If we squeeze you any tighter, you might turn into a diamond

It's been a grey old week, and since grey is not a favourite of mine, I have fought back with burgundy. 

Or merlot. Or claret. Any red wine would do, I suppose.

What are we calling burgundy this year? 

Berry? Oxblood? Maroon? Magenta?

 Lord knows. But I like wearing it. 

Velvet jacket, cardigan, leather bag, beret and bangles - charity shopped

1970s dress - Ebay

Boots - retail (sale) 

That tan leather saddle bag has become a firm favourite since I bought it on our bloggers' trip to Burton on Trent.

I looked up the brand online (Grafea) and found they are an English company; this particular bag retails for £105 on their website. Nice score for £6 then. 

1960s Eclipse wool cape, 1970s Hennes crochet dress, belt and bangles - charity shopped

1950s carpet bag - flea market

Does it get any more Nanna Chic than tweed, crochet, and a carpet bag with a bamboo handle?

Of course the Welsh cape was another Burton treasure. 

  Incidentally, does anyone know when Hennes changed their name to H&M? I definitely recall Hennes shops in the late 1970s/early 1980s. In fact, in my head I still call them that, just as John Lewis here in Sheffield will always Cole Brothers (the department store which JL took over, retaining the old name for many years).

It's that Nanna thing again. My kids mock me, reminding me of how I rolled my eyes when my mum referred to the radio as a wireless when I was growing up. 

 

The charity shops have provided some interesting bits and pieces this week;

an amazing 1980s silk evening dress by Wim Hemmink. It's tiny, so hopefully it is destined to be someone else's LBD this Christmas via Ebay...

and

a fur-trimmed brooch (I'm guessing 1950s),

vintage gloves galore,

a 1967 jumpsuit pattern,

1950-60s glass necklace,

and a 1970s tea towel.

I have been looking for a vintage jumpsuit pattern for ages; this one is too big, but I'm hoping that reducing the size will be a reasonably straightforward task. Of course, I may be deluding myself.

Speaking of sizes (and self-delusion), after my surprise at not being able to fit into the size 20 Global dress in my last post, at least not comfortably, I've had further disappointment this week. 

Look at these beauties;

My friend Judith's mum had kept some of her dresses from the 1960s and 70s, and Judith said she was very happy to give them to me. Of course I was delighted, especially when Judith assured me that her mum had not been a teeny waif back in the day. And when she dropped these gorgeous dresses off, I couldn't wait to try them on.

But...

I can't get into them. The turquoise maxi is the only one I can do up, but truthfully, it's too tight.

Gutted.

So I'm putting the dresses on Ebay for Judith. Although it's disappointing, as I would have loved to wear them, it's also true that I have a wardrobe overflowing with vintage frocks which fit me beautifully, so I'm not complaining. Well, only a little bit. 
                                                                                

                                                                                                                                                                                                   

                              

Tomorrow is our school's Christmas fair, so I'm hoping for better weather and festive cheer. And we're back to my mate's house afterwards for a glass or two of Cava, which we will richly deserve. 

Hope you have a splendid weekend, whatever you're doing, wearing, or drinking!

xxx