Hello everyone
We got back from our short break seeing friends in Bournemouth and Somerset. And I’m sorry to say I don’t have a single photo of the countryside as I was very much in the moment of being with friends who we hadn’t seen for some time, actually some years, mainly because of you-know-what.
Before I start with events and clothes, I just need to tell you that we are having IT problems with this blog and my other one. Most of the time it is OK but every Sunday (and occasionally on other days) our server decides that something is wrong with our blogs and shuts them down, so all you see if you try to get to these blogs is ‘Resource Limit Reached’. Basically it’s crashed. Also, I cannot always get to your comments on my phone. I can only use the lap-top for comments, so comments don’t always get approved immediately or liked. Then that facility comes back or it might not, it varies, but the crashing on Sunday remains. I have to say we are tearing our hair out and Mr F is finding the limited amount of information he is given by UK2 to sort this situation somewhat unhelpful. For the moment, I realise I must never post on a Friday as some of you might still want to comment a couple of days later, as in, Sunday and then you can’t get on. Many apologies for this but you’ll just have to bear with this current little difficulty. It is very annoying for all concerned and poor Mr F is finding it quite frustrating. Again, many apologies, I’m so sorry for the inconvenience.
Well, what can one say, what a week, as last week we had a new Prime Minister (almost forgotten) and, sadly, a new Sovereign reigning over us. I have written about this on My Other Blog. As you all know how I think, you will know I am not over keen on our monarchy, but I write of my respect for the late Queen and my hopes for our new King. From the comments you will see the subject of monarchy generated quite a lively debate. Hearing different views is exactly what that blog is created for, but just as I wrote with respect I trust you will do so too.
And here for your perusal is the only photograph I managed to take at Lewes’ formal proclamation, a ritual that declares Charles as our King that has been replicated around the country.
I had a really good spot and then all of a sudden the traffic was halted, the crowd surged forward and all I got thereafter were a lot of heads in the way of the proceedings . But you can see the robes and the mace. It is a momentous and pivotal moment for our country and actually I think there was quite a subdued feeling as I walked around the town yesterday. Read more about the death of our Queen on My Other Blog.
Anyway, back to charity shop fashion! As my friend Sue loves hunting in charity shops off we went one morning and lo and behold I found seven items: two pairs of jeans, two tops, a skirt, a pair of shoes and a hat.
I am showing you two items. A lovely brown cardi bought for £4. Apologies, the photo has faded out the richness of the brown
The top goes well with one of the jeans I bought, they both originally came from Sainsbury’s supermarket as they have the label Tu. Both items are in very good, almost unworn, condition.
They’re skinny jeans that fit perfectly and I rather like both the top and the jeans with my new mustard coloured Josef Seibel shoes – they are not a charity shop item, but I shall wear these shoes for years.
Here are the jeans teamed with an old yellow cardi.
If you think I’m looking a bit pale that’s because I haven’t got any makeup on apart from running a pencil over my eyebrows. My blepharitis is playing up again, which is such a nuisance. But it confirms my opinion that I ought never put a foot outside the door without my eye makeup!
And you might think that’s an interesting necklace. Well it is, but it is a triumph of style over substance as there’s a very fiddly catch, which is impossible to close and open without help. So it might go into the charity shop bag very soon! Sad, as I bought this at the Tate Modern, at Anni Albers exhibition, which extolled her wonderful hand-loom weaving and her industrial near architectural designs. And yes, those are paper clips attached to a sink sieve – rather cool, don’t you think!
Here are my accessories in close up: the Anni Albers necklace (should it go?), the Josef Seibel shoes and one of my many bracelets made by Joy Fox, plus a £5 ring from the V&A.
That’s all for now, thanks you for reading my two blogs and again, so sorry if you can’t get on to the blog on a Sunday or any other day – we’re working on it!
With love, Penny, the Frugalfashionshopper
Put the necklace in a frame, or hang it off something, as interior decor (wind it into the bathroom light pull?), or put it ceremonially on a plain coloured plush cushion and get Mr F to place the post on top as he presents this reverentially to you, butler-style! It’s too nice not to have around to look at, and who says necklaces have to only be worn round necks?!
x
Maybe put the necklace on a different chain? It looks like a plug chain but I think it would still look good on a conventional chain…maybe one with larger links or perhaps a ribbon nor leather one?
I shall change the clasp and we have a good jeweller that will do it here in Lewes, so will take it soonest – thanks Alison.
Hi Lorna, I’ve decided I’ll change the clasp – simples! Don’t know why I didn’t think of that before!
Maybe you have another chain you could use for the great pendant. Nice shoes. Have a good week.
I shall change the clasp and I don’t know why I didn’t think of it before! The shoes are great and pricy as they were, they will be worn again and again.
I recognise that cardigan from when they did a range of them which I liked a lot, I had a couple of them. You look very good in the brown/mustard combo. Most of my clothes and the things I like are styles from years ago. A survey in Saga magazine about clothes found that something like 70% of respondents shopped at M&S. This surprised me as the only thing like of theirs are jersey trousers ; they changed the bras I used to buy so I don’t even buy those there now. They do a very good GF cake though! I agree with the others that maybe you could use the pendant in a different way.
The cardi will be a keeper as it’s nice and in very good unworn condition. But M&S, I never go into it, not even for food. But I did buy some clothes from M&S through the lockdown on the ‘net. But now, never, I think it’s the stores themselves that are boring. Their bras are hopeless – the fitting is everything and they don’t do that, anyway, I was always looking for 38s – when I was measured I was a 32!!!! But with a much larger cup of course.
I shall change the clasp and I really don’t know why I didn’t think of that before!
What a fabulous necklace! So unusual! You really are a brilliant charity shop queen, aren’t you?! I wish I could come across such great finds!
Oh, and you don’t look bad at all without any makeup!!
Hugs
Suzy xx
Thank you so much Suzy, but I put on makeup yesterday – and the difference it made!!!!!!
Glad you enjoyed a catch up with your friends Penny.
As others have suggested keep the necklace its fabulous , hopefully you can change its clasp.
As usual you seem to find the best at your charity shops.
Hopefully you will sort your wifi issues.
I did so enjoy meeting up my friends and yes I shall change the clasp. The charity shop finds in Somerset were very very good! Thanks Jill
Your new sweater looks wonderful, and I have had a bit of luck in that department myself lately. I found a brand new thigh length cardigan just this week and love it. As for the necklace, could you change the clasp to a magnetic one? I have found these at our local craft shop and then change them out on the ones I just can’t deal with anymore…. voila, easy on and off. Just a pair of tiny needle nose pliers and done. I know how terribly frustrating it is dealing with computer issues, we live in the country and have internet problems constantly, not quite the same, but I feel your pain.
I am having a blepharitis flare – up too. Do you have any treatment tips? I am trying the hot mask treatment twice a day at the moment. I love the shoes – inspired me to search for some red ones online as I haven’t tried them before.
Oh my word, blepharitis is such a pain, not literally, although it does feel quite sore when the blighter is forming, that’s that’s the worst part. Mine has nearly gone now and all I do is the hot mask trick as many times a day as one can manage. I was told 4 times a day during the formation of the blockage, but I’d be lucky if I could manage 3, it’s usually like you say, twice a day. And then I was told do it every day when going to bed, which should keep it at bay, but what a fiddle, I don’t, so there you are. It’s such a bind, isn’t it!
The shoes are brilliant and I do love the colour 🙂
It is a brilliant cardi and in such good condition. I shall change the clasp and don’t know why I didn’t think of that before!
The IT problems are so frustrating as we are so keen to improve and/or mend what the server thinks is off limits but they don’t fully inform you as to why it’s happening – grrrr!
Computer issues are no fun! I might just head to your other blog it a minute. I usually read your blog on Wednesday or Thursday so haven’t encountered any problems. That necklace is quite unique. I am sorry you are having issues with it.
http://www.chezmireillefashiontravelmom.com
Glad you haven’t encountered the IT glitch as it is very frustrating for everyone, and the server won’t really tell us exactly what we should do to solve the problem – grrrr!
I’ll change the clasp and don’t know why I didn’t think of that before !
Poor Mr F! Very troubling when our blogs have issues because most of us don’t have professional IT support! I have a problem with comments given on phones, as they don’t sync to Disqus.
More excellent charity shop finds. I do love those Joseph Siebel shoes, right up my street!
The IT situation is so frustrating especially as the server won’t tell us what to do to solve the problem – that’s so annoying!
I got such an amazing haul from just one morning!
Is that necklace on a ball chain with one of those impossible little ball chain connectors? If you don’t want to move the pendant to a different kind of chain, it’s not difficult for someone with basic jewelry making tools to add a lobster clasp to ball chain. It would take only a couple minutes to do.
Here’s an example video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L5WbWjiNLDM
If you know someone who has basic tools (or you do yourself), it would be an easy fix. You could also ask at a jewelry repair or beading shop to see what they would charge to convert the necklace for you.
It’s a wonderfully unique piece that deserves a second chance! I hate it when jewelry makers use a ball chain connector on a piece that is short enough it must be opened to be worn. In general, that kind of connector is really best for connecting ball chain on a longer necklace, not as a clasp!
Thanks Sally, it is a very tight and narrow fiddly ball connector, which you’re right, should not be there for opening and closing, so yes, I shall take it to a jeweller’s in Lewes and change the clasp and I don’t know why I didn’t think of it before! It definitely needs a proper clasp and with the feedback I’ve had I shall wear it more often. Thanks again 🙂
I like the outfits. Mustard is a favourite autumn colour of mine. The necklace is an easy fix. Get a magnetic clasp via eBay or Amazon ( sometimes sold as safety clasps) and attach to either end of the chain. Don’t get rid of it if you like it!
Mustard is a great colour and I shall take the necklace to a jeweller in Lewes and get the clasp changed – don’t know why I didn’t think of that before!
Oh, that necklace is so fabulous. I have been lucky that there is a jewelry club in our retirement community where I’ve taken things to have them fixed so I don’t have to get rid of them.
And the yellow shoes are right up my alley,
XOOX
Jodie
http://www.jtouchofstyle.com
I shall get the clasp changed and wear it more often now everyone has given me such good feedback on it!
The yellow shoes are a keeper!
Thanks Jodie 🙂
You always come up with such good finds on your thrifting expeditions! I remember years ago my friend Alice and I would go to the local thrift and resale stores, we found such great pieces. Now Alice has moved away, she went to Florida years ago and we sadly lost touch. And the stores are gone now as well. I did just purchase a sweater from Eileen Fisher Renew, which sells their second hand clothing. The brand sells sustainable, ethically sourced garments. the sweater is made of organic linen and cotton, a teal blue. I think it will work as a transitional piece. And I also purchased new shoes, black loafers which should last me for years. I hate leaving the house without my full makeup. If I don’t people tell me I look tired. But I agree the makeup sometimes irritates my eyes and I do have dry eyes. Will check out you other blog. Take care Penny, X, darby
It was an amazing charity shop haul for one morning – 7 items! Which you’ll see shortly. That sweater sounds lovely. One of the 7 items was black loafers!
Honestly I know what you mean as I hate not wearing makeup. I look so pale and washed out – I wore some yesterday and the difference!!!!
So unable to comment on the the other blog but wanted to say I was saddened by the death of the queen. For the reasons that so many have stated I was not a huge fan of the monarchy but I did admire Queen Elizabeth and her work ethic. Also that she loved horses. My neighbor and I in discussing her agreed that we liked her and although as a couple of liberals we were skeptical of the monarchy we secretly, or perhaps not so secretly enjoyed all the pagentry of the celebrations, the weddings and such. I hope Charles is up to the task and wish him well. I am glad he seems to hold the environment as a priority.
Darby, I completely agree with your sentiments. It would be hard for me to dislike a queen that loved horses and dogs. Especially when I see photos of her enjoying them in casual, outdoorsy settings rather than at fancy, seriously posh horse or dog shows.
Some years ago, I went to Buckingham Palace to an exhibition of the Queen’s clothes and there were all her brightly coloured hats, coats, suits, handbags, shoes, and amazing stunning, film-star like ball-gowns, but the things that were missing were her ordinary clothes: she liked to wear tweed skirts, flat lace-up shoes and woollen cardigans. And above all she loved her horses and dogs!
I feel the same way, I’m not a fan of monarchy but can’t actually think of a better alternative apart from being more like the quieter, less pomp-ridden European royals. Monarchy does bestow stability and the length of her reign was stupendous, hence the death of our Queen has been a momentous event.
I too hope Charles is up to the task, and oh yes, her love of horses. The Queen loved nothing better than wearing sensible down-to-earth clothes and riding gear, all those dinky colourful suits and hats were her uniform. In another life she would have made a very good (yet aristocratic) country wife doing nothing but breeding horses.
I am sure it is a difficult thing dealing with the monarchy. My son and I were talking about it tonight…just by grace of birth, a family inherits millions and a crown…I don’t know what the answer is for that particular problem. I do think the Queen was an exemplary monarch in that she lived for her country (from an outsider’s point of view). We shall see how Charles does. Now, on to the Josef Seibel shoes! I love them! My daughter always calls them my potato shoes because she thinks they look rather misshapen and, I guess, like a potato! I do love how you find such wonderful things and then combine them into fabulous outfits! Love that special necklace…how ingenious! I would try to change out the chain (as others have suggested)!
Come visit, if you can, for a link party Thursday!
https://marshainthemiddle.com/
Yes, indeed, the thing is possibly the majority in the UK absolutely loved the Queen and are very upset by her death, but not all, but the majority feeling that way is why talk of republic is an absolute non-starter, it will never happen. I am very conflicted as I do feel it is a pivotal event and think the Queen served us so very well. But here’s one tiny example of the difference between us and them, Charles will inherit an huge amount of money from the Queen, hundreds of millions, and yet he won’t pay any inheritance tax. And yet his subjects have to pay this tax. They really should pay this tax like the rest of us. But hey, they are different. And a monarchy does give stability to a nation and the Queen was the embodiment of duty, diligence and grace. So there you are – it’s our system.
As for the shoes, aren’t they brilliant, the colour! I shall change the clasp. Thanks so much Marsha 🙂
You look great, Penny! Love the subtle pattern on the pants. My most recent frugal find was a pair of faded black denim jeans, too. There is a faint vertical pinstripe pattern which adds length to the straight legs. Can’t wait to see the rest of your finds! But those shoes! I went right to the website and adjusted to the U.S. site. Thanks for the link! Next time, I’m shopping, I shall look to try them on!
Glad to hear you had a wonderful time to get away to see dear friends. It is good for the soul to do so! I am feeling that need! Also, trying to do some creative projects to keep my mind active.
Have been to your last two posts of The Other Blog. I commented on the most current one. So tired of all the politics here in the U.S. but then I realize if I had my way to be quick and done about it, I would be no better at not following the rule of law! May this new era of the English monarchy work for the people to provide stability and inspiration.
Sorry for your tech challenges but I’ve not experienced it from my side. Glad each time I’ve seen your posts! Take care, Penny! Charlene
Rather late in the day, hi Charlene! So glad you can get Josef Seibel shoes in the States, they’re very good quality. And it was great to see our friends – we had seen them recently in Lewes, but hadn’t been to their home for several years. We were amazed when we worked out how long it had been!
Thank you so much for commenting on My Other Blog about the Queen, for a variety of reasons I couldn’t get on to the blog and then decided to close comments, but thanks so much. The monarchy bestows stability on our country and a republic is very much a non-starter here, nevertheless it really could be slimmed down and reformed in many ways, but King Charles has said he will do some slimming down, so I watch in anticipation of those moves!
Thanks as ever 🙂
I love all the looks. Especially the one with the mustard cardigan and shoes.
Thanks so much Cathy 🙂
Hi Penny,
As you know I buy a lot of charity shop jewellery and I find that catches are often very tricky to do up/undo or they catch on my skin tags. When I can, I replace them. I bought some ‘lobster claw’ catches and another type of catch from Amazon; along with earring bits to customise my earrings. All very cheap and useful. I also have several jewellery pliers which are enormously helpful – again cheap and cheerful from Amazon.
The Josef Siebel shoes are magnificent! You did extremely well on your charity shop rummage; the jeans and the cardi look great. I loved your necklace and thought at first it was a fish…
Sorry to hear about the blogging issues – sometimes technology is such a pain in the you know where!
xxx
Hi Veronica, and apologies for taking so long to reply!
I shall get another catch or even just take it to a jeweller in Lewes that does repairs. The shoes are great and the charity shop outing was soooo successful!
Thanks so much for your comment xxx
Sorry you’ve had a mixed week, I hope you get things sorted for next week. Nice to see your new bits too and thanks for linking up on my #Chicandstylish party. Jacqui x
We are getting a lot of coverage here in the States about the late Queen. What a lovely charity shops haul! Your pieces and the outfit look fantastic! As for the necklace, you might consider having the clasp changed to a magnetic clasp. They really make life with necklaces much easier! I’m sorry about your blog issues. So frustrating!
Michelle
https://mybijoulifeonline.com
Yes, the death of the Queen and her funeral has astonishingly been world-wide event. But she was so long-lived and served us for a very very long time. I respected her diligence and grace and sense of duty but I do not like the fact royalty is at the pinnacle of a class structure that does much damage to our nation. And all that pomp and ceremony is medieval – we really ought to move on from that. Even, so I watched a little of the ceremony and I have to say – amazing!
The IT issues continue – we shall monitor it tomorrow (Sunday) and see if it occurs again.
Thanks Michelle