Cape Town...

I'm not sure what it is about Capes but I love them.  Any colour, any fabric, they can instantly transform an otherwise dull jeans and a jumper combo into something a little more stylish.

The one pictured above was a very kind gift from my friend Vicky.  She found it in a charity shop near her home recently and knew of two people (myself being one of them) that would love it.  Her other friend passed on it so I became the lucky owner. It is a lovely black velvet fabric and last night I paired it with my leather trousers, stone jumper and suede shoe boots. Because of their shape, capes seem to work better with trousers as opposed to dresses, although I have paired them together on occasion. Considering that is not a particularly dressy look, I have to say I felt amazing.  I am so lucky to have such a thoughtful friend.

Capes featured big in the Autumn/Winter 2014 collections in many different guises.  From Ralph Lauren to Yves Saint Laurent, they were everywhere.  The ultimate winter cover-up.  My version however would have had a slightly different price tag thankfully.  Even if I won the lottery, I couldn't imagine paying the extortionate prices for designer clothing.  I would still get joy from rummaging around the charity shops (I do however exclude an obligatory "trolley dash" around Louis Vuitton in Paris from that statement, that would be a must, even with the guilt).

Anyway, just a quick post today.  It's my day off and although John did leave for work this morning, half an hour later he was back.  Home with a very poorly sounding car.  So tentatively, we are off to the garage at 1pm to find out our fate.  It's a good job I don't have expensive taste.  We are not destined to be rich!

In the black...

Valentines Day.  Your stepdaughter is with you for the weekend (glued to her phone and the sofa) and your husband is plastering walls. You've done all the housework, the only potential change in the status quo is that the current husband in question may stop the DIY for the England rugby match in an hour.  So with no exciting prospects on the horizon, what's a girl to do?

Ditch them both and go shopping.

With a precious (and rare) Saturday afternoon off, I high-tailed it to Chepstow, the nearest town with charity shops a plenty. I, myself, was getting over a cold and as tempting as my step-daughters attitude towards a lazy afternoon on the sofa was, I didn't want to pass up the opportunity of an hour or two to rummage around the shops.

Yet again I struck gold (or black in this case) with my purchases.  Funds are particularly tight at the moment due to said plastering.  We have started on the hallway as our next project but it seems a never-ending toil of dust, stripping (not in the 50 Shades sense unfortunately) and plastering before we can get down to any of the creative niceties that I like to get involved in.  Therefore, available cash was minuscule but as it turns out, I didn't need much.

In between the five main charity shops that I normally like to peruse, I came away with this little Karen Millen number (pictured above) for £8.99 on the "buy one get one free" rail so I became the proud owner of another black number for free. And ironically, the second item in question is in fact an vintage Wallis dress (where I work). The minute I saw it I was instantly transported back a few years ago remembering a film that I once watched called The Holiday with Kate Winslet and Jude Law.  In one scene towards the end of the film, Kate's character escorts an elderly Gent to an awards gala and the dress is pretty much a carbon copy of the one she wore.  Simple and understated with classic lines and in a fabric that just seems to glide over whatever lumps and bumps you are trying (I am trying) to conceal.

The picture above doesn't do it justice but I am struggling to find any place in the house that's not covered in dirt, dust and building materials. I will post another one when I get chance to wear it.

I am not normally attracted to black, I know its a wardrobe staple but I usually go for bright colours. These two just spoke to me for some reason. Karen Millen clothes are made so beautifully and the first dress was flawless (apart from a missing belt) so I couldn't pass up the chance. There is often some kind of unusual detailing and with this dress, it was the cuffs on the short sleeves, they require cuff links to go through the holes which I just loved.  Cuff links for a lady! Despite loving the idea however, due to my slightly "larger" frame, neither cuff will be done up anytime soon. My elbows are free for now.

The second dress was not what you would call an instant hit until I tried it on and received a compliment from the elderly volunteer that worked in the shop.  If he thought it looked nice with his poor eyesight (judging from how long it took him to work the till), and my hair being reminiscent of Edward Scissor hands thanks to the wind, then who am I to argue.

To top off an already successful shopping trip, the last shop I went into appeared to have a lonely pair of petrol blue leather shoes that also wanted to come home with me.  Nothing fancy, in fact they are Clarks Shoes, usually synonymous with moaning school children that beg their parents to go anywhere but Clarks for their school shoes but for comfort they are unrivaled. The brand seems to have shed that once banal image associated with black lace-up monstrosities to produce a much wider range of styles (and some quite high prices).  So when I found this pair for £5 with new stickers still attached to the sole (£45!), my feet were over the moon. I am somewhat lacking in the comfortable work-shoe department (god knows how) so these will go a little way to seeing that my feet get some kind of a reprieve at least.

Oh and I almost forgot......I found a (possibly authentic) Louis Vuitton tote bag. It was hiding on a back shelf in the same shop and I almost didn't spot it. It was wedged behind a pile of forgotten bags that looked like they'd all spent far too much time in the bottom of a very old wardrobe. But there she was. All £3 of her. 

Happy, happy days. 

One Direction...

Well that was a turn up for the books......

Last Wednesday I had a day out with my friend Jo in Bristol. Our primary objective (other than to while  away a cold winters day together) was to visit to National Wildlife Photographer of the Year exhibition at the Bristol Museum.  It is a touring exhibition that visits various cities around the country throughout the year so you have to make sure you set aside time for it.

We went to see it last year and it may become a bit of an annual pilgrimage for us as it's something I really love. I am always in awe of the photographers and the images they capture. They are a true testament to their technical skills, their patience and their eye for a perfect pic. What I love also are the stories behind the images. One person died in his mission to capture that perfect moment after hiking in the snowy wilds of Poland. The pictures are grouped into categories such as ones that show the plight of our ever ravaged planet, illegal animal trafficking, climate change but above all they all serve one purpose: to highlight issues affecting our natural world through one click of a shutter. A few of my favourite images are shown below, all available from the above link.

These are just a fraction of ones that I fell in love with. I could have stayed staring for hours, slipping in and out of dreamscapes and thought provoking discussions with myself. I am so grateful that there are people out there that capture planet earth for us in ways that many of us will never experience.  

So after our morning of high culture, we headed for Clifton village, a stones throw from the museum, for lunch and some post-Noël charity shop trawling.  Clifton is always good for treasure hunting, especially this time of year when the charity shops are laden with unwanted Christmas gifts. 

Strangely though, in almost every shop, I noticed myself heading with more purpose for the bric-a-brac section, than for the clothes (or even shoes!). Has my house and all it's associated projects 

become my new love? Now that I have the dressing room I have always dreamed of it seems the house has taken over in terms of priority and I never thought I would say that. Maybe I really am 

getting to that age where your wardrobe plays a less important part in the jigsaw of life and your nest is truly what makes you happy. 

So I wanted to share with you what I found...

A small globe with all the country name written in French. I adore globes and maps and the suggestion of places not yet discovered and the reminders of places from my past. It was only £1.99 from the Oxfam shop. 

Continuing with the French theme.... A small wall plaque that I will hang in my hall.  The translation is "our home is so lovely, live here and happiness will find you". It's very heavy, made out of pottery but only around 15cm long.  And at £3, it touched a place in my heart. Another wall filler! 

And finally this vase which was £6 from a vintage shop. It's the perfect colour for my lounge and looks lovely with small flowers bursting out of it. 

Three things for the home and nothing for the dressing room. 

Maybe I really am becoming a One Directioner. 

Reflection...

Well here we are, (a very belated) Happy New Year to one and all....

I hope you spent a lovely festive period full of love, laughter and an abundance of gorgeously naughty food.  Christmas is wonderful but I am glad to be on the other side of it.  The older I get, the more frustrated I get with the whole issue of excess. Especially that of non-stop, over the top present buying that you see all around you from November onwards. I wish more people would reflect on how much they spend unnecessarily and how much they could have sourced that was pre-loved or second-hand or even handmade. The mad consumption merry-go-round just seems to pull us all in and other more frugal options don't seem to get considered.

I bought a few pre-loved gifts for a few people last year. Not loads but some specific bits and pieces that I came across that I knew would work for certain people. But I also spend a lot of time throughout the whole year buying bargains that I know (and hope) will be ideal.  I am always looking to save money even if it seems buying for Christmas in the height of summer is a bit odd. Shopping that way though means that I have more pennies in my purse for other lovely things.

My amazingly resourceful friend Jo loves Christmas but is also very good at sourcing or making really creative gifts and this year she outdid herself. She made me a lovely advent calender with a difference. She gave me a vintage style tin filled with 24 beautiful envelopes. Each one contained a thought or an uplifting phrase or just simply words of support alongside a small gift.

And that's not all.  For each day on the run up to Christmas I was sent an email with a link to a clip on YouTube. Genius idea. John and I watched them every night before we went to sleep. Some were truly hilarious. No meaning behind them necessarily, just something to make you smile (and often laugh out loud). I cannot begin to imagine how much time it must have taken but I appreciated it all the more because it was homemade. It's given me a wonderful idea for my mum for this year.

And on the sourcing front, she found an amazing vintage towel rail for her sister Emma when we spent a lovely day together in Chepstow. That, and a vintage suitcase to store all her Christmas presents in.

I could wax lyrical about presents I received but I thought I'd just mention a few that meant a lot. A monogram scarf from my stepdaughter that I adore. I had been trying to get one for weeks and weeks but was unsuccessful in my quest. They were from Matalan but were part of a charity campaign for Great Ormond Street hospital with all the profits going to such an amazing cause.  I was so chuffed that she even listened to my ramblings of trying to find one.

A necklace from John that meant the world to me because he chose it personally. The wording is in welsh and means "one ring to show our love, one ring to bind us".  It was lovely that he chose something so personal (the secret diva in me also loved that he bought me some Chanel soap but it seems wrong to talk of such decadence on a blog centered around all things second-hand).

As for my Mum, she bought me an amazing  black Cossack-style furry hat.  Amazing. I just wish I had the guts wear it more often. We need a hat revolution, people don't wear enough hats.

Finally, on Christmas Eve John surprised me when he picked me up from work with a beautiful
bouquet of lillies that not only filled the house with a beautiful scent for nearly three weeks but looked stunning in my huge vase in our lounge. I got so much joy from them.

As for Christmas itself, well John and I had hoped to either volunteer or do something at our home for those less fortunate. And despite our best efforts and lots of talks with the local vicar, we were unable to get anything sorted in time for Christmas Day. We were so disappointed as we really
wanted to give something back. We are so lucky in so many ways, we had hoped to make a special day for others less fortunate. But it wasn't meant to be. So, we have decided to extend our Christmas wish and still aim to do something in the near future for no other reason than it would be a good thing to do.

So on reflection, how was your Christmas? Was it all about family, love, a time of rest from the rat race? I do hope so.

I haven't been our squirrelling much in January but I found a few key treasures that I will share with you later today. Today is a day of catching up and ticking lists! Hope you have a lovely day also...

Magic and Sparkle...

Tis' the season to be jolly.......the season to think of others, to over-eat, to succumb to the High Street madness buying a million presents and still wondering, "have I bought enough?"

Tis' also the season to think about that very British of all British institutions, 

the works Christmas party.  

I found it very interesting when I lived in France that the annual Xmas soirée was not very high on the agenda at all.  A reserved meal among colleagues maybe but certainly not to our levels of sparkly dresses and drunken mishaps.  But then my beloved French are much more reserved.  My friends thought it hilarious that we (that mad Brits) start looking for a Christmas party dress in November and that so much effort goes into the quest. It's safe to say that I have probably amassed over 100 suitable dresses over the years, some screaming for the chance to come out the closet but it never stops me wanting another. I probably have more dressy, going out clothes than I have everyday items.  It will come as no surprise that I love dressing up. Looking back, I should have realised the potential problem from an early age.

It's sadly true that as we get older, nights out seem few and far between, well at least those of the sparkly dress kind and I was determined that this year with two do's on my otherwise bare social calender, that sequins had to figure big. 

I probably shouldn't be veering towards sequins at my age but what can I say, this girl just refuses to grow up and conform. So on my quest, I came upon these potential wardrobe additions. 

The two skirts above are from my own shop Wallis.  I say my shop, they were unfortunately part of an exclusive online collection that wasn't available in store BUT I put my staff discount card to good use and quickly ordered them from the net. It frustrates me that some of our stores aren't sent capsule collections or limited editions for a short time just as an experiment to see if we could sell them In store. I really think it's a missed opportunity giving all the best stock to the web and not putting it out there in front of people for them to see, touch and try. The internet is great in terms of variety and bargains for the discerning shopper but it shouldn't be to the detriment of High Street. 

Anyway, rant over, I did buy them and they are beautiful.  Not to be worn with tights though as I soon learned. The sequins are so rough on the hem, they can destroy a pair in ten minutes. Strictly for 

summer leg use only!  

This is a showstopper that I wouldn't resist. It's been a long time since I've bough three  things that didn't originate from a charity shop or have a second-hand history. This beauty is fromNAZZ Collection, a company that I had never heard of before but it came up on a Google search for all things sparkly.  I did want the gold originally but I ordered two sizes not knowing how my curves would fair against the slim fit and I ended up plumping for the red version. It screams Diana Ross and I love it.  Not loving the length though......it needs taking up by about 8 inches.  Evidently a dress for an Amazonian woman which I am not. Nevertheless, it's all mine and deserves it's own showcase with personal lighting. 

Onto another quest. The quest for a sequin maxi. One that I have been unsuccessful in as yet. The one pictured is from Phase Eight and at the princely sum of £120, it shall forever be a dream, not a reality but I shall keep a close eye on it in the sales. 

So by now you are probably thinking hang on a minute, where's the second hand item then? Panic yee not, I have not turned to the dark side.  

While conducting my search for a sparkly little number, I of course always hoped that I could find one from  a charity shop. I have to say, I almost gave up hope when I randomly stopped at one in Weston-super-Mare after visiting my mum a couple of weeks ago. I saw a charity shop on a retail complex that seemed a little out of place so I pulled up and ran in as it was ten minutes before closing. This dress was shining straight at me on a side rail and I grabbed it and ran to the cash desk. I didn't even look at the price.  All I saw was that it was brand new from French Connection and still had the tags on.  I just prayed that the size 12 cube on the hanger was true to form and happily handed over 12 of my best British pounds upon asking the price.  What a success and very unexpected but that's the best kind of experience.  Now being that I am a little "top heavy" in the upper area, this will require a jacket or shrug of some kind, but no matter. It's beautiful quality sequins are so soft and it is beautifully lined, you can tell it is a quality item that will stand the test of time. 

Not that I have a lot of time. A dress like this has a finite lifespan I'm guessing in the wardrobe of a 41 year old!  

I shall just have to search out more parties. Or just dress up for dinner more at home. 

What a nice idea.  

Winter Warmers...

The weather is definitely on the change.  My body instantly reacts when temperatures drop. I have a constant runny nose, my fingers and toes are often a blue hue and I put my husband, dog and bank account through hell with sub-tropical heating inside the house, car and anywhere else I can control.

I am definitely not a cold weather girl.  I am half Arabic after all. I am of the desert. Of lands of sun and sand. I am definitely not destined to spend half a year, every year, wrapped up like the Michelin man with two pairs of gloves and socks at a time. Until such time however as that lottery win graces my palm with much silver, I must learn to somehow cover up (in style) and fight the good fight.

So, around the latter half of the year, I usually do some kind of coat edit. I look at what I have, what can be given to charity shops, what needs dry cleaning and then assess the gaps for potential new purchases.  This year I have been very lucky as I found two lovely second-hand coats down the road in my local village charity shops.

This is the first one, originally from Windsmoor,  which is going to be my smart going out coat (I just need to go out more!),  it's too lovely to be used on a day to day basis.  It was £10 which I didn't mind paying as it was in excellent condition and I could tell from the label that it was a true vintage piece. The label is a very old style when Windsmoor was the label of choice for people like my nan.  It has a velvet edge around the collar and cuffs with a slightly Russian edge to it.

The label on this one is Savoir and was only £6. Brand new with original tags (quoting a silly price of £75). I almost feel like I'm ripping off the charity shop when I buy things like this. 

It's as if I'm getting too much of a bargain and I need to say "put your damn prices up..........please!!!!!!"  The photo doesn't show the true colour, it's more terracotta than red and is a gorgeous thick ribbed wool material. 

  P.s...... Apologies for the uninspiring pictures above and below, I had two choices. Hang them in the hall and take the pic without thinking, or wait for daylight, a willing husband and a good photo opportunity.  The latter would be at least a week away so I went with option 1. 

This beautiful cape was a birthday present from my friend Jo.  We spent a great day together back at the start of the summer in Wells and she bought this very generous gift for me and kept it for my birthday in July. The only good thing about winter is that I have been waiting to wear this beauty. Our summer this year has prevented it from coming out sooner.  You simply slide your arms through the slits on the front that look like pockets et voila......   

Little Red Riding Hood lives.  I am thinking skinny jeans, long leather gloves and some lovely winter boots. It was around £40 from The Wells Trading Post which I have written about previously.  It's a truly amazing place and I am very lucky to have such a good friend.  What a gift. 

So there you have it. Despite the big freeze, I am hoping that I will look smart at least, as I wipe away the icicles hanging off my nose. 

Sniff. 

Golden Girl...

Back at the start of the summer, I was fatefully browsing Etsy one evening when I stumbled upon this gorgeous dress and with one look and a huge smile, I was hooked. 

A few clicks and a week of anxious waiting later and she was mine. Delivered straight from the US of A and into my ever so grateful clutches.  It instantly takes me back to 1970's disco and images of the A-listers gracing the threshold of Studio 54 in New York. Also of Bond Girls and the original Supermodels. Cindy Crawford et al would have looked beautiful in this piece.  Shoulder pads, wide belt and a super soft satin material.  I just love her.  I bought it from the seller Cool Vintage Finds for around £40 (£10 of which was shipping costs).  That is a lot of money for me to pay for something second-hand which just proves my love for her! She, however, does not yet love my waistline, which is currently too large to accommodate its slim lines.  So for now, she hangs in my dressing room, making me smile every time I catch a glimpse of her poking out from among the other numbers all crammed in (many of which are also waiting for a slimmer waistline before they can do their duty). 

My dressing room is fast becoming a tomb for many a beautiful item that has not yet been worn.  Daily I am reminded of how many beautiful items I have but have yet to wear.  It is true that dieting is so much harder as you get older but its also true that nothing will actually happen unless you actually put some effort in.  

Therein lies the problem.  

My new job is keeping me stupidly busy which has a flip side of me wanting to do a big fat nothing the minute I get home.  All sport is ruled out (and the nights are getting darker anyway  - see how good I am at justifying my inactivity?) and unless I do something soon to increase my heart rate and build up anything that resembles a sweat, all those clothes will be forever enshrined to a lonely grave. It would also help if I just didn't adore food so much.  My downfall, my Achilles heel, my love.  Even now as I write, I am dreaming of the loaded pizza that I know is on the menu for tea tonight.  

Its ironic really. I finally have the dressing room I dreamed of (which I have still not posted about but carpets and finishing touches are all happening this month so not long till I can show you all the finished article), and yet I would say 80% of the lovely clothes that it houses, are no longer options to wear thanks to my overactive appetite (and my love of wine). I heard on the radio the other day that a bottle of white wine has the calorific equivalent of 6 doughnuts.  I would never eat 6 doughnuts in a row and yet a bottle of wine?? Not a problem.  

Action must be taken soon though.  I have a couple of Christmas parties coming up, none of which I want to be rolled into. Dress up opportunities are few and far between these days so I want to make the most of it around the festive period. The good thing is that I don't have to buy a new dress, I just need to slim down and pick one I already have, so it would also be a win-win for the bank account.  

So watch this space to see if I actually manage to shed  a few pounds before Santa comes a knocking. It is now priority number one on my agenda. 

Right after that pizza.