Hello Everyone
Last Monday I went up to London to see the entrants for the Turner Prize at Tate Britain. This prize is given annually for new and innovative art that pushes the boundaries. In other words, the four exhibits can seem quite mad to the uninitiated! But I knew what it expect and anyway I rather like being provoked by art – rather than soothed.
So I thought I’d dress up for the occasion and chose to wear a plethora of animal print. I wore two items bought from the dress agency I use, so they were slightly more expensive than if bought from a charity shop (at £40 each) but they were still pre-loved. The first item I want to tell you about was the amazing reversible raincoat with one side a zebra print and the other a shiny black. On this trip I decided to wear it on the shiny black side as the day was a bit drizzly. And note I’ve bought a new stick – which is also in an animal print!
And just a word about the jeans. I have been looking for jeans for months and never managed to find any. I spotted a pair in this dress agency, tried them on, and they fitted perfectly. As you can see they are very black – and that is so hard to find these days as most ‘black’ jeans are a washed out grey. Anyway after I dithered about the price (£40) I bought them and when I got back home I looked the brand up. Oh.My.Word. The brand Paige is American, and these jeans (which by the way, were new with all the labels attached) retail at £300! I think that has to be the find and bargain of the year!
This outfit is over the top but I love it. And here below is a glimpse of the leopard skin top I wore underneath with the necklace that also has an animal print part to it. If you want to be noticed when you are approaching 80 I think a few clashing animal prints might do it!!! And oops yes, I can see from the pic that my hat has a dent in it! Never mind.
Also note that I never filter anything. Here are my hands with their red knuckles and those age spots one gets. That’s what they are like and that’s what comes up in the photograph. In actuality I ought to wear more rings – so what I am saying is never apologise or hide your hands away. We have to be real about ageing.
Well – the Turner prize was its usual barking self. I won’t show you too many pics of it, but I like it like art to be provocative!
Actually I disrespect the artists when I say that all the exhibits were a tad mad as, of course, the ideas behind their art is often very thought-provoking. The artist Pio Abad is looking at the plunder by the British (in 1897) of Benin’s artefacts and treasures. Which ties in very neatly with a film I saw yesterday about the French returning 26 plundered items to Benin (out of 7000). The film was Dahomey and I recommend anyone who likes visiting museum (as I do) to watch the documentary and think about where a museum’s items have come from and, how they were taken. AND whether they should remain in these Western museums.
Don’t you think Mr F looks rather cool? He’s wearing his Heisenberg hat – anyone who has seen the series Breaking Bad in its entirety will know what I mean.
The exhibit I liked best was by the artist Delaine Le Bas.
She made her space into an intricate set of rooms.
It was bizarre and eery, magical and thought-provoking with Le Bas exploring the world today through her Roma heritage. I found the whole exhibit of hers exhilarating and somewhat disorientating. More about that in a minute.
We had a quick lunch and then thought let’s see some actual Turners. So off we went to the Tate’s very large collection of Turner. You’ll be appalled to hear that I became a little bored with Turner, apart that is, one room with some of his unfinished paintings that are very abstract and painted in very pale yellows and blues. In addition, within that room, was a Rothko also in pale blues and yellows. Yes, that was lovely. And sorry, I didn’t take any photos!
I do love visit art exhibitions and this one did not disappoint.
I have two more things to tell you before this blog ends:
The last blog I wrote appeared in full within the email. This doesn’t usually happen as ordinarily there is a link you hit to go onto my website, but I have no control over that email. It is sent out by WordPress so I am updating the way I produce this blog, and have adjusted some settings, and I think it will go back to you hitting a link to read on. If it doesn’t, I do urge you to ‘read on blog’ instead of just reading it in the email, as it won’t be the same, and you may not be able to see the photographs properly. Of course, as you are reading this at the end of the blog – I hope everything has gone back to normal!
And secondly, I was still really quite unstable all through that trip to London. However, I am being proactive about this and have done a lot of thinking and researching as to why I am so unstable. In my next blog I shall talk more about proprioception issues and my efforts to be more my usual self.
I also have more skirts to show you, plus there will definitely be a blog dedicated to my obsession with coats! But it has to be colder before I can start wearing these coats.
Until then, with love, Penny, the Frugalfashionshopper
I love the outfit one of your best looks 😊
Oh wow, thanks so much Gillian 😊 I’ll have to dress like this from now on!
You look Gorgeous in your Animal Print Selection! I adore the coat and if you ever want to part with it please me know! You look so striking , more than the very strange art ! Not really my taste at all .
I am very interested to hear about your unstable condition as I often have that feeling .
I wonder what causes it ? My doctor doesn’t have an answer in spite of blood tests X-rays etc etc, and can only suggest tranquillisers ?? No thank you I told him. So I am awaiting your next blog with much interest. Best wishes Judy from Brighton x
Thanks so much for the kind words about the outfit, especially the coat – what a find! I’ll have to wear a lot more animal print from now onwards! I always find this type of art interesting, it’s not pretty but makes you think and I really like that.
Proprioception is all about our ability to sense and move our body in the environment and issues can arise for all sorts of reasons. I think there are multiple small factors contributing to my unsteadiness and I am trying to tackle them. More about this in another blog shortly.
Thanks again Judy and all the best with your balance too 😊
I think BOTH of you look incredibly cool! I love that you support the arts by going to exhibitions and your film series. I have more pedestrian tastes, but I’m glad there are folks, especially older than me, who “like to be provoked”.
The whole animal print ensemble is gorgeous, and you pulled it off beautifully. So sorry to hear about the unsteadiness but glad to hear your being proactive. Will follow with interest.
Yes, that hat Mr F wears! He usually looks very odd in hats so when he tried that hat on and it looked good he had to buy it! It’s actually a Californian brand, Bailey. And I shall just have to wear more animal print from now on!
I love this kind of art. It isn’t soothing and ‘nice’. You have to think why, and ask yourself what is the artist getting at. I really like that.
You look fabulous in this outfit, Penny! You hit the outfit “sweet spot”! Bravo!
It is amazing how it has hit the spot with all of you – I shall just have to wear more animal print from now onwards. But the coat was a great find as were the jeans!
Thanks Marilyn 😊
I really love your outfit. The coat is wonderful. You look lovely. I like to come out of an exhibition feeling energised but wanting more!
Oh wow, it really has hit the ‘spot’ as they say – I will have to look for more animal print now. And I shall wear the coat the other way round next time I go to London, which is very soon.
Thanks so much Annette 😊
I think you look fabulous,not over-the-top at all ! And Mr F looks very stylish, you make a striking pair.
How I miss going to exhibitions, the price to pay for living in the backwoods of Greece.
As another coat fiend I look forward to your post on that topic !
Thank you so much Maisie and I’ve passed on all the compliments about the hat to Mr F – I had to push him to buy that hat and I’m so glad I did!
Yes, I would miss going to exhibitions if I lived in an out of the way place. But there are compensations for living in Greece which must include the weather! But even here it is still too warm to wear the coats. It will be done next month though for sure.
Thanks again 😊
Wow, wow and wow! I think you look amazing in this outfit Penny, and Mr F looks pretty cool too. I love everything about your ensemble and you are rocking the leopard print. I’m looking forward to seeing you wearing the raincoat with the zebra print on the outside, I’m sure it will look equally stylish. I recently bought a M&S wool/cashmere coat on Vinted. It was new with tags attached, and cost £50, not only is it warm but I bought it in orange which is so out of my comfort zone. I think I was beginning to get extremely fed up with the grey and depressing weather and wanted to brighten myself up! I’ve had a positive response, so far.
I’ve become a fan of conceptual and modern art which challenges me in some way but I don’t like everything I see!
Thanks so much June. I’ll wear the coat the other way round when I next go up to London next week – and I’ll report back with lots of pics.
And just wow, an orange coat! It must be so cheery on a grey day. I’ve got a yellow coat that is such a cheerful colour. I’m looking forward to slightly colder weather temperatures so I can wear the coats I’ve got.
Like you I don’t like everything to do with ‘modern’ art. Some abstract art I think, OK…..? And performance art is a bit hmmmmm…..? But the type of conceptual art that makes you think, ‘now how did the artist arrive at that and why?’ That I find so very energising and thought-provoking and is the type of ‘art’ I really, really like
Thanks again June 😊
Wow. Both of you look fabulous. Love your new reversible coat. Smashing! Can’t wait for more fashion. Glad the cane is helping. I am 83 and am heading down that road. Thanks much for the info. Live your blog and your travels.
Thanks Claire. More about the balance issues soon. Very best wishes to you 😊
I love your outfit, one of your best. You look so stylish. I’m very jealous of you Paige jeans. I tried some on in John Lewis and loved them until I got to the till!!! Sadly, beyond my budget. We don’t get to the South very often but tomorrow we’re off to see Grayson Perry exhibition in Lewes. Hope it’s good!
I know! I am so ignorant of some labels and had never heard of Paige before. When I googled the name I was so surprised – and delighted. I mean what a bargain – they were new!!!
Oh my word, went on Sunday and I thought the exhibition was fabulous. Enjoy! The other exhibition is also very very good. And then go up to the High Street. Turning left here’s a very lovely new cafe opened beyond and opposite the Castle called Taith. It’s very Lewes! Also there are two good charity shops on the flat! If you turn right and eventually go down the hill – don’t forget to go to Wickle! And once down on the flat in Cliffe High Street, there are many many coffee shops and places to eat including the original Bill’s. Truly it once was a greengrocer and that’s where Bill’s began.
Thanks again Judi 😊
That outfit really suits you Penny! Not so much a fan of the art I must admit. Hope you get to the bottom of your proprioception issues but, meantime, stay positive.
I will stay positive and am doing a lot of thinking about my balance issues.
I mean that entire outfit was a huge bargain and then again absolutely right. I shall have to wear more animal print from now on!
This type of art isn’t pretty but I do like to be thinking, ‘now what is this about – and why’ and so on. But of course we are so lucky, the Tate has every type of ‘art’ so everyone is catered for.
Thanks so much Sylvia 🙂
OMG Penny, you are Rock Chic(k) of the Year. What an AMAZING outfit, your most fabulous look yet. I am pea green with envy of your style and casual elegance. If I had been at that exhibition I would have totally ignored the exhibits and instead I would have STALKED you to take in every detail of your ensemble. It is simply WOW.
I really love your outfit Penny , you look wonderful . Well done on the jeans., they were meant to be yours.
I always enjoy any art and agree sometimes modern art can challenge you and that’s a good thing in my book.
I hope the balance situation resolves, in the meantime your new walking stick is indeed very stylish!
I thought if I have to have a stick (which I hope won’t be for long) let’s have a glamorous one 🤣
Like you I do love to be challenged when I go to an exhibition. And I can see from all the comments that I shall have to wear more animal print!
Thanks so much Jill 🙂
Oh wow, Frances – thank you for your extraordinarily kind words – they really boosted me! And I shall obviously have to wear animal print from now on 🤣
Thanks so much 🙂
Great to see you’ve got your mojo back. Mx
I still have the balance issues but hey let’s be stylish with it!
Thanks Mary 😊
Penny, both you and Mr. F look wonderful! I love the two animal print look, and the hats are just perfect, on both of you. I know what you mean about the challenge of so much of contemporary art. not always pretty and something we would want to hang on one’s wall but it does make you think. I have had dreams, and very strange ones at that after seeing some collections. And tomorrow I will go with my retirement group to a museum which is exhibiting some rather untraditional art, especially sculpture. It is in Waterbury Connecticut. We will also visit a chocolate factory, samples included. And I must tell you, I have been thinking that I might have to get a walking stick at some point. last week I had night where I slept very little. This seems to be happening more often now because I am so anxious about the US election which is in one week. When got up in the morning I was so dizzy, unbalanced. It would not go away even after some coffee and breakfast as I thought it would. We all I suppose get a bit lightheaded at times but this was on a different level. I did not dare drive. The next day it was much better. especially as the day wore on but even now. a few days later I feel weaker. sometimes walking on uneven ground I get a bit nervous and such. I have no idea if this will pass or it is just another step in getting older. I will see my primary care physician in two weeks and maybe get some answers. Just not feeling entirely like myself. sorry to go on about my issues but just being honest.
And I really like the ring. I mention this as I have been trying to wear rings more often, who cares if my hands look old and have have swollen joints and such. My son in law’s mother had a collection of gorgeous rings, among other things but Kevin my son in law gave them to me when she passed away two years ago as as she was a petite person and I was the only one who might be able to wear them; She was a beautiful woman inside and out and it is a privilege to wear them. She was 96 when she died and even in her 90’s men flocked to her. Well, I will leave it there and send my love from New York, Darby
Thanks so much Darby for those kind words about me and my other half – at last Mr F has a hat that really suits him. As for your sudden weakness – it must be stress related but do tell the full story to your primary physician.
As for the stress of your coming election – I know it sounds odd but we are all stressed about this. I don’t know anyone personally who isn’t thinking, ‘who will it be?’ I listen to both The Rest is Politics and The Rest is Politics US with Katty Kay and Anthony Scaramucci. The latter are both very good and they don’t know, they won’t say. It’s very close which is extraordinary to us over here as it is so obvious that one of the candidates is not fit for purpose. But I am watching a very good documentary about the followers of Trump and it really is very good about why people follow him. Rather like the UK there are are so many who have suffered from globalisation and the move of industry to cheaper 3rd world areas. What party has dealt with this? I could be talking about the UK here but this about the US. And thenTrump comes along and promises a return to a better US. It’s very compelling for some. It is obviously also a cult and the Republican party has been well and truly taken over. It’s fascinating if it wasn’t so frightening for us all. Also so many of US citizens do not realise that there will be serious implications for Ukraine for starters – some European nations have every right to be extremely frightened at a Trump victory. Btw, the Christians who support him – it’s astonishing! I mean fancy supporting such an evil man and I don’t use that word lightly. I really mean that. My entire attitude and belief is based on trying to understand where people are coming from and I do understand exactly why some are voting for him – but Christians? No!
But we have to protect ourselves from being too depressed about this. And we do not know how the election will go. So we have to wait. I am so glad you have such a good cultural life.
And how nice to have been given those rings – I have many more that I could wear. I must do that.
Thanks so much Darby – and you take care 😊
Your mixing of animal prints (including your stick) is fabulous, Penny! I think anyone who sees you on the street probably does a double take! And, you did get a bargain for those Paige jeans. They are supposed to be quite wonderful.
I do love art museums, but I have to admit contemporary art baffles me. Or, is it modern art…I’m never quite sure. I do enjoy looking at it and wondering why or what the artist was thinking. Oftentimes, I’m completely wrong.
Mr. F looks quite spiffy in his hat as do you. I have lots of big statement rings, and I need to wear more of them. I bought them years ago on eBay! My students always thought they looked like pirate rings!
https://marshainthemiddle.com/
I shall just have to wear far more animal print as it really seems to have hit the ‘spot’. And Paige jeans, that were new! Amazing!
I think modern art is full of so many variations. some abstract art I am baffled by, and performance art is a bit, hmmmm…. and OK….? But conceptual art, the type that makes you think, ‘where is this coming from, and why did the artist do this and not that?’, and, ‘what does this mean?’ That I love and there is no wrong interpretation, it is just your interpretation. Also sometimes they have important things to say, like the guy who wanted us to think about the plunder of artefacts from Benin. It triggers questions as to whether it is appropriate to keep them. And so on.
I am so glad I persuaded Mr F to buy that hat. It was quite pricey as it is an American brand from California with the Bailey label.
Thanks so much Marsha 😊
I don’t think you look over the top at all! You just look very stylish and elegant. And so does Mr. F! I also never filter my photos, can’t be bothered, that is just who I am!
Yup we are in the no-filter brigade and long may that continue! I shall have to wear more animal print as everyone seems to like it!
Thanks so much Nancy 🙂
You look absolutely fabulous!
Thank you so much Clare 😊
Wearing two, or more items of different patterns but related by colour/s is very fashionable right now, Penny, so you were on top of your game with that great ensemble. Well done, edgy lady!
Talking of which, I bought a dress at the weekend! It needs taking in a bit and I know I’ll look more like the mother in Little House on the Prairie than she did (yikes!), but I liked it immediately, so there. But, I had to laugh when the lovely chap in the charity shop folding it up for me said, You’ll look good running through a hay field in this – and then you sit down and eat your Cadbury’s flake! Hell’s bells, if that’s me being edgy, it’s going back and I’ll start looking for some animal prints!
Art appreciation is a very personal thing. It’s all to do with one’s perspective and expectation but yes, it’s good to stretch the imagination. I always tell people to believe what they think they’re seeing when they look at some of my pictures…even if they think it’s scaffolding and I KNOW it’s a tree!
I’m sorry about your balance problem. It must be so unsettling, but at least you gave Mr F and your edgy stick, in that order, to hold you steady. It’s good that you’re addressing it early and not letting it drag on. You take care.
Zepherine x
I shall just have to wear more animal print Zepherine! It seems to have hit the spot! I shall wear that reversible coat the other way around on Monday when I go up to London again – woo hoo!
Oh it is interesting to hear you being a bit adventurous and getting praise for it! Go for it!
I agree, appreciation of art is very personal and the Turner prize didn’t disappoint, but it wouldn’t suit everyone one bit! And I’m being as proactive as I can re: the balance, which is annoying more than anything.
Thanks so much Zepherine 😊
That outfit really hits the spot Penny! What can possibly go wrong with black and leopard print, brilliant!
Pamela
http://www.style-yourself-confident.com
Fabulous and stylish outfit, not at all over the top. The coat is so cool!