TARDIS Tuesday- Sarah Jane Smith's Edwardian look

 Hello there!

Hope all is well with you!

Today's cosplay was one I last featured in August 2017.   That's 7 years ago!

It was worn by Classic Who Companion, Sarah Jane Smith, played by the wonderful Elisabeth Sladen 

https://unearthlydoctor.blogspot.com/2011/11/pyramids-of-mars.html

https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0562870/

https://theultimateguidetothefashionofdoctorwho.wordpress.com/2017/09/26/sarah-jane-smith-pyramids-of-mars/

This beautiful cream outfit apparently belonged to previous companion, Victoria. So she's dressing as another companion!  It looks Edwardian!

I realised I could make another closet cosplay of this so here it is:

I started with the skirt which is the Per Una Skirt I wore last time for this cosplay. It's so pretty and was a lovely birthday present from my Dad and Stepmum around about 12 years ago.

I was looking in a underbed zip bag for a costume piece when I dressed as Wendy last year for World Book Day and I found this blouse. I KNOW it must have come from my lovely friend Ellie as it had a label saying her surname inside but I have no idea when! It is definitely vintage - I'm guessing 1970s.

Although the style is a bit different, it has the Leg o' mutton sleeves & across chest frill. I did contemplate attaching a scarf to get the effect of the downward part of the blouse but decided to just go with it like it is.

Decided to pose with a walking pole to represent the gun. Last time I cosplayed this, I used a broom!!! I remember people laughed!

I had a go at a side-by-side photo!  The blouse is VERY fitted so I'm not sure I could wear this in public without it popping open!

I had a lovely weekend!

Friday night, CBC was rather sleepy so we didn't do anything particular.

Saturday morning, we had a lazy morning, breakfast out on the swing seat.  Then we headed out to Chelmsford where CBC got a haircut. I had a look in the charity shops along Moulsham street (where we parked) and ended up buying the following. I didn't need them and you may feel free to judge me should you wish.

One of the charity shops had a end of season sale and I bought the Monsoon red top and the White Stuff sleeveless blouse for 49p each.  The white Primark crochet top was £1.  The Hobbs cotton striped twinset was £6 and the teal dress with beaded wings was £5. 

The whale was £2 and the turtle was £1 and I bought them for one of the Year 5's book corners which I have helped create with my work friend.  I put up words on her high window saying, "Dive into an ocean of reading!" (wanted to avoid the stereotypical phrase), added some nets from Treasure Island and added my Beanie Baby crab, plastic lobster and a whole array of shells from Holkam beach.  There was already a cuddly octopus too.  The children LOVE every time I add to it.  I am thinking of trying to make some plastic bubbles out of packaging!

I also bought CBC two shirts in the 49p sale too!

We then headed to Little Baddow church to watch our friends Lara and Tim do a fantastic piano and drumkit recital- it was superb! I collected conkers after the performance and we enjoyed drinks in the churchyard. Had a lovely catch up with a retired work colleague.

We then headed to a localish wild swimming spot where I spent a blissful 20minutes swimming in the river before heading home and eating a Chinese.

Hope all is well with you!

xx

Charity shop purchases June and July

I started the year with good intentions to only buy one item a month but once it reached May and shops were open, the temptation was a little too much. a) I wanted to support the charities and b) it was fun to be able to buy something.

Here are a few items I bought.

The previous Saturday, when I went to play flute quartets, I had thought that I wanted to replace a lovely checked dress which was too small for me.  In the first charity shop, there were 3 checked dresses and a jumpsuit. 

I ended up buying this button down checked dress in a seersucker-style cotton and a linen jumpsuit. Both of them are originally from Monsoon.

I also ended up buying 2 Edmund Crispin books which I have previously enjoyed.

Ahrgh, I did NOT need another Breton-striped top but this Boden one, brand new with tags for £7 was a really nice colour and had nice baggy sleeves. 

A loose cotton Laura Ashley cardigan for £4 was good to replace some cardigans which are too tight- I prefer my cardigans oversized.

The red shirt was £2 and is a screen accurate Clara one. I already have a size 12 in it but it is a bit big so this one will fit me better.

The patterned maxi dress is really soft cotton and has nice low arm holes for a hot summer's day and cost £4.  

The white cotton nightie was £4 and is brilliant for a Summer's bedtime!

The leather jacket was £3 and is a great one for my Yaz cosplays and the red hoodie was £4 and is good for an Amy Pond cosplay- plus, I like a hoodie for winter walks.

The green and pink dress was £4 and is Brand new from Boden. I might give this to my friend.

As well as the whodunnit book, I was a little annoyed and amazed to find the Matt Haig book, having just bought it brand new for my sister for her birthday- this one was 50p!

All of these purchases have worked out for me but I like the idea of being able to redonate things back to a charity shop or pass them onto a friend and having somewhat helped a charity whilst having a bit of fun buying some lovely items but yes, perhaps I need to go back to my challenge.

Have you found anything in a charity shop recently?

x

A shopping trip in Suffolk

Yesterday, I met up with my two blogging favourites, Sophie and Hazel for a charity shop trip and day out. This is the fourth time the three of us have done this together which is really nice.

I arrived at the station around 10.30am and Hazel and Sophie arrived in the car together and we walked into town.

Up first, we went for a cup of tea and cake but to our dismay, yet another lovely independent cafe that Hazel likes had closed down. We then tried for one of our other regular haunts but this one was full. Luckily, Sophie glanced round and noticed a place called Hullabaloo which was opposite which looked interesting. We headed in and indeed it was the type of quirky individual place it is always nice to visit- plant-based, eco-friendly, fun decor and interesting fare.
After this, Hazel led us through the meandering streets to find the first of the myriad charity shops in Ipswich. If you fancy doing the Chazzer tour, see Hazel's post here about where they are.

After a brief nip into Lush for me to check out the Deodorant and buy something and a nosy in Clarks at the boots (this Clarks was gorgeous!), we went to Arlington's for lunch.
We sat upstairs in the beautiful high-ceilinged room.  It was so quiet and peaceful and refined.

We all chose sandwiches- I had a roasted peppers, Olive tapenade, rocket, chick pea Granary one with Beetroot relish- it was gorgeous!

Here's a picture of me and Hazel as Sophie wasn't feeling like a photo so she took it for us.

After this, we continued the charity shop tour which was less fruitful for us than previous years but still successful and fun!

Alas, the hideous lime green dresses, that Hazel had promised us were still in one of the shops, had gone.

I also took advantage of the market in the town centre AND a vegetable shop for some purchases too.

Finally, we headed back to Hullabaloo for a final cup of tea/coffee and cake (Hazel and Sophie repeated their cake choices from the morning which proves how tasty they were- Sophie had Banana and fig I think and I joined Hazel with the Vegan Chocolate Beetroot cake.)

We all walked to the station and said our goodbyes. It was a delight to see them both and I am grateful for their friendship through this here old blog.

One highlight for me was an entire shelf of Agatha Christie paperbacks. If I could have, I would have!

So....what did I buy you want to know?

Well...

From the top going clockwise:

A brown corduroy waist coat- £1.50

White Stuff Orange floral shirt- £3.00

Bag of tomatoes: £1.00

6 peppers: £1.00

5 Gold Rings Christmas sweatshirt: £2.25

Falala Christmas t-shirt- £2.00

White Stuff Alphabet dress £4.00

Cavolo Nero Cabbage: £1.00

Purple Kale: £1.00

3 choir vocal scores:  50p

Lush Montelbano shampoo bar and tin: £1.00

The Psychology of Time travel: £1.00

Black vintage mac with tweed piping: £3.00

Total: £21.75.

Yes, that's right, I only bought one book!! What an utter surprise. The funny thing was, Sophie and Hazel bought quite a few books- I felt very well behaved!  

I was most pleased about the Cavolo Nero and Purple Kale as no where near me sells those loose, not in plastic- The greengrocers that I got those from was really wonderful! I WISH it were near me!

I look forward to our next excursion!

Hope you are all well!

xx

TARDIS Tuesday - Clara in Time Heist!

This week, TARDIS Tuesday was a rather last minute, midnight-on-Sunday-night choice.
I have a few things that I would like to wear for some TARDIS Tuesdays but wasn't feeling the choices.   Then, I suddenly remembered I had picked up some purple-trousers in the charity shop a while back...

And that reminded me of an episode called Time Heist in which Clara wears a purple suit...

Image borrowed from Mariah's Cosplay Site

So Clara wears this look for a date but it seems quite suitable for the Bank heist they end up being involved in.  She is wearing a purple suit from super expensive brand, Kooples, with a white textured shirt with attached black tie also from that shop.  She wears some patent sky-scraper heels from Kurt Geiger to finish the look.

Image borrowed from Mariah's Cosplay site

You can just about see the texture of her embossed silk shirt in this shot.

And here is my version.  I teamed the recently charity-shopped trousers with a purple corduroy jacket that I purchased in a charity shop about 14 years ago. 

Image borrowed from There will be a second chance tumblr

The white blouse I wore was charity-shopped brand-new at Easter- it has exactly the same texture as Clara's one but at a fraction of the price-tag- it even has a black tie.

 I was actually thankful I wore this relatively smart outfit today because it ended up being the day we had to have our photos taken!

 My outfit was super comfortable, much more than Clara's and I think, except for the shoes, the entire outfit cost me £13

IMage borrowed from Rebloggy

In terms of footwear, I ended up wearing these patent Clarks shoes with a large wedge heel- I keep them at school in case I suddenly need a smart choice of footwear as they are too uncomfortable to walk a mile with though are fine for a day at school!

What do you think?  This is definitely an outfit combination I will wear again!!  Maybe I'll remember to tuck my shirt in and button my jacket next time!

x

Maxi appeal

Greetings! 

Hope all is well with you!

I am so glad it is another weekend!  Particularly looking forward to this one as I going to my Dad's for his birthday tomorrow and then spending Sunday with my Mum!

Here's an outfit from last week.  I've been cycling to work for 4 days a week since we've come back so I've had to think a little more carefully about my wardrobe choices to ensure that nothing gets caught in the wheels of peddles.  There are certain choices I SHALL NOT be repeating. I missed my train to work yesterday because I wore a knee length full circle skirt and it was a very windy day.  Consequently, I had to keep stopping to readjust its position to protect my modesty!

I wore this outfit on one of the days I walked- I've decided to walk one day to ensure I still get some walking in!

This maxi skirt was a charity shop purchase from that time I went to the church in the town we were supposed to live with. On that subject, THANK YOU everyone who contributed to my blog post on church choices- so kind and helpful of you all! I'm going to try and visit some other ones!

The skirt is excellent on a warm day and it is unbelievably long enough for me- a rarity!

The whole outfit is charity-shopped except for my Tiktok necklace.  Comfy, cool and modest- that's good enough for me!!!  NOT, I hasten to add, for a cycling day!

Hope you have a wonderful weekend!

xx

TARDIS Tuesday- Clara from the Snowmen

Howdy Folks! It is almost TARDIS Tuesday- I should really be in bed but I have orchestra tomorrow night so there is no way I will be writing this post at 12.30am when I get home!

Image borrowed from Clara Cosplay live Journal and the girls who time forgot weebly

Today's Doctor-Who inspired outfit is from my old favourite Clara Oswald.  It is an outfit that appears right at the end of her very second episode of Doctor Who, before she was the regular companion.  All through the episode, the Doctor is adventuring alongside the Victorian barmaid and governess version of Clara.  Unfortunately, she plunges to her death at the hands of an ice-governess.  But meanwhile, back in modern-day England, this version of Clara is looking in a graveyard wearing this outfit. Not going to lie- this outfit is right up my street. Polka dots- check! Shorts that aren't too short- check! Satchel- check! 

My version is entirely charity-shopped alternatives.

I made a bit of a mistake with which side I put my hair and satchel and because of the belt, I pulled up the shorts way too high giving a rather unattractive case of camel-toe! They are much better without the belt, worn at the proper height!

The blouse is from Whistles but cost me £4 in the charity shop and is 100% silk. Interestingly, the brand is the same as the shorts! The shorts were £1.99 from the charity shop and the satchel was £2 from the charity shop. The belt was one of my Mum's.

It was actually the perfect outfit for Saturday which was gloriously warm compared to what it has been but not quite hot enough for a strappy top! It felt very nice to not be wearing tights or leggings!

So, not bad for £7.99 for the whole outfit- sans shoes of course!

What do you think?

xx

TARDIS Tuesday- Clara Oswald in Cold War

Hello there,

I hoped to have a Classic Who inspiration for TARDIS Tuesday today but sadly, I didn't have time to get the photos done or to find a red scarf which was a crucial item part of the outfit planned, so instead, here is a last minute Clara Oswald outfit.

Image borrowed from Coolspotters

I confess that when I first saw this outfit on Doctor Who, I was completely smitten! The metallic blue and silver shoes- plus a Soviet Navy jacket! The whole thing is very theatrical and fun!

And here is my take on it.  I am very much aware that this is different but it is nice to use the outfit as inspiration!

I remember seeing the shoes in Schuh ooooh, so many years ago and really wanting them!  I never bought them because they were quite expensive and rather high heels.  Imagine my surprise to see Clara sporting them! I've since tried to find them on eBay but am always outbid on my Size 8 foot size- sigh!

My take on the naval jacket is a 'Navy/sailor' style coat- which is from Collectif.

My shoes are sequinned rather than glittery and were originally bought some 5-6 years ago for CBC's Robot party for my Dalek costume.

The dress consists of a charity shopped blue sequin skirt I have had for a few years and a Collectif top! 

I like the vibe of this even if the execution is a bit 'Monday-night-ish'

What do you think?

xx

TARDIS Tuesday- Clara Oswald- Sleep no more

This week's TARDIS Tuesday is a very simple one!  Just a collar shot.

In an episode called 'Sleep no more' Clara Oswald wore a navy blue jumper with a pleated chiffon collar top, a blue scalloped skirt and a triangle necklace.

This outfit is very much my aesthetic! I am complete sucker for a pretty collar!

This is a photo of the outfit I took at the Doctor Who exhibition! Yes, I stood next to the costume!

Here is a close up of the collar, jumper and necklace.

 And here's my version of it!
My jumper was a Zara one I bought for a few pounds second hand and the navy pleated collar comes from an Urban Outfitters top I also bought for £2. The necklace is indeed the same necklace and I bought it from someone for £2 second hand!  Obviously, my version is a simple match but I very much like it!

Now all I need is a pretty blue scalloped skirt!

Hope you are well!

xx

TARDIS Tuesday- Clara Oswald- modern Robots of Sherwood

Image borrowed from Wornontv.net

Today's TARDIS Tuesday features, yes, you guessed it, Clara Oswald again! This is an outfit she wears briefly during the episode, The Robots of Sherwood, before changing into a Medieval gown.

The episode was a great one- it had some very fun dialogue between the Doctor and Robin Hood who were both trying to be too alpha-male. Clara triumphs as the one who uses her head instead of showing off!

It features a teal jumper from Oasis with a faux-leather collar and a Topshop purple and teal skort (skirt and shorts combined)

And here is my version.  It also features the same Skort (purchased second-hand for £5ish) and an Oasis jumper but with an alternative leather-collared top!

I wore mine with my teal DMs- since they are super comfy! I found this whole outfit really comfy but a bit dress as well! I LOVE the skort- the solution to wanting to wear a skirt but preserving decency when leggings won't work!

Much as it would be nice to have the teal jumper, I am perfectly happy with my lighter-shade!

Image borrowed from WornonTV.net

What do you think of Clara's look? Do you think it works? 

xx

Strawberry patience

 Do you know why I love Charity shops so much!  Because you can so often get something you wanted first time round in there if you are a patient.  I posted about my Topshop coat that I found in the charity shop that sells for £90 on eBay because it is a Clara cosplay item- sometimes it is something like that but often, it's just something you really wanted!

 Henry Holland dresses are one of those things that I always get excited about if I see them in a charity shop- this Strawberry flora one that I have often admired.  Patience meant I found it for £3 in the charity shop this Summer!  It is a size 12 which means it is a little baggy on the top, but my heart felt sorted that out easily!

Whilst I am TRYING not to just buy pretty things in a charity shop because I think they are pretty (because it is ok to think something is pretty and not have to own it) or indeed online (So many Lindybop dresses I have loved this Summer but not bought, even when they were in the sale with extra 25% off), if it is one of those, 'really-wanted-it-first-time-round' items, then I will make room for it.  And cheap Clara Oswald items of course!

If you're thinking you've seen my necklace in brooch form before, you would be right, but I'll tell you more about that in another post soon!

Hope you are well.

xx

TARDIS Tuesday- Death in Heaven Clara Oswald

Today's TARDIS Tuesday is one I have been meaning to do for while though wasn't expecting to want or need to wear it in August, but the mildly chilly and damp weather meant it was perfect for today!

I am featuring my favourite character, Clara Oswald as is often the case.  I do really like her style of clothing and many items are often high-street.

Today is her outfit from the very end of the finale of Series 8, Death in Heaven. 

It features Clara in a green Topshop mac with a grey checked lining, a short-sleeved cream sweater from Gap, black skinny jeans and some Topshop boots. 

 And here is my version.  The green mac that Clara is wearing is funnily notorious amongst cosplayers as being the Holy Grail of Clara items- it just doesn't ever seem to turn up on ebay or any of the usual places that people manage to source Clara clothing items! There are, however, two other versions of it in navy and black.  The day I went into my local Sue Ryder charity shop and saw the black version of the coat sitting on the rack for £6.99 was a very happy day for me, particularly as it commands very high prices on ebay- I saw it sell for £90!  It is really comfortable and has proved a staple for me all through this year's Spring.

 I also managed to find Clara's Topshop boots in my size second hand, for a reasonable price back in May so I ended up buying them.  They are quite high so I wouldn't want to walk too far in them.

 Aside from my trusty ASOS black trousers (I don't do skinny jeans. Or really Jeans), the final item is this cream short-sleeved sweater.  My one was £1.99 from my local Barnados. It is also very comfy!

So, a comfy cosplay (bar the shoes today!) and quite Screen Accurate!

What do you think?  How lucky was I to find the coat!?

xx

TARDIS Tuesday dressup: Journey to the Centre of the TARDIS

Hello All!
Hope you are well!

Wow, what a change in the weather. After constant sun, the sudden deluge of rain was a surprise! Every time it has done that this Summer, I have been wearing NO coat, NO cardie, open-weave shoes and no umbrella! Drowned rat extraordinaire!

Image borrowed from Jenna-Louise-Coleman Tumblr

This week, my TARDIS Tuesday inspiration is one that has featured several times before, possibly 4 times in various guises! It is, by far, the costume of Clara Oswald I love the most and indeed the one that took me along the path of TARDIS Tuesday.  It is this dress from Journey to the Centre of the TARDIS!

It is originally from Urban outfitters and the print is of red sequins. It looks so different in different shots and angles. Some photos I've seen, it really does look like the dress is made of lines and lines of sequins. Others, it looks like a fiery speckled orange pattern. It is certainly a dress I would love to own but it super rare!

Here is its latest incarnation.

This is pretty much all charity shopped. I found this Kids aged 11-12 sequinned dress for £2.25 in my local Sue Ryder charity shop.  I knew it would fit me as a top though would be too short to wear as a dress.

I was wearing a Jack Wills charity-shopped red dress the other day and I decided to try the kids dress over the top and added a black short-sleeved shirt underneath to make the collar. Finally, I added these brown charity-shopped ankle boots from Barnardos a while ago and put my hair in a bun.   I had my hair done like Clara's in this episode for my wedding!

The look is obviously not exact but given that the dress is based on a red sequin print, I thought for £2.25, I'd give this a go. I can give the dress to my niece who is 7- she'll fit into it at some point, even if it doesn't work out for me!

Image borrowed from http://www.polyvore.com/jenna_louise_coleman/collection?id=3558220 
Originals belong to the BBC.

What do you think?  Does this work as an alternative for the real dress?

Do let me know what you think!

xx