Thursday 20 February 2014

You light my morning sky with burning love


 
I was very touched by the thoughtful, caring and wise responses to my previous post.

I rarely hesitate in writing or publishing my blog posts, but I did wonder whether writing about my friend's death was a misstep. However, I generally write about what's is on my mind, and that was most definitely on my mind, so it ended up in a post.

Thank you for reading and commenting, and not running a mile in the opposite direction! You are a grand lot.




Yeah, yeah, the legs are out again, and wearing those boots again too.
 
I'm enjoying shorter lengths + tights + boots at the moment.
 
 

This dress...
 
Oh, I go back and forth with it. 
I like it, despite not being the biggest fan of tartan.
It's 1960s, lightweight wool, it's well-made, lined, in great condition.
 
But...
I think the colours are a little dull. And I worry that the schoolgirl/pinafore vibe is too would-be Lolita for an almost-50 year old. It's really not like me to fret about age-appropriateness, and I'm not even sure that's the most significant element of my dissatisfaction.
 
It's also a tad too big, but I just don't love the dress enough to go to the effort of taking it in.
I suspect she'll eventually make her way back to Ebay, from whence she came (for a pittance, as I recall). I've had plenty of wear out of it, so perhaps it is time for her to find another owner.
 
 
 
 
 This week has been one of sunshine, showers, and rainbows;
 
 

 
signs of Spring;




curious creatures;
 




(tiny 1960-70s glass goose - charity shopped)
 

and great big laughs with friends. 

The text exchange with Vix in which we pondered whether it was seemly to fancy the entire panel of The Voice (oh alright, that was just me) and imagined Kylie, Sir Tom Jones, Ricky Wilson and Will.i.am joining us on a blogger day out in Walsall really tickled me. 

We reckoned Tom would fit right in with the randy pensioners in Wetherspoons.
 
Connie made me guffaw out loud with her assumption that Martin (with me in the photo from 1989 in my last post) was my partner and the father of my kids. Just to clarify, in case his wife is reading; he isn't. Mate didn't mean we had mated, in this case. Just so you know. 

And I spent today with Joanne putting up posters in our local area for the upcoming school jumble sale, with a bit of chazzing and a couple of coffees thrown in, just to keep us going. Oh and we talked twerking and saucy photo shoots, sang some Elvis, pulled faces (me again) and generally mucked about. 
 
Perfect therapy.
 


 
I find old postcards hard to resist.




This made me smile too;
 



the poster (not made by me) requesting donations for our jumble sale could easily be a picture of my bedroom, complete with hanging rail, vintage finery, cats, and plenty of mess. I'd wear that orange dress and red coat in a heartbeat!
 




I've got my friend Patsy coming to stay tomorrow and we'll be out and about on Saturday, the kids have broken up for half term, and all is well.



1960s dress and 1970s blouse - Ebay
Denim jacket, scarf, beret, tights and bracelets - charity shopped
Boots - retail
 

Take care - and thanks again for being so brilliant!

xxxxx

47 comments:

sonia said...

I don't think the dress is too young for you, it's not too short, so doesn't appear Lolita-esque. However, if you don't love it, part with it... at least that's what I always do and I don't think I've ever regretted it. Do like the outfit, though, especially those blue tights!

Also, love the poster. This art reminds me of 1980s picture books for some reason (a good thing!).

And doing ANYTHING with Tom Jones would be great!

xoxo
-Sonia

Shawna McComber said...

OH my goodness I would totally wear that dress. I love that length, tights, boots it's so my thing. I love tartan too and I love blue and brown. I don't do the Lolita thing either, at least not on purpose but I don't think it has that look on you.

I am feeling inspired to share some outfits soon but I don't have as nice a photo spot as you do. What is the magic spell you use to keep the rain away?

silvergirl said...

That is so funny that you don't like the colors of this dress necessarily
I really like this color combo and I am a huge fan of tartan
I say keep it!
Brett

Fran said...

I really like the dress with the denim jacket. That's the Texas speaking I guess. Everything is great with denim.

Connie said...

I think you might be surprised to find that dress getting a lot of love because you look pretty darn cute in it. I'm so happy that I gave you a laugh at my linguistic ignorance. Like the cute English boy that I met in my 20's. He said he'd always wanted to visit the American West. So I invited him to visit if he was ever in the area and he told me he'd be sure to knock me up!!!! Which around here means to impregnate, as you probably know. Maybe he could become my Mate!!!

thorne garnet said...

I rather like that dress on you. The plaid matches really well and the way the seems match is a sign of a quality workmanship. It's a keeper for sure.

Olga Rani said...

Perhaps the colours of the dress are not just enough bright for you. Though with the denim jacket and those blue tights the dress looks really perfect in my opinion.

Angels have Red Hair said...

The dress is fab and goes perfectly with the fab boots. The denim jacket and beret are the perfect finishing touches.
Have a fantastic weekend :0)
xx

Unknown said...

Love the length of dress on you (with your great pins you MUST show them off a bit!)and the punch of colour you give the outfit with your tights. Hah, had a chuckle picturing your bedroom to look like the jumble sale poster - and I would love that coat too! XXX

Vix said...

I love that mini-pini with the denim jacket and boots, it shows off your gorgeous legs a treat...keep it!
You'd have Will.i.am and Ricky fighting over you if you turned up for our Voice-meets-Blogger day out wearing tartan.
Love the jumble poster, wouldn't that be a fantasy jumbo - cats, fab frocks and lush coats rather than piles of baby clothes, manky knickers and last year's primarni?
Love the duck and the postcards (bet Clare would, too!)
Have a fabulously debauched and drunken weekend with your mate (but lay off the mating!)
Love you! xxxxxxxxxxxxx

Caroline said...

I find Tom Jones really unsettling. He makes me shudder.

The voice is odd. Why would anyone choose Kylie's team? She's manufactured pop and has no skills. At least Will produces songs and has that creative streak. You'd choose Ricky though because has to work the hardest. He's got the most to lose.

Kylie said...

I think that's the nicest school jumble sale poster (although we don't often call them that here) I've ever seen. Glad you're feeling sunnier Curtise x

Melanie said...

I do like that dress, I can see it worn with some lovely dolly shoes and a roll neck underneath for a sixties vibe xxx

Peaches McGinty said...

I love your tartan outfit! I think you look fab! I do understand the schoolgirl/Lolita vibe, I love the pinafore/peter pan etc and with a bit of Enid Blyton thrown in too (I'm 45 in a few months) I figure my red lips make it a little more adult haha! oh how I would love to go to that jumble sale and have a cup of tea with Tom Jones too, that much charisma in one man mmmmmm x x x

Liesl said...

I love the dress especially the colours with the tights and boots

Fiona said...

Oh yes, you're deffo too old for the pinafore, you'd better send it to me! (Although I am two years older than you... but I don't give a shit) Seriously tho' I do like it and I've worn mine loads this winter and had plenty of compliments about it. What a fab JS poster, love the cats! I hope you get to nab all the best bargains first, got one to go myself next weekend...can't wait!
Tom doesn't do it for me and as for Will.i.am don't get me started! Have a brilliant weekend with your mate... no doubt there will be lots of laughs and alcohol. xxxx

Patti said...

Love that poster - maybe you can get one to keep? I don't think the dress is dull one bit - I love that length and the blouse and tights to go along.

Laughter truly is the best medicine, yeah? I sometimes gauge the sad events in life but "How long before we can laugh?" Just a few days before my dad died, I told him a raunchy joke and we both laughed ourselves silly. Have a fabulous Saturday with Patsy (jealous here).

Shortbread and Ginger said...

I love that dress!
Liz @ Shortbread & Ginger

Unknown said...

I love that dress on you and the combo with the boots and denim jacket is right up my alley " - everthing suits a beaty like you dear Curtise !
Have a great time with your friend and enjoy spring !
xx

Suzanne said...

I love that dress! And how you've styled it. I can see where it would be nicer if it was nipped in a bit. Very nice colours with your hair though.

When you have it styled with the jean jacket I had to do a double take…I thought it was me! LOL That is something I would wear any day.

Your weather looks positively brilliant compared to ours.

Have a fun weekend!

bisous
Suzanne

Unknown said...

I missed your last post so will go and have a read once i have left this message. I think you look gorgeous love the dress and with the denim jacket it gives a lovely edge. I am enjoying the voice i think Will is fabulous he does make me chuckle he is a wise soul and as for Tom well he is a loveable old soul. Have a fab weekend with your friend, dee xx

Krista said...

Please always share what's really on your mind, I find honesty to be so liberating! Even if the truth hurts:). Truth is Curtise you should not pass on this dress it's really flattering on you and not Lolita at all, trust me I know:)

I'm jealous you and Vix get to text, I'd love to chime in on that but it would be random texts about how I want to smash things and hug strangers:)
Xxxxxxxxooooooo

Goody said...

I really like the pinafore, though I admit the colours are challenging. Perhaps a really dark charcoal grey top and tights would help it stand out. I'd belt it, but I suppose that would make it even shorter.

Melancholy and Menace said...

That poster is brilliant :)

I think ythe tartan dress quite suits you, but if you feel it's time for it to go, that's always a good excuse to find something new to take its place :)

I really like your blouse too.

Have a lovely weekend xx

Forest City Fashionista said...

I find that dress to be rather "Meh" on you (I feel I know you well enough to be able to say that and you not be offended...). The colours are subdued and the fit isn't quite right, but that's just my opinion, and it's obviously not one shared by most of the other commenters.

That is a great poster - I would definitely go to that sale if I saw that on a bulletin board.

Miss Magpie said...

I like the pinafore too, I vote to give it another chance.

I can just see Kylie rummaging through the chazzas.....

Kezzie said...

Definitely not too young for you! You make it look effortlessly chic! I however dress too young! I buy some clothes that are aged 12-13. And in fact,I was wearing a bunny jumper at school 2 weeks ago and to my horror, two girls (one in year3, one in year 4) both told me, "I've got that jumper!!". My deputy head frequently tells me I dress like a 12 year old or calls me Alice!! X

Emma Kate at Paint and Style said...

I really like the dress. It's so easy to do short with tights and boots at this time of year. Not so easy in the summer with pasty white legs on show complete with veins and bruises.
Make the most of winter! I love the dress with the beret too.
Have a lovelt weekend! xxxx

Penny-Rose said...

Love this dress on you! Friends are fantastic :-) NO idea what The Voice is, must google it. Take care xx

Sue said...

That dress looks brilliant, especially with your denim jacket. Do not get rid until you are totally over it. Love your rainbow photo, I do like a good rainbow, but I have never found the pot of gold! Signs of Spring, how marvelous, also means Summer is getting nearer. We haven't quite finished with summer down here yet so you will have to wait your turn!!

Jean at www.drossintogold.com said...

Oh Curtise. I've just managed to stop by and have read your last two posts. I'm so sorry about your friend. It's hard to look back and contemplate the what-ifs. I'm certain you were a good friend.

I know from experience (my former husband is bi-polar) that proximity doesn't necessarily help the person who's suffering. I feel your sadness and I hurt for those around your friend too. I hope they can heal from this tragedy.

In the meantime, we laugh/cry/hug/commiserate/put one foot in front of the other and have some tea or a cocktail. I think it's the children that keep us going sometimes. I know that's been true for me. A little thrifting doesn't hurt either.

I smiled when I saw your dress (which I love!). In the late 60's I made a dress very similar, only it was a red-ish tartan. I even lined it. I wore it with black tights and ribbon-laced flats that I wish I still had. My boyfriend at the time had spent 2 years in the UK and was very unlike the other boys in my school. He was a good soccer player and I spent many afternoons watching him play.

You look beautiful. I love seeing your backyard with signs of spring. I wish I had a cat, too. XXXOOO

Jean at www.drossintogold.com said...

Oh Curtise. I've just managed to stop by and have read your last two posts. I'm so sorry about your friend. It's hard to look back and contemplate the what-ifs. I'm certain you were a good friend.

I know from experience (my former husband is bi-polar) that proximity doesn't necessarily help the person who's suffering. I feel your sadness and I hurt for those around your friend too. I hope they can heal from this tragedy.

In the meantime, we laugh/cry/hug/commiserate/put one foot in front of the other and have some tea or a cocktail. I think it's the children that keep us going sometimes. I know that's been true for me. A little thrifting doesn't hurt either.

I smiled when I saw your dress (which I love!). In the late 60's I made a dress very similar, only it was a red-ish tartan. I even lined it. I wore it with black tights and ribbon-laced flats that I wish I still had. My boyfriend at the time had spent 2 years in the UK and was very unlike the other boys in my school. He was a good soccer player and I spent many afternoons watching him play.

You look beautiful. I love seeing your backyard with signs of spring. I wish I had a cat, too. XXXOOO

freckleface said...

Short skirts + legs out +boots = a winning combo and one I swear by in winter. It's a way of avoiding all that bunching up that happens with long skirts and tights under a coat, which you then have to pull out when nobody is looking. You look great in this outfit, and there's nothing dull about it. I vote for it to stay in Sheffield! I've missed out on this lustfest that is the Voice. Are they really all that hot? Do I need to do a bit of action replay? Have a supercalifragilistic time with Patsy this weekend my lovely! xxxxx

Jane and Lance Hattatt said...

Hello!

I have found you via our friend Dianne at Yonks and am so pleased to have arrived.

It seems to me that you could wear simply anything as your personality...not to mention the fabulous hair....could carry off anything with style. It is so important to live one's life in extraordinary ways since that makes every day special and unique....after all today will never return and Life is not a dress rehearsal.

And, how touchingly you wrote in your previous post about the death of a friend. It is so true that we drift apart from people some times and one really wished that one had stayed in touch. However, some friendships are of the time or place and can be reimbursed fondly in that regard. Friends are terrifically important and should, as you write, be cherished.

We shall sign as Followers when our computer allows. It will be good to keep in touch with your adventures.

two squirrels said...

Oh dear Curtise I am so sorry that you have lost someone from your life........it really does make you think how lucky we are to wake and be part of a day........best wishes to you.
I am sorry for my lack of commenting.......some how I have lost my confidence in writing to all the lovely poppets in blogland. Its a bit like the 'nice boots comment' I am not sure what to put lately........
Sending a very big hug....love v
Oh oh I have a pinafore just about the same in every way....I to have a love/hate relationship with it. You look great....love the accessories. V

bonsaimum said...

I just read your previous post. Horrible things happen to good people, some just get to the end of their tether. Hubby has been sacked from his job, I can tell you that it has thrown him into deeper depression and questioning whether it is worth going on. Life is hard, just make the most of your loved ones and friends.

Mrs Bertimus said...

That dress is amazing! You wear it well! X

at my dressingtable said...

Your outfit is great it suits you, the tartan is a great print.
Have a great week , best wishes x.

at my dressingtable said...

Your outfit is great it suits you, the tartan is a great print.
Have a great week , best wishes x.

Helga said...

Well, you're certainly rocking that pinafore, but you know how it goes; if it doesn't make you feel fabularse....!!! It is an unusual colour combination of odd shades. But I must say I like it.
Good to see you with your hot legs out! Autumn is certainly sniffing about here, despite some scorching temperatures in the last week. We had a brilliant storm last night, and it was chilly enough for Peepers to get under the covers with me during the night. I don't mind the oncoming cooler weather. Means I get to wear tights more!
I'm not sure who Ricky Wilson is, but I'd fancy a sandwich with Kylie, Tom and Will.I.Am for sure!!! If Tom was a randy old pensioner I'd likely succumb to him......
Did someone say JUMBLE?! I wish someone would have a good one here!
Loving YOU! XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

mispapelicos said...

Tartan loves you, dear Curtise, awwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww.
I wish I could join you and Vix in the bloggers get together one day.
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

The Style Crone said...

I'm loving this silhouette on you, Curtise. The dress, the boots, the tights and the denim jacket. Topped off with the beret. It has the distinct feel of spring.

Unknown said...

Well, then! Hope you're out and about by now with Patsy, and are feeling better. Friends! Great stuff, worth more than just about anything except family. (One can, however, choose one's friends ...just sayin'.)
Nah ... not Lolita as you aren't showing too much skin anywhere and the effect isn't the least bit tarty. I know the print itself is subdued, but it brightens up considerably with your additions! Very cute... and blue and brown are always lovely.
Go ye forth, and do fun and amazing things! With wine!

Aya said...

The dress is so lovely on you! I don't get a Lolita or schoolgirl vibe from the outfit, I just think the proportions of what you've been wearing lately look great on you.

trishie said...

That tartan dress looks amazing! Love how you have styled it.

Señora Allnut said...

I like your dress, but even a tartan lover must to recognize those colors are not pretty at all!, I would like it more with some mustard yellow or rusted orange to add some fun!. But I agree with you: if it really doesn't fit your mood, let it go!!
And I'm happy to see you wearing minis and booties, you look gorgeous!
besos

Trees said...

I love the dress - it looks great on you, especially with those tights! I do love the jumble sale poster as well and it seems that spring is well on its way (which means autumn will be heading our way soon - oh no!). I love the old postcards!