Hold tight, we're in for nasty weather

The UK's weather has been dreadfully wet for most of this winter, and today is no exception. Add gale-force winds to the mix and we are in for a stormy night. Hope the slates and chimney pot are still on the roof in the morning...

 

I was despairing of getting outside to take any photos, but managed to dash out when the rain slowed from a downpour to a drizzle this afternoon.

I was forced back indoors though; I'm really not keen on taking my photos in the house, but needs must.

 

Dress, cardigan, bangles and leggings - charity shopped

Boots - retail

1970s apple necklace - flea market

 

 

I was volunteering in school today, and although that doesn't mean I have to tone down my outfits, I have found that sitting on tiny chairs and squatting down next to little kids  rules out very short or very long dresses. The kids tread on my maxis, and one of my flouncier skirts ended up draped over the back of a chair when I sat down, showing rather more of my backside than any 6 year old needs to see. Thank heavens for granny pants and thick tights.

My chazzing drought continues; I went to five with my mate Jo on Tuesday, and didn't find a thing. 

Thankfully, blogging has brought me into contact with wonderfully generous friends who source vintage treasures for me which see me through the hard times. Look what lovely Shelley sent me!

A floaty dream of a 1970s Tricoville dress, and a 1970s Canadian-made wool maxi skirt. Of course I love them both, and couldn't resist giving the frock a quick try to show you.

It's my third Tricoville dress;

 

the 1970s frock on the left was a gift from darling Vix, and the one on the right is part of a 1960s suit (I seem to wear the matching coat more than the dress, it's that pesky turtleneck that bothers me.)

So does that constitute a collection? I think so.

 And if you search Tricoville on Google images, I pop up in the results, which makes me chuckle. Our Vix is usually the Queen of Google images, she's everywhere! 

 

 

 

 

 Thank you, Shelley, these are the perfect gifts to cheer up a rather gloomy day.

 

And thanks go to Sacramento too for being kind enough to include me in her latest Stylish Friends round-up. I'm below Vix and next to Jan, and Sara, Senora Allnut and Mel are in the mix too. Lovely.

 

Hope you are keeping warm/dry/cool wherever you are!

 

  xxxxx

 

 

Don't be so scared of changing and rearranging yourself

This weekend has been one of throwing up my hands, rolling my eyes, and muttering darkly about best laid plans...

It started well, with a gorgeous meal and good company at Zeugma's Turkish restaurant on Friday night, but I forgot to take photos.

And I enjoyed my trip to the hairdresser's on Saturday morning, but forgot the card and gift I had bought for Kirsty, who is about to go on maternity leave. (I'll have to pop in with it next week.)

I didn't go to St Mary's vintage fair, as it's actually happening next weekend.

I'm blaming this bloody peri-menopause for my increasingly frequent memory failures. 

And we didn't watch Life of Brian on Saturday night as arranged, since Eldest got an invite to sleep over at a friend's, and forbade us to watch it without her. Bossy madam, don't know where she gets it from.

I was looking a bit creased and crumpled by the time I got home on Saturday, but at least my hair was freshly be-Titianed and bright.

1960s mini dress - Second to None
Tights - charity shopped
Boots - Clarks' sale


But oh these are difficult weather conditions for a blogger...

...gloomy, windy and raining one minute; followed by bright sun; then blowing a gale.

And you thought I was joking about throwing up my hands in frustration!

I went for the 1960s dolly bird look again today, although the only piece of authentic 60s charm in this outfit is the handbag.
And me, of course, I'm vintage 1964.

Tunic dress, necklace and bangles - charity shopped
Kiss Me Kitty leggings - gift from Cristi
Boots - retail (sale, ancient)
Beret - gift
1960s vinyl bag - Ebay


I don't know if I'm loving the shorter length on me; I want to like it, and will defend to the death a woman's right to wear any length of dress she damn well pleases. And it's good to change and rearrange, I don't want to wear maxis or cover my knees all the time.

In my imagination, I am a carefree 60s chick, swinging down the street so fancy-free, all mile-long legs and bobbed hair.

In reality, I feel a bit more like Georgy in the book and 1966 film Georgy Girl, trying hard but not quite getting it right.

I loved the theme song so much when I was a kid (still do) that I named one of my dolls Georgy.

When I got round to watching the film later in life, I identified with the character of Georgy, played by lovely Lynn Redgrave, all clumsy awkwardness, not fitting in or measuring up.

Not many women could measure up to the gorgeousness of Charlotte Rampling as Meredith.

 

I recommend the film if you haven't seen it.

So the weekend's schedule might not have turned out quite as intended, the outfits might be dodgy, the photos dodgier still, and the weather's been a bugger, but that's life, no? I am hereby reserving the right to get it a bit wrong, to laugh, and then get on with it.

And comments on my blog like this one just make me snort with laughter:

Alan Abraham said...For more information on Facelift Surgery Delhi, please visit http://www.skindelhi.com/facelift.html

Thanks but no thanks, Alan, but how kind of you to drop by!

I'll be linking up one of these thigh-flashing looks with Patti and friends for Visible Monday; nothing like some clashing prints and a mini for high visibility!

Do watch this clip of the film's opening sequence, it's charming and funny, and you have my permission to sing along if you like!

xxxx

Dressed to kill, and guess who's dying?

Further to our discussion about clothes that make us feel good (or perhaps express how good we already feel about ourselves?), I have thoroughly enjoyed wearing this dress today.

A late 1950s/early 1960s cocktail dress for the school run? But of course!

 

I might have been drinking coffee rather than Cosmopolitans, but I felt fabulous nonetheless.  

 

You can't really tell from these photos, but the fabric has quite a sparkly sheen to it, which adds a certain glamour. But such is my reputation as That Mum At School Who Wears Odd Stuff that no one bats an eyelid anymore.

 

 I had a pretty frugal January, despite weeks of scouring the charity shops and local flea market. I don't know if I've lost my chazzing mojo, or if I am being more discriminating, or whether it's a reflection of the slim pickings on offer.

It really isn't like me to come home from Chesterfield flea market with two big bags of fruit and veg, but not much else.

Still, the lemons were massive (you ought to see the size of the butternut squash!) and the daffodils were cheap; I'm greatly looking forward to reading Agent 6, and watching Life of Brian with the kids, I think they will love it.

I popped into town this afternoon, on an errand to buy Eldest some new Scouts trousers; the poor kid has been squeezing herself into her old ones until she can no longer do them up, and the hems are flapping around her shins. I was chuntering about the price of the uniform, but there was a half price sale; excellent.

 

 

 

 

I am blaming Patti and Val et al for what happened next... I bought these boots! Well, you all encouraged Patti to buy her Doc Martens, so I took courage from that and went for it.

Yes, me; buying new boots, in a proper shop and everything. They were reduced, naturally. I have been on the hunt for some tan knee length boots for ages and not seen any I could afford or liked enough.

These will do very nicely. I like how they take a fancy-ish dress down a notch, and I am sure I will wear the hell out of them. Be prepared to get sick of the sight of them!

1950-60s cocktail dress - vintage shop (sale)

1960s vinyl shopper - Ebay

Cardigan, tights and bangles - charity shopped

Boots - Clarks (sale)

Necklace - gift from Val

 

 

I have come to the conclusion I can allow myself a second tier of clothing, which I like very much even if I don't feel The Truly Madly Deeply Love. 

 

It's the same with books, or songs, or films. There are examples of these whose merits I thoroughly appreciate, but they aren't in my Top Ten. And I think that's OK, it doesn't mean I can't read/listen/watch and enjoy.

Thank you for all your comments on the subject, I love to read your thoughts and opinions.

I am out with friends tonight for a Turkish meal; a visit to the hairdresser is scheduled for tomorrow, and I might pop into St Mary's vintage market for a browse.

And if we can make time for Life of Brian, so much the better! 

Have a good one, whatever you're up to!

xxxx

If I made you feel second best, I'm so sorry, I was blind

If something doesn't make you feel fabulous when you wear it, get rid of it.

Most of you will probably recognise Vix's Law!

Patti has also written in a recent post about the clothes that make her smile.

 

And I agree. Why would you wear things you don't like?

 

 

 

 

I love this 1970s dress, and always feel great when I wear it.

Bold and bright, what's not to love?

 

 But I do have more difficulty with the it's OK elements of my wardrobe. While I don't wear anything I dislike, I do have absolute always-a-joy favourite pieces, and others which are... OK. 

Is it acceptable to have a second tier? I feel I am betraying them, those poor lower-ranked clothes, which are perfectly decent, and I do like them, I just don't... adore them.

 

Are clothes like children (or cats); must they all be your favourites?

Case in point; this 1960s dress.

 

 

I like it. I like the print, the colours, and the integral collar/ pussy bow.

But...

the fabric is a bit scratchy, it irritates me, it's see-through, and I don't have a short enough slip to wear underneath. I don't wear the dress very often, and when I do, I am reminded why it languishes in that so-so second rank.

 

 

1960s dress - community fair

1960s knit coat - vintage fair

Cardigan, beret, bangles and 1970s bag - charity shopped

Boots - retail (sale, ancient)

But when I look at it objectively as an outfit with the 1960s coat, I think it looks good.

Does anyone else have trouble with the also-rans, the it's-fine-even-if-it's-not-perfect brigade? Or are you all ruthlessly clear about what stays and what goes, moving on any item which prompts the merest hint of discontent?

 

I feel rather irritated by my own indecision.

 

 

 

1970s Shubette dress, cardigan, 1960s petticoat, beret, bangles and necklace - charity shopped

Boots - Ebay

Flower - retail (sale)

 

This one's a keeper. 

 

Eldest has her beady eyes on it, she asked if she can have it when I die.

Just for that, I might insist on being cremated in it.

 

 

The girls have shown some interest in these lovely pieces from Val too. The earrings were a prize in her recent giveaway, and she kindly included the necklace and little tin. Mine; all mine. Thanks, Val!

So what do you think? 

 

Does every single item in your wardrobe make you feel joyful and fabulous; or do you have some work-a-day pieces which are pleasant acquaintances, but not treasured best friends? 

And is it always easy to tell the difference? 

 

 

 Feeling fabulous and smiling; oh the power of a red dress!

xxx

Come on, come on, let's work together

 

Today's sunshine convinced me it was warm enough to wear a denim jacket to take the kids swimming and go for a coffee in our local Turkish cafe. 

 

 

 

 

 And with the addition of a woolly beret, scarf and gloves, it was! 

 

Jess agrees.

Charlie, on the other hand, was happy to lounge on the sofa. 

Tickle that tummy at your own risk.

I don't like to grumble...

(That's patently untrue, I like a moan and a rant as much as the next grumpy git.)

 So; 

 

Our little PTA group put on a fundraising cake sale last week, which obviously relied on donations. I made 2 big cakes and 2 batches of cookies, and helped set up and serve. The school hall was packed, and the four of us who were (wo)manning the stall were very, very busy. Yet still, some parents complained that they had had to wait a long time to be served (the queue was huge) and there wasn't much choice when they finally got to the front.

What can you do? I wanted to ask them if they had donated anything, and if they would be available to help out next time; I didn't, for fear of sounding irritated and confrontational...  I don't know whether to laugh or cry at the parents who say they can't help because I've got the kids with me. As though those of us who do help don't have any children. Or who say But I work; I am the only non-working member of our group, everyone else has a job.

 

What makes some people into volunteers, either of their time, produce, or goodwill, and others into takers-not-givers? It is a source of endless bewilderment to me that a really large primary school like ours (500+ kids) has such a small proportion of parents willing to take an active role.

Have we moved so far away from a sense of the collective, of shared endeavour and responsibility, that we view ourselves, our families, as self-supporting islands, with no need to contribute to something which benefits others? That makes me sad. I'm an old school socialist, can't help it, I believe in groups, in society, in fairness and sharing and helping. 

 

I am, apparently, a dinosaur.

Right; that's got that off my chest. 

Onwards.

My double-dating partner Connie asks in her latest post what our favourite things are at the moment; one of mine are the snakeshead fritillaries in my garden. And my lone little grape hyacinth, bravely popping its head above ground. And the daffodils pushing up through the ivy.

 

 

 

 

 

 Sunshine in winter is always good too, though it plays havoc with one's blog pics. 

 

 

Best to just lean back for a minute and enjoy it.

 

Denim jacket, suede waistcoat, bangles, beret and scarf - charity shopped

1970s peasant blouse - Ebay

1960-70s Debroyal maxi skirt - vintage fair

1980s boots - Second to None

Leather gloves - gift

 Jess - Sheffield Cats Shelter 

 

 

We've had a busy weekend; a house full of giddy 8 year old girls for a sleepover on Friday, and a wonderful meal out last night at our favourite Chinese restaurant to celebrate the Year of the Horse, and positive reports for Eldest at her parents evening, and SSK winning the class shield for his recent Learning Logs! It looks as though the time spent being more supportive over his homework is paying off; he is so much more motivated and proud of his work. And well done to his teacher for understanding that he needed some recognition for his efforts.

Hope everyone has had a good weekend!

xxxx

Two of a kind

I took some outfit photos a couple of days ago but didn't have time to put them into a blog post; 

then I took some more today, and it occurred me that the two looks are pretty much the same, apart from the colours...

See what I mean?

But that's OK, I suppose most of us do versions of similar silhouettes and styles.

For me, this week at least, it's been all about knee length skirts, fitted waists, boots and berets.

This version is 1970s French Schoolgirl Chic;

Cardigan, top, 1970s St Michael skirt, beret and bangles - charity shopped

Boots - retail (old)

Brooch - flea market

Necklace - gift from lovely Leisa

This one is Left School and Got a Job in a Bar on the Rive Gauche.

Top - street market

Skirt - flea market

Vest (just seen) and bangles - charity shopped

Belt, tights and boots - retail (ancient and/or half price)

Beret - gift

I did wear a maxi in between, but the photos turned out badly, I couldn't use them.

Well, I could, but my ego won't let me.

 You know that line in the song Maggie May; "the morning sun when it's in your face really shows your age"...

Well, that was me. Delete, delete, delete.

I don't generally think of myself as particularly vain, but I don't want to post photos of myself looking really awful. We all choose the images we think are the most flattering, surely? Is that vanity, or just good sense?

I went to four charity shops on Tuesday, and came home with a pair of tights. 

I've been so thrifty this month, I'm shocked at myself.

I've been out at the pub quiz for Trace's birthday tonight; we did appallingly. It was so difficult, it wasn't even funny. Though of course we did laugh, a lot. And at least I knew that Vincent Furnier was Alice Cooper's real name. One of our team said who's Alice Cooper? 

Is it any wonder we lose?

Cats on the prowl, and snowdrops. It's been wet and windy, but so mild, the garden seems to think it's Spring. 

I feel as though I have dragged my way through January, without much enthusiasm or oomph. That's no good, I'm boring myself here, never mind you lot. Must Do Better.

 I'll be linking this post to Judith's next Hat Attack on Feb 1st. Hope to see you there!

Edited to add; linking to Sacramento's Share-in-Style too. Rive Gauche Goes Gothic!

xxxx

Hold onto yourself, Bartlett, you're 20 feet short

                      

It's been a quiet weekend; I felt like staying home and drinking tea and reading and relaxing and watching films, rather than braving the wet and wild conditions outside.

So that's what I did. 

I passed up a jumble sale and a vintage fair. What's wrong with me?

 

 

 

Actually, nothing. As much as I like to browse, I knew I wasn't in a position to buy anything, and it felt quite liberating to let these events go on without me. 

I need to get selling again on Ebay before I can consider buying, and I never bother with January, it's been horribly slow in previous years.

 

 

 

We watched Chitty Chitty Bang Bang with the kids; I can't remember when I last saw it, it must have been when I was a child. I have to say I don't rate the songs much, but the kids seemed to enjoy it.

The real movie joy this weekend was watching The Great Escape with the Seldom Seen Kid. The girls weren't interested, but it was  great fun to watch such a familiar movie with someone seeing it for the first time. Simon and I kept saying ooh, this is a good bit, and asked him to guess who gets away (he was right about Danny, Willie, and Sedgewick, but gutted that he was wrong about Hilts.)

 

 

 

And we had a discussion about our favourite characters. You can keep Steve McQueen as Hilts the Cooler King; it's James Garner as Hendley the Scrounger all the way for me!

 

We are compiling a list for future film nights; SSK has quite eclectic and grown-up tastes, so we can extend the range beyond kids' films and action adventure movies. Some classic thrillers might be good, and not-overly-horrific horror and sci fi.

What else?

In culinary news;

 

I've tried again to make decent shortcrust pastry, always a challenge for me; Eldest (a fan of The Great British Bake Off) criticised my soggy bottom...

Homity Pie. Tasted good, but I think my hands are too hot for pastry. 

Any tips?

 

 

 

Minnie watched the rain from the safety of the back of the sofa, and tried to catch the raindrops.

 

 

1950s tweed jacket, cardigan, tights, scarf, beret and bangles - charity shopped

1970s dress - vintage shop (heavily reduced because it needed repairing)

Boots - Ebay

Leather gloves - gift

 

 

 

These photos were from earlier in the week, a day when the sun put in an appearance.

 

On this week's agenda;

 

  Littlest joins Cubs, there's a PTA fundraising cake sale at school, a parents' evening for Eldest, a night out for Tracey's birthday, and a sleepover at the weekend as a belated birthday treat for Littlest.

It's going to be busy. Hope my cakes turn out better than my pastry.

 

I'm joining in with all the Visible loveliness over at Patti's.

 

 See you later! 

xxx