Queen Of The Hareem

Having arthritis and a total hip replacement under my belt I need to take a certain amount of exercise to stay mobile. Whilst I don't mind working up a sweat, the words "practical clothing" scare the living daylights out of me. 

Man, I don't do comfy clothing, even my (vintage) wellies have high heels. Although the folks at my Pilates and yoga classes couldn't care less about how I look there's still the problem of the mile-long walk to the centre to contend with.

Luckily I discovered hareem pants on a trip to India and have never looked back, stocking up on half a dozen pairs whenever we hit the street markets. Accommodating, comfortable but still with a modicum of style and a degree of funkiness - no branded trakkie bottoms for this girl.

Turquoise hareem pants (Colaba Causeway, Mumbai), TopShop Vest (Jumble sale), Vintage ankle boots and  suede waistcoat (both charity shop finds), Hat (River Island) customised with a tweed corsage (made by me) , Money belt (Car boot sale).

I found the CD money belt in the bottom of a box of bric-a-brac at a boot sale a couple of years ago. I'd always assumed it was a fake until an assistant in the Christian Dior outlet at Heathrow's Terminal 5 spotted it and told me that it was the real thing. Not bad for 50p.

Handmade bag (Made with jumble sale curtains.)

Congratulations, my lovely friend, Helga on passing your driving test. Lady, you well and truly rock!