The Wainwright Stuff

In her recent post, Scarlett of Scarlett Loves Elvis asked what hidden gem we had found while car booting/charity shopping which might be worth a bit more than we paid for it.

I don't know whether it's worth a lot, but I am very excited to have discovered this lovely piece hiding its light on the fancy dress rail of a charity shop.

It's a 1970s black wool maxi skirt by Janice Wainwright. I confess I hadn't heard of her when I spotted the skirt, but I knew the fabric was good quality, the hem is properly edged, and the label looked expensive. So I googled the name when I got home and found some information about the designer here, written by Liz at emmapeelpants, so thanks to her.

The skirt was made between 1970 and 1974, since that's when the Forty Seven Poland Street label existed.

How does it look, 40 years later?

Worn with 1970s silver lurex wraparound top (£5, vintage fair), bangle (from lovely Vix), trashy pearls (charity shop, £1), flash of black bra (free and gratis, you are welcome)

                                          Worn with ancient lurex vest, had it for years.

                                Worn with 1970s lurex cape top (£1.99, I think, Ebay)

This classic early 1970s skirt is obviously demanding to be worn with lurex, and who am I to argue?

Yes, clothes can talk!

Now it's telling me to do a little dance. So I am.



The skirt is in great condition, apart from a few little scuffs on the hem, but there is a down side.

It is soooo long that even at 5'8", I have to wear my killer heels which I struggle to walk in. Though I do love them.

And there's one more thing.

It's too small.

Can't do the damn button up!

Does it matter?

What should I do?

Try Ebaying it? Or wear it, and fashion some sort of loop to hook over the button? Or just leave it as it is, and hope it doesn't fall off at an inopportune moment?

Thanks, Janice. This skirt may not be one of your fancy embellished pieces, but any friend of Ossie Clark and Celia Birtwell is Ok with me, and I'm loving your work.

Take a memo

The rain continues, so I took the unusual step for me these days of wearing trousers today.

I look like I'm off to work as a receptionist in some budget hotel, don't I?

Hmmm, think I'll quit that job and do something more exciting...

                    

That's it, I'm leaving, I'm too good for this.


Ahh, if only I could be remotely employable again!

I did think my 1970s secretary look would be appropriate for tonight's school fundraising group's AGM, but Other Half scored a ticket to see David Crosby and Graham Nash, so I'm home with the kids.

I have volunteered to be in charge of publicity. I thought of being Secretary, but OH thinks I talk too much to take decent minutes. He has a point. But I DO look the part!

1970s M&S pussy bow blouse (charity shop), grey trousers (old work trousers, probably 10 years old), Clarks boots (fair), green M&S mac (Ebay), 1960s beaded bag (flea market), complete lack of employability (all my own doing)



Atta girl indeed!

Oh happy day

Much oohing and ahhing and squeaking were heard on Friday afternoon in this house, on receipt of a fabulous parcel of goodies from the wonderfully generous Vix.

There was a big clue as to who the parcel was from right there on the front!

Check out the great stuff she sent Lakota. Vix's care packages are legendary indeed.

And check out the great stuff she sent me!

A book (love a thriller), brass jewellery which belonged to Vix's mum, tights, stick-on sparkle beads, cute drawstring pouch, and 2 brilliant little toys which were Vix's when she was little. Isn't she the BEST!
Ooh, and a cheeky Playboy card. Don't worry, I won't be recreating the pose.

The kids (including me) adore this little cat who catches the magnetic mouse! And behind, you can just see a 1960s tie-dye wraparound maxi skirt, which I will show in all its glory in another post.

AND - ta da!! A 1950s dress suit - Vix said she found the jacket at a jumble sale a while ago, then found the dress to match just recently. What are the chances? The jumble gods LOVE that woman.

It took sturdy foundation garments and will power, but I'm IN - hence the smug face.

Another cat muscling in on the camera action. The house is full of them!

I was out on Saturday night sporting the dress suit at Sheffield's gorgeous Lyceum Theatre.

The Lyceum was opened in 1897 as a traditional proscenium arch theatre, but closed in 1968. The building was then used as a bingo hall and rock concert venue, before falling into disrepair and closing altogether in the 1980s. Despite its listed status, there were apparently plans to demolish the building, but thankfully it was renovated and reopened in 1991.

It is so beautiful inside; unfortunately, I was told off for taking photos, so had to stop after these two. I should have asked why it wasn't allowed but just put my camera away, I'm so well-behaved. Do you think it was the influence of the ladylike 50s outfit?

A friend had bought me a ticket to see the Soweto Gospel Choir as a birthday present. It wouldn't be the sort of music I would usually go for, but it's good to keep an open mind, and I really enjoyed it. Gorgeous harmonies, great voices, lively, colourful, and full of soul. That's fine with me.


So this Sunday, in a totally non-religious way, I say "Oh happy day" and celebrate, friendship, gifts, beautiful things and places, music, and soul. Amen to that!!

Crazy for paisley

The weather has definitely changed now, with some fierce winds and lots of showers.

If you can guarantee anything in life, it is this: if it is going to rain, it will do so between 8.30 and 9.00am, and again between 3.00 and 3.30pm, just as I trudge to school and back.
I could do that walk blindfold.
I was a bit concerned about the puddle situation this morning, but needn't have worried.

Crimplene is fantastic for being quick-drying, my hem wasn't even wet when I got home!

OK so the Flying Squad suede jacket probably wasn't the wisest choice in the rain, but it goes so well...

 

             
                     Twirling is obligatory in this skirt. It's practically the law.

                    
                         Can't resist showing you my backside, hahahaha!

1970s Co-op crimplene paisley maxi skirt (vintage fair), purple T-shirt (ancient and baggy), White Stuff  linen tie cardigan (charity shop - have you SEEN how much their range is full price?? Would never pay that!), Clarks stack heeled ankle boots (community centre fair), baubles, bangles and beads (charity shops, flea markets or gift).




And finally, these flying ducks have appeared on the gable end wall of a house just up the road. Even in the rain, they always make me smile!

Happy Thursday!

Shake it!

This 1980s dress is a bit mad.

I bought it from Ebay for 99p. The photo was rubbish, really blurry, so I didn't really know what I was getting but figured I'd take a punt. When it arrived all crumpled and sad, I shrugged my shoulders at the small outlay that hadn't paid off, stuck it in the wash, and expected to try and sell it on.

But wait. I tried it on.

And now I rather like it.

Am I crazy?

                                               Love the cape sleeves.

Knee length is good for me, just hides the incipient varicose vein I'm developing.

                                              Wild and colourful pattern.

                 Major rara ruffles going on. They are a bugger to iron...

                                     I see you baby - shaking that ass!

He's sneaking in shot again, attracted by my fabulous dancing, no doubt.

Just humour me, I think the heat has affected my brain.

Which items of clothing are YOUR guilty pleasure?

It's frocking hot!

I wasn't prepared for this little heatwave we are having.

I had my winter legs on - unshaven, since I didn't expect them to be on display for the next six months at least, and deathly white. I like to call it the Mr Tumnus look, but I fear it won't catch on.

Oh and covered in scratches, courtesy of our kitten Charley scrambling up my legs with those baby claws out...

Can't be too cross with him though. Look at him!

So this is all by way of explaining the frock-over-trousers affair I'm wearing.

 1960s floral print dress (vintage fair), white linen trousers (ancient), Art Company wedges (favourites), bangles, sunnies and flower (charity shopped), 1970s beaded bag (flea market), leg hair (unseen, grew it myself).

You will be relieved to know I have since rectified the situation, and slapped on a wee bit of fake tan to take the blueish edge off the pins. Just in case you were wondering.

Had a lovely morning chatting with pals, as I often do on a Friday, then a quick charity shop dash, where there was nothing really inspiring, but I did find;

                               I do like old padded coat hangers. 30p each.

          

          Bright pink opaques, £1. Ready for when the legs need covering again.

Cleavage enhancer, £2. Hahahaha! Not for me, that would be ridiculous. They will be a prize next time the girls and I do the pub quiz. The quiz is so difficult, we never win. By way of  consolation, we have a little lucky dip of prizes which we bring along ourselves, and whoever gets the most correct answers wins the lot! 

Hope all you lovelies have a hot'n'happy weekend!

Triple pleasures and treasures

 So Saturday saw an unprecedented cornucopia of vintage loveliness here in Sheffield.


Three events, all on the same day, and I was there - without kids, hurrah!

First up was this one, where I bumped into several folk I know, including the lovely Elodie.

I know Elodie as she has gorgeous twin girls in the same year as Smallest Child. But I did NOT know she is an artist who produces amazing quirky illustrations with a wry humour. AND she is the epitome of French chic, in addition to her talent.

 All manner of retro loveliness. And a wall of misery pic there for Vix's collection.

Next was Judy's Affordable Vintage fair, which has events all over the country. I did most of my shopping at this one.

                            Wondrous vintage frockery as far as the eye can see.

 

How I adored these maxis, but I couldn't do the zip up on any of them. Damn those bosoms!

That's the joy of  vintage linens - they always fit! Tablecloths, pinnies, tea towels and crocheted blankets galore.

 Oh look, it's that kid with her puppy again, and a fiery Spanish senorita. This stall was brilliant. And look there, who is that titian-haired minx in the middle?

              Remind you of anyone? But of course, it's Her Royal Hotness, Helga!

 Sarah would love the poncho. This stall had gorgeous things.

The third and final fair, with this lovely young lady helpfully pointing the way.

 More more and yet more. I think even I was flagging by this point.

So what on earth did I buy?

                                  

                                  1960s homemade maxi dress, 1970s dolly dress, and 1960s button-through shift dress

                                                       1960s floral dress, 1970s lurex wrap blouse

Everything fits but not sure they are all keepers. I will style 'em up and you can let me know what you think.

And what did I wear for this vintage marathon?

1970s angel sleeve maxi (Ebay), blue beaded necklace (mum's), 1970s beaded peacock bag (flea market).

I do look tired, don't I? I was. The dress drew quite a few compliments, despite the tomato and basil soup I managed to drip on it at lunch. Grubby bugger. Didn't even notice till I got home. 

And I have next door's waste pipe coming out of my head (nice) due to Eldest Child's poor photography skills. She needs lessons from Desiree's Stylist.

Just for all you cleavage whores out there... And who among us isn't?

Or as Middle Boy likes to call it - Boob Crack. Charmed, I'm sure.

Don't tell the PTA. I'll be kicked off for indecency. Hahahahaha!