Friday 28 September 2012

Frock Me Deadly



Being out of bed means being out of my nightie (1960s, cotton, with huge pink roses, if you're wondering) and wearing two new-to-me dresses for the first time.




This is my please-don't-start-raining face.




I bought this 1980s dress on Ebay, I think it has a 1940s look about it. It has the weeniest little shoulder pads, which I have left in as I like the silhouette. 



See?

(On a side note - my indoor photos are awful, so grainy and dark. What am I going to do all winter when the garden is a quagmire?)

Anyway - the dress is American, by Katie MFG. 




Any ideas what the MFG stands for?

Mighty Frocks of Greatness?

Must Fit Good?

Motherfucking Goddess?


And look, this dress is Union Made!





I really enjoyed researching the ILGWU. I found information here and here.




The rain held off!





1980s dress and boots - Ebay
Cape and  1970s hat - flea market
Tights and bangles - charity shops
Belt - retail (sale)
Brooch - car boot


Continuing the theme of looking rather Miss Marple/village librarian...




One thing to love about autumn is the hat-wearing opportunities!





Dirty-weekending Helga sent me this 1970s homemade frock, it's a cutie!




1970s dress - gift from La Trollop
Gap jacket - flea market
Heeled suede brogues - Ebay
Brooch, tights, necklace, bangles and hat - charity shops 







I am not absolutely convinced I look quite as cool and ironic and crime-fighting-chic as I hoped...

 
Maybe I am just the frumpy town librarian after all.




I want to be a film noir heroine.

Cynical and sexy, talks tough, always gets her man, solves crime, and uses the Dewey Decimal system!

xxx









49 comments:

Connie said...

Wow! You look fab! No indication that you were EVER down for the count. I would like very much to see your nightie, tho. It sounds really pretty. I'm imagining you looking like Gidget. BTW, I'm pretty sure it stands for Motherfucking Goddess...MoFoGo!!
Connie*

samecookiesdifferent said...

so nice
xx the cookies
samecookiesdifferent.blogspot.com
enjoy your evening!

Fran said...

So glad to see you are up and about. I love the cape you are wearing in the first picture. The dress is really cute on you too, but I have never seen anything like the rain cape. I guess I have to depart from the much more interesting ideas for the MFG that you girls have come up with...I think it means manufactured???

OP SHOP MAMA said...

Ah yes the Dewey Decimal system! I was so proud of myself when I mastered that! I can remember teaching kids about that - and that really wasn't all that long ago!

You do not look like you've come from your sick bed - you look amazing! Great styling skills!!!

I'd have you fight my crimes OR stamp my books, whichever you choose! xx

Lynn Hasty said...

Ooooo, I love that cape! Love it! You look great. I bet the please don't rain look gets used a lot over there? Fun to see the American label on your blog! Who knew there was so much to know about fashion?

xoxo
Lynn

Gracey the Giant said...

That tulip dress is heavenly and fits you so perfectly. You look absolutely amazing in it. I agree that it has a bit of a 40s feel to it, which makes me love it even more.

I think the MFG stands for manufacturing, but in my head from now on I'm going to read it as "Motherfucking Goddess" because that is awesome!

Loo xx from Jumbles and Pompoms said...

Nothing frumpy about you darling Curtise. I'm with Connie, I want to see your nightie too ( go on, you know you want too). Love the cape you motherfucking goddess you. Xx

Penny-Rose said...

You look fabulous - so glad you are feeling better. What a great series of outfits - nothing frumpy about you at all.

Caramella said...

I love the 40s 50s and 60s, and anything vintage and retro. And ELVIS! You look great in the outfits, expecially the flowery dress and the hat. Really stylish! I am your new follower from Rome.

Trees said...

You look amazing in both outfits!

thorne garnet said...

frumpy librarian indeed! Your probably wearing racy undies, haha!

Anonymous said...

One of the things I just love about cooler temps is being able to layer all these great textures and colors. Your tights and oxfords look exceptionally FANTASTIC!! MFG=Most Fantastic Girl!! You win!

No really, it's "manufacturing."

I love the tweed jacket here too. I almost feel like dressing up after this. ;) I'm still being so so lazy as far as outfits. Would you believe I'm still in my pajama pants? I mean, why get dressed some days when it's only spent in the car both ways to school and back and working from home? At least I put some make up on. ;)

You look lovely Curtise!

The Goodwill Fangirl said...

I think the MFG stands for that goddess thing :o

I am so in awe of you bloggers that rock eBay. That dress looks like it was made just for you.

I can't stop ogling the cape. It's brilliant.

Krista said...

You always make me laugh and it has nothing to do with anything your wearing. I totally dig this that girl meets Sherlock look! The you take off the cap and BAM your bod is banging in that! I love wearing hats too and this floppy number is super sassy.

Im glad you are up and about and dang mama you are looking extra beautiful in these pics- maybe u need the rest:)

Xoxoxo
Krista

Vintage Bird Girl said...

Seeing you in your Autumn best makes me want to cry! Can you believe it's 30 degrees here already & it's supposed to be spring! Oh how I miss the tights & boots already. I love both outfits....the 80's frock fits you like a dream & I LOVE the Helga frock. I'd love a closer pic of the top too. I didn't get a chance to say how much I love your new hair. The fringe totally rocks. I hope you have a lovely weekend. xx

Hollie Black-Ramsey said...

I used to think that girls over 30 can't pull off vintage... you have well proven me wrong madame.

Stacey said...

You look awesome! I love that first frock, and I reckon the silhouette is great with those shoulder pads left in. I always thought that I would never wear anything with shoulder pads, until I started thrifting - it turns out some things do look better with them!

I'm so jealous of your Autumn stylings! We've already launched right into Summer here. :(

Mrs. D said...

I'm glad that you're out of bed and feeling better!

I really like these two outfits, like you say, it looks like you are out of some old films! I particularly like the cape, it is too cute!

Anonymous said...

Wow you look fabulous!!!!
I'm totally crazy for this Miss- Marple- meets- Mata- Hari-and-they-were-dressed-Louis-Vuitton look, you combined the clothes and the colors perfectly!!
I'm so glad that we can wear hats again too, even if I have still few weeks to wait, here is still quite hot and I don't want to be more eye catching than I am..
Your hats are both beautiful, so the cape and my heart is for the floral dress!
xxxxx

bonsaimum said...

The outfits are fabulous!! Those suede brogues are to die for. I definitely think you could be in a Miss Marple type of production. Those brogues, god they are georgeous--i am soooo jealous.

Anonymous said...

I am so envious of those brogues & I might have to make a cape - lovely!

Vix said...

Lovely to see you up and dressed for success although I do agree with Lou, a nightie post would be most excellent!!
Both those dresses are gorgeous, the first one makes your waist look so small and fabulous and the cape is utterly wonderful and you definitely rock a hat!
Those heeled brogues are awesome, I feel a gangster's moll post coming on!
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

mispapelicos said...

I love how the first dress enhances your figure,ahhhhhhhhhhhh. Love the shoulders and print.
Your: please-don't-start-raining face is my: not sun again one, hehehhee.
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXx

Unknown said...

I am sure Miss Marple will find out what the acronym stands for. I like both your outfits.

Nora

http://notenora.blogspot.com

Unknown said...

I am sure Miss Marple will find out what the acronym stands for. I like both your outfits.

Nora

http://notenora.blogspot.com

Fiona said...

Ha ha, that's a laugh, YOU frumpy!
Loving the 40's vibe with the tulip dress and your waist looks weeny. Also digging the Miss Marple look with the cape and hat. (fabulous finds) Tried to think of some MFG's but mine were all filthy, I wonder what a psychologist would make of that ?
xxxxxxx

CityScape Skybaby said...

Good to see you feeling better Curtise, your figure is great in the first dress, your waist looks tiny, and I love the patterned tights and brogues. I love the autumn colours on you and I lust after a cape of my own after seeing how many of you ladies here have them and wear them with style. xx

Robert Barnsley said...

Glad your vertical again Curtise, though I'm sure your always dressed immaculately at what ever angle your at. Hope your 100% well soon and we get out to the pub. X

Unknown said...

More Frickin Gloriarseness!

You are gorgeous in both beauties, amor! I adore the gorgeous cape and the 70s La Trollop frock - any chance of some more pics of that green treasure? And teh 80s does 40s number is LOVELY - I love the pretty little shoulder pads too.

Mostly Farting Granny?

As for your indoor pics, they can be v tricky, I suggest a DSLR with a decent flash you can bounce. (I can hear you swearing at me from here!)

Mozzarella Fetta Gruyere!

Wish you were here, romping in the sunshine with me! LOVE! Sarah xxx

Anonymous said...

The first dress just looks marvelous on you. And I love the cape/big sleeves.

I think the styling in the second look is ingenius--the jacket and the stockings with the color of the skirt. Well done.

50 and counting said...

MFG was indeed manufacturing.

I remember the commercials for the IFGW.

"Look for the union label when you are buying that coat, dress, or blouse".

joyatri said...

80s fashion wasn't all bad. That dress does indeed have a 40s vibe. I agree that sometimes a little shoulder pads can be flattering. It's unanimous -- that cape is fabulous.
I love the texture and color combinations of your second ensemble.
If you come up with a solution to dark and grainy indoor photos, let me know. I live in an apartment without a garden and can't seem to get decent indoor photos of myself.

Vicky Hayes said...

Made For Gadding probably... Loving your autumn looks Curtise especially the frock and cape although the librarian look has set me off on one of my stamping books fantasies! Good to see you frolicking about again! Vicky x

Miss Simmonds Says said...

These have got to be some of my favourite ever outfits of yours! I adore the Miss Marple look - all you need now is to be cycling through a park on a windswept leafy day, on your way to do some research into your latest case. It's certainly not frumpy. Where did you get those two tone shoes from? I'm coming to sheffield to fight you for them. The cape is wonderful and I adore the other dress - I have a union made dress too - you can date the dress by the union label mine was late 60s apparently. You've filled me full of romantic autumnness. Now if only I could actually get on with some work....

Lou said...

Looking much better! I love the print of the first dress, and it fits you so beautifully. x

Jean at www.drossintogold.com said...

Two fabulous looks for the price of one!! I think the first look is one of my favorites to date!! The dress is gorgeous on it's own; I love the print and fit. Then adding in the boots and cape-ish jacket, plus the hat, and you're absolutely fabulous.

The second is wonderful, in that you've styled it with a beautiful tweed jacket, which is a favorite thing of mine (although I never find a way to wear them) and it's whimsical and secretly sexy.

I also have to say that I was admiring your lovely garden in these shots. So pretty.

silvergirl said...

love your vintage finds
the first dress is a total fav because it reminds me of a dress i wore in the 5th grade for a mardi gras ball i went to
it was floor length and white, but it had those lovely tulips all over it
brett

Pull Your Socks Up! said...

Frumpy???? Err NOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!! You look absolutely gorgeous honey, I SHOULD have been wearing my pee-pants because I pee'd myself a bit at the sight of your muther-frocking-gorgeous cape!!!! SQUEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!!!!! You're looking so healthy and perky and YES!!!!!!! Bloody hell, I need a Margaret Rutherford fix after the last outfit, the jacket and hat are fecktacular with the Helgacious frock and the tights and shoes and oh god you're amazing!!!! xoxoxoxoxoxxo

karensomethingorother said...

"Manufacturing". Not so exciting, but there you go. Anyhoo, how could you pass for the frumpy librarian? In those hawt stockings?!? I think not! I love the cape too, by the way.

Anonymous said...

So glad you are bacck in the land of the livinG!!!
The 80's dress is gorgeous--the MFG must be for Magnificent-tantastic-gorgeous!!!
I love the 2nd dress-the aqua color is stunning!
You don't look like some stuffy librarian--you look like a posh 30's lady detective striding the moor with her stud-muffin assistant!!

Amber of Butane Anvil said...

Super-smart and kind of naughty yes, frumpy? Never! The MFG would stand for "Manufacturing" but I prefer your goddess interpretation, which applies to you in that fantastic silhouette and cape (adore!) in your first look, and wonderful pattern mis in the second. You're gorgeous in hats. SO glad you're feeling better! xo

Kaffesoester said...

You look absolutely wonderful in both outfits - and classic British in the second! The dress has to be my favorite though, it gives you the best silhouette and can be dressed up or down with accessories.

I've had trouble with dark photos all through last winter. The only thing that really helps is light, either from lamps or from a flash.

Flash is usually the best since it doesn't mess up the colour of the light as badly as regular light bulbs. Just be careful not to get too close to the flash...

Lakota [Faith Hope and Charity Shopping] said...

I'm definitely going for Mother Fucking Goddess! Who would have guessed shoulder pads would look right again?

I had a hard time just taking pictures of the front covers today so I feel your pain on the outfit post photo problem. It doesn't help that I fuse lightbulbs pretty much every day and we can't be bothered to replace them until visitors start bringing their own candles...
x

20 YORK STREET said...

This is a fabulous post!
Could it be Manufacturing?

I am totally loving that chambray like coat!

oxo,
 
ML
TWENTY YORK STREET
Follow @20YS on Twitter : @20YS
Follow @20YS on Facebook: TWENTY YORK STREET
Recent post: http://www.twentyyork.com/2012/10/jacob-review-sunshine-yellow-collar.html

Melanie said...

You could knock a man flat at 20 paces with your sexy Dewy Decimal brain and bod. Of course MFG also stands for Mel Freaking Gasps - at you in your about-town attire. So happy to see you vertical again, you naughty librarian.

Forest City Fashionista said...

Your scathing wit could slice a criminal in half! Love the dress with the baby shoulder pads, and the cape is wonderful (I adore capes..). I had to laugh at your librarian reference as one of the Graduate programs I work with is in Library and Information Science, so I am constantly hearing about librarian stereotypes.

Monica - Colour makes people said...

Love your ms marple attire. :)

Nikki @ Penelope Cat Vintage said...

You look gorgeous! The first dress does look quite 1940s, it's lovely. Love your Librarian look too - I didn't realise it was a dress though, the top bit looks quite separate if you know what I mean? Fab though and I love the colours - especially the jade-y green.

You do look quite 1920s/30s, but never frumpy!

Nikki x

Dawn said...

MFG!! I busted out laughing at the last one. You are too funny. I would have bought that first dress, what a vision of lovliness. Little shoulder pads and cinched waist make a great silhouette. dawn suitcase vignettes xo