Frump to Fab - A Whole New World.

candygirl

chanie said:

wednesday your fleecy poncho looks lovely and snug, and will be lovely during the winter months (I feel like I am wishing the year away).

It's mine hun, but yea it's lovely, n lightweight, so I'm wearing it already 😂

maman

It's glorious here again today. We walked a little bit more of the Itchen Way (8 000+ steps). It was a little bit out of sequence as we did the last stretch from St Cross into the centre of Winchester. The alms houses, church  etc at St Cross weren't open of course but we will go back to have a look around. It's where Anthony Trollope set his Barchester Chronicles. We walked in by the river path and then back out through the streets around Winchester College. It really is delightful around there, like walking through a Jane Austen novel.  I couldn't help reflect though how unfair it is that the extensive college buildings and sports facilities are lying empty until September while local schools are desperately converting their corridors and staff rooms into extra classrooms to accommodate groups of 15 from next week. 

We needed to go to a shop as one of our smoke alarms suddenly went off yesterday evening because the battery was low. Thankfully we were still awake as otherwise we'd have been scared out of our wits, what a racket! Unfortunately we didn't have the right size replacement battery so we picked one up earlier. 

Fashion Day in my newspaper and the focus was on capsule wardrobes. The gist was that there will be such fabulous sales on next month (or even now online) that key pieces will be reduced. This was the editor's list:

1. Trench coat
2. Peacoat
3. Combat jacket
4. Trouser suit
5. Classically cut jeans
6. Cashmere knit
7. T-shirt or breton top
8. White or cream shirt or blouse
9. A go-anywhere dress
10. Loafers
11. Trainers
12. Floral/bright dress
13. Patterned blouse
14. Jumpsuit
15. Statement jacket
16. Patterned floaty skirt
17. Luxe track pants
18. Shearling gilet
19. Ankle boots
20. Embellished flats
I have a fair few of the things on that list but not all. Any views? 

Wednesday2000

That is interesting Maman. I only have 8 things on that list! I wouldn't have anywhere to wear a trouser suit to. I don't have any jeans either, weirdly, as I prefer skirts and dresses.

I think I have already made my opinion clear on jumpsuits.   I did actually see a nice jumpsuit online in black or dark grey. I can't remember now.

I got one of my husband's pension account details sent in the post today and the market has definitely dipped due to Covid-19. I wonder how long it will take to recover.

I have booked in our haircuts now for July so that is something at least that seems to be getting back to normal. My hairdresser said you have to provide your own hair cutting gowns now to stop the risk of contamination to other customers.

This morning I had a bath and then put on cocoa butter afterwards.

helensbiggestfan

Are you supposed to have only one of each item?? 🤔.   Oh dear. 🤣.     

I’ve got just about everything except the patterned blouse and the luxe track pants. Not quite sure what they are. If they mean those velour ones loved by “celebs” then I won’t be buying any .....unless they were just worn for slobbing on the sofa.  🤣.    

Candy love your fleecy poncho. Looks very cosy.  

And another glorious day. Got up early, quick Aldi dash. Back by 9. Then blitzed the top bedroom and loft before it got too hot. Had a good old declutter and organising session. Currently on my sun lounger.  Lovely.  

chanie

maman that’s a really great list of capsule items.  You always provide us with the most interesting articles.  I have about half the items on the list and other than the trench coat, there isnt anything on the list which I want.  Floaty skirts don’t work for me and my boobs make it difficult to get a good fit in shirts/blouses.  I’m not convinced about the trouser suit - even in Central London I rarely see women in them anymore.

im also jealous of your Winchester walk Maman.  I know exactly where you mean and St Cross is very pretty.   I’m going to add Winchester to my post lockdown list as it’s been well over 10 years since I last visited.  Apparently Rishi Sunak went to Winchester College.  

maman

I was thinking of you when I posted the details of my walk chanie, I thought you'd know the area. 🙂

I think any casual trousers could be included for track pants. The ones in the illustration were those straight ones with stripes up the sides but the loose, silky ones with a drawstring waist are another example.

I'd like a trench coat too, when I find one I like and I just wouldn't wear a trouser suit. I wouldn't wear a white shirt either as it drains my colour. 

Yes, Rishi Sunak was Head Boy at Winchester College. His parents live up the road from me. Although they're a GP and a pharmacist, I don't know how they afforded the fees. He has other siblings and I've not heard he won a scholarship. Maybe there's family money. 🤔

savingfortomorrow

I agree with most of the list but

3. Combat jacket …… maybe leather or black not khaki.4. Trouser suit………. Use as separates. I would recommend getting the matching skirt too

12. Floral/bright dress….. I would go for a geometric print as florals can look a bit frumpy

13. Patterned blouse …...ok, maybe a sheer or lace or interesting collar.14. Jumpsuit …….needs more separates on this list. 

15. Statement jacket … not sure about this

16. Patterned floaty skirt ……. I would go plain black or neutral to allow easier mixing. 

17. Luxe track pants …… no no no. only need gym gear not juicy couture on my rear!

18. Shearling gilet…. No too bulky. 

19. Ankle boots …. Yes some chelsea boots 

20. Embellished flats ….. Plain ideally 

What works for one will not for another. The list has a lot of fashionable items like jumpsuits, florals and floaty dresses. Given the epic sales coming and the uncertainty ahead I would try and get timeless pieces. I would stick with a colour theme black or navy with accent colours of blue, green and red. 

this exercise was really valuable as it made me think about the items i need to add. I have seen some good sales online but I have been going on ebay as others are decluttering. It is cheaper and enviornmentally friendly to reuse. 

5 neutral tops that are long/3/4 length sleeves

2 pairs of jeans in a dark denim and black

2 pairs of trousers that really fit

A decent pair of shoes that can be re-heeled in black, pumps or mary janes

A layering cami 

A few accent scarves

A decent bra or three 

more layering tops like basic sweaters and a cardigan. A good thin sweater can change a outfit. 

A belt in black or a tan colour

helensbiggestfan

Good morning lovely ladies.  

Loving your lists and comments about capsule wardrobes. And you are right SFT maybe now is the time to look for classics.  And yes, I think we are all different, different colouring, shapes and sizes and of course our lifestyles change over time too so these “must have” lists are always going to be subjective.    

I also think our wardrobes have to evolve because our needs change. Some things are constant, a good coat, a go to dress but I think perhaps we have to tweak the guidelines a bit to suit us as individuals.  I would love a really nice LBD (little black dress) but I can’t wear black and I definitely can’t wear button through styles. 

Is anyone one watching the Sewing Bee. 

Last night it was all about recycling existing clothing. There were some great ideas on there, some very talented people.  Makes me want to start sewing again, maybe next winter.  Just too busy with the diy and gardening.   

Another beautiful day in the making. Aren’t we lucky with this fantastic weather. 

chanie

LL I would love to be able to sew and make my own clothes.  

  When I was at secondary  school in the early 90s, we had a couple of weeks of cooking, sewing, woodwork and computing and that was it.   I think it’s such a shame that these life skills aren’t taught anymore, as I think it would really help people in need and the environment if people were able to do basics like change a plug socks, grow potatoes, forage for blackberries, knit a winter hat, mend a split seam and bake a loaf of bread.  It won’t eradicate poverty, but you can keep yourself warm and fed if needed.
 

They got me thinking about knitting and I’ve decided to knit a scarf. I have rarely completed anything I’ve started, but lockdown is a good opportunity for me to try and finish something.  I’ve found a pattern for a scarf I’d like to try, so I think I’ll get some wool and give it a go.

maman

Thanks for the feedback on the lists. I agree that it's a good discussion point but we'd all make changes to suit our lifestyles, colouring etc.  

I heard on the news that because so many people have been doing a MK during lockdown, Chazzers are having to make plans for reopening as they expect a deluge. Some are organising extra pick up points or warehouse space or whatever plans they can think of.

I read a short article about nude tights v bare legs earlier. They'd characterised it around Kate v Meghan but it did make me think. I think bare legs all the year round is OK if you live a car to bar type lifestyle or abroad but no use if you live in the UK and use public transport. I hate sheer tights so tend to wear opaques or leggings or trousers or long skirts if I can't go bare legged. The only exception would be for something really formal like a wedding (assuming I was wearing a short dress). My nephew got married last May on a gloriously hot day. I did wear tights and heels for the ceremony but took them off afterwards and put my ballet flats on ...to the envy of most of the women in the family.  

I've had a good pamper session today. I am starting to get a bit of natural colour as we've been out walking so much but I put some fake tan on with my body lotion to help things along.  

I'm going to try to phone my hairdresser today. I don't think they have an answering machine, but if they have I want to get in the queue. I'm getting increasingly frustrated with the mixed messages. You all know that I'm a keen football fan but how can it be right for footballers (who are being tested several times a week without symptoms, just in case ) to be starting to tackle each other when I can't even get my hair cut!!