We’re often told that people don’t really pay very much attention to us. They’re too busy thinking about themselves. Although we like the idea of this we tend to not believe it because if we did we’d have to admit that we’re not the centre of the universe.
This week has had some excellent examples of this.
First I managed to tuck my skirt into my knickers and then proceeded to walk around like this for abut three hours before anyone told me. This means that either they thought my skirt was supposed to look like that or they simply didn’t notice me or my skirt.
Yesterday I wore my very bright neon ballet pumps to the office. I thought they stood out and actually began to think what I might say if anyone commented on their vividness. Not a single soul commented all day.
Today a friend came in and asked if I was wearing the shoes as she had read about them on my blog. A few other colleages then passed comment. But they had all been here yesterday and hadn’t even noticed.
I then read Doe Deer’s Blogazine where she tackles the issue of people being treated negatively or even physically attacked because they dress in a way that is not perceived to be the ‘norm’.
It’s clear that there are some people out there paying very careful attention.
I don’t like the thought of being invisible or of being attacked. It does make me think that people really do make up their minds within seconds of meeting you for the first time.
I’ve realised that I tend to play down bright and more eccentric elements when I first start a job or meet people. Then I decide how much of me to let out. It makes me sad to realise I do this and I suppose it’s a survival technique learnt at school.
I know did this last week. I can feel myself leaning towards doing the same thing at the UK Lady bloggers meet up. I’m thinking about what they will wear and how I can fit in.
Maybe I need to work at being me a bit harder and spend less time on camouflage.
As a further morsel of food for thought there’s been some discussion on Academichic recently about who you dress for, if you dress as the real you and whether the way you dress has an impact on how people treat you.
Showing posts with label clothes. Show all posts
Showing posts with label clothes. Show all posts
Friday, July 10, 2009
Thursday, June 04, 2009
Things I Love Thursday
Sunny weekends - Last weekend was amazing and it felt like a total break from work. Lots of garden sitting, good times with friends and easy food. Hot weather means fewer clothes to worry about, washing loads that dry in no time and lunch in the park.
Sunglasses - I don't leave the house without mine even in winter. They are my favourite summer accessory. Even a very serious outfit can be made more fun with sunglasses. Instant glamour!
My summer clothes - I am always astounded by my summer wardrobe but I just cannot believe the stuff I have. Great items in good colours. I feel like a vintage queen.
Other stuff - Peanut butter and watercress sandwiches, figs, campbeds, browsing and not buying, requesting a vegan meal, stuff from Lush, wearing long skirts under dresses.
Sunglasses - I don't leave the house without mine even in winter. They are my favourite summer accessory. Even a very serious outfit can be made more fun with sunglasses. Instant glamour!
My summer clothes - I am always astounded by my summer wardrobe but I just cannot believe the stuff I have. Great items in good colours. I feel like a vintage queen.
Other stuff - Peanut butter and watercress sandwiches, figs, campbeds, browsing and not buying, requesting a vegan meal, stuff from Lush, wearing long skirts under dresses.
Monday, June 01, 2009
The ten outfit solution
Much as I love rediscovering all my summer clothes I find myself unable to make my mind up what to wear. I stand by the wardrobe filled with indecision. Should I wear this? Should I pair it with that? Should I save it for later in the week when the weather might be chillier? This is not good on weekdays when I (a) on a tight schedule with no time to day dream/experiment and (b) I’m not that great first thing in the morning so it’s easy to pick an outfit that just doesn’t work.
My solution is a list of ten outfits. I used to have a job with a very long commute and a fairly formal dress code. I had a set of five outfits that I rotated because it meant that I didn’t have to think in the morning. I just checked what day it was and pulled on the designated clothing. I’ve upped this to five outfits for a number of reasons.
Firstly my work is much more variable these days and I want enough different options to be able to accommodate various levels of meeting, contact with the public and days doing desk work. Secondly I don’t want to be worrying if I get behind on the washing. Ten outfits allows me two weeks of rotations including a few warming outfits should the Great British Summer turn out to be less warm than one might hope for. Finally I want some variety. I have some excellent clothes and I want to enjoy wearing them. I love the concept of a summer uniform but I’ve spent years doing that with linen skirts and fitted white t shirts.
Weekends I’m assuming that I’ll either have time to experiment with new combinations or I’ll fall on a default outfit of shorts and vest top.
Let’s see how the organisation of summer wardrobe works out and if it leads to a more organised and merrier me! Maybe I can get organised enought to photograph said outfits over the course of a few weeks.
My solution is a list of ten outfits. I used to have a job with a very long commute and a fairly formal dress code. I had a set of five outfits that I rotated because it meant that I didn’t have to think in the morning. I just checked what day it was and pulled on the designated clothing. I’ve upped this to five outfits for a number of reasons.
Firstly my work is much more variable these days and I want enough different options to be able to accommodate various levels of meeting, contact with the public and days doing desk work. Secondly I don’t want to be worrying if I get behind on the washing. Ten outfits allows me two weeks of rotations including a few warming outfits should the Great British Summer turn out to be less warm than one might hope for. Finally I want some variety. I have some excellent clothes and I want to enjoy wearing them. I love the concept of a summer uniform but I’ve spent years doing that with linen skirts and fitted white t shirts.
Weekends I’m assuming that I’ll either have time to experiment with new combinations or I’ll fall on a default outfit of shorts and vest top.
Let’s see how the organisation of summer wardrobe works out and if it leads to a more organised and merrier me! Maybe I can get organised enought to photograph said outfits over the course of a few weeks.
Friday, May 29, 2009
the big wardrobe change
I had this afternoon blocked out to put my winter clothes away & get my summer stuff out. As always I was delighted to rediscover so many lovely items of clothing. I also believe that there clothes that have to be put away for a few years and others that you suddenly see potential that they just didn't have before.
I am truly horrified by how much stuff I have. I had this plan about trying tho be on and purchasing stuff to fill any gaps but there just cannot be gaps - I have too much.
Hence I will be wearing outfits I love to death this summer. In the hopes that I might wear some stuff out. Also I will be using long dresses and skirts as my cold weather/legs need defuzzing/can't be bothered default
. I'm fed up with trousers that wear out too fast.
Here's to a lovely summer and I finally figured out how to do text posts from my phone! More spontaneous posting lays ahead!
I am truly horrified by how much stuff I have. I had this plan about trying tho be on and purchasing stuff to fill any gaps but there just cannot be gaps - I have too much.
Hence I will be wearing outfits I love to death this summer. In the hopes that I might wear some stuff out. Also I will be using long dresses and skirts as my cold weather/legs need defuzzing/can't be bothered default
. I'm fed up with trousers that wear out too fast.
Here's to a lovely summer and I finally figured out how to do text posts from my phone! More spontaneous posting lays ahead!
Tuesday, March 24, 2009
A photographic hitch
I'd planned to start posting occasional pictures of my good and lovely self up here. Mainly so that when I waffling on about a certain outfit or sewing project you have the faintest idea of what I am referring to. My plan was to use both my phone and the only full length mirror in the house to do the deed.
The full length mirror because it is the only one long enough to have any hope of capturing enough of me. I want to use my phones to take the pictures because then I can email then straight to my blog rather than having to switch on the laptop, wait an age for it to boot up, fiddle around trying to get the camera to download the pictures, connect to Internet and then post.
I then realised that the full length mirror isn't that great because it's at the end of the hall. There is a flight of stairs going down to the basement so I can't move back far enough to get my entire body in the picture. Also our mirror has its frame decorated with pictures of friends and family. This makes the pictures take on the look of some bizarre photo collage.
I guess I'll have to make an effort to display outfits on my dress form and go back to the drawing board for live shots!
The full length mirror because it is the only one long enough to have any hope of capturing enough of me. I want to use my phones to take the pictures because then I can email then straight to my blog rather than having to switch on the laptop, wait an age for it to boot up, fiddle around trying to get the camera to download the pictures, connect to Internet and then post.
I then realised that the full length mirror isn't that great because it's at the end of the hall. There is a flight of stairs going down to the basement so I can't move back far enough to get my entire body in the picture. Also our mirror has its frame decorated with pictures of friends and family. This makes the pictures take on the look of some bizarre photo collage.
I guess I'll have to make an effort to display outfits on my dress form and go back to the drawing board for live shots!
Thursday, March 12, 2009
Things I love Thursday
Growing stuff – Things seem to be going quite well on my allotment. I’m doing good on preparing the ground, the spinach and celery survived the winter and I got my first lot of potatoes in the ground last week. Today I bough Raspberry canes from the market. I love raspberries and have been meaning to grow some for years so I was so pleased have purchased these. Also looking forward to laying out my seed packets and sorting out planting plan.
Lamé leggings – I bought a pair of these from American Apparel in December because my Grandma gave me some £ and wanted me to treat myself. I’ve worn them previously in a non-noticeable way as pretty much as replacement tights. Last weekend I wore them with my grey woolly pillow case top and black buckle boots and felt totally rock and roll. I’ve been doing enough exercise to justify showing off my legs after all.
Purple sprouting Broccoli – I’ve had this in my lunch box every day this week and think it is so yummy.
Vegan cheese on crackers spread with vegan mayo – Holland and Barrett had a three for two on vegan cheese which means I’ve been eating loads of this high fat stuff. I’ve been justifying it to myself that I need it to off set the broccoli and moonwalk training! The offer is now over so I might start restraining my urges for this delicious combo.
Honourable mentions: Tapas with friends, packed lunches, reading the original book the film/tv show was based on, keeping a good average time per mile while walking, cooking leftovers, a possible date for the UK Lady bloggers meet up, rearranging furniture.
Right I'm off to read other TILTs across the web
Monday, March 09, 2009
For my next trick I will change a pair of trousers into a dress
Stomp, stomp, think, think
One of the advantages of the training I am currently doing in preparation for the Moonwalk marathon in May is plenty of time to think. Saturday morning’s ten miles was spent thinking mainly about my new sewing projects. Hence on my return I was all ready to get started.
I had three pairs of grey trousers that had worn away in various places. My usual thoughts would be to turn these into long skirts but I was in the mood for something different. Two of the pairs were a light summer fabric and I’ve gotten a little tired of my usual summer uniform of long linen skirt, t shirt and cardigan or light jacket. Instead I plan to turn all three pairs into dresses.
The first pair are a heavy flannel fabric that I made myself. The great thing about these is that they had no real waist band; the top had just been turned over and hemmed. I ripped the inner leg seams, took out the side zip and ripped a similar gap in the other side seam. Then on my mannequin I pinned the sides of waist band together on each shoulder and pinned the inner leg seams back together. A quick stitch across the shoulders and down the back and front and I was pretty much done. The only other thing was to create a v shaped neck by ripping out part of the seam running down the front and folding it back on either side. I ran up a simple tie belt with some spare fabric to give the thing some shape. Next time I really must take some photographs to illustrate my efforts.
I’m now working on a pair of dark grey linen/cotton trousers with an unusual weave. I paid a pittance for these on New Look some years back not realising a0 the waist is strangely high and b) the fabric is very delicate. They have a really wide waist band. I removed this and am thinking of simply hemming the bottom of it and using it as a belt. The remaining fabric will probably get a similar treatment to the first pair of trousers.
This might have to go on hold for while though as I need to make a costume for a Mods and Rockers party in a few weeks. I’m a bit uncertain about what to wear. I think that as I tend towards a casual (OK scruffy) look that rocker would be better, but my Internet research seems to suggest that female rockers simply didn’t exist! I do have an old black cotton mini dress (I’m assuming it was intended as a dress although I tend to wear it as a top) that I could extend to make it slightly decent, but I’m not sure about shoes…
Any suggestions are very, very welcome.
One of the advantages of the training I am currently doing in preparation for the Moonwalk marathon in May is plenty of time to think. Saturday morning’s ten miles was spent thinking mainly about my new sewing projects. Hence on my return I was all ready to get started.
I had three pairs of grey trousers that had worn away in various places. My usual thoughts would be to turn these into long skirts but I was in the mood for something different. Two of the pairs were a light summer fabric and I’ve gotten a little tired of my usual summer uniform of long linen skirt, t shirt and cardigan or light jacket. Instead I plan to turn all three pairs into dresses.
The first pair are a heavy flannel fabric that I made myself. The great thing about these is that they had no real waist band; the top had just been turned over and hemmed. I ripped the inner leg seams, took out the side zip and ripped a similar gap in the other side seam. Then on my mannequin I pinned the sides of waist band together on each shoulder and pinned the inner leg seams back together. A quick stitch across the shoulders and down the back and front and I was pretty much done. The only other thing was to create a v shaped neck by ripping out part of the seam running down the front and folding it back on either side. I ran up a simple tie belt with some spare fabric to give the thing some shape. Next time I really must take some photographs to illustrate my efforts.
I’m now working on a pair of dark grey linen/cotton trousers with an unusual weave. I paid a pittance for these on New Look some years back not realising a0 the waist is strangely high and b) the fabric is very delicate. They have a really wide waist band. I removed this and am thinking of simply hemming the bottom of it and using it as a belt. The remaining fabric will probably get a similar treatment to the first pair of trousers.
This might have to go on hold for while though as I need to make a costume for a Mods and Rockers party in a few weeks. I’m a bit uncertain about what to wear. I think that as I tend towards a casual (OK scruffy) look that rocker would be better, but my Internet research seems to suggest that female rockers simply didn’t exist! I do have an old black cotton mini dress (I’m assuming it was intended as a dress although I tend to wear it as a top) that I could extend to make it slightly decent, but I’m not sure about shoes…
Any suggestions are very, very welcome.
Friday, January 09, 2009
What I wore 2nd – 8th January 2009
This week has been a bit of challenge. Not only have I had to stop wandering around the house in really old jeans and jumper and face the working world, but the temperature has dropped significantly. I also have a strong urge to dress very rock chick. However I’m convinced that all those who dress in such a manner either (a) live somewhere hot, (b) exist in a world where they never actually go outside or (c) are young enough that they think looking good is more important than being warm – hence they don’t notice their skin getting blue tinge. Maybe I’m too old to be a rock chick…
Friday
Mens Jeans, Brown boots, new black ‘crowning your beautiful life’ t-shirt, grey shrug.
Saturday
Exercise clothes with new vegan walking boots and new boot socks.
Brown boots, old jeans, ancient red jumper.
Sunday
Allotment clothes
Brown boots, old jeans, ancient red jumper, green sequin beret.
Monday
Long black dress, chunky sage green cardigan, brown boots.
Tuesday
Mens jeans, emerald green vest, grey wrap cardigan, brown boots.
Wednesday
Grey trousers, short sleeved black t-shirt with dragon design, black jumper with zip neck, brown boots, multicoloured knitted scarf.
Thursday
White Icing cupcake eater T-shirt, fuzzy green cardigan, black tights, grey blue corduroy skirt, brown boots.
Friday, November 14, 2008
What I wore 8th – 14th November 2008
I’ve been really into brown boots for a couple of years, but I really want some long black boots. I’ve been looking at Bourgeois Boheme and I am definitely buying myself at least one pair from their as a Christmas gift to myself. Happily BoBo are going to be at the Christmas without Cruelty fayre so I am going to ask them bring some pairs along for me to try on. Here's this week's clothing list.
Saturday:
Allotment clothes
Mens jeans, long sleeved black t shirt, green Alice Cooper t-shirt, black DM boots (when I went out to serve mulled wine at the town firework display I added a fleece jacket, a waterproof jacket, a scarf and a hat).
Sunday:
Old jeans, long sleeved grey v neck t shirt, grey v neck rib jumper, green slippers.
Monday:
Turquoise vest, grey wrap dress, skinny jeans, brown boots.
Tuesday:
Green velvet jacket, grey skirt, white v neck t shirt, brown boots.
Wednesday:
Skinny jeans, grey pillow case top, grey shrug, spider necklace, black stretchy boots.
Thursday:
Emerald green cardigan, black and white floral skirt, black top, brown boots,green and black necklace.
Friday:
Brown boots, black leggings (worn as tights), grey knitted dress, Long black fitted jacket with green and bronze spider brooch, green and gold knitted scarf.
Saturday:
Allotment clothes
Mens jeans, long sleeved black t shirt, green Alice Cooper t-shirt, black DM boots (when I went out to serve mulled wine at the town firework display I added a fleece jacket, a waterproof jacket, a scarf and a hat).
Sunday:
Old jeans, long sleeved grey v neck t shirt, grey v neck rib jumper, green slippers.
Monday:
Turquoise vest, grey wrap dress, skinny jeans, brown boots.
Tuesday:
Green velvet jacket, grey skirt, white v neck t shirt, brown boots.
Wednesday:
Skinny jeans, grey pillow case top, grey shrug, spider necklace, black stretchy boots.
Thursday:
Emerald green cardigan, black and white floral skirt, black top, brown boots,green and black necklace.
Friday:
Brown boots, black leggings (worn as tights), grey knitted dress, Long black fitted jacket with green and bronze spider brooch, green and gold knitted scarf.
Friday, October 31, 2008
What I wore 25th – 31st October 2008
Saturday:
·Exercise clothes
·Mens jeans, grey pillowcase top, grey shrug, brown boots, spider necklace, black velvet jacket
Sunday
·Allotment clothes
·Blue cardigan, Black dress with mushroom print, black tights, black Mary Jane shoes, spider necklace.
Monday
·Skinny jeans, short sleeved white linen shirt, black sleeveless dress, green bead bracelet, brown boots.
Tuesday
·Emerald green cardigan, black v neck tshirt, black and white flower print skirt, brown boots.
Wednesday
·Old jeans, grey v neck rib jumper
·Emerald green cardigan, vintage black cotton mini dress/tunic, Mens jeans, brown boots, green and black necklace.
Thursday
·Emerald green cardigan, vintage black cotton mini dress/tunic, Mens jeans, brown boots, green and black necklace.
Friday
·Allotment clothes
·Grey v neck rib jumper, mens jeans, brown boots, black velvet jacket, green and yellow scarf.
Dear Heart and I stayed with his sister on Wednesday night so I wore the same clothes both days. Expecting a lot of changes to what I’ll wear next week as I put my summer clothes away last night and got out my winter stuff.
·Exercise clothes
·Mens jeans, grey pillowcase top, grey shrug, brown boots, spider necklace, black velvet jacket
Sunday
·Allotment clothes
·Blue cardigan, Black dress with mushroom print, black tights, black Mary Jane shoes, spider necklace.
Monday
·Skinny jeans, short sleeved white linen shirt, black sleeveless dress, green bead bracelet, brown boots.
Tuesday
·Emerald green cardigan, black v neck tshirt, black and white flower print skirt, brown boots.
Wednesday
·Old jeans, grey v neck rib jumper
·Emerald green cardigan, vintage black cotton mini dress/tunic, Mens jeans, brown boots, green and black necklace.
Thursday
·Emerald green cardigan, vintage black cotton mini dress/tunic, Mens jeans, brown boots, green and black necklace.
Friday
·Allotment clothes
·Grey v neck rib jumper, mens jeans, brown boots, black velvet jacket, green and yellow scarf.
Dear Heart and I stayed with his sister on Wednesday night so I wore the same clothes both days. Expecting a lot of changes to what I’ll wear next week as I put my summer clothes away last night and got out my winter stuff.
Friday, October 24, 2008
What I wore 18 – 24th October 2008
Saturday
Exercise clothes
Mens jeans, grey pillowcase top, grey shrug, brown boots, spider necklace, black velvet jacket
Sunday
Allotment clothes
Old jeans, ancient red jumper
Monday
Mens jeans, turquoise vest, grey wrap jumper, black DM boots.
Tuesday
Chunky green cardigan, black flowery slip dress, floaty black skirt, brown boots.
Wednesday
Emerald green cardigan, vintage black cotton mini dress/tunic, Mens jeans, brown boots, green and black necklace.
Thursday
Emerald green cardigan, black v neck tshirt, black and green necklace, black and white flower print skirt, brown boots.
Friday
Emerald green cardigan, green and white wrap dress, mens jeans, brown boots.
Realise that I am going to have to start finding different names for each of my three pairs of brown boots.
Exercise clothes
Mens jeans, grey pillowcase top, grey shrug, brown boots, spider necklace, black velvet jacket
Sunday
Allotment clothes
Old jeans, ancient red jumper
Monday
Mens jeans, turquoise vest, grey wrap jumper, black DM boots.
Tuesday
Chunky green cardigan, black flowery slip dress, floaty black skirt, brown boots.
Wednesday
Emerald green cardigan, vintage black cotton mini dress/tunic, Mens jeans, brown boots, green and black necklace.
Thursday
Emerald green cardigan, black v neck tshirt, black and green necklace, black and white flower print skirt, brown boots.
Friday
Emerald green cardigan, green and white wrap dress, mens jeans, brown boots.
Realise that I am going to have to start finding different names for each of my three pairs of brown boots.
Thursday, October 16, 2008
What I wore 11 - 17 October 2008
Saturday:
- exercise clothes (long black trousers, random old white t shirt, green fleece, trainers inherited from my mother).
- old jeans, grey ribbed v neck jumper, brown boots, black velvet jacket, yellow and green scarf.
Sunday:
- allotment clothes (old jogging trousers, old holey t shirt, purple fleece jumper and Wellington boots)
- Old jeans, grey v neck tshirt.
Monday:
- skinny jeans, white short sleeved linen shirt, sleeveless black wool dress, black Mary Jane shoes.
Tuesday:
- Flouncy black cotton skirt, flowery slip dress, brown boots, chunky green cardigan, green and yellow scarf.
Wednesday:
- Skinny jeans, grey pillow case top, grey shrug, black velvet jacket, black Mary Jane shoes, green beaded bracelet.
Thursday:
- Men’s jeans, green cardigan, long green and white wrap top, brown boots.
Friday:
- black Mary Jane shoes, thick black tights, black mushroom patterned dress, blue cardigan, spider necklace..
Thursday, September 18, 2008
Lacking in a certain department
So I went home last night and looked at my wardrobe with all the thoughts about capsule wardrobes buzzing around my head. It became clear quite quickly that I have a lot of clothes that go with one think and nothing else. I was initially puzzled by this as it’s something I’ve always tried to avoid. When Dear Heart and I used to spend Saturdays roaming the shops together our conversation would go something like this:
Dear Heart: You should get that outfit over there. It would look really good on you.
Me (thrilled that he thinks something would look good on me and craving approval in an unhealthy manner): It’s really cool. I’m going to try it on.
I exit to changing rooms and reappear some minutes later.
Dear Heart: How did you get on?
Me: It looked great but none of it will go with anything else.
Dear Heart (gazing in direction of local hostelry): So? Just buy it.
Me: good idea. I’ll go to the till now. Hey I think I'll get these random items from the sale rail too. Look how cheap they are.
Additionally I have a lot of things that are vintage or homemade. If I’m making it myself, particularly from fabric I already have I am far less fussy over what goes with it. I seem to have lots of tops and far fewer bottoms. My clothes are mainly green and black with a few splashes of white, blue and red.
So rather than doing what any self respecting wardrobe would suggest (which would be to look for wear the gaps and acquire new items to fill them) I intend to use this lack to force me to explore further into my wardrobe and discover new (daring?) combinations.
Today, for example, I am wearing a long floaty black cotton skirt, long black boots, fishnet tights (largely hidden by boots and skirt), a black slip dress with tiny flowers printed on it and a green cardigan.
I would never normally of considered teaming these. I’ve had the slip dress for ages and used to live in it in my early 20s. It’s probably too short for me to get away with now, even with thick tights but it looks very slim as a long top.
I do rather like the thought of wearing out everything in my wardrobe and then moving to a palette of black, green and white (Nubby Twiglet has been inspiring me - I want to pack like her but think green not red).
Dear Heart: You should get that outfit over there. It would look really good on you.
Me (thrilled that he thinks something would look good on me and craving approval in an unhealthy manner): It’s really cool. I’m going to try it on.
I exit to changing rooms and reappear some minutes later.
Dear Heart: How did you get on?
Me: It looked great but none of it will go with anything else.
Dear Heart (gazing in direction of local hostelry): So? Just buy it.
Me: good idea. I’ll go to the till now. Hey I think I'll get these random items from the sale rail too. Look how cheap they are.
Additionally I have a lot of things that are vintage or homemade. If I’m making it myself, particularly from fabric I already have I am far less fussy over what goes with it. I seem to have lots of tops and far fewer bottoms. My clothes are mainly green and black with a few splashes of white, blue and red.
So rather than doing what any self respecting wardrobe would suggest (which would be to look for wear the gaps and acquire new items to fill them) I intend to use this lack to force me to explore further into my wardrobe and discover new (daring?) combinations.
Today, for example, I am wearing a long floaty black cotton skirt, long black boots, fishnet tights (largely hidden by boots and skirt), a black slip dress with tiny flowers printed on it and a green cardigan.
I would never normally of considered teaming these. I’ve had the slip dress for ages and used to live in it in my early 20s. It’s probably too short for me to get away with now, even with thick tights but it looks very slim as a long top.
I do rather like the thought of wearing out everything in my wardrobe and then moving to a palette of black, green and white (Nubby Twiglet has been inspiring me - I want to pack like her but think green not red).
Thursday, August 14, 2008
What have I been up to over the last week?
Using a hot gun to strip paint from a cupboard door.
Picking vast quantities of courgettes
Enjoying the video to The Hoosier’s Goodbye Mr A and speculating with Dear Heart what on earth it’s about and who Mr A might be.
Trying to sit in the garden and write (writing OK, garden sitting less successful due to wind tunnel effect).
Drinking wine with girlfriends and gossiping.
Trying to find new homes for possessions I no longer need. Anyone want a gas poker?
Watching meteorite storms with Dear Heart while lying in the garden wrapped in blankets.
Figuring out exciting new clothing combinations after realising that the clothes I loaned to Dear Heart’s sister are the 20% of my wardrobe that I wear 80% of the time.
Picking vast quantities of courgettes
Enjoying the video to The Hoosier’s Goodbye Mr A and speculating with Dear Heart what on earth it’s about and who Mr A might be.
Trying to sit in the garden and write (writing OK, garden sitting less successful due to wind tunnel effect).
Drinking wine with girlfriends and gossiping.
Trying to find new homes for possessions I no longer need. Anyone want a gas poker?
Watching meteorite storms with Dear Heart while lying in the garden wrapped in blankets.
Figuring out exciting new clothing combinations after realising that the clothes I loaned to Dear Heart’s sister are the 20% of my wardrobe that I wear 80% of the time.
Monday, July 28, 2008
Abundance in the universe
What a marvellously abundant weekend. My allotment is producing crops of all kinds. Peas, French beans, Runner beans, Potatoes and masses of courgettes. I was rather perturbed when Dear Heart suggested that I put it all into a soup and blend it up! He just doesn’t appreciate the delights of freshly picked, home grown produce.
I was a bit stuck for what to do with the courgettes. I have an awful lot and they are rather big. Happily someone pointed me in the direction of The Healing Foods Cookbook: The Vegan Way to Wellness. I’m always keen to read new vegan cookbooks and found this book contains a marvellous (and easy) recipe for courgette and tarragon soup. Dear Heart loved it (and he doesn’t like courgettes) and his sister had two bowls and asked for the recipe.
Blackberries also seem to be growing everywhere at present and a few scratches are small price to pay for such delicious fruit. The freezer is starting to look a bit full though…
Things are coming along very nicely with the redecoration of my study. When Dear Heart went out to buy plaster at the end of last week I hopped in the car with him and we visited an army surplus store that he’s been raving about for a few months.
I picked up a green shirt (£2) which just needs a few darts to make splendid fitted shirt for winter wear. I also got a green long sleeved top (£3) which is very soft and just needs a few adjustments to be perfect! My best buy had to be some heavy cotton fabric. I think they might have been tablecloths at some point. I can’t decide if I want to make a dress or a bag. Work on these will hopefully be among the first projects I undertake in my newly renovated room!
This does put my clothing purchased total up to three items for this year, but I don’t think that’s too bad for the end of July.
Enjoy the sunshine
I was a bit stuck for what to do with the courgettes. I have an awful lot and they are rather big. Happily someone pointed me in the direction of The Healing Foods Cookbook: The Vegan Way to Wellness. I’m always keen to read new vegan cookbooks and found this book contains a marvellous (and easy) recipe for courgette and tarragon soup. Dear Heart loved it (and he doesn’t like courgettes) and his sister had two bowls and asked for the recipe.
Blackberries also seem to be growing everywhere at present and a few scratches are small price to pay for such delicious fruit. The freezer is starting to look a bit full though…
Things are coming along very nicely with the redecoration of my study. When Dear Heart went out to buy plaster at the end of last week I hopped in the car with him and we visited an army surplus store that he’s been raving about for a few months.
I picked up a green shirt (£2) which just needs a few darts to make splendid fitted shirt for winter wear. I also got a green long sleeved top (£3) which is very soft and just needs a few adjustments to be perfect! My best buy had to be some heavy cotton fabric. I think they might have been tablecloths at some point. I can’t decide if I want to make a dress or a bag. Work on these will hopefully be among the first projects I undertake in my newly renovated room!
This does put my clothing purchased total up to three items for this year, but I don’t think that’s too bad for the end of July.
Enjoy the sunshine
Wednesday, July 23, 2008
Black and green
I've been wearing black and green (clothes not chocolate!) for the past three days. It's been too warm for jeans (not that I'm complaining) and it feels like the height of luxury and decadence to smooth body so fine on to make my legs look a little bit sparkly as they peek from my skirt.
I'm assuming that my move back to wearing green and black (my favourite colours) means that I'm feeling like me again! I've even painted my toenails green and have been wearing green bracelets.
I was interested to see this take on wearing green clothes. I've also been adding more green items to the collage on my study wall. All the different shades of green look so good together. Alas it's going to have to come down as Dear Heart and I are working on transforming my study into the perfect room for me to do my stuff in (that'll be sewing, writing, reading, yoga and feeling creative then). We took the carpet up last week. Chipped the plaster off the chimney breast to expose the brick underneath. Stripped the paint off the door to reveal the wood. Dear Heart is going to sort out the plaster on the walls, sand the floor boards and paint it all in a nice neutral shade. Except for one wall which is going to be covered in cork tiles so that I can use it as an inspiration wall.
I'm rather excited by this prospect. I've been taking a break from eBay but I have several boxes taking up floor space in my study that I just want to sell so that there is no clutter! Photographs will hopefully follow at some not to distant point!
I'm assuming that my move back to wearing green and black (my favourite colours) means that I'm feeling like me again! I've even painted my toenails green and have been wearing green bracelets.
I was interested to see this take on wearing green clothes. I've also been adding more green items to the collage on my study wall. All the different shades of green look so good together. Alas it's going to have to come down as Dear Heart and I are working on transforming my study into the perfect room for me to do my stuff in (that'll be sewing, writing, reading, yoga and feeling creative then). We took the carpet up last week. Chipped the plaster off the chimney breast to expose the brick underneath. Stripped the paint off the door to reveal the wood. Dear Heart is going to sort out the plaster on the walls, sand the floor boards and paint it all in a nice neutral shade. Except for one wall which is going to be covered in cork tiles so that I can use it as an inspiration wall.
I'm rather excited by this prospect. I've been taking a break from eBay but I have several boxes taking up floor space in my study that I just want to sell so that there is no clutter! Photographs will hopefully follow at some not to distant point!
Thursday, July 17, 2008
A change of clothing
At reported at the start of the week, I just don't want to wear any of my usual summer stuff. I'm bored of my uniform of linen skirts and tshirts. My DM sandals need repairing. I just don't feel inspired in what I've been wearing. I also feel very middle aged (although I'm sure this is just my perception).
I used (until about 7 years ago) to wear lots of black. I think this was a reaction to the colour clashing 1980s. However I also realised that I wore black when I wanted to feel invisible. So I made a real effort not to wear black all the time and to let some colour into my life. Which has been great. But I'm wondering if I can now trust myself to wear dark colours again. A sign of maturity and reflection that life has it's ups and downs maybe? Or just accepting that recession is on it's way in and the future could be dark...
Anyway I allowed myself not to make too much of an effort yesterday and wear whatever I felt like to work and I ended up in something pretty much like the image below.
The only major differences are that my tshirt said Alice Cooper, my shoes are sparkly and my bag is my fabulous (yet ancient) Wonderbag. I felt very comfortable and oddly energised and me. In fact I think that I might be wearing skirts a bit less for a while and giving my jeans more of an airing.
I have an on/off relationship with jeans. I wore them as a teen, but preferred jogging trousers as I did a lot of sport. Then I went off to university with two pairs of Wranger body glove (they did exactly what they said on the tin). Then I decided that jeans were not for me and started wearing a uniform of black leggings (matt or shiny), tshirt and green DMs. I didn't get back into wearing jeans until about 5 years later I visited the Easy store at an outlet village somewhere, tried on one of the sample pairs and begged to be allowed to keep them. I have worn jeans since then but it's always been a real labour to try and find a pair that fit. I'm seeing this latest development as another 'jeans are good' phase.
I'm also betting that I'll fall madly in love again with my skirts and dresses at some point in the next few years.
I used (until about 7 years ago) to wear lots of black. I think this was a reaction to the colour clashing 1980s. However I also realised that I wore black when I wanted to feel invisible. So I made a real effort not to wear black all the time and to let some colour into my life. Which has been great. But I'm wondering if I can now trust myself to wear dark colours again. A sign of maturity and reflection that life has it's ups and downs maybe? Or just accepting that recession is on it's way in and the future could be dark...
Anyway I allowed myself not to make too much of an effort yesterday and wear whatever I felt like to work and I ended up in something pretty much like the image below.
The only major differences are that my tshirt said Alice Cooper, my shoes are sparkly and my bag is my fabulous (yet ancient) Wonderbag. I felt very comfortable and oddly energised and me. In fact I think that I might be wearing skirts a bit less for a while and giving my jeans more of an airing.
I have an on/off relationship with jeans. I wore them as a teen, but preferred jogging trousers as I did a lot of sport. Then I went off to university with two pairs of Wranger body glove (they did exactly what they said on the tin). Then I decided that jeans were not for me and started wearing a uniform of black leggings (matt or shiny), tshirt and green DMs. I didn't get back into wearing jeans until about 5 years later I visited the Easy store at an outlet village somewhere, tried on one of the sample pairs and begged to be allowed to keep them. I have worn jeans since then but it's always been a real labour to try and find a pair that fit. I'm seeing this latest development as another 'jeans are good' phase.
I'm also betting that I'll fall madly in love again with my skirts and dresses at some point in the next few years.
Monday, June 16, 2008
Colour therapy
This is what I simply love about the Internet. Yesterday I mentioned that was feeling drawn towards the colour red and I was going to do some research on colour therapy to see what it meant. then I checked my emails this morning and discovered that I had a comment from a colour therapist. She explains what feeling drawn towards red means and has her own blog http://rainbowrevolution.blogspot.com/ It's totally gorgeous and just the thing to look at on grey UK days. Thank you Leanne.
I extended my salad experiences today. I sliced some fennel yesterday, tossed it in a tiny bit of oil and popped in the oven for a bit while some bread was baking. Today I had it mixed with spinach, walnuts and raspberry vinegar. total yummy.
Random thing - I keep typing 'missed' when I mean 'mixed'. Is this something Freudian? Or just my brain being a bit rebellious?
I extended my salad experiences today. I sliced some fennel yesterday, tossed it in a tiny bit of oil and popped in the oven for a bit while some bread was baking. Today I had it mixed with spinach, walnuts and raspberry vinegar. total yummy.
Random thing - I keep typing 'missed' when I mean 'mixed'. Is this something Freudian? Or just my brain being a bit rebellious?
Sunday, June 15, 2008
What to wear this week
I’m still getting into my stride as regards summer clothing. I really like to plan in advance what I am going to wear so that I don’t have to waste time in the morning. Last week I had a few days where I was very uncertain so I am going to lay it out here. I’ve checked the weather for the week and it doesn’t look very good. I may however utilise a tip I read somewhere about wearing a summer dress but carrying tights and a cardigan in your bag.
Monday – Black and white floral skirt, green top, linen jacket and green shoes
Tuesday – Jeans with red dress and white sandals
Wednesday – Black linen skirt and red sleeveless t shirt and thongs
Thursday – Jeans with white blouse (this is one of my home made, pattern free efforts) and black velvet jacket in case the temperature plummets
Friday – I will be at an exhibition so I will wear a linen skirt and jacket with a scarf. My DM sandals broke last week (I have had them for years) so if I haven’t managed some kind of repair I’ll need to think of something else to wear.
Saturday – Usually I wouldn’t worry about what to wear on a Saturday but I will be at work doing a summer reading promotion. This will require me to dress like a holiday rep/travel agent. I think I need some extra research for this
I‘m intrigued that I mentioned red several times here and that I am wearing red today (my red ‘in cahoots with the sun’ dress – Yeah I made it myself by Eithne Farry). What does a craving to wear red, when green is my colour of choice mean? I think I need to browse a few colour therapy websites
I do hope the week turns out warmer than predicted. I really crave a few lunch times in the park and dinner consumed ‘al fresco’.
Monday, June 09, 2008
Summer must be here
How do I know that summer must be here? Because last night I put my winter clothes away and got out my summer ones. I'm really thrilled (as usual) to discover that I own so many lovely things. however, I am slightly surprised at the vast quantities of shoes that I have unpacked.
Quite frankly the weather has been so changeable Iwas begining to think that I would just be in my winter clothes right through to October with the odd day here and there taken care of with a few pieces I have made. I am slightly nervous about the chilly temperature predicted for the end of the week but who knows wth weather. It's all chaos theory anyway and sometimes you just have to take a chance.
I am thinking that while delighting in my summer clothes I may plan in advance a few combinations for chillier days.
I'm also going to try and look after myself this week. I seem to have had a few very busy weeks with work and other things. I feel exhausted, am fretting over small things and just don't feel right. My puff pastry wouldn't puff. My eating habits are all over the place (either nothing or too much). I've missed a number of exercise opportunities. A friend suggested that I check my biorhythms and rather amusingly they do seem to be on a downward spiral at present.
Last week I purchased some delicious looking spinach at the market. Then on Saturday when I popped to the deli to do our grocery shopping I discovered raspberry cider vinegar and lemon infused olive oil. So I am planning lots of delicious salads. I simply can't decide which dressing to enjoy first.
So here's to a week with lots of salad, exercise and early nights followed up (hopefully) by lashings of blogging, creativity and cupboard clearouts.
I'm so looking forward to sharing my adventures with henna, updates on allotment and share the joy that having a study slowly emptying of clutter bring.
Quite frankly the weather has been so changeable Iwas begining to think that I would just be in my winter clothes right through to October with the odd day here and there taken care of with a few pieces I have made. I am slightly nervous about the chilly temperature predicted for the end of the week but who knows wth weather. It's all chaos theory anyway and sometimes you just have to take a chance.
I am thinking that while delighting in my summer clothes I may plan in advance a few combinations for chillier days.
I'm also going to try and look after myself this week. I seem to have had a few very busy weeks with work and other things. I feel exhausted, am fretting over small things and just don't feel right. My puff pastry wouldn't puff. My eating habits are all over the place (either nothing or too much). I've missed a number of exercise opportunities. A friend suggested that I check my biorhythms and rather amusingly they do seem to be on a downward spiral at present.
Last week I purchased some delicious looking spinach at the market. Then on Saturday when I popped to the deli to do our grocery shopping I discovered raspberry cider vinegar and lemon infused olive oil. So I am planning lots of delicious salads. I simply can't decide which dressing to enjoy first.
So here's to a week with lots of salad, exercise and early nights followed up (hopefully) by lashings of blogging, creativity and cupboard clearouts.
I'm so looking forward to sharing my adventures with henna, updates on allotment and share the joy that having a study slowly emptying of clutter bring.
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