The Grey Matter

Cogito ergo sum, or in English, "I think therefore I am" is a philosophical proposition put forwards by Rene Descartes. I have always thought it amusing that there is an extra tacit premise - one that is unstated which is essentially "Whatever has the property of thinking, exists". However the proper logical flaw of the argument is that existence is already assumed or presupposed in order for thinking to occur, not that existence is concluded from that thinking.

When we are on top of our game, we find it easy to summon the emotional reserve and intellectual depths required to tackle problems that face us, then at other times we are flat as a pancake. We have run out of the proverbial steam it is as though we just don't know where we are going, where we have been or where we are going to go next. At times like this it seems as though we can't make choices, either it doesn't make sense or it doesn't feel as though it fits with any picture about where we would like to see our next phase in life going. Sometimes when we can't see the future, we aren't quite sure of what we can see in the present and this in turn raises questions about our past.

We can't always be sure we can make the choices and be sure to get the results that we want, when this happens we can get disillusioned with our ability to make choices. Still though because life is a learning curve, there comes a point where we can make choices, we can make a commitment and see it through, or we can open a door and allow something to come through it, or even better we can walk through that door ourselves and allow ourselves to climb into a world outside our normal sphere of experience. That invitation to embark on an adventure, that chance to recognise more of your own self worth, to explore a new opportunity and explore more of life is already there you just have to be able to see it.

When it comes to "the grey matter" then I think this beautiful 1940s style stop staring number has it all. Classy and sophisticated with beautiful attention to detail. A dress to think thoughts and dream dreams whilst wearing.

Dress: Stop Staring
Shoes: Kurt Geiger

Check - A surprisingly diverse word

You have to like like the word CHECK. It is great and incredibly diverse.

Check? - A question

Check. - A response.

Check! - A statement of fact in a game of chess

Check. - A pattern

Check - An imperfection in wood or glass

I like the simplicity of checks, essentially just squares of colour but they are so pretty. This simple print has white, pink and black squares running through a dove grey back ground. I like the combinations of colours. The dress is in the secretary style with a wide collar and matching grey buttons. This is a nice dress for work and is great for spring. 

Dress: Bettie Page Clothing

Shoes: Mary Jane in white by Bordello

Sometimes we're holding angels. And we never even know

Today I am reminded of the simple phrase that all good people need do for evil to succeed is nothing!

In 1964 American Kitty Genovese was murdered, reportedly in view of neighbours who did nothing to help her. Quite how you standby and do nothing I won't ever understand. The parable of the good Samaritan it seems is lost on most people, there is a lot of debate about whether people did nothing, but it is emblematic of the callousness or apathy with which life and people are treated now a days, or so it seems.

I'm the person who thinks sometimes we're holding angels. And we never even know, and that the Care Bears were on to something, especially with the Care Bear Stare :) Smile at people, be nice after all strangers are just friends we haven't met yet.

So just to remind me that it is particularly easy to choke on your halo (though I am told my horns should hold it up). I thought I would challenge myself and wear Angelina. The close fitting neckline piped in pink, draws attention to your face and I adore the V shaped button down accent. The neckline is close fitting but not tight. The dolmen short sleeves works well with the tailoring around the bust and is very flattering. The V Shaped button down accent is repeated on the waist (just out of shot) and the skirt has the benefit of pockets. The contrasting belt adds further interest.

Dress: Angelina by Bettie Page Clothing

Shoes: Kurt Geiger

Are we human or are we dancer?

I started my new gym program yesterday, and it has got lots of shoulder and chest work. All to help with balancing swords on my head, holding my arms up for veil, and to get a bit more power when I "smack" that stick down dancing saidi. I also get to do suspension training, it's appeals to my inner monkey. Really I hang here by my arms - fab LOL

It has been ages since I have had a dance-a-thon. My record was the "Shine on you Crazy" - Diamond Jubilee weekend, where I think I did 9 hours straight. Though to be fair there was an emergency banana and a glass  of monkey milk moment (you may know it as skimmed milk). I remember us having a patriotic moment in the early hours, and belly dancing to Vera Lynn, Colonel Bogie and Land of Hope and Glory. After that Marv became convinced that there wasn't a song I couldn't bellydance to if I wanted.

We tested this further a V :) I took my veil. Marv got good at explaining to people that it wasn't a "parachute" and that I just liked dancing. My favourite memories were dancing with Marv really going for it "old skool" to David Guetta, and then dancing to the Killers "Are we human or are we dancer". A song that most people don't get, but strikes a special cord with me. 

Dress: Blue Poppies by Bettie Page Clothing

Shoes: Kurt Geiger

The Killers: Human

Sasha, the red vixen and an Iron Curtain

In 1946 Winston Churchill delivered his "Sinews of Peace" speech, which contained the phrase - "From Stettin in the Baltic to Trieste in the Adriatic, an iron curtain has descended across the Continent."

 

It is somewhat ironic that 7 years later Joseph Stalin should pass away on this date too. He had ruled Russia for 29 years and committed atrocities against his people that make Hitler look almost benign. I never cease to be amazed that the "UN / World" seems to think that mass slaughter of your own people entirely acceptable, however we draw the line at you slaughtering others countries people! So a blouse called Sasha and red skirt seemed fitting.

 

Today's outfit is a 40s/50s cross over it is a beautiful neutral chiffon with a berry print, it has a gorgeous little tie bow at the collar and is fitted to the waist with a blouson effect. It is very feminine, it is the original in power dressing. The skirt is a beautiful shade of red with a modest split in the back. The tailoring of the blouse makes the most of the derriere too. A simple but well tailored skirt and blouse, a timeless classic.

 

Blouse: Sasha by bettie Page Clothing

Skirt: Vixen in Red by Bettie Page Clothing

Rita: Roller coasters and Meter maids

Roller coasters and time, the things that life is made of, so as a reminder to myself I thought I would go for Rita. She used to be the Queen of Speed, but Alton Towers re-branded her, though according to The Beatles she was a lovely meter maid. A reminder that just like a roller coaster, that you have to take the rough with the smooth, because that the good time pass, just like the bad ones do.

All these topics remind me of three songs by a group called The Chameleons, they are amazing live. The album first came out when I was 12, but I didn't get it until I was 16 and I'm still listening to them.

Rita is a stunning teal which is a great colour for me. I love the matching coloured buttons that run down the front to the waste. The wide split collar goes well with the short sleeves. It is finished off with a black belt and shoes.

Dress: Rita in Teal by Bettie Page Clothing

Shoes: Kurt Geiger

The Chameleons - Swamp Thing

The Chameleons - Seriocity

The Chameleons - The End of Time

Once the genie has escaped

Today in 1815 Napoleon Bonaparte escaped from the Island of Elba. He then began his second conquest of France, which culminated in the Battle of Waterloo. In 1952 British Prime Minister Winston Churchill announced that Britain had developed an atomic bomb.

The Battle of Waterloo and the end of the Napoleonic war kick started the industrial revolution. Britain 1815-1851, a time when the north was a powerhouse and Manchester was called Cottonopolis. I live near where the Macclesfield and Peak Forest Canals join. The advances in technology and transport were revolutionary and shape how we live today. 

The problem with technology is once you have invented it you can't put the genie back in the bottle. It is out and you have to deal with it and all it's unintended consequences. I remember The Cold War and the fall of the Berlin Wall. Checkpoint Charlie. Nuclear capability, rogue states and weapon proliferation isn't going to go away.  

So today I wanted something that would tie these themes together so I chosen Captain in Navy. I love this style of dress. I live the collar, and the piping it is very flattering and the buttons make it very smart. A tailored fitted pencil skirt makes the most of your curves and legs. It can be worn with or without a belt. This is one of my no brainer dresses which given that my brain feels like a zombie PC on a bot net, is just what I need. 

Dress: Captain in Navy by Bettie Page Clothing

Shoes: White Mary Janes by Bordello

Renaissance man or a teenage mutant hero turtle?

In 1564, the renaissance artist Michaelangelo passed away in Rome. He was an Italian Renaissance sculptor, painter, architect, poet, and engineer who exerted an unparalleled influence on the development of Western art. Despite making few forays beyond the arts, his versatility in the disciplines he took up was of such a high order that he is often considered a contender for the title of the archetypal Renaissance man, along with fellow Italian Leonardo da Vinci. Michelangelo was considered the greatest living artist in his lifetime, and ever since then he has been held to be one of the greatest artists of all time. 

The film "The Agony and Ecstasy" with Carlton Heston and Rex Harrison, is Hollywood's attempt to dramatise the life and time of Michaelangelo. It was a good film, you can't go wrong with a bit of Charlton but I would have preferred that it had covered the one true regret of his life. Late in his life, Michelangelo nurtured a great love for the poet and noble widow Vittoria Colonna, whom he met in Rome in 1536 or 1538 and who was in her late forties at the time. They wrote sonnets for each other and were in regular contact until she died. Condivi recalls Michelangelo's saying that his sole regret in life was that he did not kiss the widow's face in the same manner that he had her hand.

The Renaissance means rebirth or to be reborn. The overarching concept is one of change and difference. So I wore a skirt and top because I haven't worn one in weeks(nearly months)! I love the colours in this ensemble. I like the cold but bright baby tiffany blue top and I love the white skirt with the blue flowers because it is so unusual. I think you get an entirely different look depending on whether you wear the top in (smart) or out,  which is a bit more homely.

The skirt is as comfortable as it is cute! A sexy, curve-hugging silhouette, a high waist with  yoke, and a provocative back slit, with a wide collar and half sleeves the Doris top is the perfect companion to any vintage-style skirt or capri pants.

Pencil Skirt: Blue Floral by Pinup Couture at Pinup Girl Clothing

Top: Doris in Baby Blue from Pinup Couture at Pinup Girl Clothing

Shoes: Schuh

Keeping it private the lego way....one brick at a time

Happy Birthday Lego! Keeping techies entertained since 1958! Lego we love you :) (It might have been invented in the 1930's but it wasn't patented until 1958).

Seriously you can't go wrong with a lego technics set. The word 'lego'  means to play as well, and we all remember our inner child at times. It keeps you young at heart. The four bright pink buttons on today's dress remind me of the "plugs" on the top of the lego bricks and hours building fantastic things as a child.

Not only is it the Birthday of Lego, it is also Data Protection Day! A topic close to my heart, I never cease to be amazed at the material people leave on their PCs (and Macs) which isn't even password protected let alone encrypted. Come on people raise the standards.

Pwned - Don't let it happen to you - oh and girls you know all these pictures that you send to guys and guys the same goes for you, the kind your mother wouldn't approve of. Well neither do IT. The paperwork it generates is phenomenal!! 

Choose strong passwords that contain capitals, numbers, and symbols. Don't tell people them. Build security from the ground up, just like lego, one brick at a time.

The light grey and pink make this a soft dress which goes with the woolen material. It is based on the "captain" dress, but it has longer sleeves. I have said it before and I will say it again. I love this basic design!

The ribbon outlining the geometric collar draws attention to your face and shoulders, the contrasting buttons are super cute and the belt nips you in nicely. The collar finished with a V gap at the back and their is a small slit in the skirt.

Dress: Ashley Pencil skirt by Bettie Page Clothing

Shoes:  Borrowed in honour of the shoe goddess Bernice from the extensive collection of Marvellous Marv

(Bernice - Priscilla - QOTD, packs 4 suitcases of shoes for a trip to the outback - Bernie rocks!! Though when it comes to moisturiser it's the gospel according to Mitsy)

( Techies in our own little way we've got your backs covered ;) )

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

TVs, Lamps it's all photoelectric mosaics

Today seems to be a mosaic day in 1880 Thomas Edison patented the electric incandescent lamp and then in 1926  John Baird, a Scottish inventor, demonstrated a pictorial transmission machine called television.

Early televisions (and until recently) relied on Cathode Ray Oscilloscopes to fire electron at the screen to produce the picture, which is why TVs and magnets were so much fun! The photoelectric mosaic is the picture you see on the TV screen so today's dress is in a print called mosaic and it is black and white just like the early TVs.

This is a pencil dress and matching bolero from Vivien of Holloway. I do like the cut of all of her dresses they really do enhance your curves, and the pencil skirt is a nice difference to the sarong wrap dress which I like so much. This dress looks lovely if you accessorise it with red (necklace, belt and shoes)

Dress: Halterneck Pencil Dress in Mosaic by Vivien of Holloway

Shoes: Kurt Geiger

LAWS not just mottos! And a barbed-wire fence

Be prepared immortal words that Scouts and Guides round the world recognise as a good advice in the form of a motto. In 1908 the first Boy Scout troup was founded by Baden-Powell, how fab. I loved Brownies, Guides and Rangers. It was great and it did give me some of my more bizarre skills, I can make an entire kitchen out of bits of tree (wood has been processed), string and if you throw in a bit of tin foil then I can cook up a feast. My specialty is the draining board ;) Seriously though, map reading, camping and all those kind of things. It was great......

Be prepared is the law just like RTFM, it goes beyond a motto, which also holds true for the family one "Invicta" ........

So in best "belt and braces" fashion, which is the ultimate in being prepared for wardrobe malfunction I thought I better wear my jumper or pinafore dress today. I think when worn with the white blouse this has the school girl look to it or is that School Mistress (no getting ideas about the use of a capital M Thank You!). Or as James the Sales Director said "School teacher Jen, every day is a school day, how do you know all this stuff?" Marv stopped asking that question a long time ago, hippos are wise and know we show the way and type super fast because we have tails.  Anyway the whole school thing brings AC/DC to mind. Angus Scott rocks!

You can't go wrong with the combination of the fitted pinafore dress and the puff sleeves and the ribbons. What doesn't this dress do or deliver? Seriously you are covered from below the knee to your neck, but WOW! It is just so girly and cute but at the same time super sexy in the right way. I really do love this dress, you can team it with so many things. 

I don't know why but this dress is just somehow striking and different. Just like me ;) hehe

A dress as Sophia Loren so eloquently said "should be like a barbed-wire fence: serving its purpose without obstructing the view".




Dress: Jumper dress by Bettie Page Clothing
Blouse: Puff Sleeve Blouse in White by Bettie Page Clothing
Shoes: Kurt Geiger  

AC/DC Back In Black

I'm cut loose, from the noose,

That's kept me hanging about

AC/DC You shook me all night long

If American thighs can knock you out, 

I wonder what English ones can do?

Answers on a post card please..........

For the love of lost causes

Some dates seem to stand out more than others, and this is one of them. 

In 1771 The Spanish ceded the Falkland Island to Great Britain, and to this day we are discussing sovereignty.

In 1879 British troops were massacred at Isandlwana and the Battle of Rorke's Drift commenced. Henry Hook was does a great injustice in the film, by all accounts he was a tea total, family man who was devotedly religious. Maligned and called into disrepute for eternity in the name of entertainment. 

Fantastic movie though. 

If that isn't enough then in 1901 Queen Victoria died having reigned for 64 years. Interesting is it not that to this day there has not been a greater number of recorded Victoria Crosses in one Battle, and the person who introduced the highest honour died on the same date as that battle? Synchronicity?

Today I have chosen my Military Pinup Dress in Black and white, I think the choice and the colour speak for themselves.

I like this dress, the shaping and rouching around the bust is particularly feminine and flattering, accentuating your chest, the contrasting ribbon piping and belt gives the dress a formal feel. All in she is a great little number.

Dress: Military pinup in Black and White by Pinup Girl Clothing
Shoes: Kurt Geiger

Paint It Black - The Rolling Stones

Running the gauntlet. Sunday in a supermarket

Ah the perils of supermarket shopping on a Sunday. I had an encounter last week it was one of those classic moments, as I rounded the corner in WW2 utility coat and tea dress I came face to face with the perma tanned, fake boobed fake lash black juicy couture ugg boot wearer. She got bonus points for the bubblegum pink lipstick and the furry headband Xena style, the bleach blonde hair comes as standard. Next ensued the best form of silent communication. My face exclaimed "OMG! WTF are you wearing?" as did hers, the difference was I didn't have to punch anyone for eyeing her up ;)

I'm playing it safe this week with secretary in Green. I need my heels to reach the things on the top shelf (and no I am not talking magazines). Not only do you have the "high reach" to think about but you also need to consider what you look like when you have to "bob down" to pick something up, whether it be the change that you invariably drop or to reach something from the bottom shelf.

I think this basic dress design is one of my favourites, it is the same base shape as "The Captain" which I wore the other week. I love the broad geometric design of the collar, the wrap top and the matching buttons on the torso. The matching belt nips it in and finishes the dress off. Secretary in green has longer sleeves than the captain and I like them for being 3/4 length. I find these easier to wear because long sleeves don't always look right on my arms (they are long just like my legs)

Dress: Secretary in Green Pencil Skirt by Bettie Page Clothing

Shoes: Kurt Geiger

Secretary in Green an all rounder for the gauntlet of the supermarket, bob, bend, weave and reach!

Faith No More seem to fit the bill today!

From Out of nowhere

It's that rounding the corner moment

Mike Patten looked so much better in cycling short than Axl Rose, note to all the guys if you have skinny legs don't wear cycling shorts it is just plain wrong, and women who like men with skinny legs. What are you thinking? 

Epic

The gauntlet of the supermarket, if you forget your heels it is in your face and you definitely can't grab it

Can't say I have walked on broken glass, but I have had to crawl across it on my hands and knees. 

Easy

What Sunday should be...........

Waves, Hurricanes and Walking on Sunshine

Today's dress is called Katrina. She generally comes with waves, or a hurricane not to mention the ability to walk on sunshine.

She has a really interesting neckline and collar which doesn't photograph well at all and a cute little built in polka dot tie. It is an Aline rather than a pencil skirt but has been a stalwart in my wardrobe for over 5 years. You can't go wrong with Katrina she stands the test of anything.

It reminds me of a quote from a man on telly who was caught by hurricane Katrina he said, "I survived 4 tours in Vietnam, and being married to a red head for over 30 years, this is nothing!"

Dress: Katrina Bettie Page Clothing

Shoes: Kurt Geiger

Katrina and the Waves, Walking on Sunshine

Humanity and sarcasm required? Best call The Captain

Today in 1929 Tintin was first published, so here is my tribute to Captain Haddock! His humanity and sarcasm were always a refreshing antidote to Tintin's implausible heroism. I am a fan of both humanity and sarcasm, well as long as it is amusing sarcasm ............

I'm not a tease, I'm just a reminder of what you can't have ;) hehe

This dress was a big hit for Bettie Page Clothing, it appeared on the program Gossip Girl. I love the wide collar and the ribbons that highlight the geometric design  and the matching coloured buttons on the front. The sleeves are short and the pencil skirt isn't too clingy, finished off with white shoes and a belt she looks great. 

They say that men notice women wearing red. When it comes to a red head wearing red, well we just set the world on fire. 

Who wouldn't want me to order them around? With a Captain looking like this I am sure you would pay attention on deck.

Though I would be more an Admiral of the Fleet than a Captain.......

Dress: Captain in Red by Bettie Page Clothing

Shoes: Bordello Mary Jane

Github.........Hardcore forking action ahead

WOO HOO. My first software release is under my belt in my role, and it went fantastically well - My boys got a round of applause. We had a good laugh as only techies can. 

One of the things I love about IT are the things that you get to say :)

Promiscuous packet sniffing - I want to know what data you are sending over my network where it came from and where it's going, and whether it's been altered

Penetration Testing -  Where am I vulnerable to compromise and attack?

Hardcore Forking Action - similar to copying a code base, but not quite

and the classic

"Did you just finger me?" (look up the unix command)

And they say techies don't have a sense of humour! LOL

Drag me! Drop me! Treat me like an object!  (OLE and OOP at their best)

But the real reason we love to be geeks is because this is our day:

unzip, strip, touch, finger, grep, mount, fsck, more,fsck,fsck,fsck,umount, sleep.

All of which reminded me of a Mae West quote.

Today's dress is named after the infamous aforementioned quote, the buttons make this dress so interesting and so difficult to photograph!

I like the piping around the Peter Pan style collar and the detailing on the sleeves. The buttons snake down in a curve and end in a pleat which is just lovely.

Dress: Curves in Black by Bettie Page Clothing

Shoes: Kurt Geiger

“Cultivate your curves - they may be dangerous but they won't be avoided.” - Mae West