Courageous creations, can you refuse the muse?

Beethoven’s symphonies were courageous creations. So, too, were Picasso’s paintings, Byron’s poems, Einstein's theories. What if any of these great artists and scientists had decided to refuse the muse. All were human. All had doubts about their own ability - or the ’worth’ of their contribution. All of them too, had bills to pay, chores to perform, social and domestic commitments to honor. They didn't have to be develop their talents. They were not obliged to believe in themselves. Are you any less special? 

Well then... what SHOULD you be doing now? This is a time for developing your talent and using your imagination. Beyond the mountains of reality lie oceans of ideas. 

Never forget that creativity contains a precious truth all of its own. The Experiences, the sights, the sensations and the people that inspire us to create are a reflection of our inner selves.

The most precious thing that any of us has is ourselves (not your house, car or money - but plain old you). When we are inspired to dance, to write stories or to compose poetry, write code or experiments we show and share a part of ourselves. A treasured token and this is the greatest gift any of us can ever give, part of ourselves.

Being creative is also about breaking the rules, and sometimes you have to be your own muse. I decided to inspire myself by breaking some fashion rules :) I'll let you guess which ones!

Shorts: tailored red sateen high waisted shorts by pinup girl clothing
Top: Black halterneck by pin up girl clothing
Shoes: Kurt Geiger

Mad dogs and Englishmen..............

It's a beautiful day which makes a change for the Bank Holiday, personally though I am leaving the sunbathing to Boudi, who partially qualifies under the heading "dog", she is bonkers rather than mad but we wouldn't change her.

I am having a creative day today which is pleasant so I am wearing my what a catch shorts with a white halterneck by Vivien of Holloway. If you can't make it to the seaside you can always bring the seaside to you. All you need is the power of your imagination, today is a day to dream dreams, think big thoughts and wait for the dice to land.

Shorts: What a catch

Top: Halterneck in white Vivien of Holloway

Shoes: Schuh

Happy Star Wars Day! The long and short of it

Star wars day and my sisters 50th Birthday party, how exciting? It is as good as it gets because it means outfit change :) Love it! It is also Saturday and that means shorts day :)

I like this outfit, the cardigan is really soft and snuggly and I love the sailor collar with the anchors on it. It looks really sweet, the red shorts are my favourite tailored ones from pin up girl clothing in a chirpy bright red and as ever heels. 

Cardigan: Hell bunny

Shorts: Tailored shorts in red by pinup girl clothing

Shoes: Kurt Geiger

And so it was declared, Saturday is shorts day

There was a long tradition of Capri pant Friday, which involved The Cure and Crunchie. That tradition fell away once I could wear Capri pants when ever I wanted at work. The song changed too as did the chocolate indulgence.

So it is time to start a new one, from henceforth Saturday is shorts day. Part of this is because I get annoyed when so called "fashion editors" say things like women over 30 shouldn't wear shorts, gingham or have long hair. But then bless them these are the people who describe some horrific outfits as "On trend". 

I see it as my reason d'etre to show them that actually whether you can wear shorts or not depends on your legs not your age. On the topic of gingham and long hair, then I am with Coco Chanel, you have the face nature gave you at 20 and the face you deserve at 40. I will be wearing my hair long, loving gingham and wearing shorts (not to mention daisy dukes) for as long as I can. I've been breaking the rules for 8 years now, and I love it!

Marv and I have had the debate about when it is time to hang up the shorts and playsuits, that's what is great about a best friend they tell you when something doesn't suit you 

These blue sateen tailored shorts are fab, they were so good I also bought them in red and black! I love that they are shiny, they look really nice teamed with a blue gingham halterneck. This is a look that doesn't date, it just looks nice and summery.  

Shorts: Blue Sateen Shorts by Laura Byrnes at Pinup Girl Clothing

Top: Halterneck in Blue Gingham by Vivien of Holloway

The shorts of sympathy and solidarity

Terry Pratchett hit the nail on the head when he pointed out that someday's the Trouser of Time bifurcate and you unexpectedly shoot off  down the wrong leg. We all have those moments, and that's why we have friends, they arrive armed with the shorts of sympathy and solidarity. 

Life rarely goes to plan, in fact life is what happens whilst we are bust making plans. This doesn't mean we shouldn't have them but it does mean that we have to be flexible and adapt. We have to be willing to let go of the life we planned, to have the life that is waiting for us.

So here's to the genius of shorts, they are fabulous. The red sateen material of these shorts is beautiful, I just love it's bright shine. Teamed with a chiffon blue blouse with cream neck tie trimmed in red this makes a cute 'sailor girl' outfit. 

Shorts: Red Sateen high waist tailored shorts by Pinup girl clothing

Top: By Tara Starlet

  

Poetry in motion

Rupert Brooke was born today in 1887 he died in 1915. He is perhaps best known for his poem "The Solider". I never fail to be moved by the line:  That there's some corner of a foreign field, that is for ever England.

I have been getting back into my poetry over the last few days. I enjoy writing poems though I will confess I don't have much skill, still it is about enjoying it. It is nice to write poetry, it is cool surprising your friends on their birthdays with things you wrote just for them!

I am going to spend the afternoon indulging in writing, reading and dancing. I want a nice relaxed outfit that I can chill out in, so what better than Capri pants and a halterneck top? These are wardrobe staples.

Capri pants: Dangerous curves by Deadly Dames

Halterneck: Red Gingham by Vivien of Holloway

Shoes: Aldo

The Soldier by Rupert Brooke

If I should die, think only this of me;  

That there's some corner of a foreign field  

That is for ever England. There shall be  

In that rich earth a richer dust concealed;  

A dust whom England bore, shaped, made aware,         

Gave, once, her flowers to love, her ways to roam,  

A body of England's breathing English air,  

  Washed by the rivers, blest by suns of home.  

  

And think, this heart, all evil shed away,  

A pulse in the eternal mind, no less  

Gives somewhere back the thoughts by England given;  

Her sights and sounds; dreams happy as her day;  

And laughter, learnt of friends; and gentleness,  

In hearts at peace, under an English heaven.

Going Bertie: Liquorice Allsorts

It's getting ever closer to spring and the days are getting brighter and soon all the lovely spring flowers will start blooming. 

It's March! So you are allowed to be as mad as a March Hare (not to mention a hatter) so I've gone a bit Bertie and I am wearing my liquorice allsorts outfit!

The national press are terribly disparaging about women over 30, we shouldn't have long hair, wear shorts (or Capri pants) or wear gingham! Oh well rules were put there to be tested and broken LOL I'll still be rocking my Capri pants in the old folks home with Marv, whilst we dye our hair rainbow bright colours.

So here's to continued long hair, gingham tops, dresses and playsuits, shorts and hot pants! 

Capri Pants: Dangerous Curves in Hot Pink by Deadly Dames

Halterneck Top: Black and WHite Gingham by Vivien of Holloway

Shoes: Mary Janes by Bordello

Growing Old Disgracefully by Jenny Joseph

When I am an old woman, I shall wear purple 

with a red hat that doesn't go, and doesn't suit me. 

And I shall spend my pension on brandy and summer gloves 

and satin candles, and say we've no money for butter. 

I shall sit down on the pavement when I am tired 

and gobble up samples in shops and press alarm bells 

and run my stick along the public railings 

and make up for the sobriety of my youth. 

I shall go out in my slippers in the rain 

and pick the flowers in other people's gardens 

and learn to spit. 

You can wear terrible shirts and grow more fat 

and eat three pounds of sausages at a go 

or only bread and pickles for a week 

and hoard pens and pencils and beer nuts and things in boxes. 

But now we must have clothes that keep us dry 

and pay our rent and not swear in the street 

and set a good example for the children. 

We must have friends to dinner and read the papers. 

But maybe I ought to practice a little now? 

So people who know me are not too shocked and surprised 

When suddenly I am old, and start to wear purple. 

Seeing spots, or joining up the dots?

Well I am definately seeing spots this week, and in terms up integrating systesm we have definately joined up the dots! I've been in work today getting ready for Monday when we throw the switch. Fortunately this isn't in the vein of Wednesday Addam's we won't be playing "Is there a god?".....If there is I hope they have root access.

To cheer myself up I have gone for curly bouncy hair and my "smartie" halterneck, because lord knows today I need to be smart in the clever sense. My boss has been a star and has kept the caffeine and chocolate flowing. It is a good job that I am starting to go to the gym with Ais next wewk. I'll be a fat code monkey and then I will fall outof the tree! Not good.

 

Still cracking puzzle!!

Top: Multi- colour polka dot halterneck by Vivien of Holloway

Capri pants: Dangerous Curves by Deadly Dames

Shoes: Kurt Geiger

 

Biscuit tin buffer overflow!

It has been a long week at the office, we've been getting in early and staying late. I've been battling with a CRM system for a new product campaign, not to mention getting the product tested and finished! The tech team has been going all guns, our boss asked what he could do and we jokingly said biscuits and hot chocolate :) 

As Ais later said, We've got a biscuit tin capacity issue, it's critical! The only way to avert disaster is to eat some now! I was stressing forcing an execution point in a binary on a live server at the time.......I was somewhat preoccupied, but still capable of reminding everyone that each biscuit was 80 calories. 

Anyway he also bought the word largest jar of options hot chocolate! How happy am I? I am going to enjoy that today, with my Crunchie and The Cure. Not the entire jar! It has been a hard slog at work, with really very long days. The coffee flask hath been running dry! The outrage. It's not good when two litres doesn't get you through the day. Ahh programmers - machines that convert caffeine into code.

I wanted something smart, stylish but relaxing for Friday, so I chose for my rolled collar V neck top with 3/4 length dolmen sleeves that are flattering to your arms, teamed with capri pants. 

Top: Rock Steady

Capri Pants: Dangerous Curves by Deadly Dames at Pin up Girl Clothing

Shoes: Kurt Geiger

What's your favourite Sunday?

I would be hard pushed to choose my favourite kind of Sunday. There are so many different ones to enjoy for different reasons. There is the Sunday where you just stay in bed until you wake up, the Sundays where you never really leave your pyjamas, except to shower and then get in to different pyjamas. The Sundays that start with fresh strong coffee, porridge, danish pastries or a super indulgent full English breakfast, or the Sundays in the park playing with the dogs, or on the beach. Walks along the canal, or by the river, not forgetting the Sundays that start with yoga or the ones where you just lie on the sofa watching films. 

I am going to have a relax and read Sunday this week, complete with scented candles and a bath (though the book is a bit on the hefty side for the bath, but I'll persevere).

Top: Black Miss Fancy Mesh Shirt

Capri Pants: Dangerous Curves in Black by Deadly Dames at Pinup Girl Clothing

Shoes: Kurt Geiger

Breakfast, Deep Blue Something

It is weekend! What better way to get Saturday off to a fantastic start than to watch Breakfast at Tiffany's? Marv is a huge Audrey fan. Audrey Hepburn was beautiful inside and it showed on the outside too. Marv's like that too. I got her some nice Audrey bags with scenes from the movie for Christmas and she uses the small one to take her lunch to work in.

Given that I like to get into the spirit of things when it comes to watching films, I decided to go for my Tiffany Blue capri pants and a polka dot halterneck. Which makes me think of my sister too, it reminds me of the song by Deep Blue Something, which makes me think of my big sis driving me back from The Great East Swim and our holiday in the Dominican Republic. Good times :) I love the idea in that the song that the one thing they have in common is liking the movie, Breakfast at Tiffany's.

I am a huge fan of capri pants, they are my jeans. They look really pretty when you team them with halterneck tops and peep toe Mary Janes. I like the coolness of the tiffany blue against my skin and who can resist polka dots? It is a classic 50s look.

It is also a great party outfit, and given mini-Marv has clocked up his first decade we'll be celebrating in style with movies and apple juice shots later! As mentioned I take my role as the eccentric crazy Auntie seriously!

Capri Pants: Dangerous Curves in Tiffany Blue by Pinup Girl Clothing

Top: Halterneck in black and white polka dot by Vivien of Holloway

Shoes: Kurt Geiger

Deep Blue Something

Breakfast at Tiffany's

The cutest jail bird

In 1958 the first single to ever to chart at number one was Elvis Presley, with Jailhouse Rock. So having created an excuse I have gone all "cute" bad girl in my capri pants, plus you can dance in this outfit....let's rock :)

I do love my capri pants, I think they are just so much kinder to your legs and bum than jeans and you can't go wrong with your Deadly Dames Dangerous Curve pants which is without a doubt my favourite style.

I got this top from unique vintage. I like it's americana/cowboy crossover. I can't resist gingham and I the contrast white braod outlining on the curve of the bust and bolero style around the neckline just makes this top. I love the lace either side of the buttons and the rouching on the bust and bodice. Just the right balance of "good" girl, "bad" girl. 

It's Friday :) Get The Cure on, get yourself a crunchie and get dancing.





Capri Pants: Dangeous Curves, Deadly Dames in Black
Top: Unique Vintage
Shoes: Kurt Geiger

Jailhouse Rock

Bonus Blog: If you are going to watch Zulu

You might as well dress for the occasion. This top is part of my campaign to reclaim the Union Jack from Ginger Spice.......It will take time, but it can be done! I'm leaving reclaiming Leopard prints from Bett Lynch until I am 50! It's all about picking your battles!

Pte. Thomas Cole: Why is it us? Why us?
Colour Sergeant Bourne: Because we're here, lad. Nobody else. Just us.

I must say Olive military shorts are a pain to find a top that goes with it, the shoes were a quest too, anyway I think the Tara Starlet Bustier works well for those moments of "Team GB" which happen to the best of us.

As you can tell, I think this outfit is fun. It makes me smile! Not to mention laugh, if only because at 37 and 5/6s (which rounds to 38) you should probably have more sense than to wear shorts and a bustier top in the middle of winter.

I felt the need to cheer myself up, the news today upset me talking about suicide. So when the world gets you down, dress up and dance around the house you feel happy in no time :)

Colour Sergeant Bourne: It's a miracle. 

Lieutenant John Chard: If it's a miracle, Colour Sergeant, it's a short chamber Boxer Henry point 45 caliber miracle. 

Colour Sergeant Bourne: And a bayonet, sir, with some guts behind. 

Shorts: Military Style Daisy Dukes by Pin up girl clothing

Top: The Blitz Bustier by Tara Starlet

No really try it films are so
much more fun when you dress
up for them!

Men of Harlech

The best Tom Boy in disguise dress ever!

The 1940s day dress is a gold medalist in my book, an Olympic hero in the styling super stakes. Really just like the RAF in the Battle of Britain they punch well above their weight. This is for me the personification of the Tom Boy dress. It lulls people in the false sense of "girly feminity". Snigger.

My sister put it in my mind with her comment yesterday, it made me think back to being little. I used to take things to pieces and tie electronics to my bike to pretend to make it go faster LOL Climbing trees, playingout and making dens in the wood. I even had star wars figures and PJs. You never leave your inner Tom Boy behind, you just get better at covering it up as you get older.

From the shoulders to the sweetheart neckline highlighting your collar bone and bust, to the nipped in waist, the gentle wrap skirt with a gentle rolling frill; really what more could you ask for from a dress? I know, a decent slit so you can run and climb! 

They thought of everything back then. Look good, sprint, hurdle and climb trees whilst maintaining your dignity! Really when it comes to looking good whilst doing an obstacle course this design is unrivaled.

I have this dress in several prints, this particular one is called forget me not. Forget me nots are one of my favourite flowers, I love the lilacy ultraviolet blue. I also like the story behind how they got there name.

Dress: 1940s Day Dress in Forget Me Not Vivien of Holloway

Belt: 2inch clasp in black Vivien of Holloway

Shoes: Hobbs

Beautiful, elegant, feminine

Fantastic flattering neckline and skirt

See GENIUS! You can hurdle

 let alone sprint in this number.

Climbing, not a problem, and 

dignity is maintained at all times

It is the ultimate Tom Boy disguise :) Which probably explains why I like this dress so much.

1940s Day Dress we salute your sheer genius!

Daisy, daisy give me your answer do!

Playsuits are a weakness of mine, I love them. When it comes to onesies these are the only ones to wear. No matter what Amy Childs or the other "ladies of questionable style and taste" from reality TV tell you, looking like Tinky Winky is not sexy!!!!!!!!!!!!

This was a House of Fraser Bargain, £15, you can't go wrong! I like the Peter Pan collar and the pockets. The shorts are a bit baggier and longer than my preference but it is such a cute little outfit.

I knew this outfit worked when the "cool kids" at rollerskating complimented me!

Playsuit: Daisy in Green my Yummi

Shoes: Bordello Mary Janes

No Makeup

Capri pants are the retro girl's jeans!

It is weird but I have never felt compelled to wear or own jeans, I don't know why I just don't feel comfortable in them. Capri pants are my jeans :)

I really do love them, and they are versatile, feminine flattering and comfortable. They show off your shape in ways jeans only dream of!

I think they look really cute teamed with a simple 50s style jumper. I really like this fit of jumper, I think it clings to your curves in all the right places. It is very flattering on the shoulders, works wonders for the bust and nips you in nicely at the waist! Really girls what more could you want? 

Jumper: Bettie Page Clothing Pull Over Sweater in Turquoise

Capri Pants: 3/4 length by Stop Staring!

Shoes: Hobbs

No Makeup

Retro all the way down to quad boots for rollerskating

One of the things that has brought me the most happiness and fun into my life this year has been rollerskating :) It's brilliant fun and a cheap night out and well it works that inner thigh! It is a great way to spend a Saturday night zooming round on wheels before home for some wine and whine. The best bit is when it comes to the best friends song, and the DJ says "grab your best friends hand and skate round" - there is something liberating about being nearly 40 and doing just that!

The other thing that I makes me smile about rollerskating is all the teenagers who come up to me and say "Wow I love your playsuit". Rollerskating opened up a whole new area of my wardrobe!

I am a retro girl when it comes to skating, I'm still old school going for the quad boots over the inliners. I can't stop in inliners and well braking is a requirement. The other thing I love about rollerskating is simply put, it is always shorts season!!! So you have to keep your legs looking trim.

I so don't want to end up like Lady Kronenburg, the woman who looks 16 from behind and 64 from the front!

Shorts: Daisy Dukes Deadly Dames at Pinupgirlclothing

Top: Peasant top in bandana print by Mode Merr

Bolero: Bolero by Mode Merr

Ready to go wearing Marv's skates

Action shot - I invested in my own retro rainbow quads. God my leg's look long in this. Marv's response - "Chick that's because they are, just like your arms, now watch your knuckles monkey!"

Dragons and Fairy Gothmothers

This isn't my usual style of corset, it is a bit softer and less 'extreme' I was really attracted to the print which had gold and red dragons on it. In the perfect world there would have been an emerald green dragon print corset but it was not to be :(

See though like a true mancunican I am carrying the sunshine in my smile!

Corset: Dragon print Fairy Gothmother

Capri Pants: Dangerous Curves by Deadly Dames from pinupgirlclothing

Shoes: Kurt Geiger

No Makeup

If you are wondering about why any woman in her right mind lets a man "shoot" up at her when it is so unflattering..............then it is because I am too polite to say to a member of HMF, it is a lens not a scope! They just go into "fire" mode. Still I can get away with it. ;) Photo courtesy of the Royal Marine Commandos.

Red and Green should never be seen .......

They say red and green should never be seen........(except when worn by an Irish Queen). Well I can only claim association by marriage. Emerald green is an amazing colour for my tones, I enjoy wearing it.

I had fun trying on corsets at Fairy Gothmother, the heavens had just burst even by Mancunian standards, it was proper rain so at little more wind and rain swept than usual!

Corset: Emerald Green Fairy Gothmother

Capri Pants: Dangerous Curves by Deadly Dames at Pinupgirlclothing

Shoes: Kurt Geiger

No Makeup

If you are wondering about why any woman in her right mind lets a man "shoot" up at her when it is so unflattering..............then it is because I am too polite to say to a member of HMF, it is a lens not a scope! They just go into "fire" mode. Still I can get away with it. ;) Photo courtesy of the Royal Marine Commandos.

Ahoy there sailor ;)

It is so cold outside that it made me think back to yummy summer BBQ s and Pimms. Not that mint ever did land in the back garden despite our best efforts, though quite why those green for the para I don't know - Royal marines are the guys with the green lids, paras are more of a maroon/burgundy.

We had so much fun this summer, it was amazing late nights fading into sunrises sitting outside  sharing good times with the best people. Sitting chatting by a real fire, those are the times life is made of.

This outfit always make me think of Summer, and it is a classic number that never dates. I think the world would be a happier place if more women wore Sailor style play suits, they are cute, fun and above all else horrendously sexy.

Playsuit: Ahoy! Bettie Page Clothing

Shoes: Bordello Mary Jane

Complete with insect bite on the side of my calf, I was just back from Egypt.

Photos: Marvellous Marv the Hardware Hippo and Best Friend in the Universe