Wednesday 29 January 2014

Two of a kind


I took some outfit photos a couple of days ago but didn't have time to put them into a blog post; 
then I took some more today, and it occurred me that the two looks are pretty much the same, apart from the colours...


See what I mean?

But that's OK, I suppose most of us do versions of similar silhouettes and styles.

For me, this week at least, it's been all about knee length skirts, fitted waists, boots and berets.



This version is 1970s French Schoolgirl Chic;

Cardigan, top, 1970s St Michael skirt, beret and bangles - charity shopped
Boots - retail (old)
Brooch - flea market
Necklace - gift from lovely Leisa



This one is Left School and Got a Job in a Bar on the Rive Gauche.

Top - street market
Skirt - flea market
Vest (just seen) and bangles - charity shopped
Belt, tights and boots - retail (ancient and/or half price)
Beret - gift


I did wear a maxi in between, but the photos turned out badly, I couldn't use them.
Well, I could, but my ego won't let me.

 You know that line in the song Maggie May; "the morning sun when it's in your face really shows your age"...
Well, that was me. Delete, delete, delete.


I don't generally think of myself as particularly vain, but I don't want to post photos of myself looking really awful. We all choose the images we think are the most flattering, surely? Is that vanity, or just good sense?





I went to four charity shops on Tuesday, and came home with a pair of tights. 
I've been so thrifty this month, I'm shocked at myself.





I've been out at the pub quiz for Trace's birthday tonight; we did appallingly. It was so difficult, it wasn't even funny. Though of course we did laugh, a lot. And at least I knew that Vincent Furnier was Alice Cooper's real name. One of our team said who's Alice Cooper
Is it any wonder we lose?



Cats on the prowl, and snowdrops. It's been wet and windy, but so mild, the garden seems to think it's Spring. 

I feel as though I have dragged my way through January, without much enthusiasm or oomph. That's no good, I'm boring myself here, never mind you lot. Must Do Better.

 I'll be linking this post to Judith's next Hat Attack on Feb 1st. Hope to see you there!

Edited to add; linking to Sacramento's Share-in-Style too. Rive Gauche Goes Gothic!

xxxx

44 comments:

Unknown said...

I think if a look works, go with it! As much as you can! Loving both outfits - very classic. And no, editing out terrible pics is not vain, its completely normal and sensible. I get to look at myself looking my worst and I know that no one else should have to be confronted by such a scary sight. XXX

Sheila said...

This is one of my favourite silhouettes as well. I adore the Rive Gauche outfit - that skirt is stunning! I suck it up and post all my pics (I only take 2-3 at the most). We'll see how the ol' face holds up once I actually have light for my pictures again!

I know Alice Cooper's real name too! That is a tough question though. And who doesn't know who Alice Cooper is??

Connie said...

Oh my. This is you without oomph?!? You look very oomphy. And quite lovely. This really is a great silhouette for you. No wonder you go for it.

Sue said...

I love both looks and I agree we do different versions of things we like. As for unflattering photos I do not think it is vanity, just good judgement. I don't think anyone wants to see me side on or back on let alone me seeing myself like that. Front on and looking fabulous, and you did in all your photos!! Love your cats and the snow drops.

Angels have Red Hair said...

Why ruin a perfectly good day by looking at a bad photo of yourself? I'm more than happy to hit delete if I don't like a shot … and then I say hurrah for the superb technology that means I can do so without the guilt of ripping up a print I paid good money for.
Love both these outfits … they're different enough to not be boring … and let's face it ... if you are on to a good thing stick with it.
xx

Unknown said...

Sometimes you just find the perfect outfit twice.. Why change a winning combo ! Lovely cats and Snowdrops ?? Gahh... Spring is so far away ..
xxx

Fiona said...

Ah yes, I feel as you do about January, never mind we're nearly out of it and best of all I've lots of time off work in Feb. You made me laugh about the photographs and I too remember that line in Maggie May when I delete about 90 snaps of myself. Why do you think I rarely do outfit posts ? ....soooo difficult for the over 50's and vain with it. 'Who's Alice Cooper' !!!
Really ??? xxxxxxxxx

mispapelicos said...

My favourite silhouestte. I love, love the skirts so much.
Will you join Share-in-Style: Gothic this Saturday?
Please do

Unknown said...

I have been dragging myself through January to i will be glad to get into February. You look gorgeous love the black skirt its so soft and floaty looking. I haven't been in my garden since October i must have a peek and see what it coming up through the ground. Enjoy the rest of your week, dee xxx

Liesl said...

I love both outfits but I think the stripy skirt is fabulous x

Peaches McGinty said...

I like these silhouettes on you, and I think sometimes we do have a run of embracing a specific one, French schoolgirl chic and working in the bar on the Rive Gauche! I love the names and I love the looks! also I am not going to post pics of me looking like a shocker! it's not vain surely? I don't want to put anyone off their food - and January has been the longest month ever! x x x

Vintage Bird Girl said...

Funny isn't it how we like some photos & wouldn't dare share others. I find it's all about lighting & angles these days. The red, white & blue combo is pressing all of my buttons. I wish I looked so stylish in a skirt. I feel they just highlight my rolls. My local op shops have been lacking lately too. I wish it didn't leave me feeling deflated somehow! Xx

Loo xx from Jumbles and Pompoms said...

Well done for knowing Alice Cooper's real name and who the heck doesn't know who Alice Cooper is *snort of derision*. I remember being v excited seeing him on TOTP singing School's Out - love him still.

Photos - I'm one of those people who hate seeing pics of themselves - always have done. Although I've found recently that if I look into the middle distance and look as if I'm pondering something then I don't look too bad.

Love, love, love the black skirt. xx

Melancholy and Menace said...

Hello :)

You look lovely, I adore your "Left School and Got a Job in a Bar on the Rive Gauche" outfit, particularly the skirt, it definitely belongs in my wardrobe.

A friend of mine thought Alice Cooper was a lady - I wonder what she thinks of Marilyn Manson.

Love seeing kitty pics and despite the atrocious weather in Wales, there seem to be early signs of spring here too.

Have a lovely day xx

Miss Magpie said...

I hate having my picture taken and therefore mostly hate any pictures of me but yes there are some you take where the only decent thing to do for all humanity is hit delete!

I never forget watching Top of the Pops when Alice Cooper was on, my Nan walked into the room and went 'Is that Alice Cooper?' and we were like 'Nan! how do YOU know who Alice Cooper is?' and she just replied 'Doesn't everybody?' and walked out of the room again!

Patti said...

I do the same with many (most) photos - delete them that is - and it's so funny that the Rod Stewart song often comes to my mind. You look great in these outfits - the knee-skirts really suit you. You'll never be boring by my lights - you've got so much soul.
I am the oldest player at our pub trivia team. When a really old (like 1950's) song comes on, they all look at me! xoxo

mondoagogo said...

A friend of mine teaches undergrads and was bemoaning this week that none of them have seen Blade Runner or even Back to the Future, and while I don't think I saw Blade Runner until I was about their age, the latter kind of surprised me cos BTTF seems like such a family classic...

I'm liking the schoolgirl look -- it's reminding me of summery seasides and well, right now a girl can dream can't she?

As for photos, it's not just self-portraits that has people feeling that way. Lighting, composition etc is important whatever the subject. If what you do most is take/post photos of yourself (as lots of bloggers do), then why wouldn't you want those aspects to be right? It's no different to a person who posts photos of architecture or flowers...

Emma Kate at Paint and Style said...

I certainly stick with what works. And photography? The most flattering shots of me are over exposed and slightly soft. That's my top tip! xxxx

Olga Rani said...

Both "school girl" looks are lovely but my favourite one is the French one, especially I love the skirt. I never post photos I don't like, don't think it's vanity, it's just...why should I?

Forest City Fashionista said...

It looks like the majority of us will not be sad to see January out the door - only one more day!!
This silhouette works so well for you, of course it bears repeating. I love that although the shapes of the two outfits are the same, the mood is very different. We were floofy skirt twins ;)

I delete three quarters of the photos of me that are taken, and I've found that I've developed a particular head tilt and smile that I unconsciously adopt everytime someone aims a camera at me!

Krista said...

Well that don't worry me none cause in my eyes your everything! That was the second half to the sony lyric and most important part!

I think if a look works for you why not duplicate but make it fresh like this! I love both, but I'm partial to the striped frock.
Xxxxxxxxxooooooooo

Suzanne said...

That Rive Gauche gal has it going on, I think I'd like to hang out with her and have a few bottles of wine.

I tell you the number of photos I need to take before I get one that is good is frightening. That is why I love summer. I can put on sunglasses and be happy with every single photo. {sigh}


bisous
Suzanne

Shortbread and Ginger said...

Both outfits are great, but love the red, white and blue best!
Liz @ Shortbread & Ginger

Señora Allnut said...

it's good sense, of course, we're not vain anyway!!, and obviously you look gorgeous wearing your outfits, love your booties and berets, your cute schoolgirl style and your 'rive gauche' sophisticated style too!!
(And I'm amazed you knew Alice Cooper's real name, you Rock!!)
besos

Helga said...

O, hell yes, vanity and a constant silhouette all the way! Guilty!
I often find myself doing the same "look" for days and weeks on end. A fitted waist, full skirt seems to make me look a bit trimmer, so I tend to stick to it until I get bored and try something else. I do love a good beret, and plan on wearing quite a few this coming Winter... I got a splendid bright pink fuzzy one form Vix that I am looking forward to. O, it would go perfectly with my frock today...I digress.
I'm pretty damned vain! No way will I post a pic where I think I look dreadful. That's my (our)prerogative!
Both of these looks give me the HORN< incidentally! I always LOVE that St Michel skirt...
Meow!
We're having a very Spring?Autumn styled "Summer". It's frigging mental.Doesn't know whether it's Arthur or Martha.
I think Vincent Furnier is a groovier name than Alice Cooper! I did know that, actually. I know some odd random shit that is only useful for pub quiz'!!!
Love YOU!
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

Diane said...

You always look so damn stunning!! I think we have done brilliantly to get through January so quickly xxx

Veshoevius said...

It's funny isn't it that although we try to mix things up when we dress that there are certain silhouettes we always return to that we like. You look lovely in the full skirt and belted cardigans, cutting a very classic hourglass figure! I especially love your all black look here with that gorgeous tutu like skirt!

silvergirl said...

I am in love with that black skirt
Totally different from the striped one in my book
Brett

Mrs. D said...

THAT St Michael skirt. I remember seeing it before and every time I see it I love it.
I didn't know Alice Cooper's real name but heck, not knowing who he is is not acceptable!!!

two squirrels said...

Not Vanity........picking pics of yourself as you would want the world to see you.....that's how I see it. Capturing a reflection of you........
I love these looks sweet.......you always wear skirts so well......topped with a beret....perfection.
Ahhhh Pussy cats in the garden......smiles.
Have a truly splendid weekend Miss Curtise.
Love v

Vicky Hayes said...

I think you're right - when we find a silhouette that suits us it's good fun coming up with different variations. I love the red version of your beret ensemble. Very impressed at you knowing Alice Cooper's real name! I would offer to pop up and be a guest on the team but the sad fact is I know absolutely nothing about anything! Well not about anything that turns up in pub quizes anyway! Vicky x

Vix said...

Too right, many a time I've abandoned a blog post completely as my face looks all wrong. If you're sharing yourself with the world wide web you'd be pretty strange not to want to look your best.
I love your cheeky French formula of dressing, the nipped in waists and shorter skirts show off your killer bod. I'm with Suzanne, I'd love to hook up with Rive Gauche floozy and knock back a few bottles of red (or a pitcher of Porn Stars)
Your pussies are beautiful and get you knowing Alice Cooper's real name (I didn't!)
Love you! xxxxxxx

freckleface said...

'Why, i'd know that silhouette anywhere. It's '...Curtise Monk. Name that film! Actually you have rather a film-worthy name. I could see you in a nice 60s movie in gay Paris. Just not Curtise does the Left Bank.
Yes to going for variations on a theme. Once we've worked out which shapes and colours suit us, we'd be mad not to work it. Oh, terrible selfies. There's more than enough misery in the world, why make it worse. Photos of me range from a size 8 to a size 22. Guess which i prefer?! You suit this look to a tee. More, more, more! Xxxxx p.s you mean Alice Cooper isn't his real name?!

mispapelicos said...

Soooooooooooooooo honoured, ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh
You are just fabuloussssssssssss

Val said...

Of course we all pick our best pictures - this is the Internet! The pictures could live forever!!!

I love both your outfits, but I would also leave school and tend bars on the Rive Gauche if I could wear a tulle skirt and leopard tights, and look as gorgeous as you!

The Dainty Dolls House said...

Your outfits are gorgeous...I love them both!! Stunning. I popped over my Sacramento's blog for the share-in-style. Happy weekend to you xx

Putri Valentina said...

lovely skirt and you look cute dear :D

WWW.PUTRIVALENTINALIM.BLOGSPOT.COM

Mrs Bertimus said...

You rock! X

Rachel said...

Loving this style on you, Curtise. You have such a fabulous figure and look lovely as always. Enjoy the rest of your weekend xx

Kezzie said...

Hello Curtise!! I popped over from the fun of Judith's hat attack! Love your awesome pair of berets, so pretty, especially because they both have little extra accessories-I've been trying to add thing to my plain berets too re, recently! January is minging isn't it-luckily I've had some fun at the weekends to make it better! X

The Style Crone said...

I love this silhouette on you, so can see why you've featured two ensemble that have similar looks. Your berets add the perfect amount of pizzaz to your self expression. Thank you for sharing with Hat Attack!

Trees said...

You look so good in hats! Perhaps next winter I will venture away from my standard beanie and get a beret or two (I even have a beret pattern if I remember rightly!. I love that stripy skirt :D

Tamera's Craft Palace said...

It's just double the marvelousness!! That is a good silhouette on you--so flattering! and if it works why not repeat it??

Pull Your Socks Up! said...

Vanity, good sense, I think it's a bit of both really. I've been looking utterly shocking lately, my skin's gone all 15yo on me with all the stress of Himself's hospital horrors, packing to move, school going back after summer hols. Blah! Red is such and incredible colour on you lovely and I'm gasping at your black tutu skirt! You wear boots so well, your long boots are scrumptious! Hugs m'dear xoxoxoxoxoxoox