Friday 20 September 2013

My baby's got a face like a long wet Sunday


The weather is chilly, the evenings are getting darker, but the onset of autumn doesn't have to mean a lack of colour, does it?


So the hair has had a russet-y boost...





...and my collection of tights (does a huge bag full of tights count as a collection? I don't see why not) is coming back into its own.


And before I went to the hairdressers, I wore this floral beauty, a gift from darling Helga...




...along with these boots, a recent rediscovery. 

I found myself browsing Ebay for tan ankle/work boots to wear with my skirts and dresses, just to roughen up the feminine edges a bit. 

But I had these Clarks boots all along.




They are years old, cast aside to the bottom of the wardrobe for the annoying habit of making any socks I wore with them wrinkle their way down my feet. 

I had forgotten all about them. But they will do nicely, and wearing them with tights gets around the Disappearing Sock Issue. Result!

I need a bloody good sort through my stuff, there may be all manner of items which could have a new lease of life, if only I knew they were there...




1980-90s dress - gift from heavenly Helga
Cardigan, bangles and tights  - charity shopped
Boots and necklace - retail (sale, ancient)


Oh, how the hair needed cutting.

And just look how much the red had faded up to a light coppery colour.




Kew top, Gap skirt, M&S tights, necklace and bangles - charity shopped
1960-70s suede jerkin - gift from Lady Lucy (Dinner, that is)



The jerkin saves me from being a totally high street whore/bore, but at least it was all acquired in charity shops.




Raindrops on roses...





...and whiskers on kittens.





I have been trying my hand at applications for jobs lately. 

I can't go on being an unemployed layabout forever, so I thought some weekend retail hours might work for me, then I wouldn't have to shell out all my meagre wages in childcare costs.

Various stores were advertising for casual Christmas staff, and I reckoned I might stand a chance. You know, being a mature and sensible person with many years of work, paid and voluntary, behind me.

It seems not. Not even shortlisted. Oh.

Although I do have a telephone interview with Debenhams* next week.

Well, at least I don't have to worry about what to wear. Just what the hell to say.

*For non-UK folk, Debenhams is a department store selling mainly clothing, cosmetics and homewares.




So despite my initial optimism, I am feeling a little deflated.





If I was an animal, I'd look like this.


I know - a random photo of a capybara. But isn't he gorgeous? 
We saw him in the summer, when we visited the Yorkshire Wildlife Park. I had forgotten to charge my camera battery, so this is one of the only pics from the day. 





We are off to town for an meal with the kids - they have chosen Italian, and that is just fine and dandy with me!

Buon appetito!

xxxxx



48 comments:

Ivy Black said...

Don't be deflated darling...you are gorgeous, and leggy and autumny and bloody brill. Debenhams it is then. If you work on the perfume counter, just spray everyone who comes in until they give in and buy it. Not my tip, but my mate who sells smells in Boots. Have a lovely weekend and oh yeah SEE YOU SOON!!xxxxxx

Ivy Black said...

Well, look at that...I'm first.x

Connie said...

Well, it finally happened. I can't figure out your blog title. Is it a song? Your HAIR looks gorgeous and your tights and well....your whole entire Curtiseness! Anyone would be nuts not to hire you. I know how it goes. When I went back to work I had a first class resume but the mommy-stay-at-home part was the only thing the employers seemed to notice. AUGH!

silvergirl said...

Love the deep rich color of the new hair!
I always love that vest you are wearing as well.
A ball of tights can be a collection if you ask me
Brett

The Small Fabric Of My Life said...

What a wonderful array of colours to brighten the darkening days.
Good Luck with the job hunting.

Peaches McGinty said...

sod the other places! they don't deserve you and Debenhams should thank their lucky stars you are interested *slams fist on table*damn straight* - you are far too awesome to let these feckers make you feel defeated!............
your hair is gorgeous, love it and your outfit is cool (yeah, cool!)stripey tights are a love of mine, good work finding the boots x x good luck with the telephone interview, you will knock them dead x x

freckleface said...

You look spectacular! Rocking the new hair like I don't know what. That colour! Perfect for autumn. Which will be here right after summer is finished ;) OK I'm in denial. Who cares. In fact you look a little bit pantomime boy in that jerkin with those tights and boots. Sexy.

Anyway Legs 11, about this job business. What on earth? I would have thought you were the perfect candidate. Don't understand, but hope the Debenhams chat goes well. I once did the Debenhams Xmas thing. We had a party at the end of it. Our session was the 11am session. I was chatted up by a younger man and ended up dancing to Vanilla Ice before going back to work at 12 noon. You potentially have all that to look forward to. xxxxxx

Sue @ A Colourful Canvas said...

Oh Oh! The hair! Fabulous shape! Even more fabulous colour! Love your look...I may get brave enough to try stripey tights...wait my gams are half as long as yours. You're right about the jerkin. It really does sass up your outfit just right.

I don't envy you out job hunting. One of the reasons I stay in my job is the fear of rejection when looking for something new. But, you will find something soon, and once in, opportunity will knock as many times as you desire!

Vicky Hayes said...

I tried to get a haircut like your gorgeous russetty bob for years but everyone got it completely wrong! So I gave up. But don't you give up on the job front (did you notice the seamless link there!) because it will happen sooner or later. Sending good jobbish vibes! Vicky x

Unknown said...

Love your hair colour!
Oh hope it Works out with Debenhams ore something else .
Xxx

Emma Kate at Paint and Style said...

You would not look like that animal- your hair is far too fabulous!
Embrace being an unemployed layabout. I rather like it.
They are fools not to see you would be an asset to any shop. Good luck with Debenhams. xxxx

Louise Mc said...

I love your hair colour and have discovered my bag of opaque tights too. I'm sure it's colder round these parts. Good luck for your tele interview, I'm sure you will knock em dead. Xx

Patti said...

the new hair is glorious! I have a ball of tights too, and I always pick from the outside. Probably have brand new ones at the middle. Good luck with the job hunting, anyone'd be lucky to have you. xox

Fiona said...

Lurve the barnet, mine had a semi- boost yesterday also. Sorry about the job disappointment but not really surprised I'm afraid to say...not because you are not fabulous, intelligent, articulate and anyone would be bloody lucky to have you but because of all the utter bullshit you have to go through these days to get a job.
In my experience if you don't research the company and litter your application with the corporate buzzwords it's a No.
Lets hope Debenhams show some sense, keeping my fingers crossed for you. Think of all the stories you'd be able to tell us about Joe Public!
This time next week I'll be there!

Miss Magpie said...

It's difficult not to be deflated I know but don't be, you'll find that perfect job those others clearly weren't it!

Your hair looks gorgeous that darker shade and I love the bob.

Angels have Red Hair said...

A bag of tights TOTALLY counts as a collection.
I love the boots and I love the tights ... though let's hope the boots don't make the tights fall down.
LOVING the hair too ... I am sooo close to getting mine bobbed off too.
xx

Penny-Rose said...

Buggar about Debenhams, but honestly Curtise you are too cool for them. The capybara is kinda cute, but chin up love, you rock, you ad hoc and you are amazing. Sending special NZ kia kana (strength/courage) to you. xx

Veshoevius said...

That bright floral dress is so lovely - just the thing to chase away teh autumn blues. It's so cold but I still don't want to give up on florals yet so very cheered to see you wearing some. I love your new hairdo! Wonderful colour! Best of luck for the telephone interview with Debenhams

Kylie said...

You look beautiful today Curtise. I love your new, shiny russet-y hair.

thorne garnet said...

love the jerkin, the word and as clothing.

Good luck on the job hunt!

Sheila said...

Good luck on the job - retail is a fickle mistress, but you're so awesome something good is bound to come along.

I love that leather jerkin so much - it looks amazing with that short floofy skirt. I am jonesing for tights, but still having a lingering goodbye with my summer sandals.

BellaBean Vintage said...

Perfect autumnal look, hair gorgeous, tights divine, jerkin outstanding. Never heard of a capybara, looks like a chilled out creature. Good luck with the job hunting - I'd employ you in a heart beat!

Trees said...

I love it when I find treasures in my wardrobe that I forgot I owned! Surely its not a sign of owning too many clothes/shows/accessories is it? LOVE the new hair colour! We are in the midst of a spring storm at the moment, I always forget that the spring brings rain. All the best with your job hunt, you just need somewhere that realises how truly fabulous you are!!

Lynn Hasty said...

Ooooo, I love the Clarks and the bright tights! You look beautiful, too, with your hair color. I love that style on you! As far as working, if you can continue to be a layabout, that's the route I would take for sure.

XOXO
Lynn

Max said...

ooh i hope you get the fashion dept. you'd be ace! esp. with your hair looking just stunning and shiny, you'd be such an asset. do show us what you wear to the interview.
i imagine you didn't get a look-in at those other places as they worried you'd soon be off to bigger and better things-it costs so much to hire, so they like to play it safe.
happy italian eating weekend to ya x

Max said...

ooh i hope you get the fashion dept. you'd be ace! esp. with your hair looking just stunning and shiny, you'd be such an asset. do show us what you wear to the interview.
i imagine you didn't get a look-in at those other places as they worried you'd soon be off to bigger and better things-it costs so much to hire, so they like to play it safe.
happy italian eating weekend to ya x

Unknown said...

Oooohhhh, your new hair colour is GORGEOUS! Such a great red! Good luck on the job front. It is always such a daunting situation, but any employer would be lucky to have you. XXX

Ulla-Marie said...

Your autumnlook are stunning!

Jean at www.drossintogold.com said...

Curtise, you are exactly where you are supposed to be and you're extraordinary. Debenhams or whatever? That's all well and good and I hope you get whatever you want, but down the road when you remember your life, it will be your family that stands out. That and how you feel about yourself, not what you do, per se. Working in retail can be fun. I've spent time in boutiques and I love selling clothes because I get to create outfits etc. Sometimes just getting out and interacting with new people is a charge. You are smart, creative, feisty, and devoted. Don't be discouraged if that's not what they need in this moment. It doesn't reflect on who you are. It just means you're supposed to be doing something else. I'll be interested to see what twists the road takes. In the meantime, you're looking fabulous. xXXOOO

Shortbread and Ginger said...

Love the colour and style of your hair and the floral dress is gorgeous!
Liz @ Shortbread & Ginger

Vix said...

What a shame it's not a face-to-face interview 'cos you'll slay them with your killer bod and amazing hair!
How exciting, I'm keeping everything crossed for you!
Love those striped tights and the re-discovered boots. You'll never be a high street bore , you're far too fabulous for that.
Don't get all your winter stuff out just yet, sounds like we'll be basking in bikinis if the BBC's to be believed!
Hope you had a tasty Italian - why does that bring Montalbano to mind?
Love ya! Counting the days! xxxx

Anonymous said...

Your new hair colour is gorgeous. Doesn't it feel marvelous when it's lovely and bright like that?
Those boots are fab. It sounds like you should have a good rummage around & bring up some more treasures.
Shame you didn't get the jobs but I hope the Debenhams interview goes well.I am absolutely sure there's someone out there who will appreciate your talents. xxx

Krista said...

Retail is a deflating soul crushing under appreciated job. Do not let it get to you. Your hair will make it all better and those striped tights! You look beautiful and in charge and I'm sure something will manifest:) I hope this phone interview turns into something too. I saw the weather today and you guys are getting some warm sunny days, yah for miracles!
Xxoo

Flora Cruft said...

Don't be down heartened dear Curtise, I bet that the right job will appear when the time is right, and they will be bloody lucky to have you. Job hunting does take time. In the meantime you have a fabulous new hair cut and colour, you look marvellous and I love those stripey tights!

Melanie said...

Ooo-weee, that's a mighty fine figure of a woman. (I'm channeling my '70s truck driver self). Those tights are spectacular and your new hair cut and colour are exactly right.
The best job will float down from heaven onto your head when you least expect it. In the meantime, think Harper Valley PTA when you get a rejection - you'll show 'em, you'll show 'em all in the end!

Becky said...

I'd hire you!
The hair, tights, and boots are sooo good! Lovely floral dress and you can never go wrong with a suede vest :)

bonsaimum said...

You look fabulous as always. Don't worry about the jobs, I have been at it for 3 months and still nothing. They prefer the younger ones it seems. Still, chin up, hopefully something will happen for the both of us.

CityScape Skybaby said...

I recognised your jerkin right away Curtise, I remember it bein g a favourite of yours last autumn, just shows how quickly the year has gone! Your hair is looking great too, I love that rich red colour. Good luck with the job hunting and don't feel too disheartened, it's really hard right now, my daughter has been trying for a while now and had nothing, not even an interview. I'm off to catch up with the rest of your posts now and get out of the sloth-like state I've been in lately. xx

Unknown said...

Curtis looking lovely as ever! And I so carnt wait to rummage my tights drawer again, all sodding 4 of them, I take ages choosing. Good luck with you debenhams interview hope you get it ;) xxx

mispapelicos said...

I love your new colur hair.
Fantastic looks.
Sending you plenty sunshine. We are still ove 33ºc. Believe me , it gets boringggggggggggggg.
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

Anonymous said...

Your before and after hair photos are pretty amazing! The new color and cut and shine are beautiful! And I love that jerkin with the shorter skirts, the tights, the long-lost boots - wow, great outfit!

Good luck with the job hunt. I hope you can find something that makes the hours speed by happily with a nice, solid paycheck to reward you.

The Goodwill Fangirl said...

You are a fiery and timeless beauty, and one damned smart chick. You'll find an employer that is darn lucky to have you.

Much love,
Lynne

Rachel said...

Gorgeous hair! Can we form a Bloggers Russet Club?
The waistcoat is SPECTACULAR. Just say'in.

The shops that don't reply - more fool them. Although, what about consignment shops? Do you have any near you? Just because they are second hand stock, good quality stuff kept well etc... They may need weekenders?

Xxx

Helga said...

Tha hair is looking smashing!
So pleased that frock fits, I love the print and colours so much!
Yeah, a bag full of tights constitutes a collection! I reckon they're my favourite thing to collect!
Darling, please don't be deflated for long......getting back into the workforce is scary as hell, and you are going to dazzel the bastards when you get interviewed!!!
You are a hot minx, dammit!
Love YOU!XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

Forest City Fashionista said...

OOoh, your hair is simply ravishing - what a delicious colour!! Love the striped tights too. It has been cool and very grey here this weekend too.

I have to agree with Krista that retail is a soul-crushing, under-paid and under-appreciated profession. I spent the first decade after getting my university degree working in retail, and it left me with a negative opinion of the general public! However, if you were only doing it a few hours a week, it would most likely be bearable. Any employer would be lucky to have you; you would add colour and sass!

Diane said...

Stunning and bringing colour to my drab life as ever. on't be disheartened - keep looking and applying. What sort of hours/days are you wanting?xxx

Tamera's Craft Palace said...

You look fabulous and fresh in your new do' and suede jerkin!!

An employer should be thrilled to have an employee as fantastic and stylish as you!!

loving the "new" boots!!

Unknown said...

omg your hair is delicious xxxx