And you may ask yourself...well, how did I get here?

You know me and the dreaded post-event slump syndrome; I am struggling to drag my head down from the top of The Shard, and my heart back from the 1980s, and am feeling a little melancholy and reflective in the process.

 

 

 

 

 Bizarrely, I have developed a painful neck strain over the past couple of days; it's the price you pay for looking back, obviously.

Or it's the result of carrying my bag at the weekend, and a shitload of shopping on Sunday, take your pick.

Either way, thank goodness for Ibuprofen.

 

 

A delicate wisp of a 1970s frock in a soft watercolour print suits my delicate, wispy state of mind.

It came from my local hospice charity shop's Vintage Corner, which often has something tempting to offer.

 

 

Thankfully, they haven't put the prices up; the vintage Irish linen peacock tea towel, 1970-80s sheer blouse, Miracle pendant, and green plastic beads set me back the princely sum of a fiver. 

 

I consider that cheap therapy.

 

 

The kids are on half term holiday this week, so we did a spot of shopping, Nina admired the various souvenir dolls in the 50p box, and then we went to the cafe for a drink.

1970s sheer angel sleeve dress, denim jacket, belt, bangles and tights - charity shopped

Necklace - gift

Boots - retail (sale)

 

The tote bag was made by darling Tania from 1950s barkcloth and gingham - delicious!

So yes, I am settling back into my everyday existence after a sweet taste of the high life, and a large helping of nostalgia.

 

 

I suppose it's inevitable that a reunion like ours will stir up memories, and provoke reflections on the person I was then, who I am now, and whether there is someone else I might have been, an alternative path I might have taken to a different destination.

Generally, I think I am happier in my skin now than my younger self ever was. I spent a lot of time at university, and afterwards, feeling scared, inadequate and intimidated. I rarely feel like that now. I know what I'm worth.

 

A fiver spent in a charity shop and a cappuccino, apparently!

 

While I do agree with Socrates that an unexamined life is not worth living, one can have enough of navel-gazing (and I'm not going to compare my twenty-something belly to the almost-50, had three babies version...)

The here-and-now is where we live, isn't it? Better get busy enjoying it!

xxxx

Think I'll flip a coin, I'm a winner either way...

... I feel lucky today!

 

In the past week, I have been fortunate enough to receive four - FOUR! - parcels containing fabulous gifts from delightfully generous blog friends.

Sweetheart Leisa sent me the gorgeous 1970s frock I am wearing, a 1980 souvenir tea towel, a beautiful scarf, a tray cloth/doily embroidered with daisies and a bluebird, and lovely assorted jewellery.

And the cutest card!

Darling Tania sent wonderful fabric, jewellery and black pansy seeds, plus a Freckleface card, of course.

Heavenly Hottie Helga was insanely generous, and sent four amazing vintage frocks, a crochet bag, and a naughty book, to be passed on to Mme Le Derriere;

And then the lovely Cristi sent me a pair of her unique Kiss Me Kitty leggings, in the most amazing 1960s-inspired print.

See what I mean?

Lucky lucky lucky.

Thank you, ladies, I am always touched by your presents, dears.

The dress is a sheer delight - I might have to put a slip underneath it for public consumption, but for knocking around at home, a see-through frock is just fine!

I had my big old granny pants on anyway, so move along, there's nothing to see here.
 

Buddleia against a blue sky...

... and lavender for the bees.

1970s dress and necklace - gifts from lovely Leisa

Belt, hair flower and bangles - charity shopped

Sandals - Ebay  

Willow update:

You can still see the cloudy area of damage on her left eye; I didn't take any photos of her eye at its worst, but trust me, even the less squeamish amongst you would have winced. This is sooooo much better, and she doesn't seem bothered by it in the least.

We have one last appointment with the vet next week, when we should be getting some steroid eye drops, then we have done all we can.

Lucky Wills, to escape with her eye still in place.

(Not-so-lucky me, look at all that ironing overflowing from the washing basket...)

Good weather, good friends, plenty of lie-ins, and a Turkish restaurant lined up for dinner out tonight.


Ironing apart, I do feel lucky.

My measley hair flower is a poor contribution, but I so wanted to join Judith for her very first Hat Attack link up, so I'm sneaking in at the back, hoping none of the spectacularly be-hatted ladies will laugh at me.

Littlest gave me a card she had made this week...

 

...with this note inside;

Not quite what I would have listed as my skill set, but hey, I'll take it!

Lucky Littlest, to be the proud owner of the Best Mum Ever!

Hope you all have a lovely weekend, whatever you're doing.

  xxxx

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

For what it's worth

After more snow overnight, we trudged valiantly up to school this morning.

"Last one up the hill's Captain Oates!"

By the time I got back home, packaged up some Ebay sales, and had a coffee, I wanted to take advantage of the picturesque conditions for a photo session.

Yep, channelling Stevie Nicks again.

It's obligatory in this skirt, I'm afraid.

1980s Stirling Cooper sheer pleated skirt and boots - Ebay

1980s peplum jacket and silk blouse - vintage shops

Headpiece - gift

Assorted bangles - charity shops and markets

Red flower - retail  Black flower - gift from darling Sarah

Necklace - bought in Zakynthos many years ago 

No - I confess I did not do the school run in this outfit.

Sheer skirts and burlesque headpieces would garner an excess of side-eye in the playground...

Serviceable home front tweed again.

Come on - it's cold!

And I do love this 1970s wool coat, it has more than repaid its £10 price tag.

Jess and Charlie enjoy playing in the snow.

Charlie hides under the foliage and jumps out to chase any unsuspecting passerby, myself included.

More snow is forecast. 

I just knew this skirt and jacket were made for each other.

I might wear them for my night out on Friday (a friend's birthday).

And the miniature hat - bugger the side-eye!

I'm linking up with hostess-with-the-mostest Patti, since I'm feeling particularly visible this Monday.

And at the risk of appearing to be some Stevie Nicks obsessive, I'm posting this video because her outfit in it reminds me of mine, and because she looks so much like my new blog crush, the very talented and stylish Tamera - take a look at her blog profile pic and see for yourself!

And look!
 I've reached 200 followers!

Thanks to everyone who pops in, to those who comment and those who just pass through.

I appreciate you dropping by! 

xxxx