2026 Fashion On The Ration Challenge

PipneyJane

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/82081963#Comment_82081963

I feel your pain, @maryb. (I think we all do.). It’s such a waste of time, too, when you buy something online, have to wait for it to be delivered, then have to send it back because it doesn’t fit or it’s badly made or the colour is not how it appeared online or the fabric makes your skin creep.

@Laura_Elsewhere

I bought sandals and hiking shoes, but have to take back the hiking shoes as one of the lacing-loops has just shredded completely after wearing once. Not impressed, do a refund and will look elsewhere… 

That’s annoying. Which brand? (So we can all avoid them.)

I had my smart Timberland sandals repaired last week, picked them up on Saturday. The buckles are on elastic loops and the elastic had broken down with age, so it was replaced. I’ve owned these sandals for at least 12 years and they’re smart enough to wear under my suits for work. So glad to get them back - I wore the the other “posh” sandals that I own and completely shredded my toes. I’ve owned those since 2012 and barely worn them. (I wonder why?) Never again. They’ll get donated, next time I’m near a charity shop.

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Nelliegrace

I bought a book, a frivolous spend of Premium Bond winnings. “Very good” hardback cost less than paper back.

I bought used copies of Fashion on the Ration, and Our Uninvited Guests, by Julie Summers.

The Barbed Wire University, Midge Gillies, was very interesting, I found it free on The Open Library. It contains accounts by former Prisoners Of War about the importance of books and music to study for a future, to relieve the boredom, or just to survive. Relatives could reclaim clothing coupons on the limited list of clothes they were allowed to buy and send to POWs in Europe, and eventually a named contact received some coupons for him.

The Imperial War Museum has a series of reprinted books, again many of them are available free on The Open Library.

I enjoyed Mr Bunting at War. It does remind one of the male sense of entitlement, but he was a good egg. I have found Three Men in New Suits, J B Priestly to read next.

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Diane1276

@Laura_Elsewhere a sunflower dress sounds like a joyous thing indeed! 🌻 🌻 🌻

Cherryfudge

@Nelliegrace , I'm sure I've eulogised about this before, but:

Irish Linen Centre & Lisburn Museum – Museum exploring the history of the Irish Linen Industry and the Lagan Valley

We went last year and it was completely fascinating.

I love the illustration on Mr Bunting at War: so perfectly of its time.

Laura_Elsewhere

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/82082980#Comment_82082980

It really is! It's loose and comfortable rather than shapely, but then my shape is basically "barrel with legs" so…! :)

Laura_Elsewhere

@PipneyJane the broken-after-one-wearing hiking shoes were from Mountain Warehouse. We'll take them back tomorrow for a refund…

PipneyJane

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/82083472#Comment_82083472

The dress is very cheerful and looks lovely on you @Laura_Elsewhere .

Collective brain picking needed, please. How many coupons should we pay for a classic b-u-m bag? On Saturday, I attended my first ever 5K-Your-Way, which is run by a cancer support group and supported by MacMillan. It tags onto a park run. Anyway, I dug out the b-u-m bag that I used to use for running and the zip has gone. The fabric is neoprene, so probably not repairable. Afterwards, when I went to collect my sandals from the shoe repairers, I wandered through the luggage shops and bought a classic b-u-m bag.

Shall I put it down as 2 coupons or more? We have purses and wallets as costing 2 coupons, while we have agreed handbags at 5, but this falls somewhere in between. I'm inclined to go with 3 coupons, but want your collective opinions first.

Many thanks,

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Nelliegrace

The dress suits you, @Laura_Elsewhere

Gas mask case? @PipneyJane, No clothing coupons required.

I am just going to give blood, (venesection,) they want a couple of pints off. I suppose giving blood was yet another way women did their bit on the home front. I have my flask of tea packed, I might take a jam sandwich.

maryb

I agree with Nelliegrace - it's functional rather than decorative. I know you could say that about purses and wallets but they would have used leather which was needed for boots

PipneyJane

Thank you @Nelliegrace and @maryb I'll treat it as a gas mask case.

Good luck with the vampires, Nelliegrace. Hope you get to read your new book, while you are there. Are you feeling better now? (Thank you, BTW, for the reading suggestions. I really must explore The Open Library.)

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