Sunday 31 March 2013

Dancing on a Saturday night


 
I was out enjoying an evening of Babycham aperitifs, retro tunes, Twiglets and vol-au-vents, and of course vintage finery last night, celebrating my mate Vicky's 50th birthday.





A 1970s dress code was never going to be much of a stretch for me, was it? 
 
As Vicky said when I arrived, "it's great to see everyone's made the effort to dress up - and here's Curtise, wearing her normal clothes!"


Clockwise l-r;
That's birthday girl Vicky in her amazing Abba-esque outfit complete with bubble-perm wig, with Benny from Abba (aka her husband Jim) and their son doing a fab Freddie Mercury tribute;
my pals Tracey and Karen;
Terry in his original 70s Starsky cardigan (and Starsky wig) with beautiful Chris;
Claire and Kristina - one blonde is the real deal, one is wearing a wig!




I went with this fabulous orange floral zip-front maxi dress (a gift from darling Sarah) and my 1970s stack-heeled sling back shoes.

The 70s geometric tunic top Karen is wearing was a gift from me.

I should have rented out my wardrobe, I'd have made some cash!


Jim and Diana;
Kaz and Trace (the wig had swapped heads by this time);
Claire's gorgeous son sporting amazing fake sideburns (and check out the guy's snake print suit behind him!);
Zander and Ron.




I am so rubbish at hair - my waves had dropped out by the end of the night.

Yes, drink had been taken...





I had a great night, dancing myself dizzy to the exclusively 70s playlist selected by Vicky.


I had a big old lie-in this morning, I can tell you!
 
 


There's still some snow left on the decking at the end of our garden, but it's been a sunny day today.



 
I was taken by a whim to swap my skirts around in the middle of my photo session.

Don't know if the neighbours spotted me, but they already think I'm bonkers so I don't suppose it matters.




Without the benefit of a mirror, I didn't realise the black skirt wasn't straight. Never mind.





Which looks best?


Vest, cardigan, bangles, pink tights, black patterned tights and flower - charity shopped
Black tulle skirt - flea market (another £1.70 item from the rummage table)
1950-60s pink/black petticoat - vintage fair
Belt - retail (sale)
Shoes - jumble sale
1960s scarf - bought from Vicky's stall at the school Christmas fair last year, it was her mum's
 
 
 
I was working under trying conditions...


I hope you have all had a great weekend. I need a catch up session to find out what's been going on in your lives!


Linking to Patti at Visible Monday, along with all the other beautiful women who join in.

   xxxx

56 comments:

Ivy Black said...

How fab and Seventies-tastic. You look beautiful, that is such a wicked maxi.I did smile that whilst everyone else is in fancy dress you rock up in normal gear! I now that one too.
XXXXXXXXXXX

Emma Kate at Paint and Style said...

I like the first one best. I have a theory, based on nothing at all, that the first choice you see is always the winner. It'll be interesting to see how the vote goes.
Love your party frock! xxx

thorne garnet said...

White over black.

Looks like a fun time at the party

Anonymous said...

Firstly as soon as I saw your first pic I thought ohhh I like Curtise's hair. I don't think your rubbish at hair at all, it looks lovely.

You looked fabulous for the party as did every one else, it's great when others make an effort on these sorts of occasions. But yes most definitely you should have hired out your wardrobe. You know to fund the acquirement of more frocks of course.

Rachel said...

Great party pictures! Looked like a hilarious evening, and you looked lovely, of course. My preference in today's outfit is white skirt on top of the black skirt.

Is Spring, GASP, approaching? I even gardened today, it was so mild and sunny.

Sarah Jane said...

"it's great to see everyone's made the effort to dress up - and here's Curtise, wearing her normal clothes!"
Ha ha, this made me laugh. It's so true. You look fab and it looks like you had a blast. Nice that it was a family friendly affair too. I always enjoy a good knees up when the mister is there to be the responsible one and the weeun's off running around with her friends.
Love the tights in the last pics xxx

The Small Fabric Of My Life said...

Looks like an evening made for you.
I love the black skirt best.

Ellinor Forje said...

It's amazing these are all vintage finds. Look at you with the flower in your hair. Thanks for posting the photos and feel free to drop by me too when you have time.

Vix said...

What a night! How brilliant do you all look and why on earth would anyone only dress like that once a year? I love your hair like that, you gorgeous woman! Obviously Vicky and the gang were inspired by your daily outfits and had to emulate some Curtise magic!
Your waist looks so teeny in the pink cardi, belt and ever-changing skirt ensemble and I think we could be twins with our mitchy-matchy psychedelic neck scarves.
Look at that naughty thing trying it's damnedest to rag Mummy's tights!
xxxxxxx

Pull Your Socks Up! said...

Oh you would have made loooooooads 'o money if you'd hired out your fabulous gear coz every single person looks like they were keen as mustard to tart up for Vicky's big night!! Yes, of course, our glamour puss Curtise would never let the side down - but she's always drop-dead gorgeous, on EVERY occasion!!!!! I love Karen's tunic and Freddy Mercury is a lark - what a grand night out and I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE your hair!!!! Both you and Vix managed to look a zillion bucks even after HUGE nights out! Layered tights!!!! GAH! So much love and honestly I cannot choose between the skirt looks because my eyeballs are exploding with desire at the pinkness - the white skirt is so beautiful, yet I LOVE it with the black skirt on top - it looks even better wonky, seriously!! I thought you'd catnapped our Lily for a second there and fed her up into a cuddly winter fluffy puss! xoxoxoxooxoo

Sheila said...

Oh my gosh, that looks like a fun party! Everyone really got into the theme. Theme parties really are the best.

I like the first look best with the lighter-coloured skirt - it is just a wee bit more interesting to me.

Aw, kitty!

Becky said...

You look gorgeous at the party!!!! I like both skirts in the pics, but I would probably wear the petticoat on its own lolzzzz
Becky :)

one denim bird said...

Go Girl! You look sensational and you sure did have a good night. You could have nade a killing renting out your wardrobe. Lucky for "theme" parties really, if only people realised how much brighter their outlook on life would be if they put a bit more colour into it!!!
I do love a good lie-in myself, but they are few and far between in my house of chaos. Love the petticoats on the outside! That pink/silver and black combo is da bomb xox

Lucys Lounge said...

curtise , happy easter. the party looks like great fun. i love your outfit. people. always say that to me too. i like the outfit without the black skirt best. love lucyx

Jean at www.drossintogold.com said...

A fabulous party!!! I love your outfit, of course. :-) The pics outside are cool, and I like both iterations of the skirt. If you twisted my arm to choose one, probably the first. I like the color and pattern.

Sending love to you!!!!

Sara said...

What a fab party theme; looks like a blast. :D As soon as I saw your hair I said "I love, love, love her hair." And I adore that maxi. I also adore today's ensemble. Positively fab. I can't decide which I like better..fantastic both ways! I'm terribly indecisive. lol XOXO

Trees said...

What a fun party - I'm dying to have a dress up party! One day we will live in a house bigger than a cupboard;) I think I like the white skirt best, but the black is very fab too - I think its just too hard to decide :P

The Style Crone said...

The orange outfit with the flower in your hair surely enhanced the party! The term glamorous comes to mind.

You wear the tulle with panache, and though you look like spring, the snow in the background speaks otherwise. Hoping warm weather is just around the corner.

Anonymous said...

What a fun night you must have had! I love your do, and of course, the orange dress. The pinks in your last outfits are lovely - I adore the tight layering idea and look! Both looks are great but I think the whole look really pops with the black tulle overtop. Xoxo

Camelia Crinoline said...

It looks like you had a great night and how convenient that the theme fitted your wardrobe perfectly. You look fabulous in that orange dress. I love your double layered tights too.

bonsaimum said...

You seem to go to the best parties. Looks like it was a total blast. I like the black over the white and I love those pink tights. :)

CityScape Skybaby said...

That first pic of you is one of my favourites ever Curtise, love everything about it, and that party looks such good fun, it's great that the young boys got done up 70's style too. You definitely could have made a lot of money hiring your clothes out, everyone really made an effort to look the part. I'm not sure which skirt I like best, I think I'd go for the white one, but decisiveness is not one of my strong points, and I really like the black too, the tights are lovely. I reckon it is just a very versatile outfit, and you look great for someone who has been out partying into the early hours. xx

Frocktasia said...

What a funtastic party, you all looked funkadelic and fabulous :)
I agree with Vix, it is a real shame to keep all this styling awesomeness reserved for only fancy dress parties once in a blue moon. Thankfully that is not the case with you.
You rock retro, individual and vintage on a daily basis, a big YAY to that!
I prefer the white skirt because it ties in beautifully with the patterned tights.
Great outfit, you look smashing...xXx

freckleface said...

I love the way you are doing your hair at the moment! All those cute curls adorned with the Yellow Rose of Texas!

It's funny, but all your friends look like they are in fancy dress and yet you look like the height of elegance and good taste. See, you've got it.

Now as tot he question of the skirts, tulle wins. Every time. Love it! And I love Mr P Cat's antics. 'Pay attention to ME!" xxx

Vintage Bird Girl said...

Don't you just love a retro party. It's funny seeing everyone in costumes when you feel right at home wearing the stuff you love to wear! I love your hair. I'm so bad at styling my hair as well. I do wish I had good styling skills. I like the light skirt the best, but the petticoat looks fab too. I love that pink cardi on you, the colour really suits you. Xx

VAL said...

Looks like a fab party. Wish I was there lol. I like the first look the best :)
V*A*L*

Anonymous said...

What a fan-freakin'-tastic party!! Scary to say I WORE most of that stuff in the 70's--definitely rocked the poodle perm!!
Love your dress-I'm ROFL that you weren't "in costume" like the others-fabulous!!

Señora Allnut said...

fabulous party!!, love all that lovely dresses and fun!
And I like both skirts, but tulle skirt is my favorite!, and love your tights and shoes!
besos & partytime

Patti said...

I adore a theme party! Your friends are all so fun-loving and adorable in their 70's looks (and you too of course) I vote for the black skirt, no bad choices. Thanks for sharing all the fun with VisMonday!

Rachel said...

P.s I see we are side by side on Visible Monday! Hey, stylish neighbour :-)

Flora Cruft said...

You look so gorgeous with that flower in your hair! Looks like a fab party, and what a succession of beautiful outfits Curtise - you do 70s style so much better than those fancy dress amateurs! Cute pussy too :)

Miss Simmonds Says said...

oooh it's just a short step from cutely playing with a twig to sticking his claws into your tights.... I miss having cats. You look bloody gorgeous and the most authentic person there, unsurprising since you have a wardrobe full of 70s frocks. I love your dress, you look gorgeous, it's a bit Abigail's party... .did you listen to some Demis Rousoss? Your hair is gorgeous! xxxxx

Anonymous said...

Twiglets? Really? I'd forgotten all about them.
I love your orange dress - the party looks like great fun.
I like the white skirt best - I exclaimed over it when I first saw your outfit.

Forest City Fashionista said...

Looks like everyone was having a blast, especially the birthday girl. I love the line about everyone dressing up, and you in your everyday clothes...

I prefer the lighter coloured skirt on the left, not sure why - maybe the shape? Cats just have to be involved in everything, don't they?

citizen rosebud said...

You make 70s look so cool- I love your party ensemble- the rose in hair just gets me, everytime.

As for sunny day skirt one or two. I go with one. Not sure why- it just works. And you know what they say...if it ain't broke... And what I say: if you ain't broke, why not pick up another skirt at the thrift shop?

Miss Maple said...

Love the yellow flower in your hair!

joyatri said...

I wish I had your fun friends! None of mine would consider dressing up. Love the mini Freddie Mercury.
I was just thinking, "I need to get a flower for my hair, like Curtise's" and there you, flora-adorned in both outfit pics. Love the wavy look, too.
I know what you mean about saving fabric that is "too nice" to make something when you don't feel like your sewing skills could do the fabric justice :(

Helga said...

Aw, Charlie!!! The wee darling was having a lovely perve up your skirt!
I like the left, please Ma'am.
Oooo, what an awesome night you had, and didn't everybody make a great effort! I frigging hate it when they don't.You looked a TREAT. Ha, one could make money out of renting out one's wardrobe, but bugger that! We don;t want just EVERYONE looking as fabularse as thyself, now do we?!
LOVE YOUR FABULARSENESS!
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

Amy Louise said...

Love your hair! I wish someone would invite me to a 70s birthday party!

xxx

Krista said...

Classic I love how your friend said everyone else dressed up and for you it was everyday attire- that rules! You guys all look incredible! Your orange maxi and feathery hair are super babalicious! I love the shot of your friend in her blue sequined number, she looks fun! Glad to see you out getting into a bit of it ;p

I love it when you wear pink! I think I even surprised myself on this one and like the white one better. But you pretty no matter what!
Xxxxxxxoooooooo

Fiona said...

Oooh Twiglets and Babycham... I do hope it was served with a cherry on a cocktail stick. Love your orange floral maxi and the barnet looks the bizz.
Looks like a brilliant 'do' and glad to see everyone got into the 70's vibe. Pink on top for me, love the fifties shape with the net underneath.

Unknown said...

Happy birthday to your friend Vicky everyone looked fab and it looked you all had a great fun. You looked gorgeous I love your orange dress. I also love your pink and black tights those look lush in fact your whole pink and black outfit did I like the both skirts idea best it works great. Just to let you know that I had to delete my blog yesterday I cant cope any longer with the abusive and twisted comments I was still getting from Johns ex. But I can still catch up with your blogs and im on facebook and have started up a new page on there Dee dee's vintage retro delights. Have a good week lovely, dee xxx

Melanie said...

The party does look like fun and you looked fab!
My aunt borrowed some of my every day clothes once as she was going to a fancy dress party and needed something weird she said!

Anonymous said...

Great party!! And even if you weren't so much in disguise, you looked fabulous in your orange dress and the hair really suited you!! The outfits are beautiful too, I'm glad to know that the snow is almost gone and I'm sure that you are going to surprise us with your great colours as the amazing pink top you are wearing here!
Love xxxx

bohemian vanity said...

You look fab as always, that orange dress suits you so well! Looks like you guys had so much fun!!!
xx Tani

Unknown said...

Please wear a flower in your hair every day for the rest of your life. It really looks spectacular on you. A lesser woman might suffer a Miss Havisham moment, but not a bit of it on you. Much more Ester Williams, believe me.
Had to be the best party ever.
You look beautiful in your long and lovely tangerine dress.

I have GOT to get me a damned tulle skirt.
Hugs,
J

mispapelicos said...

After sucha party evening you get up in pink, wowwwwwwwwwwwwww.
How fabulous are you??
I love both looks very much.
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

Unknown said...

I like the 70s party! so cool and yes everybody dressed the part! About your outfit i like the first version - if the skirt was straight maybe i would have said the 2nd, hahaha, nawwww! it looks good both ways

You are a peach Curtise

Ariane xxxx

Mrs. D said...

Looks like you had a fabulous time. That orange dress is a dream!!!
I prefer the first option, without the black skirt over it.
(nice kitty by the way)

xx

Vintage Coconut said...

Hello Lovely Chic!
You look so gorgeous in your photos. The Birthday looks like so much fun. I love everyone's look.

<3 Kitty's picture *heheheh*

The Goodwill Fangirl said...

A 70s party sounds brilliant; I love the pictures of the 70s wear, and the last picture of you and your friend is so cute. Disappearing curls are one sign of a really good time.

If I were you neighbors, I wouldn't miss a moment of your photo sessions. I rather like the crinoline on top.

Love, peace & grace,
Lynne

two squirrels said...

70's fantastic, you must have been so happy when that was the theme!!!!! You looked specular.....what a great night.
Love you hair with the wee flicks and rose.
Vicky looks like she had a blast!!!!!!
Loving the pink cardigan and very pretty skirt, I am with the left look, oh and the perfect furry tummy on a very cute fur baby.
Love v

Melanie said...

As Ms. Derriere would tell you, one can take one's wear from daytime to nighttime with a simple switcharoonie. The black skirt is for evening flirtations and the white for sexy home cleaning, rather, for watching your maid clean while you do your nails, or make the appointment to have your nails done (silly me).
You look fantastic here. The party and your friends look like so much fun. I haven't seen so much glitter and big hair in one room in a long time. But you in your maxi with your fabulous hair with flower are the belle du jour.

Rosemary the Shopper said...

Cats are not trying. They're helping. (Sort of.)

Much love,
Rose from www.foreveronthecatwalkoflife.blogspot.com

silvergirl said...

A 70's party would be a blast
Looks like a ton of fun
Love that your friend said you dressed you normal way
Brett

Unknown said...

OOOOH!!!! I LOVE your hair - and the hair rose is so fabulous - PLEASE WEAR IT ALL THE TIME!!!

The orange maxi is FABULARSE on you! And what a fun party. I would have loved it!

I love the morning after outfit - both skirts are fab and I think I slightly prefer the tulle one and I would ONLY wear it a bit wonky. Straight is for the straights, man, not for wild chicks like us.

Love your way. Sarah xxx