Black Velvet

Charity shopping. 

You just never know what you'll find, and it's the unpredictability that I love.

The RSPCA shop in town isn't that great; in fact, I've never found anything worth buying in there before. But it pays to persevere, because I discovered this vintage velvet jumpsuit nestling among the dejected Bon Marche and Primark cast-offs. 

Thirties glamour? I can do that.

I've been faffing about looking at images of vintage jumpsuits on the internet in an effort to date this one. My immediate thought was that it is pure 1980s; the slashed/off the shoulder neckline and blingy gold rib, buttons and buckle seem to speak of that decade.

However, the flared legs, stretch velvet fabric and definite referencing of the 1930s lead me to suspect it might be a late Seventies piece.

I love this 1970s photo of Farrah Fawcett wearing Halston. 

  

1970s Canadian-made Joseph Ribkoff velvet jumpsuit, 1960s turban, sandals, brooch and bangles - charity shopped

Necklace - gift from Vix

 I know, I know - it doesn't matter, but I enjoy being a dating pedant, can't help myself. 

What do you think? 1970s or 80s? Turn-on or write-off?

Bowie certainly loved the drama of a catsuit...

and Seventies Elvis is synonymous with a white jumpsuit.

And if it's good enough for the King, it's good enough for me.

Black velvet with that slow southern style...

I'll be taking my turban to Judith's Hat Attack.

Three posts featuring black clothes? Whatever's up with me? Expect colour in my next post!

 xxx

Bathing belle

If anyone had suggested to me, five years ago, that there would come a time when I would willingly post photos of myself wearing a swimsuit on the internet, I think my response would have been a robust and expletive-riddled denial.

How times - and people - change.

I haven't been near ironized yeast, any extra pounds are probably the result of too much beer, and the ability to reveal my 51 year old self in a swimsuit, I put down to the confidence-boosting effects of blogging.

I would love a genuine vintage swimsuit, but have yet to find one that fits me properly. So the pressing need for a new cossie drove me to the high street; I'd been putting it off. A lot. I doubt very much that I am alone in finding shopping for swimwear something of a challenge.

This one came from Debenhams, in their 30% off sale. It's got a vintage vibe, I love the ruching and the flirty skirt, and the halterneck straps are detachable. And it isn't black. 

I'm really happy with it.

(No sponsorship or freebies going on here - I bought it with my own money and everything.)

Vintage swimwear inspiration...

and some fabulous hats too.

Swimsuit - retail (sale)
1950-60s straw hat- flea market
1970s platform shoes, 1960s raffia bag, 1960s turban, sunglasses and bangles - charity shopped
Necklace - gift from Gisela

 

 Turban power...

next time, I need to add a whacking great brooch to the front of mine.

1960s Sherman of London maxi dress

I've mixed up the eras in a hopelessly chaotic fashion here; 1950s-style swimming costume, 1950-60s hat and bag, 1960s dress and 1970s shoes. Oh well.

I'll be wearing my turban to Judith's Hat Attack; I do hope she won't consider me under-dressed for the occasion.

I know I'm horribly behind with my commenting.
Work - it's playing havoc with my schedule.
Tomorrow - I'll have the mother of all catch ups tomorrow, honest!

xxx