The elusive perfect vintage maxi dress.

I read the blog of the fabulous Vix and the lovely Curtise and I have seen them find so many beautiful 1970's maxi dresses with a gorgeous gypsy-esque bottom in charity shops.  I've always longed to find one in a charity shop on my own. Such things do not exist in my local charity shops it seems or so it has seemed for at least 8 years. But I'm also fussy because I need it to be cotton, long for a tall girl and not something tight around the arms or armpit area- I just don't like that! Also, I didn't want anything too loud that would make CBC despair of walking with me in it. I wanted something pretty and simple. (Vix manages to find them!)

 So imagine my delight when I spied this floral and black-topped beauty in the Salvation Army in Maldon.  It was in quite the rack of vintage dresses. Most, except perhaps a Jane-Austenesque green dress, weren't to my taste but this was one was the Vix-perfection! It was priced reasonably at £4.99, was 100% cotton, long enough, not my size, nice gypsy-top part in black so not too loud and had a gorgeous floral Chevron effect with polka dots on the black bits and a gorgeous matching belt!

Getting it home, I tried it on and it fitted perfectly and had a great heavy duty metal zip that wouldn't snag. I was happy!  I wore this out on Sunday to lunch near Epping Forest with a simple black cardie and pink accessories including my Nan's vintage pink floral-beaded necklace!

All good things come to those who wait!

xx

Linking to Patti's Visible Monday

I love Northumberland

I write this after spending a week there with my family. They are CBC's family originally, of course, but now they are mine too.

When I saw Punkypins selling off this Northumberland necklace super-cheaply as it was their sample for the photos on the website, I pounced instantly. Luckily, there were no casualties as no one else had expressed an interest.

I love going up there to see our family as I've never quite had that sense of going home to somewhere, except for my year in Bali. I went to University in London and I lived at home for 2 years and only spent one year up there- I could reach home in 45mins.  For the years up until my marriage, I lived in my childhood home. My Mum had moved nearby so her home was not my home to return to as it were.  Now, my childhood home is no longer a place for me to return to as it has sold. I work in the area,

Now, Northumberland is that place for me, that I yearn to return to. I don't know it that well, but I love it.

 It is much more underpopulated than most other counties in the UK and less known but it is beautiful. There is so much glorious countryside.
It is rife with castles and Hadrian's wall of course! History is there to see.
It has red squirrels, a rare breed nowadays in the UK.
It has great fresh air and you can get to Scotland easily.
You can get there via East OR West Coast trains.

Family plays a huge part in it of course. But every time, I leave, I long to return.
Bye, bye Northumberland, I hope to come back soon.

I decided to share the necklace with hearts and flowers. Seems appropriate.

Outfit:

Beret- Primark charityshopped.

Heart sweater- Topshop via Charity shop.

Skirt - Primark,

Leggings- not sure.

Northumberland personalised necklace: Punkypins: choose your county here

Steampunk millinery and other costumes

As I explained in my Tuesday night post, the day I visited the Langdon Museum of Power, it was for a special Steampunk extravaganza.  Sophie and I talked beforehand and thought we wouldn't try to go in costume because we werent sure exactly what steampunk fashion entailed and didn't want to have to go out and buy anything. It was therefore exciting to get there and feast our eyes upon the array of amazing outfits and compare the sartorial choices made by our fellow visitors.  Sophie took some amazing pictures here, mine are very much more grainy, inferior and poorly lined up/positioned, but I'll post them anyway!

The things I noticed about the steampunk were 

• Opulent materials: tweed, taffeta, 
• Bustles, feathers, ruffles, silks, hanging bits
• Hats- top hats, tricorns,some bowlers
• googles/binocular-type contraptions
• Cogs and wheels and cogs and other machinery embellishments
• Victorian and Edwardian-looking garments
• Dark colours
• Bodices and waistcoats
• Quirky accessories or weapons
• Frockcoats, capes and corsets
• Canes

It was all very dandy and elegant!

 Leather details and ribbons were in abundance.

 Feather, chiffon scarves and lavish embellisments

 This man had embellished his hat in a myriad ways- clock face, feathers, bincoulars, cogs, keys, ribbons.

 One of the events of the day was a reading of a novel by a Steampunk writer who read extracts of her book- loved her goggles and bustle

 One of my favourite hats was this musical collage- netting, musical notes and ribbons aplenty.

 I loved this fancy lace bustle

 The engine driver cap look featured highly too!

 Let's take a closer look at her vintage wine carrier.

 And there were several examples of piratical chic too!

I forgot to mention some of the fun events you could sign up to:  Umbrella jousting, biscuit dunking, altered art books and steampunk brooches. I managed to bag a place on the Steampunk brooch workshop but it was quite late and so CBC didn't want to stay so my place was given to one of the many of the waiting list.

As I dressed that walking (very late, we woke up late- I had wet hair which then turned fluffy), I'd thought I'd like to try and at least make a nod to the steampunk look. What did I go for in my wardrobe?

A mock tweed cropped blazer (Charityshopped), 

Black silk pussy bow blouse (Charity-shopped)

Cath Kidston clock skirt

 Which I noticed matched my Clocks handbag.

 Accessories-wise, I added this vintage mini-telescope necklace (it works) and wore some pocket-watch Disney Alice in Wonderland earrings.

Sophie took this picture of CBC and I when we went to Maldon later which shows it a bit better than my picture!/ 

I think it would be great fun to go the full hog steampunk-wise but I'm glad I had a look first!

What about you?  Have you heard of Steampunk? Have you dressed up in it? What would be your look?  Would you like to dress up?

xxx

The paradoxical blogpost of pom poms

This is one of those paradoxical posts where I saw an idea, that someone saw, that someone saw- follow the chain to find out whose idea it was first, but I saw it on Char's blog! I had intended to make a necklace with 3 pom poms but then decided to go the full hog with this when I saw the idea! If you follow the links, you can see a great tutorial here at Bluebird vintage!

It is ridiculously warm and much of it was made on a car journey! CBC and his Mum both contributed a pom pom each!

Yes, I don't wear make up- not bothered frankly!

And since I had a few spare pompoms, I decided that my Clarks elasticated shoes needed some pompoms to perk them up (CHECK out the awful tights- Nora Batty wrinkles, bits of boot fluff from sheepskinboots stuck to them! Yes,it's glamorous over here!

I picked up some cute mustard wool in the charity shop, so I think some mustard pom poms are needed and I might put three pompoms (in differing colours) on each shoe for novelty factor! I love dressing eccentrically!

By the way, I am appalling at making pompoms the traditional way, so I invested in a pompom maker to support a local shop in Petworth when I was there!! It's great!!!

Pom poms, yay or nay?

Linking to Claire Justine with my crafty scarf and shoes!

A proclamation on the future of bright blue

You do realise now, that any time there is any slight appearance,I will be attributing all mention of blue to the TARDIS! Such is my life now I have committed to weekly Doctor Who-inspired outfits! Mwa ha- Mad cat lady no, Mad Who lady- yes!xx
Yes, this is what being friends with Maricel does to you. Embrace it ladies (and gents- not forgetting Shamu, Gary and WOMOTM and any other male readers/friends/family I have neglected to mention).

So a proclamation:

Hear ye, hear ye, hear ye, who so ever heareth this, that all shades of bright blue shall hereafter be known as TARDIS Blue and should the shades of cobalt, electric blue, royal blue, school blue, cerulean blue and so forth be worn, that they shall hereafter be collectively referred to as such. 

And so on.  So why the mention? Well, I have been feeling Two Birds Inspiration Monday guilt, not been joining in with Inspiration Monday so I when I saw that the inspiration was something I could readily see and think of, I immediately clocked the appearance of TARDIS Blue in Cindy Crawlford's outfit.



Which I decided to reverse, since I have a similar shaped and material thrifted jacket and a suitable-TARDIS-coloured top.
Wore simple denim coloured trousers (which look as wrinkled as a prune- NOT a flattering look), similar boots and voila.

Yet, tis all about the extra secret details to make it my own...


TARDIS sign necklace and Crown and Glory TARDIS blue jewelled headband- secret extra allusions!

I should add that this necklace is NOT good to swing-dance in- either you garotte yourself or a partner or smack yourself in the face. CBC and I decided to beat the Sunday night blues (otherwise known as 'Going back to school misery')  and head down to Southend for Retro Sundays swing dance night. It was in a new venue, an O'Neills and it was a great venue. Lots of old acquaintances from the dance class we attended in Southend were there so it was very jolly and definitely boosted morale dancing.  I felt decidedly underdressed, everyone was in dresses and makeup (girls) but who cares, the point was to dance!

I have really enjoyed my half term, we've done lots- swing dancing, pancake parties, walks in Suffolk, dinner with friends, charity-shopped, sorted out electricity bills, wedding album, tidied, hoovered, cleaned, made bread, got up hideously late, had some downtime,reading, eating, relaxing and now it is back to the grind.  I just have to think of Ecclesiastes when he says, there is a time for everything in heaven and on earth- a time to work a time to relax (paraphrased) - the nicer part is more appreciated because of the not so nice part.  Plus, it is my birthday in a week so I do have something to look forward to.  I'm thinking Kiddie-style swimming outing to a place with flumes and waves in Colchester? Good idea???? xx


Now over to the linkin' lovelies:

Perfect Patti for Visible Monday

Terrific Two Birds for Inspiration Monday

Marvellous Maricel for TARDIS Tuesday



Sorry, I have been doing work, the above and stuff today so will try to reply to comments asap.xx

Cute and quirky

I was looking at Midwest Muse's blog and she had shared a gorgeous fox bag she received from Sammydress (whose dress I had also seen on Sophie's blog) and then decided to go and have a look at the fox bag. I clicked on bags and there were STACKS!!!! I had a quick look through them and like the fox bag, I found a few really nice and quirky handbags. Not only that, they are really reasonably priced. Not sure where they are based- China or something from the models, I presume.  There are classic-looking bags as well as these funky ones but I'm all about the novelty! I probably won't be buying any of these. Unlike other items, I am quite restrained* about bags and much as I LOVE them, just feel that I need to have a versatile, moderate-sized bag which I can carry MANY items around in.  Plus I don't NEED one and I always tend to get rid of bags when I have too many (unlike dresses and shoes) so I don't want to get rid of any).  But a girl can dream, right? And admire without purchasing (Yes, CBC, I can do this!).  Plus, I've not ordered from abroad as I don't want to be stung by import tax. What's anyone's experience of it? I'd be interested to know.
Anyway, enough waffling, enjoy the bags.



Rubix cube bag  $7.00

A RUBIX-CUBE BAG!!!  I love rainbow things so I'd love this. Not sure how big it is, or how practical to wear. Are those corners sharp? Will I have poky-bruises in my side after running to the station with it on my shoulders? I'd love this one but willpower reigns.



Owl chain bag $11.85

owl stuff is always cute. This owl is cute. And a little wonky-eyed- like me!



Yellow satchel $8.56

I really like this satchel. It's bright and it has that 'jump out of paper' cartoon quality to it. Very reasonable and probably more the type of everyday one I need but how large is it?

The Cat's meow $13.23

Not that quirky, but I like the fact it looks like you are storing a cat in there!!!


Ear bag $15.55

Not taken by the leopard-skin (although it looks furry- cool, except when you constantly leave rotting fruit in your rucksack, it wouldn't remain nice for long) but IT HAS EARS!

Foxy foxie $13.23
This is the one that Midwest Muse had.  I love it!


Clock bag $9.53
Yes, I like the idea of the clock bag- feeds my Doctor Who habit. I always dreamt of having a shelf of clocks, like the Seventh Doctor before he became Paul McGann.   Would be even cooler if the hands turned!

So, would you purchase any of these?** And what's your opinion on bags. I just have to have a large bag!

xx
*In comparison to how I am with other items. Like dresses, shoes, tops, headbands etc.
** Can I just state that I am not encouraging you to buy. No, Char, do not click on that link!!!!

A Roman accessory wishlist

Dear Flavia,

Greetings to you, most illustrious, esteemed and honoured friend. It seems a long time since we hosted you here at Vindolanda and I most cordially invite you to spend your next time of rest here with us.  In the meantime, I thought it would greatly amuse you if I were to share a few items of adornment that I myself have been coveting in recent times as I am sure you, with your impeccable taste, would also esteem these greatly.
In these clement times of weather, I have been finding myself attracted to the rather more lacy and intricate footwear that is offered from that most worthy and well-sourced of merchants Irregularus Choicus and have selected two pairs that I feel to be the height of fashion amongst the wives and family of officers in the legion. Do you not agree that these offer much more interest than the sandals we have currently been wearing.  Admittedly, they cost more denaris that I usually care to part with, but it seems that these are rather too special to avoid.



In addition, a recent and much welcome addition to the town was a merchant stocking a most impressive range of items for adorning ones hair and achieving the most pleasing of hair styles- I rather thought of purchasing the black comb on the lower left since it has such fine teeth and I am told that these are the best at achieving curls in one's hair. Do you not agree, oh excellent muse?

I have also been considering the care and appearance of my face and have purchased a rather splendid compact and mirror so I can keep myself constantly looking fashionable and neat whilst riding the chariot- the compact is made of decorative stoneware and I am assured, is the height of opulence!

I also thought to include something to interest your young daughter.  It seems, amongst our young ladies, that the current thrill is to thread a series of different coloured glass beads, made from a superior artisan, Pandoracus, onto simple gold chains and wearing these around the wrists.  It seems to me, to be a rather expensive way of buying jewellery but there you are. Young people will have their whims.




More to yours and my taste, when it comes to wrist adornment, are these rather fine bangles, crafted in only the finest metals.  I apologise for the quality of the artwork in which I send you image- it seems my artist was a little worse for wear on grape-juice!  Bacchus had obviously been with him! I rather have my eye on the exquisite gold circlet in the centre.

More evidence of the lax nature of my artist who has created images of the latest fashion items we are enjoying in the northern regions of this land, Brittania.. However, you can see that here, we are being offered a wonderful range of rings with the image of our most illustrious of Emperors proudly adorned on her- H.M Samuelius is truly a great artisan- his range of rings are far superior to many of the artists in the region!


One of the most fashionable items for both men and women to wear is the humble brooch- I rather fancy the sign of the arrow- the sign of the God of the hunt!




We have been in receipt of these excellent images from Gallus- we are told that the fashion for broochware will be in shades of scarlet and sapphire though they are very expensive!

Finally, I would love it if you felt able to attend my birthday party.  It would make the occasion most enjoyable with you and your husband were able to travel to us here at Vindolanda in order to enjoy our celebrations.

Recently, we received a travelling merchant from Whitby who bought a stunning range of jet items- Jet is highly sought after and I confess, that should you wish to bring anything with you, that you might consider a detour to Whitby for some of the following items.

Your most loving and affectionate friend,

Luciana Altavian.





*** This is a silly fictional account with no historical accuracy whatsoever- to share some of the artefacts I saw at Vindolanda, Northumberland- more of the excursion to follow in another post.***