It ain't easy for a circus girl

Yesterday was spent having a very long wait to be seen at Sheffield's NHS Walk-In Centre.

Littlest has another skin infection. It's an occupational hazard with her skin condition*, and I have become adept at knowing when we need to get antibiotics for her. I have seen how frighteningly fast her skin can break down if we don't get her some treatment immediately, so I don't hang about.

She's fine. That kid is a bloody trooper.

But I found myself feeling a little downhearted about it all.
Which doesn't serve any purpose, I know. If she can live with it, then so can I.

(* Bullous Ichthyosiform Erythroderma/Epidermolytic Hyperkeratosis)

And what do I do when the going gets tough?

Dream a little dream of another life and play dress up!

                    

(There isn't a video for this song, but play it as a soundtrack for the post if you fancy.)

While we were at my sister's, she took us to see the fabulous Giffords Circus. It's a small traditional circus run by Nell and Toti Gifford, who develop a new show with a different theme each year.

The band.

Their sassy, sexy Victorian bordello styling has been my inspiration!

There was no chance that the frilly bloomers weren't going to make an appearance, was there?

 Beautiful Nell, taking a breather during the interval. It was hot in that Big Top!

Feathers? Yes please.

I found this corset top in a charity shop yesterday, as we pottered around town after we had got Littlest's meds. Serendipity or what?

Gratuitous boob shot!

Wild West cat house chic!

Giffords Circus stars.

It was a fantastic show, warm and funny (no clowns), skillful and quirky. The girls joined in the dancing at the end, Seldom Seen Kid refused but agreed to a pic with Mama.

Circus costumes - 1980s Stirling Cooper sheer skirt, wigs, feather fascinator and lace-up boots (Ebay)
Ann Summers corset, bowler hat, tights, petticoats and bangles (charity shops)



This post is dedicated to all those who are struggling.

With their own stuff.

With the stuff affecting loved ones.

With troubles.

I know dressing up doesn't change anything. But just for a moment I'm on top of the world.

Just for a moment, I'm a circus girl.

xxx

Homage to the original Sassy Vamp

A while back, the wondrous Helga did a post entitiled "What would Desiree do?" She wanted to add some va-va-voom to a frock, and recognised that our favourite Sassy Vamp has many an excellent styling trick up her sleeve.

So when I received a Parcel of Joy from Desiree this week containing one of her famous (now for sale) headbands, I knew I wanted to wear in it proper Desiree style.

                                                                I too found myself pondering...

                                                                    ...what would Desiree do?

I think she would probably start off like this. Desiree loves a bit of underwear-as-outerwear so the frothy petticoat is perfect. And we know she has taken lessons in double-bagging from Rough Vera.

She likes to confuse the onlookers, so a ladylike 1950s blouse (back to front in this case for added craziness) works well. And we all know she has a touch of the exhibitionist about her...

                                                     Ooh la la, what do we find beneath the frou-frou?

We find a few more ruffles, that's what!  I sent Desiree a red pair of these, but kept some royal blue frilly pants all for myself!

It caused great amusement on Chesterfield market. Can you believe I found two pairs of 1960s frilly knickers, on the different stalls, on the same day? One for Desiree, one for me!

              Sooner or later, the dress/skirt/trousers have to come off if you're inspired by Desiree. It's the law.
                                                   

                                                      I do apologise - I don't know how that happened!

                                         A gal needs sparkly tights, high heels, and major accessorizing.

Here is the glorious headband in all its purple magnificence.And a bit of cleavage. Sorry about the uninspiring light switch in the background - how very Readers' Wives...

A gratuitous boob shot never goes amiss. The silver necklaces are from charity shops, the wonderful skull necklace is handmade by darling Zumba-hot-bod Krista. Boob Crack - all my own work.

                                  The kids can play along too. Especially when the outfit matchy-matches!

Oh sweetness. She popped on a bit of lippy for the photo shoot. And applied it as I would after a few pints too many....
  

Thank you, Desiree. Thank you for your inspirational, no-holds-barred fabulousness. You are a delicious woman and a lovely friend. I salute you in appropriate fashion...

                 Who doesn't want to grab their own arse when they are bedecked in flowers and frilly vintage nylon?


                                                                              xxxxx