292 days to go: Psychadelic Baby!

Happy October 1st.
I'm feeling a bit Austin Powers in this dress - another of my EBay Swaps. I have got quite a few coming through. I will list what I swapped in forthcoming blogs but I am very pleased.
The thrill of the postman coming down the path with packets full of free clothes is so bargasmic. Who needs to shop?
Today I am working in the prison again today so its a cover-up job.

Brown Boots - Clark's
Brown Trousers - M&Co
Dress Oasis (ebay)
Belt - ASOS

350 days to go: Thrown together

I really need to do some planning. I tried several times to get dressed this morning and nothing worked. The weather is changeable too. It's cold. I hate cold. I started this look off with a lovely pink camisole under the black waistcoat but it was too cold so I added a shirt. The shirt is far too big for me but I do love it.
I bought this skirt a couple of years ago and hardly wore it. When I tried it on recently I realised why - it was far too long. I shortened it and I like it much better now.
This is the best I am going to get today.
Better luck tomorrow!

But until then I will be wearing.....
Skirt: Tesco (2006)
Shirt: Laura Ashley (Charity Shop (2008)
Flip Flops: Dorothy Perkins (2006)
Black Waistcoat: Oasis (2008)
Necklace: Next (several years old)
Ear-rinds: Tesco (2007)
Sunglasses: Tesco (2008)

362 days to go: Starting with the skirt

It started with the skirt today.
I wanted to wear it.
I bought it from ASOS and sits perfectly on my knee.
I love the bow tie waistband.
But it is tricky to wear.
You can't cover up the waistband.
You need something cropped on top.
The vest is the perfect length but it needs something with short sleeves.
I love the blouse but it is sheer.
It needs something underneath which is why I chose this camisole. It is also red but not a matching shade.
I wore my red necklace.
And it all matched the big red cut on my knee that I acquired at 8am this morning after I tripped over my dog during our morning run to the beach.
Et voila!
Skirt: Asos (2008)
Vest: Oasis (2008)
Shirt (Local shop 2008)
Shoes: Tesco (2008)
Necklace: Virgin Vie (2008)
Red camisole: Marks and Spencer (2007)
Ear-rings: Gift from brother in law in Dubai (1998)
Later I swapped the shoes for flip flops (Gap Kid's 2004) when we went for a play on the beach.

no new clothes for 365 days

The new rules are set and the year of no clothes starts here.
Today we went to a christening.
It was bright but very cold for July.
I wore a 50's style dress from Oasis with the belt worn over a (warm) black jacket.
The shoes are from Accessorize and the bag from Next.
The necklace from an independent fashion boutique in Liverpool called Drome. It was a gift from the owner, Louise, after I wrote an article about her for the Liverpool Echo where I used to work.

Day 17: Thanks Kasmira and Allison

I was inspired by Kasmira's blog about the multi-looks one strapless dress had given her.
I had this dress (picture taken straight out of the shower) in my wardrobe since 2005. I bought it because I liked it. And it was cheap. Very cheap in the Gap sale.
I have worn it twice. Once when we were on holiday in Venice and the second time to my now 13-year-old son's Leaver's Mass when he left primary school. Both times I wore the dress I spent the whole time hitching it up, hoping my strapless bra wouldn't fall down. I loved it but couldn't wear it.
Until now.

I decided to wear my aqua camisole, bought to match a wonderful necklace my friend Allison bought for my birthday this year.
I layered a sleeveless black vest and wore my faithful "Flamenco" shoes.
I also tried on all my bikinis and photographed them but I'm not posting them here.
However, I have found the answer to my previous question: "Is 42 too old to wear a bikini?"
Answer: Probably, but I have too many to throw away. Maybe I'll wait until next year for a one-piece!

Dress; Gap (2005)
Camisole (Marks and Spence (2008)
Vest (Oasis 2008)
Flamenco Shoes (tesco 2008)
Snake print belt ASOS (2008)
Necklace, Monsoon (Gift 2008)