On books, business, and a broken heart

An unplugged weekend was good, although I subsequently had a lot of catching up to do; all your blog posts, plus Strictly, X Factor and Downton, phew! 

But I'm up to date now, and it was great to spend lots of time with my nose in a book instead of being in front of a screen (although truthfully I find pleasure in both activities.)

Books are wonderful things, I am steadfastly a paper-based reader, and our house is overflowing with them. I understand the appeal (and space-saving virtues) of a Kindle, but nothing beats the tactile experience of a book. 

You can't write an inscription on a Kindle, can you? 

 I rarely buy my books new or full price; this little selection were either bought from charity shops (St Vincent's sell paperbacks for 50p each, Barnardo's have an offer of four for £1.49), and a couple were picked up for free from a box left outside a house on the way to school. 

In the light of my ongoing wardrobe review, this dress has presented me with a dilemma.

Angela Holmes' designs for her Droopy and Browns label, launched in 1971, are increasingly sought after and command high prices on Ebay. I found this dress in a charity shop (of course); although it represents something of a departure from Holmes' typically flamboyant and feminine styles in colourful printed cotton or velvet, I don't doubt it would sell well if I put it on Ebay.

I don't wear it often, yet whenever I do, I fall in love with it all over again; with its sheer, floaty, angel sleeve-y disco-tastic goodness. With its pockets. With its matching tie belt, still in place.

So just this once, I'll let my heart rule my business head. 

I'm keeping it!

 

1970s Droopy and Browns dress, velvet jacket, bangles and ankle boots - charity shopped

Necklace - vintage market

Brooch - car boot

Tights - retail (sale)

This 1970s lurex knit dress didn't make the cut; it's nice enough on me, but not fantastic, so off to Ebay she goes. 

The tan leather bucket bag, however, is staying. For now, at least.

We're in a bit of a state of anxiety here at the moment; our Minnie is missing, we haven't seen her for over 48 hours. The neighbours haven't spotted her either.

We're all hoping like mad that she reappears safe and sound, and I'll do a leaflet drop along the road tomorrow asking everyone to check their outbuildings, but I have a very bad feeling... She's never, ever strayed far before. 

We miss her very much.

xxxx

Colour my world

January.

Not my favourite month, but I am trying not to be miserable about it, and it's never a good plan to wish your life away. Not when you're probably over half way through it. (I'm 50 this year, it's got me thinking!)

Colour, that's what I need. Colour, print, and a vintage frock.

 

The girls and I headed into town to the Crucible Theatre on Friday evening.

 

 

 

Oliver! was great. I am not the biggest lover of musical theatre, but the production and performances were strong, and of course I know all the songs. It's been such a long time since I saw any live theatre, I had forgotten that wonderful sense of excitement and expectation when the house lights go down and the music starts. 

 

I know Littlest looks as though she's nodding off. She wasn't, she was just being a twit. She was actually saucer-eyed, and because she didn't know the story, she was horrified that Nancy was murdered. 

source

I was rather taken with the Dickensian street girls' costumes, and feel I may have to do my own Oom Pah Pah tribute post at some stage. So there's something to look forward to.

 

I am also inspired to read some Dickens for the first time in 30 years. I'm an English Literature graduate who has never read Bleak House, and that's a bit shameful.  This year, I am trying to intersperse my usual reading with the occasional Piece of Literature I Should Have Read But Haven't. 

 

I started with Heart of Darkness, because it's short. I'm aware of how shallow that sounds, but it's the truth!

 

On Saturday, we went out for brunch, taking in the River Sheaf and a playground along the way.

 

 

 

 

 

As you can see, Seldom Seen's new specs have been glued back together, and he is rocking them. Give him a sharp 1960s suit and a gun, and he's Harry Palmer.

1960s Tom Jones for California maxi dress - vintage fair

Cardigan, bangles and necklaces - charity shopped

Boots - Ebay

 (The peacock feather bangle was a gift but I can't remember from whom... Was it you, Princess Tan-Tan?)

 

 

 

There is stew with dumplings in the oven for tea, as befits our first major frost of the season (my poor camellia will suffer even more) and a chilly day. 

Homework has been done (albeit painfully).

The week's plans include a PTA meeting, tidying up (Must Be Done), an attempt to sort out the Cupboard of Doom (ditto), and maybe some sewing.

Rock'n'roll!

 

 

 

And what better way to start the week than by meeting up with Patti and her friends for Visible Monday? 

 

See you there!

 

xxxxx

 

Church Picnic Dress #2 and a backlog of treasures

I thought I would show you another of my Church Picnic Dresses (CPD - who needs Continuing Professional Development? I need frocks instead.)

And as it happens, I did indeed wear this to a picnic - nothing to do with church though.

 

 Littlest's year group had a picnic in the local park yesterday, and I was one of the volunteers walking them from school and back, and enjoying sandwiches and chat in the sunshine.

The Women's Institute is only a matter of time...

Yeah, the look on my face says it all.

Although I shouldn't mock, a friend told me that the local branch of the WI has a massive waiting list, so I couldn't join even if I wanted to.

(And I only wanted to do the fundraising topless calender anyway. I might suggest it to the PTA, what do you reckon?)

Let's move away from the boobs, and on to the booty!

 

How pleased was I to find an almost-matching red 1960s vanity case to go with my blue one?

Very bloody pleased.

 

In the same charity shop, a week or so later, I bet they were donated by the same person. 

I buy all my tights from charity shops (yeah, I realise now the Cosmo ones are upside down...)

The groovy 1960s Martyn Fisher packaging was worth the 50p, even if the tights themselves are crap.

Oh and that's a pretty tablecloth. I have just the one table. But oh so many cloths.

But then I also have just the one body and oh so many dresses.

Sadly this beautiful 1950s dress doesn't actually fit on that body, so it's currently for sale on Ebay.

No issues of fit with books.

Gorgeous Janet and Anne Grahame Johnstone fairy tale illustrations (published 1967).

 

Cute pics from the 1971 Robin annual.

Hey, there's Sarah (bottom left) and Vix (bottom right)!

And here is Jackie's 1977 advice to "Fatties" - You need to be extra careful about what you wear... You'll find dark colours always look best.

Skinnies, Mediums or Fatties, it seems we can all get it WRONG!

I took the quiz. I haven't got what it takes, apparently. Which explains a lot.

Glorious 1960s Meakin plates...

 

...and groovy 1960s Midwinter too - all from Joseph's 3-items-for-£1 stall at the flea market.

The fabric behind is a 1960s curtain.

Last one (I had quite a backlog);

 

1960s Metamec clock - so stylish, loses time like a bugger;

1950s glass vase;

cottons;

1970s St. Michael mini slip.

 

 

 

 

 

Thanks for your help, Charlie.

1980s-does-50s shirt dress, belt and bangles - charity shopped

Sandals - retail

Sunburn on my upper chest - despite the Factor 50, I always burn there! 

 

 I clearly have absolutely no need to buy anything at tomorrow's flea market.

However, I am going with 3 blogging friends who may have other ideas.

I'll let you know how Chesterfield copes when Vix, Tania, Annie and I hit town!

   xxxx

She looketh well to the ways of her wardrobe

Moving swiftly on from my WW2 Rationing Chic attire, I thought I needed to pull something a little more exciting out of the wardrobe today.

Don't want to bore you lovely ladies, you might not come back - and I would really miss you!

I have had this 1960s maxi for ages but rarely wear it.

 

It fits well, has a fabulously funky geometric print, I love the colours, and you know I can't resist a maxi - so what's the problem?

 

I'll tell you.

That high neck is the problem.

It poufs out at the front, which irritates me, and I hate high necks - I do not possess anything with a turtle/roll neck. I don't like the feel of them against my skin. 

 

I know, I'm just a little freaky like that.

 

I wondered if I could cope better with the neckline if I shortened the dress into a mini - perhaps there is just too much of a good thing with that mad print?

 

But then I undid the back zip a little way, and turned the neck in to see how that would look, and I

am much happier!

Now I just need to alter it...

Any advice/assistance gratefully accepted. Since the zip goes right up to the high neck, I think I would have to take it out and replace it with a slightly shorter one, or just move the whole thing down.

Help!

There was a little snow on the ground from yesterday, but we have had lots more today, after I took these pics.

 

 

1960s D L Barron Crimplene maxi dress - flea market

Cardigan, bangles and faux fur coat - charity shopped

Boots - Ebay

 

 

 

 

 

I must say a big thank you to my lovely blog friend Kylie, who is always so kind and thoughtful and sends delightful gifts.

She sent me this hilarious tea towel, safe in the knowledge that I always looketh exceedingly well to the ways of my household.

And the Ladybird book covers contain an assortment of cards made from Ladybird illustrations.

Thank you, Kylie - you are a treasure!

It's been a slim week on the charity shopping front, but I did pick up a funny little object today for £3.

It's a carved wooden sliding book shelf with hinged ends.

Not particularly rare or amazing, but I like wood, and I like books.

 

The books on it are some of those I bought for the kids this week - the first two Twilight novels for Eldest; Charlie Higson,  Anthony Horowitz and Harry Potter for Seldom Seen; and Paddington Bear stories for Littlest.

 

All between 10p-£1.

 

I am so relieved the kids like to read, I am more than happy to scour the charity shops to feed their enthusiasm.

Have a fabulous weekend, my dears - try and keep warm or cool, depending on the conditions!

   xxxx

English Ladylike

A couple of you were kind enough to liken my recent purchase of an English Lady maxi dress to Missoni.

 

I thought the same, the woven zig-zags on the skirt of this 1970s dress are very reminiscent of Missoni's trademark patterns, like these lovely vintage pieces (found on Google images);

I did once find a 1980s Missoni dress in a charity shop, which I sold on Ebay. But since that kind of lightning is unlikely to strike twice, I am more than happy to wear my English Lady version.

 

 

 

At £8, I suspect it cost a great deal less than any genuine Missoni items I might admire on Ebay or online vintage retailers.

This English Lady needs her faux furs at the moment.

What's the weather like here in the UK?

Bastard freezing, as Vix the Walsall Weather Girl would say!

Luckily this dress is lined, quite heavy, and very warm.

 

1970s English Lady maxi dress - Chesterfield flea market

Boots - Ebay

Cardigan, hat, bangles, and Silver Fox faux fur coat - charity shops

Pendant - gift from Lie Detector Joni

 

Here's a close-up of the lovely Limoges pendant from Joni - adding a soupcon of French romance to the English Lady!

On my trip to Barnsley this week, I picked up yet another coat. 

Do I need any more coats? 

No, I don't. 

But it was a 1960s wool Eastex coat for £3 - what was I supposed to do?

I know the Pyrex whores out there will appreciate the snowflake dish (yes, Em, I'm talking to you!) and I can't resist a 1950s annual.

You may want to heed some of the advice therein, about growing up (old) gracefully.

 

You're welcome.

Thank you to all who played along with sorting out the truthful wheat from the shameful chaff. 

I think I may change my name to Fanny.

Enjoy your weekends, my darlings!

    xxx