Wearing Pink

I heard about a blog post (debate) recently about women over 40 wearing pink. Apparently, we're not supposed to? Sorry, I missed that memo. Glad I'd already bought my pink cowboy boots (a steal at £26) and you know what? That's just fine with me. I'll wear pink boots if I want, and if a purple horse comes along, hey, I'll go for a ride! I'm from the 60s, after all. I would post the image of the boots (it's a good picture, take my word for it) but the computer is refusing to upload it. Pardon me while I go out and beat it senseless.

Queen for a Day

On Saturday, I got the chance to live like royalty. Well, actually to BE royalty for the day. I was part of a World War One re-enactment of King George V and Queen Mary reviewing the troops about to depart for the war in Europe. As part of the re-enactment, we (King George and I) got to make a grand, royal entrance by arriving in a vintage chaffeur driven Rolls Royce car. When we arrived at the church where George was to give his speech, our arrival was announced by the town crier and heralded by buglers trumpeting out a welcome for us. (Well, as a native of North America, I never thought I'd get that kind of experience!) I must say, even though it was all a drama and make-believe, I do find it wonderful to "get into character" and forget for the moment that it is not a real experience. Just a natural ham, me. Here I am as Queen Mary. (The present Queen Elizabeth's grandmother, for those who aren't sure who she is.)

The Queen and I

Ever felt like this? One more rainy day!

Apparently even Her Majesty can have enough of it.

One does find it so dreary.

Mothering Sunday

Last week it was Mothering Sunday in Britain. Or Mother's Day, as it is known in North America.

Theoretically, two different ways of saying the same thing and expressing the same sentiment.  Except that it isn't.  Mother's Day is a celebration and honoring of mothers.  Human mothers.

Mothering Sunday actually stems back to the tradition of people travelling once a year to their "mother  church".   Many young people who were "in service" (working as servants) were only allowed one day off a year and on that day visited their mothers and went back to their mother church.

Over the years, and also with the influence of North Ameican ideas, it evolved into Mother's Day.  Not that 98 per cent of British people realise the distinction, and it has become almost exclusively a celebration of the qualities of mothering. So much so that you're lucky to be to find a spot for lunch that day.

Lucky me, I got this bouquet of daffodils at church.  They kindly pass them out to all the women there, whether or not they technically qualify.

It's Almost a Hat

I forgot to mention in my post about the Isabella Blow exhibition that the reason I am having a photo of myself with a hat is that I am linking up with Judith Boyd's HAT ATTACK from her blog: stylecrone.com. I am going to try to do a link, but if it doesn't work, google www.stylecrone.com. www.stylecrone.com

 Judith, bless her, has the most fabulous taste in clothes and hats. Especially hats, and is single-handedly bringing hats back to life in this very century. You know, the one we live in!

 Here is my "almost a hat". It is actually a fake furry headband, but most people mistake it for a Cossack style hat.

Getting Dressed, oh no! It's so difficult!

When we were in London last week, I picked up a copy of the London Evening Standard (as you do.)  It was free, and I thought it might be interesting to find out what the pulse of the Big City is like, being a confirmed Country Bumpkin.  Didn't use to be such a Bumpkin, but 17 years living outside a huge city and you do view "the metropolis" differently than you do if you are in the thick of it every day.

Naturally, I went to the fashion page, to discover an article called "The Invisible Dress".  Apparently, this is what we all need to get through the work week.  We should wear a dress, because being just one piece, instead of separates, we can manage to put a look together.


Then there was a selection of quite pricey, quite baggy, non-descript clothes.  Victoria Beckham's shift dress was the most form-fitting, and at £1050, the priciest.

Now, my reaction to this news (that I must have a dress, or it will just be TOO DIFFICULT to get dressed) must come as a result of not being in Fashion Central.  But I did have to think, "if that is the most pressing thing you have to manage, perhaps you should give the work world a miss!"  I mean, really.

Isabella Blow Exhibition

Many people are fashionable, or wear their clothes well, but few can be truly be called a style icon. Isabella Blow, however, was one of those people whose wardrobe and flamboyant sense of style stopped the presses. Google www.somersethouse.org.uk to see photos. Working in various fashion magazines, most notably Vogue, Blow is credited with recognizing the talent of, and launching the careers of both Alexander McQueen and the milliner, Philip Treacy. Tracey, especially was to become a life-long friend, and his creations, more sculptural fantasy than hat, were to add visual pizzazz to a girl who was already well on her way to being "over the top", as they say here in England. So, I was particularly interested in seeing the exhibition, "Fashion Galore" which showcased pieces from the late Isabella Blow wardrobe. As a moth who seemed to fly too close to the flame, Blow committed suicide in 2007 at only 49. Would I be as bold? Only if I could!

The Most Sincere Compliment



Shopping for my "client" in my £12 outfit. 

 A friend of mine asked if I would help her friend look for an outfit. They both knew that I love to shop, so it would be no hardship for me to "have to" shop! "What kind of look are you going for?" I asked. "I want to look like YOU!" she exclaimed. I was SO flattered. Especially as my whole outfit cost about £12.

Hey, Cinderella!

I suppose you should never be surprised at what you find on your doorstep...particularly if you are going out the door on New Year's Day. Who knows what revelry has gone on outside your very own door? Case in point, Gorgeous Husband and I woke up to find this single, lovely silver slipper at our door. No Cinderella with it. Just the shoe. Pity only one shoe. Also pity it wasn't my size!

I would love to know what kind of night the owner of this shoe had.  Not tea and biscuits I presume!

Did you Blink?

Did you blink?  O.K.  That was Christmas.  That whole period starting sometime in December and ending up with a fireworks bang at New Year's-- that was a blink.  Or it was for me.  One minute I was thinking about maybe I should get some Christmas cards together and the next-- boom!  Holiday season over for another year!

Anyway, I wanted to post a photo of me in a hat for Judith Boyd's January "Hat Attack".  Bless her, she is certainly leading the way in how to look glamorous and stylish and completely chic, while wearing a hat.  Milliners must love her!  (Well, don't we all?)

Here is my hat photo: (that's me in the fur)

It's Little Black Dress Season

It's that time of year again, when everyone is looking for something special to wear to the Christmas party, or some fabulous seasonal get-together. You just want to look outstanding, right? Ever since Coco Chanel declared that the height of sophisication was wearing a "little black dress", women in the millions have bought into the idea that black is THE ANSWER. No matter what the question, wearing black is the right thing to do. Even the phrase, "black tie" has been taken to mean: "it's a dressy occasion. What shall I wear? Oh, I know. Black." Black tie events have so many black dresses that they look like happy funerals. It's the woman in red that stands out. Or, indeed, any other colour. Wearing black is both good and bad. For some, it sets off their creamy skin and makes them look sophisicated and alluring. But this is not a universal truth. For some, black drains the colour from the skin, and the more mature the skin, the greater the drain. Anyone with a sallow complexion often tends to look worse than ill. "Everything goes with black," is ofen quoted as another reason to trot out yet another black outfit. This is probably one of the best reasons to wear the colour, because there's no denying that it sharpens other colours with its contrast. People rave about how slimming black is. But is it? A huge block of head to toe black has the same effect as a moving building. There's no sign of life there. Some women like the "disappearing act" that wearing black grants them, and if that is their choice, it's up to them. But why disappear? Why hide who you are? Sometimes, black might be a good choice, but certainly not the only choice. And it would be a black day if it were.

Toddling Around History

One of the most fabulous things about living in England is the chance to go exploring history.  I swear, the country is FULL of it!  (Not too surprising, really.)  This stunning fireplace is in Little Moreton Hall in Cheshire. Gorgeous Husband and I visited it last summer on part of our holidays, and we also visited it the day after our wedding in 1996.  Fond memories!  I remember we travelled some distance to get to it, I was feeling a bit car-sick, so immediately went to the cafe for a coffee and to "recuperate".  I saw that they had flapjacks on the menu, so ordered one.  I was amazed to see that it wasn't what my North American eyes expected : a small pancake, sometimes called "silver dollar pancakes".  Instead, it was something that looked like a granola bar.  Not that it wasn't good... but it was one of many times when I've meant one thing, but people have  misinterpreted it as something else.  It reminds me of a sign that I read once, saying that Britain and the US were separated by a common language!  I guess Canada devised its own twist on the English language too, so it's a wonder we understand each other at all.

Enjoying the wonderful relief carvings over the fireplace.  Tweed jacket makes me feel Ever So English!

Commemorating the Battle of Britain

A few weeks ago, I was lucky enough to be one of the people who were commemorating the Battle of Britain at one of our local churches.  I was happy to have the chance to wear my latest hat, a find at an antique stall for only £5.  It looks white in the photo, but it is really a pale grey.  Unfortunately, I didn't realize until I wore it out that it is really a bit too big for me.  I'll have to put some padding inside the crown before I wear it next! One of the photos taken that day make me look like I'm hiding under a mushroom.

The lovely lizard pin was a gift from Gorgeous Husband.  Not because it was any special occasion, but just because I took a fancy to it.  I'm so glad that he got it for me, as the shop, Pastimes, is now out of business.  Shame, as they had lovely reproduction jewellery from history.  (Hence, past times.)

Anyway, I was also happy to model my cream coat from Bonmarche (order line: 0845 202 4490).  This was another of the items they were kind enough to send me.  Washable too, so that's a bonus, seeing as I always seem to get something on me. The sleeves were too long, but that wasn't surprising, as most coats fit like that I've found.  The curse of short arms!

Another view of me in the same coat at Attingham Park, next to a "coming out" dress of the early 1900s.  I can see I am carrying my black and white dotty handbag.  What is it with me and dots?

Many thanks for all your kind comments on the past blog and I'll be scooting around to check yours out too!

Dotty Dog Opening

Gallery owners, Steve and Jacky pose with me at the opening of their new venture, Dotty Dog Gallery

Many thanks for all the kind comments on my last post about wearing the dotty dress. This is another adventure in being "dotty". In fact, I'm wearing the same dress, although you can't see it very well under my  new cream coat with the military detailing.

I have known Steve for years, and besides being a good artist, he is a thoroughly great guy.  Over the years I've known him, he has helped with other galleries, and was a real pillar of support to me when I worked as an art exhibitions organiser.

In recent years, he has been very unwell.  I joke that he has a "frequent user points" card with the hospital, but at various times he has been dangerously ill.  So, in the spirit of "carpe diem" (seize the day!) he is making his dream of having his own gallery come true.  They specialize in prints, and  named their gallery after their Dalmatian dog.  Jacky, his gorgeous red-haired girlfriend, is also an artist, and they make a good team.

Below is a blurry photo of the dotty dress I wore to the gallery opening.  I received it courtesy of the good folks at Bonmarche.  Massively versatile dress, and at £28, great value.  If you'd like it, google bonmarche, or call their order line at 0845 202 4490 and tell them you saw it on Forever on the Catwalk of Life.  They have not paid me for this endorsement, but did let me keep the dress.  (Thanks guys!)

I loved Jacky's fabulously dotty pair of nails, so in keeping with the dotty theme!  I was also taken with  Jacky's sun face belt buckle..  On my first photo of the belt buckle, I left the flash on, and it looked like Jacky was a thin version of Buddah with a light shining out of her belly!

Do visit their website: dottydog.biz

Lunch like a Lady

 Following our tradition of celebrating not just our birthdays, but also the 6 month mark, Gorgeous Husband took me to lunch for my half-birthday at Lady B's tea room at Attingham Park. There really was a Lady B (it stands for the eighth Lady Berwick) and her "tea room" is located in the outer library. And very swanky it is too.

The Lady relaxes in front of the fire, awaiting her lunch of finger sandwiches and pasteries.



The maid brings the lunch on a trolly.

Outside, the weather was spitting rain, and one of the first days of true autumn weather. How lovely to sit by the fire and have the most delicious morsels brought to you. Maybe I was an aristocrat in a past life, because I certainly didn't mind "playing the part" in this life. The lovely dotted dress is from Bonmarche, who asked me if I would model some clothes for them. (Little did they realize it was a childhood ambition of mine to be a model, until I didn't grow up tall enough to be one!) The dress retails for £22 and you can get it from their phone order line 0845 202 4490, or google Bonmarche.co.uk.



Sorry it's a bit blurred.  Too much excitement for Dear Husband.  The dress has a nice peplum, straight skirt, and 3/4 length sleeves.  Washable and doesn't wrinkle. I wore it with a navy and white polka dot bangle.



My Pal

I love this photo.  This is my pal, Joan.  As my friend and I call her, The Poster Girl for Age UK.  She is so full of life and fun, despite her health problems. She's 84, and has the most beaming smile of anyone I've ever seen.

She told me that she loves to have fun with her clothes, and isn't worried if it is the latest fashion or not.  "As long as I like it, that's all that matters," she said.  Indeed, every day, and every clothing choice seems to be an adventure for her.

The Tibetan necklace that I am wearing is a gift from her.  She bought it when she lived in China in a little shop near to the Tibetan border.  "Going to China changed my life, " she told me.  "Before that, I was someone's wife, and someone's daughter, and someone's mother.  But when I went to China, I could just be me!"  She began that adventure in her 50s.

I will treasure the necklace, and our time together, as they are both part of a priceless legacy.

Well, it says it all it, doesn't it?

Every once in  a while, you see something in a shop window that just sums things up perfectly.  Or almost so, at any rate.  This is from our trip to Lille, France.

What the well dressed French man wears?  Or not.



Photos to Go with Prague Trivia

 So sorry that the computer has "erased" all the paragraph breaks from the last post. Originally each Trivia point was a separate paragraph. Apologies if you think I can't punctuate!




Standing in front of the bridge that is full of lovers' padlocks, vowing eternal love.





The doughnut like thing.  Not fried, roasted and dipped in sugar.  Wasps optional.

 

Some Trivia About Prague

This is not a travelogue about Prague, and after all, we were only there two days, but I thought I would mention a few pieces of trivia I picked up. Apologies in advance if I get anything wrong, I'm just recounting what the tour guide said, and what we experienced, and as much as my memory will allow. As I am having problems adding photos to my posts, I will publish the trivia first, and it will be followed with a SEPARATE POST with the images. (Sorry for it not being all together. Blame the computer being "difficult".) Trivia Item One: Apparently the first showing ever of Mozart's opera "Don Giovanni" was in Prague, and Mozart had a better reception for his work in Prague than in Vienna. Trivia Item Two: there is a bridge full of padlocks with lovers names on them to symbolize their eternal love. This is a copycat gesture from the novel "I Want You" by Federico Moccia. Trivia Item Three: Czechs like a doughnut type of sweet called TRDELNIK. The dough is wrapped around and around a metal rod and roasted over hot coals, then dipped in sugar. Very popular, both with people and wasps. I ignored the beasties and tried it. It was nice, but more of a bread texture than a doughnut. Trivia Item Four: The Communist Museum and McDonalds are next door to each other. Ironic or what? Trivia Item Five: According to our tour guide, the Star of David, as a symbol of the Jews, was first used in Prague. Trivia Item Six: Prague is a very popular city for Russians to get married in, and they like to have their photos taken in some of the historic locations. I did overhear two "body guard" looking type fellows speaking Russian in front a limosene at the castle, waiting for the wedding party, and also saw Russians having their photos taken on Charles Bridge in their wedding outfits. Trivia Item Seven: Performances of plays and literature are very dear to the Czech people, as there was a movement to try to stamp out the Czech language. So many people wanted to attend live performances that there weren't enough actors to go round, so puppets were used instead. Puppets are still a common sight in a lot of shops and people buy them as souvenirs of Prague. A whole craft industry has grown up producing some very elaborately carved and beautifully decorated puppet characters. Will post images separately in the next post. Tootles for now!

A Few Days in Prague

A few days in Prague is something I could never say if I still lived in North America. Most trips, particularly if it is to a foreign country involve hours and hours of air travel. Most times, you have to go for a considerable length of time to "make it worth it". The beauty of living in Europe is being able to "hop" to a new country and a new culture without it being a major


Da Movie Star incognito



Dinner out in my blue & white Bonmarche dress. No wrinkles!! Phone order line 0845 202 4490.

 trip. I feel like a "jet setter" with the expense of being a REAL jet setter. Put on a pair of dark sunglasses, and I can pretend I'm a movie star, travelling incognitio. (I have a good imagination.)