2023 Fashion on the Ration Challenge

PipneyJane

Good morning All

@Cherryfudge - as you said, these are items for your uniform.  Are you certain that you don’t want 3?  Got to make the most of the postage, particularly as Royal Mail are affected by the “War”, so your postie may get diverted to cover different routes.  (Working from home, I am certain that we don’t have a postie visit our street every day.)

I had a mixed day yesterday.  Went to Lincoln for my friend’s mum’s funeral.  She had a good sending off.  His dad, who has dementia, had one of his “good” days (basically didn’t register what was going on but lapped up all the attention).

Because I deliberately got up there early, I had time to go to the rather esoteric “Country Shop” at the top of Steep Hill. I was hoping to buy a classic tweed suit.  No such luck.  They had virtually no stock.  I’m not certain how they stay in business.  I had a chat with the owner - no website, but apparently, they do most of their selling via Insta.  In her shoes, I’d have dug out the book of tweed samples and a tape measure and offered to make to measure.  (I was half expecting that and have saved for a long time towards it.). But no, she just directed me to Insta.  

I am disappointed but that’s 24 coupons saved.

On the way back to the car, I popped into a charity shop and bought a pair of unworn M&S court shoes.  £6.50 spent but no coupons.  I’m 99% sure that I bought the same shoes from the same charity shop back in 2017 or 2018.  At least I know they’ll fit and that I’ll get good use out of them.  The previous pair are still in use.

- Pip

Liverpool_Anne

Hi all
@PipneyJane that is very disappointing re the tweed suit. You would think in the current economic climate they would be taking every opportunity to make a sale. I wonder if there are still independent tailors around anywhere? I know there used to be several here, when I worked in the city centre I remember seeing at least 3 who made for women and men but I just don't know now. They used to work in the window so people could see them making various garments as they walked past. I will keep my eyes open for you.
Take care everyone

Liverpool_Anne

@PipneyJane, I have just googled independent tailors in Liverpool and several have popped up, one says it caters for women. Sorry I don't know how to post the link but it occurs to me if there are so many here there must be some closer to home for you. One even says he only uses British fabrics and travels all over the country. There is no mention of prices so you would probably need a second mortgage to afford it  

Nelliegrace

@Cherryfudge keep your receipts. You know you can reclaim tax on uniform and on laundry for uniform, and it can be backdated. 

Cherryfudge

I too went on a trawl of the internet and found this site. I've no idea what they are like but it shows you're not alone in wanting a good suit, @PipneyJane.

Thank you for my uniform allowance! Lol about ordering three - I really have sufficient now! Though some of my colleagues who started after the original uniforms were all given out have commented on mine, so maybe I need to start a side line.  

For the record, including the new ones, I have:
1x dark green with employer's logo
2x dark navy (one is mended/customised with contrast inside neckline)
1 light blue - okay but narrow fit
1 navy that I bought locally but will donate as I don't like it
1 white
1 dark green.

I think six is more than enough though some are several years old.

Cherryfudge

Nelliegrace said:

@Cherryfudge keep your receipts. You know you can reclaim tax on uniform and on laundry for uniform, and it can be backdated. 

Ooh, thank you for the reminder! (Which also reminds me to claim my WFH allowance for this year - doesn't seem long since last time).

Madbat60

All finished, my 1940's tea dress, made out of a duvet cover.  First time using my overlocker.  I'm very pleased with it 

PollyWollyDoodle

That's lovely!  Well done for conquering the overlocker - was that for the hems? 

Madbat60

@PollyWollyDoodle, yes, it was for the seams.  

Gem-gem

Madbat60 that is a lovely dress. Well done you. 

Coupon spend to declare: 
1 x fleece (was supposed to be £55 but was priced up at £50 plus I recycled five clothing items so I got it for £45). 6 coupons 
1 x black cashmere roll neck jumper to wear to the funeral 6 coupons (Recycled another five item, so another £5 off).
1 x thick blue and white 60% cotton and  30% wool 10% polyamide chunky jumper 6 coupons 
Total 18 coupons spent

48 coupons left. 
I was told by the shop assistant that the clothes are given to The Salvation Army, which I was very pleased about.