Thursday 15 January 2015

Knits to go nuts about


Cold, wet, gale-force winds - ah, the joys of January in the UK. 
 
 
I'm repeating myself with the white faux fur and tapestry bag, I know, but at least I get lots of use out of my favourite pieces. You know how people calculate the cost per wear for their clothes? Mine must be minimal for almost everything in my wardrobe - if not, it gets sold on. 


That skirt was one of my more expensive buys (£16, I think) but I wear it to death.


This little vintage Donbros sweater has a Knockers Ahoy effect, and the cold conditions meant that I had nipples like chapel hat pegs when I removed my coat to take photos.

Too much information? Oh well. (If you're looking for them - and now of course you are - you won't see them because I Picmonkey-ed them out of the picture! Didn't want to have anyone's eye out.)
 
I was all ready to list the sweater on Ebay, but I decided to keep it. My friend Jo says it's not me at all since I don't wear jumpers, and I should therefore sell it to her, but now she's worried that it will have Boob Bumps in it. 
 

Donbros (Donaldson Brothers) knitwear factory opened in 1937 in Alloa, Scotland.


I read somewhere online that the factory closed in 1963; however, it seems it was amalgamated with other knitwear companies in the Sixties, and continued manufacturing into the 1970s, producing groovy pieces like these.


I think my little jumper is late 1950s/early 1960s. The gold stitching matches the lurex in my tweed skirt rather pleasingly.

1970s faux fur, 1950-60s sweater, 1960s tapestry bag, scarf and paisley bangle - charity shopped
1970s Tricosa maxi skirt - antique/collectables shop, Matlock
Gloves and boots - retail (sale)
Beret - prize
Striped bangle - gift from Fiona
 
As always, I enjoyed my two days volunteering in the charity shops this week. The manager of the city centre branch is keen to develop a vintage section, and naturally I am very keen to help her.

Still, much as I can appreciate a well-maintained, reasonably priced vintage rail in a chazza, nothing beats the thrill of stumbling across vintage treasure among the secondhand chain store offerings.

 
1980s Frank Usher sequin, bead and silk prom dress (already for sale here)
1970s S Modell angel sleeve maxi
1960-70s silver lurex dolly dress (sadly the label has been removed)


I'm hoping for a relaxing weekend, and if the slates stay put on the roof in these high winds, I'll consider it a bonus!

xxx

44 comments:

Kezzie said...

Hello there!!! Ha, ha I laughed much about your nipples!!! That is hilarious! I always remember being at Music school aged 13ish and my bestfriend Nicola was wearing a pale yelllow polo neck body suit and hers were sticking out like anything. Someone commented and she stiffly replied, "You shouldn't be looking!" - any time anyone mentions ENS, I always think of it!
You are very good with your wardrobe. You do have such amazing pieces - they deserve such love!!!
xx

Kezzie said...

AHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA NO.1!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! In your face number 3 onwards!!!!!

Mother of Reinvention said...

That will be me then. Must be the cold weather. Think we are in everyone's face. Oh, for portable Photoshop. That outfit is amazing. You can't beat a sparkly tartan skiirt and the jumper is a perfect match. It should really stay. Love the 70's dress. Xxxx

Suzanne said...

Oh my the sweater I didn't buy! It really looks wonderful on you. Nipples are always in fashion dear! LOL

I really love the whole outfit. I think it would look quite good on me. Ahem ahem.

I think the sweater is a keeper and can't imagine you wanted to sell it in the first place when it looks so amazing on you.

bisous
Suzanne

Patti said...

I immediately looked for your nipples - so disappointed! Those are some groovy knits in the advertisements, yeah? You look smart and all-pulled together, if nipple-less. Love the bag! xoxo

Miss Magpie said...

Love it, you do keep finding these boob enhancing outfits don't you?

I also love the lurex dress very, very much.

Bloody weather actually snapped my new umbrella in half today!?!

Goody said...

I'm making my sign for the blog picket:

"Bring Back The Nipples!"

(I need not worry as mine are pointed due south and no one could spot them).

I do think, "Lurex Babydoll" could be a song. I'll get to work on it. Sure you won't keep that dress? No one wears lurex like you do.

"BRING BACK THE NIPPLES!"

mondoagogo said...

"nipples like chapel hat pegs" is one of the best lines I've read all week. I think it's a rather fetching little number on you, too.

Lizzie Cole said...

I love your skirt.
Lizzie Dripping

Becky said...

That tapestry bag is really the best--of course you must use it a lot!
Love the silver dolly dress!!!!

hippyatheart said...

Nippels will never be out of fashion, they are a classic ;) Love your post - and your jumper!

Sue said...

I confess, I looked for the nipple action!!! Nice little sweater, the colour suits you well. I almost feel guilty sitting in the sunshine knowing you are having winter. Almost! We will swap seasons again soon.

Anonymous said...

Simply the coolest sweaters ever!! But I really love that fuzzy coat, in that color!
I just walked home a mile carrying what felt like 20lbs from the grocery store in the rain. But I feel so good I got out at least. Hope you have a restful weekend? Are you noticing that volunteering is making you tired?

Jean at www.drossintogold.com said...

OMG I've missed you!!!!! I've gotten a history lesson, an eyeful of fashion, and great belly laugh!! Priceless.

Love you so much!!!! Batten down the hatches, and stay warm. XXOO

Unknown said...

My that coat looks warm and cozy! And so cute! You'll never see my nips, too much padding! :)

thorne garnet said...

love sweaters. I look in that section at the t-store first. If the yarn is cashmere and the sweater doesn't fit, I buy it anyway and recycle the yarn into a hat, arm warmers ect.

Trees said...

Those old knitwear posters are the best! I love your wee sweater, despite the "issues" you mentioned! I always think I look terrible in sweaters, but I LOVE cardies!! I am a strange one that's for sure. Hope the weather gets better soon xoxo

Sue @ A Colourful Canvas said...

OMG, you're hilarious sometimes! Hope that weather warms up for ya!

Connie said...

Chapel hat pegs. Quite descriptive! I love the sweater, though. The detail on the collar is so sweet. Now we just need to get you one of those vintage torpedo bras to complete the look. Nipples gonna nip, nip, nip.

Jazzy Jack said...

Talk about groovy knits! I love that your tweed has lurex. So cool. That jumper is great with your hair colour.
I laughed about the breast bumps. Never had that problem myself:-D
We saw a turtle or tortoise at our bush block and couldn't decide which so called it a tur-toise. Just bought an ornamental one for the garden in memory, and the kids have called it Curtise the Turtoise. I will always think of you.(it's a compliment...honest...It's very cute!:-)
xo JJ

Mim said...

Hoorah for boobs! Your jumper looks splendid on you. Is it a bad thing to have one thing that's not your usual sort of thing? If it suits you and you like wearing it, keep it.

I'm better with handknits than bought ones, but I'd agree with you on the date - the boxy shape with 3/4 sleeves yells 'late 50s early 60s'.

Melancholy and Menace said...

I'm still chuckling at the fact that you edited out your lady bits!

Loving this outfit on you, and all your new finds, too.

Have a wonderful weekend, Curtise! xx

Unknown said...

hahahaha I think you got everyone going back to check for your nipples :-) loving the jumper and the adverts to I do love seeing all the old adverts there more homely and wholesome than todays I feel. Love your whole outfit today and I hate walking into a charity shop and seeing a vintage section I tend to walk straight back out again such a shame but I know they want to cash in on it. Heres hoping you have a super weekend and your house tiles stay where they should be, dee xx

bahnwärterin said...

the color combination in that outfit are is a dream!!!!!!
i´m very impressed......
and i love that sweater on you! maybe unbuttoned to distract a bit ;-) (my trick at cases like this) bias cut tweed plaid skirts are the best - with some flitter it´s even better - would wear that skirt to death too.
your charity shop job seem to bloom and blossom, i´m glad for you!
xxxxxxxxxx

Beth Waltz said...

Never, ever allow the sweater and the skirt to be parted, Curtise. They were made for each other!

Ahem. Back in the day before picmonkey (and universal central heating), we used to place cosmetic applicator pads in our bra cups. Thanks for the giggle.

The Vintage Knitter said...

That lurex dolly dress is gorgeous, I love that curved bust-line. I haven't found anything vintage clothes-wise yet this year :-( so I'm hoping that my luck will change soon. Keep your fingers crossed for me! Those '70s fashions in that ad are brilliant; I especially like those purple boots - yes, I reckon I need a pair of purple boots like those. Am I wittering on here?........

The Style Crone said...

What would I do without your sense of humor and artful ensembles. You capture life is the most beautiful of ways, with your ensembles and self expression. Your white faux fur could brighten many a January day. It certainly did mine!

Forest City Fashionista said...

Oh, God, I loved your description "nipples like chapel hat pegs"!! I may have to find a way to work that phrase into a sentence. That was very thoughtful of you to edit your nipples out of the photo so none of us sustain an eye injury ;)

That sweater is very cute, and the colour is great with your hair. I am SQUEE-ing over the purple, black and yellow hotpants and long sweater and the purple and orange culottes Donbros outfits. I would wear stuff like that now if you could find it (and it fit, maybe I'm past my hotpants years).

joyatri said...

Yep, that jumper is a keeper! It is a slightly different look for you, but a good one.
I love those groovy Donbros ads, especially the red jumper with the green zig zags and the purple gauchos outfit.
Ha! I also did some nipple-removing a couple posts ago. I never 'enhance' my appearance in blog photos, but in that case, propriety demanded it.

Natalia Lialina said...

Now you made us all go back to look at your nipples, naughty Curtise! :))))))))))))))

I love this ensemble - the silhouette is one of my most favorites, and the color is so beautiful on you!

Have a fun restful weekend and good weather! xxxxxxxxxxxxx

Shawna McComber said...

Oh you look gorgeous and I forgive you for making me look for your nipples. I think that sweater looks great on you so you should keep it. And the coat!! Oh how awesome it is! I am envious of your thrift shop prices, as they seem a little lower than ours, but I comfort myself that second hand is still second hand. I love that dolly dress and it is the sort of thing I would pick out and then find I look very silly wearing. Stay warm and cosy! We had a storm yesterday but have sunshine today so I will send you some. xoxoxo

Fiona said...

A 'nip' in the air eh? Clever you, I'd have no idea how to go about nipple editing. Beth is so right...those two garments are made for each other. I adore the Donbros vintage adverts, such style. Are you still watching CBB?
Have a lovely weekend. x

kobieta niewidzialna said...

Very nice fur and bag . I want to mix some vintage and modern, I think it is funny. Kisses

Peaches McGinty said...

'Nipples like chapel hat pegs'!! love it!! thank you, you made me howl, love it! love your outfit too btw! totally fecking gorgeous, I put boob bumps in everything....haven't the foggiest idea why ;-) it's flaming freezing, we have just been out, to an actual pub, near on froze my backside off - have a wonderful weekend and lets hope the weather isn't too chaotic x x x

at my dressingtable said...

Lol !!! about the nipples , I can see why you like the skirt I love the whole outfit. you must keep the jumper it's fabulous !.And you know me and bags I'm in love with that bag of yours !.
have a lovely weekend Curtise xxx

Diane said...

I love that jumper, the detail on it is fab. It does go well with your lovely skirt. You do so much research - it's all very interesting xx

Angels have Red Hair said...

Pic monkey saves the day … whatever did we do before digital photography and photo editing … just had nipples I guess ;0)
Wow … those knits to go nuts about are completely nutty … in a very good way!!
xx

diaryofapennypincher said...

Ooh, more vintage label info to absorb, so interesting! I will look out for Donbros stuff from now on. Love that skirt, I had two similar ones (bought new) in the late Eighties and wore them to death, such a flattering shape, and hardwearing, so perfect for work. You look fab, browns really suit you, and thank you for removing those nipple bumps, my eyes are bad enough without a poke!

Mrs Bertimus said...

I am in love with your hand bag!
Gorgeous garments too x

Charis said...

Oh my god! I want one of those 70s all-in-ones, fab!

Angie said...

Great to find some history behind the looks.Great styling,very 70s!I still adore your bag!

Emma Kate at Paint and Style said...

Another gorgeous tapestry bag! I don't think I've seen a white one before.
I love the old ads you found. xxx

Ulla-Marie said...

You seem to be able to solve mysteries in true English detective spirit in that outfit.

Melanie said...

Oh to be able to find nice knitwear, I'm finding more and more that modern knitwear is either really wide and slouchy or really long, neither of which are any use to me, which is frustrating xxx