Friday 6 February 2015

Earning my stripes


Although I only started last October, I feel as though I am well-established in my charity shop volunteer role, and love it so much it really doesn't feel like work.

There are perks, of course.


This late 1960s/early 1970s zip-front wool dress has suffered moth damage, so I didn't try to sell it.

We're none of us left unscathed by the passing years, are we? I suppose I could have a go at darning the little holes, but I suspect they'll stay as they are for the foreseeable future.

1960-70s St Michael dress, wool coat, beret and brooch - charity shopped
1970s bag - local vintage shop
Boots and gloves - retail

As you can see, I am ignoring any "rules" about horizontal stripes for curvy women. 


This piece of nonsense is courtesy of a 1977 Jackie annual. Heaven forbid we draw attention to a large frame.


I may not have Twiggy's proportions, but I'm happy with those I do have.


The house-clearing couple donated one final wardrobe's worth of clothes to the charity shop this week.

Suits from the early-mid 1960s...




Such wonderful illustrations - find them here.

More Sixties dresses and jackets. 



Here come the girls!


Vintage Label Love.


These two early 1960s dress and jacket sets are beautifully made and so stylish...

and very Jackie, don't you think?

I can just about squeeze into the Aubrey Segal suit of the left, but I'm not sure I'd ever wear it, and it should sell well, so on to Ebay it goes.

I couldn't find out much about the label, but it was mentioned in a 1963 fashion article in Country Living alongside the likes of Hardy Amies and Aquascutum, so it would have been a very expensive suit.

I've been utterly fascinated by this lady's huge collection of clothing, following her choices and the changing styles from the late 1950s to the 1970s. She clearly appreciated classic and elegant pieces of high quality, and I bet she looked fantastic. 



 My house looks like a vintage shop at the moment; the pieces I daren't wash are hanging up while I spray them regularly with a vodka/water mix and let them air. It works wonders on the musty smell of old clothes.
 

So the weekend's almost here; for me, it includes a meal out with the girls, and lovely lie-ins and reading. If I could stir myself, I might even start some sewing.

What will you be up to? Mischief, I hope!
xxx

46 comments:

Mother of Reinvention said...

Could I be first? I love that dress. Horizontal stripes are fab and I wear them with impunity even though I have a bit too much fluff. Such beautiful clothes too and how nice that they are so well preserved. What a cache! Glad to see them going to good homes and doing good t the same time. You're very kind for doing this. Have a great weekend and do get your sewing out. Did you watchthe Sewing Bee? What did you think? Xxxx

Mother of Reinvention said...

Yay, first! ......

Melanie said...

Here's to a wonderful weekend. Mine shall be spent at home I think, films and reading, tea and cake.

I don't go in for all of this nonsense regarding what people should and should not wear dependant on body shape. You look fabulous in the stripy dress xxx

Olga Rani said...

Sometimes stripes do make one look wider than one is but this is not your case: you look very slim in this wonderful stripy dress. And what an interesting bag!

Patti said...

I love stripes of any direction, and you look marvelous in them. I am loving my work at the thrift too, the hours fly by, and the atmosphere is so cheery. We haven't gotten any vintage scores to compare to yours though! Enjoy the weekend, xox.

Peaches McGinty said...

Brilliant! 'if you don't want to look enormous' that made me chuckle! your gorgeous frame is bee-yoo-tiful in stripes, what a dress! it's fab! gotta go, feck - the central heating man has just turned up and Dave is getting packed up ready to bugger off to America (oh dear God, that sounds like a dodgy 70's porn storyline) have a great weekend!!! x x x

Miss Magpie said...

You are right that ladies wardrobe is amazing, makes you wish you could have met her!

I adore the burnt orange Jackie O suit.

Good lord no wonder I had half the hang ups I did with that kind crap,I used to buy Jackie every week!

Kestrel said...

What a gorgeous dress, I'd have snapped it up if I saw it on the rails of my local charity shop. In fact I bought a vintage striped dress in a chazza at lunch today, now I've discovered the short cut to a very good charity shop from work, there's no stopping me! Only problem is the gamble of not being able to try them on.

thorne garnet said...

narrow stripes are great. Wide ones were all over the plus size department the other day. What is the store thinking?

3 cheers to vodka/water spray!!!! It's cheap and it works.

Connie said...

Rules are made to be broken after all. Twiggy could only hope to look as gorgeous as you do. Oh these clothes. I'm flashing back to the wardrobes of all my cool baby sitters when I was a little squirt back in the 60's. So vodka goes on the outside?? I've been doing it wrong.

Porcelina said...

Smashing in stripes! And scientists disproved the thing about horizontal stripes a few years back. So just wear what stripes you want! Glad you rescued it despite its little holes. X

Becky said...

I'm quite large and I wear horizontal stripes all the time! It's a ridiculous rule! You look super cute and all the clothes are so fab!

Señora Allnut said...

never mind those ol'style advices about stripes, they're cool and fancy and you look fabulous wearing them! (actually, red and white stripes are my favorites, even I'm looking enormous!). Lovely dress, and lovely colors, there's a lot of possibilities there!, and love your red gloves, fabulous color combo!
And my mouth is watering after watching all those awesome suits and dresses, and jackets and labels!!!, absolutely wonderful!!. Wish you find a good home for every of them!!
besos

Fiona said...

I wouldn't describe you as 'curvy', it seems to be a euphemism for 'fat' these days and you're hardly Hattie Jacques are you? So I reckon you should wear what you like, horizontal stripes... the lot! What a wonderful haul, that lady certainly had taste and style. Some good labels too...Louis Feraud no less, so I'm sure they will fly. Have a good weekend, you and your machine...inspired by GBSB perhaps? Gros Bisous.

Melanie said...

I love this striped dress on you and I'm glad you are wearing the holes too. My goodness, what a TREASURE TROVE of quality suits your shop has been gifted. "The Girls" are like Stepford flight attendants. I must practice my crooked arm pose.
This weekend I shall try sewing as well but I need some painter's tape to do it, don't ask me why...

Kezzie said...

Gorgeous!! So tell me, the cobalt edged. suit-my size??? Or Jackie O?? Washing instructions???

Your stripy dress is magnificent dear Curtise!!!!Xx

Unknown said...

I think you look great in horizontal stripes! I think a lot depends on how well the dress fits. Your so lucky to find all these great vintage clothes, it's getting harder and harder for my to find at the thrift. Have a great weekend! :)

Jayne H said...

Oooh I do hope there is some mischief involved although I have been up to mischief today so may have used my quota up already.
What a lovely lot of clothes your house clearing couple have donated, so stylish and a privilege to pass them on and raise some money for the hospice at the same time.
Enjoy your weekend xx

Sue said...

While spraying the clothes with the vodka/water do you have a wee tipple?? It must be so exciting when the house clearing couple arrive with more gorgeous booty. So glad you are enjoying your volunteering. I am signing up again while I am out of work, will give me something to do and hopefully keep me out of trouble. I wear stripes and do not give a toss!! Love the outfit, you look so fabulously snug in your boots and gloves.

Ivy Black said...

Ooooh that dress rocks. You look lovely and sod the 'rules' I say.
That's a cracking haul of outfits. You can't beat a Sixties suit. How smart are they? Beats schlepping about in a wolf fleece any day.
I have taken a shine to that wondrous grey, white n'orange suit. Give us a shout if you list it on Ebayski.
Have a fab weekend.
Love ya.
xxxxxxx

bahnwärterin said...

large frames like ours should invisible in fashion world ;-P oh my! thankfully we are grown up enough to not get bothered by such blech...
the stripey beauty looks fab on you and you have the perfect colored coat for it!!!! and the perfect handbag to go with your new boots!
can you get your hands at some photos of that lady of the elegant suits and dresses???
thanks for that wodka/water spray tip!!!!
xxxxxxxxx

Lizzie Cole said...

So glad you're enjoying the charity shop.

Lizzie Dripping

Kylie said...

Hello Curtise,
my first week of work has come to an end (new job, new term) and I feel like spraying vodka all over...ME!

Goody said...

You don't look like a large frame from here, but yeah I agree-ignore all those rules and wear what you like. That's such a nice dress, and it is flattering on you.

I never knew about the vodka/water trick. And it dissipates? It wouldn't do for me to go out reeking of vodka (or perhaps it would?)but I have some musty items that could use a bit more than a shake in a bag with bicarb. I'm going to try it-thank you.

If I could squeeze my frame into that grey and orange beauty I'd buy it off you right now. That woman had incredible taste in clothing.

Have a lovely weekend.

ArgentGal said...

Oh my! What a haul. And the stripped dress is lovely on you; rules be damned! Have a lovely weekend.

Beth Waltz said...

I desperately desire the persimmon ensemble with the cowl collar! Did the style-icon's family ever mention how she organized her collection? By season and color? By designer?

Those thin stripes are quite psychedelic on your curves, Curtise. Never mind the rules; however, persons with my rear aspect really should avoid the broader stripes -- lest we resemble croquet balls in motion.

Jane and Lance Hattatt said...

Hello Curtise,

You really do seem to have found the perfect niche for yourself as a volunteer in the charity shop. And, as you are so very knowledgeable about all matters vintage relating to clothes particularly, you must be a great asset to them. People do throw away the most incredible things and it is good to get the best possible prices for them to support the charity. It all sounds as if this is a marriage made in heaven.

And yes, the Elmoor clothes do look very Jackie. The quality looks excellent and, considering that they are 50 or more years old, they have worn very well indeed. If only we humans could be revived with a quick spritz of Vodka and water.......!!

Anonymous said...

The stripes look fantastic on you, screw the rules! I remember my striped dress I had back in the day. I had orange patent shoes to go with.

I love your phrase, "lovely lie-ins" and I'm doing that right now!

Forest City Fashionista said...

The charity shop is so lucky to have you, for your knowledge, enthusiasm and your honesty. Many people would have just scooped up the vintage stuff and sold it without giving it a second thought, so I hope they realize what a gem you are.

I'm rather partial to the orange dresses, but I fear they likely won't fit my post-menopausal body.

I love stripes, narrower more than wide, and the dress looks great on you. You are certainly not "large" by any means although you do have some enviable curves ;)

Watching a roller derby game and a band afterwards are my plans for tonight - I seem to be re-living my 20's lately

Mrs Bertimus said...

I've really enjoyed looking at the donations from the house clearance. It's been really fascinating x

mondoagogo said...

Heh, you do look a tad smug about that dress. And why not, it looks great. I always love seeing all the labels, too.

kobieta niewidzialna said...

Amazing and very stylish dress. :)

Angels have Red Hair said...

Wouldn't it be great if you were able to get a few photos of the owner of all these fabulous clothes … I bet she was a stunner … as are you ... love the stripes horizontal, vertical or diagonal … I don't care :0)
xx

Unknown said...

I think that one should ignore all rules about dressing ! And the stripes suits you fine !
oh i love all the 60´s two pieces and would love to own one ore two of them .
love and hugs !

Emma Kate at Paint and Style said...

Love love love the little red suit with the neck. Did you sell that one? I can't see it on ebay.
Hope you're having a relaxing weekend after all your hard work! xxxx

joyatri said...

And I'm enjoying your display of this one collection of vintage garments! Have the couple indicated who the owner of these clothes was? The stripey dress looks pretty darn flattering on you, in spite of the advice of Jackie.
That blue floral maxi in your last post was quite the find. I can't believe you bought the skirt, fabric and pendant for just £16. And the Sheffield Town Hall is a gem. I think I might have to visit Sheffield the next time I'm in the UK.

Shawna McComber said...

Lots of lazing about and a pub dinner for mum and dad's anniversary. That's my weekend. You look great in this outfit and my first thought before you even said anything was that you are pulling off horizontal stripes fantastically. Although you have an hour glass shape you still look very slender and not at all broad or wide. You have a lovely and enviable figure. Go on and break those stupid rules! xoxo

Jazzy Jack said...

Are you curvy? I thought you were just right. Someone who could wear anything.
Interesting solution to spray on the clothes. How did you discover that?
I can just imagine your home with all the clothes around being sprayed on as you pass. Would love to be a fly on the wall!
Too much wonderfulness in this post! xo Jj

Mim said...

Aaah, such lovely suits! I do love a good suit. I'd be hoovering up half you ebay shop if things fitted me.

Nuts to people who say larger frames shouldn't wear horizontal stripes - not that you strike me as especially broad anyhow. You look fab in that dress.

The Vintage Knitter said...

She certainly was a very stylish lady and those clothes have fab labels too - I love a well designed label, but I'm odd like that! ;-)

diaryofapennypincher said...

Those donations are amazing, not sure how you restrained yourself! You look much nicer than poor old stick thin Twiggy, Curtise, who would want to look like she did? So pleased you rescued the slightly moth eaten dress, it's perfect on you, and perfect for Winter!

Unknown said...

Beautiful suits and so happy you like your work at the charity shop -
I'm getting used to my new job and like it a lot - It's a new experience for me.

Stripes look great on you -

Arianexo

Catherine said...

OMG ALL THOSE SKIRT SUITS! im dead from the beauty and their time-capsule perfectness!

Natalia Lialina said...

This dress is adorable, and you look very beautiful in it! I would wear it too!!

October? Time flies so fast... I've been sick for a couple of weeks, and found that time went nowhere - almost half a month is gone! How!?

xxxxx

freckleface said...

I should jolly well think you are happy with your proportions, you have an amazing figure! Curtise 'The Body' Monk, I seem to recall. Yes, you have settled in beautifully and made yourself quite invaluable with all your talents and enthusiasm, I reckon. It's lovely that you have found such a comfortable happy place to be. The stripy dress is wonderful on you, looks great with the coat and beret. And the expression on your face? A little touch of mischief if I'm not mistaken! Xxxxxx

Trees said...

You ROCK those stripes beautiful - honestly any rules about "what to wear" can burn as far as I'm concerned. I'm sure I break them every single day!! I am so happy you enjoy working at the charity shop so much - I like my job too and whilst there are rough days sometimes I just feel like I'm hanging out with friends and getting paid for it :D I'm looking forward to FINALLY catching up with ALL your posts!