workthatwardrobe

The End

2009-07-21T08:55:00.013+01:00

I have finally finished.
365 days without spending any extra money on clothes.
And it feels great.
It has been an amazing journey.
There has been a lot of other stuff going on in my life this year but this focus on the discipline of posting has been therapeutic.
When I have felt my lowest I have hunted through my wardrobe for a pick me up on a hanger.
When I want to look brave outside (even though I'm crumbling on the inside) I have carefully selected the kind of clothes I want to stick up for me.
The suit I wore when I wanted to crawl under the covers took me by the hand and told the people I had to face that I was smart, slick and meant business.
The red top I wore constantly through the darkest days of my recent winter reminded me of the brighter days to come.
I know some people (and they have every right to) feel that those of us who expend a lot of energy thinking about clothes are pretty shallow.
But if it hadn't been for this blog which led to the connection of everyone out there who provided a few kind words at difficult times i don't think I would feel as positive as I do right now.
Through this blog I have met so many other kind souls I would never normally have come into contact with.
And that means everyone who has commented on my journey over the past year and those of you who have followed from a distance.
This blog ends here but I have set up a new one called The Small Fabric Of My Life which will include my musings on what matters most to me (family, friends, clothes, writing, fitness, music etc).
In many ways the same as this blog but without the countdown.
I am ending this blog with the outfit I began with.
I feel this sums up a great deal of what I have learned - stylewise- from this journey.
It is a dress I hardly wore but is, I discovered, the perfect shape, colour and pattern for me.
Thanks to style tips from other bloggers I have learned how to wear it in a casual style, dressed-up and during winter and summer.
Best of all, it always cheers me up.
And that, I think is the secret of a successful style - finding clothes that work for your shape, your life and your budget.
That cheer you up when you are feeling down and stick up for you when you are feeling low.
In essence working your wardrobe is really about getting your wardrobe to work for you.
If you have enjoyed this blog please join me at my new blog with footnotes on fashion, fun, family and friends - The Small Fabric Of My Life.
Au Revoir

3, 2 and 1 day to go: Almost There

2009-07-20T15:09:00.007+01:00

Almost there!
In reailty I have done it but in blogland there are still posts to upload.
Here is my weekend wear.
We went to see my brother and his family who live in Cambridgeshire to welcome their new baby, Seth.
It was a very busy weekend.
On Saturday we went into Peterborough to have a look around and enjoyed a fabulous Italian meal.
On Sunday we drove to Nottingham with my youngest two children and my older nephew and niece to see Walking With Dinosaurs which was amazing.
It was nice to catch up with my brother - there are just the two of us - and on Saturday we went for a lovely run together around the villages where he lives.
I have one final post to make but thank you so far for all the congratulations.
It feels good to complete something you set out to achieve!

Charity Sale Announcement

2009-07-19T07:29:00.006+01:00

As I write this I am working on my brother's computer.
We are here to meet our new baby newpher Seth.
Seth is a beautiful, healthy baby - just like his brother and sister.
And after a rough labour his mum is enjoying her time with her lovely family.
Sadly, this isn't the case for everyone.
When I decided to try and sell off some of my clothes to raise funds for charity it was hard to pick out one worthy cause.
Until I remembered that had I not received prompt medical care in 1996 I wouldn't be here now.
In May 1996 I had an ectopic pregnancy and by the time I collpased I had lost four pints of blood.
Luckily the swift and effective medical tresatment at my local hospital ensured that not only did I survive but I went on to have two more children.
Millions of women in the developing world are not so lucky.
And that is why I have chosen Women and Children First (WCF) as my chosen charity.
Details of how to make a donation are on my other blog.
Thanks for following me on this journey which will shortly come to an end.
But I hope you will stay with me as I embark on another adventure.

4 days to go: St Swithin's Chic

2009-07-17T07:00:00.008+01:00

It is raining again.
And it has rained every day since St Swithin's Day.
Does this mean rain for the next 38 days?
The worst thing about the rain is what it does to my hair.
Apart from that I like splashing in puddles.
It is coller too so I think I need to invest in a long cardigan like these. one.Tonight I am taking my two youngest children to see my new baby nephew Seth and won't be back until Monday which marks the last day of my year-long challenge and some marathon posts.
Have a great weekend.

I wore...
Shoes - Clarks
Skirt - Marks and Spencer
T-shirt 0 my daughter's (from Primark)
Brolly and Belt - Primark

5 days to go: Back to Front

2009-07-16T13:20:00.006+01:00

Another busy day today.
I went for a run with my friend Denise this morning before returning home for a shower and some work.
This afternoon I will be going to watch my youngest son perform in the end year concert at his school.
After that I will be going to Liverpool to sit an exam as my counselling course comes to an end.
I love the buttons on the back of this top and have worn it both ways.
It wil get great use in the autumn and winter but I need a jacket to go with it.
I was searching for women's jackets and came across this great one.
Although I avoid wearing it when I meet my friend Sue.
She has koumpounophobia (fear of buttons).
What always surprises me is that someone in her line of work can function.
She teaches dressmaking!
I wore..
Shoes - Clarks
Skirt and camisole - Gap
Top - eBay
Necklace - Next

6 days to go:Poetic Pink

2009-07-15T06:57:00.011+01:00

I couldn't post about my last week without wearing a little pink.
My current crush on red will fade but my long lasting love affair with pink will prevail.
There is quite a lot of alliteration there.
Purely accidental.
Or was it?
Today I will be leading a poetry session at the prison.
I have found my old "A Puffin Book of Verse" which was presented by our local vicar for my attendance at Sunday School in 1973.
That book imbued my seven-year-old self with another long lasting love affair - poetry.
And I have found the poem I loved the best.
One I recently recited from memory to the prisoners.
It was "Matilda" by Hilaire Belloc.
It's a poem about a little girl who tells lies and ends up being ignored when she needs help the most.
If you don't know it I urge you to look it up.
The rhyme and rhythms and gory story of the poem are perfect for children.
We will be looking at list poems today which will give me a chance to read out another favourite poet - Adrian Henri.
Long before I arrived in my adopted home of Liverpool I was obsessed with the city.
Not because of The Beatles but because of a poetry book called "The Mersey Sound" which features the work of Adrian Henri, Roger McGough and Brian Patten.
In fact at university where I studied English I asked my tutor if I could do my dissertation on The Mersey poets.
He said the body of work was not sufficient and I ended up writing some dull paper on "Demonology And Witchcraft In English Renaissance Drama."
Henri, like Walt Whitman, possesses a great skill in handling the list poem and we will be looking at "Love Is" and "I Want To Paint" today.
You can see both poems here.
I love my pink cardigan - I think I need more. Take a look at these long cardigans - perfect for autumn.

I wore....
Shoes - Clarks
Jeans and Shirt - Gap
Cardigan - French Connection
Necklace - Drome, Liverpool

7 days to go:FlexiDress

2009-07-14T12:38:00.007+01:00

I love browsing through women's dresses online.
I bought this one from American Apparel.
I decided to wear it as a high-waisted skirt with a simple white vest.
I love the way the wasitband drapes and the ties fall.
It is such a shame the cotton isn't heavier as this keeps the dress very casual.
If only they could do it in a better quality material that looked smarter.
After the rain yesterday the sun is shining.
I feel so much better.

Shoes - Clarks
Skirt/Dress - American Apparel
Vest - Isabella Oliver
Necklace - Virgin Vie

8 days to go: Odd

2009-07-13T13:18:00.004+01:00

An odd kind of day.
It wasn't exactly cold but it wasn't warm either.
One thing was for sure - it was wet.
Very wet.
To cheer myself up I opted for the cardigan that always gets positive compliments.
And the skirt I have come to love.
Just a week to go now and I think I am finally finding my style.
I wore:
Shoes - Clarks
Skirt - Tesco
Cami - Marks and Spencer
Cardigan - ASOS
Ring and bangles - Top Shop
Necklace - Monsoon

9 days to go: A Change Of Pose

2009-07-13T11:42:00.004+01:00

My husband thinks my daily pose with my right leg out in front is hilarious?
So to confuse him I have adopted a new pose.
I'm still not sure about it.
The outfit was created with a busy shopping trip in mind.
My daughter needed new school shoes.
Yes. I know there are only 8 days of the school year left but she couldn't go in bare feet.
She also wanted some new things for her holiday.
The weather forecast said sunshine, showers and wind!

I wore...
Shoes - Clarks
Skirt - Marks and Spencer
Top - Primark
Necklace - Principles

10 days to go: One Dress 15 Ways!

2009-07-12T12:50:00.032+01:00

I had £28.57 left from my recent eBay sales.
I invested it in this dress from American Apparel which cost £28.00.
I wore No. 9 today!
I tried the combinations with another halter neck dress.
It didn't work.
The secret is the spandex material and the fact that it is cut on the bias.
I love the way it converts into a top and short dress by turning it upside down and back to front!

11 days to go: The Great Escape

2009-07-10T17:31:00.009+01:00

Ssh! Don't tell anyone but today I helped some prisoners escape.
Nine of them actually.
Bear with me on this.
I took in some articles I had written about New York, Hong Kong and Spain.
We talked for a while about what makes a great travel feature and how to take someone on a journey with words.
I then took them through a guided writing exercise in which I asked them to think of a place they had once been.
As we worked several members of the group were smiling at their memories.
Following the final reading they thanked me for "the best session ever."
I had enjoyed listening to their journeys and helping them escape.
For a few hours at least.

I wore...
Shoes - Clarks
Jeans - Gap
Vest - Isabella Oliver
Jacket - Next
Silver Jewellery - Top Shop
Bag - free with In Style magazine.

12 days to go: Defiant Red

2009-07-09T11:34:00.014+01:00

I am looking forward to my holidays.
We are going to Spain.
I love Spain.
I love the weather, the food, the people and the landscape.
But most of all; I love Flamenco.
The first time I saw the dance performed by Spanish dancers I was mesmerised.
It wasn't just the dancing, the music, the costumes, the theatre.
It was everything.
Along with the dream of living one year of eternal sunshine by swapping the northern hemisphere for the southern hemisphere is a long-held ambition to visit Southern Spain at the time of the Flamenco festivals.
The strange thing is for someone so physically active I don't want to learn to dance Flamenco myself.
I couldn't.
I just want to watch and absorb the spectacle.
Over recent weeks I have found myself in a very difficult position battling with authorities who I know are wrong (and will be proved so in court)but currently wield the power.
And now I know why I feel a kinship with flamenco which is described thus:
"Flamenco is an emotionally charged and expressive Gypsy soul music where each hand-clap is a scream from the heart and every heel-smack an act of defiance."
So it was no contest about what to wear today.
My new (acquired through ebay sales) Joe Brown skirt.
It may not be a flamenco skirt but its colour and billowing freedom remind me of the ultimate triumph of the oppressed.

I wore:
Sandals - Clarks
Skirt - Joe Browns
Top - H & M
Tesco cardigan
Necklace - free with Spanish Instyle magazine

13 days to go: The Girl In The Striped Top

2009-07-08T06:40:00.007+01:00

I love this top.
I always feel great when I wear it.
And to think it was tucked away in my wardrobe for aeons because I hadn't worked out how to refashion t-shirts by cutting the neck and the sleeves.
I'm escaping to prison today after a week's holiday.
Once I'm inside the prison I lock the doors and escape all my troubles which I leave outside.
Maybe I won't bother to pick them up on the way back out today.
This morning we will be writing in different voices after creating characters using the Marcel Proust questionnaire.
I get so excited about creating new characters and getting to know them.
I love the made up world.
When life is tough isn't it wonderful to create your very own world to escape to?

I wore...
Shoes - Clarks
Jeans - Gap Curvy
Striped Top - Primark (refashioned)
Jacket French Connection (overdyed)
Necklace - Next

14 days to go: In or Out?

2009-07-07T13:59:00.008+01:00

I have been thinking about proportions quite a lot recently.
And even more so after Imogen's post about the Fib formula.
But I still can't decide.
Should the t-shirt be tucked in or out?
That is the question.

Shoes - Clarks
Skirt and t-shirt - Gap
Necklace - Matalan

Capsule Holiday Workout

2009-07-07T12:10:00.005+01:00

Life is tough at the moment but there are three things that keep me sane - exercise, music and writing.
And boy did I need some exercise today.
However, after my family left for school and work this morning I realised I was locked in.
What do I mean by locked in?
No, it wasn't a prison day - thankfully.
What happened was my husband and two sons went off with all the keys for the house.
Until they returned I couldn't go out because I wouldn't have been able to get back in.
I had planned a 4 mile run but was now stuck at home.
Yet if I didn't exercise I would be like a caged animal when they returned.
Determined to rid my body of some residual frustrations I decided to get my ipod and work out a circuit using one exercise per music track.
To warm up I started on the trampoline. (Will Young's Leave Right Now)
Next, Hula for a track (I kissed A Girl by Katy Perry)
Then skip for a track (Don't Stop til You Get Enough by Michael Jackson)
Then I rolled out my exercise mat and did some squats and lunges using a broom(I Wish I Was A Punk Rocker by Sandi Thom)
Back on the trampoline (She's So Lovely by Scouting For Girls)
Some More Hula's ( Billie Jean by Michael Jackson)
More skipping (Hips Don't Lie by Shakira)
Then cooldown to Ben by Michael Jackson and finally a handstand for a few minutes.
I checked my heart rate monitor and my workout had lasted just over 40 minutes with an average heart rate of 141 which is around the same as a slow 4 mile run.
Job done and apart from the trampoline I can take everything else on holiday with me as my hula hoop breaks up into sections.
Yesterday I was planning my capsule wardrobe for my holiday next month.
I hadn't really thought about my holiday routine as I normally just take my running shoes and go for a run.
But last year the heat was so intense from early on I had to rise at 6am to get a run in.
Now that is one less problem to deal with.

15 days to go: Geranium Top

2009-07-06T13:47:00.006+01:00

It is much cooler today.
And wet.
And grey.
Which means I need some colour to brighten up my day.
I love bright scarlet geraniums like the ones in my hanging basket.
I acquired this top from the sale at LK Bennett.
I got the funds from selling two dresses on eBay.
From now on I will call it my Geranium Top.

I wore..
Shoes - Clarks
Skirt - Gap
Top - LK Bennett
Necklace - Virgin Vie

16 and 17 days to go: Le Weekend

2009-07-06T06:11:00.008+01:00

Another busy weekend.
Apart from the usual running around getting ready for next week and taking children to their various friends/parties/activities I had a meeting with a group of friends and two barbecues to attend.
On Saturday I got together with some of the mums I met around 10 - 14 years ago at various ante-natal and nursery schools.
It was good to catch up on the news and plan another walking trip in the summer holidays.
On Saturday evening there was a barbecue to celebrate the end of my eldest son's football team after ten years.
From September the boys will be 17 and 18 and many will move on to new teams.
We dodged the showers and managed to make the most of the sunshine when it peeped through the clouds.
On Sunday my husband, the Cub Scout leader was running a Wet Day at Southport's Marine Lake and he took our youngest along with him.
They all had a great time sailing on rafts and canoeing.
Next weekend my husband is leading a Cub Camp so in the afternoon he had to check all the tents were in good repair.
To round the weekend off we had another barbecue with our good friends, Kevin and Denise.
I just love the flexibility of a wardroe full of dresses and am always on the look out for more ladies dresses.
We did manage to cook outside but the rain was so bad we had to eat indoors.

On Saturday I wore...
white capr pants - Tesco
Shoes - River Island
Dress - Matalan
Wrap - free with a magazine
Necklace - Principles

On Sunday I wore..
Dress - Ciel
Shoes - Clarks
Belt - Principles

18 days to go: Freebie Friday

2009-07-05T11:25:00.004+01:00

I am a little behind in posting because it has been so busy.
It was Sport's Day on Friday for my youngest and little Ben won all three of his races - the sprint, the obstacle and the relay races.
I was so proud of him.
Today I am wearing a collection of free gifts.
The vest is currently free with August issue of Elle magazine.
The bag came with last month's Instyle.
The sunglasses with May's issue of Tatler and the hat came free with a bikini and sarong I bought at Tesco (with my vouchers).
The only things that weren't free were my sandals form Clarks, the belt from Tesco and the skirt from Marks and Spencer.

19 days to go: Eternal Summer

2009-07-03T12:58:00.005+01:00

I had a lot of running around to do on my bike so I wore this dress over these shorts.
I want to put it on record that I am not complaining about this hot weather.
I love it hot.
I can't bear the cold.
My dream is to spend my life in eternal spring/summertime.
I'd live April to September in the northern hemisphere and October to March in the southern hemisphere.
Maybe I'll try it one year.

I wore....
Shorts and Belt - Tesco
Dress - Matalan
Sandals - Clarks

20 days to go: Venice Revisited

2009-07-02T13:52:00.013+01:00

It is still hot here.
So it's about time to dig out some holidaywear.
The last time I wore this dress was in 2006 when we went to Italy.
We stayed at a campsite called Union Lido and spent the day in Venice (see below).
I bought the dress from Next.
In the sale, of course.
It cost £14.99.
I wore it a lot that summer but it has a very low back and there are no visible means of support available - if you know what I mean!
So now it only comes out on hot days and holidays.

21 days to go: In A Spin

2009-06-30T19:58:00.009+01:00

I finally took delivery of my new Hula Hoop.
I had read about using Hula Hoop's to have fun and get fit when journalist Rosie Millard, tried it out in The Times recently.
My daughter was once voted the Hula Queen at a local summer play scheme when she managed to keep going longer than anyone else. She was five at the time.
So, if you can't beat'em, join 'em.
I had great fun following the DVD routine with instructor Betty Hoops (I kid you not!).
I managed to keep up with most of the moves although I certainly need more practice in others.
For my retro routine I chose a retro influenced outfit of stripes and spots.
Forgive me if I have not commented on many blogs this week but I am having a screen break.
To recharge my batteries I have taken the week off work and have limited my use of the computer to 20 minutes a day to deal with urgent enmail (and this blog).
I spent most of the day getting back to nature by gardening and planting some new herbs in my herb garden.
I wore..
Shoes - River Island
Dress - Matalan
Necklace - Top Shoop
Hula Hoop - Gaiam

22 days to go: Mercury Rising

2009-06-29T20:17:00.004+01:00

It's very hot here today.
The mercury tipped 33C in the car.
Most of the day was spent running errands.
I appear to have lost my youngest two children who have disappeared down the road to play with a family who have a swimming pool in their garden.
I can't say I blame them - I would love to dive in right now!

I wore....
Sandals - Clarks
Dress - Per Una

24 and 23 days to go: Playing Shop

2009-06-29T06:34:00.003+01:00

It has been another busy weekend.
Saturday was spent running around the kids and meeting up with our friends.
The idea was we'd have an early drink in the local village, back to our house for something to eat before an early end to the evening.
It didn't work out like that.
At 6pm we met up for the drink. Which turned into three.
We ate around 9pm and then watched the Bruce Springsteen At Glastonbury concert on the television.
The evening finally ended at 1am.
Not that I am complaining - a night out with good friends is better than any medicine.
But it was an early start on Sunday as my youngest was playing in a football tournament.
They won one, drew one and lost three games.
As we came home the eldest son appeared as he was refereeing for the afternoon.
On Sunday evening my parents came round and we managed a barbecue in the garden before the heavens opened and the roads were flooded with a torrential downpour.

I spent a little time over the weekend preparing for a grand charity sale.
I have decided to give up on ebay when my last lot is sold and do it myself.
I have around 100 items of clothing and accessories that I think are too good for the charity shop.
I am slowly filing them on a new blog which will be launched at the end of my year.
I will be asking for a donation plus postage and all proceeds will go to a charity that provides medical aid to prevent mothers dying during childbirth in the third world.

On Saturday I wore..
Shoes - River Island
Skirt - Tesco
Top - H & M

On Sunday I wore..
Shorts - Tesco
Vest - Gap
Kaftan - Gold hawk
Shoes - Clarks

25 days to go: A Simple Life

2009-06-27T07:32:00.010+01:00

When I was a young (ish) mother of four very young children I wrote to the author of one of my favourite books.
"Dear Mr Crofts,
You have inspired me to take a leap into the unknown and abandon my staff job to become a freelance writer."
I also added a bit about noticing that he had four children too.
I got an almost immediate reply.
"Dear Jane,
I am so glad you enjoyed the book and that you found it most useful. However, writing is the easy bit. Parenting four children, now that's a different story."
Or something to that effect.
I thought it was an odd reply and duly took the step into the unknown.
I left my job as a features writer at The Liverpool Echo on October 31st 2003.
At the time my children were 2, 5, 7 and 11.
Yes, they argued and of course it was tiring but I felt I had it all.
I managed to find enough work to equal my staff job pay and I could do it around the children.
I didn't have to ask anyone's permission to go to Sport's Day or to care for my children when they were sick.
And I could still pay the bills.
Happy Days.
And then life become a little more complicated.
My children changed as they grew older; as children do.
But more worryingly, the World changed too.
The very hi-tech equipment that had enabled me to work from home was now becoming the instrument of my misery.
Instead of being a friend, the internet and mobile phones that allowed me to accomplish my daily work were now being used by the enemy to bombard and influence my children from all quarters as they bounded into teenagers and High School and all the challenges that these years bring.
Over the past year the balls that I have been juggling for so long have tumbled down.
I can no longer keep my eye on the ball because invidious forces have blindfolded me and tied my hands behind my back.
I wish I could tell you what is going on in my life.
But I can't.
Not yet.
Suffice it to say the more complicated my life gets the more I exert what little control I have through clothes by aspiring to the life I want - a simple uncomplicated one.
The Simple Life that Nanci Griffith sings about.
So today, for my complicated life I have chosen a very simple outfit.
Soft colours, simple lines and everything tucked in and tidy.
And as a new day dawns I am ready to take on the world.
Again!
Have a wonderful weekend.

Shoes - Clarks
Skirt - Marks and Spencer
Blouse - Gap
Belt and Sunglasses - Tesco

26 days to go: Me and the Red Dress Are Friends Again

2009-06-25T14:21:00.008+01:00

Do you remember when you were 11 0r 12 and you fell out with your best friend?
The following day you take up where you left off before the fight and when anyone asks why you fell out; you can't, for the life of you remember why.
That's how I feel about this dress.
I loved it.
I fell out with it and now I'm in love with it all over again.
How could I have been so cruel?
The colour brightens my day, however dull it is outside.
The dress ignores my imperfections and loves me for who I am.
One day, when all my troubles are over, we will laugh about the day I thought of banishing it from my life all together.

I am also sporting my new Clarks sandals for the first time.
They are soooo comfortable.

27 days to go: A Fashion Crime?

2009-06-24T16:59:00.009+01:00

I committed the fatal fashion faux pas when crime writer Martin Edwards visited the jail today.
What was my hideous crime?
I wore exactly the same skirt I had on last time I met Martin here.
By the time I realised this it was too late.
Seriously it was a great day.
I used to work for Martin's firm as a PR consultant and through a shared passion for reading and writing we have stayed in contact.
By day Martin is Head of Employment Law at Mace and Jones Law Firm in Liverpool.
But by night he is a prolific crime novelist and short story writer.
The guys had lots of questions to ask and were more than eager to hear about his approach to the art of crime fiction.

But back to sartorial matters. I have noticed I wear my denim jacket a lot during the summer months and as it happens one of my favourite fashion writers wrote about this recently.
So maybe my crimes against fashion can be forgiven, after all!

Today I wore....
Shoes - Clarks
Skirt - Gap
Vest - Zara
Necklace - Top Shop
Scarf (Sarong) - Tesco
Denim Jacket - Tesco

28 days to go: To eBay or not to eBay?

2009-06-23T11:35:00.013+01:00

I am being ruthless with my wardrobe edit.
I am thinking of ebaying this dress.
I know I have posted about how much I love it.
But - I am not sure if it fits into my new rules.

1. Does it suit my shape?
Not so sure now!
2. Is it age appropriate?
Again, not so sure.
3. Does it go with anything else in my wardrobe?
Not really.

I am thinking with my sentimental hat on now.
I love the colour and the print of the dress - it cheers me up when I'm down.
It has travelled to Rome, the South of France, Barcelona and Anglesey with me.
And I may get Scraggy Sarah Syndrome.
What's that?
Well back when I was about six years old my mum had asked me to clear out my dolls for a Toy Sale at church.
There was this doll I never played with.
She was filthy. She had no clothes to fit her.
I had hacked at her hair and one of her eyes was wonky.
She was the first to go.
But the following night I couldn't get to sleep.
I thought of some other little girl being given Scraggy Sarah.
And then I started to cry a little; then a lot.
By 11pm on this Sunday night I was inconsolable.
My poor mum rang everyone she knew who was collecting the toys.
At 11pm - that is how desperate she was.
Finally she managed to find out Sarah's location and the teenage son of the woman whose job it was to clean up the dirty dolls arrived just before midnight with the special delivery.
I was so happy.
I cuddled Sarah all night.
And ..........never played with her again!
Anyway here's the dress, please help me decide.

Today it is hot and sunny and I am cleaning the house.
I wore....
Shorts, Vest and Scarf - Tesco
Shoes - Birkenstocks

29 days to go: Question Time

2009-06-22T18:04:00.010+01:00

I was leading a PR Workshop at Train 2000 today which is a monthly event I always look forward to.
In Fact by the time I lead the next workshop my year-long challenge will be over.
So maybe it is time to start answering some of the questions you left on my blog yesterday.

Notsupermum wants to know if I will have a mad spending splurge when my year is up?
I wish. Financially things are still very tight and with a soon to be 18-year-old son about to go to university (and three siblings, hopefully, to follow) I can't see that changing anytime soon.
Having said that I really don't feel the urge to buy anything yet. I think the year has helped me see how much stuff I don't wear and how much stuff I buy which doesn't really suit me. I think I will set a budget and be much more discerning.

Shoegal wants to know if I will keep on blogging my dailywear.
Yes. I have made some great friends out there and you have all helped me through some rocky roads along the way this year. However, I will be directing you to a new blog which will still include a dailywear picture but there will be more about my reflection on clothes, my life and the universe.

Heather wants to know - Will I Write A Book?
I have been toying with the idea for a while and I think I have a proposal to put to some smaller publishers. I have learned so much and I would love to share my ideas and findings with other women of a certain age. The working title is: "How To Find Your Style Without Losing A Fortune."

But back to today.
I wore....
Shoes - Clarks
Suit - Next
Shirt - Whistles

31 and 30 days to go: Home Straight

2009-06-21T11:24:00.008+01:00

There are less than 30 days to go until July 19th when my year-long challenge will end - and what a journey.
I am starting to think how I will reflect on the challenge about what I have learned.
This weekend was very casual.
Saturday was spent in tracksuit watching my daughter play in a netball tournament.
Sunday was running round tidying up and preparing for the week ahead.
I also managed to post the rest of my summer sales on ebay.
From the £84 I received earlier this month I bought the ASOS cardigan and have just ordered two pairs of shoes from Clarks which you can see here and here - both reduced by 50% in the sale.

I wore the denim skirt on Saturday and the jeans on Sunday.
Hope you had a good weekend.

32 days to go: Stand And Deliver

2009-06-19T16:43:00.008+01:00

I've ended the weekend in swashbuckling style.
My husband says I look like Adam Ant - a cross between a pirate and a highway(wo)man.
An opinion shared by the prisoners I worked with today.
We are writing a collection of children's stories to be read by the prisoners to their children on Family Days.
One of the stories is about a pirate.
A good pirate.
I now think of my cardigan in a different light - as a muse!
I love cardigans and there are some fab ones here.

I wore..
Jeans, shirt and scarf - Gap
Cardigan - Asos
Trainers - Nike

33 days to go: Old Ideas Dressed In Better Clothes

2009-06-18T17:58:00.011+01:00

"Old Ideas Dressed In Better Clothes," that was one of the key phrases at the launch of PALink at Edge Hill University today.
The quotes came from the keynote speaker who talked about how society takes old ideas and dresses them as something new and exciting.
I loved that phrase.
PALink is a network of drama practitioners delivering applied theatre in the community.
I was invited by a senior lecturer from Edge Hill University who came to the prison a few weeks ago with two of her drama students.
I spoke about the work I did and during the conference I discussed an idea to develop a programme of inclusive games aimed at Year Seven girls (age 11/12) to develop into a drama about friendships.
We spent an hour discussing the idea and I now have a list of experts ready to develop my idea.
So maybe something good will come out of my daughter's bad experiences.
Or did I just dress up an old idea in better clothes?

I wore my favourite feelgood striped t-shirt and felt on top of the world as I left - something I haven't felt for quite a while.
Just had to let you know - those well-dressed braniacs at Academichic have posted a special on jackets and blazers. I was thinking of getting a new blazer for the summer.
What do you think about these womens jackets?

I wore...
Shoes - Clarks
Skirt - Tesco
Belt - Principles
Scarf - an old sarong
T-shirt - Primark
Cardigan - ASOS (new - bought with eBay sales)

34 days to go: Reasons To Be Cheerful - Part One

2009-06-17T07:01:00.006+01:00

I love the Ian Dury song - Reasons To Be Cheerful - Part Three.
The song always makes me smile.
Like this cardigan.
I bought it in the Karen Millen sales about four years ago for around £30.
I love the colours, the stripes, the shape.
I have repaired it, I have cut off tassels but still I love it to bits.
Today I am going to look for all the reasons to be cheerful.
One reason I feel a bit more cheerful is I have had anther purge of my wardrobe.
The last eBay sale raised £88.00.
Here's a sneak preview.

37, 36 and 35 days to go: Tough Clothes For Tough Times

2009-06-15T16:39:00.007+01:00

Thanks for all your greetings and good wishes.
They really help.
Things have gone from bad to worse but I can't talk about them.
Please believe me - you presence helps.
I am going back to where it all began with the focus on clothes.
I will not give up.
On Saturday I dressed up in my polka dot dress and took my mum to a Reader's Day and one of the workshops was called "Strange Poems For Strange Times" with the fabulous Rebecca Goss.
The weekend requires comfort which is why I wore the leggings and easywear top.
Today needed even more tlc so I went for my very favourite Joe Brown dress.
Here's to a better week than last week.

38 - 42 days to go:Bouncing Back

2009-06-12T16:13:00.004+01:00

I am feeling better.
Yesterday I was bouncing back - on the trampoline.
It has been a harrowing week but the school have finally acknowledged my request for help and my daughter has the mentor I have been asking for since she was attacked by another girl in February.
But not before everything I said was going to happen, happened.
From Monday she has a new start.
A new class, a new house and a new teaching set.
She has also been chosen to be a Peer Mentor for next year.
This role provides a support system for new pupils starting the school next year who may be having a tough time.
Maybe going through tough times is worthwhile if it helps others.
I am not a great fan of Posh Spice but I remember her being interviewed after the scandal of David Beckham's affair.
She told the interviewer:
"What doesn't kill us makes us stronger."
Hear Hear.
Although I haven't been posting I have been snapping so here's a round-up of my outfits this week.
All items are remixed.
Thanks again for all your messages of support - they helped.
So much.
Have a great weekend.

Some Things Are More Important Than Clothes

2009-06-10T07:37:00.003+01:00

...like my daughter.
She is having a difficult time coping at her High School and I need all my energy to be there for her.
I will be back soon.
I won't give up.
I promise.

44 and 43 days to go: Wear and Wear Again

2009-06-08T12:25:00.007+01:00

I'm still embroiled with "stuff" which has given me little time to think about what to wear.
Both today and yesterday are recent repeats - give or take a few accessories.
Hopefully, normal service will be resumed as soon as possible.

47, 46 and 45 days to go: Low Balls

2009-06-06T07:51:00.004+01:00

Life has thrown a few low balls this week which is why I will keep this post brief.
The suit is new - from Next- and bought with the credit from selling this DVF dress a while back.
I was saving the funds for something important.
I wore the suit to a very difficult meeting and feeling good about what I was wearing played no small part in helping me get through a very difficult situation.
I will be needing it again on Monday.
Apologies for the mystery but the matters involve other people and I can't really comment.
Have a great weekend.

47 days
Skirt - Tesco
Top - Sara Berman
Shoes - Clarks

46 days
Suit - Next
Vest - Zara
Scarf - Marks and Spencer
Shoes - Clarks

45 days
Shoes - Clarks
Jeans - Tesco
Top - H & M
Wrap - Joe Brown

Wardrobe Clearout Part One

2009-06-04T14:40:00.003+01:00

I am starting on phase one of my wardrobe clearout as my year is nearly up.
I have just posted some dresses on eBay here.
I loved all of them when I bought them but they just don't seem right now. I have put a little weight on over the past few years and some don't look so great on me anymore.
There's a DVF dress and a Marc Jacobs dress amongst them and I think I have been hanging on to them just because of the brand.
Others I just don't seem to have the occasion to wear them.
Here's a collage of the first phase of my clearout!

48 days to go: Oasis Poppy Dress

2009-06-03T09:14:00.016+01:00

I wore this dress on the very first day of my challengehere and again here .
I love the dress but I was struggling to find some flat shoes to wear it with.
I am sure I would wear it more often if I had the right shoes.
Any suggestions?
I fell in love with this dress when I saw it in a magazine and bought it straight away.
It cost £80.00 and I was horrified when I went shopping with Jenn a few months later and it was on the sale rail for £25.00!
Still, I had it when I wanted it.
If I could I'd spend every day in dresses, party dresses, evening wear, day dresses - any dress!

Dress: Oasis
Shoes: Clarks

49 days to go: Later - beware of cheap dresses

2009-06-03T07:59:00.003+01:00

My dress received some lovely comments but after the picture was taken the straps snapped.
Both of them!
I will have to get my sewing box out but with three little boys to take care of it had to wait (I was looking after two of my friends' sons).
So I quickly changed into my trusted Joe Brown Little White Dress - usually reserved for holidays - and trundled down to the beach.
Dress: Joe Brown

49 days to go: Free Love

2009-06-02T10:16:00.009+01:00

I had some great news the other day.
I was told I had won the New Romantics' Free Love For A Year competition
I had almost forgotten about the story which I wrote way back in March.
I was on the train heading to the Writers In Prison Network when I decided to have a go.
The task was to describe your most romantic moment in 100 words.
Several drafts later here's what I was left with.

The Girl With The Bike With A Basket

“Why choose that film?” asks my husband.

“Because the girl has a bike with a basket – I've always dreamt of riding one.”

Two weeks later it’s my birthday; but in these cash-strapped times I’m not expecting much.

At daybreak he leads me to our freezing garage. I struggle to focus through the hazy half-light and debris of a four-child family.

Then I see it.

Over the past fortnight he’s spent every spare minute restoring an old skipped bike before re-spraying it my favourite colour.

Best of all, attached to the sparkling silver handlebars is a brand new wicker basket.

And here's the bike!

The prize is a selection of romantic novels for a year.
The other day I received a wonderful package of three books - a hardback copy of The Secret Shoppers Revenge by Kate Harrison; The Bride Hunter by Amy Appleton and The Self-Preservation Society by Kate Harrison.
I will have a parcel every other month for a year.
The trouble is I will be too busy reading to write!

Today is supposed to be the last day of the current heatwave and we will be back to seasonal temperatures tomorrow.
I am making the most of the warm weather by wearing this halter neck dress from Primark which I last wore here.

I wore:
Dress - Primark
Shoes - River Island
Sunglasses - Tesco
Necklace - Top Shop
Bracelet - as yesterday.

50 days to go: A Milestone

2009-06-01T08:57:00.012+01:00

There are just 50 days to go before my self-imposed shopping ban ends which is a timely opportunity to reveal the contents of my closet.
Sole Mate asked to see inside so before I had time to tidy it up here it is.
Or rather, here they are (below).
I have two wardrobes.
The first is one in my eldest son's bedroom.
The bags overhead are stuffed with holiday gear that only comes out once a year.
The second wardrobe is in my bedroom and I share it with my husband.
There is a selection of shoes in the bottom but my boots and several other pairs are stored in the garage.
And I haven't even mentioned the chest of drawers of four storage boxes full of clothes.

Once my 50 days are up I will be reviewing this blog and if I haven't worn anything for the past year it will go unless there is a very good reason.
As an aside, the lovely Mervat's Meme made me laugh so I decided to take up her invitation to join in.
You need to answer the questions using the first initial of your name.
You can only use the same answer once.
They must be true.
And, if you follow someone with the same initial then all your answers must be different.
If you want to - join in the fun.
It's not as easy as it looks but you do discover some rarely used storage shelf in your memory bank.
I mean - Jilted John!!!
1. What is your name: Jane
2. A four Letter Word: Jape
3. A boy's Name: Jim
4. A girl's Name: Jenny
5. An occupation: Journalist
6. A color:Jade
7. Something you wear: Jeans
8. A food: Jam
9. Something found in the bathroom: Jelly (Petroleum)
10. A place: Jakarta
11. A reason for being late: Jaywalking
12. Something you shout: JOE!!!!!! (My 14-year-old who is usually winding his sister up)
13. A movie title: Jacob's Ladder
14. Something you drink: Juniper Berries (Gin!)
15. A musical group: Jackson 5
16. An animal: Java Sparrow
17. Street name: Jericho Lane (in Liverpool)
18. A type of car: Jaguar
19. A song title: Julie by Jilted John

Today I wore...
Dress - Matalan
Sandals - Birkenstock
Sunglasses - Tesco
Necklace and Bracelet - freebie with Spanish In Style magazine

51 days to go: Plain Jane

2009-05-31T15:15:00.006+01:00

After a very busy Saturday I wanted to keep it nice and simple - both in activity and attire.
I think I managed it.
I didn't even bother with any make-up for the whole day.
My husband took my youngest son to Sefton Park in Liverpool for a cricket match while I watched the others.
In the evening we had a bbq in the garden with my parents.
Three of my four children are back at school today but the youngest is off for another week so it's another five days of trying to cram in some work and take care of my son.
We have an agreement - I work until 12pm every day (except Wednesday and Friday when I'm in the prison) and the afternoons are free for fun.

Sole Mate has asked to see a picture of my closet.
I promise to post the pictures later this week.

I wore......
Dress and Shoes - Primark
Sunglasses - Tesco

52 days to go: One Day, Three Outfits

2009-05-31T10:46:00.011+01:00

It was a really busy Saturday.
I got up early and ran to the beach and back with the dog before moving my weights routine outside to take advantage of the warmer weather.
Later, I cycled to the park for a game of tennis with my youngest son before returning home and tidying up.
In the evening we went out for a meal with some friends which was fabulous.
And in true Cinderella style I returned home just before midnight as we have a cricket match and an early start in the morning.
The first outfit was my workout gear, second after the game of tennis was my old faithful Gap dress.
I bought this dress in 2005 from the sale rail. I think I paid £9.99 but I wear it at least 10 times a summer.
I love the tie-dye effect of the print.
The peach Catherine Malandrino dress was bought in 2005 too but I have only worn it a handful of times.
It is a lovely dress- fully lined with an amazing cut out detail in the hem.
However, I was put off the dress for a while after I saw Britney Spears wearing the same dress on the front cover of Hello magazine just after I'd bought it!

I wore...
Workout gear - Nike
Dress- Gap
Sandals- Birkenstocks
Catherine Malandrino Dress
Turquoise Shoes - River Island
Bag - a present for my 40th birthday
Necklace - Matalan

53 days to go: Warmer Weather

2009-05-29T06:56:00.009+01:00

The temperature's hotting up here in Blighty.
Today I was working in the prison which is too hot in summer and too cold in winter.
I wanted to keep cool and look good but in a modest way.
I dug out this dress from the "throw out pile" and realised I liked it after all especially when I paired it with a cropped jacket.
I would have loved to wear sandals but I stick to a closed toe shoe policy in the prison.
Today didn't go great but I had a lovely lunch with Jenn.
We sat in the picnic area and ate our sandwiches before taking a stroll around the perimeter fence.
Ah well, tomorrow's another day.

I wore:
Shoes - Clarks
Dress - Gap
Jacket - Matalan

54 days to go: Inspirational Bag

2009-05-28T18:00:00.011+01:00

My great old friend The Gap bag inspired today's outfit.
This backpack has accompanied me for many years, especially on trips out with my friends and the children.
It is big enough for food, drinks, changes of clothes and wipes which was just as well as two of my friends and an assortment of our children were off on a hike from Hoylake to West Kirby and back today.
These school holiday sojourns have been taking place almost every school holiday since out eldest children started school in 1995.
The older ones don't come now but we have spent many happy hours tramping through woodland trails, climbing sand dunes, visiting zoos, organising marathonb games of rounders and bike rides.
Today felt strange as I only had my youngest son with me today.
The weather started off cool but heated up as we walked. We set off at 10am in the morning and arrived home around 5pm.
We are already making plans for our next trip!

I wore...
Top - Tesco (bought with vouchers)
Jeans - Gap
Cardigan - Principles
Bag - Gap

55 days to go:Chunky Necklace

2009-05-27T06:58:00.009+01:00

My whole outfit today was dictated by this chunky necklace.
It is the second one I got from Dorothy Perkins - the first one snapped and the beads went into every nook and cranny of my bedroom.
Luckily I found enough to prove it was this necklace (as I had lost the receipt) and the kind sales assistant replaced it without any fuss.
Good service makes such a difference.
There are some shops I will go into time and again because I know the staff are pleasant and helpful but not too intrusive.
And there are others where I feel like an unwelcome visitor and end up reluctant to part with my hard-earned cash.
This blouse is new but it comes thanks to some eBay cash.
I sold my Biba blouse.
Although it was a great piece I felt it didn't do anything for me.
And to return to my original theme of necklaces - if, like me you are cutting down on spending then check out Boutique Girl's latest giveaway here.
Have a great Wednesday.

I wore..
Shoes - Clarks
Jeans - Joe Brown
Shirt and Necklace - Dorothy Perkins
Cardi - Primark

56 days to go: PancakeTuesday

2009-05-26T11:59:00.014+01:00

The children are off school so it's pancakes for breakfast.
I have got this down to a fine art - thanks to Jamie Oliver.
I egg, 1 cup of self-raising flour, 1 cup of milk.
Whisk and fry in butter.
Voila.
If only the washing up was as easy.
My children eat them with whatever is around.
Today the boys ate them with sugar and lemon except for one intrepid son who foraged in the freezer and found a Crunchie ice cream.

I wore..
Shoes - Clarks
Skirt - Gap
Top - Matalan
Belt - Asos

57 days to go: Bank Holiday Sunshine

2009-05-25T14:08:00.012+01:00

It's Bank Holiday Monday and the sun is shining.
We spent the day tidying the garden while the children played.
My parents came over for something to eat.
Unfortunately the sun gave way to light showers so our barbecue was moved inside.
But after we finished eating the weather seemed to stabilise and we moved outside and burned some wood on our barbecue to keep warm.

I wore...
Shoes - Clarks
Jeans - Tesco
Top - Zara
Cardigan - Primark
Necklace - Matalan

58 days to go: Relaxed Sunday

2009-05-24T15:46:00.006+01:00

This morning was the second day of the football tournament.
It was sunny but a little breezy so I slipped my dress over my jeans.
In the afternoon the weather warmed up and we went straight to a barbecue at my husband's sister's house.
It was far too hot for jeans but luckily this dress is still a modest knee length which allowed me to soak up the sun although I had to share the sun lounger with Pip the dog.

Too Much Information has tagged me to list Seven Things You Never Knew You Wanted To Know About Me. So here they are.

1. I wrote my first book aged five called "So Did Sir" after watching my teacher join in games in the schoolyard.

2. My secret food indulgence is brown sauce butties. Two slices of buttered white bread and a dollop of brown sauce - lovely.

3. If I could change one thing about my physical appearance I would swap my bushy eyebrows for the kind I get after a painful waxing.

4. I almost died in 1996 after an ectopic pregnancy.

5. My (not so secret) crush is Enrique Iglesias.

6. People think I am very driven but it is only an act to cover up how lazy I really am.

7. I waste too much time blogging when I should be working.

I wore....
Jeans - Gap
Trainers - Nike
Dress - Joe Brown
Belt - matalan

59 days to go:A Tale Of Two Outfits

2009-05-24T15:35:00.006+01:00

Saturday was a busy tidy-up day.
My youngest son was in a football tournament and my niece arrived form North Wales.
The day was spent walking the dog, cleaning the house and getting the room ready for two extra sleeping over.
I spent most of the day in jeans and sweatshirt but managed to get changed into something less comfortable for the evening.
Sun is forecast for tomorrow and I can't wait.

Shoes- River Island
Dress - Matalan
Cardigan - Marks and Spencer
Necklace - Top Shop

60 days to go: Freaky Friday

2009-05-22T06:53:00.010+01:00

The last day of the working week and what a busy week.
During work today I got a phone call to say my brother's wife had given birth.
Baby Seth was born at 8.10am this morning and his brother Sidney and sister Georgia are so excited.
Tonight I am off to my friend's house for a girly get - together.
The early night will have to wait.

Today I wore....
Shoes - Clarks
Skirt - Gap
Top - Primark
Jacket - French Connection (overdyed)
Corsage - Matalan

61 days to go: Grey Clouds And Silver Linings

2009-05-21T14:37:00.006+01:00

It has been a funny old week.
I can't really go into details as it doesn't affect me but someone very close.
Work has been challenging but it looks like my contract will now be renewed for another year.
Best of all - my friend told me today she is getting married.
And she wants me to help choose her dress.
Yes, shopping for clothes is perfect pick-me-up medicine even if it isn't shopping for my clothes.
Amidst the grey clouds there is a peek of blue skies and silver livings.
And my outfit echoes the theme with shades of grey, silver and blue.
I worked like mad this morning to get lots of little things done and I have finally crossed the last job off my list.
I will soon be leaving to go to Liverpool for my counselling course.
I have met some great people on the course where we have gathered to refine our counselling skills - and boy have I needed them this week.
But the nicest thing about Thursday is my husband has to cook for our children and get them ready for bed.
I walk through the door about 10.30pm and apart from my eldest everyone is fast asleep including my exhausted husband!

Today I wore...
Boots - Dorothy Perkins
Skirt - Marks and Spencer
T-shirt - my daughter's (from Matalan)
Necklace - Matalan
Belt - Tesco

62 days to go: Blue Wednesday

2009-05-20T07:10:00.006+01:00

It was an early start and my face hasn't quite woken up.
I picked out my favourite ruffle blouse and as I wasn't sure what the weather was going to be like I selected my cosy comfort blanket!

I wore...
Shoes - Clarks
Jeans - Gap
Blouse - Precis Petite
Wrap - Joe Brown
Pearls - Kowloon Pearl Market, Hong Kong

63 days to go: Every Little Helps

2009-05-19T13:42:00.017+01:00

I obviously had too much time on my hands today and took far too many pictures.
But this skirt is NEW.
And NO - I didn't buy it.
I used £12 of my Tesco Clubcard vouchers.
We usually save the vouchers for wine but as I'm trying to cut down I thought this skirt will serve as an incentive.
No longer will our recycle bin be full of bottles that disappear forever.
Instead every three months I will have a beautiful new item of clothing to remind me of my sobriety.
Abstinence never felt this good before.
Amazing how inventive you can get when you pledge not to spend money on clothes!

And thanks to Boutique Girl I have discovered the power of the Picasa collage so no photo is wasted.

I wore...
Shoes - Clarks
Skirt - Tesco
Striped t-shirt - my daughters
Necklace - Next
belt - ASOS

64 days to go: The forecast is pink

2009-05-18T13:22:00.020+01:00

More wild, windy weather.
It's May and I'm wearing boots.
I am not happy with the weather right now so I am going to make my own.
It will be pink and frothy - just like my skirt and cardigan.
It is that time of year when you don’t want to wear a coat but it is too cold to leave the hosue without one. Thank goodness for the great range of cardigans on offer like the ones here.
Hope the weather is better for you.

I wore...
Boots - Dorothy Perkins
Skirt - River Island
Belt - Off Matalan dress
T-shirt - Gap
Cardigan - Primark

65 days to go: On The Run

2009-05-17T15:00:00.010+01:00

A funny old day today.
The weather is wild and windy.
It rains, the sun shines, it rains again.
I took the dog for a run to the beach and got blown about a lot.
Luckily I had my ipod to keep me going.

My favourite running songs at the moment?
You Raise Me Up by Josh Groban
I Kissed A Girl by Katy Perry
All Summer Long by Kid Rock
So What by Pink
Handlebars by the Flobots
Leave Right Now by Will Young
Breathless by Shayne Ward

Those songs get me to the beach and back - about 2.5 miles.

I wore...
Shoes - Clarks
Dress - Ciel
Waistcoat - George

66 days to go: Stripes Again

2009-05-16T16:33:00.027+01:00

I have finally got some credit through from selling on eBay and I used the Paypal funds for this new dress and coat.
The dress was £16 and the coat reduced to £10 in Matalan.
The dress is a t-shirt top attached to a black skirt which is lined.
It came with the belt but I think it offers many options.

I wore...
coat and dress - Matalan
shoes - Monsoon
necklace - Tesco
cardigan - M & Co.

67 days to go: Thanks Heavens For Teenage Sons

2009-05-14T16:37:00.013+01:00

I was cold today and wanted something comforting.
I noticed a lovely plaid shirt on The Sartorialist and Stephanie blogged about hers.
Plaid shirts remind me of Mary Chapin Carpenter's son, "This shirt."
Which reminded me I had just picked one up off my son's bedroom floor.
It passed the sniff test so I phoned to ask if it was OK if I borrowed it.

"Can I wear your shirt?"
"Can I have the car tonight?"
"Yes.
"Deal."

So here it is.
After I took the first set of pictures it got much colder so I swapped the shoes for boots and added a jacket when I went into Liverpool for my counselling course.
I am pretty pleased with the results - I think it is bringing out my inner lumberjack!

I wore..
Boots - Dorothy Perkins
Skirt - Marks and Spencer
Shirt - my son's
Jacket - M & Co.

68 days to go: All's Well That Ends Well

2009-05-14T09:11:00.006+01:00

The drama workshop began with a drama!
Several weeks ago I had booked a room for the workshop.
One week before I double checked.
Five days before I triple-checked.
"No problem," I was assured.
So yesterday I arrived early to book in two drama students and their supervisors.
A process that has taken weeks to arrange.
I led them to the room.
The room that had been carefully laid out for the start of a new training course.
The room that I had booked, double-checked and triple-checked.
If possession is nine tenths of the law then I was hanging on by fingertips.
And the two members of staff who had booked the room were bigger and stronger than me.
And in a prison that accounts for the missing tenth.
So with just minutes to go before the workshop started I had to transport four bemused dramatists from one side of the prison to the other.
At the same time as around 400 prisoners were moving through the jail.
It was a nightmare.
But I managed it.
The drama workshop went well.
And nobody was asked to be a tree.

It was a cold one today and I needed practical warmth as my 14-year-old was playing in the Merseyside Schools Cup Final.
Here he is, No 10, watched by his little brother.

Thanks also to The Twins Mama, Mervat and Charlotte for nominating me for a lovely award.
I have decided not to pass it on as many of the blogs they have already listed would have been ones I would have chosen.
But if you haven't already checked out their blogs give them a go.
I am sure you will enjoy them.

I wore...
Shoes - Clarks
Jeans - Gap
T-shirt - George
Cardigan - Zara
Scarf - Zara

69 days to go: Please Don't Make Me Be A Tree

2009-05-13T06:41:00.015+01:00

"Please don't make me be a tree."
That is the plea every time I introduce a drama session to the prison.
So far I have never made anyone be a tree but there is always a first time.
Today we have some drama students presenting a workshop which I am looking forward to.
Drama can be a very powerful medium and I am a huge fan of Augusto Boal who sadly died earlier this month.
Boal, a Brazilian playwright was imprisoned and tortured for his political views but went on to develop Theatre of the Oppressed which has helped countless people make sense of their experiences.
Today I am wearing my new dramatic scarf.
I acquired it after selling some of my stuff on eBay.
It is from Joe Brown, one of my favourite stores and can be worn in many ways - here's just a few.

I wore..
Jeans - Gap
Trainers - Nike
t-shirt - Primark
Scarf/Top - Joe Brown

70 days to go: Stripes and Spots

2009-05-12T13:51:00.012+01:00

This skirt is a funny old thing.
It should look great.
It is knee length.
It is linen.
It's from Gap - one of my favourite shops.
It cost £9.99 in the sale several years ago.
It's even lined.
It's a size zero (I know labels lie, but it still feels great to wear a size zero even if the sizing is wrong!)
I never feel right in it.
The waist is a little too high.
The hem a little too flared.
However, every time I wear it
But still I can't bear to part with it.
There's only one solution - pink it up.
Here it is with my favourite colour.

I wore..
Shoes - Monsoon
Skirt - Gap
T-shirt- George
Cardigan - Matalan

71 days to go: Manic Monday

2009-05-11T13:01:00.010+01:00

I went to the dentist today to get the hole in my tooth filled.
I am such a baby when it comes to the dentist and it takes all my self-control not to cry.
I am sitting here typing this with tea dribbling down my face.
But at least I have had some fun on the trampoline.
I usually go on the trampoline at 6.30am before my morning run as it's a great way to get the heart rate up.
I wonder if my neighbours ever look out of their bedroom windows and see me?
It is warmer than of late here and the sky is a lovely shade of cloudless blue.

I wore...
Shoes - River Island
Jeans - Joe Brown
Top - Tesco
Cami - Gap
Necklace - Virgin Vie
Sunglasses - Tesco

72 days to go: Dreaming of Summer

2009-05-10T12:39:00.015+01:00

I last wore this top here on August 26th 2008 - the final day of our Spanish holiday.
It has gone through a few changes since I bought it from Zara in 2003.
Originally it had straps but then I chopped them off for a strapless look.
I tend to only wear it now on holidays.
It is a very versatile number as the elasticated top section means I can wear it as a skirt/beach cover-up too.
Today I just wanted to wear it because I found this necklace for £1.00 in Primark and the colours just reminded me of the top.
Which reminded me of summer.
Which reminded me of sunshine.
Which reminded me that there are just three months to go (today) until we fly back to Barcelona.

I wore
trainers - Nike
Jeans - Gap
Top - Zara
Necklace and Cardigan - Primark

73 days to go: Recession Challenge Outift

2009-05-09T10:58:00.023+01:00

I may be down but I am not out.
I may not be able to buy any new clothes for a year but I can still be a contender.
This is my answer to Kasmira's Recession Outfit Challenge.
Find a whole outfit for under $20.
This translates to just over £14.00.
I spent the whole drive to work (45 minutes) yesterday thinking about this and here's what I came up with - all for under £14.00.

The dress , which I have worn before came from eBay last year.
It was brand new with tags and came from Wallis. I got it for £2.19.
The sandals are a pair my daughter bought from Primark with her pocket money a few months ago and came to £4.91.
The cardigan was also from Primark and was reduced to £3.00.
The snake belt (worn as a necklace) was, yes another Primark find.
It wa sin the bargain bin and reduced to £1.00.
The scarf which I wore as a belt came free with In Style magazine a few years ago.
The bracelet was free with the Spanish In Style magazine which I bought in Barcelona last year.
The sunglasses were £1.99 in Tesco last year.
That makes £13.09 or $19.69
No wonder I'm jumping for joy - job done!

74 days to go: Mixing prints

2009-05-08T07:00:00.009+01:00

I have to say Kimberley's inspiration for May had me stumped today.
Most of my prints tend to clash.
I decided to go formixed patterns - stars and stripes.
The stripes on my shirt and the stars from the accompanying scarf.
I can't think too hard at the moment as my head hurts and I've got a busy day today.
I have planned a workshop on sonnets today.
Like any workshop it will be a great success or fall flat on its backside.
You can never tell what kind of mood the guys are in.
I'll keep you posted.

I wore..
Boots - Faith
Skirt - Marks and Spencer
Shirt - local boutique
Cardigan - Matalan
Scarf - Tesco

75 days to go:Black Blazer & Floral Mix

2009-05-07T13:04:00.010+01:00

I strive to bring up my children in a caring, sharing kind of way.
It doesn't work most of the time.
But I keep trying.
And today it happened.
My daughter shared something with me - her cold.
I am feeling shivery and sore.
My throat hurts and my bones ache.
I thought a shower would help.
Whatever these playful pictures may tell you the truth is that after I blogged I went to bed.
But not before I tried Kimberley's Black Blazer and Floral Mix.

I wore..
Shoes - Clarks
Jeans - Gap
Striped t-shirt - my daughter
Blazer - overdyed French Connection jacket
Scarf, sunglasses and rose - Tesco

76 days to go: Ruffles and Girly Girl

2009-05-06T06:58:00.021+01:00

Kimberley's Inspiration For Today is Ruffles and/or girly girl.
I've gone for both.
This ruffled shirt and girly pink cardigan.
I haven't worn this shirt for a while.
It is quite sheer and doesn't feel right in winter.
But the long sleeves make it too impractical for summer.
The solution - a cold Spring morning.

I wore..
Jeans- Gap
Shoes - Clarks
Shirt - Precis Petite
Cardigan - Zara
Necklace - Drome, Liverpool

77 days to go: A New Challenge

2009-05-05T14:07:00.009+01:00

A difficult day today.
It was Bank Holiday yesterday which means that I have to cram five days work into four days this week.
THEN, my daughter chooses today to be sick.
She started with a runny nose.
Then a cough.
Then a sore throat.
The classic symptoms of......swine flu.
And normal flu.
And an ordinary cold.
As I write she is having a bath after enjoying my sickness barometer meal of tomato soup and cheese on toast.
Once I knew she could eat that I knew it was more than likely a common cold.
She is sooo disappointed!
But then I do come from a long line of hypochondriacs.

Which is why I am late joining Kimberley's challenge for May.
Today I have missed Mexican Embroidery Day but I am hoping to stick with it for the rest of May.
Why not join me?

Today I wore...
Shoes - Clarks
Dress- Dorothy Perkins
Tights - Marks and Spencer
Cardigan - Primark
Corsage - off an old cardigan.

78 days to go: Recession Beating Outfit

2009-05-04T12:27:00.015+01:00

I didn't intend for this outfit to be a recession-beating affair although my tastes have become increasingly creative/frugal.
1. The grey long sleeved t-shirt was one I never wore because I didn't like the neckline. After snipping around the neck I got a fit I liked.
2. The necklace came free with In Style magazine which I bought on holiday in Barcelona last year. I just added the pendant to a chain I already had.
3. The fastener on the cardigan is an odd stud ear-ring I found in my jewellery box.
4 and 5. I purchased the cardigan and the skirt with funds I raised selling off some clothes I didn't wear on eBay. I used the credit from my Paypal account which I directed to my bank account and used the cash.
6. The boots were bought from Faith's Sale in 2005. They were marked down from £75.00 to £25.00
My ear-rings which I forgot to picture were made with my daughter's jewellery-making kit.
Voila - frugal fashion!
PS: The flowers are from my friend thanking us for a lovely meal last night.

79 days to go Later

2009-05-04T10:46:00.004+01:00

It was a quick change as time ran away today.
Our friends were coming to dinner and it was a lovely sunny evening.
We prepared a Mexican Banquet - my favourite food.
I wore...
Shoes - River Island
Dress- Gap
Cardigan and bangle - Primark
Belt - Asos

79 days to go: Anyone For Tennis?

2009-05-02T16:18:00.007+01:00

No football for the first Saturday since September.
Time for a lie-in?
Not exactly.
My daughter wanted to play tennis.
And it was lovely.
We cycled to our local park and were the only people playing tennis on the six court.
After that we cycled into the village and bumped into a few friends.
This afternoon I'm cleaning as we have friends round for a Mexican meal.

I wore..
Nike trainers
Gap Jeans
Primark t-shirt and cardigan

80 days to go: Cropped

2009-05-01T18:48:00.006+01:00

The final day in a very busy week.
And another day.
Another refashioned t-shirt.
I love the colour in this t-shirt but don't wear it that often, again, because of the high neck.
I cropped it and wore it with my short cardigan.
And then it was time for my favourite skirt and a second airing this week for these boots.
I wore
Boots - Faith
Skirt - Marks and Spencer
Top and cardigan - Primark

81 days to go: Halfway Down The Stairs

2009-04-30T13:54:00.008+01:00

"Halfway down the stairs
is a stair where I sit
There isn't any other stair
quite like it."

I was inspired by Kermit The Frog's song to wear some green today.
It is also the chance to show off my stairs.
When the children were very small the carpet was ruined by muddy feet traipsing up and down.
The solution was simple.
And cheap.
Get rid of the carpet and paint the stairs white.
We got some floor paint and when the children were in bed we painted over several nights one summer.
They have that distressed (need re-painting) look at the moment but I remember singing Kermit the Frog's song when I was going cross-eyed painting one step after another.

I wore:
Shoes - Clarks
Jeans - Gap
T-shirt (yes another refashioned T-shirt)
Cropped cardigan (New Look)

82 days to go: Later

2009-04-30T11:59:00.004+01:00

It was a quick change.
I got in from work at 5.30pm and by 7pm I had to feed myself and four children and get changed for our monthly chick flick night.
Once a month my neighbour Sue and I take our daughters (aged 11 and 12) to see a film.
We always leave it up to the girls to choose.
This time it was 17 Again.
I enjoyed the film even though a very annoying "businessman" to my right was taking constant calls on his mobile phone.
I kept the same t-shirt but added boots and a skirt.

I wore..
Boots - Faith
Skirt - Marks and Spencer
Belt - Tescho
T-shirt - Gap

82 days to go:Remains Of The Day

2009-04-29T06:53:00.022+01:00

I did it again.
After all your positive comments yesterday I rooted around in my throw-out pile and found this t-shirt.
I bought it in Gap in August 2005.
It was a lovely sunny afternoon.
I had spent the past week dressed in corporate suits working for a PR agency and hardly saw the daylight.
That afternoon I finished the project and celebrated with a mini shopping spree.
This is all that remains of the day.
I was going to throw it out because the neckline was too high.
Now (thanks to my scissors) it's not!
If anyone had any t-shirt refashioning ideas please email me your pictures and I will post a special feature next week.
workthatwardrobe@googlemail.com

I wore

Sparkly Shoes - Clarks
Trousers - M & Co
T- shirt - Gap
Cardigan - Principles
Scarf - Next
Sunglasses - Tesco

83 days to go: Customised Copycat

2009-04-28T08:40:00.016+01:00

I loved Jessica's look yesterday, it was so stylishly simple.
There were a few problems in recreating the look.
1. It wasn't as hot here so the cami and sandals weren't an option.
2. None of my cami tops or t-shirts fit me right.
The solution came in the most unexpected way.
My daughter had a tantrum last night which meant an early bed-time.
When she calmed down I went upstairs and sat with her.
She had been reading a book I had given her at Christmas about how to customise clothes.
She was looking at the section on t-shirts.
After I had tucked her in I went to my room and found some old t-shirts in the throw-out pile.
I love the colour of the red t-shirt it matches one of my skirts perfectly but it was a high neck and very long.
The solution lay in a pair of scissors.
OK so it's not perfect but I am pretty pleased with the results.

I wore...
customised t-shirt - Primark
Skirt - eBay
Boots - Dorothy Perkins
Brooch - charity shop
Scarf - free gift in a magazine
Sunglasses - Tesco

84 days to go: Clematis Chic

2009-04-27T13:47:00.007+01:00

I planted this Clematis about eight years ago and love the pretty pink flowers which wake up to the spring sunshine.
I was working at my desk for most of the day and wanted to wear something that made me feel bright and cheerful on a wet and grey Monday morning.
The clematis inspired me to dig out the pink cardigan that has been hiding in my daughter's room and while I was there is found this t-shirt that had been missing.
The stripes inspired me to pair with a starry scarf.
It has worked whatever the weather I feel happy and bright today.

I wore...
Shoes - Clarks
Skirt - Marks and Spencer
t- shirt - Primark
Scarf - tesco
cardigan - dorthy perkins

85 days to go: Relaxing Sunday

2009-04-26T15:13:00.013+01:00

I started the day just how I meant to go on - with a lovely cup of tea and the Sunday newspapers and magazines.
Then I had another cup of tea.
And another.
And another.

I wore...
Shoes - Clarks
Dress - Dorothy Perkins
Jeans - Tesco Kids

86 days to go: Football Farewell

2009-04-25T16:43:00.010+01:00

My weekend, as regular workthatwardrobe readers will know, has for the past six months consisted of cheering for my sons on cold and windy touchlines.
With two boys playing twice a weekend and another son refereeing up to four matches a week that is a lot of football.
And a lot of dressing in unflattering layers.
But no more.
Or at least not until September.
The end of the Inter Club was marked with a mini cup final which my nine-year-old's team won 3-2.
It was an exciting match which stood at 2-2 when the game ended and as it was a final there was an extra time and a golden goal.
The team which scores the first goal in extra time would be the winners.
This picture shows my son's reaction after the golden goal was scored by his team.
Although there are still a few matches left in other leagues today marked the end of the Saturday morning games.
And a lie-in?
No chance but cricket and tennis are so much more sartorially satisfying!

I wore...
Gap Jeans
Nike Trainers
Miss Selfridge Top
Gap Scarf

87 days to go: The Liver Bird

2009-04-24T18:37:00.013+01:00

Bloggers of a certain age may remember the popular 1970's television programme, The Liver Birds.
As a little girl growing up in Manchester I used to watch the programme and dream about living in Liverpool in a flat with my best friend just like Beryl and Sandra - the Liver Birds.
I didn't understand the double meaning until I was much older.
The title of the programme is a pun on the slang name for a young woman and The Liver Bird is the name of a famous landmark in Liverpool where the drama was set.
Liverpool has one of the most famous waterfronts in the world and the three large buildings overlooking the River Mersey are called The Three Graces.
One of the Three Graces is The Royal Liver Building and at the top of the building are two mythical birds - The Liver Birds.
Legend has it that if they leave Liverpool the city is doomed.
Train 2000's offices, where I deliver a monthly PR workshop, has offices overlooking The Liver Building and the two birds.
Here I am standing by the window of the training room and the view from the window.
Whenever I am working for Train 2000, as I was today, I look out of the window at the two liver birds and am secretly thrilled that I am now a real (although slightly older) Liver Bird at last.

*Note: the liver is pronounced like the -iver in diver and not as in an internal organ!

88 days to go: Hunks In Trunks

2009-04-23T14:06:00.013+01:00

Did I get you there?

Well keep looking and you won't be disappointed.

Last night I took my son to see Wrestlemania - the WWE tour which was appearing at Liverpool Echo Arena.
He had been waiting months for the evening and was so excited.
Originally my husband was due to take him but there was a fixture clash when my 14-year-old's football team were playing.
As we approached the Arena I was issued with strict instructions by my nine-year-old.
"Mum. There are two things you MUSTN'T say. You can't say 'I bet that hurt' or 'what's he called.'
I have to confess I broke both those rules in the first five minutes.
But even I recognised the masked Rey Mysterio and all-American hunk, John Cena.
Sadly, my son's favourite, Jeff Hardy, wasn't on the tour - but maybe next year?
I was working from home before starting a new counselling course this evening so it was a pared down look today.
I wore...
Shoes - Clarks
Jeans, t-shirt and scarf - Gap
Cardigan - Primark
wwe belt - my sons'

89 days to go: Capsule Wardrobes

2009-04-22T06:53:00.019+01:00

Did anyone in the UK see Gok Wan's Channel 4 show last night.
If you missed it overseas then you can watch it again on Channel 4's catch-up player.
He has a new slot in the series looking at capsule wardrobes.
My life has been one, long desperate search for an effortless, streamlined wardrobe.
However, as you can see from these posts - I am still on the journey.
And I do not travel it alone. When I look back at my blog's keyword analysis it is always the phrase "Capsule Wardrobe" that outnumbers the rest of the words by 6 to 1.

But back to today - inspired by Kasmira - the queen of dailywear posting posing - I have been experimenting.
What do you think?

I wore:
Jeans - Joe Brown
Shoes - Clarks
Top and sunglasses - Tesco
Jacket - French Connection (over-dyed)

90 days to go:A Wardrobe For Three Seasons

2009-04-21T13:33:00.025+01:00

I blogged about this very versatile dress and it got me thinking about my wardrobe in general and its flexibility in particular.
I wore this dress easily throughout summer, autumn and now its Spring I will be wearing it at least once a fortnight.
I did wear it in winter but it didn't feel right.
I realised that quite a lot of my wardrobe is a wardrobe for three seasons. Summer pieces can be warmed up for spring and autumn but usually the fabric means that winter won't look right.
The same for winter staples. While you can get away with spring and autumn the warmer fabric means that usually they will appear out of time in summer.
Obviously there are exceptions - jeans, these shoes and sunglasses to name but a few.
And while you are thinking about that one which way do you prefer the dress?

Self fabric belt
No Belt
Leather Belt

I wore:

Shoes - Clarks
Jeans - Levi
Dress- Ciel
Belt - Tesco
Tiara - Vintage ( my daughter's)

91 days to go: Matching Shoes And Bike

2009-04-20T14:55:00.022+01:00

This outfit is the process of elimination.
It came together from the following reasons.
It is warm - about 18C.
I wanted to wear a skirt but I'm on my bike today so it has to be knee length.
It is too warm for tights.
But too cold for sandals.
Therefore:
I want to wear a spring skirt but it has to be long enough - this Gap one had to do.
I wanted a top to tone in with the blue, white and grey skirt. This H & M one is the only one.
I wanted a cardigan to blend in with the colours I had chosen. This Primark one is the only one.
My shoes needed to match something. How about the bike?
The belt is from Asda.
Voila!

92 days to go: Blue skies and blossom.

2009-04-19T20:31:00.008+01:00

It was a beautiful Spring day today - the best.
The blossom is in full bloom and the mercury reached 18C.
I went for two runs.
Once with the dog to the beach and back and then my daughter asked to go for a run when I got back.
I was so tired that after a quick shower I spent the next hour lying on the trampoline gazing at the view - blue skies and blossom.
Perfect!
I wore..
Shoes - Clarks
Jeans - Joe Brown
Top - Next

93 days to go: A Day of Two Halves: Part Two

2009-04-19T10:44:00.007+01:00

While I was at the hairdressers I was leafing through some magazines about aysemmetric dresses and read my favourite fashion columnist, Jess Cartner-Morley's take on the subject.
I liked the idea but obviously couldn't go out and buy one so decided to just tuck the strap down the front of the dress.
As for accessories I used my daughter's newly acquired vintage headband/tiara as inspiration and hunted out my silver shoes, necklace and bangle.
There were lots of prom dresses, full length dresses and cocktail dresses at the ball but mine was the only one strap dress.
As for the ball itself - it was a great night. My husband won a hamper of drinks including champagne while I won three guitar lessons in the raffle.
There was a great Take That tribute band and disco and we danced until 1am.

I wore..
Dress- Coast
Shoes - New Look
Bangle - Asos
Necklace - Drome, Liverpool
Headband - Vintage
Ear-rings - Tesco

93 days to go: A Day of Two Halves - Part One

2009-04-18T12:55:00.013+01:00

This morning I had my hair cut and highlighted.
I have been saving the appointment as this evening we are going to the ball.
It is a ball to celebrate the 50th anniversary of my children's football club.
During the day I wore the jacket I was given recently.
It is from Zara but after some advice from Imogen I shortened the sleeves and moved the button across to make it more fitted.
I will post tonight's outfit later.

I wore..
Shoes - Clarks
Jeans - Joe Brown
Top - Next
Jacket - Zara

95 and 94 days to go: Catch-Up

2009-04-18T12:37:00.018+01:00

No pictures for a couple of days as I had a bad migraine and couldn't use a computer screen.
But here's a catch-up.
The last time I wore Friday's necklace a few people asked for a close-up so here it is.
Our shopping trip went well.
We went to Quiggin's in Liverpool - an Aladdin's cave of alternative fashions, emerging fashion designers and vintage emporia.
I spent most of the time in the vintage shop and bought some old letters and photographs.
My daughter bought a vintage headband.
We finished off with a trip to the FACT centre before heading home.
Here are a few snaps.

On Thursday I wore:
Jeans - Levis overdyed
Shoes - Clarks
Top - Tesco
Camisole - Gap

On Friday I wore
Shoes - Clarks
Skirt - Marks and Spencer
Top - H & MTights - Peacocks
Cardigan - Principles
Necklace - Dorothy Perkins

96 days to go: Black and blue and white

2009-04-16T09:01:00.003+01:00

I love the combination of blue jeans with some black and white thrown in.
As I sorted out my summer stuff I found this top usually used as a beach cover-up.
As I have less time to get ready (the children are still off school) it is an easy fall-back solution.
I, however, am not on holiday.
I was working in the prison today. Before Monday I have a three-hour workshop to plan, a module for my Postgraduate Certificate in Teaching Creative Writing to finish and work on a new PR course for Train 2000.
Not to mention a football match tonight.

So why am I taking my daughter shopping today?

I wore...
Shoes - Clarks
Jeans - Joe Brown
Top - Primark
Camisole - Zara

Answer: Because I promised.

97 days to go: White Blossom

2009-04-15T22:59:00.008+01:00

The white blossom in my garden reminds me of these tights.
I decided to wear this dress as a top which worked well.
I am really enjoying revisiting my Spring/Summer wardrobe.

I wore....
Skirt - Marks and Spencer
Tights - Peacocks
Shoes - Clarks
Dress - Primark
Camisole - Gap
Belt - Tesco

98 -102 days to go: Breaking The Barrier

2009-04-14T08:02:00.032+01:00

We enjoyed a lovely Easter Weekend at my brother's home where we spent some time with my niece and nephew - Georgia and Sidney.
Don't you just love two-year-old Georgia's skirt, tights, shoes combo?
They will soon be joined by another baby in May so it is very exciting.
Although the weather was wet most of the time we dodged the showers to visit the local parks, enjoyed walks, games of hide and seek and a meal out at Frankie and Benny's.
I have finally broken the barrier - less than 100 days to go.
I hope you all enjoyed a Happy Easter and are feeling rejuvenated.
Here are the outfits I wore while I've been away.

103 days to go: Ways With A Dress

2009-04-09T08:26:00.007+01:00

I had fun with this dress today.
In the morning I wore it as a top underneath the skirt.
Then as I was getting dressed after a shower following my lunchtime gym session I decided to wear the dress over the skirt.
It is a little short on its own but the few inches from the denim skirt underneath gave it some body and depth.
Unfortunately I haven't got a picture of that look but I will wear it again.
I am signing off today for a few days as I will be taking the younger kids to visit my brother and his family this Easter.
I hope you all have a lovely break and see you on Tuesday.
Happy Easter!

I wore..
shoes - clarks
tights and skirt - marks and spencer
dress - dorothy perkins
cardigan - principles petite
belt - tesco

105 and 104 days to go: School Holidays

2009-04-07T20:46:00.005+01:00

There will be lots of jeans and flat shoes for the next two weeks - a combination of school holidays and spriing cleaning.
Although tomorrow is work so a chance to dress up!

On Monday I wore....
Shoes - Converse
Top - my daughter's
Vest - Per Una
Jeans - Gap

On Tuesday I wore...
Boots - Zara
Jeans - Joe Brown
Long t-shirt - C & C
Grey blouse - Dorothy Perkins
Sunglasses - Tesco

Everything You Wanted To Know About Me But Were Afraid To Ask

2009-04-07T08:14:00.016+01:00

I apologise for not posting dailywears this week (normal service will resume very soon) but it is the Easter holidays and a little chaotic here.

Right now I am sitting in bed with a cup of tea and will have to get up to walk the dog very soon so I thought I would get on with this. I have been tagged by the lovely Mervat of The Writing Instinct. The guidelines are as follows:

1. Respond and rework. Answer the questions on your blog, replace one question you dislike with a question of your own invention; add a question of your own.

2. Tag eight other un-tagged people.

What is your current obsession?
Running. I started running in 2002 when my friend was diagnosed with terminal bowel cancer. I signed up to run the New York Marathon. Jim was diagnosed in December 2001 and before I ran the marathon in November 2002 he had died (on October 16th).I raised £8,000 for Macmillan Nurses, the charity which supported his family. His eldest daughter is now 18 and about to go to university. I gave her my medal when I completed the marathon.
I loved running so much I kept it up although following a minor car accident in 2006 I couldn't run for more than a few miles wihtout my shoulder hurting. Now all seems well and I have stepped my running up. I love the freedom it gives me. I run about 20 - 24 miles a week.

Good fika place? (That would be coffee to us non-Swedes)
I like the smell of coffee more than the taste. I go to my local Cafe Nero's to catch up with friends and then order tea!

Do you nap a lot?
I wish!

Who was the last person you hugged?
My husband gave me a hug a few minutes ago as he left for work. A job he hates but one I am very grateful for (and I told him how much I appreciated him for doing it).

What’s for dinner?
For the children - chicken, pasta and pesto with garlic bread. For me - baked potato, tuna and salad. For my husband, baked potato, steak and salad.

If you could be any rock/pop icon for a day who would it be and why? (my question)
I would be Pink. I love the colour, I love her energy and front and she seems to have a fun time.

What are you listening to right now?
The sound of our car outside being revved up as my son drives to his holiday job.

What is your favourite weather?
Warm summer mornings. The skies are hazy blue and there is the promising scent of a hot day ahead (28C) as the sun warms the earth.
The kind of days which seemed to fill my childhood and which seem few and far between now.

What’s on your bedside table?
A cold cup of tea, my mobile phone, a lamp, several magazines (Vogue, Runner's World and Prima), my pink mini diablo Cartier pen in its box, my pink diary, a leather notebook, the following books (Friday Nights by Joanna Trollope, Raising and Praising Girls, The Choice, The Supper Club, Marley and Me, The Audacity of Hope, The Notebook and The dog Years).
I have read most of them.

Say something to the person/s who tagged you.
I love your blogs.
You have such a gentleness about you that invites me into your world. I love your appreciation for all the important things in life and understand and share some of your aspirations.
I feel better for reading your blog each day.

If you could have a house totally paid for, fully furnished anywhere in the world, where would you want it to be?
I always dreamt of living in a beach house in California.

Favourite vacation spot?
New York. My aim is to save enough money to take my husband and four children some time over the next few years.

Name the things you can’t live without.
Apart from my family and dog it would have to be a fountain pen, notebooks and a pair of running shoes.

What would you like to have in your hands right now?
Lots of time.

What is your favourite tea flavour?
Yorkshire Tea. (And that from a girl from Lancashire!!!) But I do enjoy Redbush tea too.

What would you like to get rid of?
The constant worry that disaster will befall my loved ones.

If you could go anywhere in the world for the next hour, where would you go?
Barcelona. It is 21C at the moment - perfect. I would stroll down the Ramblas and watch the world go by as I headed to the beach.

What did you want to become as a child?
A writer and a Blue Peter presenter.

What do you miss? (This is Belette Rouge's question)
My maternal grandmother. She lived two doors away from us but she had a sad life. She was widowed at 38 and brought my mum up alone. She loved to dance and used to go ballrooom dancing four times a week when she was in her 50s but after she retired she suffered an awful depression which lasted more than a decade.
For one wonderful day she was back to her lively self and that was my wedding day in February 1989.
It seemed to mark a turning point and a few weeks later I showed her round my new home city.

Here's a photo of that day taken at The Albert Dock, Liverpool.
She died a few weeks later on April 21st 1989 .

What are you reading right now?
Friday Nights by Joanna Trollope and Dead Lovely by Helen Fitzgerald.It was given to me by the prison librarian, Jenn. It's a dark psycho-thriller.

What do you fear the most? (Andrea’s question)
Dying before I achieve everything I want to achieve.

What designer piece of clothing would you most like to own (new or vintage)?
A Marni dress.

Admit one thing you feel awful about. Once you have written it down, you are no longer allowed to feel bad. (Mervat's question)
I feel I don't show my family how much I love them and that I shout at my children too much. I worry that I am not a good enough mother for my daughter.

So there we are.

I can't think of eight people as Mervat has tagged most of the people I would so here are just a few.

Stacy

The Twin's Mama

Heather

106 days to go

2009-04-06T08:12:00.005+01:00

A sunny Sunday.
Just the normal running around and evening meal with my parents.
I made lasagne.
It makes a change from a Sunday Roast and it's my dad's favourite meal.

I wore....
Shoes - Converse
Jeans - Gap
Top - George

107 days to go: Night and Day

2009-04-05T11:07:00.006+01:00

I took my youngest son into town as he wanted to use some of his birthday money to buy some football kits.
It was a lovely sunny day and after my morning run I felt great and ready for anything.
Which was just as well as my friend had invited me to her girls only Burlesque-themed evening.
No, I didn't know what to expect either - but it was great fun.
My outfit was by far the most conservative.
We had to create our own names and as my outfit consisted of lace and pink I chose Lacey Pink.
Unfortunately a quick google search uncovered a teenage porn queen with that name!
After the pleasantries our hostess took us through the steps of a carefully choreographed routine to Cabaret.
Not one item of clothing was taken off except for gloves but it was interestiing to learn something of the history of Burlesque and it was hard work.
I was exhausted.

day -
joe brown jeans
matalan top
principles cardigan
clarks shoes

evening
skirt - monsoon
belt - top shop
corset - corset boulevard
shoes - whistles
tights - dorothy perkins
petticoat - petticoat-a-plenty

108 days to go: Dress Down Friday

2009-04-04T10:49:00.003+01:00

The great thing about my job is that when it comes to clothes I can wear what I want.
Today my foot was a little sore and the only comfy shoes were my trainers.
But wearing trainers means wearing jeans.
So here it is....

Trainers - Nike
Jeans - Joe Brown
Top and scarf Gap
Cardigan - Dorothy Perkins

109 days to go

2009-04-02T17:04:00.007+01:00

There were lots of things to be happy about today.
It was a warm Spring day with almost cloudless skies.
I discovered this red flower in my garden.
The blossom on my fruit trees is almost out.
I got these fantastic books for 10p each from my local charity shop.
I managed the longest run of the year so far - 7 miles.
Happy Thursday.

I wore...
Boots and cardigan - Dorothy Pekrins
Jeans - Gap
Top - H & M
Necklace - Monsoon

110 days to go

2009-04-01T17:14:00.006+01:00

A very early start meant no picture until I got home from work after a 10-hour day (I'm looking a little dishevelled - sorry).
The inspection went well and our Postcard Fiction project is almost complete.

I wore....
Boots - Zara
Trousers - George
Black top - M & Co
Cardigan - Principles Petite
Necklace - DorothyPerkins