Elegancemaison

Holding Back The Years

2012-01-21T19:18:00.073Z

Happy 92nd Birthday Mummy!

We were so pleased that she was well enough to be taken out for a family birthday lunch today. Though honestly she was very frail and clearly doing her best to enjoy it for our sakes. So very different from last year's birthday, and so different from a similar outing just a week before Christmas.

Infinitely healthier!

I'm keeping up my daily running ( OK - striding out, and walking with intermittent slow jogs) following the Run, Fat Bitch Run, book and blog by Ruth Field, see here. Actually I'm not keeping up with Ruth but going at my own pace and still enjoying it. Her wonderful mantra, "Get your arse off the sofa and run, fat bitch run", got me going and I recommend it to anyone who's never been able to summon the courage or commitment to do it before. I just get up, throw on my loose comfortable clothes, (I don't waste time getting washed), drink a glass of water, and step out of the front door on a circuit I worked out beforehand. It only takes me three-quarters of an hour door to door. I don't care if amazingly fit looking joggers or runners pass me. I'm doing this for myself and my health. In fact I am surprised to notice that very few of the other runners, and the occasional other togged up walker, look that good. An awful lot of fat wobbly bums out there - or maybe that's just here in my town! And you do get a bit of respect from casual walkers and passers-by who thankfully tend to give way on the narrow footpaths and sometimes even respond to my cheery, "Good-morning!"

My circuit is only 3km ( 2.5miles) but I try to keep at a steady 5km hour pace as apparently this is the optimum for health benefits, and just pre-holiday I don't want to risk a knee or ankle injury. I have gone out in all weathers, rain, gusty winds, even very gingerly on frosty mornings avoiding icy patches on footpaths. I can't tell you how wonderful it is. I guess all you dog walkers out there already know this, but I'm not bundled up and ambling. On the coldest day I only wore a fleece on top of my (very old) long-sleeved sports top. I always wear my Occupational Therapy (OT) 'infinity' scarf doubled round my neck as it's so comforting. I made the scarf during visits to my mother in hospital when she took up knitting after an OT session. We would sit there happily clicking needles and sometimes my sister joined us. We nicknamed ourselves, "The Knitting Nanas", to the amusement of the nurses. Previously I hadn't knitted anything for donkey's years and then wasn't very good at it, but I'm very proud of my scarf!

And now I've inspired my rather fitter daughters to join me on my daily 'runs' when I get to Australia. They already do Pilates and Zumba but it's all indoors and they want to get into a daily, and by the way TOTALLY FREE, routine of running/jogging/walking ( delete as appropriate).

I won't ask if any of you elegant ladies and gents are still keeping up with your New Year Resolutions, because I didn't make any! This 'running' thing stems entirely from shame and from necessity in trying to fit into summer clothes (which have strangely shrunk), in time for my Australian trip.

PS - HELP needed from fellow Bloggers! When I tried to change my header picture on this blog, I was informed that I had exceeded my storage on Picasa web albums. I had no idea I had such a thing. Went to look and there's hoards of photos on there that I don't want/need them to store. I certainly don't want to pay for more storage as I store all my photos elsewhere. How to delete these please? Or will all my pictures on earlier blog posts disappear???

Note added 22/01/2012

With advice from my web developer, I think I've sorted the Picasa problem for now. I clicked on Picasa web albums, went into 'my photos' and found hordes of dupes and deleted those. Apparently every time you upload one or more to the waiting list before 'adding selected' to the blog post you are composing, these are also stored in your Picasa web album, even if you don't use them. And many's the time I've uploaded several, added one or two pics as I'm composing, then gone back to add more of my selection to find that they've disappeared. So have to upload again. All the time the disappeared ones have gone into the web album. Resulting in all those dupes.

And take note anyone else experiencing the same, Picasa is the WEB album for Blogger. It's where your Blogger pics that you have uploaded from your computer files are stored as, even whilst your computer is switched off, your blog is live on the web. I assume that the pics you upload from some other URL link are already out there on the web and so are not affected by Picasa. A lot of bloggers mainly use embedded links from other sources on the web, like YouTube etc, and only occasionally publish their own photos so never get near their Picasa web album limit. So if you delete everything in your Picasa web album all your own pics from your blog will disappear. (There must be something similar for Wordpress etc too, otherwise it could not work.) While Picasa is free, it only offers a certain amount of storage at that price! After that you have to pay. But a good way of delaying that moment, is to find and delete existing dupes and unused pics, then to make sure you keep on deleting unused and dupes in future. Though eventually you will have to delete pics from your very old posts, to 'free up' more free space for current blog posts. Or accept the deal and pay a very modest fee for what is, after all, a brilliant service.

And you're right MMMC - there probably was a warning somewhere about storage limits and fees, though clearly not made very obvious (Shoe Lane Parking? - is that still the precedent? Or caveat emptor! Although not quite the same, because you can back out without cost, though there is removal of facility. Nearer to the cases on the 'free' money off coupons that now actually state their value as 0.001p to avoid monetary claims, perhaps? Interesting.)

Actually I wonder if you could just delete your first Blog (having given fair warning to your followers) and start another, so getting a whole new load of free storage? Or maybe it's tied to your email so you'd have to use a different one. Mmmmn. Will have to consult my web developer...

The Dark Side

2012-01-12T21:29:00.000Z

My last dark wash this winter!

Just tidying up while sorting out light clothes for an Australian summer, where we'll be in two weeks time, hooray!

My lovely mother's 91st birthday - January 21st 2011

I'm desperately hoping she will be well enough to attend her 92nd birthday lunch in nine days time. She has just returned from a dash to the local district hospital with a suspected heart attack. Luckily it was found to be a (light) case of pneumonia. She is responding well to treatment but has clearly suffered a bit of a downturn, though remaining cheerful and looking forward to returning home.

And the other Dark Side: If anyone can offer advice with dealing with social services provision for the elderly I would be very grateful to hear from you. Please email from my profile page, many thanks.

New Shoes, New Shoes!!

2012-01-07T12:36:00.000Z

No - not these designer models

Or even these pretties

But these babies!!!

Sadly my 10 year old Nike Air trainers are falling apart

I'll still need these old friends though!

You know what? Only five days in and I'm loving my new fitness routine of walking( with a view to jogging, and possibly running, in due course). I met a real runner in *Blacks yesterday and she helped me choose suitable new trainers. No need for fancy soles, but MUST be comfortable. (I was lucky enough to find a pair in the sale for only £25.) When I'm ready to try a little jogging, probably after a week of walking my circuit, she advised me to do only two minutes of jogging followed by two minutes of walking and so on as I could manage, to begin with.

I do hope I can keep this up. It's a glorious world away from the gym. It's about enjoying the fresh air and opening my eyes to the wonderful place I live in. Not only the local scenic pathways and the undiscovered nooks and crannies of the old cathedral city I live in, but the everyday streets I have previously hurried through blind to their ordinary beauty. Even the shopping streets or the footpaths along busy roads that are lined with natural foliage and trees showing their seasonal leaves and berries, often overflowing from an old hedge, or a mellowed brick or stone wall.

I used to wish I could borrow a dog so that it looked like I had a proper purpose in walking about. Why oh why did I think I needed validation just to walk round the streets and byways of where I live? I've even found that some people will greet me, although more will bow their heads to avoid eye contact. So I've now made a resolution to shout, "Good Morning" at everyone I pass, rather like the Norman French who (in my experience) always "Bonjour" even strangers, at the slightest meeting. So I'll either be sidestepped - so giving me more room on the footpath - or I'll make some new friends!

First time out in my new trainers this morning. I reversed my route which made me a bit confabalosed at first. Also I was a bit late starting. Not a good idea on a Saturday as too many other people around getting in my way. But by reversing I found another scenic path which took me off the city pavements for a bit longer so will add it to my circuit. I also tried about a minute's jogging towards the end of the route, which confused a passing bus driver as he stopped his vehicle at the bus-stop I was approaching and waited for me! I averted my eyes from the stares of amused passengers and then was forced by embarrassment to keep on jogging until it had passed me by. Of course by then I was puffing and blowing like a steam train and had to slow down to serious looking strides. You have to laugh! ( But not at me, mind.)

* Long-established leading UK outdoor clothing and equipment store, sadly just taken over by JD Sports one of whose horrible shops I had tried first.

Fabtastic '70s Children's Party (for MMMC)

2012-01-06T19:29:00.000Z

First get your 1977 cookery book

Then your unfitted 1970s kitchen

Next, rope these kids in ( they've got a nicer kitchen)

Get cracking with the sausage rolls

And some open rolls, " Make them look appetising!"

Banana splits somewhere on the busy '70s patterned plate,

and tinned peaches - yummy!

Oooh - the drinks! That raw egg white should see off a few

of the more irritating young guests

Just a minute - where's the piece de resistance?

Cheese and Pineapple hedgehog!

Oo-er - look at those happy faces - go for it Carmel!

Footnote to history: did you notice that the title of this section of the book is "Party Pieces"? Published in 1977, a mere 10 years before Carole Middleton launched her famous company of the same name...mmmn interesting.

Run, Fat Bitch Run - and reap the reward(s)...

2012-01-04T14:20:00.000Z

Blisters!

Yes - nobody warned me about those silly little socks that barely cover the ankle and kept slipping down. Plasters and thick socks tomorrow! Yes, again tomorrow, because I am on a mission/ New Year's resolution, to drop some weight and be fit enough for walking around Bondi and Sydney in the summer heat on our visit. Only three weeks until we fly, but I am hoping to make a difference after a sluggish UK winter. I've tried healthy eating and cutting back on alcohol etc, and even tried three months at the gym before our last visit two years ago and none really worked that well for me.

So now I'm going for the simple answer. Running. Well, walking actually. No faffing about with ipods irritating my ears or pedometers that kept falling off and erasing the info. Not even a shower. Just got my kit on - M&S joggers, old but barely used trainers, old longsleeved T-shirt, light fleece ( it was a bit cold this morning) and those stupid socks. I'd worked out a circular route in my head and reckoned that as long as it took me about 30 mins it should have some effect, and I would manage to keep it up. I also realise that as I improve, my time will too, so I shall probably have to find a longer route by week three. But the main thing is for me to keep it up.

And that's where "Run Fat Bitch Run" comes in. It's the title of a book by Ruth Field and the subject of an article in The Times on Tuesday. See the link here to her blog and see also her facebook page. No I haven't bought her book either - but I like the way she talks. This, my first morning, I had to wait in for a parcel delivery . I sat there in my gear raring to go, until the parcel was delivered, when suddenly I felt tired from getting up so early - though it was 11am by now. Also it looked like rain outside and was chilly when I'd opened the door to take the parcel in. Then I heard that voice in my head: " Run, Fat Bitch, Run", and was out of that front door like a shot before I could boil a kettle for coffee and a nice sit down on the bum shaped dent in my sofa ( read Ruth's blog side-panel).

Boy did it feel good - along the way as well as when I got back. It rained twice but I hardly noticed. I tried a bit of 'interval' training ( 20 paces walking, 20 paces jogging) as I crossed the close by Salisbury Cathedral on the first section of my run. Thankfully no tourists to hear me gasping for breath like a chronic smoker ( I don't by the way). Just the occasional dog-walker and shoppers taking a short-cut. Anyway I soon gave up that idea and went instead for long strides, as that apparently works your bum muscles almost as well as squats and other unsightly and boring gym stuff. By that time I was out the other side of the close and onto a quiet-ish back road with a slight rise to a main road. Funnily I hardly noticed the traffic as I was intent on keeping my stride and looking anxiously for the turn off past an old riverside pub, and onto a scenic walk which would take me back to the town centre. I had a brief moment of panic thinking I'd set myself too long a distance as it seemed much closer when I'd passed it in the car (!) Thankfully, just after a very smartly dressed middle-aged country gentleman had stepped out of my path as he raised his hat, I spied the turning. Phew. Shortly after that as I made my way past some 'executive' housing ( never noticed them before), and being greeted by another elderly gent (perhaps I'm not as fat as I think I am??), I heard a woman's voice over my left shoulder. Without slowing my stride I turned and saw that I had collected a companion. She was a similar age, enviably slim, though not dressed in jogging kit, and kept up a conversation while also keeping up with my pace all the way back into town. Apparently she does this walk every day also just to keep fit. Well she looked good on it though I didn't mention that I would be earlier tomorrow as I felt that I'd heard enough about her divorces today.

So back to the rewards of running/walking. Yes I felt great. Yes I'll do it again tomorrow. It wasn't hard and I didn't feel silly (well I did a bit at first). And as I'd just had a piece of fruit before I set off, I had been looking forward to a late breakfast on my return. The porridge was already simmering in the pan when I remembered that we had no milk. I always add raisins for sweetness, but that's still a bit dry. Lawks a mercy, what to do?

Delicious and healthy organic probiotic yohurt

Oh - but look at that use by date. Never mind, let's see what else is lurking at the back of the fridge:

See that date - perfect!

Ladies and Gentlemen, " Porridge Royale!"

I wonder how your New Year Resolutions are coming along?

See You Next Year!

2011-12-31T00:07:00.000Z

Waiting on midnight

I can't wait for 2012 to begin. So many hopeful new starts. Later in January, I'm off to a wonderful long holiday in Australia which means I'll not be back in the UK until March when spring will just be around the corner. So much to be thankful for after all.

Wishing all my lovely followers and readers, a Happy, Prosperous and Healthy New Year with your many hopes fulfilled.

For Tom and his Candlestick Collection

2011-12-01T22:42:00.000Z

Candlesticks as bracelet holders

And for more riveting fashion advice, the link is here. Sometimes I don't just hold my head in my hands. Sometimes I actually weep at the crassness.

2011-11-30T20:37:00.000Z

Look carefully - this is a picture of a UK school-teacher

She has a first degree in astro-physics, is partway through a masters degree and has recently completed a PGCE ( post graduate certificate in education) in the UK. An American citizen, she currently teaches physics at a London school where she also runs the astronomy club among other things. She also happens to be a close friend (!) of Number One son.

She recently wrote this comment on her Facebook page - best argument I've heard for ages for such a sorely very underrated and under appreciated job. What do you think?

"Teachers' hefty salaries are driving up taxes, and they only work 9 or 10 months a year! It's time we put things in perspective and pay them for what they do - babysit! We can get that for minimum wage. That's right. Let's give them £6.08 an hour and only the hours they worked; not any of that silly planning time, or the hours they spend before or after school. That would be £39.52 a day (8:30 to 3:45pm with 45 min. off for lunch that equals 6 1/2 hours). Each parent should pay £39.52 a day for these teachers to baby-sit their children. Now how many students do they teach in a day, maybe 30? So that's £39.52 x 30 = £1185.60 a day. However, remember they only work 180 days a year!!! I am not going to pay them for any vacations. LET'S SEE.... that's £1185.60 x 180 = £213,408 per year. (Hold on! My calculator needs new batteries.) Wait a minute -- there's something wrong here! There sure is! The average teacher's salary (nation wide) is £32,000. £32,000/180 days = £177.77/per day/30 students=£5.92/6.5 hours = £0.91 per hour per student--a very inexpensive "baby-sitter" and they even EDUCATE your kids!' WHAT A DEAL!!!! Make a teacher smile; re-post this to show appreciation for teachers. Easy! :) "

Frock Me! Fun and Christmas Goodwill

2011-11-28T19:02:00.000Z

A Christmas Elf

Frocking it!

A more soberly styled lady visitor of a certain age...

What about this mid-century table with integral sewing machine

- yours for £270!

Queuing to post Christmas cards and parcels

- made sweeter in our lovely little high street PO

And an apology about my 200th post Giveaway. I messed up the links and people have been confused about which post to comment on to take part. My mind has mostly been on other (family) things and I haven't been concentrating - so please bear with!

I think the easiest thing is to re-run the Giveaway with the couple of extra things as promised, but I will keep a note of those who actually left comments on the original post to make sure you are definitely included. I shall do the re-run in a few days so keep watching.

Vintage Fairs, Recycled Vintage, and Giveaway Reminder

2011-11-24T19:51:00.000Z

Anita's Vintage Fashion Fair Battersea

These are a few photos of my stand at Anita's fair last Sunday. It's held in Battersea Arts Centre known as The BAC, and which is actually the beautiful Battersea Old Town Hall.

Vintage accessories

All that glitters is not gold - but gloves!

Old and worn waxed jackets recycled to new fashion by Recycle and Sew

Look at that lining!

Also at Anita's fair giving sewing, repair and alteration advice, was Recycle and Sew run by mother and daughter tutors, June Allnutt and Ria Loveridge who are both qualified and experienced in textiles and costume making. Do check out their website here for information about an extensive and exciting range of classes for individuals and groups. As well as sewing lessons for beginners to advanced, they offer intensive day courses on corset-making, bridal and couture, repairing precious vintage items and alterations.

Two very stylish regular customers

Still time to enter my Giveaway - here

I shall also be adding another bit of bling or crafting materials for the winner to choose. Good luck!

I shall be at Frock Me! Chelsea on Sunday

I can send out free tickets to any readers. Please email at mcgemmell@elegancemaison.com if you can't print out this one shown above.

Christmas stockings and Debenham's Beauty Card

2011-11-19T18:50:00.000Z

M&S comes up trumps for treats for tiny people

Ho Ho Ho - traditional fun for a faraway Christmas

Fair trade stocking fillers

A lovely treasure trove of a shop

The India Shop is a wonderful place stocked with entirely Fair Trade goods made by disadvantaged people in India. The array of charmingly hand-made Christmas decorations is so beautiful and really inexpensive. The Christmas tree decoration in a variety of colours and themes are only £2.99 each and the red bauble with a gold leaping reindeer only £1.99. These, plus all the other items, are destined for Australia. The sparkly 'jewelled' butterfly notebook and pen will be gathered into the cotton printed pouch which only cost £1. Perfect for our granddaughter. This shop, far from charging for bags, puts all purchases into handmade recycled newspaper bags. The larger ones can easily be re-used again. Do have a look on their website if you live in the UK, but if one of their shops is in your town you will probably already know it well. Though all I bought was a small selection, I was offered a free bag - see the pink mesh one in the photo below.

Sugar mice for Granddaughter,
'Handbag chocolate' for her mum

from our local Chocolate Shop

Gratuitous self-gifting with Debenham's Beauty Club

If you have a Debenham's department store near you or go on-line, I urge you to join their Beauty Club. It is free to join and offers terrific savings collecting points for purchases which are redeemed as multiples of £5 vouchers. The best time to buy is like now when they are having one of their, increasingly frequent, 10% off all areas promotions. They often increase the points giveaway at the same time.

And talking of Giveaways - don't forget mine, here. It is quite modest but I shall add some extra items depending on whether the winner is mainly a crafter or a fashionista, I'll let the winner choose. As I am quite busy for the next few days I have decided to extend the deadline to midnight GMT on Friday 25th November.

Tomorrow, Sunday 20th November I shall be exhibiting at Anita's Vintage Fashion Fair in Battersea, London. I shall try to remember to take photos to show you!

My Potato Peeler (for MMMC) and Laura Ashley Bargains

2011-11-17T21:55:00.002Z

Wiggly pointy peeler

Peeler in action on dead carrot from bottom of veg basket

My lovely Aussie Blog-Pal Make mine Mid-Century recently showed her favourite peeler but I just can't get on with that type, though a lot of people I know also swear by it. I just can't manage all that scraping in the wrong direction. I promised her that I would show a pic of my trusty peeler - useful for all sorts of veg and perfect for shaving Parmesan cheese. I prefer this one as it doesn't swivel, it just wiggles so it follows the contours of even the most knobbly veg. I also find it much more accurately manageable like a pencil rather than a brush if you see what I mean. I wonder what you find the best/easiest to use?

Right, chores done, let's look at fashion bargains! From the Laura Ashley sale rail...

Retro print jersey dress

Very flattering and just needs a long-sleeved T-shirt underneath plus tights and knee-length boots, to make a smart but cosy autumn/winter outfit.

Fine needlecord long-sleeved dress with pockets!

Won't need the T-shirt with this, just tights and boots as before. Though fashionistas living in the frozen north ( or the south if we also get the forecast big freeze) could add a thermal vest underneath.

The main reason for posting about these dresses is that I bought them from the reduced rail but one dress had a massive reduction and the other only a modest one. Though grateful, I did query the calculations, but apparently it was correct. But hooray for Google. Later that evening I went to Laura Ashley website and found that the blue cord dress had indeed been reduced in line with the other one. So I duly trotted back to the store and queried the price again. I found that the cord dress was part of a new special offer that had only started effectively the day after I had shopped. So I went through an instant 'return' and re-purchase to collect a sizeable refund. Well worth being a sharp-eyed shopper these days.

New Look coloured tights £2.99

Although I love black opaque tights for their slimming and flattering qualities as well as the warmth, coloured tights are very 'in' this season. And great fun too. The best range on the (my) High Street is definitely those from New Look. You could even go matchy matchy with a coloured T-shirt under a short sleeved dress or woolly tunic. Like I almost did here - if only you could see my legs!

Sunday Lunch at The Sun Inn, Barnes, South West London

Delicious fig, goat's cheese, pecan nuts and butternut squash in a Wensleydale cheese pastry tart. Topped with crispy cabbage ( like Chinese 'seaweed'), yum. If you look carefully to my right you can see England footballer Frank Lampard and his fiancee Christine Bleakley (UK fame only), who were sitting at the next table. Both looking much prettier in real life than on-screen. But I only had eyes for Number One son and his lovely girl-friend who were treating me.

PS added Friday 18/11/11: For kind followers enquiring about mother, she is doing well though slowly and the problems are still manifest. Thankfully we are promised that she is now top of the list for a transfer back to the specialist unit in our home town, which will save the five hour round trip we currently have to make to visit her. But absolutely no complaints about the fantastic, and almost one to one care she is receiving from the dedicated medical team. xxx

200th Post Giveaway from Ikea - and a bit of Bling

2011-11-12T15:22:00.000Z

Ikea on wheels

This van visited our town a few days ago to promote the Southampton Ikea store. A young man and woman jumped out carrying gifts which they distributed to passersby and inside the coffee shop I was sitting in. The young man handed out orange flowers to us, " ladies" while the young lady went across the street to offer chocolates to, " the men". Mmmn. What sort of market research did Ikea do to come up with that scenario? Much as I lusted after the chocolates, I have to admit that the flower is quite pretty. Though what on earth should I do with one lone orange Michaelmas daisy? Perhaps a crafty blogger could find a use for it?

Rather beautiful faux dahlia (?)

I know that many of my creative followers can turn the most mundane objects and into the most amazing things. So would one of you like this flower? Or it could stay as is and add finishing touch to a modernist interior in a simple single stem vase. It's actually quite tactile and delightful to handle, constructed from a sort of plush fabric. Oh dear I may have to keep it after all!

Prefer a bit of bling in a ring?

This a sweet, adjustable, cocktail ring that I bought from East a couple of years ago, but it's become the wallflower (!) of my costume ring collection as it never seems quite right for whatever outfit I'm wearing. It is a bronze coloured open band decorated with a handsome large striated faux stone on one finial and on the other, a bouquet of prettily sparkling faux precious stones: 'ruby', 'citrine' and 'diamonds'. So I will put them both together for my Giveaway to celebrate my 200th blog post.

Flower Power

This Giveaway is open to all and any of my followers, new or longstanding, wherever in the world that you live. If you would like to enter the draw please leave a comment below. The closing date is 12noon GMT next Sunday 20th November. Good luck!

11 November - a day like any other

2011-11-12T00:40:00.026Z

Sunset over the derelict Birnbeck Pier in the Bristol Channel, yesterday

Armistice Day is also my brother's birthday. On a visit to my mother in a distant hospital unit yesterday, I took a card for her to send him. She wrote a long message then sealed the envelope before handing it back to me for 'posting'. I delivered it by hand last night. Neither will thank me. He because he has forsaken me for some unknown reason, and my mother because she has lost touch with me in her mind. I have my lovely memories, I hope she has some real ones to comfort her.

"The glamour

Of childish days is upon me, my manhood is cast

Down in the flood of remembrance, I weep like a child for my past."

DH Lawrence, 1918

Shop4Kids Australia - Shameless Granny Boast

2011-11-09T19:26:00.000Z

Yes - that's our own Aussie granddaughter, Amelia!

Surf's Up!

Photo-shoot on Palm Beach - the location for 'Home And Away'

(Copyright acknowledgement - these are the Target advertisement pages from the current issue of Shop4Kids magazine in Australia.)

Our dear sweet granddaughter has now taken part in a couple of fashion 'shoots' but her considered opinion is that it is 'boring' - sensible girl!

These pictures brought us such happiness and cheered us up while we keep watch over her great-grandmother whose health is still a cause for concern. Thank you all so much, yet again, for all the kind thoughts and comments on my last post. It is a trying time, but we have great hopes.

Mare, mer and mere - leaving on the tide

2011-11-05T22:44:00.000Z

Incoming afternoon tide at Weston Super Mare yesterday

'Mare' from the Latin for sea, 'super mare' being similar to 'sur mer' as incorporated in many French coastal town names, meaning 'on' or beside the sea. And this brings me to my dear mother, ma 'mere', who is now in a hospital near here.

Hoping and wishing that the tide turns in her favour very soon.

The Vintage Bazaar in Frome and Bridport Vintage Market - Come and Buy!

2011-10-28T22:20:00.006+01:00

Fab 1970s suede waistcoat

1970s soft tan leather waistcoat

Luxury vintage silky lingerie - Oo la la!

An abundance of quilts and eiderdowns

Sail away to dreamland under this quilt

Bea my bedtime story

My keuken - Scrumptious vintage Dutch kitchen fabric

And LOADS of vintage fashion frocks at all prices from leading designer desirable to 1950s and '60s originals at bargain prices, as well as on-trend and beautifully made jackets and coats produced in the UK from a time when we had a world leading textile industry. All coming with me to The Vintage Bazaar at the Cheese and Grain in Frome tomorrow Saturday 29th October.

And on Sunday 30th October (don't forget to put your clocks back one hour - so a 'lie-in' hurray!) I shall be taking the same stock plus a few other vintage toys, to the Bridport Vintage Market.

See you there?

PS - A special thank you to all you lovely bloggers who took the time to send your best wishes by comment or email in response to my last blog post about my mother. The good news is that there is good news and that modern medicine may be saving her from a sad twilight. Tonight I celebrate that she recognised me when I visited her in hospital this evening, and that she knows she is loved and that I love her.

Do Not Go Gently

2011-10-22T19:30:00.003+01:00

70 years separate these photographs

Great Grannie - A life well-lived and still with us

I am currently preoccupied with my dear mother's health as she is suffering from an unexpected and sudden illness for which legions of NHS care and support has cascaded down and around. But we are still very worried day by day as we feel the mother we knew is disappearing. Possibly as the result of another small stroke. CT scan and other investigations are underway. *She is a usually a fighter but seems to be losing her grip. I can't bear it. I wasn't going to share but it has overwhelmed me.

Then this morning my dear son-in-law sent us a video from Australia of our granddaughter and baby grandson playing together when suddenly the (nine-month old) boy stood up on his own. Surprised everyone including himself! We become immortal through our deeds and descendants. Just please don't leave us yet, Mummy .

* Do not go gentle into that that good night,

Old age should burn and rage at close of day;

Rage, rage against the dying of the light.

Dylan Thomas, c 1951

France v Wales Rugby World Cup Semi-Final - Hello Guys!

2011-10-14T22:36:00.000+01:00

From the French Dieux du Stade Calendar 2011

So England, Scotland and Ireland are out of the Rugby World Cup 2011. We can now all embrace our inner Welshness. Or ladies, embrace the French team!

To my delight Mr EM has bought me the French Rugby Team calendar from our local Maison de la Presse in Normandie for years. I wish I could be in a French cafe tomorrow morning ( Saturday 15 October) to cheer on Les Bleus. Mr EM, as a Scot and therefore due to the 'auld alliance' against England, will be cheering them on as well. To Welsh people of my acquaintance I say, " Pob lwc" (Good Luck). And here is the team proudly singing the stirring Welsh rugby anthem ( English Title) - Land of my Fathers.

Terrific tournament - our far flung family have followed and loved loved every minute. As my son's former club ( Richmond) used to say, " Who Care Who Wins" - if it's a good game.

Summer in Autumn in the Cathedral Close

2011-10-13T19:01:00.000+01:00

13th October 20 degrees Celsius and still in flip flops

I was standing over there in a sunlit corner

looking towards the Cathedral

And this open room

He looks comfortable

He's not so sure about being watched

Intrigued? If you want to know more click on this link to the Sean Henry Sculpture Exhibition outside and inside, Salisbury Cathedral. It runs until the 31st October so still time to catch it.

It was such a glorious day that I made a (slight) diversion to walk through the Close on my way to the shops. Even though it has been quite warmish on and off for the last few days, I had taken to wearing socks or tights with boots. But today it really was much too warm for anything but bare feet in light shoes or sandals. We keep being warned by the forecasters that a cold snap is imminent, but in the South of England we're enjoying late, late summer while we may.

I really meant to do a post about Frock Me! on Sunday, but maybe tomorrow. If anyone would like tickets just email me and I will send a comp for you to print out.

These Boots Were Made for Hissing...!

2011-10-04T21:00:00.000+01:00

Snakes Alive!

My new boots were purchased from the charity stand at our local market this afternoon. The brand name is Renata - previously unknown to me but apparently a high quality Italian make. These boots are beautifully made of soft taupe leather with a printed python skin design and leather lining. I couldn't believe my eyes as the stall was quite depleted and getting ready to pack up when I spotted them lying there. I couldn't try them on quickly enough - they are exactly my size and so on trend for A/W11 - and cost me all of £5. They are probably unworn from the look of both the insides and the soles. Certainly never been walked outside of a carpeted floor. I am now wondering what treasures had been hanging on those empty clothes rails earlier in the day. (" Get up earlier!" shouts Mr EM.)

Well-heeled and cuban style - just the job for me

Behold - A Goodie Bag from L'Occitane!

Clutching my new boots closely, I walked across the market square and passed lots of ladies holding L'Occitane carrier bags. As I turned the corner I spied a lovely old tradesman's bicycle, its wicker basket piled high with bunches of lavender, parked outside a new shop whose hoardings had been taken down at last. L'Occitane was open for business! I was offered a glass of pink sparkling wine, chocolates, a stalk of lavender and the goodie bag displayed above. I had a quick look but had to rush to collect my new specs, but have promised myself a proper visit tomorrow as they are offering a 15% discount until Sunday to celebrate the opening.

BTW the designated charity stall in our weekly market changes each week, so a variety of mainly local charities which often don't have dedicated shops, all have a chance to raise money. I usually try to at least purchase a book or some other small item but occasionally I make great finds for myself or my vintage fashion stock. Today's charity, Dogs for the Disabled, deserves a mention, especially because I had never heard of it before and it pulled at my heartstrings - particularly for their work with children with autism. It has been nominated for a NatWest CommunityForce Award ( no, I'd never heard of this either despite being a NatWest customer) which could win them £6,000 to help in its life-changing work. Do please give them your vote - they only have 36! I have also added it to my Facebook page. To be honest it's a bit of a fiddle because you have to register with NatWest CommunityForce first - but surely worth a little bit of effort to help this brilliant charity. As a mother and grandmother when I look through the photos and videos of my children and grandchildren I daily give thanks that they are all healthy and whole.

The London Antique Textile Fair 2nd October 2011

2011-10-04T01:11:00.000+01:00

A general view of my stand

The London Textile Society Antique Textile Fair at Chelsea Town Hall on 2nd October was a wonderful experience. The most astounding array of antique, vintage and intriguing modern textiles on display in a feast for the eyes. The textiles were sourced from all around the world, from ancient to modern of almost every ethnic variety. And stand-holders and visitors alike were so knowledgeable and interested that it was one of the most pleasurable fairs I have ever attended.

These photos are all of my stand as sadly I had no tine to photograph other stands because I was so busy on my own.

Pretty Crinoline lady really wants that petit-point bag

Pink roses quilt and Christian Dior pink shoes

Colourful Central Asian robes

Girls like pink lingerie

Printed textiles, French and English quilts

1930s rugs (Oo-er pink and grey)

1950s/60s fabrics ( bold non-pink colours)

Sunny September Day Out in Dorset

2011-09-30T17:31:00.000+01:00

Visiting Christchurch Harbour Hotel

Out on the sunny terrace for afternoon tea

Listening to the jazz singer

The posh Jetty Restaurant below on the ...er...jetty

We took ourselves down there for a sunny seat

and looked out across the mudflats of Mudeford

I let my feet feel the sea breeze and the blazing sun

( that nail varnish looks bit chippy though!)

Mr EM wishes he'd brought his telescope

slippy on the slip way - thank goodness it's low tide

Bright sun but evening shadows falling

so a gentle walk back to the Terrace, because...

It's Pimm's O'Clock!

Adorable Kittens and Paisley Eiderdowns

2011-09-26T18:07:00.000+01:00

Tom Kitten - Oh woodgy woo!

Miss Moppet I adore you!

Funny Bunnies

The very distressed set of early and possibly first editions from around 1916 or so

And a few more early editions

1950s strip story books

As a child I loved Mary Mouse and am now amazed to realise that Enid Blyton could command double the price of the Kitty Styles strip story books. One shilling ( 1/-) was very expensive in an era of two ounces of sweets for three pence (3d - a quarter of a shilling) and when you could get four liquorice chews for a penny.

These pretty books were all recent finds at a rainy day car boot. I think I'm going to frame the cover of the Tom Kitten book for my darling little grandson of the same name. ( Tom not Kitten!) But the pages are so lovely as they are only illustrated on each double page, so have blanks between them and could easily be framed up for an adorable set of nursery pictures. Although from my researches these are probably very early if not first editions, they are so 'distressed' physically that they are coming apart from their binding and missing their badly attached spines but at least not defaced by small hands.

*And now for some vintage quilts*

A stitched quilt with older fabrics

Tied quilt with funky mid-century fabrics

1950s and '60s patterns

Each square is in fact a little pocket containing the filler

And here are the traditional Paisley eiderdowns

I have four of these of the same size, single bed toppers

These are also newly acquired stock and all these bed-covers could do with refilling to plump them up. They also make decorative displays just as they are, when rolled up on open shelves or as cosy sofa throws. Just the ticket for winter evenings curled up in front of a roaring fire. And so much nicer than those ubiquitous acrylic blankets.

I shall be taking these winter warmers with me to The London Antique Textile Fair in Chelsea on Sunday 2nd October, though not sure they will fit on my very small stand. But if not then on to my more generous sized space at The Vintage Bazaar in the Cheese and Grain, Frome on Saturday 29th October where I shall also be taking the majority of the children's books.

Maybe see you at one of these events?

The 'C' Word or Anachronistic Sightings in September

2011-09-23T20:11:00.000+01:00

Spotted in our local M&S on 15 September

Waitrose 23 September

Hey - don't run away - I want a word with you!

( 22 September in a local shopping mall)

Gratuitous pic of cat snuggling down on my shoes and shopping bags

HATS OFF TO BRIDPORT

2011-09-20T15:29:00.000+01:00

Interesting quote from a fellow standholder and hatmaker
at The Bridport Hat Festival 2011

Some of my hats and hatboxes

Two jolly boys from Bridport

A Vintage Family - fellow blogger Henhouse
(nice to meet you!)

Co-ordinated in Lime Green - the hat is by a vintage American designer
( sorry - I can't find where I wrote down his name!)

Horses racing around a pink stetson. I love the one who has thrown his rider.

Dapper Chap in his Solar Topee in front of my stand

Who said millinery was a dying trade?

Who's this channeling Chanel?

And that is a real 1950s Chanel beret reputed to have been made specially
for the client whose daughter sold it at auction. A keeper I think!

See this pic of my stand on page 2 of the Festival Photos

The festival actually ran for two days and was great fun.

But wait - who is this very famous face up there on the wall of the hall?

James Cagny stepped her!

A moving tribute to a great star and the men far from home who assembled with their UK cousins all around the local coastline (Bridport is an old Dorset fishing port) to prepare for the massive 1944 D-Day invasion of Normandy.

A Week is a Long Time for a Birthday

2011-09-18T22:18:00.000+01:00

What to wear to match the Birthday Bollinger?

Mmmn Chanel Rouge Fatal is a rather deeper vein blood red than the more scarlet metal cap of the Bolly bottle. But the colour is suitably reminiscently retro reminder of 1940s nail and lip colours so appropriate for the Frock Me! vintage fashion fair that coincided with my birthday last Sunday. Bollinger courtesy Elder Daughter xxx.

And for lips? Also something as retro red as I could manage with my pale-ish skin and hair.

Lancome le French Touch Absolu 102 - "Rouge St Honore"

Rue Faubourg St Honore is the most fashionable street in Paris. Lancome HQ is at no 29 and Hermes at 24. Hermes " 24 Faubourg" is my favourite 'winter' perfume. I'm sensing a theme here, though not quite what I expected. For a start, the lipstick was a surprise birthday gift from a dear friend whose daughter once worked in senior management for Hermes, and had herself gone horse-riding with the head honcho But curiously the birthday perfume I received was another surprise.

Classique by Jean-Paul Gaultier

Chosen by Mr EM because he loved it when I wore some from an earlier gift and although not one I would normally have chosen for myself, I have come to love it as well. And as J-P is my favourite couturier after he purchased some vintage from my stand a few years ago and was so charming and then gave me a kiss, I am very happy to wear it. What I didn't know then was that he is a previous director of Hermes. So it all comes together. Serendipity.

So to dinner the night before, hosted by Number One Son

Who the...? The King lives...

In another surprise, the lovely chic modern Italian restaurant had decided to hold a '50s music theme night. They had brought in a singer who was also an Elvis impersonator, though thankfully dressed in a simple smart 1950s be-bop style. He sang songs familiar to my teen years - not just Elvis, and although unexpected, a lovely bit of nostalgia for my birthday eve just before Frock Me. Thank you Number One Son!xxx.

The morning after - breakfast on the Big Day

Mmmn ready for vintage action!

A peek at my Frock Me! stand

C'est moi with birthday champers

And so on to the next day in my birthday week for a treat organised by Australian Daughter.

Salisbury Playhouse

Yes, this is the magnificent set for Alan Ayckbourn's 1981 play, "Way Upstream", currently in revival at our local theatre (click on the name). A real cabin cruiser set in a tank filled with water, decorated to look like a section of river with grassy banks, and two bridges.

The 'river' is a tank in the pit of the auditorium and the displaced seats are placed on the stage itself. This was the view from our seats in the 'back' row where we faced the main audience. We had to cross one of the bridges to reach our seats, which was great fun, especially as we were allowed to take our (plastic ) glasses of wine and had to step carefully so as not to fall in the drink.

Mr EM and I saw this play in its first London run at The National Theatre in 1982, but due to technical difficulties with a "rain shower" in the second act the performance was abandoned and we were reimbursed our ticket money. So we had never seen the ending until this evening.

The set is undoubtedly the star as the play is somewhat dated, imbued as it is with the 1980s political era: Mrs Thatcher, union strife and the class war. But it does have the signature Ayckbourn farcical opening scenes which suddenly descend into darker themes. And a stupid ending more suited to 1960s/70s counter culture musicals like "Hair" or "Oh Calcutta" ( they took off their clothes). But maybe that was the point. Well we enjoyed a terrific evening and thank you Australian daughter!xxx

But more to come, this time courtesy of Elder Daughter ( who is currently living in Bondi and morphing into Australian Daughter No 2).

Moules Mariniere - a little bit of France in Salisbury

If you've ever been to Salisbury you will know that it is a culinary desert. All the chains, a really good modern Indian restaurant but very little else. The pubs are pretty average to poor. And not very pretty. Only one has a proper garden with grass and shrubs and flowers, but they've now stuffed it so full of wooden'picnic' tables that you can't see the grass. Pave it over why don't you! ( Unbirthday rant, sorry.) BUT - a new French style restaurant, Cote Brasserie, has opened and we have given it a cautious welcome. It is part of a small chain, but a well recommended and praised one. I took afternoon tea there and was impressed by the standards of food and, particularly, the service. So we chose it for my Birthday Dinner gift from Elder Daughter (thank you xxx) who had also supplied the Bolly we enjoyed earlier.

One birthday gift is lasting slightly longer than a week - phew.

Thank you Mummy!

A lovely week. Simple pleasures given and received with love. The best a birthday can be.

BRIDPORT HAT FESTIVAL

2011-09-14T10:16:00.003+01:00

Wherever I lay my hat...

I've managed to get a last minute stand at the Bridport Hat Festival on this Saturday 17 September. The Festival runs for the entire weekend with lots of events from hat-making to musical, and promises to be a whole lot of fun. It is organised by the owners of the wonderful retro style Snooks Hatters in Bridport, Dorset. Do check out the websites by clicking on the names. I wanted to attend the inaugural event last year but it clashed with another date and for the usual memory-playing tricks (!) I had totally forgotten to enquire and book for this year. Phew!

My stand will be in St Mary's Church Hall from 10am - 4pm. The hall is at the lower end of South Street, (N.B. not West Street as I wrote originally) where on Saturdays there is a regular open-air antique and bric-a-brac market along the length of the roadside. I shall pile it high with millinery to delight the eye and flatter the visage of every young maid and elegant lady - with the odd titfer for milord. There's also a tea-room for a relaxed cuppa in between all the excitement.

See you there?

Dedicated to MMMC and all Arabia fans

2011-09-03T00:04:00.000+01:00

Arabia Finland teapot

Bottoms Up!

MMMC please cover your eyes now.

A long time ago in another galaxy, Mr EM's late mother broke my adorable Arabia Ulla Procope white teapot received as a wedding present. I was very upset as I loved it. She kindly replaced it with a similar oriental teapot but then broke that as well.

Many years passed, our babies grew up and left home and then Mr EM found a replacement beautiful Arabia teapot in a French vide grenier/brocante market. I was delighted, though by then we had stopped using leaf tea and resorted to teabags in mugs - Oh the shame. But I adore that teapot as a sculpture and design work of art.

Then a couple of years ago, Mr EM broke my equally adorable Arabia Cow milk jug. WTF.

So shamed he scoured antique and flea markets and the internet. But he was shocked at the prices asked or made that he couldn't bring himself to bid ( he is Scottish after all). Eventually he bought me the beautiful teapot in the photo above. Not quite the very useful cow jug, but very beautiful and I adore it.

Of course he is absolutely forbidden to touch either of my Arabia teapots and is still charged with finding a replacement cow jug.

This post is also dedicated to Debs of Loyalist Cottage and her Broken Item of the Week
http://loyalistcottage.blogspot.com/2011/07/broken-item-of-week_29.html

MMMC please don't leave blogging. I have some wise legal advice but it will cost. Hahaha - that's the world you've entered. Here's a freebie - stick on the fence.

Leyla and her silk pashmina

2011-08-24T22:02:00.000+01:00

Beautiful Layla the Dalmation posing as if for Vogue on her silk pashmina

Layla's view from the pub

Don't miss the sunset...take a blanket

Dell Quay and boats

Welcome to the quayside pub

A peek into the dark mysterious interior

We are sailing...

Rules to save the lugworm apparently

On our search for a replacement roomy car for my broken but beloved Peugeot 406 estate (any leads or suggestions most welcome please email me) we enjoyed a happy lunch break on the estuary close to Chichester Harbour. We sat in the warm sunshine outside the charming and atmospheric Crown and Anchor pub in Dell Quay. Mr EM loved his beer battered fish and chips - light and delicious and delightedly reminiscent of Australian menus where this is a regular item. My local Selsey dressed crab was equally delicious.

My blogging has had to take a back seat lately but I do try to visit and comment on your blogs when I am able so don't forget me but also please don't take offence if I haven't commented lately.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY MY TWO DARLING LEOS!

2011-08-01T00:07:00.002+01:00

Both born on the first of August

Though clearly not in the same year!

Proud grandfather Mr EM with our darling Australian granddaughter when visiting us in June. She's a real waterbabe and insisted on disrobing and jumping into the Diana Princess of Wales Memorial Fountain in Hyde Park, London. We tried to impress on her that the water would be cold unlike at the famous beach she lives near at home. But she splashed happily on several circuits around the undulating design which is built out of quite beautiful Cornish granite. I was surprised to find that it was very clean, not slimy or slippery at all. In fact it is a really enchanting memorial and not at all how I had imagined from all the publicity, some of it quite negative, after it opened. It's also in a lovely, sloped and grassed, setting close to the Serpentine. The whole area which includes old trees and younger plantings is surrounded with traditional iron railings and makes a safe play and picnic area for families.

August 1st used to be known as Lammas Day in the UK. Tracey at The Vintage Bothy has written about it here as it is also her birthday (Happy Birthday to you too, Tracey!) I always thought it was one of the quarter days for paying rent but apparently not quite. Our house in London was next to Lammas Park in Ealing which we found was originally land on which local tenants could graze cattle after the harvest in medieval times. Number One son did a school geography project based on a his curiosity of the proximity of two local tube stations - you can see the platforms of one from the other. During his research he discovered photos of our area which showed it to be still very rural up to the time the stations were first built. All part of the late 19th/early 20th century need for new homes that encouraged a huge surge of entrepreneurial builders creating the suburban sprawl westward out of London.

I shall possibly be revealing some of Mr EM's birthday gifts later.

Total Eclipse of the Balloon

2011-07-26T20:12:00.000+01:00

From my bedroom window this evening as I went to close it fearing rain

Getting closer and firing up

Oo-er it's lower than the cathedral spire

Fire it up - fire it up!

Suddenly looks more distant - can they do that?

Firing up again as it gets closer

Phew - safely passing behind!

And there it is - look carefully through the leaves - on the other side

I was going to blog about my latest buy - a wonderful 1953 issue of Vogue, but will save for another day.

Vintage - No Fear

2011-07-22T17:27:00.001+01:00

I've been studying this

Mmmm true-ish but fear?

Better go shopping!

1930s long crepe scarf

1990s Kenneth Jay Lane necklace

1960s Manfield sparkly gold sling-backs

Look at those fab heels

Not just nylon: the fascinating history of synthetic fabrics and fibres

You could buy your nylons from the cigarette girl

Shocking but true - ( would you give up your Lycra?)

Swinging sixties synthetics

I am very proud to display this sign

Walking home from the pub on St Swithun's Day

2011-07-15T19:59:00.000+01:00

It started with a drink

And a light lunch

Enjoying the summer sunshine in the village pub garden

And due to out current car-less state due to a write off incident instead

of calling for a cab, we had a brilliant idea!

Let's walk back home to the city

Nettles and cow parsley beside the footpath

Gateway to the 'broken bridge' path

A magnificent row of beech trees

A path through the ripening corn.

We can just see the cathedral spire urging us on

like characters in a Thomas Hardy novel

Look - thistle down! The real thing

The broken bridge?

A mysterious gap in the undergrowth

The path winds into the welcome shade

This Ent is shortly off to a moot*

Glorious woody place for 1950s children to play

Monet - did you pass by here?

A dappled brook

Flowing onwards to the water meadows

A swan family disappearing around the bend

Can you see the spire?

This was such a satisfyingly walk for us, tinged with nostalgia for our childhood days in untamed hedgerows, fields and woods in other parts of rural England when we were growing up. The smells, the dusty mustiness and the secret hiding places. The nettle beds that we remembered falling into (lots of tears and calamine lotion when we got home) the birds nests and butterflies.

Today was the last day of the summer term for the local schools so we both hope that in the next weeks of the long holiday that lots of children will belt up these paths in their bikes or on foot and get up to harmless mischief, as we did.

Happily it was very sunny and warm today, the 15th July, St Swithun's Day. Legend has it that if it rains on this day, it will continue for 40 days and nights. So we're madly watching the forecasts on TV this evening.

If all goes well, we plan to do some more walking - reversing the direction towards the pub this time!

* This info was contributed by Mr EM. Referencing The Lord of the Rings. Apparently Ents are the trees ( or giant tree-like creatures) which go off to moots (meetings/gatherings) every so often. Mr EM thinks it is every hundred years or so. I have never read the books or seen the films ( aargh) but coming from a vaguely leftie academic family Mr EM was familiar with this stuff as a boy. Personally I'd rather fall into a bed of nettles...

Shiny things I like

2011-07-13T21:32:00.002+01:00

Early 1960s sky blue Lurex top with pearlised sequin embellishments

24 inch drop 1930s or 1950s? faux pearl open necklace

Wonderful diamante 'tremblant' finials with teardrop 'pearls'

Kenneth Jay Lane faux amber and gold-tone necklace 16in drop

A selection of recent purchases. Maybe for my next vintage fair, maybe for me!

My Generation

2011-07-05T20:31:00.000+01:00

Marmite bread for the ducks at Barnes Green pond.

A moment from the brief visit of our darling Australian family. So lovely to see them and hold them in our arms, now so sad to say "au revoir", though not of course "goodbye".

Not quite four and already 'up' with the new technology

I hadn't a clue about the ipad but she soon sorted out the programme she wanted to watch.

Just about five months and an aircraft engineer!

Does each successive generation really leave the previous ones standing - or biting their dust?

When I became a mother I honestly just wanted for my children to be happy. Now I realise that that is the hardest ambition of all. As they grew I tried to encourage even the most unlikely interests, but they still surprised me in their choices. I know now that they may have often tried to please me and their father while disguising their real desires. Thinking back it probably happened to me as well. When I broke out and did my own thing, it really upset my parents. What we never understand is that most of us literally outgrow the previous generation and if we are lucky we are able to burst out from its restraints without hurting them ( too deeply) or losing their love.

The Who - My Generation

He's Here!

2011-06-23T19:19:00.000+01:00

And travelled 10,000 miles to see me!

Yes, my Australian daughter and husband have arrived in the UK at last, to show off their new baby son and re-introduce their beautiful, nearly four year old daughter to the UK relatives, including their great grandmother. I shall be posting more pics later on, but for now I'm just happily enjoying my time in their company. All say , " Ahhh!"

*Back soon *

The Kennedys - two degrees of separation

2011-06-18T22:46:00.006+01:00

A typical 1970s photo you might say

But the sweetie on the left, Flora, charmed Caroline Kennedy who was a student of Mr EM at a leading London auction house in 1975.

This meeting occurred in fashionable Beauchamp Place, Knightsbridge (of course) while I was inside a lingerie boutique with Clare the elder daughter. Mr EM was waiting outside with approx 6 months old Flora in her pushchair when Caroline Kennedy hoved into view.

Caroline greeted Mr EM in a friendly way, and delightedly asked about his daughter. Then she held Flora's hand as they chatted. Inside the boutique ( the original Janet Reger) I struggled to fit into the 1940s/50s style lingerie as I had a '60s style figure (no bosoms or bum). Oh how I missed my chance on history's pages!

I shall be watching the current mini-series on BBC but expecting to scream at the screen as various inaccuracies are staged. I lived through that period of Kennedy being elected and of course after. My father whose Irish Catholic family emigrated to New York in the 1930s, adored Kennedy and had great hopes for world peace after he was elected.

Two things I remember from those days when I was a teenager. Kennedy's speech in Berlin, " Ich bin ein berliner" as Kennedy reinforced the Roman boast, " I am a Roman (citizen)" to mean, " I am a free citizen". What hopes the free world had then. The other thing I remember is the Beatles. Well I was a teenager and music was my world then.

Beautiful babies

Children of Flora, who have never met any of the Kennedys, holidaying in Indonesia before coming to England to see us next week. Hooray!

Audrey meets Coco meets Elegancemaison

2011-06-17T20:07:00.000+01:00

She visited my stand at Frock Me!

A glimpse at the vintage loveliness of my stand

1960s tennis dresses, hats, patterns, scarves

19th century pith helmet and vintage leather bags

My large dress rail

Bags and baskets

Shooooos!

Hats galore
Above: 1980s Philip Somerville to the left and 1940s beauty to the right
Below: 1950s navy couture Chanel beret and Marten velvet and spotty net

Oo-er Audrey Tautou is it you?

Lovely Basia who bought this hat is Audrey Tautou's double
And a dead ringer for a young Coco Chanel

Basia looked absolutely terrific in every single one of my hats that she tried on. Including the couture Chanel beret style quilted hat that was made especially for the owner by Coco Chanel herself in the 1950s. I wish I had taken photos of Basia ( pronounced 'Basha') in all the hats she tried as she was the perfect model especially with her hair rolled into a perfect low set late 1930s/early 1940s net snood.She loves vintage and is here dressed in a late 1930s/early1940s silk blouse and 1930s Riviera style sailor cut trousers. This very rare French straw hat is later 1940s with a built in snood for hair rolled slightly higher off the neck. I was so happy that she bought it as I know that it will be worn and enjoyed as intended. Her lovely partner adored her in it and indeed so did all who saw her.

The Last Frock Me!

2011-06-11T22:37:00.001+01:00

Until September!

Chelsea Town Hall Sunday 15 May 2011
(Note added Sunday evening - I meant 12 June!)

I have been washing, ironing, sewing loose buttons and tidying unravelling hems on vintage clothes. Then steaming, brushing and reviving lovely old hats, folding and packaging scarves, sticking and pinning price labels and getting ready for the 5.30am start tomorrow.

A tiny selection of new stock I'll be taking with me.

1950s towelling made into a beach changing 'tent'

Love these pink sailing boats

Gorgeous silk 1950s cocktail dress with integral net underskirt

1930s/40s pleated dress

1930s purple velvet cap and 1950s navy velvet spotty hat

Handsome group of 1950s Macclesfield silk Gentlemen's handkerchiefs

These two even have hand-rolled hems like the best designer scarves

Then I relaxed with a much deserved tincture and my new book

Flare Path and a drink at the sign of the Crossed Walking Sticks

2011-05-27T21:00:00.000+01:00

Taking mother for a day out in London

First we stopped for lunch in Kew

Steak pie, new potatoes and two kinds of salad

Then a quick mooch round the local shops

Mother looking elegant as we approached a shoe shop!

So naturally I had to buy some!

And my mother insisted on buying me these as a thank you!
No - thank YOU, my dear lovely mother

As you may be able to read on the heels, these are FitFlops, shoes that I had previously dismissed as a ridiculous idea in ugly footwear. But no more after seeing two other customers and a sales assistant wearing these pretty wedges, and praising their comfort. I was amazed when I discovered that they were indeed FitFlops.

I immediately changed out of my narrow, bunion crushing, but so stylish Rocket Dog low wedges and slid my grateful tootsies into a pair. I wore them for the rest of the day in blissful comfort, and again today, when at first I found my calves screaming as if I'd been doing step ups or a session on the gym bicycle. I walked through the pain and it quickly wore off. So perhaps they do tone up the legs. Am now hoping for the promised pert buttocks (Lol!) and will keep you posted.

Well, onward and upward - per ardua ad astra. To this beautiful theatre for a matinee performance.

Despite the publicity for two other actors, these were the stars of the show for me

Brilliant! And the special effects of bombers taking off brought tears to my mother's eyes ( and mine)

as she remembered her own RAF hero who served in Bomber Command.
As did the play's author, Terence Rattigan, whose centenary is being celebrated with various events and revivals in theatres and around the country, click on the link to find out more.

I'm hoping to get to see this as well - it's had even better reviews than Flare Path

After all that excitement we needed a drink - so off to our favourite river pub on the Thames by Kew Bridge.

A matinee allows time for an early evening drink in the sunshine

No need for sticks when you have a glass in hand!

Ah get born, keep warm, short pants, romance... Bob Dylan

2011-05-24T18:37:00.000+01:00

HAPPY BIRTHDAY BOB DYLAN

70 today but how young he looks in this YouTube video. Happy days...

Watching the sketched and often (deliberately) mis-spelled wording on the cards, I was suddenly reminded of Tracey Emin's embroidered works. I am a great fan of Tracey and think she speaks to women and defines our fears. You really need to see her work in the 'flesh' rather than as interpreted by critics in print or on TV programmes. They are very powerful. And co-incidentally there is currently an exhibition of her work at The Hayward Gallery, Southbank, London.

Love is What You Want

Actually if you've not been to the Southbank for a while, it's well worth a visit. There's loads going on and it's a very lively part of the London scene these days. Art, music, theatre, cinema, cafes, restaurants and lots of 'happenings' (a very 60s expression but quite appropriate). This summer there's a 60th anniversary celebration of the 1951 Festival of Britain including Wayne Hemingway's Vintage weekend in July. There's even an urban beach!

As I've no photographs only links today, I got Mr EM to take a pic of me in today's outfit.

muji dress

red herring leggings

reiker sandals

Such a lovely sunny and warm day, if a bit windy. Actually I've just remembered that today is also my late grandmother's birthday which I recently saw that my mother had noted on her calendar, something I've never seen her do before. This year my mother turned 91 - the age at which her mother died. It is one of a series of 'moments' she's had this year, as she has had to face up to her age and mortality in several ways. But today she got her hair done ( at Tony & Guy) and bought some lovely new shoes and really stylish matching handbag from Shoon.

We're off to London tomorrow to take my mother for a special treat. Will tell all when we get back. Just let's say Sienna Miller and James Purefoy and RAF uniforms.

Apocalypse 2 miles that way - Chargrilled courgettes this way!

2011-05-22T21:42:00.003+01:00

Best to go to Godshill and wait?

Or stay in Woodgreen and visit the Village Hall to view the stunning murals:

For a glimpse of a rural heaven on earth

Village Sunday school 1932

My ghostly photos taken on my mobile are really not good enough so I am directing you to another page which tells the amazing story of these village hall murals in a small Hampshire village in the New Forest Painted by two art students from London in the 1930s:

See more at http://www.southernlife.org.uk/woodgreen_murals.htm

And now for tonight's supper. Mr EM had bought our favourite ready prepared cracked black pepper salmon from Tesco (really tasty btw). Because it is still a bit cooler in the evenings despite our unusually warm spring days, I wanted something other than a leafy salad and new potatoes which we usually serve with it. I vaguely remembered something I'd seen on one of the excellent River Cottage programmes. So I bought courgettes and a large lemon.

Normally I'm not that fond of courgettes as to be honest they're a bit flavourless, and tend to become watery when boiled or steamed or even fried. Anyway a quick internet ( how did we manage before?) search turned up the video for a River Cottage recipe for a char-grilled courgette salad. Well of course I didn't have all the fresh herbs in the recipe but then I wasn't that keen on that melange of several green herby flavours - a bit over gilding the pudding in my view. But the basic principle of courgettes, lemon and garlic seemed good. And the grill of course. One of my favourite bits of kitchen equipment is my heavy cast-iron grill plate to be used on top of the gas. I bought it in a French vide grenier (car boot) years ago for 1 euro. It's fantastic - easy to use, and very healthy as, like a barbeque, the food is cooked on the raised grill so the fat or oil can drain into the runnels below whilst giving those attractive 'lines' on the food. I guess it was invented for cooking steaks but it is terrific for other foods too. Well I followed the recipe so far - sliced the courgettes longways, grated lemon peel over them, plus a swish of olive oil. Then heated the grill.

Oo-er it's all over, as the last slice of courgette is removed from the grill

Yummy already

Add fresh lemon juice and shaved parmesan

Penne pasta - drained tossed in butter, and topped with cracked black pepper

Et voila! The finished dish - Yum.

The courgettes were crunchy and flavourful - result!

Perfume and Powder

2011-05-17T21:55:00.001+01:00

My long time favourite summer fragrance

We've enjoyed such a lovely warm and sunny April this year with very few of the traditional showers. So much hot sun in fact that I switched from my slightly heavier winter perfumes to Eau Dynamisante (Eau D" is easier to pronounce) as it is not a true perfume, it is lighter in tone and won't cause skin discolouration when exposed to sunlight.

But today in mid-May, though sunny, it is much cooler and I was back in a long-sleeved light wool dress and tights. So I gave myself a spray of this:

Jean Paul Gaultier "Classique"?

I'm not sure of the name of this perfume as it isn't marked on the bottle and I 'inherited' it from elder daughter when she was having a clear out before leaving for Australia last November. But what I do know is that men like it it! Husband is entranced by it, and today a much younger man of my acquaintance remarked on it and asked the name while leaning closer to take deep gulps. I hope he went out and bought his wife some Lol! My usual and much loved winter perfume is actually this:

Hermes "24 Faubourg"

Named for the address of their HQ in Paris, 24 Rue du Faubourg Saint-Honoré, I like to think it embodies the essence of Hermes chic.

Now to looking forward to the weather forecasters' promised "scorching" summer, I got out my new favourite summer fragrance, also specially created for wearing in sunlight:

Dior's Escale a Pondichery

I love this and its 'sister' in the Dior cruise collection, Escale a Portofino. ( Sorry don't know how to activate accents in Blogger - any advice please?) Escale means 'port of call' as you would make from your fabulous cruise ship. Or your 'gin palace'! It makes me think of the 1930s and languid (rich) and sophisticated tourists like Scott and Zelda Fitzgerald and their ilk, not the elderly retired or mass market (sorry) culturally ignorant holidaymakers of today. I know that the lives of the Fitzgeralds and many of their friends (and his characters) were ephemeral, blazed briefly and came to a sad, bad end. But for such enjoyment of the beauty of the moment, after all what is life? "And what is life?An hour-glass on the run", I love this poem by John Clare.

Speaking of beauty and daily life I've recently been experiencing a problem with redness across my cheeks. I think it may be a reaction to something, so I've been trying various new cleansers and moisturisers. I should say that I have a dry to normal sensitive skin. For cleansing I've settled back with Dior cleansing water as it's so mild and gentle and does for eyes as well as face. But if I've put on foundation and mascara, I need something more effective. I must admit that for a while now I had become addicted to those packs of cleansing wipes, chosen for the best price promotion in Boots or Waitrose or Tesco.

So I've started using a Lancome cream cleanser that I got in a free gift a while ago. It's actually very gentle. I also recently bought the Laura Mercier moisturiser with SP15 as the sample I'd been given at an earlier consultation was very calming. But a few days ago whilst at the Lancome counter buying some Nutrix for my mother ( 91years and with soft, pale and barely wrinkled quite beautiful skin) I asked the consultant for some advice. She suggested Hydra Zen as it is designed to calm all skin types when under stress - the 'Zen' reference I assume. Apparently Kate Middleton, as was, used it under her make up on her Royal Wedding day. So I put Laura Mercier on hold, and started the Hydra Zen. So far so good thank goodness.

Lancome to my skin rescue

Hey, hey - free gift with my unintended purchase

I wasn't looking for a free gift but was handed one when I bought the Hydra Zen. Although I still have the rest of the earlier gift still lurking on my dressing table. I was also given one for my mother as I used her Beauty Card £5 voucher to buy the Nutrix.

But back to beauty and make-up:

Benefit?

I wanted to try Benefit flawless Flawless powder as I had seen my daughter's and thought it very good. The packaging references old style powder compacts with a modern twist. I was also seeking a new concealer because I was a bit worried that my Lancome one doesn't suit my skin. I've often found that I have to mix and match my skin care and make up products from differing brands. So I decided to try boi-ing ( ?) from Benefit. So far so good. Luckily I had a free £5 voucher from Debenham's Beauty Club to use against the purchase.

Benefit Flawless compact with brush for light all-over application and sponge for touch ups.

Both concealed underneath the flip up powder tray. Very clever.

I wonder what your favourite summer/winter perfumes are? Care to share?

Blogger AWOL!

2011-05-13T20:03:00.003+01:00

I don't do this for the good of my health

I do it for a laff

And because I love and sell these

And these

which I buy from these

And sell at these

I'm just inside looking out at you!

Seriously I have been experiencing many real problems with Blogger lately and especially yesterday and today. My earlier post about Vintage at The Village Hall has disappeared along with all your lovely comments.

I am now considering changing to Wordpress. I own my own domain name elegancemaison.com so I should be able to change quite easily.

In the meantime I'm hoping Blogger will become stable again for a while so that I can access those super and inspirational blogs that I currently follow.

Kisses and hugs - and don't forget I'm at Frock Me! Chelsea on Sunday - hurrah and huzza!

Vintage at the Village Hall

2011-05-11T19:53:00.000+01:00

The first few photos are of my stand followed by a round up of the other lovely stands in the Hall.

Speaking as a Republican

What are all these flags about?

It must be the Royal Wedding effect

Sewing accessories, vintage patterns and magazines

Old wooden toys and tins

Now look at all the other lovely stands

The tea-room

And the cakes

For full details of all the stand holders go to Vintage at the Village Hall

With thanks to Elaine of Ted and Bunny who masterminded this second very successful event. We all had a terrific day once again.

VINTAGE WONDERLANDS

2011-05-05T22:15:00.000+01:00

My Vintage Bits and Bobs and Baskets

1960s fashion designs and 1940s French fashion magazines

I so enjoyed the second very successful Vintage Bazaar at the Cheese and Grain in Frome last Saturday - the day after the Royal Wedding. So efficiently and beautifully organised by Lizzie and Clare. These photos of my stand are courtesy of the lovely Isabelle at Suzy Gaby and Maud who, unlike me had remembered her camera! Do check out her blogs for more pics and other decorative vintage loveliness. Isabelle had the most gorgeous stand with delightful touches of French style and I hope to meet her again at a future fair. Another blogger/stallholder kindly took pics of my vintage wooden toys display, but sadly now I can't find it to give a link to their blog.

I did also have two rails of vintage clothing and these were my most popular items - apart from my vintage dressmaking patterns.

Patterns from the 1930s and 40s

Wartime warnings on many of the 1940s patterns

I shall be taking more of these as well as lots of other vintage treasures to Vintage at The Village Hall on Monday 9th May - Hooray!

See you there?

This is the Moment...

2011-04-28T22:33:00.002+01:00

We're all waiting for

OO-er what will she wear?

Some of us feel like this

Me too really

And some seem to have forgotten the last fairy tale wedding

That also started with a kiss

Pig Perfect Wedding Cake not likely to be seen in Buck House on Friday

But I wish them well!

This is the Moment

Happy Easter Weekend: lunch with mother and flea market finds

2011-04-26T23:16:00.000+01:00

Scarlet woman - dress and scarf by Laura Ashley

What to eat to live to 91 and a half

Because we would be attending the Shepton Giant Flea on Easter Sunday, we took my 91 year old mother to lunch with us on Easter Saturday to our favourite country pub, the Victoria and Albert in Netherhampton near Salisbury. I've blogged about it many times before as regular followers well know. We sat on the terrace in the shade because it was very hot, as you might suspect by the white glare of the garden in the background of the first photo.

Mother's dress and scarf were selected for her by a wonderfully helpful and intuitive assistant in our local branch of Laura Ashley, but she put the rest of the outfit together herself. Navy jacket from Debenhams, red shoes from a brilliant local independent ladies shoe shop, 'Raffinee' ( fyi near the High Street entrance to the Cathedral Close if you ever visit Salisbury). Hat and bag, 'model's own' as they say, because I can't remember where she bought them.

Then on Easter Sunday Mr EM and myself rose early to drive to the Bath and West Showground for the Shepton Mallet Flea Market. Here are a few of my 'finds' - all to be taken to The Vintage Bazaar at Frome on Saturday. Oo-er, the day after the The Wedding. Hopefully lots of lovely people will be glad to visit the Bazaar and indulge themselves at our nostalgic wonderland.

Mid-century toys and fabric

1960s fabrics from Heals and Edinburgh Weavers

Anyone know the name of this fabric?

Edinburgh Weavers monogramme on the selvedge

A wonderful original 1960s Hawaiian maxi

Flattering neck-line and luscious tropical print

I shall be taking loads of vintage summer frocks and silk undies as well as a selection of period accessories to Frome on Saturday. My tables will also be groaning under my carefully collected hoard of retro treasures from toys to textiles including French monogrammed sheets and old quilts, and from buttons to bows. Hope to see you there!

MY VINTAGE EASTER BONNET

2011-04-21T18:53:00.000+01:00

Isn't it pretty?

It's actually a 1970s or 80s brooch

Another vintage buy from the antiques fair in London last Sunday. I've photographed it on a vintage floral dress that I'll probably be wearing at the Shepton Mallet Giant Flea on Easter Sunday. And I shall be definitely taking my trusty straw hat and plenty of factor 30 for face, neck and arms!

One thing I won't be taking with me - but looking forward to at the end of the day back home.

That's more like it!

Sunny weekend in London - Sunday and Monday

2011-04-19T19:35:00.000+01:00

Antique fair finds - pretty fabric covered boxes from France

Lovely Art Deco design paper lines the drawers

Beautiful blue fabric covers this padded lid

Garlands of roses on the paper lining

c1940s/50s White cherry and red plum plastic and chrome

Salt and Pepper!

Lovely miniature oak chest

It's a jewellery box

And a musical box with not a ballerina in sight!

Love birds?

A charming picture painted on glass

I was delighted to find these treasures on Sunday at an Antique Fair in London. They are to be added to the stock I shall be taking to The Vintage Bazaar and Vintage at The Village Hall.

We made our way home on Monday via another favourite part of London, Kew. We frequently used to take the children for picnics in The Royal Botanical Gardens - generally known as 'Kew Gardens' when the entrance fee was one old penny. I think it went up to 10 new pence later in the 1980s after decimalisation but I was shocked to discover that the entrance fee for adults is now £13.90! Though children get in free it is still a lot for a family to pay. We particularly loved going there, not just for the plants and flowers, but because no dogs are allowed which means that all those lovely acres of green lawns are free of dog mess so you can relax and let your young children roll around on them happily.

But we didn't visit the gardens on Monday, just took a coffee break near Kew station. The station parade has a diverse group of independent shops, cafes and restaurants, including two bookshops, a children's shoe shop, a real butcher, an organic greengrocers, and there's even a small outdoor market on Saturdays. We sat and reminisced in the sunshine.

The Kew Greenhouse cafe

Hot treacle and walnut pie with cream

I'm now thinking of Easter. We shall be at Shepton Mallet Giant Flea Market on Easter Sunday and the weather forecast is for sunny and warm weather. Hooray! as we'll be taking an outside pitch. I may dress my straw hat with flowers to make an Easter bonnet. We always have an enjoyable time at these summer Flea markets. We see lots of similarly minded friends who also stall out there. And the hordes of visitors tend to be in a jolly mood and enjoy the friendly banter and haggling which takes place.

I wonder what you'll all be doing for the holiday weekend?

Sunny weekend in London - Saturday

2011-04-18T18:54:00.000+01:00

I've always wanted one of these!

(So useful when you're doing a fair to have a nice polite and 'fit' man to do the humping - Lol!)

In fact we had just made our own delivery to a client at their very upmarket riverside flat in Fulham and, as it was nearly lunchtime, we thought let's go back to an old haunt, our favourite 'River Pub', at Strand on the Green, Chiswick. (Do click on the link to find out more about this fascinating part of London.)

Familiar River Thames tow-path walk

Hooray!

Early for lunch and a seat outside!

High tide lapping the steps as we ate lunch

When we lived in West London we often brought the children here on Sundays for a walk along the tow-path, or if it was low tide, along the foreshore for a spot of 'mud-larking': looking for old clay pipes and other ancient 'treasures' left high and dry. Then we adults would find a table outside one of the three pubs along this stretch of river. Either the Bell and Crown or what became our favourite, The City Barge. Annoyingly, my photos don't show that the pub is on two levels. There's a lovely dark and snug bar at tow-path level and a larger room up a flight of steps. But that's actually the level of the street entrance which is at the back of the pub.

Weeping willow and children's climbing frame

In former days as we sat sipping our drinks the children would soon get bored and go along to play among the lower branches of one of the several weeping willows growing along the edge of the path. By the way, these metal railings are a more recent addition. 'Elf and safety? Water is dangerous you might drown in it. Actually there are some very strong currents in the Thames and swimming is not recommended.

And in fact this is close to the spot where the children sat dangling their feet in the water one memorable summer, when we heard cries for help as Darling daughter number two (now a resident of Bondi Beach and an Australian citizen) had started slipping into the Thames. We managed to grab her to safety just in time. But we wouldn't want railings put up all along the path. I suppose those outside the pub are to protect over-enthusiastic drinkers as there always was a low wall further along on the path by the Bell and Crown.

We needed this back then!

And so on along the path back to the car, re-living those happy far away days. We used to love looking at the architecture of the various house along the path and envy their owners. Except when we remembered the Spring tides which can be quite high. See the earlier link for a picture of flooding.

Safe-ish from the tides but an entrance only for little people?

At 6ft 5ins Mr EM would have to crawl in

You looking at me?

Yes we are!

Residents must be very used to thousands of passers-by peering into their windows every year, so some of them have resorted to turning the tables with the placement of window spectators facing out.

There is real wildlife to look at on the river.

Fancy a shag?

This river visitor seems to be a black cormorant aka as a black shag, but I am no expert. It does show how clean the Thames is nowadays to have fish so far down river and close to the middle of a great city.

Egyptian ducks and family - Aaaahh!

These beautiful unusual ducks were an adorable sight. There were also plenty of the usual mallards and lots of squawking, though no sign of their ducklings. And a large number of those noisy bullies, Canada Geese. We passed one family who were helping their toddler throw bread to the mallards but within seconds the geese arrived to drive off the mallards. We turned back suddenly at the sound of shrieks to see that a large goose had stepped ashore from the high water and was aggressively trying to snatch the bread from the baby. But all was well and, like us, they'll have a family story to tell and re-tell in years to come.

Springtime in England - isn't it wonderful!

EVERYTHING'S COMING UP ROSES...

2011-04-12T17:45:00.000+01:00

Bloomin' 'eck what's this?

Rosielicious!

Another of my recent finds that I shall be taking to my next Vintage Home fairs: The Vintage Bazaar on Saturday 30th April and Vintage at the Village Hall on Monday 9th May.

Dating from the late1950s or early 1960s, this is a lovely small side-table with fold down flaps and wipe clean surface design smothered in old-fashioned roses. In excellent condition considering its age. I've seen lots of similar tables but usually with the iconic 'atomic' style designs on the tops so I was thrilled to come across this delightful example. And look at the vintage rugs beside it.

Two pretty 1930s rugs in a dusky rose pink and soft grey:

1930s half-moon rug

Co-ordinating oval rug

Roses galore!

A fun coffee table incorporating a handy magazine rack

Don't you love the brightly coloured rug underneath? Probably dating from the 1930s or 40s.

The final rug, like those first ones above, is also in the muted soft colours of the Art Deco style so fashionable in the period from the 1920s to 30s.

1930s cafe au lait and eau de nil rug of swirling leaves

I hope you enjoyed this round-up of some more of the treasures I am amassing for the delight of buyers at my forthcoming fairs. I will take more photos as I continue my preparations in the next couple of weeks before the The Vintage Bazaar in Frome. I am very excited about both fairs and looking forward to meeting up with the happy band of fellow sellers as well as renewing acquaintance with the many lovely buyers I met last time round.

Frocking Good Day and a Right Royal Rant

2011-04-11T23:49:00.000+01:00

Dreamy 1970s maxi features in my display

Frock Me! vintage fashion fair at Chelsea Town Hall in London, is the absolute best ever fair of its type in an increasingly crowded market. The charming and witty Matthew Adams has been organising it for many years with seemingly effortless charisma and a dedicated 'family' of helpers. Some of whom are related to him, and all of them young and beautiful but so hardworking that you can't fail to love them. Matthew also masterminds a more recent 'sister' vintage fashion fair in Brighton ( aka "London by the sea") as well as running the leading monthly trade antique fairs at The Royal Horticultural Halls.

We're all going on a summer holiday...

Shop here for 1950s floral cotton dresses, straw suitcases/baskets with raffia flower embellishments. In the background, a vintage Jantzen swimsuit and a St Michael (old Marks and Spencer label) towelling beach cover up and lots of straw hats. Unseen, fab 60s - 80s sunglasses. Lots more of the same will be coming to my next fairs in April and May - see the side panel for more info.

Kate, here is the wedding coat of your dreams

All the visitors to my stand just adored this wedding coat - if only we could see a similar lovely simple and gracious outfit on 29th April but advisers and fashion 'experts' from Vogue will probably have conspired to promote their idea of the new princess cliche. Sadly Kate herself does seem to be veering dangerously close to 'high street' mother in law style in her public appearances. She badly needs a masterful Royal couturier to clothe her beautifully to reflect her personality and status, as Norman Hartnell did for the young Princess Elizabeth in 1947 (the future Queen and Kate's soon to be grandmother in law). What she does not need is slightly demeaning 'fashion forward' or 'celebrity style' on her big day.

My Royal Wedding Souvenir - a Lydia Leith Sick Bag

I had pinned up two of these bags on my stand much to the amusement of the many visitors, several of whom took photos and asked where to obtain them. They are a great example of British humour and caused a lot of harmless fun and discussion. Do check out Lydia's website - she is a graphic designer based in Scotland and these bags are hand screen printed and signed by her. Truly fun and great original souvenirs and collectables, unlike some of the mass produced offerings manufactured in far flung places.

Personally I shall be watching the wedding on TV, probably with my mother. But most of my family will be laughing 'down the pub' in company with the majority of people I know. We don't give a fig for the Royals and would happily put most of them up against the wall ( come the revolution). But we also have a grudging respect for HM the Queen and prefer her to prospect of President Cameron, Clegg, Blair, Brown or any other current or retired politician. Though equally we will never put up with Queen Camilla either. So William had better look to his laurels. Choosing the RAF as a 'career' raises him higher in my estimation ( though I'm prejudiced of course!) But let's see which of his uniforms he wears on the day before I award points.

Step into Summer

2011-04-08T21:37:00.016+01:00

Charming vintage 'shoes' sitting on a French monogrammed linen napkin

While I was at the store loading the car with my vintage fashion stock for Frock Me! in Chelsea on Sunday, I decided to take a few quick snaps of a selection of treasures I shall be taking to The Vintage Bazaar on 30th April and Vintage at the Village Hall on May 9th.

Anyone for tennis? Followed by thirst quenching fruit salad

Don't you love this tea cloth hand embroidered with tennis players? So evocative of English summers.

And did you have tinned mandarins or fruit salad with 'Carnation' brand evaporated milk? Or was that just me in post-war England where real cream was a rare luxury. We did have Nestle tinned cream on high days and holidays though! No wonder I fell in love with Normandy creme fraiche as soon as I fled across the channel to become an au pair in Paris.

Enormous Lebkuchen tin from Nuremburg, English candy and Canterbury Tales

I love old tins and keep buying them though rarely sell them as I always seem to pay top price. But I can't resist. Look at these wonderful examples, also destined for Frome and Pamphill. The huge Nuremberg tin which originally held lebkuchen - those spicy, near gingerbread cakes. My childhood memories of Germany is of the Hansel and Gretel 'witch house', made of these biscuits, iced to entice. In fact I searched for German delicatessens in London to purchase these for my own children each Christmas. They usually had coloured cellophane windows and you placed a night light inside to make them shine enchantingly for the tinies.

In contrast, 'Andy's Candys' sturdy design relies on the pretty crinoline lady, though I've no idea what sweet delights were contained inside. The third tin, made for chocolates, is based on a 16th century renaissance casket with an illustration of Chaucer's Pilgrims from The Canterbury Tales. Very pretentious - or just Cadbury's doing what they were best at? (Weep, weep, at Kraft's takeover and the sad loss of continuity from the noble ideals of a Quaker family which valued it's workforce, fought the evils of alcohol with chocolate drink, and set standards for product quality, workers' conditions and housing, honest trading and great advertising - who can forget The Milk Tray Man!)

Oo-er got a bit carried away there. I once worked for Cadbury's, launching some famous products. I have never before or since met a more ethical and honest major company.

Something for the ladies

A selection of vintage dressing table pretties from Blue Lagoon talcum to Silvikrin hair cream and Max Factor vanishing cream (oo-er).

'Ello, ello!' What's occurring 'ere then?

Busy roads in 1960. Not to worry, Mr Plod the Policeman is on the case. A lorry seems to have shed its load. A truck full of skittles on the way to an Important League Game is unruffled. Miss Blondie in the red sports car is ignoring the looks from the lorry driver ( cheeky). Mr Golf Club Secretary and wifey in the green Jag are FURIOUS ( don't you know who I am?) And all taking place in a busy animal gardening fabric scene.

Waiting for the pub to open

Absolutely worn out after all that packing and photographing Mr EM and I retired to our favourite pub. Sadly it wasn't open for another half hour so we hung around outside like old soaks, actually soaking up the hot sunshine. 22 degrees? Hotter than Sydney ( although it is autumn there...)

Beautiful blossom in the pub garden

Living in the city centre, we don't have a garden so we use this as ours. No maintenance and drinks and good food on hand. Would move in if we could!

Second Bumble Bee of today resting in pub garden

The first bumble bee ( don't you love that name) I came in to contact with today flew in through the car window and fell onto my, thankfully baggy T shirt top. It gave me a fright but luckily as were on a country road Mr EM managed to stop the car quite quickly and I was able to gather the bee up and free him into the roadside bushes without getting stung.

End of a busy day

A glass of Chilean Sauvignon blanc and a packet of Angelsey sea salt crisps in the pub garden.

Well I shall be exhibiting at Frock Me! in Chelsea on Sunday but sadly it clashes with a wonderful event I took part in last year. If you are nearer Dorset than London on Sunday do please visit The Dairy House Vintage Textile and Costume Fair.

Dairy House Vintage Textile and Costume Fair Sunday 10 April

Memory of Biba wedding for Mother's Day...

2011-04-03T21:58:00.000+01:00

My Biba wedding outfit January 1970

My darling big daughter found this long lost photo and number one son used his computery skills to lighten it to allow more details to be seen. They sent it for Mother's Day - and both Mr EM and I love it.

We had a very simple and trendy casual wedding at Kensington registry office ( now joined with Chelsea) with just close family and a few friends - though we partied en masse later. On the way there, in a taxi from my South Ken flat, my poor bemused mother realised that I didn't have a bouquet so she made the driver stop at a street flower seller and I chose some mimosa. Coincidentally mimosa is the national flower of Australia where both our daughters have made their homes. My 'dress' was bought from Biba, by then in Ken Church Street, with money borrowed from a flatmate (all girls in those days btw!) It is actually a long coat and hipster trousers in white moss crepe. I wore white knee-high boots with it. You may just be able to make out my fab blue eyeshadow (possibly also from Biba but probably Mary Quant). And a blue velvet ribbon choker as my "something blue". My sweet groom was in a very fashionable pale coloured suit and silk 'kipper' tie, sadly rarely worn as soon afterwards he started work at a famous posh London art institution where dark suits were de rigeur.

This photo was taken by one of my flatmates and I think I may have been standing on a higher step than Mr EM as is real life there is a bigger height discrepancy than it appears here as I am 5ft 2 and he is 6ft 5ins.

Anyway enough of reminiscing ( though I still have the Biba outfit and it is tiny. I can't even fit my arms into the skinny sleeves now, let alone the rest of it.

Mother's Day chocolate!

I asked just for funny cards as I can't stand the commercial hoo-hah over it. But having seen Big daughter back off to Australia on Saturday and then staying over with Number One son, he surprised me with this gift of very interesting chocolate bars. I've never come across Willie's Delectable Cacoa "Forgotten Flavours" chocolate before. But they're delicious. So far only tried number 69 and my groom said thanks. I don't think he meant for the chocolate.

Btw do you like the fabric background to the chocolate bars? It's a 1950s summer dress that I'll be taking to Frock Me! next Sunday.

April Fools! ( Me especially)

2011-04-01T00:50:00.000+01:00

These shoes with distinctive red soles

Are Christian Laboutins

And @ £350 - £650 a pop

are NOT MY SHOES!

(But please don't tell the high flying lawyer whose shoe collection I was trying on in her absence.)

Coming Soon...Vintage Fairs

2011-03-30T19:11:00.000+01:00

Fairs I shall be exhibiting at in the next few weeks...

The leading vintage fashion fair in London:

Frock Me! Sunday 10 April

Chelsea Old Town Hall, The King's Road Chelsea, SW3

(Email me for complimentary tickets.)

Two terrific West Country fairs full of vintage fabulousness -

for both the wardrobe and the home

The Vintage Bazaar Saturday 30 April 2011

The Cheese and Grain, Frome, Somerset

A Monday Fair!

Both these new West Country fairs were so incredibly busy at their inaugural events last autumn that by popular demand the organisers of both have arranged Spring dates for 2011. These fairs are not just fashion, but everything to complement the decorative vintage style interiors including furniture, fabrics, kitchenalia and home accessories as well as a wonderful range of handmade treasures that would delight Kirsty! Click on the links to find out more.

PS - Dontcha love my new shoes in the new header!

Crossing Continents? Sydney

2011-03-26T21:47:00.025Z

Sydney Street, Chelsea, London

It was chilly, though sunny

In England we so want to be European and sit outside cafes smoking Gauloises and philosophising on the future of doomed mankind etc. But we are Brits and rubbish at this sort of stuff. So we want blankets and hot toddies. Don't be too judgemental, please.

This is Chelsea, London is where I love to show my lovely vintage clothes and accessories at Frock Me! vintage fairs. Famous for over one hundred years as the location of artists and bohemian life.

So another daughter has acquired a residents visa for Australia. Am I sad? Yes. But not for them. It is the future. The recent UK budget has confirmed that this tiny island set in a silver sea, is treasure island for the government ministers and their House of Lords appointees who have no connection with the daily life of their fellow citizens. A budget cut of 1p off fuel at the pumps for motorists is meaningless on a rise of some 10p a litre since December.

OMG - it's "put the clocks forward" tonight. Shall we be 'one' with our compatriots across the channel?

Answers on a vintage postcard please.

Idling

2011-01-17T23:17:00.000Z

I've stopped blogging here for now.

I shall be talking vintage on my other blog EleganceVintage and posting news of my forthcoming vintage fairs there. In fact as many of my followers already know, Blogger has changed my identity to EleganceVintage anyway. I'm on the case!

See you on the other side sometime soon. (Oo-er sounds like Madame Arcati from Noel Coward's

" Blithe Spirit". Did anyone see the film on Channel 4 last Friday? Made in 1945 - the costumes!)

LULLABY

2011-01-04T23:05:00.000Z

Baby Song, Thom Gunn

As of 1.30am January 5th, we now have an Ausssie grandson

According to his father and grandfathers he is eligible to play rugby and /or cricket for Australia, Ireland, Scotland and England. Not to mention football, tennis, athletics et al.

Yes dear (s).

New Year Forecast

2010-12-30T23:05:00.000Z

I'm sorry Waitrose but I think this stuff is a sin

Oo-er unless you have this to deal with

Christmas holidays with relatives can be very prickly. Fish and visitors smell after three days according to Benjamin Franklin, but still this is harsh.

I have had my horoscope read by my dear Blogger friend Sue at Dollytub Cottage and sadly it all rings true. I am now stocking up madly at Waitrose!

New Drama on BBC One - Italian Dectective

2010-12-29T23:27:00.004Z

Aurelia Zen book dramatised on BBC One

I am thrilled to discover that the BBC has filmed the Aurelia Zen mysteries. I love these books set in Italy, mostly around Rome. If you have never come across them before and like murder/detective mysteries, do look out for them. The intriguing stories involve politics, which in Italy includes the higher elements of the police force, beautiful people, the best coffee and a handsome enigmatic hero.

First showing this Sunday 2 January 2011, though no doubt shortly to be repeated and then hopefully available on DVD so that I can send them to my Aussie daughter who bought me my first Aurelia Zen novel 10 years ago.

Photo credit: BBC.co.uk.

All over for another year but lovely while it lasted!

2010-12-27T23:53:00.009Z

Man at work with computer cookbook

Mmmn tasty looking turkey

Yeah! Bolly is the best ( thank you darling daughters)

Table laid, tree shining - Christmas dinner is served

My vintage Trifari pendant

(all the presents from under the tree all opened by this time!)

Close up of my new bling ring

My favourite address

With our two daughters now settled in Australia we had to make do with a Skype video call on Christmas Day. Late for them, early for us. Last Christmas we were there with them all at the beach house. This year we were guests of Number One Son at his London flat. He proudly cooked the turkey followed by apple crumble, a family favourite dessert as he hates Christmas pudding. I loved the way he followed the recipes on his laptop. He is a web builder and computers are his life. As well as the beautiful Pru from California to whom he flew at crack of dawn on Boxing day.

We know our place.

And this link suggested by Penny Dreadful Vintage made us cry. We are already fans of Australian comedian Tim Minchin but this got us by the throat.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fCNvZqpa-7Q

Hope you all had a lovely holiday too. x

No Room at the Inn? - Buy the Big Issue

2010-12-23T22:53:00.000Z

The Spirit of Christmas - our jolly Big Issue seller

Please buy one this week if at no other time.

Merry Christmas and A Happy and Prosperous New Year to All My Readers!

Knickers, Buckles and Soup

2010-12-22T02:04:00.005Z

Soup veg prep (knickers later you perves)

Gammon cooking in cider ( foreground) lamb stock for soup (background)

Cooked and carved ham with mustard and chutney accompaniments at the ready

Reducing the cider sauce

Tinned petit pois and carrots a la francais!

Plus mash - yummy!

et Voila - knickers!

Today I bought a lovely pair of 1940s rayon, lace and embroidered French knickers ( or 'tap pants' as modern vintage shoppers like to call them).

And look at that array of vintage buckles. All made in Britain as things were in those far off days when we had a manufacturing industry.

Pretty Snow v Baaaaad Snow

2010-12-19T14:28:00.000Z

December snowfall on rooftops near the Cathedral Close

Pretty and romantic and Christmassy, appropriate seasonal weather for some (for me).

Baaaaad snow at the airport

Number One son's girlfriend had her flight home to sunny California cancelled yesterday after eight hours of waiting at Heathrow. Thankfully now re-booked for Tuesday. ( Thanks to Make mine Mid-century for the photo inspiration!)

Christmas Treats and a Legal Hideaway

2010-12-15T01:23:00.001Z

Afternoon tea at The Montague on The Gardens, Bloomsbury

Check out the photo gallery of this delightful gem of a hotel here

I was directed to this hotel by Tom of the website Tired of London Tired of Life - a website about things to do in London. Tom is a young enthusiast who just loves London. He posts almost daily about quirky and different places to visit. He also very generously offers to help with itineraries if you a planning a London visit. Although I lived in London for almost 40 years, I was at a loss when looking for suitable venues for afternoon tea in Bloomsbury as opposed to the usual grand London hotels in the West End. I needed somewhere within reasonable driving/taxi distance of both Gray's Inn and Sadler's Wells. Tom emailed several suggestions but came up trumps with The Montague. Mr EM and I plan to revisit in the summer to enjoy a meal on the outside terrace overlooking the gardens.

My mother's Christmas treat at Sadler's Wells as described in my earlier blog post

The morning after - a mini mince pie and a mug of tea in our self catering flat in...

Gray's Inn, London. Looking out from our sixth floor 'penthouse' flat

As a member of Gray's Inn, one of the four Inns of Court I am privileged to be able to book accommodation there for short visits to London, as we did on Sunday after the ballet. My mother was thrilled as she had not visited since my call night many years ago. Centre picture, the building with the tower is Gray's Inn Hall. This is in South Square and beyond is Gray's Inn square. Charles Dickens worked as a clerk here and used his experiences there to mention Gray's Inn, though rather unfavourably, in several of his novels including The PickWick Papers. If you are interested you can read more in the link given above.

Our favourite tea rooms by Kew Gardens

Newens - but known to all as The Maids of Honour shop

Richmond Maids of Honour - curd, almondy tarts

We discovered Newens when we lived in west London many years ago. The Maids of honour tarts then cost about 50p each. ( Now £1.75) But oh so worth every penny. Sublime. I can also recommend their meat pies. These are huge and sold entirely or by the slice. I served them at many a dinner party!

Their cakes are also delicious and when I was let down by a supplier, their baker kindly made a three tier wedding cake for my daughter at only a week's notice.

Happy Mother!

Matthew Bourne's Cinderella Sadler's Wells Theatre London

2010-12-13T22:43:00.000Z

Karl is that you Angel? Or are you just my fairy godmother?

Christmas Presents, Christmas Past, Ballet and Bolly!

2010-12-12T00:11:00.016Z

Wrapping Christmas presents - crate of liqueurs just what I need

Ha ha! No snow round ours now - nor in Los Angeles

Little woolly gift for Number One son's Californian girlfriend who is unused to freezing English weather. Our first present wrapped as she is going home for Christmas, though back in the New Year.

Christmas Past

We are taking my 90 year old mother to the ballet on Sunday. Cinderella at Sadler's Wells. A production by New Adventures, the ballet company of choreographer Matthew Bourne who is world famous for his all male Swan Lake. This Cinderella is a revival of another of his successes, set loosely in wartime London during the Blitz in 1940. So very appropriate for my dear mother who met and married her RAF pilot in 1943. Do play the clip and you will see why.

The Lady magazine 7 December 2010

The lady on the bicycle is Lily Bollinger of the eponymous Champagne House. In another life I was press officer for Bollinger Champagne for five years. Before I left for the law. ( Of which more next week.) I loved every minute of working for them and was privileged to meet many well-known wine experts as well as celebrities who earned their fame by actually working to achieve something in their chosen career. Dare I say that wine expert and author Oz Clarke taught me to how to 'taste' Champagne. ( The Washerwoman you are free to slap me, but it was my job!) My children had birthday bottles and their wedding toasts made with Bolly. It gave them, and let's face it me, a standard of the quality that Champagne should reach. Nowadays I can't afford to buy it in quantity, but I still aspire to its glory. Perhaps a bit dry for some tastes but beautifully blended by experts following a long and noble tradition of winemaking. And still an independent family firm in the tiny village of Ay, one of the top rated Champagne villages.

If you are interested in knowing more about a quite remarkable family - do try to find a copy of this book. The House of Bollinger survived the French revolution and the second world war. The widowed Lily Bollinger stood up to the Nazi invasion of France and earned their respect. My personal records of my time working in their London office are deep in storage but do take a look at the Bollinger website. This link takes you directly to the eau de nil painted panels (swoon) of the dining room where I was privileged to enjoy many lunches with the family and various famous wine connoisseurs.

This most famous quote - obey it daily over the Christmas/New Year holiday!

PS - I totally forgot to add that Mme Bollinger was so well-known for riding her bicycle among the vineyards, that Hermès presented her with a specially made leather saddle for her bicycle. The firm of Hermès, lately more famous for expensive but beautifully constructed handbags, was originally a saddlers, making harnesses and bridles for horses. This can be seen reflected in the more classic designs of their beautiful silk scarves and the quality of the leather-work in their handbags and accessories. The Hermès saddle, seemingly unused, was on display in a reception room at Bollinger in my day. I assume it is still there.

Am I boring you or is life and liberty important?

2010-12-10T01:19:00.000Z

Traitors Gate, The Tower Of London

The punishment of prison is the imprisoning. That is the punishment. Removing from society in order to protect the law abiding. The other aspects are to do with mainly Victorian views of rehabilitation. Without going further into that, I wonder why Julian Assange on remand in Wandsworth, not convicted of any crime in England or anywhere else, and yet reported in The Guardian as not having access to a computer even without an Internet connection or to writing materials.

Our original prisons in the UK were generally for debtors ( see Charles Dickens) or treason of which the US accuses Assange. Visitors, luxuries and certainly writing paper were supplied freely by their friends and relatives. Many famous people were held in the Tower of London accused of treason up to and including the second world war. Some, like Sir Walter Raleigh lived there for years with their wives and families. Admittedly Sir Walter Raleigh was eventually beheaded by the jealous successor to Queen Elizabeth I.

Some people also believe Assange is doomed. Literally. Let's hope it's not true nor the same of the Internet. Sometimes George Orwell's gloomy predictions about a sinister Big Brother conspiracy ruling the world seem almost believable.

More power to those students in London today though protesting about a different subject but from the same principle of free speech and protest.

I could hardly believe the report about the car carrying Prince Charles and the She Devil to the Royal Variety Performance at The London Palladium being caught up in the student protests. So 'Royal' cars don't receive traffic news? Bring out the Guillotine - ffing rich fools out on the town while commoners can't afford a decent education. Shame on them.

Old bits of sea-faring rope that could be used in a hanging if required by the revolutionary forces

Three glasses of wine and I'm ready to - er -