Blend in or stand out?

Does anyone else experience the phenomenon of feeling flat as a pancake after having a really great time?

It often happens to me, I get a horrible shit-that's-over-now come-down, leaving me feeling sad and grouchy, and not a little guilty...

Today's outfit is an attempt to shake myself out of my funk.

It was working too, until I tipped the tray loaded with the kids' lunch onto the kitchen floor. And over my feet.

Orange squash-soaked sandwiches, anyone? 

I took pics of yesterday's outfit, but look...

... my dress and the bark of my cherry tree are the same colour. Talk about camouflaged. No wonder I felt a bit drab.

Today - lunchtime accidents apart - is better.

But will whoever keeps sneaking into my wardrobe and letting my hems down please desist?

Another one! I know what I'll be doing this evening.

The kids had a great time with their auntie and uncle, and we all met up on Monday. Tynemouth, on the North East coast outside Newcastle, is a lovely spot.

Great company, fabulous food and drink, gorgeous beach, even some blue skies - wonderful!

So - it's daft to feel downhearted after a lovely time, isn't it? Kind of spoils the experience, if you let it.

1970s Crimplene maxi skirt - Ebay (£2.20, bargain!)

T-shirt, suede belt, necklaces and bangles - charity shops

Not blending in so much today - that's good!

While everyone knows Morrissey's Everyday is like Sunday is the best British seaside song ever (sorry, I will have NO argument about that) and Squeeze's Pulling mussels from a shell is the funniest, I find myself rather fond of Keane's swoony nostalgic tune.


Enjoy.

xxx

A fumble at the jumble

I'm not going to moan any more about my ongoing snottiness. Really I'm not. I'm boring myself with droning on about it.

Instead, who fancies a fumble in the jumble? Me, that's who. There are so few jumble sales these days, I get very excited when I spot one advertised. Although Saturday's event didn't fulfil my fantasies of vintage goodies galore for tuppence ha'penny, I got a few bits and pieces, saw some friends, had a piece of cake, and it got me out of my slough of despond for an hour or so, so it wasn't a complete waste of time.

A lady behind the women's clothes stall picked this 1970s M&S skirt up to show her colleague, while laughing and shaking her head. "Crimplene!" she said with disdain, before chucking it back on the pile. I swooped, it was the only vintage item there, I reckon.

The sheer blouse has ruffles on the front, though you can't really see in the photos. It's cheap modern tat but I rather like it! Skirt and blouse - 20p each.

Tights, silver T-bars and suede belt all charity-shopped. I think the total spend must be around £6 - giving our Kerala-loving Vix a run for her money!

                                            This is what I actually wore today. I needed the colour boost.

1970s Austrian wool blend skirt, belt, bangles and leather shoulder bag (charity shops), boots and 1970s Sarah Coventry owl pendant (Ebay), sweater (jumble sale)

                                          The wise old owl of vintage - may he bring me vintage goodies aplenty!

I had an ulterior motive for going to the jumble sale. Our school fund raising group is holding its inaugural Rumble in the Jumble next month - guess whose idea that was? So I wanted to get a feel for how others do it, dos-and-don'ts, pricing, that kind of thing.

I think we should keep the prices low, we don't want stacks left at the end; we need lots of helpers so people can pay quickly and easily; and a separate area for tea, coffee and good quality cake is essential to keep punters there longer and boost their blood sugar levels (they may return to the fray for another rummage once they are refreshed!)

Any jumble sale aficionados out there with handy hints - please let me know your thoughts. If this one goes well, we could make it an annual event. And I kind of have a point to prove, as I think some of my colleagues think it's all a bit low brow - I need to convert them!

                                                                                 xxxxx

Crazy for paisley

The weather has definitely changed now, with some fierce winds and lots of showers.

If you can guarantee anything in life, it is this: if it is going to rain, it will do so between 8.30 and 9.00am, and again between 3.00 and 3.30pm, just as I trudge to school and back.
I could do that walk blindfold.
I was a bit concerned about the puddle situation this morning, but needn't have worried.

Crimplene is fantastic for being quick-drying, my hem wasn't even wet when I got home!

OK so the Flying Squad suede jacket probably wasn't the wisest choice in the rain, but it goes so well...

 

             
                     Twirling is obligatory in this skirt. It's practically the law.

                    
                         Can't resist showing you my backside, hahahaha!

1970s Co-op crimplene paisley maxi skirt (vintage fair), purple T-shirt (ancient and baggy), White Stuff  linen tie cardigan (charity shop - have you SEEN how much their range is full price?? Would never pay that!), Clarks stack heeled ankle boots (community centre fair), baubles, bangles and beads (charity shops, flea markets or gift).




And finally, these flying ducks have appeared on the gable end wall of a house just up the road. Even in the rain, they always make me smile!

Happy Thursday!