Big Coat Weather!

Hello! After starting November with unseasonably warm temperatures, the UK has been plunged into full-on Winter mode & its barely risen above freezing for the last few days.

 But, as the old saying goes, theres no such thing as bad weather, just unsuitable clothing and, with my collection of vintage Afghan coats, I can withstand the occasional Arctic blast with ease.

I'm often asked how I've managed to amass a collection of original Afghan coats without bankrupting myself and the answer is by buying out of season when nobody else is hunting for them. It also helps when you aren't interested in being on trend and you can buy months (and often, years) in advance without worrying if your clothes are still going to be in fashion when you get around to wearing them. Vintage never goes out of style! 

 I bought this 1970s embroidered velvet kaftan a couple of years ago, I love it but it does have a tendency to catch on my tights/leggings and twist itself around when I walk, which my friend Sheila calls Velvet Rage. The other day I found a 1980s BHS satin nightie in a charity shop, wore it underneath and the kaftan stayed put when I walked down to drop off my parcels... no velvet rage, no tantrums.....hallelujah! 

Look at those silver roots! Anyone would think I was nearly 60....

Not only was it bitterly cold but it was also peeing it down when I got up yesterday morning. Remembering Friday's wet hem misery, I wore my suede mini dress to walk down to the swimming pool. The change in the weather led to a flurry of sales of wool jumpers, skirts and dresses and by the end of the day I'd clocked up five miles after walking between the various parcel drop off points!

I loved reading the comments on my last post from women sticking their fingers up at the fashion nazis and rocking minis after 50....from the messages I've received you'll be happy to know that you've inspired others to follow suit, unleash their legs and sod the naysayers.

You can't see them very well but I'm wearing some clompy black lace-up boots which one of my chazza shopping mates talked me into buying a month ago. Being a complete and utter snob when it comes to cheap labels, I'd never normally entertain wearing something from New Look - I only entered the Walsall branch once, the girl on the shopfloor told me I was too cool to be in there and asked if she could try my rings on! Anyway, they are dead comfy and with the arthritis in my toe joints being hellish recently, I can walk pretty well in them. Not bad for £3.

On Tuesday I wore my newly acquired £235 Seraphina, London prairie blouse - which you'll recall cost me £2.99. I love it! If there weren't so many buttons I'd wear it down to the pool tomorrow so I could show Cassie, the manager of the shop I bought it from...she'll have to make do with a photo instead. 

Needless to say I wore a big coat over both Wednesday's suede mini and Tuesday's blouse and skirt when I left the house!

In other news my magnificent new with tags raincoat has arrived and I love it! Now it can piss down as much as it likes on swimming days, I'm ready for it. Rainkiss are based in Amsterdam and come highly recommended for both the quality & style of their products along with their ethics and sustainability. Mine was an amazing bargain...they ain't cheap! I've spent the last couple of days filling in my festival trading applications and I'm hoping that I won't be needing it next summer.

Have you been watching Malice? We're gripped. 

Described as The Talented Mr Ripley meets The White Lotus, it's partially set on Poros (another Greek Island to add to my wish list) and stars Jack Whitehall as the psychopathic nanny (known as a manny if you're a posh Londoner). Plot aside, the gorgeous Carise Van Houten, who happens to be Guy Pearce's ex, has a wardrobe to die for!

Jon's doing a great job with the decorating, all being well I should be able to share the results next week. It's possibly the most glamorous utility room I've ever seen. Maybe it'll inspire me to become a domestic goddess (or maybe not!) 

See you soon!