If I made you feel second best, I'm so sorry, I was blind

If something doesn't make you feel fabulous when you wear it, get rid of it.

Most of you will probably recognise Vix's Law!

Patti has also written in a recent post about the clothes that make her smile.

 

And I agree. Why would you wear things you don't like?

 

 

 

 

I love this 1970s dress, and always feel great when I wear it.

Bold and bright, what's not to love?

 

 But I do have more difficulty with the it's OK elements of my wardrobe. While I don't wear anything I dislike, I do have absolute always-a-joy favourite pieces, and others which are... OK. 

Is it acceptable to have a second tier? I feel I am betraying them, those poor lower-ranked clothes, which are perfectly decent, and I do like them, I just don't... adore them.

 

Are clothes like children (or cats); must they all be your favourites?

Case in point; this 1960s dress.

 

 

I like it. I like the print, the colours, and the integral collar/ pussy bow.

But...

the fabric is a bit scratchy, it irritates me, it's see-through, and I don't have a short enough slip to wear underneath. I don't wear the dress very often, and when I do, I am reminded why it languishes in that so-so second rank.

 

 

1960s dress - community fair

1960s knit coat - vintage fair

Cardigan, beret, bangles and 1970s bag - charity shopped

Boots - retail (sale, ancient)

But when I look at it objectively as an outfit with the 1960s coat, I think it looks good.

Does anyone else have trouble with the also-rans, the it's-fine-even-if-it's-not-perfect brigade? Or are you all ruthlessly clear about what stays and what goes, moving on any item which prompts the merest hint of discontent?

 

I feel rather irritated by my own indecision.

 

 

 

1970s Shubette dress, cardigan, 1960s petticoat, beret, bangles and necklace - charity shopped

Boots - Ebay

Flower - retail (sale)

 

This one's a keeper. 

 

Eldest has her beady eyes on it, she asked if she can have it when I die.

Just for that, I might insist on being cremated in it.

 

 

The girls have shown some interest in these lovely pieces from Val too. The earrings were a prize in her recent giveaway, and she kindly included the necklace and little tin. Mine; all mine. Thanks, Val!

So what do you think? 

 

Does every single item in your wardrobe make you feel joyful and fabulous; or do you have some work-a-day pieces which are pleasant acquaintances, but not treasured best friends? 

And is it always easy to tell the difference? 

 

 

 Feeling fabulous and smiling; oh the power of a red dress!

xxx

I haven't got a stitch to wear

My week has continued to be fairly quiet, but that's no bad thing - from this weekend on, the pace hots up and I need to build myself up to it!

Eldest has her Y6 residential in Scarborough next week; five days away with school friends and teachers, she can't wait. 

My charity shopping this week has been limited to picking bits and pieces up for her, including two pairs of unworn shoes (Rocket Dog and Kurt Geiger, no less), a total of £8 for both.

On my chazzing travels, I often see designer and expensive brands - they usually aren't my cup of tea, but if you want Monsoon, Reiss, Karen Millen, Jigsaw, Ted Baker, etc, you can certainly find them among the tatty Primark and New Look.

 

It's my birthday next week, but we are going out for a celebratory family meal tomorrow, since Eldest will be away (and obviously doesn't want to miss out.)

 

On Saturday it's our local festival, including a car boot, followed by another annual tradition - Park Night!

 

My mates Trace and Sue always celebrate the summer solstice with a few drinks sitting on the hill in our local park. There is a magnificent view of the city from there. It will be my first year in attendance, but I am reliably informed it's a very civilised affair, no Special Brew, Thunderbird or White Lightning, since we are Ladies.

If it rains, we will be in Trace's kitchen instead...

 

I know - it's a glamorous life I lead, rummaging at a car boot, mooching around a little local festival, then drinking in the park.

 

However, in August, I will be attending a truly glamorous event, and need your advice/suggestions, ladies. 

 

My sister is hosting a joint party for my brother-in-law's 60th and my niece's 21st birthday. It will be A Very Posh Do, and the dress code is Black Tie. 

 

I have never been to a Black Tie event before, and don't know what to wear. I have dresses galore, of course, but they aren't really evening wear - or are they? Do the men have to wear dinner jackets or is a decent suit OK? 

This dress, for example - would this do?

Yeah, I know I wore it today to go to Chesterfield and do the school run - why not wear a gorgeous midnight blue 1970s evening dress to do those things?

But is it Black Tie?

I'm about to be 49 - why don't I know this stuff?

 

Help!

 

 

 

1970s Shubette maxi dress - vintage fair

Bangles - charity shopped

Peacock pendant - vintage street market

Turquoise/silver mosaic ring - Pia jewellery (sale, old)

1960-70s stainless steel/blue ring - charity shopped this week (£1.50)

 

 

 

 

Just giving you an idea of how it might look in action on the dance floor...

Apart from planning my weekend activities, dealing with stray greyhounds, bee gazing, and developing a bad case of wardrobe angst, this week brought a delightful surprise in the form of gifts from lovely Jo, who blogs at Joyatri.

 

A fabulous woven belt, a good read, and Men in Crimplene - perfect!

Thank you, Jo - I hope we can get together during your next stay in the UK.

 

You may make your own jokes about my retro bush.

(Oh dear, there go the search term stats again...)

 

And I look forward to hearing your thoughts, experiences and advice on Posh Dressing.

xxxxx

A little bit of Yorkshire, and a whole lot of frock

Frocks.

Can one have too many?

Ok, Ok, I hear ya! Of course not!

Although ever-baffled OH did say to me the other week, "I'm not being funny, but have you got a dress for every day of the year?"

Now let me think...

No. But I'm working on it.

The siren call of the Perfect Red Dress cannot be ignored.

Shubette 1980s-does-50s (I think) shirt dress, floral cardigan, bangles and necklaces - 
charity shopped
Leopard print T-bar shoes - Ebay
Hair flower - Boots sale


Don't tell me you would have left this baby, complete with its original belt, languishing on the rail in the charity shop...

...because I don't believe you!



As I have mentioned previously, I am by virtue of heritage a country girl (generations of farmers behind me) but by inclination and choice a city dweller. 

But I like to think I can appreciate a bit of rural charm, so the kids and I headed off to North Yorkshire at the weekend to stay with my dear friend Patsy and her family.

Photo courtesy of Eldest.

We were at the Kilburn White Horse, outside Thirsk, with a whole lot of God's Own Country* going on in the background.

*Lots of places in the world claim this title, probably with greater justification, but in the UK it's Yorkshire!

Littlest took this one.

Seldom Seen Kid and Patsy's daughter were born a day apart.

I know you can't see the horse's head, but you get the idea.


And after the steep climb up to the top and a walk back through the woods...

...ice creams were in order.

We had a lovely weekend. Visiting the country is great.

Just don't ask me to live there!


 Hope you have started the week in good spirits, my friends.

And a great big heartfelt thank you for all your kindness and concern about Littlest after my last post. She and I are touched by your responses. She is doing just fine now. 

  xxx