Hidden treasure....

Hidden from John that is.

Isn't this dress beautiful. I'm still not sure how the owner could bear to part with it. I wouldn't have (but then I rarely get rid of anything as my long suffering husband will testify)

It's velvet with a dévoré v-shaped top.  It's just gorgeous. I found it on Etsy from Lions Mane Vintage  which is a lovely site with some gorgeous pieces. What's more, I didn't get stung this time for customs charges! Just need a night out now to show it off properly. 

It's is the lovely Rachel modelling the dress on her site. 

I am off to my beloved south of France on holiday in a couple of weeks so it will have to be on the packing list. It will look great on the campsite. Maybe not but it will look great at the Carlton Intercontinental for drinks! 

Happy Feet!

After nearly 20 years of obsessing over shoes and wearing them wether they are comfy or not, it is a real joy to actually put on a pair that feels amazing! I have never worn a comfier pair. 

Now it's been a while since I have bought any shoes (well, a while for me anyway). I had a particularly sleepless night earlier in the week which I blame for my petty extravagance. As much as I love my new job, I am finding that sleep is eluding me somewhat as I struggle to switch off. So after an hour and a half of wide-awareness, I gave up and got up. A cuppa, a read of my book and a play with the dog later, I logged onto Facebook in the hope of other night walkers. Nobody was awake unfortunately but some suggestions came through the next day as to how I could relax more. 

No tea, Kalms before bed and a nice bath were on the list. But my personal favourites were......yep you've guessed it........Shoe shopping. I have never been one to turn down helpful advice so the following day, I took myself off to the lovely village of Westbury-on-Trym for a bit of truffle hunting. And......I found these lovely toe warmers for £7, originally from Office. I shamefully cannot remember the particular charity that was behind this shop but it's always a joy to pop in. There is a gentleman that volunteers there that has some type of mental illness and I think you would honestly struggle to find a happier person. He is an absolute joy to talk to and makes visiting there a wonderful experience. 

In the dog house....

I didn't fancy starting a big art project today, not after a very sleepless night so I decided to do something "petit". I bought these ceramic tiles from a reclamation centre a while back and have been waiting for inspiration to strike as to how to decorate them. I have hung this by the front door as you walk in, just above where Solo sleeps.

Just in case we need a reminder. 

Bag a bargain...

 

I have really missed doing my blog of late, I have been so busy with my new job that everything else ie: a life, has fallen by the wayside. But I am determined to make more time and get back to doing something I love. Having said that, I have been spending a lot of time lately doing art projects (another interest of mine) so it hasn't all been work, work, work, although it damn near feels like it.

Anyway, I am able to post this picture now  that a certain birthday has passed. I found this brand new, leather, Animal purse in a charity shop a few months back for £3 and I kept it for my stepdaughter's birthday (among other things). She has just turned 13 and is at that lovely age where she is getting into all things girlie whether that be makeup, bags or clothes. Ideal for a like-minded Stepmum.

I hope if she reads this that she won't mind it came from a charity shop.  She has been following me to a few vintage fairs of late so fingers crossed.

You've been framed....

Hello All.....

 

The walls of Casa Del Merlocke have yet again been garnished with more pictures (much to John's annoyance).  The print above was found in a charity shop in Fishponds last month and only cost 50p but I had to wait until payday to buy it an official "home" so that we could hang it up.It was actually taped up in the fitting room and I wasn't even sure it was for sale but the cashier let me have it for a tiny donation.  It has taken pride of place in the kitchen above our dining table (which is certainly messy when the kids come over!).  I love the wording and it is certainly fitting for our home since the Wolf moved in...."a house unkempt cannot be so distressing as a life unlived".  I'll keep telling myself that when I am vacuming up his dog hair and having a meltdown about the mess.

 

 

These two were bought last year and have been mentioned in a previous post but again, I had to buy some frames before they could take pride of place.  These frames were only £1.99 and the dark wood seemed to suit them quite well. I have hung them on the landing overlooking my mannequin.  One day they may be joined by the chaise longue that my Mother-in-Law has promised me. One day.

Change of a dress.......

Ok, so I rationalized that my new promotion deserved some new uniform (and all of my current uniform has now gone into sale). Thankfully we seem to be getting our Spring/Summer lines in-store so there are plenty of colour bursts after what seems like an eternal winter.

So these are the three dresses (of course) that I picked.

I think I can just about get away with this one. I am very age conscious at the moment and am not sure how long I can carry off the floaty, girlie numbers such as this. Which is a shame because I love floaty, girlie numbers....

It's picture doesn't really do it justice, it looks lovely on. It's really silky and the colours are really vibrant. It will also double up for a great holiday dress. 

A bit of a change for me but it really suits me for some reason. It's  quite shapeless on the hanger but it's very fitted and flattering. It definitely requires M&S scaffolding underneath though. 

All dresses are available at Wallis. 

What's for dinner?

This question rears itself in our house far too often.  Neither me nor John get very organised in terms of our evening meals and it often results in us retreating to Wetherspoons, using the excuse "shall we take mum out for tea?" (thinking that in some way, it justifies yet another meal out).   Such was the case last night so I quickly put this outfit together and headed off for chicken burger and chips. Classy.

I want to make sure I get the wear out of my leather trousers (probably my best find so far in a charity shop), so I am trying to dress them down as much as possible. I desperately want a man's, slouchy, v-neck, camel jumper.  My one pictured here is a little too fitted although it looks ok.  I have thrown on my "boyfriend" coat with my camel heels and beige "Maggie" bag to finish it off.

Note to self - leather trousers are not a good idea for chicken burger and chips.  Salad......yes.