Cameos And Crimplene

When my darling Mum received this antique cameo brooch as a retirement present she was almost apoplectic with rage. My late mother was rock 'n' roll to the core, wore leather trousers and a leopard coat throughout her retirement, smoked like a chimney and spent every day in the pub with her cronies. Getting this as a gift was about as appropriate as buying Keith Richards a cardigan. She swore her old boss did it to spite her for refusing to follow the workplace dress code.

It's been in a box for seven years so I thought I'd give it an airing.

I needed to pay a couple of cheques into the bank today and couldn't resist a peek around the Wednesday flea market. 

This magnificent 1950's era wooden poodle was 50p. He's still got the original 7/6 price tag on his base.

This big and slouchy tan leather bag is by Autograph and cost £9.95, a bargain in my book. The money not only goes towards helping our local hospice charity but when I checked the Marks and Spencer website saw that it retails for £79.

Vintage crimplene dress (Car Boot Sale 20p), Patent heeled brogues (British Heart Foundation £1.95), Bespoke bag, Vintage scarf (The fabulous Ivy Black)

The worst gift I ever received was an enormous basket of peach-coloured dried flowers from some work colleagues which I accidentally left on the bus on the way back from the office party. How about you?