Due to a Blogger platform something or other, my posts since Weds have gone. They were deleted as part of Blogger's repair work.
I'm quite gutted and I have no will or energy to rewrite or post at the moment until the issue is resolved.
It is a dreadful shame this has happened. Many of us die hard Blogger users have tweeted a lot about moving over to wordpress.
The joys of technology and blogging hey!
Friday, 13 May 2011
Thursday, 12 May 2011
Why being frugal isn't the same as being tight
The trouble with being frugal (and Mrs MDS has been on this slope for over 5 years) is that some benefits are immediate, others more a hill to climb and a couple mountains to conquer.
Let's get the current pitfalls of frugality aired so the word is not associated with austerity or austerity measures, aka the UK current government who are hell bent on confusing personal frugality with ideological measures. To be clear, looking after your household/personal budget is not the same as a complex economic framework. Mr Osbourne might be found of referring to governance of the Treasury as if he were figuratively holding purse strings and all that is required to show some economic might is some tightening of a belt but the reality is an economy is not a pile of cost centres but a machine with cogs that interact, stagnate and fall apart depending on how they are greased. Application of measures designed to inflate, stagnate or stem an economy is not undertaken by one simple act - unlike our own budgets.
We are the masters of our own budgets and can fiddle with the purse strings as much as we like. We can increase or decrease the funding of a certain area of our personal finances without it causing a global economic crisis. We can if we try inject more credit into them too by working more or selling stuff. Lottery wins are always a hope.
an evening at MDS mansions!
21st century frugality is a mix of common sense, reality and a lifestyle choice. If you are poor then frugality is a means of survival. Poverty is a trap for many based on their social standing i.e. lack of education, opportunity and resource. Poverty of mind and soul has as much a bearing on ones social capabilities and coping mechanisms as lack of money. Often all contribute to a vicious circle.
Being frugal has become more a lifestyle choice due to lessons drawn from mass consumerism, a trend that grew in the 1980s and accelerated until the banking crisis in 2008 - bit of general sweep but this is a blog post! Mass consumerism has had a two fold impact, one being an increase in personal debt and the other being an increase in stuff.
Frugality is what Gordon Brown spent a lot of time talking about over many years - being prudent. No one really listened to Mr Brown's view on prudence. He did of course equally spend many years increasing the support to poor households and made it his personal mission to end child poverty. Typically, frugality for Puritans and Quakers meant ensuring you were careful with your money so that you could save it and allocate the savings for more charitable purposes. Mr Brown with his Calvinist background was particularly prudent so he could be charitable. He was fairly hopeless in terms of being 'liked or likeable' but in reality much of his ethos shaped our best times.
Of course for Mrs MDS as others, being frugal is a by product of personal circumstances, notably being rubbish with money for so many years it has caught up with one and not really saving for a rainy day. Truth be told rainy days sounded so terrible dull. Now rainy days look like sunshine compared to inflation, petrol prices and increased costs to everything. Now the fashion is to be frugal. None of us want debts, most of us wish not to have a credit card and a savings account is preferable to an 'it bag'. Spending seems like showing off. Now of course it is all about, sewing, vintage, allotments and home made things.
I have found my outgoings are much less than they used to be (the ones I can control) and I make every endeavour to keep the battle against waste going. Paying back debts is a mind field and there is conflicting advice but being debt free is probably a nice personal goal. I've not tried to be clever and avoid a lot of the Martin Lewis, money expert type advice and stick to the more palatable and nicer Alvin Hall.
Frugal, prudent, making do - it is all the same. Think before you spend, have a budget, think of others less fortunate and in need plus review your spending and budgets but don't forget to enjoy life! You can do lots for free, think libraries for books and museums and taking walks in town or country. Do things on a budget, throw dinner for friends with down to earth meals such as chilli con carne and find inspiration from others. You are not being tight with your money - it's frugal.
Do share your money saving tips...
Let's get the current pitfalls of frugality aired so the word is not associated with austerity or austerity measures, aka the UK current government who are hell bent on confusing personal frugality with ideological measures. To be clear, looking after your household/personal budget is not the same as a complex economic framework. Mr Osbourne might be found of referring to governance of the Treasury as if he were figuratively holding purse strings and all that is required to show some economic might is some tightening of a belt but the reality is an economy is not a pile of cost centres but a machine with cogs that interact, stagnate and fall apart depending on how they are greased. Application of measures designed to inflate, stagnate or stem an economy is not undertaken by one simple act - unlike our own budgets.
We are the masters of our own budgets and can fiddle with the purse strings as much as we like. We can increase or decrease the funding of a certain area of our personal finances without it causing a global economic crisis. We can if we try inject more credit into them too by working more or selling stuff. Lottery wins are always a hope.
an evening at MDS mansions!Being frugal has become more a lifestyle choice due to lessons drawn from mass consumerism, a trend that grew in the 1980s and accelerated until the banking crisis in 2008 - bit of general sweep but this is a blog post! Mass consumerism has had a two fold impact, one being an increase in personal debt and the other being an increase in stuff.
Frugality is what Gordon Brown spent a lot of time talking about over many years - being prudent. No one really listened to Mr Brown's view on prudence. He did of course equally spend many years increasing the support to poor households and made it his personal mission to end child poverty. Typically, frugality for Puritans and Quakers meant ensuring you were careful with your money so that you could save it and allocate the savings for more charitable purposes. Mr Brown with his Calvinist background was particularly prudent so he could be charitable. He was fairly hopeless in terms of being 'liked or likeable' but in reality much of his ethos shaped our best times.
Of course for Mrs MDS as others, being frugal is a by product of personal circumstances, notably being rubbish with money for so many years it has caught up with one and not really saving for a rainy day. Truth be told rainy days sounded so terrible dull. Now rainy days look like sunshine compared to inflation, petrol prices and increased costs to everything. Now the fashion is to be frugal. None of us want debts, most of us wish not to have a credit card and a savings account is preferable to an 'it bag'. Spending seems like showing off. Now of course it is all about, sewing, vintage, allotments and home made things.
I have found my outgoings are much less than they used to be (the ones I can control) and I make every endeavour to keep the battle against waste going. Paying back debts is a mind field and there is conflicting advice but being debt free is probably a nice personal goal. I've not tried to be clever and avoid a lot of the Martin Lewis, money expert type advice and stick to the more palatable and nicer Alvin Hall.
Frugal, prudent, making do - it is all the same. Think before you spend, have a budget, think of others less fortunate and in need plus review your spending and budgets but don't forget to enjoy life! You can do lots for free, think libraries for books and museums and taking walks in town or country. Do things on a budget, throw dinner for friends with down to earth meals such as chilli con carne and find inspiration from others. You are not being tight with your money - it's frugal.
Do share your money saving tips...
Wednesday, 11 May 2011
Fresh & Frugal
Although fresh and frugal has a worthy designer concept feel to it, it is just all about food today. Food is the best place to start when budgeting and on a economy drive. The first thing to do (as with fashion) is set a budget. Then the next step is to plan your meals. I like to do a monthly one but weekly is just as good.
When I plan the meals, I tend to think seasonal first, then healthy and then cost. Fresh food isn't expensive, seasonal food is cheaper and use lentils or pearl barley rather than meat to keep the cost down. I only plan for fish on a Friday night and meat for Sunday.
Yesterday I had to gather in the rhubarb from the garden as it was going wild. We've already had a couple of crumbles out it for a Sunday afternoon since March. I made the stew base for the delicious rhubarb and ginger crumble recipe we use all the time courtesy of the wonderful Fox & Anchor
fresh from the garden
Think the colours of rhubarb are glorious
Fresh grated ginger & star anise
After it had cooled down I froze the stew to whip out Nigella stylie when the occasions calls.
I also made a cost cutting (and calorie cutting) shepherds pie with lentils so Olive magazine calls it a garden pie. It is delicious and consists of puy lentils, celery, shallots, carrot, parsnip, veg stock and tomato puree then topped with mash. Quick 5 min grill to give it that vajazzeled look!
The garden pie
The porridge oats
Half an apple to grate
The yummy gooseberry yoghurt from Rachel's Dairy -just two & a bit tablespoons
Mix up porridge oats, grated apple and yoghurt
Porridge oats are 99p for a bag, I buy granny smiths for grating and the biggest expenditure is the yoghurt. You can add anything to the porridge oats, like raisins and chopped nuts or chopped dried apricots. I like to keep it simple with the grated apple.
When I plan the meals, I tend to think seasonal first, then healthy and then cost. Fresh food isn't expensive, seasonal food is cheaper and use lentils or pearl barley rather than meat to keep the cost down. I only plan for fish on a Friday night and meat for Sunday.
Yesterday I had to gather in the rhubarb from the garden as it was going wild. We've already had a couple of crumbles out it for a Sunday afternoon since March. I made the stew base for the delicious rhubarb and ginger crumble recipe we use all the time courtesy of the wonderful Fox & Anchor
fresh from the garden
Think the colours of rhubarb are glorious
Fresh grated ginger & star anise
After it had cooled down I froze the stew to whip out Nigella stylie when the occasions calls.
I also made a cost cutting (and calorie cutting) shepherds pie with lentils so Olive magazine calls it a garden pie. It is delicious and consists of puy lentils, celery, shallots, carrot, parsnip, veg stock and tomato puree then topped with mash. Quick 5 min grill to give it that vajazzeled look!
The garden pie
My next top tip is a great healthy summer breakfast for pennies. I mix porridge oats with grated apple and usually add 2 tablespoons of 0% fat free Total Greek yoghurt the night before and put in the fridge. It is such a fresh uplifting thing to eat. If I've got raspberries or strawberries I add them in the morning. I splashed out this week and increased the per unit cost slightly with Rachel's Organics Gooseberry yoghurt. I do love gooseberries.
The porridge oats
Half an apple to grate
The yummy gooseberry yoghurt from Rachel's Dairy -just two & a bit tablespoons
Mix up porridge oats, grated apple and yoghurt
Cover with clingfilm & put in fridge for morning
Porridge oats are 99p for a bag, I buy granny smiths for grating and the biggest expenditure is the yoghurt. You can add anything to the porridge oats, like raisins and chopped nuts or chopped dried apricots. I like to keep it simple with the grated apple.
Tuesday, 10 May 2011
A sign from Ye Economy Gods
After realising I was seriously on an economy drive and that stupid pointless clothes buying was out, I was nose deep in Net-A-Porter and then My-Wardrobe flitting between 2 yellow tops one priced £70 and the other £159 - WTF springs to mind. I lost 30 minutes of my life fighting a typical reaction to reality. There was the red devil on one shoulder saying 'oh it won't matter if your overdraft is dented a bit more.' And on the other was voice of reason pointing out 'I was bonkers'. Reason won of course, it always does but for one moment of madness I wanted a yellow top in a way that was ridiculous. I have no money, I'm writing a film script and don't go out much!
Once I had recovered from my brief flirtation with my past addiction, I felt so much better and felt immediately richer. I'm now in the midst of compiling a mood board to inspire me to ride out my period of hardship. It is the classic case of when you make a plan to diet you suddenly want to stuff your face with cake. The mind needs motivation not deprivation, so goal setting is key. I've worked out the basics of a Christmas ski holiday, it entails no birthday and Christmas presents, a certain amount put aside every week, all changes put in a tin plus a car boot sale. I'm going to buy our family Christmas presents asap - I've set a budget for this and a deadline to do it all by. I'm going to ask them not to buy us presents for birthdays and Christmas but give us the cash instead. My family are used to being given hints or directives so they won't be offended. I think their favourite year was when I said we could only spend £10 on our Christmas presents per person. It was good fun and made for some hilarious buys.
So yesterday was all planning and being organised. But I also had an errand to run, namely some speedo swimming briefs for the petit garcon. He's started swimming lessons at school, they have a small 15metre outdoor pool which is a complete gem for a primary school. However the regulation stipulations are swimming cap and speedo briefs for boys, no shorts allowed.
On the way to the sports shop, I walked past a charity shop and there in the window was the brightest yellow top - ever! I nipped in, tried it on and got myself what I wanted for £4.50. I'm sure it was the Vix and Sharon Rose effect. I was channelling both when I turned my back on conspicuous consumption for better things and found the perfect top thanks to the Economy Gods.
The £4.50 top
Petit garcon unable to resist a pose!
The imagined outfit completed! Yellow top £4.50 charity shop, Zara trousers 2 years ago, Topshop bangle 5 years old, Zara gold clutch 6 years old, Marc Jacobs heels 4 years old bought in Matches sale
Closer view of the MJ heels
Once I had recovered from my brief flirtation with my past addiction, I felt so much better and felt immediately richer. I'm now in the midst of compiling a mood board to inspire me to ride out my period of hardship. It is the classic case of when you make a plan to diet you suddenly want to stuff your face with cake. The mind needs motivation not deprivation, so goal setting is key. I've worked out the basics of a Christmas ski holiday, it entails no birthday and Christmas presents, a certain amount put aside every week, all changes put in a tin plus a car boot sale. I'm going to buy our family Christmas presents asap - I've set a budget for this and a deadline to do it all by. I'm going to ask them not to buy us presents for birthdays and Christmas but give us the cash instead. My family are used to being given hints or directives so they won't be offended. I think their favourite year was when I said we could only spend £10 on our Christmas presents per person. It was good fun and made for some hilarious buys.
So yesterday was all planning and being organised. But I also had an errand to run, namely some speedo swimming briefs for the petit garcon. He's started swimming lessons at school, they have a small 15metre outdoor pool which is a complete gem for a primary school. However the regulation stipulations are swimming cap and speedo briefs for boys, no shorts allowed.
On the way to the sports shop, I walked past a charity shop and there in the window was the brightest yellow top - ever! I nipped in, tried it on and got myself what I wanted for £4.50. I'm sure it was the Vix and Sharon Rose effect. I was channelling both when I turned my back on conspicuous consumption for better things and found the perfect top thanks to the Economy Gods.
The offending Speedo briefs so beloved by those who shouldn't wear them!
The £4.50 top
Petit garcon unable to resist a pose!
The imagined outfit completed! Yellow top £4.50 charity shop, Zara trousers 2 years ago, Topshop bangle 5 years old, Zara gold clutch 6 years old, Marc Jacobs heels 4 years old bought in Matches sale
Closer view of the MJ heels
Monday, 9 May 2011
The Economy Drive, signing up
The trouble with money is when you realise you haven't got the balance right. Having just finished work to complete a project I've suddenly become stony broke. My income stream is almost dried up and mu outgoing stream is more like a racing river. I need to get on top of things and was reminded by two invaluable posts Fashion's Most Wanted 'Time for an economy drive' and Vintage Vixen 'Dream On' Both posts are brilliant - a must read to remind us how to do it on the cheap and how it is okay to mess up but rein yourself in and get on top of things.
It is hard to find the balance on fiscal sense for oneself and having hopes and desires. It is the blending of reality (your income) and what you can do (how to achieve goals). I felt spurred on by Christina and Vix - I spend too easily and I don't go the extra mile at times to do something on an affordable scale. I will buy new rather than hunt around. Sometimes this is fine but often by deciding to set a limit on what you can spend, it makes you more creative and look around for alternative ways.
In some respects I'm really good. I grow things, make bread, do monthly meal planners and have a household budget but equally I fritter things away. I will suddenly invite all and sundry around and go mad on food and drink so everyone has a great time. I still want to do this but need to think about not blowing the budget and make everything go further. I don't need to get olives and nibbles etc. Just a meal, pudding and a fun drink - I'm favouring the Venitian Spritz (recipe below post) - all homemade.
Vix made me think about how to focus. I really want to go skiing this year for Christmas so I'm going to have that as a goal. It is the same price as skiing in the February half term and neither Mr MDS or I have been skiing since the arrival of the petit garcon. We would like him to learn to and although this is indulgent I do think it is important to have a goal. We've got all the gear so all I need to get is a ski suit for the petit garcon - even he has got thermals due to all the cold weather we had last year. I even got him salopettes from TK Maxx two years ago but they are too small now.
I also want to clear the last bit of my student loan - only 10 months to go and get rid of my overdraft. Because I'm in the midst of writing it really doesn't matter if I don't go out. My mind is elsewhere and I've partied for Britain over the years, home and away. My best cure for jet lag is to go out to a club, dance a bit and then go to sleep. Of course that's not on the cards these days. My next step is to cut out all wastage, no processed foods, no more wine, no coffees and no ebay, amazon or anything.
To assist my endeavours, I will make a mood board. One that reminds me why I'm not spending money. After all I've been styling for years and creating outfits out of anything. I spent a few hours in front of the mirror trying on different combinations to remind me I don't need any more clothes! It did remind me that I do need to lose my spare tyre or two and that is a great motivator as clothes always look better when not so snug.
The most important thing is the roof over our heads, food on the table and the rest is just a bonus.
It is hard to find the balance on fiscal sense for oneself and having hopes and desires. It is the blending of reality (your income) and what you can do (how to achieve goals). I felt spurred on by Christina and Vix - I spend too easily and I don't go the extra mile at times to do something on an affordable scale. I will buy new rather than hunt around. Sometimes this is fine but often by deciding to set a limit on what you can spend, it makes you more creative and look around for alternative ways.
In some respects I'm really good. I grow things, make bread, do monthly meal planners and have a household budget but equally I fritter things away. I will suddenly invite all and sundry around and go mad on food and drink so everyone has a great time. I still want to do this but need to think about not blowing the budget and make everything go further. I don't need to get olives and nibbles etc. Just a meal, pudding and a fun drink - I'm favouring the Venitian Spritz (recipe below post) - all homemade.
Vix made me think about how to focus. I really want to go skiing this year for Christmas so I'm going to have that as a goal. It is the same price as skiing in the February half term and neither Mr MDS or I have been skiing since the arrival of the petit garcon. We would like him to learn to and although this is indulgent I do think it is important to have a goal. We've got all the gear so all I need to get is a ski suit for the petit garcon - even he has got thermals due to all the cold weather we had last year. I even got him salopettes from TK Maxx two years ago but they are too small now.
I also want to clear the last bit of my student loan - only 10 months to go and get rid of my overdraft. Because I'm in the midst of writing it really doesn't matter if I don't go out. My mind is elsewhere and I've partied for Britain over the years, home and away. My best cure for jet lag is to go out to a club, dance a bit and then go to sleep. Of course that's not on the cards these days. My next step is to cut out all wastage, no processed foods, no more wine, no coffees and no ebay, amazon or anything.
To assist my endeavours, I will make a mood board. One that reminds me why I'm not spending money. After all I've been styling for years and creating outfits out of anything. I spent a few hours in front of the mirror trying on different combinations to remind me I don't need any more clothes! It did remind me that I do need to lose my spare tyre or two and that is a great motivator as clothes always look better when not so snug.
The most important thing is the roof over our heads, food on the table and the rest is just a bonus.
Venetian Spritz Recipe
Spritz is a popular apertif in Venice. It is reasonably priced and always served with a complimentary bowl of potato chips, making it the perfect beverage for tourists wanting to appear inconspicuous and save money at the same time. Italian bartenders will usually offer a choice between a Spritz made with Campari or Aperol, another bitter aperitif.
Ingredients:
- 2 oz Prosecco*, Italian sparkling wine from Treviso
- 1 oz Campari
- Splash of Soda water or more if you want to have 2 glasses!
- Green olive and lemon peel twist (optional)
Directions:
- In the glass add ice, Prosecco, Campari and soda water.
- Garnish with a green olive and lemon peel twist impaled on a short wooden skewer.
- Best enjoyed while sitting alongside a canal in Venice
*White wine can be substituted for Prosecco.
Saturday, 7 May 2011
High Street Pick of the Week - The 2011 Style File
The Seventies were awash with fabulous shirts. Shirts that referenced the 40s worn with tank tops and flared jeans or a-line or maxi skirts. Pattern and flowing sleeves created a strong feminine feel as well as heated rolled hair!
This little number from Warehouse ticks the boxes on all fronts. Just add flares.
This little number from Warehouse ticks the boxes on all fronts. Just add flares.
Friday, 6 May 2011
Good old Monty Don
I was asked for an interview the other day about what inspires me and at the time I gave some generic blah comment when I should have said MontyDon's Italian Gardens on BBC 2. This programme is a feast of visual pleasure.
In fact I'm nipping out shortly to buy a lemon tree because I love them so much. I've always loved lemons, I would suck them as a child and still do. Mainly I love the shape, colour and the fact they represent the Mediterranean countries. Monty Don has reminded me why I love Italy so much. I always struggle to pick my favourite from France, Greece, Italy, Spain, Morocco or Tunisia. I've never been to Turkey and whilst I love the Dalmatian coast and the beautiful town of Dubrovnik, the afore mentioned 6 get me every time with their food, lemons or bourgainvillea. It is the vivid display of strong colours like yellow and pink, against a backdrop of buildings, blue sky and arid heat. If I close my eyes I can smell it all too. I once stepped off a plane at Athens airport at 4am in the morning and breathed in the smell of hot tarmac!
Luckily for viewers Monty sticks to the point in his programme (unlike me in my posts) and take the viewer through a historical journey of Italian Gardens revealing power, corruption, wealth, love affairs and creativity as well as fitting in an ice cream shop! It is inspiring stuff and makes me want to wear a Stella McCartney citrus print pencil skirt as well as put Italy at number 1 on my list.
In fact I'm nipping out shortly to buy a lemon tree because I love them so much. I've always loved lemons, I would suck them as a child and still do. Mainly I love the shape, colour and the fact they represent the Mediterranean countries. Monty Don has reminded me why I love Italy so much. I always struggle to pick my favourite from France, Greece, Italy, Spain, Morocco or Tunisia. I've never been to Turkey and whilst I love the Dalmatian coast and the beautiful town of Dubrovnik, the afore mentioned 6 get me every time with their food, lemons or bourgainvillea. It is the vivid display of strong colours like yellow and pink, against a backdrop of buildings, blue sky and arid heat. If I close my eyes I can smell it all too. I once stepped off a plane at Athens airport at 4am in the morning and breathed in the smell of hot tarmac!
Luckily for viewers Monty sticks to the point in his programme (unlike me in my posts) and take the viewer through a historical journey of Italian Gardens revealing power, corruption, wealth, love affairs and creativity as well as fitting in an ice cream shop! It is inspiring stuff and makes me want to wear a Stella McCartney citrus print pencil skirt as well as put Italy at number 1 on my list.
Wednesday, 4 May 2011
Since when did Sandals get well sandally again
It is a shocker but one that I have to say, I have very fond memories of - Clarks sandals. Not any old Clarks sandals but thee Clarks sandals. As per mentioned on page 106 of June's British Vogue in the 'More Dash than Cash' section.
I loved my summer sandals and lets face it my mother didn't veer off script for years, it was the same pair but maybe a different colour every summer. When I got fitted for my sandals I knew summer was on its way and I would be able to run wild and stay up later and get tan marks on my feet. I had red, blue, tan and white ones over the years and it was only in my second year of secondary school that I put my foot down and refused to wear any more Clarks shoes or sandals.
Yet up until that point of teenage angst and peer pressure I'd been happy to wear any old shoe as I cared more for larking about and having fun. I saw a pair of what I consider retro sandals in Aldo a couple of weeks ago and was reminded of wearing such a style and have been thinking about buying a pair. So when Vogue featured old school sandals I was hooked. I know I want tan, I'm not sure I'll go Clarks, but then again I do love the buckles and the memories. My mother will have to sit down if she finds me rocking up in a pair!
Did you have these style sandals as a child? What sort of summer memories stick out in your mind?
I loved my summer sandals and lets face it my mother didn't veer off script for years, it was the same pair but maybe a different colour every summer. When I got fitted for my sandals I knew summer was on its way and I would be able to run wild and stay up later and get tan marks on my feet. I had red, blue, tan and white ones over the years and it was only in my second year of secondary school that I put my foot down and refused to wear any more Clarks shoes or sandals.
Yet up until that point of teenage angst and peer pressure I'd been happy to wear any old shoe as I cared more for larking about and having fun. I saw a pair of what I consider retro sandals in Aldo a couple of weeks ago and was reminded of wearing such a style and have been thinking about buying a pair. So when Vogue featured old school sandals I was hooked. I know I want tan, I'm not sure I'll go Clarks, but then again I do love the buckles and the memories. My mother will have to sit down if she finds me rocking up in a pair!
Did you have these style sandals as a child? What sort of summer memories stick out in your mind?
Monday, 2 May 2011
More Analysis Needed
There is something about a wedding, especially a wedding like the one on Friday, (I'm sure it needs no formal mention!) which makes it a cracking good talking point. The dress and outfits analysis, the behaviour of the guests and the emotion of it all.
Of course not being privy to the Abbey, Buck Palace or any of the parties then I've been mainly chatting in general about it all as witnessed on the Mall and off the telly - especially the outfits.
Without doubt Catherine's dress was perfection itself. It was a triumph of mood and design. There is no escaping the referencing to Helen Rose the MGM costume designer who made Grace Kelly's dress for her marriage to Prince Rainier of Monaco. But it is of course a fresh, modern perspective and to draw inspiration from the similarity of marrying into royalty is no bad thing. It is entirely useful to reference an idea to create something new.
When it comes to the guests then the top 3 after the bride and groom plus best man and maid of honour plus the little bridesmaids and pageboys - then Mrs Middleton, the Duchess of Cornwall and the Queen all scored a big yes. There were a few other outfits that get a nod for decency according to occasion and quite a few that were askew. Stupid things like wrong shoes, hat with dress Princess Eugenie, Beatrice and fashion princess Victoria Beckham. One could argue that Princess Eugenie's dress was pretty awful, but the pictures don't always tell the truth. In the flesh the material and colour of Vivienne Westwood dress was gorgeous. True the hat and shoes were no no's, ditto hat for Beatrice and then sorry VB but those shoes were the wrong choice for the event.
But what is a wedding without the frock f*%^ ups. And then there is always the star aside from the bride. Catherine can rest assured it was her day, she shone but her younger sister Pippa did emerge as a the only other interesting female. Without a doubt Pippa stole the badge of style icon. In fairness Pippa's dress was a wonderful call from both Catherine and Sarah Burton. Catherine would have bound to have decided and agreed the design from the McQueen collection. I do say this with a slight hidden agenda as my wedding dresses as designed by me was very similar - I had a cowl neck. Although due to post baby weight (petit garcon was 10 months old when we ...you know!) I was no where near as svelte as Pippa.
moi & petit garcon on my wedding day
It isn't just the dress she wore for the wedding, but her evening gown by Alice Temperley and then her post wedding event leaving hotel outfit of Zara jacket with white jeans, flats (although I'm not a fan of Tory Burch shoes) and an exceedingly useful bag. I think she does it all with ease and an effortless British style which is part Sloane/trendy Urban and European. Pippa could be that well groomed girl in Paris, Milan or Madrid who makes you envious of her ease.
Pippa's style is a great antidote to the ubiquitous Moss/Chang/Palermo touting fashion pics. Again I'm not entirely convinced that this is style setting. After all it is safe, but it is a stylish option for those who don't want the muso, trendy baggage of London fashion. It is a wise style choice to take a lead from someone less caught up in trend and more concerned with elegance and poise. It saves us all from being totally dominated by Parisian chic as well!
Of course not being privy to the Abbey, Buck Palace or any of the parties then I've been mainly chatting in general about it all as witnessed on the Mall and off the telly - especially the outfits.
Without doubt Catherine's dress was perfection itself. It was a triumph of mood and design. There is no escaping the referencing to Helen Rose the MGM costume designer who made Grace Kelly's dress for her marriage to Prince Rainier of Monaco. But it is of course a fresh, modern perspective and to draw inspiration from the similarity of marrying into royalty is no bad thing. It is entirely useful to reference an idea to create something new.
When it comes to the guests then the top 3 after the bride and groom plus best man and maid of honour plus the little bridesmaids and pageboys - then Mrs Middleton, the Duchess of Cornwall and the Queen all scored a big yes. There were a few other outfits that get a nod for decency according to occasion and quite a few that were askew. Stupid things like wrong shoes, hat with dress Princess Eugenie, Beatrice and fashion princess Victoria Beckham. One could argue that Princess Eugenie's dress was pretty awful, but the pictures don't always tell the truth. In the flesh the material and colour of Vivienne Westwood dress was gorgeous. True the hat and shoes were no no's, ditto hat for Beatrice and then sorry VB but those shoes were the wrong choice for the event.
But what is a wedding without the frock f*%^ ups. And then there is always the star aside from the bride. Catherine can rest assured it was her day, she shone but her younger sister Pippa did emerge as a the only other interesting female. Without a doubt Pippa stole the badge of style icon. In fairness Pippa's dress was a wonderful call from both Catherine and Sarah Burton. Catherine would have bound to have decided and agreed the design from the McQueen collection. I do say this with a slight hidden agenda as my wedding dresses as designed by me was very similar - I had a cowl neck. Although due to post baby weight (petit garcon was 10 months old when we ...you know!) I was no where near as svelte as Pippa.
moi & petit garcon on my wedding day
Pippa's style is a great antidote to the ubiquitous Moss/Chang/Palermo touting fashion pics. Again I'm not entirely convinced that this is style setting. After all it is safe, but it is a stylish option for those who don't want the muso, trendy baggage of London fashion. It is a wise style choice to take a lead from someone less caught up in trend and more concerned with elegance and poise. It saves us all from being totally dominated by Parisian chic as well!
Friday, 29 April 2011
The Uninvited Guests
It was an early start and a tad cool in London town. Still in true middle class fashion I had packed a picnic and a flask of coffee for the momentous occasion. However petit garcon turned down brioche for jammy dodgers on the district line.
After breakfasting on the glamorous tube we alighted at St James Park and walked towards the Mall.
Proud flag carrier
The view of Buck Palace from St James Park
Quick morning chat with Chris Evans as you do. Lots of people wanted his attention. Last time I'd seen him was at TFI Friday, how times change I said, it used to be Oasis and now its a Royal Wedding. I suddenly felt v grown up (read as ageing!)
We got our pitch with some fun people
Flag waving practising at 8am!
The programme - and yes we all sang the hymns when they were in the Abbey - as well as cheer very loudly when they said I do!
Lots of crowns
And big hats
Listening to the radio whilst standing & waiting
A quick cuddle
Look at the state of my jeans, blanket & springform pumps
Catherine going past with her dad - the veil looked stunning in the car and it was offset wonderfully by her dad's grey hair - it was a lovely sight.
There was lots of marching and guard changing on the Mall whilst the ceremony took place. And I failed to get a photo of the carriage as the spectacle of the Guardsmens, the horses and the carriage plus William & Catherine was mesmerising.
I was amazed how incredible an occasion it was. I loved the chats I had and the fun with complete strangers from all over the world. And I got quite tearful thinking how sad it was that Diana wasn't there for her son's day. Catherine and her family were fabulous and the dress was perfection.
After breakfasting on the glamorous tube we alighted at St James Park and walked towards the Mall.
Proud flag carrier
The view of Buck Palace from St James Park
Quick morning chat with Chris Evans as you do. Lots of people wanted his attention. Last time I'd seen him was at TFI Friday, how times change I said, it used to be Oasis and now its a Royal Wedding. I suddenly felt v grown up (read as ageing!)
We got our pitch with some fun people
Flag waving practising at 8am!
Blanket down and breakfast part 2 - note the handy loo roll I grabbed as we left home.
The blanket got very grubby as did my white jeans and when we gave up sitting on it I hung it on the rails on the Mall and it was still there on our way home so I packed it up and am hoping it will scrub up well in the washing machine.
The blanket got very grubby as did my white jeans and when we gave up sitting on it I hung it on the rails on the Mall and it was still there on our way home so I packed it up and am hoping it will scrub up well in the washing machine.
The programme - and yes we all sang the hymns when they were in the Abbey - as well as cheer very loudly when they said I do!
Lots of crowns
And big hats
Listening to the radio whilst standing & waiting
A quick cuddle
Look at the state of my jeans, blanket & springform pumps
Catherine going past with her dad - the veil looked stunning in the car and it was offset wonderfully by her dad's grey hair - it was a lovely sight.
There was lots of marching and guard changing on the Mall whilst the ceremony took place. And I failed to get a photo of the carriage as the spectacle of the Guardsmens, the horses and the carriage plus William & Catherine was mesmerising.
I was amazed how incredible an occasion it was. I loved the chats I had and the fun with complete strangers from all over the world. And I got quite tearful thinking how sad it was that Diana wasn't there for her son's day. Catherine and her family were fabulous and the dress was perfection.
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