What a way to make a living

What do Cary Grant, the Visible Man and I have in common?

We can all be found in St Luke's new charity shop specialising in vintage, of course!

 

 

I am loving my time in this shop - it's just right for me. 

I'm working full time, we're still building up our team of volunteers, and there are lots of things to tweak and adjust and develop. I'm waking up in the small hours of the morning with ideas and plans and Things To Do. I'm knackered, but I'm so happy to be there. 

1960s black/metallic dress (shortened by me accompanied by much swearing, it was tricky to preserve the shape and the pattern at the hem while sorting out a previous poorly-sewn remake) - charity shopped

Boots - retail

 

Gotta love a job where wearing flamboyant vintage clothes is not only acceptable, it's positively de rigeur. 

 

I'm being a terrible blogger at the moment - parachuting in with a me me me post, having failed to leave any comments on your blogs for days on end. I will rectify that soon, I promise, but right now I need my bed and I have yet another list to write for tomorrow...

 

(I'll just pop over to Patti's to join the Visible Monday gathering before I go.) 

See you all soon!

xxx 

The only way is up

You don't need me to tell you that life is full of unexpected twists, turns and contrasts, and last week provided me with some perfect examples.

By birth, I am a country girl, but by inclination and choice, I'm happily urban. Still, I do appreciate living in a green city with plenty of parks and woodland to explore, and having the beauty of the Peak District on Sheffield's doorstep.

The Y1 trip to Ecclesall Woods was great; we made Andy Goldsworthy-inspired art, admired the bluebells, and enjoyed our picnic.

Negotiating public transport with 82 kids was a challenge, but one which was managed with aplomb. I am always full of admiration for the hard work and enthusiasm of the teaching staff with whom I volunteer. 

And the kids are pretty cool too!

There's no denying that I felt disappointed about missing out on the charity shop deputy manager post last week; however, there's been a further twist in that particular tale. 

I have been asked if I am interested in the same role but at a different shop, and I certainly am. I'll find out more next week, but there might just be a happy ending after all.

Claudia, Owen and Nina - everything charity shopped or hand-me-downs, apart from shoes

Me - 1970s top - gift from Vix

                 Silk palazzo pants - flea market

Denim jacket, 1960s bag, most bangles and 1970s tiger's eye pendant - charity shopped

Striped bangle - gift from Fiona

 Sandals - retail (sale)

So the kids have broken up for half term, it's a Bank Holiday weekend, and I think I've finally landed a job - let's go out and celebrate!

You can tell we were giddy...

Claudia and Nina - Selfie Queens.

A good night was had by all.

We're lucky to be able to hop on a bus at the end of the road, and head in one direction to find woods and countryside, in the other to access our city centre.

Extreme window cleaning is definitely not the job for me...

1970s St Michael shirt, suede waistcoat, shorts, sequin beret and shoes - charity shopped

Tights - gift 

 And while I am a committed dress and skirt lover, I do occasionally feel the need to ring the changes.

 Claudia says I'm pinching her style, she's been rocking the playsuit-and-tights look lately.

Naturally my version has some Seventies' influence going on.

Nothing wrong with learning from our kids, is there?

I think I'd better link this post to Judith's next Hat Attack, even though I'm early; I may not wear a hat again before June 1st, and I hate to miss it!

And now I'm off to follow the twists and turns in your lives - what's been happening?

xxxx

The flowers that bloom in the Spring

I'm not quite sure where that week went but it's flown by, and here we are at the weekend again. Yippee!

This is what I wore on Wednesday; a customer in the charity shop admired my dress, and told me I was very on trend with my florals. She'd clearly read the same Observer fashion article as me, so we had a bit of a laugh about that. 

 

 

 

I must say I like my dress far more than the pieces selected to accompany the article (above) and at 99p from Ebay, it was a great deal cheaper. 

(Incidentally, that blue top on the right, the polo shirt with the hardly-floral-at-all print? Topshop, £85. Can you believe it?)

 

 

1970s maxi dress - Ebay

1960s jacket, shoes, belt and bangles - charity shopped

1960s carpet bag and necklace - gifts

1960s brooch - The Queen's Drawers

 

 

No one puts on a big blobby rose pattern before striding into a boardroom and closing a billion dollar deal, writes Alice Fisher. 

 

She might be right (although there are a whole load of assumptions begging to be questioned in that sentence) but since boardrooms and high-flying deals aren't really my thing, I'll happily continue to wear my beloved floral prints. 

As it happens, the world of employment, if not exactly the boardroom, is beckoning; I've applied for a job as a charity shop deputy manager. I'll keep you posted.

What else is new?

Well, this dress is - new-to-me anyway. It has glittery gold lurex stripes, huge sleeves, and I love it. 

Thanks, Em, what a great gift!

1970s Dumarsel maxi dress - gift from Emma

Hat, necklace and bangles - charity shopped

1960s beaded bag - car boot

Ankle boots - community fair

 

 

This little Wade cutie was too sweet to leave in the 50p basket in a charity shop. 

He's Scamp, from Disney's Lady and the Tramp (1956).

 

 

I found a vintage sheet for a couple of quid which would make a lovely dress. If I ever get round to doing some sewing...

There are forget-me-nots all over my garden...

and tulips...

and cats.

Just how I like it.

Have a great weekend, everyone!

xxx

Armful of moss

Boys.

Funny creatures, aren't they?

Seldom Seen and his friends seemed to enjoy the birthday sleepover, with its zombie movie, snacks, XBox games, and a ridiculously late night.

They all chose to sleep together in the living room, lined up on the rug like sardines in a tin, with a motley collection of pillows and cushions, sleep mats, quilts and sleeping bags. I can't believe they were comfortable, but I left them to it.

A Stern Voice was eventually required to get them to settle down and go to sleep. I do a good Stern Voice.

I seem to be gearing up for activity.

I've been planning our school's Christmas fair again, sorting the posters, put a notice on our local online forum, sussed out an ad for the events column of the local paper, been to buy the gifts for Santa's grotto, and set dates for more shopping, cooking, and gift wrapping. I won't be able to help on the day this year as I will be working, so I feel I should do as much as possible beforehand. 

And I start work at Debenhams next Monday.

Phew.

1960-70s Tricosa herringbone/lurex maxi skirt - antiques centre in Matlock

1970s suede jacket - street market, years ago

Orange top - jumble sale

Cardigan, 1960s vinyl/tapestry bag and bangles - charity shopped

Boots - Ebay

Necklace - gift from Gisela

The weather is distinctly autumnal, and so am I today.

I love how my garden goddess appears to be carrying an armful of moss.

I feel the same way. But I am trying to view the various tasks and responsibilities on the horizon as opportunities rather than burdens.

It's only moss might be my mantra over the coming weeks...

On Saturday evening, we all went out for a Chinese meal to celebrate Seldom Seen's birthday;

Dim Sum for the Dim Son.

The food was delicious.

Littlest tried her hardest with chopsticks.

I blame Miley Cyrus for the tongues.

So that's me.

I feel a bit.. oh I don't know - on the cusp. 

Of something new. 

And it's a good feeling, albeit a slightly daunting one. I'm going to be busy, and I am essentially a lazy arse, so we will have to see how that plays out.

Thank you so much for all your good wishes and encouragement - I really appreciate your support.

xxxxxx

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

Are you being served?

Ground floor:

perfumery, stationery and leather goods, wigs and haberdashery, kitchenware and food.

Going up...

Would you give this woman a job?

 

 

 

She's fairly bright, can string a sentence together, has a smattering of social skills, turns up on time, and is willing to work for minimum wage, while smiling and burying her natural bile and sarcasm deep within for the duration of the working day.

 

 

 

I passed my telephone interview on Monday, and I have been invited to a Recruitment Event tomorrow, which involves group and individual interviews.

Since I usually dress like this...

 

... I drew a bit of a blank in my wardrobe when searching for some suitable interview wear.

 

So I panicked, and went and bought something new.

 

It still has its tags on, I might change my mind and take it back, but so far, I'm thinking it's OK.

 

Vix suggested wearing my green 1950s jacket, and who am I to disagree?

I know I can't go for an interview for a high street store dressed head to toe in vintage. 

And I know that if I am offered a job, I will be expected to wear a uniform. 

And I don't want them to write me off from the get-go as a maverick who can't play by the rules. 

 

But I also feel the need to keep just a little bit of me in the mix. 

1950s brocade jacket - Second to None

Betty Jackson Black @ Debenhams dress - retail, sale (linking cos I want a job)

Shoes and bangles - charity shopped

Micromosaic brooch - charity vintage sale

I might swap out these tights for nude fishnets or sheer black; I might take off the fabric tie belt that came with the dress and add a narrow green leather one.

Over-thinking it? 

You betcha.

The last interview I had was 3 years ago. 

 

It was for a job which I should have been able to do with my eyes closed, linked as it was to my old career in mental health. The role was well within my professional skill set and experience.

The panel of interviewers had a sheet in front of them where they ticked a box as I said what they wanted to hear. As the interview progressed, I was aware that they were looking at me, and not ticking anything. 

 

I, quite literally, did not tick m/any of their boxes. And there was me, thinking that was merely a metaphor...

So, err, yeah, I'm feeling a bit anxious. Forgive me.

 

I want not to care. I want to laugh about it, and be dismissive of a recruitment process which seems disproportionately intensive for the position of temporary shop assistant .  

 

But I also want the job. 

 

I want to get back into paid employment, to have half a hope of starting again as a working person, with earning potential. I want my kids to see me as able to do something other than cooking and ironing. Only Eldest (just about) remembers me as a working mum.

(As always, no disrespect to stay-at-home mums intended at all. Only speaking for myself, no judgment implied about anyone else.)

1970s maxi dress - gift from that divine cover girl Helga

1970s English Lady lurex blouse - Ebay

Sandals and necklace - retail (sale)

Bangles and belt - charity shopped 

 

I thought I would get my vintage colour on today, to get it out of my system before tomorrow!

 

The blouse was a freebie; I bought the matching maxi skirt on Ebay, and the seller included the top in the parcel, which was kind.

 

 

So here I am, pondering the elements of good customer service, what skills I have to offer, and how to sell frocks. Or bras. Or toys. Or sheets.

Wish me luck!

xxxxx