Monday 22 September 2014

The long and the short of it


As always, you are a very encouraging bunch, and I feel cheered on by your enthusiasm for my selling plans. So far, it's going well, and I have met my target for September already.

What's more, I am finding I can let go of clothes with little fuss or regret.

So that's good to know.


Autumn was definitely in the air over the weekend, and these two outfits seem to have something of the season about them. Mel says it's the time of year when people wear clothes the colour of detritus, decay, mould and fungus.

Oops, am I guilty as charged? Oh well.

 

1970s dress, denim jacket, belt, shoes and bangles - charity shopped
Bag - gift
Pendant - gift from Joni

This dress has a fragile, floaty appeal which makes it a keeper, despite the fact that soft painterly prints in delicate pastels are not usually my thing. I think as long as I ground it with darker shades of blue, green or brown (ie. decay, mould and fungus), I won't feel too washed out.


The pendant is a piece of Limoges.



1970s maxi dress - Ebay
Hat, belt and bangles - charity shopped
Cardi/shrug - free from clothes swap
Necklace - gift
1960s wicker/vinyl bag - vintage fair
Sandals - retail (sale)

This maxi managed to sneak through my current buying ban as the print caught my eye, and it was dirt cheap.

Actually, I'm not really thinking of this phase as a buying ban. That would be the kiss of death, I'm too contrary to do as I'm told (even when it's me doing the telling). No, it's just a period of clarifying, of thoughtful and cautious spending.



I'm still allowed the odd indulgence - like a wonderful old Church Gresley Gripstand mixing bowl (£4), vintage fabric (£5 - and there's loads of it), and 1960s emerald green gloves (99p). 
Who could refuse?
(Sorry about the crappy photo; the PC is being sticky and awkward, and I would go to the trouble of taking a better photo, if it were not for the fact that it has taken me forever to get the images uploaded in this post, and I am losing the will to live, never mind blog.)



Claudia and I went to have a look around St Mary's vintage and craft market on Saturday.



Homewares and kitschy bric-a-brac galore, dolls, beautiful hats, and a saggy old chest.

And then we all went out for Chinese.



I am The Walrus. 



 Hurray, the sun put in an appearance.
 


I'll be taking my autumn leaf, Stilton, and mushroom colour palette over to Patti's for Visible Monday; and in case I don't remember to wear a hat before October 1st, I'd better link in advance to Judith's Hat Attack. I'll also be at Sacramento's Share in Style, since the theme is Autumn.

So organised. Ha!
xxxxx

41 comments:

Vix said...

That maxi is a beaut! I didn't spot that on my weekly eBay stalking session. It looks fabulous on you. The midi is delicate and pretty and Springlike and perfect for a sunny day like today. The bag is glorious.
The craft market is cool. Who wouldn't want a saggy old chest? Where's the Scrabble rings and tea cup candles, or is it just the Midlands where we have to tolerate such tweedom?
The Walrus made me laugh aloud.
Love you! xxxxxxx

Becky said...

I love both those big purses and the green gloves are so gooood! The Walrus! Hahaha!

Patti said...

LOL at Saggy Old Chest (although it's hitting a bit close to home). I really like your frocks, and your pendant is awesome. Love to meet you all all for some Chinese. Thanks for sharing with Visible Monday, xoxo.

freckleface said...

Saggy old chest? Not yet, but give it a few years and who knows? You did well with that maxi. It's a great print and shows off your lovely willowy figure to perfection. I never seem to get anything that cheaply on ebay. Once I start watching, they all want it, copycats. Now, my eagle eyes have homed in on that fabric. What's it going to be Cutise? Tell I? I'm impressed that you've hit your sales target. What a natural. You're going to do brilliantly with your stall. I deliberately avoided a vintage fair yesterday, didn't know I possessed such willpower. I'll have vegetable chow mein, please! Xxxxx

The Vintage Knitter said...

Lush maxi, it looks really good belted in like that too. You can't go wrong with a dress like that, in my book! I've also been trying to do a bit of cautious spending recently, which for me means staying away from eBay and Etsy,Has it worked? Hell, no!!!

mondoagogo said...

I think your floaty pale dress looks like the sky on a windy winter's day, when the clouds go scudding really fast across a blue sky.

And now I quite fancy mushroom + stilton pie, dammit.

Melanie said...

Mould, fungus, and decay colours never looked so good! The autumn leaf ensemble with Stilton and mushroom colours is stellar. Okay, well, it certainly helps that your personality is a full blast colour snap. Your painterly piece grounded with the colours of decay is also beautiful. There's something about floaty pieces... I look forward to seeing you in the green gloves. I laughed at the mention! Thanks.

bahnwärterin said...

you look wonderful in "schimmel-farben" :-)
no really - the airy midi dress with blue stockings and shoes has fairy potential! and the hat is gorgeous!
cute pendant and pretty bangles.....
and a walrus to love!
p.s: thanx for your lovely comment - now i never again need blusher ;-)
xxxxx

Natalia Lialina said...

That photo of you in the beautiful maxi and gorgeous hat in your lush garden is iconic - it's like a picture from the 70s fashion magazine or an old movie. Love! :)

I enjoy the way your accessories add to the pattern of the dress you wear - leaf pattern this time, it creates depth, interest, and charm. Love! :)

I also am not a big fan of wearing fungus colors close to my face (pale skin/freckles, the whole deal, you know!), but I am looking forward to style one fungus/decay maxi skirt this Fall, to add to your theme. :)

Lovely photos of market, saggy old chest made me laugh when I got the double meaning. Owen is very cute, and Chinese is one of my fave food ever! Love! :)
xxxxx

Fiona said...

Loads to love here Curtise...the gorgeous maxi - how could you not buy it??? Beautiful raindropped rose, fabbo wicker handbag, lush vintage fabric and some T G Green....ooh I nearly forgot the lovely Limoges.
Love the Owen pic...typical boy, reminds me so much of the things my brother used to do.

Kezzie said...

Oh I was REALLY hoping you were going to say that the maxi was going to go- I was totally going to pounce in with an offer to buy! Never mind!
"Actually, I'm not really thinking of this phase as a buying ban. That would be the kiss of death"
- OH so true! Whenever I say I am banning myself from shopping or the suchlike, I get withdrawal symptoms. Somehow just saying I am trying to avoid it means I am making more conscious decisions without HAVING to!
I love the first dress-reminds me of Julie Andrews at the ball in the sound of music!x

Goody said...

The fungus had to move to a new house because the old one didn't have mushroom.

Before I grab my hat, let me compliment yours. Very nice hat. Very. Glad to hear the selling is going well and hopefully that saggy old chest can get some love and attention.

Right, my hat.

Unknown said...

I don't know about mold and decay, but I do love the colors of autumn. Very pretty dress as usual! :)

thorne garnet said...

or stuff made out of old typewriter keys (the nerve!)

I had a buying ban this spring, I did real good. Then I went to the buy the pound store......... hey, I was on a mini-vacation.

diaryofapennypincher said...

You look just great in mould and decay! I'm jealous of that great floppy hat, and those T bar shoes. How I hankered after T bars as a child!

Shawna McComber said...

Well you certainly don't have a saggy old chest, and you look lovely in the colours of detritus, mould and decay. Those are the foundations of life anyhow, highly valuable are they! I am personally often dressed like a bruise (black and blue) so I think you are doing much better than I am.

I love the denim jacket with the soft, floaty pastel dress. That juxtaposition always appeals to me and it's very you, being contrary. I laughed when you wrote that you would not even obey your own self imposed restrictions due to your contrary nature. I am rather like that too. Spending bans do not work any more than diets do, but thoughtful and considered spending is quite doable.
I forgot to say in the last post that I love those mugs and that tapestry bag! I am sure I will forget to say something in this one too.
xoxo

Anonymous said...

That pendant is something I forgot about but it looks gorgeous on the dress you're wearing. Perfect companion and so happy to see you still have it.
You've already reached your goal and September isn't even over yet!

Connie said...

I actually think you look quite Spring Like....all birds and flowers...tra la! Though that carpet bag has something very autumny and mossy about it. Chinese food, Stilton and mushrooms. I'm feeling hungry.

Krista said...

You gals in the UK have it so much better on ebay nothing is dirt cheap here on ebay. This dress is definitely your style and paired with the hat I do like a lot! I know who could really quit thrifting it's as much about wearing it as it is finding it! I have been good about clearing out my closets but I've also found some fab new things to put right back in, thank god there's room!
Loveyoudarlinxxxxxxxxxxx

Sheila said...

Hmmm, I've got a saggy old chest right here! Love that maxi, Curtise!

Vintage Bird Girl said...

Oh that new to you maxi dress is certainly a keeper! I do envy those who experience a true Autumn and Spring. It feels like I've gone from a NZ winter straight to an oppressive Brisbane summer. I long for the in-between! Xx

ArgentGal said...

The maxi is fantastic. Not only a beautiful print but also skillfully placed on the dress. That kind of attention to placement with print fabrics is something you just don't see in today's fast fashion. Of course it doesn't surprise me at all that you snapped up that dress, you have a great eye.

Diane said...

That maxi is stunning - it caught my eye straight away! Love it. I've never managed to catch St Mary's - I must make more effort! xxx

Beth Waltz said...

Those gloves are as bright as some of Helga's tights! Have you an outfit that needs them, or do you now urgently require an outfit which will display them properly?

This is the pitfall of acquiring really attractive accessories; e.g., that nice hat with a floral ornament and the turquoise pendant demand to be teamed with that Morris print maxi!

Emma Kate at Paint and Style said...

I'm afraid a saggy old chest is un unavoidable fact of life. That reminds me, I saw a very old camel with saggy humps. One went one way and one went the other. Just thought I'd share that.

Love love love the shoes with the shorter dress! They're like doll shoes. I like a strap on a shoe. xxxx

Peaches McGinty said...

Woop!!! I'm so chuffed you hit your target! that's because your stuff is quality! and 'ban' really is the kiss of death isn't it? cautious spending is what I like too, and cautious indulgence, it's good for you! the Ebay dress is gorgeous, I love the colour and pattern, it's divine, actually both outfits are - why is is when I read 'saggy old chest' I looked down? my bosom isn't talking to me now hahaha! x x x

Olga Rani said...

Perhaps the first dress is indeed a bit too pale for you but in a company of blue tights and the jacket it looks really beautiful. And what a cute pendant! The maxi dress is a real eye catcher, so beautiful.

at my dressingtable said...

Oh Curtise I love both your dresses especially the pastel coloured dress, I am in love with your hat !!!,xxx

Rose&Bird said...

Fungus, shmungus! Nothing wrong with those colours, lovely blue dress. I think I'm right in saying that Church Gresley pottery was the Mason Cash pottery who also bought TG Greene (of Cornishware fame). I have one of those bowls in a different design from the 70s.
Do I spy an OBD? And saggy old chests - well, that's inevitable on many levels!

Unknown said...

As always you look so smashing ! Love that purse .Love the sunshine in the autumn its moore foregiving than in the summer...
Our computer has gone totally bananas an i can only blog from the phone right now and as usual i cant comment on your blog while im using the template but im always here !
Love !

Mother of Reinvention said...

Your maxi is beautiful. So is your chiffon dress, like morning mists on wind swept moors. Bah, I have been in Yorkshire too long today. Good time of year to be wearing the colours of decay. Autumn is beautiful. Actually, beautiful decay reminds me of the film "A Zed and Two Noughts". Now I am showing my age. ;) xxxx

Angels have Red Hair said...

Love your frocks ... especially the pastel one!!
As for the saggy old chest ... I'll pass ... I've been developing one of those for a few years now ... and 2 would just be greedy ;0)
xx

Mrs Bertimus said...

Love your outfits as always. The hat is just the icing on the cake.
Tis true about the colours of the season, I'm going to work the mushroom chic look....where's me red beret with white polka dots?! X

Sue said...

So happy you are not following your own advise on a buying ban, what you purchased was far to good to be left behind!! I did laugh at the saggy old chest, my chest has definite sag! Note one of your cats photo bombed you again.

Melancholy and Menace said...

What a cute walrus! :)

I do love the autumn leaf, Stilton, and mushroom maxi, it looks lovely on you.

So many wonderful things to look at. I'd have over-spent at that vintage market, for sure!

Enjoy the rest of your week xx

Forest City Fashionista said...

Coo Coo Kachoo....

I've tried self-imposed "buying bans" and they haven't worked at all. My closet is in a constant state of flux as stuff goes out and stuff comes in, in the hope that one day I will have a wardrobe that only contains items that I love and are worn regularly. It's a work in progress....

I like the maxi - the strong colours and un-fussy shape are good on you, and it looks very nice with the hat. I'm not big on pastel, wishy-washy colours either, but the denim jacket adds some "oomph".

I like that little cowgirl doll at the market - she has fancy boots! Pretty green gloves!

Unknown said...

You look lovely, but sorry about the loading time. Hope your will to live has returned, 'cause I know computer speed can, indeed, affect our attachment to life itself! Both dresses are delightful on you. The colors of detritus, decay, mould and fungus can be very romantic and thoughtful. Winter's kind of a womby, grave time of year, and I like the release from the need for me to try big colors. I always want them, but I'm not satisfied when I get them.
Good to know what a saggy old chest goes for these days.
Chinese ... I'd kill for some today ... none within many miles and I've been hungry for it.
I'm not quite ready for a buying ban, and I'm trying to get my tiny licks in before the winter restaurant season throws up an enforced halt. I'm trying to pick up pieces that will change up my best loved winter things, so stay tuned.
Always glad to see you! Hope you and your kith and kin are all well.

Catherine said...

Love your maxi, as most people do! And oh my that Saggy old chest is an interesting way to describe the chest... someone is having a laugh i think

mispapelicos said...

I always adore your dresses, so perfect, dear Curtise.
Thank you so much for being part of Share-in-Style family
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

Suzanne said...

That maxi is wonderful!

I never thought of dressing like decay. LOL

I'm like you with the spending. If I forbid it I will never stick to it. I am trying to cut back though. You and I can see how it is going later in the year. I'm not taking bets on myself though. ; )

And that sign about the saggy old chest is hilarious.

bisous
Suzanne

Trees said...

Saggy old chest?? buhaha - tell it like it is right? I'm very in love with that maxi and that hat, I need more floppy hats in my life!