Hello everyone!
Last Saturday we showed Brooklyn – what a lovely, nostalgic almost elegiac film. Mark Kermode called it a fairytale of New York and you couldn’t have had a more exquisite actor in Saoirse Ronan who is the sweet centre of this story of love, longing and identity. The colours and cinematography were just divine but, oh my, the 50s clothes of the characters were a sight to behold, with the men in their blazers and slicked-back hair and the young women in their pastel-coloured full skirts. Have you seen Brooklyn? I tell you when I was a teenager I definitely had a swimming costume in that exact same style and colour, but unfortunately those were my acne years, so in no way did I look anything like the lovely Saoirse Ronan!
On the night I wore an old favourite.
This skirt was bought some 5 years ago with a vintage jacket, which I’ve since got rid of, as I don’t think vintage is all that good a look on me. But the skirt I simply love.
It was bought for £5 and looks and feels sumptuously gorgeous with its full skirt, its satiny feel and deep colour. It looks expensive but its label is Florence & Fred (otherwise known as Tesco) which is a cheap and cheerful supermarket chain. It was an amazing charity shop find, but really, with that label, it can’t have been all that expensive in the first place.
Anyway, I tried a couple of jackets.
This one is a what you might call a ‘waterfall’ jacket being longer at the front than the back. I put it on and went, ‘oh no, no way!’ This is because it was just so unflattering and a perfect example of how a loose, baggy jacket can be fattening. I bought it in a sale 5 years ago and haven’t worn it all that much – so after taking this photograph it’s gone straight into the charity shop bag.
I then tried on another old favourite – my slightly biker, faux leather jacket with those old boots of mine.
As you can see from the first 3 pics I do possess shoes other than these boots (!) but I decided that with all the running around I have to do, I really ought to wear my comfortable boots.
Despite it being a cold, wet night I also decided that my biker jacket was going to be too hot, so I spotted my thin linen jacket, took it out and, hey presto, this was the best outfit for the night.
The cut of the jacket is the key to the outfit as it accentuates the waist. Just like everyone else, and despite my slim build, I have rolls of fat around my middle and for me, certainly, a nipped in waist disguises them. I’m going to say it again – too much material bulks you up, less is better.
Film of the year – I’m also going to tell you about my film of the year. I saw Arrival last week and have been raving about it ever since. However, having emphasised its virtues I’ve noticed that as I explain just a little of the plot, some people take a backward step, make a face and say something like, ‘oh no, that wouldn’t be for me, or ‘I don’t like that kind of film’. Because Arrival is a science fiction film. I won’t go into a blow-by-blow account of the plot, but suffice to say it’s a cerebral film focusing on time, memory and language with a great central role for Amy Adams. It’s also ultimately up-lifting and possibly a film for today – something you’ll realise after you’ve seen it And, btw, it’s nothing like the Marvel superhero fluff out there. Why not see it and tell me what you think! Or, while I really want you to see it, instead, tell me what is your film of the year?
That’s all for now
With love
Penny, the frugalfashionshopper
P.S. Sharing with Catherine Summers and her weekly #iwillwearwhatilike session.
What a an absolutely fabulous outfit Penny and what a sumptuous colour for the skirt. I am very keen to see ‘Arrival’ – thanks for bringing it to my attention.
Thanks so much – yes that skirt is a ‘keeper’! Such a gorgeous colour and feel to it. And Arrival is ace – let me know what you think.
Love your sparkly shoes and skirt Penny. I have tried looking in charity shops, but I think I live in the wrong town. Will look out for Brooklyn, love a good recommendation thank you.
Thank you! And yes, the thing is there are towns where charity shops are amazing and towns where charity shops are just hopeless. On the south coast not far from where I live is a town with over 20 charity shops – it’s famous for that. So one day off I went to check this out, and I found that they were awful. You see, it was a town that was quite run-down plus it had a lot of older retired people. The clothes in the charity shops reflected that demographic. You have to say to yourself – where in my area would people buy a Karen Millen or Monsoon dress? It’s those areas that have the best quality clothes. You then have to watch that these charity shops aren’t too pricy. You’d think where I live that Brighton charity shops would be the best in my area. Actually, surprisingly no, they aren’t. A small town the other side of where I currently live has the best charity shops.
I love Saoirse Ronan. She is an actor who will go very far in her career. And her middle name is the same as my daughter’s first name only spelled differently–Ronan’s is “Una” my daughter is “Oona”
But the clothes in Brookyn were to die for. Oona and I saw the film together and the clothing was a major topic!!
I LOVE your clothing. The shoes, the skirt the jacket..it is all just so beautiful–and has a nice 50’s vibe! Nice job Penny!!!
Thank you, Catherine! I hadn’t seen Saiorse Ronan before and I think she’s just exquisitely lovely. So expressive and such a good actor. And the clothing! Yes, that skirt of mine was an amazing find and worn as a tribute to that 50s vibe.
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That skirt is gorgeous and the jacket is just right with it, but I preferred the pretty pumps. I’ve seen Brooklyn and loved the story, and the clothes. I think I would like Arrival too.
Yes, I know I ought to wear those pumps and others like them more often, but the boots are so comfortable!
Let me know what you think of Arrival.
Fabulous outfit, Penny. I saw Brooklyn on a ‘Silver Screen’ showing at my local cinema. Do you have these in Newhaven? It’s only £3 a ticket and they even throw in tea/coffee and biscuits – what a bargain. Anyway, I loved the film and have been telling everyone I know to see it ever since. Hoping to see Arrival this week – I’m a big fan of Amy Adams since seeing her in American Hustle. Is the town you mention with 20 charity shops Eastbourne by any chance? We had a short break there recently and I spent most of my time touring the charity shops. Bought a few good things including 2 pairs of fabulous gloves, but no clothes so agree with you on that one. Would love to know which town has the best ones!
I go to Brighton for a ‘Silver Screen’ – and the tickets are slightly more expensive than £3 but well worth it. Plus don’t forget the free tea and biscuit! And Amy Adams is the actor of the year for me!
The town near me that has the best charity shops is Seaford. Yes, I think the Seaford charity shops will be pleased to hear that I think most of their shops have in them very high quality clothes. One had the Karen Millen dress I bought about a month ago. However, there are times when I don’t buy anything. But I’m always prepared to look, and that’s the thing – always look!