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

High 5 day :)

Well you have to laugh when you get high 5 wherever you go thanks to facebook! And there I was thinking that it was just my shorts and good looks :) Hehe

I love bright primary colours, they are cheerful and look great in the sunshine. The top is called Doris, and seems to generate the compliments "love the lapels" not something you expect to hear. Still it is a pretty top and it is flattering too. I love the bright blue shorts, they are tailored with a high waist.

Top: Doris in Red Pinup girl clothing

Shorts: Tailored shorts in blue sateen

Shoes: Schuh

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

  

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

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!"

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

The Dread Pirate Roberts ............

Maybe it is a generation thing, but I love the film The Princess Bride, it is so funny and who can forget the line..."Hello I am Inigo Montoya, you killed my father prepare to die".

I have a thing for Cary Elwes as the man in black - I love that outfit YUMMY! and well I do like to use his line when asked why he wore a mask "Because they are terribly fashionable and everyone will be wearing them next season"

So here's my "Jolly Roger" outfit - it's a great one for rollerskating the skull and crossbones glow.


Bolero: Deadly Dames at Pinupgirlclothing
Top: Pirate halterneck by Vivien of Holloway
Shorts: Black Label Laura Byrnes at pinupgirlclothing
Shoes: Kurt Geiger

No Makeup

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

No really I wear the best costumes

An evening to remember, it started off at rollerskating. I was quite happily trying on my new things when my friends son woke up with his two friends. The final picture captured my face, as they uttered the immortal words...."I told you Vintage vixen had the best costumes".

As they were put to bed, I found myself looking at my best mate saying "Sorry chick, I can't help but wonder if I have just ruined them for the next generation or if they will be talking to a therapist". It was made all the funnier for the reply "He already tried to get you in his magic hand cuffs"........ kids are great and it is all so innocent

Corset: What Katie Did L4080 Pigalle Laurie

Shorts: Black label by Laura Byrnes at Pinup girl clothing

Shoes: Kurt Geiger

The ....... Oh gosh there are 3 nine year old boys staring at me .....face

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

Women over 30 shouldn't wear shorts

I was outraged this summer when I read an article saying that women over 30 shouldn't wear shorts. Damn right, women over 30 should wear hot pants! Because we were the generation that took on Kylie ok!

So here is my two fingers up to people who think 30 year old women don't look good in shorts - 37 and the hot pants are still on fire - GO GIRL.

Bolero: Mode Merr

Peasant Top: Mode Merr Bandana Print

Shorts: Deadly dames by Pinup girl clothing

Shoes: Kurt Geiger

Corsets are a girls best friend

It is fair to say a decent corset is a must for every girls wardrobe, they really are your best friend. Don't skimp on them you really do get what you pay for. I love the held tight feeling that you get from a corset. They are great to wear out and it's not just with skirts girls, corsets look great teamed with tailored shorts too.

Shoes: Kurt Geiger
Shorts: Black Label by Laura Brynes at PinupGirlClothing
Corset: What Katie Did: Lalique PVC Laurie

No Makeup

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