Hello again
It’s another week and as I write it’s another storm. Today is better though, with clear skies, but it’s cold and we’ve had a frost.
We’ve had two named storms, one after the other. We don’t have the catastrophic weather disasters that other countries get, but with the storm comes wind (never hurricane force but it’s a strong wind) and rain, lots of rain, with flooding for some parts of the UK that is devastating for people whose homes are flooded – and of course, we have more grey cloudy weather. When the sun comes out, wow, doesn’t it make a difference!
This month I have cut down hugely on my charity shop shopping, mainly because I need to budget for Christmas present shopping. In fact, I’ve bought only 3 items, one of which is a pair of black jeans to replace the ones that are practically grey now. (That black dye doesn’t seem to last.) The ‘new’ black jeans came from a charity shop, are obviously hardly worn, and a bargain at £5!
How many jeans do you have? I’ve recently had a cull and now have precisely four pairs. Two pairs are blue, one of which are skinny Levis bought from the same dress agency as the amazing Paige jeans, which retail at £300 but were bought at £40. The black Paige jeans make it two pairs of black jeans. Four pairs of jeans are quite enough when I really prefer to wear skirts.
So here’s the one skirt I bought this month (at £12). It has a Zara label and was new but bought in a charity shop that has about 25% of its stock donated directly by Zara, all of it new.
Here it is with a plain black top.
And an old necklace that matches my glasses.
And what about the skirt teemed with this duster coat? I’ll wear that coat up to London for sure, but not now as the weather is so damp and cold. It’s definitely a Spring and/or Autumn coat and I’ll probably wear the coat with skinny black jeans rather than a skirt.
What about that hat? This was another of the 3 charity shop buys – it’s rather nice and cost only £3.
The skirt is actually see-through and I do wonder if I wore it the other way around with the long split at the front, people could see the leggings more clearly and assume it doesn’t matter that it’s see-through.
The second one is pre-loved and was bought a month ago for £18, at that same dress agency I go to a lot now. It has a Hush label, which is a quality brand.
Here I am with the same black top and necklace. It has pockets!
And now layered with a very old charity shopped cashmere sweater.
And with the duster coat.
Actually the coat will definitely look better with black jeans, but IRL the outfit didn’t look too bad. You know what, I’ll have to learn how to do those moving reels you see on Instagram – that’ll be a good workout for the brain. It’s never too late to learn something new!
Here are the accessories for the two outfits.
Those two skirts would be skirt #8 and #9 if I’d continued my 7-day skirt challenge (which I didn’t!) but actually I have 15 skirts, and the ones you haven’t seen yet are mainly party skirts. These I’ll show you in December when it is party season.
Other news is that I find my balance deteriorates if I don’t do a long walk, on my own, every day. If I have someone nearby to hang onto the next day I seem to have lost that knack of walking without wobbling. (Btw, the walking isn’t hiking or going into the depths of the countryside, all my walking is done on the flat pavements of cities and towns,) And then there are the storms and what with the howling wind, there are days when I don’t do my usual 8,000 or more steps. Just recently there were two days of stormy weather with no walking outside, and I have gone backwards a little.
As it’s definitely a spatial/visual issue, I’ve decided to get the cataracts done and faster than the usual NHS way. Tbh, it breaks my heart (and the bank!) to go outside the NHS but I’m not waiting 14 months as my sight is so off in the distance and when I turn my head, this has to be a factor with my balance issue. So I’m expecting that this might be done and sorted early next year.
That’s all for now, keep warm and snug as winter sets in 😊
With love, the Frugalfashionshopper
This skirt style makes you look long and lean, and uber stylish. Two great buys! There’s a charity shop I visit in Plymouth that has a lot of stock donated by Zara.
I adore this new Zara stock in the Red Cross charity shop, and have bought quite a few items. Mind you some of the Zara items are a bit OTT and barking mad, no wonder they didn’t sell! But every now and then it’s a wow, let’s get that purchase! Also Zara’s sizes are ridiculous and very bizarre!
I must look at Vinted again – was so put off when I tried it a few months back with my encounter with the scammer. If I successfully buy something I might try to sell again.
Thanks Gail 😊
I love that red necklace Penny – I’d never have thought of wearing anything like that, you are so imaginative and stylish. And the coat is fabulous, I want one!
I have a Zara bag I found in the Edinburgh Shelter shop. It’s bright yellow and gets a lot of compliments. I don’t think I’ve ever been in the Zara shop – it looks expensive (by my standards…)
We had a day in Dundee recently – we were going to see films (Small Things Like These, and Since Yesterday: The Untold Story of Scotland’s Girl Bands – both excellent) at the wonderful Dundee Contemporary Arts, but we got there early so we had a bit of a charity shop wander. I bought four dresses for under £20! Dundee is much cheaper than Edinburgh or even Aberdeen. I’m very pleased with them all – one was Per Una, one White Stuff, and two makes I’ve never heard of – Miss Shop and Mantaray ‘Faithful and True.’ I’ve not worn dresses much for years, but recently I’ve really gone back to them – they’re so comfortable and easy to wear; I had several languishing in my wardrobe that I’ve rediscovered too. It’s shoes that I can bear to walk in that I need now. I live in my beloved Merrel walking shoes or a pair of John Lewis (sale!) suede boots – I really should donate all the other shoes I have, as these days they cripple me so of course I avoid them.
Two of my friends have paid to get their cataracts done privately. Both are left-leaning socialists like us, so it pained them too, but they said it was totally worth it. We can’t be wasting years of our lives at this stage – or indeed ever. My husband had a hip replacement a few years ago under his work health insurance – otherwise he’d probably still be waiting. We tried to look at from the POV that he was taking up one less place on the waiting list.
It’s absolutely Baltic here in Aberdeen this morning. Everything outside is frozen solid. I’ve just been out to feed the birds (again) – will need to go out properly later, but not yet!
Keep warm.
The red necklace was bought at the V&A jewellery shop and not expensive at all – can’t remember exactly but probably under £20.
I don’t go all that often to Zara as I don’t really approve of how quickly the stock changes – it really is fast fashion. But when it lands up in a charity shop – yay! And everything is half price… well! On the other hand earlier this week I saw a Zara coat in this charity shop priced at £100. OK it was new and retailed (the labels were there) at £219, but seriously? Think that’s a price too far.
I will have to get rid of some shoes and boots but will try and sell the newer ones. Your charity shop hunt proved very successful – good for you.
And yes, the going private is a big gulp for me, but totally necessary. I can’t wait over a year! Very cold here too in the south – we had a frost and it’s the damp cold that makes it so bitter. It’s currently slightly above freezing but feels much lower.
Thanks so much for the comment Rosemary, I do love your long comments 😄
Such good finds, I really like the Duster coat.
I forgot to say that the duster coat is also from that dress agency so is pre-loved. The label is Jaeger so it would have cost far more than the £40 I paid for it!
Thanks Rosie 😊
Yes! Waiting 14 months for the cataracts is way too long! I really hope it will make a difference with your balance. Lovely finds at the charity shop: I do love how your duster coat adds a lot of fun to your outfits. I remember seeing a similar Zara skirt at a thrift store here, but it was not in my size!
http://www.chezmireillefashiontravelmom.com
Yes, our wonderful NHS is creaking from many years of underfunding and then Covid but if you can wait or if it works quickly there is nothing better as your operation will be as good as any private op. But needs must.
That duster coat was also pre-loved but a bit more expensive as it came from the dress agency. I’m so glad I bought it. Zara has some great items.
Thanks Mireille 😊
Hello, Penny
Before I forget 😱, what does IRL stand for, please? I truly couldn’t work it out but fully expect to go “Duh!” as soon as I see your reply.
Now, your ‘put-togethers’ this time: fab-u-lous! You knocked it out of the ballpark with each one. I know you like your fashion to be edgy, but here, you look a fully paid-up member of the other ‘e’ word: elegant! You’ve got the best of both styles actually, when you consider the long skirt with the slit, for example.
Funny thing, that skirt. I noticed that you’re wearing the slit on your right side. It may be that you had no choice because of a definite back and front, but for me, the slit has to be on the left side or I feel lop-sided!
Weatherwise, my area suffered hellish floods. We were relatively lucky this time p, did have some problems but minor compared to a few miles from us. Even so, it’s been a while since we’ve seen several feet of water in the street and wheelie bins swishing by! I won’t detail the stuff that ended up in some streets but suffice to say that paddling in flood water is both a health hazard and dangerous, as manhole covers do tend to lift at such times. Some people never think before literally jumping in, do they?
But today, the sun is shining, the sky is blue and the birds are singing. I wish those still struggling with flood damage all the very best. I’ve been there, but not on the scale of some poor souls not a million miles away from here. (Incidentally, our youngest granddaughter has just returned from a trip to New York – where they had snow! I wonder if where Darby lives got as lucky?! The granddaughter loved it, naturally. Real Christmassy.)
Thank you, Penny. You take care of yourself…
Zepherine x
Thought I would quickly reply… IRL.. in real life
Thank you, Diane. Now why couldn’t I think of that? Like I said I’d say, Duh!
Cheers!
Z x
So sorry, and I see you already know but yes, it is In Real Life!
And thanks so much for the kind words about the outfits – they’re fun aren’t they and oh wow, maybe elegant! The label, which is always meant to be at one’s back, does suggest the skirt should go on with the slit at the right side.
Hope the flooding subsides soon, but oh my word this will continue as that’s how it’s going to be from now on. When some of these decision makers get flooded out themselves – maybe they’ll take note and do something……?
I will take care and you take care too, Zepherine, thank you 😊
Penny, I live in Yorkshire and my local Boots Opticians referred me to a private clinic to have my cataracts done on the NHS. Several of my friends have had the same service. Is there not a similar scheme in your area? If not I suppose this is the postcode lottery we hear about 🙁
Hi Marilyn and yes, I do agree that there are postcode lotteries. My local skin department comes to mind, which where I live worked wonders for me, which was always within the 2-week time limits for my melanoma, while I know of another person living elsewhere who didn’t fare so well.
I have heard, and know that, with regard to cataract ops one can get referred quite quickly to a private hospital. But the thing is my optician who has close links with the NHS (he worked in St. Thomas’ eye department as I did decades before him!) told me not to go down that route as there were ‘issues’ to consider. I said, I do not want any issues whatsoever!!!
I would wait for this op to have it with the NHS consultants but needs must, so it’s down the paying path I go. I am reconciled to that and think you cannot take it with you!
Thanks for the comment though as it might be useful for others to know of this quicker route 😊
Fabulous outfits, Penny! You look fantastic in all of them and the Jaegar duster coat is amazing value.
I wear a considerable amount of black and neutral colours but I recently ventured out of my comfort zone and purchased an orange cashmere/wool coat on Vinted. I love natural fabrics and the coat still had the original labels. It was under £50, from M&S and would have retailed at double that price, originally. I’ve been surprised at all the lovely comments I’ve had, even from strangers! I think it was the depressing weather and world news that encouraged me to buy bright!
Oh wow, that orange coat sounds amazing and isn’t it great when you get a compliment – I get them when I war my yellow coat.
Thanks so much June 🙂
Love your coat and hat they look great. It’s such a shame to have to go private but who can blame you why have money in the bank if you can improve your health in this way. The waits are shocking. I live in France a few years ago I had a knee replacement followed by 4 weeks in rehab and 30 sessions with a physiotherapist. A few months later I decided to have the other knee replaced I rang the consultant and he asked me when I wanted it done. I was able to organise it for Spring as it meant I could get plenty of exercise.
I too know about the French health system as my friend who lives there permanently broke both his legs (walking up some steps!!) and the after care he got was simply amazing, in fact astounding – 2 years of physio which included a massage and a swim as well. Why our politicians always look to the States for the way the NHS should go when that is possibly the worst way to go!!! Europe has by far the better health services.
As for paying for the cataracts – I know the surgeon and he’s rated highly and the sooner the better!!!
Thanks Flora 😊
A charity shop that has new Zara items! That sounds like a shop for me? Is it in Lewes? Love the skirts and pockets are always a bonus!
It’s the Red Cross charity shop in Lewes down in the Cliffe area. Some of the Zara items are a bit bizarre and OTT but there’s always something that is really good there – all new and all donated by Zara. Just recently though I think the charity shop has gone a bit over the top as there have been two coats at £100 – think that’s a bit too far for a charity shop even if they retailed at £100sssss, it is a charity shop!!!
Thanks Nancy 😊
Oh, don’t save that duster for just jeans! It looks fabulous with the first skirt. I think wearing the skirt front, back, and maybe even sideways (if you can) is a wonderful way of having more than one skirt! I love how you wear those Rieker boots! They really are so edgy and definitely you! Love that leopard print hat, too! I don’t wear hats unless I know I’m not going anywhere anytime soon as it gives me the absolute worst case of hat head!
Have a fabulous weekend, Penny!
Yes, that duster coat which I forgot to say is an expensive brand but was pre-loved and on sale at the dress agency so got it for bargain price was a great find and one I will wear even in Lewes (my hometown). And I will wear it with that skirt – but it would have to be a lot warmer weather 🤣
I get what you say about the hair, but I just couldn’t go out without a hat as it’s too damn cold – the ears really suffer if you don’t cover them up!
Thanks Marsha – hope you had a great Thanksgiving 😊
Getting to this late as yesterday I hosted our American Thanksgiving. I have not hosted in several years and found I was nervous and preoccupied. There were 9 of us, daughter and husband, son, wife and my two grandchildren. Granddaughter home for a few days as she has been working in Washington DC and grandson home from university. Also, my ex, the kid’s father and his wife. We have been divorced for 50 years now and this was the first time I had them as guests in all that time. Many, many times being together at events, restaurant dinners, dinners at the children\s homes of course, we get along as I do as well with his wife of 30 years . Of course there was too much food and I had to use every container I had to send everyone home with the leftovers. I think it went well and as always feel silly for my anxiety.
Very nice skirts, I especially like the Hush one. I have never heard of this brand but it looks quality. I did a bit of a closet clean up this week, Some nice sweaters that just did not look good on me. They were quality and I was resistant to get rid of them but my daughter goes to a dance class at a church where there is a table where people can leave clothing and she said that people do take things so hopefully these items will have a new home and won’t end up in a landfill.
I agree that at this stage in life waiting such a long time for the cataract surgery is unacceptable. Especially since it is not just interfering with your vision but with balance as well. Right now I am having an issue with my back and right shoulder. For perhaps a dozen years I have had this on and off, sharp pains in that area which come and go. I can be pain free of months and then it returns for seemingly no reason, and then goes away. I have had a number of workups but no real answers. I had injections which were not much help. OTC meds have minimal effect. I wonder if it has to do with using my computer or with my scoliosis which I have had since adolescence. We are finally getting some rain and cold weather here in New York. Love, Darby
Hello Darby and what a good job you did hosting your Thanksgiving day. It sounds as though it went very well and the food was abundant – that’s how it is for us Brits on Christmas Day!
But goodness me, it must have been tiring. And your shoulder could be any number of issues which I won’t go into as you need a medic to confirm what it is and how to treat it. All I will say is that my very knowledgeable 1-2-1 Personal Trainer is more like a physio as she’s done most of her training with physios and she has kept me going as I too have scoliosis and in 2018 when I first found her – I was actually crooked. The right kind of exercise (so I am not suggesting anything as it has to be right for you) is one way to treating backs and shoulders. Very best wishes for that, my friend, as I think we do have to be assertive about our situation as we are the ones that know exactly what is happening. Personally I am not being listened to and I have had to take the initiative in a number of ways- it is frustrating. I truly hope you get yourself sorted.
And yes, New York with some cold weather – that must be more the norm for this time of the year. Good to hear.
Enjoy the weekend and give yourself a huge pat on the back for that amazing hosting you did. I bet your family were proud of you. With love from across the pond 😊