't look different! You still look fabulous of course, but very different.
As for what I would wear, probably the usual and wonder why I was getting stared at and why Andy was exasperated about me getting muddy shoes!

Sarah Jane said...

A mini skirt and wellies! You certainly have the legs ha ha! I have denim crops too. We all have days where we don't give a stuff, especially in this humid weather. The countryside looks so beautiful and it looks like you have it all to yourself. I'm really selfish with my countryside, I hate to share it with anyone xx

Anonymous said...

Sometimes, you don't need to dress up - even I wear stripes on an off day!!
I love your pics though!! :-)

Diane said...

I might have bumped into you! We did the Haddon Estate today. I am a HUGE fan of the blue and white stripey top (my husband rolls his eyes when I buy yet another!)xxx

Rose&Bird said...

Gorgeous countryside - I love the peak district, we stayed there on holiday last year (sadly, it rained most of the week!). We all need a day off sometimes, being fabulous is hard work x

Mister D said...

Enjoyed reading your blog and love derbyshire too nice photos

Lou said...

British countryside and glamour don't quite go do they?! Simple outfit, perfect for the country though - don't want yo ruin your favourite frock in the mud! x

Vix said...

You've got my approval! Those cropped jeans are totally and utterly fabulous, I love you in them (but you know I love you anyway), the Breton top rocks!
I love the Peak District and your pictures just confirm it's beauty! I'd insist you lot join us at Y Not next year, it's on the main bus route so you'd get there no probs but Jon says he wants Seldom seen Kid's hat so it would end in tears!
xxxxxxxx

Anonymous said...

What stunning scenery!!! Absolutely gorgeous!!
You pulled off what we call the "Soccer Mom Uniform" with pananche!!! Adding your bangles, sunnies and hair flower took it into smashing territory!!!

Helga said...

You're REAL,so you're waaaaaay better than Audrey,Brigette or Jean!I love this look on you,it IS styley for a walk in the country!And what beautiful country!!!OMG!
I've no idea what I would wear,probably something innappropriate that would cause me grief!!! I have been known to go for walks,however......the mind boggles!
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

The Goodwill Fangirl said...

Love the photos in the magic forest - and of your lovely children.

I wear a lot of ubiquitous, so I'm a fan :P You actually look quite glamorous for hiking in this outfit, and cropped pants and flats look awesome on you! HAH! Score one for ubiquitous :D

Forest City Fashionista said...

What you're wearing is just perfect for what you were doing, and you still look like your charming self. It's funny that we've reached a point where wearing "normal" clothes feels like a disguise, or something to be ashamed of! I was wearing jeans and a t-shirt while grocery shopping, and one of my blog fans told me later that they saw me but were afraid to say hello because they thought I was "incognito"!

CityScape Skybaby said...

I think you look great, much more put together than I do in similar circumstances. Like you say, by the time you get everyone else's clothes sorted and pack everything you need, there's no time left to get ourselves glam, though you seem to manage it all the same. When we're going for a day out I always have great plans that this time I'm going to really look the part but it never quite works out. I think living with a man and three boys there's not much encouragement to glam up, though my daughter loves giving me makeovers and making me be more adventurous with my style.
Most important of all, it looks like you all had a lovely day, what a beautiful place and what gorgeous kids.Love the pic of them all lying on the rock. xx

Trees said...

You look like a stylish hiker to me!! (well compared to my hiking outfits anyways)

The country side is so beautiful and your kids are awesome, especially that picture with the three of them on the rock.

Louise Mc said...

I love the peak district, we regularly visit as it's so close to us too. Also, I'm a big fan of the breton top and cropped trouers look, I think it's timeless and easygoing. X

Monica - Colour makes people said...

Hey, you look way more glam than me when Im hiking or walking my dog. Itsall about comfort for me in these situations, so Im wearing my tracksuits and sneakers.:)

Annie said...

Well, I think you look great! It's a classic look for a reason I reckon!

The Peak District is beautiful, and your pictures really capture that. It looks like you all had a wonderful day out.

xxx

thorne garnet said...

Love your "undercover" look. Bad joke warning: our you kids resting on a bedrock? I couldn't stop myself

Krista said...

OMG it looks like Oregon! You my dear look fab even if you weren't trying. I love days out in the sticks exploring. The picture is of all three kids laying on the rock!!! You can totally rock jeans my dear!
XXOO
Krista

Unknown said...

Aren't you cute in your outfit, it's an excellent change and gives us another facet of the great Curtise!
I have my going to the nature gear as well, cut off jeans -t - runners!
Nice scenery, nice country you got there but i know it is beautiful where you are-
The kids are so, so, so cute!

Take care lovely

Grosses bises!

Ariane xxx

Unknown said...

What a truely beautiful place to go for a walk love your photo's those trees look so spirtual. And you look gorgeous i just love stripes and cut off's i say your still rocking it ;-)) dee xxx

Mrs. D said...

I think you were dressed appropriately. I have seen people hiking in heels and it is not a pretty (or practical sight). Plus, with inspiration like that how could you go wrong?

xx

Jean at www.drossintogold.com said...

There's nothing less stylish than trying too hard and being totally uncomfortable. You are perfect, for the occasion and otherwise. I've actually been wearing cropped jeans this summer for the first time in my life. I love Breton stripes with a passion, although I'm not sure they love me. You wear them as they should be worn!!

Your pictures of the family and countryside are very special. I look back at times like that with my kids and get sad that they're grown. I can hear the giggles and complaints all in one breath! The picture of them laying down on the rock is priceless.

You're doin' good, Mom!!!! (And looking good!!!)

Fran said...

Love this post and the pseudo names you have for your children. Your address was just right for enjoying such a lovely place.

Caroline said...

Audrey et al did the look before Boden so don't worry. You look fab.

My mother saw me in an outfit recently, asked me if it was Boden and I haven't worn the outfit combo since.

Caroline
xxx

two squirrels said...

Oh Curtise a fabulous stripe top is always classic and stylish. The walk looks just fabulous, what a beautiful Forrest.
Love v

Pull Your Socks Up! said...

What does one wear? Why, one takes a long perve at you and your hot stems, raids one's wardrobe and attempts to look as flippin' awesome as you baby!!!! You were trying NOT to look glam? Well you DO!!!!!!! I adore your wee shoes and by god what beautiful woods and countryside! Bet the kids slept like logs that night! Thank you so much for all your wonderful support my darling, darling friend, Curtise!! I'm catching up slowly - I absolutely adore you my lovely!!! xoxoxoxoxoxoxo

The Style Crone said...

Your outfit couldn't be more perfect for your day in the park! Look at that beautiful flower in your hair and cropped denim with ballerina flats! The photos are stunning and I see what you mean about 'lace.' What a wonderful way to spend the day with your children, creating memories that they (and you) will never forget.

Loo xx from Jumbles and Pompoms said...

You look glorious, Curtise. I don't think it's an uninspired choice of outfit at all but then I constantly wear jeans and a top so I would say that. Lovely pics. Xx

Vintage Coconut said...

That park looks soooo lovely and pretty. I love mossy covered places *They just seem magical*
You look hot even in jeans and a stripey shirt. I have yet to see you look back Curtise!

Love the pic of the kids laying on the huge rock.

Miss Simmonds Says said...

I love that look on you! Perhaps next time you could backcomb your hair to give it a complete 60s look - but hey, you were in the wilds of Derbyshire, you needed to be a little more sensible. oooh! it just occured to me how amazing you'd look with the Vidal Sassoon bob!

Fiona said...

You look spectacular in your breton look Curtise but as I live in jeans I would say that. The thought of you yomping round The Peaks in a corset did give me a giggle. Fabtastic photo mosaicy thingy and your pics are stunning, the LB's look like they had fun. xxx

Unknown said...

From a place of love and honesty, ARE YOU ON DRUGS??? You look FABULOUS!!! What a perfectly appropriate forest tramping outfit - most would wear cargo pants and runners (OH PUUULEASE!) and you still look glamorous, timeless, beautiful. And PLEASE PROMISE ME YOU'LL TAKE ME THERE WHEN I MOVE IN WITH YOU!!! LOVE! Sarah xxx