On The Fringe

The flight's booked and we're off to Kerala in less than two weeks' time. As usual we haven't booked any accommodation or planned an itinerary, we'll leaf through the guide book on the plane, make a decision on the first night's accommodation once we land, moving on whenever the fancy takes us.

Hopefully we'll end up somewhere idyllic like the beach we found on our last visit.  

Whilst in town picking up some once-a-day sun protection (conveniently marked down to less than half-price in Asda) and the latest edition of the Rough Guide, I couldn't resist snapping up this 1970s fringed poncho from the charity shop sale rail. Around the touristy beaches of Kovalam and Varkala my usual attire's fine but for visiting the backwaters & cities and for travelling on local trains and buses bare arms are a no-no.

I also snaffled this fabulous, 1950s, hand painted, "Foreign" made, divided dish for £1.50. It's perfect for vegetarian nibbles on my New Year's Eve buffet table.

Fringed poncho (£1.75, Scope) worn with 1970s cotton maxi skirt (the divine Helga), aubergine vest (25p, car boot sale) and Tods' python boots (£7, car boot sale)

It's unlike me to buy something new for a trip. My holiday wardrobe is made up of the same old favourites known and loved for years, I have clothes that have been visiting India for over a decade. I once made the mistake of packing a brand new TopShop maxi dress snapped up in the sales and, unlike my trusty vintage dresses, the bloody thing disintegrated after less than three weeks of wear. I can't wait to get my summer suitcase down from the top of the wardrobe and pick out some outfits but that'll have to wait until our overnight party guests have departed on New Year's Day or they might be crushed to death by vintage frocks.

I haven't had a drink since Boxing day and it's time to get some practise in ready for New Year's Eve.

If I don't see you again in 2011...Happy New Year!