Autumn dressing

It's an in-between season, and while the sun still has some warmth it is cold in the shadows. Autumn has definitely arrived, time to look out a cosy jacket. This one in green wool is from Laura Ashley, a hand -me -down from a daughter.

Underneath it there is a bit of layering going on. A velvet waistcoat from Boden, bought at one of their sales. (There is to be another big sale next week - watch this space!)  I have always liked to wear waistcoats and this is a comfortable everyday one.

Worn with M&S jeans that fit at the waist, hurray, so that I can tuck in my blouse and keep warm!

The waistcoat has a soft cotton pinstriped fabric on the back and I'm wearing it with a linen blouse passed on from my friend Janet who made the enamel and fabric brooch that I have pinned to the collar.

For Patti's Visible Monday at Not Dead Yet Style.

Back to the 40's!

Last weekend on our way home from Yorkshire we drove into the next dale to visit my brother and sister-in-law.

They live in the pretty little town of Grassington.

And guess what? It was yet another 40's weekend!

It was an ideal venue because no traffic was allowed through the main streets.

We had a wander round the town at midday as the 'promenaders' and 're-enactors' were tucking in to lunch.

We had seen this 'spiv' at the Leyburn event in the summer. Now he had sensibly added a warm coat to his outfit. "Not 40's prices!" he remarked of his drink of coffee.

Family groups were again on display

and some very strange fantasies were being enacted!

"Are you a nun in disguise?" Himself wanted to know.

Bank Holiday Monday

It's Bank Holiday Monday and, of course, it's raining, heavily. We have come to expect it so have stayed tucked up in the comfort of home. Far too wet to work in the garden but I'm in my old kick- about clothes because the dog  still needs her walk, whatever the weather.

I'm wearing a pink linen blouse from Boden that has a frill down either side of the front buttons, very old Gap crops that were once navy, a ballet cardi from Monsoon and suede flats that were made for me about thirty years ago and which hopefully will never wear out.
But my watch is brand new!

 I wanted something cheap and cheerful to wear whilst working in the garden. £15 from Casio and it has a face large enough for me to read without putting on my glasses.  I love the colour lilac, and that is the 'cheerful' bit.
For Patti's Visible Monday at Not Dead Yet Style.

At the 'Dig for Victory' event last weekend I bought a fifties vintage dress. It wasn't cheap, quite the reverse. It isn't in particularly good condition. There are holes in the skirt, a tear, patched, in the bodice, and the metal beneath the covered buttons has rusted through. I wasn't going to buy it. The stall holder at 'Cock-a-Doodle Vintage' said it's a lovely dress but very small in the waist. My friend Janet told me to try it on. "Not if I can't get into it, I said. The waist of the dress was measured, I was measured. The fabric is unforgiving, some sort of gingham taffeta that doesn't give an inch. If I gain that inch the dress will no longer fit!
So why did I buy it?

It is the Dior 'New Look' style from the late forties, early fifties that I remember my mother loved, dresses with a neat waist and, after years of rationing, a very full skirt. I love this style, so utterly feminine.

Velvet coat, 1955

The cut of my dress is clever,

with a triangular design repeated on the cuffs, pockets and bodice.

And it works very well with my £8 vintage hat!

Which can be worn at a rakish angle thanks to a piece of elastic.

Now all I need is a wedding invitation!

Forties fashion

On Sunday we had a day out.

We went back to the 40's at the Lacock Garden Centre 'Dig for Victory' weekend.

We were more appropriately dressed this time,

although I drew the line at authentic ladies' underwear!

We went with friends.

Tony hired his army outfit and found it heavy and hot. He was given an appropriate lapel badge from a stall holder and told how to wear his hat correctly! If we go again he is going to be de-mob!

Himself had a bit of car envy.

Can you blame him?

These delicious hats were on the back seat of the car.

Hats were one item of clothing that  escaped rationing and were therefore an important feature of a woman's outfit. These hatted ladies were involved in a bit of 'make do and mend'.

We kept a look-out for Lucky Uncle George

but couldn't miss the Lancaster bomber fly-past.

There was some fabulous dancing

and an exercise display.

"I must, I must

improve my bust."

Phew! After that, a nice cup of tea

and then everyone watched a fashion show.

I was amused to see these pigtailed girls in their puff-sleeved, 'Peter Pan' collared and smocked bodice dresses.

 I remember it well!

 1940's passport photo. 

My funny smile is due to a cherry stone stored, hamster fashion. in the corner of my mouth!