Sunday 4 May 2014

You're gorgeous


For the first time, Sheffield and I played host/ess for a blogger meet-up yesterday. 

Between us, my adopted home city laid on a vintage fair and other vintage shopping opportunities, the obligatory Wetherspoons lunch and cocktails, and some glorious sunshine!



 Jarvis let us down badly and failed to show up, but then he wouldn't have got a word in edgeways!



Gisela, Vix, Sara, Tania, Em and Sandra - ready for the fun of the vintage fair in the Town Hall.

But first...

This time, I said to myself as I made my way to the station (early, I hasten to add), I'm prepared.

I have gifts for everyone;



I have already taken some outfit pics;



and I am going to take loads and loads of photos of our day.

Look, I'm starting on my walk down to the station.

Here's Andrew Motion's poem on the side of a building at Hallam University;



 here's Harry Brearley, the father of stainless steel, for which Sheffield is famous (painted by Faunographic);



 and here's that wonderful water wall at the station, looking beautiful in the sunshine.



And rather perfectly matching my outfit too.

1970s angel sleeve maxi dress - vintage market (£5)
Bangles, necklace, flower and most of the rings - charity shopped
Sandals - retail (sale) 


 And then this happened, and it all went to pot!



Gift exchanging at the station; we all did so well, we didn't really need to go shopping at all.



That was God, trying to strike Em down for her blasphemous ways, but she's made of stern stuff.

And the police weren't required on this occasion, always a blessing.

After that, the photos all got a bit blurry and random - I know, despite all my good intentions. I clearly can't shop, talk, and take photos at the same time.



The Town Hall has some beautiful features, and was packed with vintage sellers.



Vix tried on the phallic mushroom dress in Mooch Vintage, where the delightful Wayne was very welcoming and friendly.



We raised a glass to absent friends in Wetherspoons, and we all wore something pink for our darling friend Krista, who was with us in spirit and in the form of a photo, there at the end of the table!

We missed you, Krista!
  

 
So after seeing Sandra off, we had a final drink and chat.

Thank you so much for coming, ladies; as always, it was a joy to see you all!


Now; do you want to see the treasures which came home with me? There were gifts galore, and the odd purchase or two...



Nail varnish, beautiful floral fabric, a pin cushion, and a helpful sewing guide from Em;



and a shedload of vintage patterns and sewing notions from Vix.

(These girls are encouraging me in my burgeoning sewing addiction - it's brilliant!)



So many goodies from Sara; 1970s-style lurex vest top, Best of Jackie book, Hello the Mushroom tote bag, 1970s secretary dress, vintage faux fur collar, and a Mango handbag.



Amazing vintage tapestry and vinyl bag, nail varnish, notepad and scarf from Gisela;



the coolest little pot from Sandra;



and a wrap cardigan and 1960-70s dream of a maxi from Tania.

As we all commented, there really was no need buy anything else after we'd exchanged gifts, but of course we didn't let that stop us.

I found;



a 1970s polka dot chiffon maxi dress, a tooled leather bag, and a Krista-licious velvet jacket (for days when a denim jacket just won't do!)

What a day; I loved it! When can we do it again?

We were nothing if not highly visible, so I'm linking to Patti's Visible Monday.

Visible, and gorgeous!

xxx

59 comments:

Debberoo said...

Sooooo fun! I swear my comment was going to be "you are all so gorgeous" even before I got to the song

Jane and Lance Hattatt said...

Hello Curtise,

What a happy day this looks to have been. You certainly brightened up Sheffield city centre. The sunshine could not have possibly stayed in for this occasion.

You all look absolutely fabulous and, so important, highly individual. What is it these days that generally people all seem to want to look alike and go around in some kind of uniform. Well, you all certainly prove that individual style is not dead. Far from it. It is clearly thriving in Sheffield if nowhere else.

We love the small cloisonné pot. We have a small collection of such items and they are truly beautiful in both their colours and the workmanship. Perfect!

Connie said...

Oh my gosh! What a day! You are the perfectest hostess!!!! Everyone looks so gorgeous. Yep! That's right! And the scenes of your beautiful town. So much fun. I feel I was right there with you!

Goody said...

I expect to see all of those patterns transformed into breathtaking creations soon.

What fun get-together you had.

Unknown said...

What fun, I wish I could have been there! I have that simplicity 5639 pattern! I'm so jealous, now that my sewing machine doesn't work! Have fun with those patterns! :)

kobieta niewidzialna said...

What a funny day .Super! Greetings :)

Miss Magpie said...

I've just come in from the garden to take a break and grab a cup of tea and this is perfect teabreak reading!
I had such a good day, you are a star for hosting us all. x

Shawna McComber said...

What a wonderful looking day! I'm exhausted just reading about it. You all look absolutely gorgeous and happy and my goodness what a haul! So many pretty things and a whole lot of sewing ahead of you! I was going to start listing all the items I love and then realised it's simply all of them. I do have to add an extra hooray for a tooled leather bag!
xo

bahnwärterin said...

perfect day!
lovely ladies, gorgeous pressies, fab outfits!
i feel envy!
townhall is a beauty!
xxxx

Fiona said...

Has Sheffield ever seen such a bevy of beauties? Seriously, you all look so gorgeous and colourful, no doubt heads were turning-a-plenty.
What fabulous gifts, especially Vix' pattern and notions...there'll be no stopping you now. Your new funky pink jacket is FAB-u-lous and love the tooled leather bag. I do like to see Sheffield's fab architecture, the water wall is quite beautiful and Mr Brearley's muriel, a fitting tribute to him. I don't think you did bad at all with the piccy's, you have left us no doubt at all that is was an absolutely splendiferous day. Here's to the next one. xxxxxxxxx

thorne garnet said...

that's settles it. we're moving to England

Vix said...

That's why I felt so at home in Sheffield - it's the birthplace of my long lost Uncle Harry - you can tell he's one of my lot, check out all his bastard jewellery!
What a fab day we had! You looked like a goddess in your maxi and your purchases are gorgeous.
Dying to see you in that dress, I already know how good the Kristlicious jacket looks on you.
Can't believe how quickly the day went and counting the days till the next time!
Thank you for being the hostess with the mostest and shame on Jarvis for standing us up.
Love you! xxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Amber of Butane Anvil said...

Oh, all those dear faces!!!!!!!!!!!!!! What a tremendous day you had. I haven't been able to do much online lately but how my heart is with you here.
xo

mondoagogo said...

Looks like it was a lovely day. NOW WHEN ARE YOU LOT COMING TO LONDON?! Picnic in the not-so-secret garden? There's a few chazzas but a bus ride away from it... :)

Ivy Black said...

It was the best day, darling. I loved being with you all and doing our thing! It did go so quickly. Sheffield is a wonderful city and you a wonderful hostess. Can't wait to come North again and it was Jarvis's loss!
Loves ya.
xxxxxxxxxxxxx

Val said...

What an amazing day! How do you always manage to get the sun to shine for you? Not that you need it with all your bright faces and finery.

Emma Kate at Paint and Style said...

You were sooo lucky with the weather for a bank holiday weekend. It looks like you had a great time and I'm sure your posse stopped the traffic. xxxx

Patti said...

What a dream of a day! the vintage patterns look really wonderful. And you all are so full of love and good spirits, the best things in life! xoxo

Sue @ A Colourful Canvas said...

What a fun day! I'm telling ya, when I come over, I will insist on a blogger's meet-up!

Okay, my silly question of the day...in our small town, we have a street named Brearley. I've always wondered the correct pronunciation. I say... Bree-are-lee. Pass or fail?

freckleface said...

It was wonderful Curtise. You and Sheffield did us proud. The sun always shines on the bloggers! I had a lovely time, and have only one complaint - it wasn't long enough! You looked lovely in your psychedelic frock and Krista pink hair rose. Can't wait to see you in both your new maxis, avec ou sans slip!! Mind you, will you have time for modelling with all that sewing you are going to be doing? Hope the kids had a great time at camp and Simon enjoyed his day of leisure too. Hope to see your lovely smile again soon. Xxxxx

Unknown said...

looks like a glourious and wonderful day with lots of fun and as always im so so envious of your blogg meet ups ! Wish that could have joined you sometime !
xxx

Natalia Lialina said...

I also want to move to England! :)

What a happy post, Curtise, filled with gorgeous photos of all of you! You are the true stars!! Though I have to say that a poem on a building impressed me, and your Town Hall is a beauty too. :) I love all your amazing gifts, but Tania's dress just melted my heart, what a find! It will suit you to a perfection!

I was thinking about you, Vix and Sandra meeting this weekend, in my dream I was with you. I will be checking out all the other ladies, it seems like a dream company to me! :)

Here is to more fantastic meet-ups in the nearest future! You are an amazing hostess, my dear dear friend! Much love and many hugses!

Jayne H said...

What a lovely time you all had and what super gifts you received from everyone. Hope you have lots of sheets in stock to turn into more sheet chic with all those patterns, xx

Sue said...

So much fun!!! It is like being there with you in a way through your post. I suspect that police van was there just in case!! You all looked fabulous and I cannot wait for a photo of you in that polka dot dress.

two squirrels said...

Gosh you ladies have the most fabulous time when you get together......I always have a big smile on my face when I read these posts. You all look so gorgeous..........you must get so many sideway looks.
The gift are brilliant........but my fav is the leather bag and polka-dot dress(of course) that you bought.
I hope you have a fantastic week.
Love v

Unknown said...

Wow! The day looks like so much fun - what am I saying, look at you all, of course it was bloody good fun! Great girls and lots of goodies make for a fab day. BTW, I loooove that tapestry bag you received, and can't wait to see all the lovelies you are going to make with all those patterns. XXX

Mrs. D said...

Eeep! I had such a great time, it was lovely to see you again and meet all the other gorgeous ladies.
It was a lovely day out, we were so lucky with the weather, and it did me a world of good. Like I mentioned to you, I'm going through a complicated period in my life :)

Helga said...

FECK ME!!!
How freakin' GLORIARSE a day!
I'm wild over it all; the goodies, the girls, the shopping, your frock..............oo la LA!!!!
What a grand day, hurry and do it all again, so I can live vicariously through it all again!
Love you!
XXXXXXXXXXXXXX

Angels have Red Hair said...

Looks like you had a fabulous time with shopping, friends and sunshine ... what more could anyone possibly ask for??
I love the look of the polka dot dress ... I've a feeling it's going to be one of my personal favourites.
xx

Kylie said...

All the colours of the rainbow you girls!!!
x

Sheila said...

Ooh, so much fun! I can almost pretend I am there! Love all your colours and styles!

Pam @ over50feeling40 said...

I love this post!! So joyful and you guys are all super cute! Looks like you were having a great time!

Tamera Beardsley said...

Oh how absolutely fabulous my dear Curtise! Thank you for sharing such a joyful day!

xoxo
tamera

Krista said...

You gals just gave me my first real smile of the day. How loved and lucky am I to be sitting right there with you beautiful foxes! Curtise this dress on you and your matching fountain are stunning as is that pink velvet jacket you found and the maxi from Tania! I so wish I could have been there but in a way I was thanks for thinking of me, I'm lucky to call you a friend. Lucky!

I adore the photo you took of all the gals rocking the pink. Thanks for sharing the good times. I love you!
Xxxoooo

Olga Rani said...

Yeah, you all look highly visible, ladies, in those bright colourful outfits! Love your maxi in blue, Curtise, it has a nice silhouette and pretty colour. Great gifts, I especially like that maxi dress and a faux fur collar.

mispapelicos said...

You are all gorgeous and adorable and I want to be amongst you all, ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh
Jealousssssssssssssssss

Trees said...

I don't even think Jarvis could have handled you all - so many amazing things! I fully approve of Vix feeding your sewing addiction ;)

Mother of Reinvention said...

Looks like you gorgeous ladies had a great time. Loads of beautiful clothes. I love the velvet jacket. I scored the Simplicity 7183 pattern last weekend. It is fab. I had a look through my patterns and so far I only have a late 70's or maybe 80's Vogue jumpsuit pattern if you are interested. Could look a bit Studio 54 with the right fabric. :) xx

Melancholy and Menace said...

Such a fabulous day out - you all look beautiful....as do the cocktails!

Loving all the gifts too xx

Anonymous said...

Your logger get togethers always seems so wonderful and glorious. You most certainly did well, what lovely gifts to receive from everyone.

The Small Fabric Of My Life said...

What a wonderful way to spend your day. Shopping and chatting with friends.

Annie said...

Ah, what a fab day! So sorry I missed out. Will see you soon
Annie xxx

Peaches McGinty said...

It's great to see the pics! wasn't it a blast! I loved Sheffield, it's a gorgeous place and I loved my day with all of you gorgeous ladies, it went frighteningly quick didn't it?! it's crazy seeing the pics! I was there! with you all!! I loved it all and you are a most marvelous Hostess! x x x

Forest City Fashionista said...

You were the Hostess With the Mostest! Look at you with the perfectly wrapped gifts and a tour of the Sheffield hot spots! I love the idea of a poem on the side of the building.

It looks like you all had a glorious day out, and even Krista got in on the fun (in spirit). The polka dot maxi is so pretty, and I would have snatched up the pink and orange velvet jacket too!

citizen rosebud said...

Your day looks amazing- and what a glorious group of ladies to share it with! Thanks for taking what pictures you did and sharing it- warms up the cockles I tell ya!

Mrs Bertimus said...

What a fab day!
You should run vintage coach tours!
X

Señora Allnut said...

so fabulous day, and you look so funny and stylish and absolutely gorgeous ladies!, thanks for sharing, it puts a smile on my face!!
besos

Pull Your Socks Up! said...

Hot tottie on a sunny day, gifts, squeals and arse-squeezes, your bargain-ous vintage spotty frock, leather bag and that gorgeous jacket. Oh my what a eye-fest this post is! I get such an enormous kick out of seeing blogger meet-ups, everyone's jumping with excitement and happiness to be out of the house and on an adventure. "Seven Go Off" - how's that for a Blyton book escapade? So Nina was a home birth? Fantastic! To this day I still wonder what my neighbours in our block of flats must have thought of my wailing and moo-cow noises! xoxoxoxoxoxoxo

OP SHOP MAMA said...

Woohoo my computer has let me open your WHOLE post!! Usually it goes offline (over and over again) when I attempt to open most blogs. It's a bitch and a half and I can't wait to get a new one..
GREAT times! You are looking smashing in that frock. I love it. Fun catching up with other blogettes. I am officially jealous. Happy Days. x
I am now going to TRY and get a look at your other recent posts before my computer has another meltdown.. x

Becky said...

Holy heck that looks like a blast!!!! You are so lucky to have a huge blogger meet-up!

Vintage Bird Girl said...

You know how I LOVE to live vicariously through you UK bloggers. I do love the post blog date run down. You all look glorious. Your maxi dress is simply superb for such an occasion. Your city looks so interesting....so much history compared to Brisbane. I can't wait to see you rocking your latest outfits. Xx

The Style Crone said...

Gorgeous group! Your hostess abilities shine, as do your photos and your ensemble. I am lusting after the Krista-licious jacket! The gifts were made for you and I can tell by your smiling faces that the day was sublime.

silvergirl said...

Looks like a fun bunch and a good time
I love that everyone was dressed with so much color
Brett

Bobbi said...

What a great meetup! You got some wonderful presents and you looked amazing.
Your city looks so interesting and fun. I need to win the lottery so I can visit.
Have you decided on your next sewing project?

Diane said...

You showed off our city's good side. And what a fabulous day you had for it. I've loved reading everybody's version of events too. What a gorgeous colourful bunch you look xxx

julie said...

looks like a fab day out - always think that forgetting to get any decent photos is a sign of a totally enjoyable day!

at my dressingtable said...

Gorgeous ladies and what a wonderful day ! Best wishes Curtise xxx

Redcliffe Style said...

Looks like a great day out with a stunning bunch of women. Rachel xx

Unknown said...

What a crew of lovelies! You guys look like the cast of a retro sit-com. Such smiles, such gorgeousness. Looks like you all had fabulous fun.
You are looking particularly grand, Curtise, especially in your Waterfall Dress ... Love your nails! Due to your bad influence, I've been painting my little claws a bit. They never last more than a day or two, but my skills are improving.
Love your little travel photo tours! So happy to get to join in virtually!
I'm still obsessing over the skirts and have another in the works. Can't find the tops I want to go with them. Maybe I should make some! I see what you mean about sewing obsessions.