Dolly Day Dreaming

Busy busy busy this morning; shopping for the food for the school Christmas fair next week, and finalising volunteer lists.

Now, I must confess I didn't wear this to Lidl and B&M Bargains (affectionately known round these parts as Bum Bargains). 

 

I spotted this fabulous 1970s dress in a charity shop on Monday for a mere fiver, and a quick underarm to underarm measurement with Mrs M McCalman's tape measure indicated that despite being labelled a size 14 (that's about a 10 in today's money), it might be OK.

OK?

It's more than OK, it's discotastic!

I am pleased as punch that it fits, it's going to be my Christmas party frock.

I just need to be invited to some parties now.

And be able to attend (work is already interfering with my social life; that's no good, is it?)

But for the purposes of trying on and showing off, I swanned about in the garden in a disco Dolly Day dream, with added feathers and sequins.

 

 

 

1970s Dolly Day maxi dress, most of the bangles, hairband, shoe boots and feather boa - charity shopped

Rings - had them years

Sequin clutch bag - gift from the divinely inappropriate Helga 

 

 

 

 

I know, I know - I was all grumpy about wearing black for work.

But it's amazing the difference a chiffon frill and some diamante can make. I feel love!

Flower? Starburst? Dandelion clock?

Thank you for being so supportive and encouraging while I moaned on about about my new girl angst. I know I'll get the hang of it and feel more competent at work soon. I'll stop whining now and just get on with it!

So what disco classic might be the soundtrack to your weekend?

Staying Alive?

Boogie Nights?

Ain't No Stoppin' Us Now?

More More More?

Car Wash? 

 

 

 

Whatever you're dancing to, I hope you have Good Times!

xxxxx

 

Sure makes me wonder if you know what you're looking for

Like Vix, I am working my way through my wonderful Nottingham finds from last week, and thoroughly enjoying it!

I just love the waves on this lurex maxi skirt - or are they snow-capped mountains?

What do you see?

I don't wear black as much as I used to, but I can't ignore its attractions completely. It has such potential for drama, especially when worn with red.

This dress wasn't a Nottingham find, but a recent Ebay purchase.

I have been slowly selling off bits and pieces from my wardrobe, things which weren't worn or loved enough to earn their place, so I treated myself to this little 1970s beauty of a frock, justifiable at a mere £3.50.


 And on the subject of black, I have found three vintage Little Black Dresses in charity shops recently.

Clockwise from top left;
1970s floral disco dress - Ebay
1960s sequined evening dress
1960s shift dress
1970s David Butler by Pressler chiffon disco dress 


Loving that David Butler label! This dress fits but doesn't particularly flatter, so will have to move on to its forever home via Ebay.

But oh it does remind me of Baccara!

Today's outfit isn't quite disco, but has a little 70s Spanish flavour going on.

1960-70s Go-del London lurex maxi skirt - Hopkinson's, Nottingham
1970s red blouse - gift from Tania
Waistcoat, bangles, necklace and beret - charity shopped
Boots - Ebay
Black hair flower - gift from Sarah

A surprising development this week;

after yet another phone call to Debenhams' HR centre, expressing my concern at the lack of courtesy shown by no one bothering to contact me after my interview, I received a call from the store, offering me a job!
Doubtless they would have been content to continue ignoring me had I not persisted in hassling them...

But beggars can't be choosers, I need to get back into employment, and this is a start.

 The job in in the Menswear department; much as I'd like to see myself as young Mr Lucas, I fear I am more Mr Grainger these days.

 But you'd buy your man's boxers from me, right?

This evening, we have a house full of 9 and 10 year old boys; it's Seldom Seen's 10th birthday tomorrow, and four of his pals are coming for scary films, popcorn, and a sleepover.

Wish me luck.

Have a wonderful weekend, whatever you're up to! 

    xxxxxx

Le Freak, c'est chic

This wonderful 1970s Droopy and Browns dress might not be entirely weather-appropriate, but I was warm enough with the addition of a trusty faux fur coat and gloves.

I thought about wearing it to the 70s party last weekend, but decided more colour was required for that occasion.

I also thought I might sell it on Ebay, but now I've worn it, I've decided it's definitely a keeper.

 

It has pockets. And the original tie belt.

 

It's completely see-through, so a vintage slip underneath is necessary.

 

 

 

 

But its floaty, blowing-in-the-wind drapey angel-sleeved gorgeousness just makes me feel...

 

 

 

...like dancing.

Yes Sir, I can boogie.

Excuse the cat's tail sneaking into shot, Jess wanted to dance too. 

 

 

 

 

Ok, so not quite such a glamorous animal companion as Bianca's, but you can't have everything.

 

And l have some really cool friends, look.

 

1970s Droopy and Browns dress, sequin beret, shoes and bangles - charity shopped

1970s beaded peacock bag - Ebay

Flower and necklace - retail (sale)

Speaking of cool friends, have I told you lately that I love you?

'Cause I do.

From time to time, I have an acute sense of myself as Odd One Out in my real life.

It's obvious that I dress differently from a lot of people I know, but it's more than that. 

I do wonder if the differences in my outward appearance are a manifestation of the other ways in which I don't fit in with the prevailing views, the consensus. I find myself amazed that people question so little and accept so much.

Which is why I appreciate my blogging friends, especially those who aren't afraid to have an opinion, to take a risk, to stand out and be visible and original. Those who don't feel the need to hide their intelligence, their confidence and self-esteem for fear of being seen as big-headed.

 

There have been a few incidents lately which have had me asking myself, where do I belong?

And the answer is right here.

 

Thanks, darlings. 

Now freak out!

  xxxx

Back to my roots

I don't think I will ever live anywhere other than Sheffield. I have been here for 30 years this year. I consider it home, even if I will always be an off-comer to real Sheffield folk.

I headed north to attend university here in 1982, and never left. Before that, I lived in a small town in rural Buckinghamshire. I cannot imagine being able to afford to live there now, even if I wanted to. Coming to a big city was exciting, daunting, but ultimately where I felt at home. I'm an urban kind of girl.

I wish I could have worn this outfit to my first ever visit to a nightclub. It must have been 1978 or 1979, I was 14 or 15, and the nightclub was called Peaches, in Milton Keynes. That probably tells you all you need to know... Oh the glamour. Studio 54 it was not.

My wardrobe seems to reflect all the styles I wish I'd been able to wear but was either too young, too scared, or too poor to afford. But it shows it's never too late!
  

                     I found this fabulous 1970s lurex angel sleeve top on Ebay for £1.04. Bargain! Isn't it disco-tastic?

I always wanted a faux fur coat when I was young - they seemed so glamorous. My mother's wardrobe - and consequently mine, until I had some money of my own - was all about being sensible, serviceable and straight. Dull. My eldest sister had her fair share of maxis, lurex, platforms and floppy hats in the early 1970s, and I thought she looked great.

                                                      I'm making up for my sartorial deprivation now.

                                                                            You should be dancing, yeah.

                                                                       What you doing on your back?

For the 30+ years it's been since that song came out, I'm sure I've been singing What you doing on your butt? Lyric sites have informed me that is not correct. Who knew? Is it on your back or in the back? Is it saucy? Oh those Bee Gee boys...

                                                        If you're not John Travolta, don't bother asking.

1970s lurex top (Ebay), Fenn Wright Manson silk flares (flea market), beads and bangle (Hottie Helga), trashy pearls, feather headband, 1970s faux fur jacket, sequin beanie (charity shops), 1980s suede bag (won it in a quiz!), disco moves (years of hard work and dedication)

I can't quite remember what hideous concoction I wore to Peaches. I seem to think it involved a pencil skirt and seamed stockings, which doesn't seem very appropriate. I have obviously spent periods of my life dressing quite oddly, but by mistake. Now I do it on purpose and it feels so much better!

This is the label in my top, so I had to choose this song. I may never go back to my roots, but I will always love a bit of disco!


                                              So zip up your boots and have a great weekend, Disco Divas!
                                                                                    xxxx