Monday 24 June 2013

Shiny happy people


First things first;
 
thanks for all your advice and suggestions about what to wear for a Black Tie party, and also for your (early) birthday wishes. 
 
I love hearing what you lot have to say!
 



We all thoroughly enjoyed our Italian meal on Friday - I was overdressed, as usual.
 
As previously noted, I have no trouble whatsoever wearing a 1970s evening dress on the school run or out to a local restaurant, but set me the task of dressing up for an Occasion where there are Rules, and I get in a tizz.

(I've spoken to my sister about what is expected for her party, and am tizzing no longer. So that's a relief.)
  


Look at Eldest, posing like a good 'un. 



This is a rather more representative set of images - Eldest tucking in, Seldom Seen excited about his pizza, and Littlest pulling a face, for no reason other than that she can.
 



And this is a pretty typical representation of me too - hair dishevelled after mere minutes, and looking cross-eyed. Thanks to Seldom Seen for the most unflattering camera angle...


Saturday;
our local festival.



Despite the dire weather forecast, it stayed dry.

There was belly dancing, live music, food, loads of stalls and activities, and as always, we bumped into lots of people we knew for a chat. 
 



Littlest made a bee house...



...and joined in with the drumming.

I love the view of our city from up on the hill.
 
We bought sweets from our friend Zander (delicious) and perused the vintage wares at this lovely stall...



...where Teresa was selling all sorts of linens and haberdashery and homewares.

All so pretty - check out her website.

And look what I found;
 


 
my birth year, and gorgeous flowers on pure Irish linen - perfect as an early birthday present to myself!


Now I have to confess that the other big event of the weekend, the infamous Park Night, was not documented. I did take my camera, but got too caught up in the wine-drinking, chat, laughter and foolishness to remember to take photos.

But you can picture the scene - six respectable and responsible mums, pillars of the local community, sprawled on picnic blankets, spilling our wine, nipping off for a wee in the bushes, and cackling at our own ever-increasing levels of rudeness. We had a ball.
 
Probably just as well there is no photographic evidence... 
 
We frightened off the local youth, we're apparently a better deterrent than the Neighbourhood Watch.




I treated myself again today - to this pendant, which happened to match my dress perfectly, and to these;
 




a well-loved reminder of my childhood.
 
All charity shopped, of course.



1960s Davisella maxi dress - Ebay
Denim jacket, cardigan, pendant, bangles and sunglasses - charity shopped
Sandals - retail (sale)





I think this print makes me visible enough to join in over at Patti's usual Monday gathering, and I'll also hanging out with Jane at her inaugural Shiny T Tuesday link-up tomorrow.

I'll be catching up with your blogs this evening, I hope, a couple of days off and I am waaaaay behind with my comments!

   xxxxx



50 comments:

Miss Simmonds Says said...

oh my godddddd, I'm so hungry right now and that looks like such a good restaurant! You look fabulous, could your hair get any more luscious?! Love the mad huge pattern on that dress. Glad you've got the Birthday Bash fashion rules sorted! Littlest's bee house looks very professional indeed, I thought it was something you'd bought. Happy birthday for tomorrow, I'm sure I'll say it again then!! xxxx

Anonymous said...

You look gorgeous in your swirly prints. Love the door front family shot too. Your birthday is coming up soon???

Vix said...

Two bosting dresses there, babe! I couldn't chose between them for fabulousity!
That restaurant looks great and the kids are outdoing their gorgeous mum with their top poses.
Some nights are best left unphotographed, I suspect the next week will be rather similar for us. I'm glad you got pissed, had a laugh and a high old time pre-birthday.
Love your birthday treats especially that spectacular necklace!
Arggghhh...commenting! I was up at 6 to catch up this morning!
Love you! xxxxxxxxx

Fiona said...

SSK's looking like a seriously cool dood outside the front door there. Nice to see kids enjoying their grub, the Italian meal looks delissimo (is that even an Italian word?) and so do you... overdressed or not. The Heeley Festival looks a great day out, sweeties and vintage stalls are right up my strada. I did think of you on Saturday night, sprawling on picnic blankets ?? (I'd have been wrapped up in them with a hottie) but glad to hear you had a raucous time and scared off teenagers. Fabbo SS pendant, you always find such stylish pieces.
Have a brilliant boozy birthday tomorrow. xxxxxxxxx

Max said...

You dont half look amazing un that maxi dress, bloody gorgeous and all model-ey. I second who ever said theyd buy that bee house, me too! Sounds like your having a great old summer, id have loved to have been cackling away with you on the picnic blanket xxx

mispapelicos said...

Beautiful dresses and handsome family happy together in the sun, wowwwwwwwwwwwww.
Life is sweet. Enjoy, dear Curtise.
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

Melanie said...

That odd sound like gargling is me, but it's an expression of verklemptness made in my throat without water at the gorgeousness of you in that last maxi dress!! Better than Neighbourhood Watch. Laughing here! Sounds like too much fun. And your family photos are indeed shiny people, just wonderful, especially with you in that maxi. I'm glad the showers held off for your festival.

Unknown said...

Wonderful pictures of your family. Love your outfits.

Patti said...

you are splendid in your colorful dresses - I love the pucci-print, with the new pendant. And what a glorious family you have, all gathered round the Italian food and looking sweet! Thanks for sharing all the fun with Vis Monday xoxo

freckleface said...

I started to comment about two hours ago...

Two amazing dresses in one post, that is a birthday special!! You look absolutely stunning, really seriously fantastic birthday girl. And your kiddywinkles are the cutest. So sweet. I love that photo of littlest drumming. She's adorable.

So the big day is tomorrow is it? I'm glad you have had such a lovely build up to it. Well done for your performance in the park. Haha, scared the public off. Good work! xxxxx

Unknown said...

OMG! YOU LOOK DELICIOUS AND SO EXCITED TO SEE THAT THIS POST IS BEING LINKED TO SHINY T Tuesday!!! SO birthdays ...tomorrow??? OK you have to message me your address so I can post a little something your way...after all I can't leave my dress sisters birthday ignored now!! if you send it in a comment on my blog then I simply won't publish the comment. happy birthday!!!!! xxxxx

Helga said...

I'm QUITE distracted by that gloriARSE pendant......quite derailed, in fact, as I LOVE it! Beautiful colours, and I love the design...ahem...YAY, birthday girl tomorrow! How splendid to find a calendar teatowel of your very own birthday year! Serendipitious, I call it.
Lovely, lovely portrait of you and your sprogs, first pic.I am thrilled to see Seldom Seen grinning like a loon over his pizza! Pizza has that effect!
Overdressed be MY middle name, who fecking cares?!We just have class OOZING out of us is all. I understand about getting in a tizz, weird as it seems, I would have too!!!
These two splendid frocks have perked up my morning as I sit here with my coat still on over 2 cardigans, a frock (the one you sent) and a T shirt as it is FECKING FREEZING!!!
There. I wasn't going to whine about Winter, but there it is.
Love YOUUUUUUUUUUUU!!
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

Georgia Rose said...

I am the same about occasions! I wear 50s party dresses with sequinned cardis and mary janes to work every day, but when it comes to a dinner date I will FREAK OUT and try on 100 outfits and usually end up wearing something that I don't even like.

Also, it is uncanny how much you look like your gorgeous daughters! My mum and I are the same, we are practically identical and, as I bet you do too, everywhere we go people comment on it.

Krista said...

Look at you with the kiddies!!!! Yummy Italian dinner followed by a local festival, you are such a cool ass Mom. I am smitten with Littlest bee house as with her drumming photo, what a fun day! How fitting days before your bday you found this linen, it's beautiful like you! Is that another Sheffield steel piece it's a beauty and could not go better with this outfit.

Both of these frocks are just so bright and seem to me to just celebrate being alive. I bet all the gals in your hood have dress envy when your around. Maybe even a lil hair envy dang girl your hair is looking extra nice! It's almost your burfday :)
xxxxoooo

The Small Fabric Of My Life said...

Such lovely kids - full of fun.I love your sandals.

Emma Kate at Paint and Style said...

So when is the big day? I have one coming up too. Mine is overshadowed by a certain someone who has hers the day after. It's far more exciting turning seven than forty three.
That is the coolest bee house EVER! And I know about this stuff. :) xxxx

elodie g said...

How funny! We went to the festival too and I bought some 70s elastic band and ribbon from the box you photographed!

Fran said...

I think that your kids have grown so much just since I have been following your blog. Sigh, they do grow up don't they.

Veshoevius said...

What gorgeous kids you have!
And what fabulous maxi dresses! You look wonderful in both - glad also to see that feeling overdressed is not going to put you off dressing up to go out. More of that spirit is needed I think!

Rachel said...

Hee hee, I was wondering about your park night. I think it didn't get documented as it was Too Rude. Well done for scaring the Youth away.

Your birthday pendant is beautiful, and yes, you are joyously visible xxx

OP SHOP MAMA said...

THAT dress is AMAZINg!! The last one. The other is also BOSS>.. Great photo of you and your offspring.
x HB!

silvergirl said...

I am glad you are not in a tiz any longer!
Love the aqua and green dress, the colors just speak to me
I had no idea there were more Mary Poppins books.
I might have to check that out
Brett

thorne garnet said...

yeah to frolicking and frightening off the youth.

I was at a party on Saturday night and did the same thing; forgot to take photos. Who cares, we don't need to have everything on the webs

Love dress 2, and the necklace. I also had no idea there was more Mary Poppins books.

Sheila said...

Hee at your description of your shenanigans in the park with your women friends - you all sound like me and my Winesday crew. I'm sure we'd get along just fine!

Love that pendant - it's just lovely!

Unknown said...

Such gorgeous kids! Looks like you have had a wonderful time lately and looked fabulous doing it!

Jean at www.drossintogold.com said...

I'm in agreement with everyone here!! Gorgeous children, amazing dresses (especially the 2nd one!!!), a rollicking good time to vicariously enjoy, and I LOVED the picture up on the hill. I love seeing where you are.

Your pretty linen calendar is perfect, too. It was a very good year. XXOO

Sue @ A Colourful Canvas said...

So much to comment on, and where to begin? Loved seeing photos of Jess the kit in a previous post. Happy to read that Seve was returned home. Grehounds are always so gentle and shy. It was good that she stepped up to your back door. Loved, loved, your black and white trousers outfit. So very chic! Yup, you totally rocked it. And finally to today. I am completely smitten with the op art, mod dress. the colours, the pattern, the design lines....love it all. You've styled it brilliantly, and your hair looks fabulous!!!

Sue xo

Sue @ A Colourful Canvas said...

Oh, and I forgot to mention how much I enjoyed reading about grown women drinking and weeing in the park. Knw I would forget at least one thing. And the fete, and the children, and Mary Poppins...enough said.

Unknown said...

So many fun things in this post! I love both dresses on you, and especially the latter with the little denim jacket! You look gorgeous and your children are precious!

xx

Anonymous said...

I need to take notes! The things that stand out for me are - your gorgeous children! The yummy pasta Eldest is eating. And that three-part pendant with the turquoisey print. All wonderful!!!

Vintage Bird Girl said...

Oooh I want that pendant....it's perfect in its turquoise glory. The print of that frock is stunning. I'm so glad you had a super weekend. And I hope you are having a blooming marvelous birthday. Much love! Xx

Trees said...

You always look stunning but I LOVE you in that turquoise frock - its to die for!! Also looks like you've been having a blast out and about with the family. Happy Birthday - I hope you have the BEST day. You certainly deserve it xoxo

Señora Allnut said...

lovely maxi dresses, both are so pretty printed and colorful, and you look gorgeous!!, and so fabulous weekend activities, love fairs and markets, and love your pendant!!
Happy birthday, dear lady!!
besos

Vicky Hayes said...

Happy birthday Curtise!!! Glad you had fun - lunch with the family, japes in the park with girls, festival fun and chazzing - what could top that?! LOVE that 60s/70s frock and the pendant! Vicky x

Sarah Jane said...

Oh the Mary Poppins books are beautiful! I know what you mean about not knowing what to wear for things. I never know what to wear for parties where 'normal' people are going to be. I always feel more comfortable with just family and close friends xxx

Melanie said...

Don't you and your wee ones look fabulous! I love the bee box; I asked for one for Christmas a few years ago now and was rather amused when I was presented with a bee trinket box instead! It is though, absolutely gorgeous and one of my favourite things. Happy birthday for today lovely xxx

Anonymous said...

Happy Birthday darling Curtise!!!
What a fantastic day you had!!
Happy kids, sun and delicious food (I'm glad that your family enjoy Italian food, I'll be more than glad to cook for you if you ever come to visit!).You look gorgeous in your maxi dresses and those Mary Poppins books are wonderful!
Lots of Love xxxxxxxxxxxx

Megan said...

Wow! that Davisella maxi dress is such gorgeous colours. Good find on Ebay!

You always seem to have so much going on in your area. Festivals and vintage shows. So jealous!

Unknown said...

Happy Birthday, Young Lady! Good to know you had a wine-soaked giggle-fest ... nothing better. Lovely dresses, and not over-dressing for the occasions. Can't decide which I like best. Nice to have a closet full of fabulous options!
Children all adorable. Lucky you ... my wish for you is that they all grow up into the most lucrative professions and can keep you in the style to which you'd like to be accustomed.

citizen rosebud said...

Amazing. You rock that dress and the dress rocks the world.

Miss Magpie said...

God that pasta looks amazing, thank goodness I've just eaten!

Your frocks are simply spectacular. x

Tamera Beardsley said...

My dear you do your posts ever so well... I always feel as though I have been lucky enough to get a glimpse into your real life. Your festival looks like a very agreeable time... but your Park Night has me wishing I was there. Your friends are darn lucky to know you in real life!

As always my dear... thanks for sharing!

Diane said...

You always look so stunning!!! Where do you find all those gorgeous 70's maxi frocks? The festival looked good - I'll have to try and catch it next year. xxxxx

Connie said...

Maximum happy birthday wishes to you in your pretty maxis. I love seeing you from a kid's eye view. And oh those Mary Poppins!!! The year was 1964 I believe. As one of the better readers at school (math, however, forget about it! ) I was allowed to use the school library on my own and the first book I checked out was Mary Poppins. I then devoured every PLTravers book I could get my grubby little hands on.
And about this time little Curtise was entering the world. Have a fab day.

Flora Cruft said...

What a wonderful portrait of you and your family. Beauty and style clearly run in the family. Wishing you such a happy birthday dear Curtise!

bonsaimum said...

That Davisella maxi dress is WONDERFUL!!!!

two squirrels said...

Yay this is me catching up........Happy happy birthday to one very special and wonderful lady.......
Oh my the pendant is fabulous and the pattern on the dress is soooo 70's amazing.
The get together sounds like a hoot and the description of you ladies all sitting having a great time is enough for us.
love V

Anonymous said...

Probably just as well there are no photos...
Love that vibrant maxi - fabulous!
And littlest bee house is just perfect. xxx

Anonymous said...

Curtise, you and your fam are so sweet, and you look great. Glad to hear you're not tizzying and am looking forward to what you end up wearing to whatever formal function it is that you're going. I love frocks and that pendant is stellar - is it another mod stainless steel make from your area? Nice to hear you respectable Mums got toasted. So jealous! Xoxo

Forest City Fashionista said...

Even though I'm a couple of days behind in the Birthday wishes, they are no less heartfelt! Fecking job keeps getting in the way of my real life ;)

I love the first photo with you and the offspring - a fun-looking bunch for sure. I'm glad you had a nice dinner and got the party outfit expectations sorted out. It is probably best that there is no record of the debauchery in the park. The 60's Davisella maxi is spectacular, by the way!