Fashion, vintage, jewellery and cupcakes

It's almost here but Merry Christmas Eve Eve anyway! x

2011-12-23T10:54:00.000-08:00

Seasons Greetings and all that jazz!

I finally feel Chrismassy - it won't last as i have an 8 hour train journey before I meet up with the relatives and pop lots of bubbles. Might have to sneak some Babycham in my bag as I shall be a grouch after about 2 hours.

The reason for my Christmas mood arriving just in the nick of time is reading some lovely blogs. Ahhhh like a breath of fresh festive air with bells and baubles on!

Anyway I've finished work for a few days hurrahhh so I'm celebrating... Bambi makes me smile.

I do have some decorations to sparkle whilst I blog. I'm also listening to the Puppini Sisters Christmas album an yes I bought the Buble too!!! We have some big band going onnnnnnnn h

This is Albert, my miniature tree with vintage chandelier crystal and little lights.

Dried hog weed (I think) with vintage baubles in silvers & golds and Albert in daylight!

We had an early family Christmas party - Puttin' on the Ritz at Mater & Pater's house. Not the best photo but this is my brother's (he's the ginge) mother in law who is a sweetie (she was really ill & just flown in bless her) my mama, papa, Charles's No.1 in a mischievous mood, me in vintage but looking a frump ha ha. Anyway it was a lovely eve, nice to black tie every so often & being a historically military family since forever. It was nice to see the mess dress. My brother spent much time in a peace core re-housing & helping to smooth the hatred of neighbours who had different beliefs or opinions. He as some lovely stories of the wonderful people he met, quite humbling. Whatever people think of the reasons behind conflicts & wars, there are some incredible people fighting for independence & safety of their families & countries. It's just a shame we can't all just get along.

Anway guess it's time I ate, the glass of rose I had before the babycham has made me tipsy & ramble on!!!

Wishing you all a very merry Christmas eve eve, Christmas actual eve and Christmas day. Hope you get to spend it with your loved ones, if only in your dreams as the song goes. My bf is off the coast of Africa but I'm sure I can dream up some mistletoe ha ha xxxxxxxxx

Top Hat & Tails

2011-11-06T06:51:00.000-08:00

Apologies for being AWOL for so long, juggling is clearly not my strong point!! Anyway this week was Mr Fabulous' Birthday so instead of prettily wrapped gifts I went for a flurry of evening events.

Last night was a trip to see Top Hat at Norwich Theatre Royal. We got all dressed up & forgot to take photos . Not quite the full top hat & tails but we felt rather pleased with our efforts. Going to the theatre always reminds me of being a little girl & Mummy taking me to the ballet. I would have my prettiest swishy skirt on & hold my posture as best I could in the hope that someone would notice that I too was a ballerina - if only once a week!! My niece is just the same & loves performing pirouettes for anyone who asks!!

Anyway a very kind gentleman with the most fabulous moustache did complement me on my outfit & said that I looked as though I should have been on the stage too (I don't like to think that he meant sweeping it!!).

So sadly it was the last night in Norwich but it really was worth going to see if you love classic music from the movies, 1930's fashions, wonderful sets & magical choreography. Anyway the tap dancing was superb and I think Fred & Ginger would have been pleased with Tom & Summer's dancing. Following in the footsteps of two utter legends must have been super scary.

Anyway I'm off to purchase the Fred Astaire & Ginger Rogers box set... I'm thinking evenings in with log fires, classic movies and possibly a cocktail or two.

Hope you all had a fabulous weekend xxxx

My Vintage Tea Party

2011-08-27T04:17:00.000-07:00

I've seen a few blogs about this wonderful book and two from very stylish ladies Fleur and Gemma who had the delight of attending the launch party. Their blogs cover this book in more detail too so you will see just how lovely it is.

Anyway I heard about this vintage tea party book & snapped one up straight away, immediately copied off an invitation template (from the book) added a date two days later (what was I thinking) and organised my very own vintage tea party.

The book covers all things from venues, decorations, vintage hair styling & make up to loads of inventive recipes. Lemon scones with lavender cream is something I'm keen to try out and the candy striped meringues may well be a feature at the next dinner party!! There are drinky poos ideas too & wild hibiscus champagne and Gunfire (Dark Rum & Breakfast Tea!!) sound incredible. .... temped yet??

Please excuse my poor & lack of photos but my friends arrived on time (a concept I struggle to achieve myself) and Mr F & I were still making sandwiches. Well you can't fault the freshness ha ha!!

The mini trifles and Pimms Jelly were my favourite makes - although using my old glass jelly molds didn't work. Basically they looked like they had jumped from the balcony and splatted on the plate!! What I really wanted was a selection of mismatched glasses for the jelly.

The open cream cheese & cucumber sandwiches idea in the book is fabulous & went down very well - mine were square due to time (lack of) but were popular all the same. Oh and I would always recommend cheese & pineapple on sticks - these went before I could blink!!

I also managed to have an empty plate on the table .... there were so many cakes thanks to Mummy Butterfly that the office has been stuffing their faces for Britain this week!!

Anyway everyone had fun & enjoyed the food & drinks - some even had tea!

The book is lovely and really inspiring, I think there may be a few spin off tea parties - I'll be glad to attend this time - as fun as it was, it's a lot of work.

Thankfully it's a nice relaxing bank holiday weekend for me -Pimms jelly for breakfast anyone??!! Have a wonderful weekend xxx

The Vintage Tea Party Book by Angel Adoree lovely £10.00 on Amazon.

Crafts, Cars, Chaps & Cakes

2011-08-19T07:21:00.000-07:00

Last Sunday Mr Fabulous was enjoying a chin wag and a good ole mug of tea with Mr Perfect. Let me tell you that Mr Fabulous (self titled) boyfriend of mine’s ego smashes through the roof when he’s dressed up like the dapper chap he likes to be & Mr Perfect is yours truly’s Pater. Named actually by my Mater, as he can do no wrong (at least that’s what he thinks!!).

Anyway back to a very splendid sunny afternoon in the Norfolk countryside. We all popped along to the Norwich Rugby Club for a charity afternoon tempted by the lure of vintage cars and the best of British… the Spitfire!! The chaps were silent at last, just grins like small boys as the Spitfire spiralled, pirouetted and dropped through the air.. finally disappearing through a perfectly shaped hole in the clouds.

The fellas chuntered on some more, so their lasses sodded off for a coffee.

Anyway this Sunday is the great Burnham Market Craft Fair – the 36^th year indeed. This is possibly Mummy Butterflies & my favorite events. Great weather, lovely people, lots of gorgeous things to try & buy all in a beautiful setting. Saturday 20^th August 10am to 5pm there’s lots for everyone to enjoy.

Last month Mr Fabulous had been a pillar of support for us luck girlies at the Vintage London Festival. Doffing his hat and offering sweet salutations to ladies a plenty. There is no end to the suffering will go to for me… (seriously, his ego was the size of an airship and polished to mirror finish). When he was repeatedly asked by pretty young ladies if they could have their photo taken with him!! Ooh Rather!!!

Anyway I’m rambling as usual. So for anyone feeling that they would like to meet the real Mr Fabulous and you happen to be around North Norfolk on Saturday then please pop along and say whatto ole chap, how the devil are you & toodle pip old stick and so on. Anyway Mr F will be doffing the straw boater this very weekend or if you prefer jewellery of the vintage & up-cycled persuasion then come & see Mummy B & I. We are all dressing for the occasion in different eras.

I'm not photogenic at the best of times... but Elvis on the dashboard is!! Coool and check out his Hula hula lady friend!

Hope you all have a fabulous fun filled weekend xxx

My latest love

2011-08-12T15:31:00.000-07:00

OMG I was just watching a bit of telly - unusual anyway but it wasn't even CSI!! I thought I would check out Beyonce (I do heart her after seeing her & the Destiny's Child gals in one of their last gigs many enos ago) anyhoooo she rocked the crowd I sat on my chubby butt supping wine & grinning like a proud mother!! ha ha. I cried wheh she did a cover of Prince's The Beautiful ones - ooooh that song always affected me & in my soppier days - yep I blubbed.

Sooo the point of the blog is the follow on was a gorgeous young gal called Janelle Monae - ok so you all already know her... what can I say, i'm soooo outta touch. She's amazing. Just as soon as I can remember my i-toons password I'll be downloading for Britain!! So for anyone as "totally clueless" as me.. well she does covers of Stevie Wonder, 60's 70's rock toons, kinda Alisha Keys meets Grace Jones & the whole 9 yards in between. It's all very Op Art, struttin' a cool look, & she's Skin - Skunk Anansie kinda beautiful - do things get any better????

Back to reality, with a bump!

2011-08-08T13:39:00.000-07:00

Where the obsession began - the Sindy Dressing table!!

Well Vintage London Festival was lots of fun but really hard work. To be honest I'm pooped and I spent most of the weekend cleaning & tidying my very messy house. Mr Fabulous has been laying on the floor in the living room - just because he can. He thinks that he hasn't seen the living room floor for months!! Well it was covered in jewellery, swing tickets....

Here are a few snaps of our little Boudoir stall - dressing table chic we like to think!! Lots of jewellery made with vintage beads, dressing table sets from Art Deco to the seventies, negligees & other bits & bobs.

Paperpoms lovely stall & even lovelier Mummy

I met lots & lots of lovely people including sweetie fellow blogger & vintage lover Charlotte (sorry the photos were too terrible to add!!) who was superbly turned out each day - quite put me to shame. I had the nicest neighbours at my little stall including Juliette Paperpoms who was brilliant fun & super duper helpful. Saturday evening Mr Fabulous popped some champagne & Mummy Butterfly organised a mini party for our favourite people - we had a scream!!

Other highlights were the Chap Olympiad which was hilarious.

Louise & Sophie were our amazing organisers - they were the nicest most helpful kind girlies we could have dreamed for. Thank you sooo much to them.

Check out this duuude, I totally dig his threads!

Anyway I hope you had a great time if you popped along - and if not I hope the weather was as good to you wherever you were xx

London Calling all Vintage Lovers

2011-07-30T00:31:00.001-07:00

Well just in case anyone missed me recently; I've been working far too hard on getting ready for Vintage London on Southbank - those who already checked out the website & gasped at the ticket prices (me included) fear not. The Vintage Village area is FREEEEEEE to get into. So if you happen to have a spare couple of hours, be nearish Londinium and loving the vintage the pop along. Loads & loads of fab stalls selling clothes, accessories, furniture...... everything vintage you can think of. There are great food stalls including a pop up tea room which does cream teas & Nicholas Creperie doing the best Breton crepes. Streamline Cocktail bar, Pimms O' Clock tent, the Chap Olympiad for fun.

Working hard eh - not actually a glass of wine in Mummy Butterflies hand though!

Anyway just a wee posting (More photos to follow) as I have to get vintaged up for today's splendor that is the Vintage Festival - and yes, our bit is totally free. Nearest tube is Waterloo.

Hope to see you there xxx Claire

Good Ole British Weather

2011-06-24T14:03:00.000-07:00

Well can you guess where I went yesterday?

A typical glance out of the window to torrential rain.... of course, it's Wimbledon!!!

Play was rained off twice meaning we didn't get to see the gorgeous Maria Sharapova, probably best for my ego, plus my friend Al would have been a gibbering wreck!!!

Photos from the Wimbledon Website

I'm not the most sporting person, but it was easy to get drawn into the matches.

We got to see the Tsonga V Dimitrov game which was great.

The serves were up to speeds of 130mph - seriously???? It was incredible.

Of course we did the usual... strawberries & cream, Pimms & Champagne, such is life!!

Today the lurgy has finally caught up with me & I'm in on a Friday night, heating & TV on (I'm at Glasto in spirit - darn the rain but the line up is good enough to make up for it) ... no no, don't feel sorry for me - I have my medicinal bottle of wine & garlic dough balls - garlic's healthy right??

Hope you're avoiding the drizzle xxxx

Le Weekend... Night and Day

2011-06-18T03:09:00.001-07:00

Well it's finally the weekend - hurrah!! The weather here is typically sunny first thing followed by rain rain and yes, more rain!! Last night thundered down and it was nice to be indoors with a cheeky G&T ha ha.

These beautiful candles are my purchase from the gorgeous Lisa last weekend at Teh Vintage Fair in Norwich. Their fragrance are fig & sultana - sounds ominous but they smell very diptyque . They are pressies but I would dearly like to keep them for me! Greedy I know.

Anyway to see more of her gorgeous heavenly scented candles visit Vintage Belle Candles and I think she has an Etsy shop too.

Anyway today is all about the vintage. I may have mentioned several hundred times that I'm going to be exhibiting at the Vintage Festival London - Southbank event woop woop. And I have so very much to do before this event.

I have more ideas than time - probably due to the fact that I have spend the last 2 hours having a lovely relaxing bath, swanning around in a vintage robe listening to Ella Fitzgerald & eating freshly baked croissants. Oh and then there's the reading of so many interesting blogs....

Anyway back to work plans. I found these cups & saucers - I'm not sure if they are supposed to be together, but I like the colours. These little fellas will probably end up with candles in them ... not sure what scent would suit.

And then there's the 60's & 70's fabrics I found in carboot sales & charity shops. I'm thinking cushion covers, maybe some make up bags. I'm trying desperately to keep to my Boudoir Chic theme for my stand. A celebration of dressing table chic from 1920 to 1970, dressing table sets, hand mirrors, trinket pots, handmade & up-cycled jewellery made with a mix of vintage & new buttons, beads bits & bobs.

I dropped into the conversation yesterday with Mr Fabulous that I was thinking of keeping the theme on my stand by having a vintage dressing table, chaise longue, cushions ..... and by wearing vintage negligees. Went down like a lead balloon ha ha. Oh well it's not for another month or so!!!

Right I really must start making things - wishing you all a creative & sunny (even if it's just indoors) weekend. Lots of love Claire & Ella!! xxx

Passing the baton!!

2011-06-14T05:37:00.001-07:00

Ok I need to pass on this lovely award that I won. Imagine if it was a shiny cup with a rosette - oooh I'd never let it go!!

Anyway after much deliberation & a week I'm going for Helen’s Old Bags!! It’s no insult – just some truly fabulous bags handmade from old leather sofas, coats, jackets, trousers…

She’s super clever & very creative, I have serious talent envy. Oh and she’s lovely too (and very cool). Is sit cheating that she’s a friend of mine? I just want as many people as possible to discover her amazing bags & blogging is much easier than me buying them for Birthday pressies!! I have a small collection of 6 so far, the clutch bags are to die for (I have 3)!!

Sooo my dear Helen, apparently the rules are that you now have to pass on the Award to someone new to blogging or with less than 100 followers, who has a blog you really enjoy. You also have to list seven facts about yourself. I imagine I shall learn lots xxx

The Vintage Fair, Norwich

2011-06-13T13:47:00.000-07:00

Well yesterday was Vintage Fair in St Andrew's Hall, Norwich. It's a rather grand building & I was rather slack on the photos, apologies. I have been to this place so many times I forgot that you lovely people may not have had the pleasure. Next time - I promise!!

Anyway I got to see some fabulous vintage loving friends & made some new ones too. This is my gorgeous neighbor. I was truly spoilt being next to the lovely Lisa. She makes scrummy candles in vintage cups, glasses, teapots.... of course I treated myself - well they are supposed to be presents. Hummm lets see! I shall have to post my purchases & a link to Lisa's gorgeous makes later i.e. when I'm more organised!!

This is a little look at my bits & bobs. An incredible turquoise dressing table set with our Bubble Gum range - 1960's beads. I think they look good enough to eat & one very cute little girl did have her eye on them - I had to tell her that they weren't real sweeties. I think they would be jaw breakers!! And of course there's the pretty pinky peach range. Some lovely 1950's beads here mixed with vintage faux pearls, crystals & anything else we find. I'm loving pressed glass dressing table sets. I collecting for Britain ha ha - well to be more specific, for the Vintage London at Southbank. (Having a small panic about not having enough stock already).
Errr this is cheesy meeee. Vintage look dress was a whole £8 in PradaPrimark sale some time ago. It's great as it's a chuck in the machine & stands up to setting up stalls etc.

Ahhhh this is the very glamorous Karen from Blue Skies Vintage Events. What a pose, I love it!!

As I had forgotten my packed lunch, I had to settle for a slice of heavenly Victoria sponge with fresh strawberries on top and a pot of lavender tea - in vintage crockery of course!! It was the first time that I didn't mind scoffing behind my stall - it was quite fitting.

Anyway it was a fun & friendly event & I didn't buy too much either. Hope you all had a great Sunday xxx

An unexpected drama

2011-06-10T02:19:00.000-07:00

Ok I admit that my memory isn't quite able to remember everything i throw at it. Thankfully my friends are there with prompting phone calls! I had completely forgotten that I was supposed to be seeing a play featuring two of my friends.

We made it there by a whisker an managed to pick another friend up on the way, although I shouldn't have worried about the audience numbers. This Am Dram group (I hate that phrase, always makes me think of naff actors with delusions of grandeur and missed vocation!!) has a great following & it became immediately apparent why. They were superb. The playwrite, Norman Robbins has produced a great farce style comedy and it was truly hilarious.

So a little about the play... it's called "Pull The Other One" and it's set in a small Lancashire town in the late 1960's. A parallel universe to the "Swinging 60's". There is the battle axe mother-in -law, the aptly named Boadicea Hepinstall (who has a London accent to match an East Enders cast) and poor Albert the son-in-law who can do no right by her and is just not good enough for her darling daughter.

Much hilarity unfolds as poor Albert gets himself into all sorts of tricky situations. Of course things aren't going to get any better when his old best friend Hilary Armitage turns up on the doorstep dressed up as a splendidly bad drag artist. (This is my dear friend Alastair ha ha) Hilary's high heeled swagger is one of those priceless moments that will stay with me forever. Al is clearly not a guy comfortable in heels!! The look is inspired by Dolly Parton meets a pot of glitter.

There's the local Reverend Elijah Nookey - as if the word nookey isn't funny enough for me - he did make me cackle!! The 9 year old twins & myself & my papa were the comedy laughers at the front & back of the hall - same age comedy mentality!

Oh and I can't forget the nosy neighbor Wilf Turner who has more witch references & put downs than an episode of The Vampire Diaries (my latest obsession!). The funniest man I've seen in a flat cap & cardigan!

Not one but two pretty girls cast too. Muriel (the devoted & confused wife) and Virginia (the artist). They manage to fluster Albert and cause more ridiculous situations. We have hiding in cupboards & under tables, a comedy race through the house...

If you happen to be in the Norwich area & you have a spare evening tonight or tomorrow (Friday 10th & Saturday 11th June). Trust me it's £5 very well spent.

The Bramrocks production of Pull The Other One is showing at The Margaret Mack Room, School Lane, Rockland St Mary at 19:30.

I don't have a contact number for bookings but you could email me claire @butterfliesandhurricanes.co.uk

Even my professional thespian friend enjoyed it immensely, he is the ultimate critique but there's no mistaking enjoyment & laughter.

Welcome to my award winning blog!!

2011-06-07T12:42:00.000-07:00

Lat week I won a raffle prize and not a crocheted loo roll cover either... this week ...

Well what can I say… “I’d like to thank my Mum for inspiring me to make crafty things, my Dad for encouraging me to listen to music & check out gigs, my bestest buddies for rocking up to some splendid events with me, my vintage friends for opening up a whole new world of parties & gorgeous styling and of course Mr Fabulous for being a great party companion. He he.

I feel extremely honored to have received my 1^st award, thank you thank you Carrad (check out a great blog) – must find out your real name. Thank you though sweetheart xxxx

So now I have to write 7 things about me – lets see if I can put you to sleep by No.4 ha ha! I’m

going for things I love the most…. Apart from blogging which is just too addictive.

1. Well possibly my greatest love of all (excluding humans) is music, it can completely change my outlook on a day. I have been lucky enough to go to gigs from Muse to Elton John, Public Enemy to Amy Winehouse. My love is eclectic with a guilty pleasures streak (Brian Adams I love youuuuuu). 80’s music was what I grew up with. I’m extremely proud to boast my 1^st single (7” vinyl) was David Bowie – Let’s Dance. Still have it, still love it. 1^st Album Adam Friend or Foe. Ooooh another huge crush – possibly my 1^st love. I had a huge poster (this is the actual one below) of him over my bed that I would kiss goodnight ha ha – I clearly read too many Jackie magazines & thought that’s what girls did!!

Anyway just found out he’s playing at Latitude – and I just happen to have a ticket. Heavenly – I’m sure he’s still hot!!

2. My bestest friend is Lovely Linda & she lives the other side of the country to me which is sad. We do chat & email when we can but after having lived together in London for 5 years in Camden & Muswell Hill it’s not quite the same. Virtual hugs will have to do. Think Skype is the answer!!

She's getting married to a fabulous man but I must confess to worrying that it's oly a matter of time before hubbie & then kiddie winks replace the boozey bessie mate!!

This is us - not at all flattering ut cheeeeeesetastic on a Guilty Pleasures Night at Coco Camden - totally awesome night!! (she's gonna kill me for this one he he)

3. I love going to car boot sales, they are my new charity shop for great low cost finds. I buy lots of vintage bits & bobs for my business. Sadly old beads, buttons & brooches are becoming harder to find though. My best charity shop find was a brand new Missoni

rainbow scarf ( naff photo below) for £3 – I squealed like a small child let loose in a sweet shop.

Oooh I love this Tretchikoff too that I got from a charity shop for £5 Kitschly colourful. Mr Fabulous hates it, makes it all the better ha ha.

4. I love to dance – to camp disco, pop, rock, garage, drum & bass whatever, I just make it up as I go along. Girls nights out are the best for this I find. At Playfest a brand new local music fest we packed the boys off home & we bounced around like nutters and pogoed for England non stop for an hour to the awesome Grooverider ooooooh I ached the next day ha ha – what an unfit old giffer I am!!

5. I’m a complete yoga lover, it’s helped me de-stress, relax, sleep, undo knots in my shoulder from too many years in front of a computer, improved my posture & introduced me to some fabulous friends who I love with all my heart. I get grouchy if I don’t get at least one class a week in. I have a strange (quite possibly sad) wish to do some sun salutations in front of the Angkor Wat temples as the sun rises. Oh dear, must stay off the herb teas!!!

6. My friends are my oxygen. (Yes you've guessed it, I don't have any children). I don’t see any of them nearly enough but maybe that makes each chat / meet up more precious. Sorry if you’re vomiting now. Yes I can be a sentimental old fart too.

This would have been Linda & I if we had met as children, I love this photo. I think I took it fromThe Bottom of the Ironing Basket a gorgeous inspiring happy blog.

7. I have a childish sense of humour, hence using the word fart. I giggle at things that no one else finds very funny but apparently I have an infectious laugh & they usually end up joining me. That’s the point when tears are running down our cheeks & it’s more ridiculous when they admit that they are laughing at absolutely nothing at all!!

oooh I went through a phase of bidding for carousel horses on Ebay - well I had always wanted one but seriously, who am I? - Peter Pan??!!!

Think of me as sleepy tea & read me just before bedtime - guaranteed to help you nod off ha ha

xxxx

Promise to pass the baton soon x

Pretty Woman's Cinderflippingella

2011-06-03T03:34:00.000-07:00

Well it's been a funny old week. I've been desperately trying to make jewellery for Big Blue Sky in North Norfolk but no no avail. Every evening has been filled with work meetings or long overdue meet ups with friends. Some of it's been fun but I'm having a wee panic about my overdue order. I should also be making right now but you know, blogging is kinda work.... ok this is where the problem arises. I should be a professional procrastinator!I shall take some piccies whn I've finished off the range. Going for a vintage castaway beach theme. How arty farty!!

Sooo I popped along to Gazes auction house last week when a friend told me there were vintage treat to be had. I bid remotely on lots & won something .... I think it will look nice with closely fitted jeans & heels. Hummm I guess we will see. It may not have been my best winning & I'm not sure how vintage it is either. What do you think??? It's a bit of a marmite top!!

Tonight the boyfriend (Mr Fabulous - his self title) is organising a dinner party. I say organising... he has the very fabulous Celia throwing a spectacular event at her house, she will be cooking too & he just organises the wine. Hummmm I must try this kind of gentle persuasion & delegation sometime soon. I'm sure that someone would love to offer to clean my windows ... anyway it's a black tie evening so I will try & get some shots of our friends all glammed up before we get to tiddled. I have forked out a fortune on my dress.

It's a Julia Robert's Pretty Woman inspired frock

& Minnie Mouse inspired shoes.

The Princely sum was £8 for the dress (purchased with a dry cleaning label still attached). The shoes in comparison were expensive at £4 however they have never been worn.

Yes good ole car boot sale thrifting. I'm not a patch on the fabulous Vix who is the best bargain hunter I've ever known (and has style to die for). But I'm please with my 90's outfit, it's a little cheesy but I luuurve cheesetastic things. And I do secretly love this film . Might have to watch it again for inspitration ha ha. Hope you're all having a lovely Friday xxx

A Marvelous Cocktail Party

2011-05-27T08:19:00.000-07:00

In between working, sleeping, working some more I managed to squeeze in a few nice things and last night was indeed one of those.

(Cigarette girlies, they were so lovely & a great idea. I loved my chocolate cigarettes, childhood memories)

Yep on a school night Mr Fabulous (his self title - I'm yet to agree) and I got glammed up twenties stylee. It was a Marvelous Cocktail Party organised by a fellow very gorgeous & glamorous blogger Retro Chick.

This is Mr Fabulous with his strong man moustache!! He was rather pleased with himself generally but was made up that he was one of very few men there and surrounded by gorgeously glam ladies.

However there were these rather dapper young gents there. That's an odd lampshade coming out of his head ha ha. Excuse the photos, I had zero snapping skills last night - maybe it was down to the bottle of champagne we had whilst we got ready!! I was celebrating though -

I've been offered a place at the Vintage London at Southbank organised by Wayne Hemmingway. It's going to be huge and incredible, I can't wait and I'm bouncing like Tigger - well I was yesterday (hangover just fading now ouch). Anyway it's on 29 - 31st July in case you fancy shopping for all things vintage, dancing, burlesque, fashion shows, old movies and much more. It will be like a trip back in time to eras from the twenties to the eighties. Ooh I did go on a bit there, sorry was chatting cocktail parties wasn't I?!!

The super duper prizes on offer.

Back to last night... there was a Chinese raffle - If I'm honest I don't know why it was Chinese, however! It was were you put raffle tickets into cocktail shakers with co odinating numbers to the prizes that you wanted to win. Mr Fabulous wanted a rather splendid book on King George V, George VI and Edward - some superb photos of them dressed to kill in sartorial delights as Saville Row suits and of course the odd uniform. Anyway we didn't get to take that lovely treasure home despite 90% of our tickets being in the pot boooooh.

I had my eye on lot 4 a slinky picture of latin lovely Miss September from a calendar from 1948.

and guess what... I only blooming won it!! Just got to get in framed & up on the wall in my studio. Super chuffed, I haven't won in a raffle since I bagged a bottle of Martini when I was 14. My mum soon whipped it off me!!

Anyway I've go to go & pack as I'm off to a local music festival wooo hooo. And I wonder why I'm overdrawn ouch!

Hope you all have an aaaaaamazing weekend & fingers crossed for dry weather xxxx

Have I bored you enough yet?!!

2011-04-30T03:25:00.000-07:00

My last minute garden party ended up in the house! booooh. Bit too windy and not that warm sadly especially since I put out lots of homemade bunting and I'd spent hours tidying up the garden ready for summer BBQ's.

Anyway it was fun. We all dressed in red white & blue and drank champagne & Pimms (not together, that sounds too dangerous!).

We had cupcakes, sausages & cheese on sticks. I never got around to making scones or the Victoria sponge. And for the second weekend running all 50 cocktail sausage rolls were polished off!!

In between the boozey bits we drank countless cups of tea in true British tea party tradition! Yep it was the posh stuff!! Darjeeling, champagne truffle, Earl Grey... all in my v best vintage china ha ha.

The down side is that I shall be eating cupcakes and trifle all weekend!! - anyone fancy a food package?? xx

Yet more about the Royal Wedding!!

2011-04-30T00:36:00.000-07:00

Well I'm not the biggest fan of weddings and I thought I would be making rounds of sandwiches & a proper Victoria sponge during the event.... however I watched pretty much all of it! Well as much as you can when your 3 year old niece is demanding attention and apple juice in Babycham champagne glasses - well gotta teach her young eh?!!!

Yes I confess to being very excited that Kate was wearing Alexander McQueen and it was rather Grace Kellyesque with elements of the Queen Mum's veil etc. As much as it would have been amazing to see a more flamboyant Sarah Burton creation, I suppose it just wouldn't have been right to go too far from tradition really. I mean some people have album upon album of wedding photo and possibly cringe at the 80's perm that was soooo fashionable at the time or bad choice of meringue and oversized bow on the bridesmaids dresses. But to think that this dress will be on plates, mugs, biscuit tins - hello?? And all sorts of other tat oh I mean memorabilia for decades.

Anyway all in all it was an enjoyable event to watch (and a good excuse to pop some champagne before lunchtime) & they are clearly very much in love.

And I've never wanted to be a bridesmaid before but seriously (Linda - if you're reading this) I'll be your Maid of Honor if I get to wear (and keep) an Alexander McQueen. I loved Pippa's dress and I would even take on that naff title - seriously Maid of Honor - who thought that one up. Makes you think of Old Maid & what's the honor - ok unless you get a fab dress, you have a potentially fussy bride to deal with, ears bleeding with wedding chit chat for months and endless hen events to organise in your spare time. (I've been reliably informed by a friend who had to deal with (I hate this term) Bridezilla!! That said - Linda I don't mind doing that for you m'darlin' he he bestest buddy of mine!!! You would be nothing but sweetness & light :) - enough creeping??!

Oooh wouldn't mind borrowing Prince Charles Aston Martin DB6 Volante either, not had a spin in one of those - yet!! ha ha

Anyway I hope you all had a lovely Friday whether you watched it or not. x

The Big Wedding and a day off

2011-04-28T23:50:00.000-07:00

Well it's finally here and thankfully they are more organised than me. I invited a few people last night & shopped at 9pm in a busy supermarche - not the only disorganized party thrower then.

The sun is out in my little town and I'm going to get the bunting out, vintage china plates cups & saucers.... homemade cakes are on the way. (Last night's sponge was a disaster, clearly I've lost my skills!! But it's now turning into a trifle!!).

Anyway Royal fans or not, it's nice that so many people are getting together with some good old British spirit mmmm G&T for me please!

I was trying to find a photo of myself & my Brother at a street party when Charles & Diana got married. My mummy dressed us as the pair on their wedding day - hilarious. My brother, fittingly called Charles was about 3 and had to stand on a stool to be my height. This had a lable on it with "The Royal Box" on it and gold tassels on the corners!! My dress was a replica made out of curtain material. We won First Prize hurrahhh and had to walk through our village & into the next one. We made the papers too. Oh I wish I could find the photos. Anyway about 20 odd years later my friends & I went to Edinburgh Fringe Festival & bizzary bumped into some people from our old village. They remembered our parents - the parties and Charles (my flame haired brother) and I dressed as Charles & Diana. ha ha My mum was so proud!!!

Anyway I hope you all have a wonderful day, wherever you are, whatever you're doing.

I'm off to tidy the house, buy more eggs & butter, drink more rocket fuel coffee argghhh

then I have to decide what red white & blue I should wear!!!

I hope it's sunny for the lovely couple & all those crazy people lining the streets of London and all the street parties everywhere. None so small, last minute or disorganised as mine!!

xxxx

Art Deco Decadence

2011-04-19T11:03:00.000-07:00

Well yet again I have been a bad blogger!It's been so busy recently and the blog has paled in priority - terrible news.

Anyway I have been doing some nice things too. All work and no play would make Claire a very dull girl indeed!!

Last week we had a fabulous Art Deco party at the boyfriends posh pad. He has the grown up place with antiquities and I have the eclectic vintage meets modern pad.

Lovely Linda & Hooray Henry

My Mummy glamming it up

Tina arrives dressed as an unflappable flapper!

Tina show gal & my Papa

Amazingly nearly everyone turned up in fancy dress & got on like a house on fire. It was a hilarious night and I drank far too many cocktails. Maybe that was why so many of my photos were terrible, I of course blamed my camera for the blur he he.

We made up names for the cocktails like Broadway Boogie, Roaring 20's, Champagne Charlie and Prohibition Punch. However I think it was the Cheeky Charleston - homemade lemon sherbet vodka shots that tipped my photography skills (not that I really possessed any before!!). ha ha

Ravishing Ruthie & Dashing Dave!!

Thankfully my bestest friend Linda saved the day & it's her collage of crazy snaps. It makes me chuckle every time I look at it. And yes, Sean the Sheep did attend!! Marcus doesn't like to go for the obvious - however as he pointed out, they did have sheep in the twenties!!

We have two very talented friends who can dance exceedingly well... and they did a demo of the Charleston and then taught all of us some steps. Well they had a good bash at teaching us anyway. The booze didn't appear to make us any more coordinated!

I love dressing up if you hadn't guessed by now. I have an old pirate style chest that was my Gran's - it's my fancy dress box and boy are there some memories in there!!

Yes I did have a hangover the next day too - serves me right!!

Brighton Rocks

2011-03-27T14:23:00.000-07:00

This weekend I popped to Brighton for a couple of days. I hadn't been for years but it's such a great place I knew I would get inspired. I was going to see my lovely friend Ally who was having a jewellery party (like I need any more!) Lovett & Co , vintage inspired jewellery and very nice it is too. What's so lovely is that there are collections from several different eras and plenty of gorgeous Mad Men styled jewels. oooh and there's loads of sparkle too, great for magpies like me.

I took the boyfriend to Brighton for company, plus it's nicer to share experiences and I get bored of my company after a while!! We stayed at a fab boutique hotel close to the sea Hotel Pelirocco. We had the Olivia room which was boudoir style & right up my street. The staff were super lovely & the cocktails are very good indeed.

The room was decorated with cute frilly knickers on bottom mannequins on the walls, old fashioned irons & a Singer sewing machine as accessories.

Above are the vintage light fittings made by Emerald Faerie which were embellished with antique crystals from chandeliers and old buckles & brooch bits & bobs. I thought they were great.

We went to so many fabulous and unique shops, ate far too much good food and so much booze I think I might have to detox this week. We had yummy fish & chips with a glass of champagne - it seemed a funny combination, so why not!

We had breakfast in bed with bloody Mary's too. It was great fun and nice to have time off from work and de-stress.

Another great place was a tea rooms called Metro Deco. We didn't make it for afternoon tea sadly but we did still manage to soak up the Art Deco atmosphere whilst having some breakfast. Anyway we were blessed with sunshine so it made the trip even better.

It was a lovely lazy time and done on a budget too.

I hope you all had a sunshine filled weekend too with some relaxation. xx

In the Mood

2011-03-20T10:59:00.000-07:00

Well last night was the 1940's evening and incredibly it was in walking (ok staggering) distance of my parent's house. This and the fact my friend Max was available 2 hours earlier than planned led to a couple of cheeky Martini Rosatos with pomegranate juice, and a bottle of fizz before we left the house. However that, some upbeat wartime music, heated rollers & enough war paint to sink an enemy battle ship really got us into the mood.

We mucked about so much with hair, fascinators & taking silly snaps that we were only just on time in the end!! The first piccy is my Ma & Pa with the rather photogenic Max.

And here she is again with Foxy Loxy. Now Foxy didn't come out to play as we didn't want to offend or upset anyone. We don't agree with animals being killed for fur but Foxy was he Grandma's and we don't agree with landfill either. It's a quandary really when there are such beautiful furs around but my conscience is much happier with my equally gorgeous faux furs.
Blimey that was a bit heavy for a Sunday with a headache - ok it's a mild hangover. Yes I just watched Midsummer Murders in it's entirety whilst covered with a blanket and propped up by scatter cushions!! Please don't tell anyone!
This is she & me on a break from the dance floor. I decided that if I didn't know how to do the proper dance steps, then I should just make up my own. It was much funnier anyway!

The event was brilliant, all decked out with wartime posters & bunting. There were signs for air raid shelters & a NAFFI shop selling spam rolls!!

The Jonathan Wyatt band were incredible as always. We just couldn't sit still.

Yes father's RAF hat did the rounds. ....Much to their husbands' delights!

I think Tina won the best pin up photo.

Hope you all had a splendid weekend too - minus the headache :-P

xxx

Shall we dance? – in my case badly!

2011-03-18T13:53:00.000-07:00

I’m off to a nice vintage event tomorrow night. Another Big Band evening but this time with dancing, that should be entertainment in itself!!

Three of us have been to an introduction Ceroc class and err that’s about it. All made better by another friend joining us who’s an ex ballerina and so good at Ceroc, Salsa (and everything else to be honest!!) that the room stops to watch (groans with envy).

We were laughing (mostly at our ourselves) about Ceroc classes last night, many more women than men at the one we went to. Trust me, most of the guys weren’t complaining. I have heard that this is a good place to meet potential suitors – opportunity for too many smutty one liners that I really shouldn’t mention!! Anyway I lost track of the times I was severely reprimanded for not letting the man lead. I put this down to the fact that a modern gal has to hold her own so to speak in business and life generally. I found it really hard especially when the guys freestyle & you’re supposed to “just know” what moves they are planning - well I just couldn’t manage to hold my crystal ball at the same time! I guess it gets easier with time???? I hope! Ha.

One gentleman told me “just let the man tell you what to do” I had to hold my tongue rather than inform him that was just one of the reasons that I wasn't married!! he he

I digress! It’s the Jonathan Wyatt band again and I’m dragging more friends along each time they’re so good. The night promises more Glenn Miller, a Frank Sinatra singer and plenty more war time music. Since it’s a 1940’s evening we are of course dressing up – any excuse to be honest! Hopefully my photography skills will be good enough to post our outfits and the hilarity had by all. I think my 3 year old niece Abigail will steal the show and the dance floor – definitely a diva in the making he he.

Wishing you a very splendid weekend xx

A nice new Shop in Aylsham

2011-03-17T13:59:00.000-07:00

Last Saturday my friend Julie opened a gorgeous new shop in Aylsham (on Red Lion Street), Norfolk. Filled with locally sourced goodies mostly handmade things. Great for unusual gifts, gorgeous handmade jewellery (I’m taking about her jewels, I’m much too modest to sing Butterflies & Hurricanes praises) but we so have some nice things displayed there too. She also has bags and dresses made with vintage fabrics to painted T-shirts and baseball boots. Vintage inspired and made products make up lots of the loveliness from teacup candles & cupcakes to up-cycled chairs covered in a resplendent mix of fabrics.

Other reasons to visit Aylsham. Well you really need more that one reason to visit somewhere what with the price of fuel and the carbon footprint to consider.

There is a lovely tearoom called the Tea Rooms or something suitably similar! Good for morning coffee and a cheese scone or homemade cakes yum. A nice clothing boutique called Blossom & Green and a wonderful toy shop with really different toys, gifts and learning games.

It’s worth a browse in the charity shops too, nice for little vintage finds. I purchased a working Singer sewing machine for £12.00 in one and a Day Birger et Mikkelsen black silk dress (brand new) for £15.00.

After a little light shopping and lunch, there’s always Blickling Hall just down the road which has lovely gardens to walk around, tea rooms and the house is pretty impressive too.

Also Holt is just a few miles away with plenty more cute boutiques if the shopping bug has bitten. And that’s where I ended up and bought the ball dress & evening coat from my previous blog – like I needed either. Oops he he xxx

Vintage Viewings

2011-03-13T10:14:00.000-07:00

If I'm honest, I'm not really a fan of Sundays. Too close to Monday & being back at work. Plus unless it's sunny and spent with friends then it's often chores day. Today is that such day.

Bored of shuffling paperwork & not really achieving very much I decided to see what's on TV. Ahhhh Agatha Christie's Marple, nice bit of easy viewing usually with at least one pice of eye candy, a beautiful and stylish woman with clothes to die for, vintage sports cars and beautiful properties. That and a 1/2 bottle of vino should keep the boredom at bay for a wee bit.

Onto better things, yesterday afternoon I wandered over to Holt and popped into a fabulous little vintage / antique clothing shop called Past Caring. The sad news is that it's closing for the summer, the lovely ladies are after a break & why not. The good news is that there were bargains to be had. I'm a sucker for ball dresses, I already have a 1950's one in eau de nil that wants altering.. sorry Mum but I bought another - this is mesh net again but in pale blue. I think it needs a little something on the bust & the over the shoulder train needs playing with.... oh and I need a Summer ball or two to go to. All minor details.

I also decided on a late 1950,s / early 60's black Satin evening coat. I thought it might go with a beautiful dress that I got from the lovely Emmie which is about the same period I think. I wore this to the Goodwood Revival last year & wasn't quite as warm as I pretended I was! I did manage to pop on a champagne cloak later though ha ha - much classier than a beer coat!!

Anyway I hope you all had a fabulous weekend and treated yourself to something nice xx

Walking on Sunshine!

2011-03-04T03:48:00.000-08:00

yipppeeee it's sunny!!

I love the sun, it makes me smile.

I've also treated myself to some nice things this morning - bribing myself is what it's come to!! I have a friend opening a shop in Aylsham next Saturday & I have things to make, finish, price tags to add.... not that it's not nice chores, although I get get the vacuum out earlier (shudder). That's up there with ironing.

Sooo my treats so far were freshly ground coffee, two mugs which will make me bounce like tigger! And poached eggs on toasted muffins with watercress. Never added that before but it was lovely, I guess it's not a million miles from spinach & that's so yummy with eggs & hollandaise sauce.

Anyway I just wanted to say that I hope it's sunny wherever you are - even if it's just sunny in your heart. Have a wonderful Friday (I love Fridays too).

Gosh I'm lovely dovey today - blame the sun for getting the serotonin going!! Hope I didn't make you want to vomit!!

xxx

tea and a nice bit of crumpet!!

2011-02-22T01:52:00.000-08:00

Popped into Norwich on Saturday to check out Norwich Fashion Week. Saw some splendid 1950's hair styling at Goldfinches Vintage shoppe and then pootled up Lower Goat lane to squeeze in a bit of light window shopping. (The bank balance is not looking so good but it 's rude not to check out the delights of the lanes boutiques).

We popped into a Biddy's Tearoom - a nice little vintage styled tearoom which was rather nicely done up. It was the perfect spot for an afternoon tea with friends. It had a lovely feel to it and made me want to get dolled up for future occasions - perhaps a bit of courting with a genteel stroll about town afterwards!!

Anyway RetroChick already blogged a very nice piece about this sweet little cafe, complete with photos. I simply can't out do it! :)

Do check out her website for finding on all things gorgeous, vintage and fabulous in the Norfolk & Suffolk area.

Anyway back to the tearoom.... It's really worth a visit and of course you must force yourself to try some home baked cake yuuum!! You never know, you might even spot a nice bit of crumpet there too!!

Happy Valentines x

2011-02-14T04:19:00.000-08:00

Well I was at a lovely Vintage Fair yesterday selling emergency Valentines cards to plenty of people who had forgotten all about it!

We made up a variety of vintage image cards from Victoriana grandeur to 1950's kitsch. This image is one of my favourites & I dropped on into one of my girlfriends letterboxes yesterday. She really does wear the craziest hats!!

Anyway last night I took the boyfriend to the Jonathan Wyatt Big Band concert where we were treated to some fabulous Glenn Miller tunes & some incredible singing from the Moonglow Sisters who were doing Andrews Sisters songs. It was brilliant but sadly there was no room for dancing - shame as I was hoping to practice, lord knows I need to before the summer events.

Anyway this evening a few of my lovely friends are meeting up to watch Breakfast at Tiffany's at Cinema City. I can't wait as I love this film so much and I've never seen it on the big screen.

Wishing you all a rather splendid Valentines day, I love you all xxxx

Valentines - Dead Romantic or Utterly Rancid?

2011-02-04T03:43:00.000-08:00

Ok, I need help… hummm most people who know me would agree with that!! However what I really need help with is Valentines Day. I’m no romantic and would normally cast the day aside as an over hyped retail marketers dream. And also, if you have to have a day depicted to you of when you are supposed to be kind and spoil you partner it’s a sad shame. Kind, thoughtless acts are for all year round surely? Gosh I’m more of a humbug about this that Christmas ha ha

Ok I can make a card, just happen to be knocking up some vintage styled ones for a Vintage valentines fair I’m doing… ok so that’s done. I can easily find something nice to write as he’s such a sweetie (he he luckily he rarely reads my blog as sweet is like cute in his book – reserved for kittens and cupcakes!)

I had a scan on a vintage events website/blog for the Norwich area and found a Jonathan Wyatt Big Band event. Should be set for a good bit of old style music. I profess to know nothing, other than what I like. – I grew up with Glen Miller, not literally obviously!!

Anyway I shall already be vintaged up from the daytime event so a bit more red lippy & some heated roller action (if there’s time) and a glass or two of pink champagne (ok probably really cava) and I’ll be ready. I also can’t dance to music pre 1950’s so I should thoroughly out of my depth – especially as the boyfriend like to show off his dance moves. I’ll get him back at anything playing dance music – he’d be like a deer in the headlights ha ha.

Anyway I’ve been babbling on & I’m not even on the wine. What I was hoping any advice on how to be romantic – I looked on Amazon some time ago ha ha but I value friend opinions over some smug book writing advice giving couple.

What lovely things are you doing for Valentines? I imagine that you are all fun, fabulous, thoughtful types 365 day of the year.

2011-02-01T13:47:00.000-08:00

Well it’s not that often that I visit the cinema. I’m not very good at sitting still for long and generally prefer to be able to pause a movie for a quick admin break – ok to refill the wine glass.

Anyway Norwich has a gorgeous little place called Cinema City. The cinema & restaurant / bar is set in an old Merchant Hall – it’s a fabulous setting. It makes for a polar opposite experience from the big chain cinemas. It’s friendly, cosy, warm & comfortable. They sell Green & Blacks choc late, posh ice cream as well as encouraging you to take in wine or cocktails – in real glasses. We saw Sex & The City 1 all glammed up with a Manhattan for refreshment & to get us fully into the mood!

Anyway I digress… this time we went to see Black Swan in case the visual clues hadn’t been enough!! I completely loved it!! I was drawn into it as much as my co-viewers appeared to be. There were quite a few gasps & giggles when we jumped at the thrilling and unexpected parts. The dancing was incredible. It’s a film I could easily see again if only to work out a few bits and be ridiculously envious of the talent of the ballet dancers. The acting was superb too and I could see why it’s up for so many awards.

It’s prompted a little flurry of cinema jaunts for me, thinking The King’s Speech is the next one on the list; that is unless anyone wants to see Black Swan … I could easily be persuaded!!

Burns Night, an excuse to eat, drink and be merry!

2011-01-28T04:02:00.001-08:00

Yes, it's almost the weekend hurrahhh. It's been one of those weeks, I lost the camera lead again (how I don't know!!), and I'm battling the tax return. Maths was never my strong point.

Anyway this weekend I'm off to Lincoln to see one of my bestest buddies. He's in the RAF and every so often I get invited to a dinner or a party and get to dress up like a princess - well that's what my 2 year old niece would call it, only I won't be wearing fairy wings!!

This weekend is a Robbie Burns Night. I love these as it reminds me of growing up in bonnie Scotland & staying up late to go to the Edinburgh Tattoo as a treat as kids.

Is it bad that I have the vegi haggis option - I don't eat much meat & hoof & eyelash cooked in a bullocks scrotum is a bit too much for me!!

Moving on swiftly... feeble menu option arranged, now I need is to decide what to wear.... My prized piece in my wardrobe is a Vivienne Westwood kilt. I love Queen Viv & her amazing designs, sadly I can't afford the price tags - even on Ebay!!! Now the kilt would be perfect in my eyes, however the dress code is below knee..... it's below knee in some places, does that count??? he he.

Another thing I loved to make when I was wee was a wardrobe for cut-out dolls -- the kind of clothes with fold back tabs. This way in my imagination I could have any dress I wished for. Sooo in my imagination I would keep on the Westwood Tartan theme and go for this scrumptious dress oooh

Anyway, back to reality. Time to get on with some work, boooooo!!

Wishing you all a splendidly wonderful weekend xxxxxxx

My visit to Narnia !

2011-01-21T05:03:00.000-08:00

Well Happy New Year to you all, hope it's started off well.

I had a very happy moment when I found my camera lead!! Sad but it meant that I couldn't get on with my little creative projects. It also stopped me from blogging all my usual nonsense, so not all bad ha ha!!

Anyway I took some photos when I was away in the mountains of France at Christmas that I wanted to share with you. With the streetlights and all the snow I felt like I was in Narnia. Although I hadn't come out of the closet I did have on a rather yummy faux fur & furry Russian styled hats to keep me toasty warm mmmm.

I'm a big baby la la when it comes to skiing for reasons I have yet to work through with myself a a Paul McKenna book ha ha.

Anyway I managed to put my big girls blouse moments to use & scoped out a few good bars & cafes he he. One particularly nice & sunny point I took myself and my camera on a little snappy snap jaunt. I found this chalet with sparkly chandeliers on it awwwwhhhhh the inner magpie was awoken.

After all that glitz I dragged my bestest friend (and rather good skiier) off the slopes and into a very glam (and pricey) wine / cocktail bar. It was very minimalist with Philip Stark tables & chairs and lots of cool lighting & big windows. We managed to whittle away a bottle of rose wine

- well when en France!!

This last little one is my buddies on Christmas day - yep by lunchtime we were back on the booze despite having all had far too much bubbly on Christmas eve hic! xxxx

Tonight I'm gonna party like it's .... 2010

2010-12-31T08:06:00.000-08:00

Oooh it's nearly time for me to get ready for NYE 2010.

I do love to party & love dressing up.

I have the radio on playing The time of my life by the Black Eyed peas (dirty bit) ha ha ha I think it's the naffest song ever - but the Dirty Bit makes me laugh every time!!

Anyway I've been thinking about my outfit tonight. Nothing too tight as I've been eating 3 course dinners for a week,

plus the hugest Christmas Dinner ever (well this year anyway!).

I have this little pink dress that was Gossip Girl inspired for Miss Selfridge. Yep, I'm a sucker! I love Gossip Girl & SATC & The City isn't bed either. Bit of a pattern forming there!

My ski boot bruised shins will be hidden behind some fabulous Wolford (bought in the sale of course) swirly floral patterned & seamed tights. I have chunky black heels too & a cute clutch bag made from vintage leather by my very clever & talented friend Helen oh and I bought the yummy brown clutch too - oooh couldn't help myself.

So after spending Christmas en France, I'm due time with the family (plus I'm broke ha ha) don't tell them though!! Spending NYE with my parents & Grandmama and parents very cool friends. Something I haven't done since I was about 12 oooh scary!! ;-)

We are all set for a glam dinner party with lots of bubbles, party games & laughter until we cry i imagine! It's rather exciting.

Wishing all of you a very fabulous New Year wherever you are & whatever you are doing xxx

One year my friend Al & I stayed in and at midnight we ran round the garden with sparklers - it's good to be childish xxx

Happy 2011 in advance & thank you so much for reading my guff blog he he Love Claire xx

Let it snow...

2010-12-31T06:12:00.000-08:00

I'm back from France!
Well I have survived my very 1st Ski trip.

No broken bones, no injuries at all - well maybe a little dent in my pride!

I didn't manage to conquer my fears of skiing, not even sure what the fears were to be honest. Clearly I am just a big girls blouse - I like to think a rather nice vintage frilled one, worn with layers of classic pearl necklaces!!! he he :-P

The lovely things of my holiday were spending a week with some of my bestest buddies and making some new friends too.

Christmas Eve was a mad one drinking far too much Champagne and laughing our heads off! Christmas day was a slow starter, without any more Champagne. It was everything I could have asked for, lazy, relaxed, nice gifts, lots of hugs & laughter and then a huuuuge roast dinner cooked by someone else!!

The scenery was lovely and everything was prettily covered in snow. Once I find my camera lead I will post some Chrismassy piccies.

I did have a bit of a sulk at having to wear suitable clothing & clompy boots everyday & the only vintage I managed was a faux fur for evenings out & a vintage brooch on my furry hat.

I should also announce the arrival of my shiny new nephew, I am secretly calling him the Radish as his middle name is very similar (it's Bulgarian) and he will probably be a little ginger lad. He arrived, eventually just in time for Mummy to enjoy Christmas without a smiley tummy!!! Welcome to the world little fella.

Anyway it's New Years Eve already, how did that come around so quick????

Ok now I'm going to sound like a super spoilt brat but this time last year I was in New York with my buddies, it was the best!

This year as I've over spent from my holiday pot, I'm spending it with family & close friends. Kind of a role reversal with Christmas.

Anyway I hope you all had a wonderful Christmas too, filled with love & laughter xxx

Christmas Meets Noddy

2010-12-16T02:25:00.000-08:00

It’s been ages since I posted anything. Although I have been super busy, I have managed to have a quick sneaky peak at other people blogs. If they can find the time….

Anyway I have been creating – mostly a mess in my living room!! I have jewellery laid out on the floor (late shop order) ready for ticketing, Christmas decorations overflowing from 3 boxes, presents and various brightly coloured wrappings piled high on the chairs.

Last weekend me and Mummy Butterfly had our first weekend off in ages. We have been doing lots of crafty craft fairs & ladies evenings. We took a trip to London to go to a perfume making workshop & a customising vintage clothes workshop.

We stayed at a wonderful hotel – the Town House in Bethnal Green, it was a special treat to thank mummy for all the help & knitting over the year. Not yet had a chance to count up just how many fabulous scarves she knitted throughout the year, but we sold over 100 in the last couple of fairs which was very nice indeed.

Anyway due to a special offer we ended up with an executive suite at the hotel, very contemporary but fabulous comfortable space. We enjoyed it so much that we cooked in the little kitchen one night. I’m sure that no one else ever does this, but we had been walking round London for 9 hours & we were pooped. Feet up, nice food, rose wine flowing, magazines, good music & plenty of chat & creative ideas. All in all a nice evening. We did manage to pop down to the bar for a couple of cheeky (and scrummy) cocktails too yum!

We tried a few different things like the Museum of Childhood which was just down

the road. I defy anyone to pop in there (it’s free too & has a great restaurant) and not have an awwww I had that toy moment! I saw on of the earliest Noddy toys. I was a huge Noddy fan when I was little, I always wanted his shoes, they were red & rather cute!

Sunday we went to Columbia Road Flower Market. Well if we hadn’t been getting the train home (and already had too much stuff accumulated) then I could have bought all sorts of berry decorations & fluffy cotton plants. So many lovely festive things that would have been fun to decorate my house with. I think this weekend I shall put on my Christmas playlist, drink mulled wine & dance around to Maria Carey All I want for Christmas (I love it!) and put up the crimble decs.

It was uber busy but we still managed to find some fabulous shops. Vintage Heaven sells lots of crockery & homeware. The café at the back is sweet, run by gorgeous super friendly & helpful people. The food & coffee is highly recommended & prices very reasonable.

Another super find was J&B The Shop. Oooh full of vintage homemade yummy things. London prices if you know what I mean, but a little bit of vintage eclectic lushness. I could have wrapped myself in it like a warm comforting duvet.

Anyway this is turning into a marathon ramble. It was supposed to be about the workshops.. will post that one later xxx

I suck at Skiing!

2010-11-22T06:40:00.000-08:00

Oh dear, I feel I should update those of you kind enough to read about and comment on my ski lessons. ... having put the pressure on myself enough to wind myself into frustration (ski trip at Christmas & no more free time), I became a grouchy teenager with every muscle in my body tensed up in annoyance that skiing didn’t come naturally to me!! Ha

Admittedly reading back my own admissions has made it all very clear that I was being very silly indeed! This week I shan’t care a jot (ok, I shall try not to) and have a glass of mulled wine or something before hand!! Surely that’s medicinal!!

Soo shame of all shames, I managed to become Bridget Jones by skiing off across two lanes wobbling all over the place arms flailing and fingers crossed that I didn’t take anyone with me. The spectators were crying with laughter at my embarrassment & debacle. Blood filled my cheeks in shame and I blended nicely with the (very sexy) bright red safety helmet so that I probably resembled a cousin of the Ribena Berries.

Not satisfied that I had made quite a pillock of myself I later managed to fall over on my ski instructor – into a tangle of skis. I had promised my friends that I would do this but only if he was young & very cute…. Hummmm a lovely man but not quite hitting the hottie status sadly. Definitely in minus points now.

Can’t wait for this Tuesday’s lesson arrggghhhhhhh

Dreaming of a white Christmas

2010-11-14T12:26:00.000-08:00

Seems most people have been skiing, except for me. A couple of friends thought it was a good idea to go for Christmas.... being the only one in the group that can't ski I thought I’d better have lessons pretty quickly and try & catch up – positive thinking eh?!! In my humble opinion it’s not the most sartorial sport of choice but hopefully lots of fun!

After nipping into town for a peruse at ski jackets in the hope of something reasonably priced that I don’t hate….. hummm the best on offer was a red & white affair. I’m transported back to the 1980,s when I had a white lightly padded jacket with red piping & lots of pockets & press-studs. Yum! I also had a red & white bedroom – v cool at the time with striped wall paper, heart cushions, white frilled edge sateen duvet covers - oooh very Dynasty – or just nasty??!! Ha ha.

Anyway back to 2010… Oh I don't know, all I can think about is can I customise a ski jacket???? Is that taking things too far?? I mean I love the 80's but ski fashion is sooo naff - or am I looking in the wrong places???

And so I turned up to week

one’s lesson in a black vintage faux fur jacket – it got some looks… I can honestly say I thought they would hire out jackets duh! What was I thinking? Thankfully no one I knew was around & my group were all too kind or concentrating too hard on not falling over to laugh at me semi glammed up in a sparkly gold roll neck, vintage coat & a silver helmet ha ha ha.

Oh and sadly skiing wasn’t my forte either. Always hoped I would be a natural at something – just not found out what it is yet ha ha.

Anyway any advice on skiing, what to wear – anything really. I am totally clueless!!! xx

Oooh was also thinking of checking out the charity shops for Christmas jumpers as pressies - nice group photo maybe??? Yummmm a hottie Christmas card idea ha ha

A Little Bit of Sparkle

2010-10-26T05:06:00.000-07:00

It's been ages since I wrote, I have been busy working, gardening, cooking, cleaning pfew it's tiring just thinking about it all ha ha. Anyway some nice things have happened in the midst of my catching up with real life.

This little sparkly vintage bag has been off to a photo shoot wooo hoo!! ha ha

I have a little picture of one of my vintage bags in the November / December edition of Brides Magazine. It's rather exciting being mentioned in a big glossy magazine - even if it's not for something I made myself.

They had some nice ideas for sparkly things that would be great for Christmas & new Years parties - like glitter covered cupcakes and jewel encrusted napkin rings. Hummm might just inspire me to organise a dinner party...

Monaco Yacht Show

2010-09-27T05:27:00.000-07:00

Well it has nothing to do with vintage, fashion or cupcakes... although I did wear vintage. Humm I guess I now have to prove it with a photo of me looking rather tipsy (slight understatement)!!

Anyway I lucky enough to be invited to go to the Monaco Yacht Show & see how rich & famous live.These are no ordinary boats but Super Yachts and boy are they huge. I had been told that many in Monaco go for upwards of a quarter of a million Euros.

Fabulous tailored wool jacket with red edge and turn back cuffs1950 New Look style with a 1950's (I think) wrap-over pleated cream dress. It's my Marilyn Monroe dress!

Clearly didn't need that glass of wine!! ha ha

Crazy Super yachts with Lamborghinis stashed away, onboard swimming pools (like the photo above) , on deck dining, cinema rooms…. The list is endless.

There was one for sale had it’s own helicopter (above) on board 6 different types of boats for sailing & fun, 2 jet skis and a hot tub. The master bedroom was the size of my whole house !!!!

Probably my highlight was a sub dive. My dearest Daddy has been involved with Submarines all my life & used to dive occasionally in one man subs. My fab friend organised it so that I could dive in a 3 man sub. It was all very exciting & I totally loved it. If only I had the money to buy one – oh and some clear water to dive in….!!

Above was the balcony view from one of the after parties. The music was very cool at this party, however my coordination was a little off by this point - free champagne is my weakness! oops.

Anyway the weather was superb & I had lots of fun - managed not to purchase a yacht obviously!! hope your week was a sunny as mine xxx

Goodwood Revival

2010-09-20T14:59:00.000-07:00

Did I mention that I was going to the Goodwood Revival? Oh just a few times?!

It really was fabulous. I do love vintage cars although I know very little - ok, almost nothing about them.

This Spitfire was a showstopper, we even stopped drinking champagne to watch the air display. Later in the day was the Battle of Britain Memorial formation display which was incredible and also very poignant.

Me and my buddies vintaged up!

These were our neighbours who were staying at the same fabulous boutique B&B as us. Lovely friendly people who's outfits & attention to detail put us to shame!!

Gorgeous 1950's Porsche

Ooooh, D Type Jag. My Dad's kind of car, he used to race one round Devon country lanes when he was a lad. How cool is that? My fastest car in my student days was an XR2 - nippy but no race car. This is seriously sexy & streamlined.

AC Cobras - I wouldn't say no!

How cool is this Aston Martin from the 1930's?

The Glamour Cab girls - pretty impressive eh? Hotter than the average taxi driver !

It really was a wonderful day out, with so much to see that I think I missed a lot of it. It was so exciting that I wasn't even bothered by looking at the vintage clothes stalls - unheard of!!

Most people were dressed from the 1940's to 1960's it was really like going back in time.

I can't wait to go back next year xx

A Hall of a Party!!

2010-09-15T04:51:00.000-07:00

Boom boom, apologies for the naff attempt at a joke.

Well the real joke is that I don’t have any Butterflies & Hurricanes events in September, yet it is my busiest month this year. How does that happen? Well it might have something to do with the social events that arrived this month. Last weekend was the Think Pink Ball at Colney Hall, Norwich. Organised by my lovely friend Ruth & many other talented lovelies. It was a fabulous evening followed by horrendous hangovers. I blame the pink champagne which was a little too nice.

My dress was a Florence & Fred (from last Christmas time) party dress. Yep I decided not to post the horrid picture of me - anyway it didn't show the skirt part of the dress!! :-P

Rough price was £30. I simply customised it by pinching the fabric up and stitching it in place with Victorian sparkly glass buttons. The net underskirt was handmade (if I’m honest had it made to order through Ebay!!)& adds a cheeky blast of colour. Easy peasy and It’s had lots of nice comments.

The previous weekend I haven’t even blogged about – I was awaiting photos, which incidentally I still don’t have. A picture is worth a thousand words – especially when I’m writing ha ha. Another fantastic party at a Hall outside Norwich, another Champagne reception, posh frocks - there’s definitely a pattern forming! Well since I don’t have the photos, I can’t embarrass myself with squiffy shots of me hugging all my new best friends. Yep I was more than a little tipsy and was found curled up on the sofa with my Daddy at 3am. He wasn’t asleep and therefore far more hardcore than me! I can however show you photos of … yep you guessed it, a vintage dress!!!! This is one of Mummy Butterflies makes back in the day. I had my eye on it before I was big enough to fit into it, must have been the sparkly magpie bits!

This weekend I’m being spoilt again oops! Off to Goodwood Revival – well I missed the Vintage at Goodwood, so I kinda deserve to go he he J. If you’re not sick of my dress postings then I will put up some photos next week. Ooh I can’t wait!!!

So we have concluded that I’m still addicted to pretty dresses and am a sucker for a party or vintage event.

My little studio

2010-08-29T04:10:00.001-07:00

Well it's been a couple of weeks since I last wrote, I've been doing lots of blog reading but no writing.

I haven't been lazy, maybe a little spoilt! Had a gorgeous long weekend in Cornwall with some of my bestest friends. Much hilarity was had by all, especially when Linda & I got the canoe stuck in the mud - it wasn't our fault though ha ha!!! Good old Gates was our hero for the day as he managed to get us to solid land with the aid of wooden planks ha ha.

It was all rather embarrasing but extremely funny at the same time! Anyway it was a holiday to remember!

Since then I have been transforming my spare room from (not often used) sumptuous boudoir to studio for Butterflies & Hurricanes (my little business). So I shall have space to create (mess!) and play without my whole house looking like it's been burgled!

It's still work in progress but thought I would post a few pictures of how it's coming along. More images & mood boards to go on the walls I think, plus I was considering putting some of my old fashion illustrations up too. It seems silly to leave all that hard work in a portfolio...

It's only a matter of time before it's all a creative explosion of mess but I can't wait to get the jewellery designs out of my head & into real pieces.

Hope you are having a wonderful weekend xxx

I love it when an outfit comes together!

2010-08-11T06:03:00.000-07:00

Mummy Butterfly was detoxing her wardrobe and found some fabulous evening dresses that she won't wear again...... of course it would be silly of me not to try before I think of selling them at the next vintage fair.

This one has to be kept as I found that I had shoes to match already!!! What are the chances of that? I should have accessorised the photo properly - must try harder next time!!

Anyway it's a pretty polka pattern in a devore style. it's actually dark blue with a pink lining underneath. I think it will be lovely for a party - ideally something I needn't wear shoes for too much as they are not the most comfortable ha ha.

There are more that I would love to share with you & see what you think. Normally a gal can't have too many dresses, however I do believe I have exceeded my quota this summer oops naughty me!! xx

Vintage Lovers

2010-08-09T15:18:00.003-07:00

Sunday was a Little Vintage Lover Fair in Burnham Market, North Norfolk. Mummy Butterfly & I had a lovely day eating Zoe's home-made mini Victoria sponge cakes with real cream yummy!

The stall was pretty eclectic and we had lots of new things and little bits & bobs like bags of vintage buttons which went down very well. The new cards & gift tags flew out the rather nice writing case that Mama cleverly displayed.

We purchased a few things of course... Mummy bought these great postcards from lovely Julie at Beach Bygones and I still in my Grace Kelly mood snapped up a 1950's feather skull cap.

It is feeling more at home now it has made friends with my Stetson & awesome orange vintage favourite.

Day trippers

2010-08-09T14:58:00.000-07:00

Well I have been rubbish at blogging recently so I thought it was time I redeemed myself and told you what has been occupying my time.

Friday I went to London with some lovely girlfriends. We started and ended with a bit of Harvey Nichols. I was impressed with the windows. The car was made with small plastic race horses and the dress from wooden clothes pegs. The Fifth Floor Bar was the final destination for cocktails & people watching!!

We also went to the Grace Kelly Exhibition at the V&A as a splash of culture!! It was nice but I think would have been even better if there were more photos of the style icon in the dresses shown on mannequins. She really was a beautiful woman and we all decided that we wanted to spend the next rainy Sunday indoors watching Grace Kelly films x

Lovely to be at the V&A again, it had been too long & it's so wonderful.

A Vintage Find

2010-08-04T03:29:00.000-07:00

As I was having a little look around the Langham Street Fayre last Saturday I found the most gorgeous stall filled with loveliness.

A pretty collection of vintage finds, handmade items and revamped & reupholstered antiques.

The very creative Deborah who is the proud owner of this fabulous stall has a website coming soon at www.sovintage.co.uk but you can register and be informed when it launches so that you won't miss a thing!

Not the best photos ever as I was trying to snap shots between customers but hopefully you can see how lovely everything was.

Lovely Langham Street Fayre

2010-07-30T01:53:00.000-07:00

Just a little post from me today to mention a gorgeous event, so special that only happens every other year. If you happen to be in North Norfolk this Saturday then you really must visit the lovely Langham Street Fayre there's lots going on.

A wonderful mix of stalls selling crafts, homemade & home grown food, bric a brac, books and anything else you could wish for. I think there will be vintage cars again this year (yes I will be taking photos but no silly posing by them this time thankfully ha ha). There are competitions, games, proper old fashioned village fete fun that are probably aimed at the kids - but too much fun for big kids to miss out on.

Anyway it's a lovely outing for the family, or just you & your friends. Oh don't bother with the picnic as there will be bacon butties, homemade cakes, afternoon teas and too many other goodies to avoid!

Did I mention the weather forecast?? Make sure you bring sunnies, a hat & suncream woo hoooo. Homemade icecream anyone?? xx

Festival Fever

2010-07-22T12:19:00.001-07:00

Well it's taken me all nearly week to write up about last weekend. It was Festival time for me and my buddies. I'm not normally a tent person... camp yes (check out my music on my itunes ha ha), camping no! However I really did enjoy it this time.

Latitude is a gorgeous & very friendly festival just outside of Southwold. It's not just great music, but literature, poetry, theatre, ballet, dance, opera.....

Sadly we missed Nigel Kennedy - how mad would that have been! But we did get the second round of the legend that is Mr Tom Jones!!! Awesome.

Other delights were seeing Florence & the Machine, the XX were amazing & haunting, I love Vampire Weekend... the list goes on.

Before I totally bore you to sleep I should mention other things like the Keep & Share learn to knit stall. It looked incredible, good attention to detail. I would love to see this at all village fetes, such a great idea.

The tent pegs were even embellished in big balls of wool.

Rodrigo Y Gabriela were incredible as ever. I smugly had seen them before & insisted lots of my friends see them. They were blown away much to my delight! They pretty much make astounding music with two guitars & lots of talent.

Worth checking out.

Sadly couldn't fit in everything I wanted to see. I was very much up for checking out the La De Dahs 1940's styled singers singing many new songs in a classic style. Can't believe I missed them twice boo hoo.

If you go down the woods today you're sure to find a tree filled with blue butterflies and a fabulous recycled wooden bar serving yummy pimms. Perfecto.

1940's Evening

2010-07-13T06:19:00.002-07:00

We went to an amazing event at the weekend. It was held at a private airstrip outside of Norwich. A beautiful remote location in the midst of barley fields and a patchwork of countryside as far as the eye could see. We took picnic baskets loaded with scrummy salads, homemade cakes and scones (with jam and clotted cream of course) Pimms and champagne! It was Daddy’s belated birthday celebration. He had spent the day at Duxford ogling planes and telling stories of RAF days gone by, so the evening was a perfect follow on. He’s the one with the Union Jack tie & RAF issue moustache in case you were curious. One day I hope to have a moustache just as impressive ha ha.

The picnic area was enclosed in an impressive semi circle of pristine vintage planes. There were 3 Mustangs, Havard, and a Steerman biplane. The hanger was decorated with memorabilia and entertainment was in the form of an 18 piece band who delighted us all with incredible renditions of various Glenn Miller songs and Big Band classics.

There were some impressive outfits and a gentleman who looked very much like Winston Churchill, complete with cigar! I must confess to being pretty clueless when it comes to dancing to anything before 1980’s! I did get bullied into trying though & may have committed myself to going to some sort of dance lessons. I’m thinking I salsa classes with my girlfriends for the laugh factor (at me when I stuff it up hilariously)! There were a couple who looked fabulous and were throwing some amazing shapes on the dance floor, I believe it was called the Jitterbug!! Yes, I have much to learn!!!

Anyway the whole evening was brilliant fun, met some lovely people, the band were absolutely superb and we enjoyed being dressed in the best 1940’s style that we could manage in the short time we had to organise it!! I went for a Laura Lees tea dress which was in a late 1940’s style and an incredible vintage jacket that I got from Natasha Pickles last summer. My “What Katie Did” fully fashioned stockings were quite the talk of the town – no, I didn’t go for any pin up styled shots by the planes… but they had lipstick red seams! Oh and I had a fascinator that I made out of a vintage hat too, it was much admired by Winston as it so happens!!!

Mummy Butterfly managed to avoid all the photos but she did look the part in a lovely black & white floral 1940's summer dress with full skirt.

Looking out from the dance floor at the ladies & gentlemen dressed up to the nines, vintage cars and planes and the bunting fluttering I felt like I could actually have been in the 1940's but without the fear of air raids thankfully!

Hopefully there will be another of these events next year and I will definitely let you all know in advance as it was splendid!

A Weekend A-fayre!!

2010-07-07T11:15:00.001-07:00

Well it's good old British Summertime which means Fayres & Fêtes in towns & villages all over the place.

This weekend the Butterfly duo have two on.

Saturday is Somerleyton, which is a really cute chocolate box setting complete with duckpond, good pub and gorgeous cottages. No surprise that they film lots of period dramas & series in this area.

The event is for the Primary School on Saturday 10th July from 1pm to 5pm on the Green in Somerleyton Village. You won't miss the bunting fluttering in the Summer breeze.

Expect to find nice things to buy, cakes to eat, teas and lovely smiley people & plenty of good old fashioned family fun!

Norwich Lanes Summer Fayre

11^th July 2010 11am – 5pm

The Lanes Summer Fayre was originally set up as simply the St. Benedicts Street Fayre but has grown to include the “ Norwich Lanes” community. This is a really nice area of Norwich for unusual little boutiques. Lots of fabulous shops to be found, cool bars, nice restaurants and the Maddermarket Theatre.

This year the Lanes Summer Fayre is being included as part of the Lord Mayor’s celebrations too.

What you will find is a selection of scrummy stalls & selling a variety of hand-made goods, vintage clothes, antiques and crafts and food vendors. There will be entertainment moving along St. Benedicts Street throughout the day and various acoustic music and poetry will be taking place on St. Gregorys Green. Other activities will be happening in the variety of venues and churches along the street and up to St. Gregory’s Church and the Birdcage. Yep Butterflies & Hurricanes (me and Mummy Butterfly)are there selling accessories and my mates the Headless Teddy boys will be there selling really good coffee. I know some of the other stall holders too & it promises nice things (and treats for me oops).

It’s going to be a lovely event & all the shops in the Lanes should be open too, so shop till you drop xx

A Very English Afternoon

2010-07-05T05:25:00.000-07:00

Well I haven't been able to keep quiet about the fact that I had the chance to go out for a spin in a 1935 Aston Martin Ulster. We were lucky enough to be able to borrow this fabulous vintage car from the Aston Martin Heritage Trust and we actually drove it straight out of the Aston Martin Heritage Museum!

I can tell you a little about this lovely model, created from the race car which had much success in Goodwood and the Ulster TT (where it gained the name) there was interest in creating a road version and 21 were made (all of which are still running!). Of course as was very much done in the good old days, many road cars were entered into races & this model was apparently very successful. We managed about 60 mph which was pretty exhilarating & the race drivers of the time must have had more guts than me achieving speeds of over 100mph!

If you have been kind enough to be viewing my blog, you will recognise this fabulous early 1960's dress that I wore for the occasion. It has a matching cropped jacket which had to come off due to the lovely weather that was not forecast - someone was smiling on us!

I should apologise for the flattened & windswept hair, I should have taken more photos before we went out. Plus I had a (vintage of course) headscarf tightly tied under my chin to avoid the birds nest look - ok so I failed but at least I could still comb my hair that evening!!

You may be able to guess how silly I felt having my photo taken (I really don't like it) but I had promised a few friends that I would do so.

I had looked much more authentic earlier - honest but I did feel that effort had to be made to pop out in such a gorgeous car.

Now you would think that this would be the perfect opportunity to go for lunch or afternoon tea somewhere .... by the time we had stopped driving everywhere & though about food, everywhere was closed ha ha.

We did find this lovely looking pub which suited the occasion and so we popped back for dinner that evening. The Nelson was perfect, excellent food & service in a lovely setting.

Anyway if you happen to be in the Benson / Wallingford area of Oxfordshire & you love vintage cars then you should pop down to the Aston Martin Heritage trust Museum, it's really interesting & the people there are so friendly & helpful with loads of great stories and ideas of where to pop to for lunch afterwards!

Anyway it was sooo much fun & we giggled around the countryside waving and parping at everyone like Toad in Wind in the Willows ha ha. Definitely a day to remember!

Gorgeous Open Gardens

2010-06-25T01:26:00.000-07:00

There have been lots of nice village events going on recently – everyone has trying to pretend that it is really Summer.... and this weekend could just be the start of something wonderful!!

Sooo, If you happen in live in Norfolk (UK) then maybe you might fancy a pootle to Acle for the Open gardens. Acle is about 15 miles from Norwich just so you can get your bearings. Now this event is not just promising a wide selection splendid gardens, great weather, gardening experts & enthusiasts but homemade cream teas at the cute village hall. Yum! The date is Sunday 27^th June 11am to 4pm. I’ve had a sneek preview at one of the gardens & it really is fabulous & very inspiring. I think I should get advise on my slightly neglected garden.

The image is actually from East Ruston Old Vicarage which is not too far away from Acle & 30 or so acres of pure heavenly relaxation. Check out the website, these two uber talented guys have spent years perfecting the ultimate gardens. A visit you will not regret - oh and the tea rooms do very good homemade cakes. I recommend the lemon drizzle with lavender sprinkled on top!

Have a fabulous weekend whatever you are up to xxxx

Breakfast blogging

2010-06-25T01:07:00.000-07:00

Well I was spending a lovely 1/2 hour perusing the latest blogs over coffee whilst sitting in the sun... yes it's finally sunny in Norfolk hurahhh. Anyway after learning lots about the latest fashions, new ranges of make up, celeb coffee table books, exciting craft events... I ended up at Birdcages & Butterflies blog. Ooooh the new background for the blog is yummy. So I nipped onto The Background Fairy, no time like the present to update eh? After my dull attempt yesterday I needed a little za za zou Carrie Bradshaw style. Now I think there is much more to be added, and what fun I shall have choosing pretty pictures to adorn my page. The Background Fairy has a fabulous blog which is essentially a cornucopia of images, patterns & general loveliness. Oh and did I mention, really easy to follow!!!!!

A little Jackie O influence

2010-06-21T03:27:00.001-07:00

Did I mention that I purchased another vintage outfit??? Well this was at the Woodbridge Weekender. The lovely Kathy& team from "My Vintage Wardrobe" had some scrummy delights which I tried to resist. Obviously I failed. I am now the proud owner of a 1960's dress suit which is rather Jackie O and maybe a little Audrey Hepburn oooh I'm dreaming.

The reason for the purchase (other than me having a dress addiction) is that I might have a really exciting spin in a vintage car in a couple of weekends. I'm keeping it a little quiet as it's very much weather permitting & I don't want to get my hopes up too much. Ok, so we can ignore the fact that I have purchased an entire outfit for the event.

Please excuse the photos, the jacket looks rather crumpled in the image. It's really gorgeous though. It's a lovely powdery blue colour & in great condition. The collar of the dress has little fabric bows with lilac faux pearl flower details. Yes I have some vintage clip on earring to match!! I also have some white gloves (is this taking it too far?? - please advise!!).

Yesterday i found some pinky lilac satin shoes - pretty T bar with heels. they were a complete bargain for a pound!! Yes it was a car boot heavenly find. I also snapped up a pair of 80's red & white Charles Jourdan shoes (never worn) for £3 originally over £100 (apparently).

Anyway I just had to share the dress & jacket with you. I was so excited when I tried it on & it fitted - I saw it as fate ha ha - had to have it!!!

Now must do some research on how to have my hair....

oh dear!

xxx

Dress Addiction

2010-06-17T07:46:00.000-07:00

Might as well face it, I'm addicted to dresses.

What happened??? I never wore dresses unless I went to a ball & now I seem to have collected quite a few. I can't seem to stop buying, clearly I need another distraction.

Ebay makes things too easy & before I knew it I was bidding on 5 Laura Lees frocks.... (I didn't win them all thankfully!

Then I went to visit lovely Emmie before the Woodbridge Weekender… this always involves the purchasing of nice clothes. This trip was no exception & I tried on this dress that I had passed over before. It was so lovely on, a real party frock which will be so cute with ballet pumps. It has a lovely pink underskirt with mesh polka dot overskirt. I don’t doubt it will be long before I get to wear it, even if I’m overdressed for dinner ha ha.

See I'm hooked & turning into a girly girl, whatever next... chick flicks oooh noooooooo. Do the Twilight Series count?? ha ha xx

Wonderful Woodbridge Weekend

2010-06-15T03:22:00.001-07:00

Well what a lovely weekend we had. Mummy butterfly & I decided that we would stay over to save the driving, early mornings & most importantly sample some of the local cuisine & fabulous restaurants. We went to The Cross for dinner Friday evening for some scrummy vegetarian delights (poached eggs & asparagus for dipping = yum!) & great service in an eclectically cool surroundings. Saturday was The Crown which has had a huge make over & is stuff of décor magazines! The service was exceptional & food was lush. Another good evening.

Anyway we were there to sell our Butterflies & Hurricanes wares. The set up was in the quaint market square & it looked very pretty indeed. Candy striped roofs on the market stalls and bunting fluttering in the breeze. A great selection of lovely crafts, delicious food (the stall next to us had the best goats cheese, pesto & asparagus pasty) & tempting vintage clothes & homeware.

Of course I treated myself to a couple of vintage dresses which I shall post later this week – I may need some expert reader advice picking outfits for some events I have coming up!!

We met lots of lovely customers & caught up with super duper stall holders which is always fun. I think we could talk vintage for England!

Check out the knitted bunting! It's awesome & was displayed by St Elizabeth Hospice stall. Their stalls are dangerous as they are piled high with goodies... I am the proud owner of a large round vintage suitcase. No real need, just liked it!!

Apologies for the lack of photos of the rest of the market, clearly I was in a self absorbed mood - I shall have stern words with myself tonight.

Oh I also recently picked up some bits & bobs to adorn the stall. Old tins which sold very well, some picnic bits (I don't know why - memories? bright candy stripes? Magpie? all of the above!).

Oh I hope you like my denim bunting too, made out of old jeans & shirts. Not quite as effective as the knitted version but I like it. xx

Woodbridge Weekender

2010-06-11T01:57:00.000-07:00

This weekend is the Woodbridge Weekender (in Suffolk, lil' ole England) and myself, Mummy Butterfly & my lovely friend Emmie are really excited.

2 days of vintage & cool handmade clothes, accessories, gifts & homeware - in the sun!! Yes I have put in my order for decent weather - dry at the very least. The Met Office has been listening & the report looks good ha ha.

Lots of my dear friends are also excited about this event. Last time a car load of us bizzed down there, had a little lunch out (with wine oooh) and purchased a few treats. We had a thoroughly lovely day out.

If you fancy something a bit different in a gorgeous town filled with nice boutiques and restaurants, then Woodbridge is for you. Oh did I mention free parking too??

What more could you ask for? xx

Little Miracle in Malvern

2010-06-08T04:08:00.000-07:00

Well I don’t know about you but this weekend I just happened to discover possibly the best boutique B&B!

This year has been full of unusual events and this weekend I returned to the Malvern Hills for the second time in as many months. Not bad for somewhere I couldn’t have located on a map previously (yes I admit Geography is not my strongest subject!).

I had been to a wedding in Eastnor Castle the last time, where we drank (maybe a little too much) champagne whilst the firework display lit up the lake & forest below the stunning castle. Quite a decedent event & a fabulous wedding. The next day was not quite so fabulous as we were feeling a little second hand to say the least! We considered a brisk walk in the beautiful countryside & chose a nice drive & several pints of sugary soft drinks in a pub garden instead!!!

Anyway, this weekend was just as opulent (quite a contrast from my DIY & car boot purchasing weekends!). I was invited to an Aston martin DB7 weekend in Wales. It clashed with various vintage fairs and amazingly I was torn (I do love my Vintage). The decision was swung when I was told that I could drive the DB7 some of the journey!! The roar of the V12 engine does make me giggle like a small child offered the keys to a sweet shop. What a beautiful car & when there were 25 variations in one place it was definitely a little piece of eye candy heaven!!

On the way over I decided a stop off at the Malvern’s would break up the cross country trip & what a break it was! Treherne House was our destination – a boutique B&B & possibly the nicest, friendliest place I have ever stayed.

Relaxing, sumptuous, spoilt rotten, delicious cuisine ….. The décor was fabulous, attention to detail was incredible and the friendly & helpful warm welcome from the owners Mark & Alex made for perfection. We spent much of dinner chatting with the other (very lovely) guests, who were gushing with compliments about the place & wonderful owners. We felt like we were staying with friends. I was really sad to leave even though I had the rest of the weekend ahead – and a sexy car to drive too!

I could ramble on for ages about this place, it was so sweet & I’m definitely going back. I would have taken photos of the décor and detailing but silly me forgot to charge the camera battery! There was an antique wardrobe I would like to have taken with me – sadly the Aston didn’t have a tow bar & a trailer would probably spoil the streamlining ha ha. The room was filled with all sorts of useful goodies like a Cath Kidson knitted cover hot water bottle, we had (very nice indeed) wine in our room on arrival (always a winner with me) and a great selection of nice herbal teas & coffees (I think this is missing at many hotels and I like to have a cup of tea in my PJ’s!).

Anyway I had a fabulous weekend and I got to wear lots of sun dresses in the daytime & party frocks in the evening. We had a walk up one of the Malvern Hills in silly slippy leather shoes and unsuitable attire (floor length sun dress & clutch bag!!) much to the amusement of the hiking boot & trainer wearing visitors. Luckily the weather held out too, what a lucky girl I was. It’s very grey & wet in Norfolk today, but I’m indoors & I don’t really mind!!

Hula Hula Hopeless

2010-05-24T05:02:00.000-07:00

In the attempt to tone up (not scare my girlfriends) for some serious bikini wearing action hanging out in this fabulous weather, I have planned in stepping up the exercise. I get up an hour earlier to embark on 30 mins to an hours core or cardio work. The flaw in the plan is that my daily planned regime is only actually happening twice - ok if I’m honest, once a week – clearly not enough sadly.

My latest brain wave was to purchase a hula hoop!! Genius I thought, how hard can it be? I was ace at the hula as a child, surely it’s like riding a bike??? Errr actually it’s not. My first pop was ½ a spin before it plummeted to the floor. Determined that it must just be a forgotten technique I tried again….. oh dear I am truly terrible at it. There are even exercise classes with hula hoops – thankfully I didn’t sign up before finding that I suck.

I think the random puffball shirt in the photo could be the answer though. Hides a multitude of sins, cupcakes, muffin tops ...... although I think I might sink if I tried to swim in that.

Has anyone else found that this is so much harder as an adult? Wholey unjust ha ha!! However I shall endeavour to master the spinning waist trimming accessory …. Will keep you posted!

Sunflower Surprise

2010-05-20T04:01:00.000-07:00

I had a big surprise yesterday when a package arrived for me in the office.

It was just another Wednesday, then a big box arrived from Interflora. Once I had stopped warming up the office from the glowing heat radiating from my face and the guys had tired of teasing me - this took some time I'm sure you can imagine!

Anyway the flowers were very beautiful and a very sweet message in the card too. They were from the (obviously new) boyfriend who has been working away for a few weeks.

I decided that I would split them up into 3 arrangements so I could enjoy them in different rooms. Please excuse my floristry (lack of) skills!

The pretty pink roses are in a vintage cabbage coffee pot (of course!!) that belonged to my dear Gran.

Next to them are the sweet little tea cups & cupcake plates that I found at a carboot sale - I can't part with them. The other yummy thing is a bottle of pink champagne that my bestest friend and her fabulous bf sent me for my Birthday. Yes it is a miracle that it's still unopened but it's being saved for a special occasion.

Whilst I was taking photos I thought you might like to see one of Mummy Butterfly's master pieces. Most of the canvases in my house are painted by her, clever thing! I love this sunny sunflower, it brightens up my teeny tiny hall and makes me smile.

Wishing you all a happy Thursday xxxxxx

Something useful for the weekend??

2010-05-18T09:45:00.000-07:00

I have been looking for a nice weekend bag for a while & not had much luck. Ok I admit that I'm rather fussy and I don't want to pay crazy money either.

Anyway I found a lovely website today with patterns! Amy Butler Design has some gorgeous items in fabulous fabrics to buy. For some reason I think that I might have enough patience & skill to make a weekend bag ha ha. If I actually do I shall post the evidence - it will most likely just be a pile of fabric!!

She also has lots of other patterns for bags & cute dresses. All very inspiring indeed and definitely worth a look. xx

A very busy craft & vintage market

2010-05-17T09:58:00.000-07:00

Wow, the attendance for the Waterfront Market in Ipswich was incredible. Deben Events certainly know how to advertise & there were loads of blogs, flyers & emails bouncing around telling anyone who might listen. Many thanks to all who helped pass on the good word xx

It was sunny much of the day, the location was gorgeous and the stalls were brilliant. Too many nice things to buy & lovely stall holders to gossip about vintage with.

As always it was great chatting to the owner of the most unique stall & fellow blogger Beach Bygones stall is literally all about the beach – vintage swimsuits, floral swim hats, picnic baskets, wind brakes …. It’s brilliant.

Also there was my fabulous vintage loving friend Emmie looking brightly coloured and very pretty – a contrast to my harsh & haggered all black & lack of sleep look! I thought it was fine to go to a Keeping Abreast Charity Ball & get 4 hours sleep & then pop off to do an event. Not drinking helped, but maybe should have returned home before I became a pumpkin!!

Then there was the rather glamorous Kathy who we were on a stall next too. She packs her rail & high end vintage clothing into her convertible – no boring estate car or small van for this lady! We did however discuss the merits of a magical pop up stall… if only they existed!

The little pussy cat went to a good home too.

Anyway, it was the day of the t-shirt & vest top. There was a lot in interest in the vintage scarf tops & the new granny vest. Looks like I had better get making before the Woodbridge Weekender (another brilliant event of vintage & contemporary niceness on Sat 12^th & Sun 13^th June in Woodbridge Suffolk)..

It was a nice but long day & by the time I got home I was pooped. Pizza, a hot bath & bed for me.

Amazing New Waterfront Craft & Vintage Market

2010-05-12T02:21:00.000-07:00

Sunday 16^th May 2010 10am to 4pm

After seeing lovely Emmie last night (a collector and seller of fabulous vintage clothes that I can never resist) I’m fired up for the Waterfront market this Sunday. It’s going to be a mix of Vintage & Contemporary – clothes, accessories, homeware, crafts …. Lots of nice things to simplify it!!

Anyway I have put in a request for good weather so come along and enjoy the view whilst you peruse the stalls. It’s a lovely location with chi chi bars, cafes & restaurants. There is also a boutique hotel which my mama informs me is fabulous!

No excuses for not coming to say hi (unless you live miles away, like in a different country, or even county!) as I have a charity ball that I’m attending to raise money & awareness for breast cancer the night before. I’m so dedicated to my events that I’m forgoing the champagne, wine & cocktails though!! That’s a surprise to all who know me!!

Anyway please pray for good weather & even better attendance on Sunday for us, hopefully it should be loads of fun xxx

Ipswich Waterfront, Suffolk. IP4 1BZ

Sugary Sweet Sunday

2010-05-11T01:44:00.000-07:00

Flying Fifteens Tea Rooms

I met up with some fabulous friends for a spot of afternoon tea on Sunday. The weather was not too bad out of the wind and the sun was a welcome surprise. As usual we chatted over each other in an attempt to catch up with all the latest goings on in each others busy lives.

The venue is a cute tea room on Lowestoft sea front called Flying Fifteen. Their homemade scones are excellent, meringues are perfection and their tea selection is so large it has it’s own menu! There are homemade cakes galore, the service is very good and it’s relaxed and friendly.

It’s definitely worth a visit if you are in Lowestoft, a nice escape from the hustle of the esplanade with great sea views too. (this picture is the beach below the cafe) The garden is lovely and on a hot day you can shelter under sun umbrellas whilst sipping exotic teas. The Blue Safire tea was my latest experiment and rather good. Of course it’s all done properly here, with loose tea served in china tea pots with cups & saucers of course. Cakes and scones are presented on tiered cake stands with doyleys. They can’t be bad, as they have won The Tea Guild's Award of Excellence for the past seven years!

If you're curious as to where the name came from... Flying Fifteens takes it's name from a 15ft long keel boat.

19a The Esplanade, Lowestoft, Suffolk, NR33 0QG. 01502 581188.

2010-05-05T01:00:00.001-07:00

For the bank holiday weekend I had a jolly jaunt to Holland. Saturday was spent in Leiden sipping ice cold beers in the sun on a barge bar! It was so nice I could sit there without a coat - hurrah!! Sadly the rest of the weekend was rain, rain and more rain.

Whilst exploring the pretty cobbled streets of Amsterdam's 9 Streets taking in the incredible architecture and fabulous boutique shops and cute cafe bars I spotted this dress display. I guess it was a wedding designer's studio.

I was saved from spending a fortune as most of the shops were closed. This meant more Euros for beers, although sadly drunk inside this time!

All in all I had a great lazy weekend of a little couture, a little culture. De Bijenkorf Department store has a fabulous new cafe / bar & restaurant area with stacks of the latest fashion & decor & lifestyle magazines which we poured over whilst sipping smoothies and mint tea - it was 11am, hence the no wine sipping!All in all I had a great lazy weekend of a little couture, a little culture. De Bijenkorf Department store has a fabulous new cafe / bar & restaurant area with stacks of the latest fashion & decor & lifestyle magazines which we poured over whilst sipping smoothies and mint tea - it was 11am, hence the no wine sipping!

We popped into Casablanca for a cheeky G&T, sadly we missed the magic show that was on in the very cute but tiny theatre upstairs. We were more than compensated by the incredible escargot in amazing garlic butter, lobster bisque, gambas in more garlic heaven yuuuum. It's a fabulous bar with a circus theme, friendly people, good music, amazing food & entertainment too!

Now I'm back in Norfolk I need to undo all the drinking & eating, so it's a sad detox & exercise time boo.

The image below was a rather nice looking shop - lucky for me they were closed but I swear I heard my bank manager gasp a sigh of relief! xx

My Birthday Hot Date!!!

2010-04-26T03:29:00.000-07:00

Well thank you to my fab friends bloggers and non alike who helped my with my mini crisis (pathetic girly moment of what to wear). My mummy lent me a gorgeous vintage lace prom dress in the end!! I felt like I was going to the opera in a posh frock & pearls.

Well we went to By Appointment in Norwich which is a gorgeous restaurant filled with eclectic mix of antiques. The food was incredible and it was really friendly & relaxed - not at all scary and snooty like some posh restaurants are.

I was treated like a princess by my lovely date and drank champagne (maybe a little too much) and was a little tipsy!!

The photo is me being shy after my tart au citron turned up with a Birthday message & the other diners sang to me - oh the shame!!! ha ha

I shall definitely be borrowing Mummy Butterfly's dress again, but might add a big satin ribbon, shash or cumberband for colour...

Thanks for the birthday wishes, I've had an amazing weekend with wonderful friends - and my now boyfriend!! xxx Claire

Dinner Date Dress Dilemma

2010-04-22T01:41:00.000-07:00

Oh my gosh, I have a date this weekend.

This is quite an unusual thing for me as I tend to busy myself with making jewellery & accessories, selling them at events & seeing my friends in between. Ok if I'm honest, I have been avoiding it all together - bad dates with Mr Boring are quite off putting!!

Anyway I'm being taken out to dinner by a rather lovely gentleman (I didn't think they still existed!!). We are going to (I have just been informed) a very posh restaurant in Norwich. Now I have a "what to wear" quandary. I'm hoping that someone can help!!

I refuse to purchase as I have lots of pretty dresses that I rarely wear.

The 1st image is a beautiful silk handkerchief dress with embroidery from Laura Lees. It's quite summery and very forgiving for when I eat too much yummy food!

The 2nd is an image I love from M&S of all things! I have a pink & red beaded skirt from Karen Millen which is rather opulent & I have a couple of fabulous vintage brooches I could use to pin the cardigan as in the image.

The third is me on the right hand side! I couldn't find a picture of a similar dress on the internet - darn it!

It's a beautiful beaded & sequinned vintage shift dress. I had pinned a giant (Carrie Bradshaw inspired) corsage onto it. I won't be wearing those stockings again as they make me look like a corpse!

I also have a beautiful hot pink 1920s cocktail dress, but it's boned (and tiny) and not good for dinners hummmm.

Any inspirations would be very gratefully received xxx

Thank you

Burlesque Birthday

2010-04-15T01:31:00.000-07:00

I know it's nearly the weekend again (hurrahhhhh), but I wanted to tell you about my last weekend.

I have been fortunate enough to have a brilliant year so far of meeting up with my great friends, but I think this weekend may have been up there with the craziest.

Friday evening was an amazing black tie dinner to which I wore a beautiful black vintage lace shift dress with a sateen bow on the shoulder. Thank you to Emmie who I purchased this dress from, it was perfect for the occasion.

Anyway Saturday night was my gorgeous friend Linda's Birthday so we dashed off to London to meet up with 14 of our closest & silliest friends. We had planned a dinner with entertainment at the Brickhouse on Brick Lane. Everyone knew it was Burlesque entertainment, much to all the guys delight. But it wasn't until we arrived that we remembered that it was drag burlesque! ooops, it was a genuine memory lapse as we had viewed so many websites for ideas!! I now know that my brother is a prude (ha ha) his girlfriend is a bigger burlesque fan than me (I thought impossible) and G just can't handle situations like that he he. It was such a brilliant show, funny, great dancing, high kicks like you can't believe and some serious spangly outfits. Highly recommended. Oh and there's no stripping in case you have any faint hearted friends like I do. I thought these male chums of mine were made of stronger stuff ;-)

next is to plan another trip to Birdcage in Manchester, I can' t wait xxx

Easter treats

2010-04-05T05:19:00.001-07:00

I have had a lovely creative & inspiring Easter weekend.

Saturday I met up with some fabulous friends for a trip to Woodbridge Vintage & Contemporary Fair. it was brilliant & I saw lots of bloggers there too with their gorgeous stalls of goodies.

We also saw Bill Nighy which was funny as it took us the rest of the day to remember his name - duh!

Anyway Sunday I got up early despite my body telling me that it really didn't want to. I nipped off to a couple of carboot sales inspired to find some trims or ideas for some t-shirt designs for Big Blue Sky... I still haven't started yet but think that this china pussy cat find might end up being painted on the front of a t-shirt!!

I also grabbed these pretty tea cups & plates from a stall and spent the rest of the day debating if to sell them as they are, fill the cups with candle wax or just keep them!

And because I hadn't eaten quite enough sugar this weekend I baked some muffin sized cupcakes. Lemon sponge, with lemon curd (homemade too???? help I need to get out more) and lemon icing. So I had one for breakfast on my new plate. The simple things in life eh? (think that might include me!).

I hope you all had a great weekend too xxxx