Shorts story

I've had a day off today and have been extremely thankful for it. I'm tired, a bit run down, and slightly jaded. Tomorrow morning's lie-in will be a real treat.

Ooh, how's that for a moany opening statement? You can tell I need an early night.

This is the jacket I bought for 2 Euros at a flea market in Amsterdam.

Sorry to disappoint you, but I didn't buy the Breaks The Wind coat;

I just couldn't resist taking a photo of the label.

It's not exactly chill-proof, but I do like my smart little 1980s checked jacket, and at £1.45, it was a bargain. 

It's a funny thing, but while I wouldn't wear shorts or a mini dress with bare legs, I am quite happy to do so with opaque tights. What a difference that layer of lycra makes.

Google 1970s hot pants and you find some fantastic images.  

Such groovy girls!

I bought this 1970s knitted tank top on my day out with Vix and Tania, intending it as a Christmas gift for a friend.

Oops... 

His and hers Harold Ingram tops, 1972.
(source)

1970-80s blouse - gift from Tania 

1970s Harold Ingram tank top, shorts and ankle boots - charity shopped

1950-60s tapestry bag - gift from Emma

I haven't got the energy to chat, so I'll just leave you to ogle Sally Carr's fabulous legs in her hot pants in 1971.    

                

                                                                                                                                                  

If you're old enough to remember it, do sing along!

xxxx

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

Willkommen Bienvenue Welcome

It's been a dull wet Monday.

I needed something to cheer myself up.

 So what would you do if you found these in a charity shop?

Fishnet seamed tights and a rather moth-eaten old bowler hat.

Isn't it obvious?

You would ignore the pile of ironing, the vacuuming, and the endless other domestic chores of doom, and spend the afternoon dressing up as Sally Bowles.

Don't pretend you wouldn't.

I hadn't seen the 1972 film of Cabaret for years, but stumbled across it on TV a while back and stayed up past my bed time to watch it. I had forgotten what a fabulous film it is. And I'm not really a big fan of musicals (apart from Grease!)

I think I like it because it's a musical where the songs occur naturally, since it is set in a cabaret club.
And it's political, sexy, and oh so stylish.

Much like myself....

Velvet longline waistcoat, shorts, fishnets, shoe boots, bowler hat, bangles and beads - all charity shopped; false eyelashes - Ebay

Somebody invite me to a fancy dress party, for God's sake. Or a Sing-along-a-Cabaret!

These ridicilously huge tranny false eyelashes were last seen here. I am definitely a drag queen trapped in a real woman's body.

 I think that's another reason why I like Cabaret - the styling of the dancers in the Kit Kat Club isn't pretty-pretty, they look quite masculine and tranny-esque, sexy but a bit scary...

Much like myself...

That's a joke, by the way. I'm not sure whether it's always clear when I'm joking...

So I heartily recommend ditching your chores, charity-shopping/thrifting something crazy, and spending an afternoon recreating an iconic look. For no other reason other than that you can.


Really, you can.

Divine decadence, darlings!
 

And if anyone from the PTA is looking...

...that isn't me.