So enjoyable to be allowed a glimpse at all the different Prues! And, I might add, even at your most 'casual' I see evidence of lipstick AND eyeliner! I always put mine on too - even in the garden - as I just feel more "together" that way. I think you are rocking that back brace incidentally which I actually thought *was* a very cool belt lol. Love the leopard pumps. You even manage to look elegant amongst the possibility of sheep poo! No small feat. Thanks as always, you got the tempo just right.
P.S. Love Michael Parkinson, I had quite forgotten about him.
Always, lippy, Sue and being a natural blonde and with palest eyebrows and eyelashes and if I don't want to look like an albino, I do rather like eyebrow pencil and mascara!
That back brace has been quite a help to the lower spine although my glutes need full body armour I think. My husband's now wearuing a brace as well. It's just that extra bit of support as the bodies age.
Don't get me started on age-ing. We'll be here all day!
Hi Prue - since I retired, my wardrobe is predominantly yoga pants and tee-shirts. I love the comfort of stretch clothing and not having to dress up for work. I can totally relate to appropriate clothes for the task at hand - and the occasional dress-up for a fancier occasion (of which there seems to be fewer and fewer as time goes by). I love my casual, simple, unfussy life, and fashion bloggers aren't even on my radar - they all seem to always be "throwing on a jacket" and I can't remember the last time I wore one - so I just do "me" and l'm happy.
Yes, beyond a certain age, its nice to please oneself. I always think of the colourful and highly individual Iris Apfel who always said just be yourself. In other words - be authentic.
As you can see, I like those four bloggers. It's nice to dream, like reading a top notch fashion mag but better, with less affectation.
One is a former secondary English teacher and often devotes an entire blog to books. Another has had breast cancer and offers salient comments about her current lifestyle in relationship to that experience. Another is an interior stylist and offers a wide variety of subjects across her blog. My impression is that they're all lovely women.
Here in Tassie, one often has to 'throw on a jacket', but I'm not sure it's the kidn of jacket that would pass inspection. We're having the worst spring in living memory - galeforce winds, and a polar blast for the last almost month. I have learned to love my puffer jackets, parkas and raincoats with a passion!
This weather must pass soon, but my goodness it’s tiring dragging out the puffer jacket for every outside wander. Those winds are bitterly cold and SO strong! Brrrrrrr…… We’ve had two warm days up here and the whole neighbourhood was out with their mowers on both days. Day three of mowing should hopefully be Tuesday. Fingers crossed.
Beth, my son, like every cautious farmer, has checked the long range forecast and it says that as far as Tassie is concerned, this could go on till early summer. I'm aghast!!!!!
Hopefully you will get the odd good day as well. There’s been so much wind I’m rarely in the garden, so I was thrilled to see you had ventured there to deal with the agapanthus. Our last good day was weeks ago so I’m just hoping Tuesday’s predicted 22 degrees will actually have some much-needed warmth to it. Hugs 🤗
You have a way of looking put together in every situation, Prue, and though you write of it often, the anxious you never comes through in photos. Working from home has not done my clothing choices any favors, but I throw a scarf around my neck and an oversized shirt over leggings and call it good enough! Let's trust that the ouchy-achey bits will get themselves sorted out before summer!
Working from home is fabulous. I remember once Covid hit I learned so many lessons. Not least of which was that I could do without and that a 'home' lifestyle and clothing was the bees' knees.
Yes, the achey bits are on notice! Trust me!
Guess what? I met a Luther today! He was on the back of a ride-on mower. I immediately thought of you!
I've just booked in for the Look Good Feel Better workshop here in Mandurah for next month. After having to cancel last one due to being too ill and in hospital. Im so looking forward to it. Its volunteers like yourself that makes these things so special. Thank-you so much.
And I must say all your outfits are very stylish no matter what you are doing :)
Maree, I'm delighted you've signed up. I do hope you get as much out of the programme as I've seen others get. I learned the other day that there are now workshops for men which I think is fabulous as they're just as prone to the same loss of confidence and self-belief as they work their way through illness and treatment.
Thank you for the stylish bit. I feel as if, since I reached my 70's, that fashion and I have parted company. Take care. Thinking of you....
When I was head of computing in various jobs I hated being served by people wearing tee shirts. I thought that if I'm going to be spending £100k i want to be seen to by someone who looks professional. All your outfits are appropriate for the purpose and occasion. I think the predilection these days for ALWAYS looking casual is a great shame: very self-indulgent and showing no respect for others, as well as a complete lack of judgement. Great post, very thought-provoking
Thank you, Terry. I probably should have/could have gone into the subject matter more deeply - there's so much that matters in the concept of clothing.
It's interesting that charities have formed globally to find good second clothes to then give to women, along with advice on presentation (inc CV's) to enable them to find suitable employment and get them out of the poverty cycle.
I think clothing is more important than so many folk think. Let's face it, it's the first thing people see when they meet you for the first time - a judgement, rightly or wrongly, will be made until people have a chance to get to know you better. There's truth in that old adage - 'First Impressions...'
Hi Prue. Firstly, you look fantastic in whatever outfit you wear and can carry any look off. Very elegant when in your finery! I love dressing up and as a legal secretary, office wear comes naturally. These days people don’t tend to dress up anymore only for certain occasion and that saddens me. I jump at any opportunity to don my glad rags! I also follow Susan over sixty who is also a very glamorous lady. I think in choosing your topic this week you have focused attention on how we look and the adage of look good feel good is so true - if I look smart and my hair looks good then I feel on top of the world. Thank you for another thought provoking piece - I’m off to pack for a week away in Harrowgate (UK) and will choose my outfits more carefully now! Love your song of the week too! Very apt for you.
Are you off to Harrogate Literary Festival? If you are, envy pure and simple. Quite a few friends and heroes will be there. You lucky lady! We miss out on a lot of these wonderful writing festivals here in Australia.
Susan After Sixty is tried and true, isn't she? Husband and self are trying so hard to follow her eating plan and failing at every hurdle. The loss of sugar in our diets on the really active days is making us both feel very shaky.
Hair is number one for me - if its okay, I'm okay. Even in hospital, as long as it could be tied neatly back I felt I was on a winning streak.
No, sadly not - that’s in October- but next year, hopefully I might be able to attend as an author! My cosy crime novel is published on Monday so I will look into how to go about promoting my book. I will definitely blog about Harrogate as I have never been there and am looking forward to exploring the area. The fact that my visit coincides with publication week is exciting and is a much needed break.
Hats off to you both for trying Susan’s healthy eating habits - you all look fabulous on it!
A fun and refreshing post when things are so intense in the US. While it is turning to autumn up here, it is still summer -like with temps nearing 90. The gardens have wilted and the beds need tending , too soon for pumpkins and gourds but too late for produce except a few small tomatoes. I can still wear my capris and sandals!
After two rounds of breast cancer and two mastectomies, I choose only soft fabrics now against my skin. I've discovered merino wool leggings and tops, as well as bamboo or linen all of which suit me in all seasons. My fashion mantra is ,"Simplify!".
Do you wear the merino clothing all year round? I remember when my Father-in-Law worked for the Australian Wool Corporation, Italy sent clothing made from Australian merino wool for fashion parades and honestly, the dresses were cobweb-thin and hung so delicately. I was in awe of the softness. It ran through my fingers like the finest baby clothing. I think one could have worn it on soft spring and summer days as it would breathe beautifully.
I also love linen but don't think I've worn bamboo yet. I must look out for it although frankly our weather is so windy and chilly that I can't imagine when I would wear such things. We're having the worst spring in living memory! Polar blasts and gale-force winds for almost a month.
I'm sure I said in a previous Substack column that I'm still trying to find my authentic self. I change every day!!!
Prue, what a fabulous read! I think that your wardrobe meets the needs of the many Prues that you are and that you always look "real", not made up ;) Your leopard shoes suit you to a tee ha ha
I have a secret crush on Richard Armitage so I must listen to his book, even though I'm a diehard "book" person.
Thanks for sharing the links to the blogs - I did try the Cindy Hattersley link (what an interesting and posh name) but it didn't work. I did find cindyhattersleydesign.com though and she does have an interesting spice loaf that I want to try as well as some lovely fashions. Can't wait to see the others. My fashion sense in my semi-retirement (I have a wee business that I work from home) is jeans and a top or shirt that suits me which means that it may not be currently fashionable LOL but it's me and sometimes, if one were to stop by while I'm working, they might catch me with an apron over my work attire as I will bake or cook while working on quotes. I do look "more professional" when I step out to see clients though.
Your weekly Knots in the String are a highlight and I look forward to reading them. Hugs from Canada ,continue to feel better and don't push yourself too hard. Oh, and you definitely need to frame your heron and place him by the Queen, he deserves to be seen :)
Thanks so much, Judy. I was concerned that such a shallow post may be ill-received but it turns out to be the opposite.
AND I love that you're an apron-wearer! I wear one in the garden obviously, but the minute I appear in the house, on goes the house apron 'cos I'm a seriously messy person in the kitchen, cleaning, whatever. It helps my clothes last that much longer. Without fail, if I have a favourite item on, I will drop sauces or cake and biscuit batter, jams (whatever I'm cooking) on myself. At meal and cup of tea times, I've decided I need a bib!!!
I love this Prue-does-her-style episode! You always look quite put-together in whatever circumstance you find yourself. Even though you do not do urban style or office - to - cocktail hour wear, I enjoy the style and fashion sense you bring to the tasks you do. Which are far closer to how many of us live anyway these days. Your fashion issue is right up my street! Glad the coin flipped the way it did!
It's true - society is not glammed up these days. In some ways I feel it's a shame that people don't try a little harder, but then that's very hypocritical of me. We're all so active now, that heels and beautiful dresses aren't really going to work. The terrier would look at me in horror and at the cottage we have beautiful oak floors. Can you imagine what womens' heels would do to those?
Confession though: I do wear smarter clothes to appointments. I actually do make an effort. I'm not a cafe and restaurant person at all so it is the one chance I have to slough off the rough stuff and become a little more gilded round the edges. It lasts for the duration of that appointment and then...
I adored this, Prue! Loved, *loved* your pics of all the many Prues that make up your life. You cut a dashing figure no matter if you’re communing with the sheep, or in your Little Black Dress for a fancy evening out. As they say, wow do you clean up well!
I am right there with you about garden gear, lol—I wear short leggings covered with a pair of battered Carharrts, and one of my husband’s old shirts tied at the waist. Then for cooler weather, one or more elderly sweatshirts from the era (90s) when a good sweatshirt would last forever.
As always, thank you for sharing your wonderful life 🥰
I think my washing machine has a panic attack when I stuff garden clothes into it!
I'm just trying to work out how to wash our back-braces. I think it might be handwash in a bowl and then drip dry. Today, we're carting old lucerne hay from the farm to mulch all the beds and provide nutrition and comfort for the new plantings.
Oh Prue - you have totally brightened my day! Thank you for the humour, authenticity and love of life you share with all of us. I was reminded of something from many years ago - "When you look good, you feel good. When you feel good, you do good". Still works in our world today me thinks :-)
Possibly. I think there are many folk who can afford good clothes but then choose to walk past the needy in the streets. It's why I love all the thrift and charity services who donate good clothing to the needy. Especially St.Vincent de Paul, Red Cross and the Salvation Army here in Australia.
Loved every word and every picture in this post. You're elegant in every scenario, even the sheep!
I dress both for comfort and for the job at hand, and wear things until they get holes in, and beyond - I love the soft, worn-in feel of a years-old favourite. The two shirts I bought in a sale this summer, which although are still too new and scratchy to be comfy have nevertheless been a revelation - I can't think why it's taken me this long to start shopping for 'blouses' to fit my ACTUAL body shape. Finally I've found what I need: it's MEN'S shirts, size small or medium - they have no bust darts, wide shoulders, and long enough sleeves! No longer will I struggle with the frustrations of womenswear, where any blouse large enough to accommodate my shoulders is far too roomy for the rest of my top half, and its half-mast sleeves leave my wrists chilly.
I used to be bullied for what I liked to wear as a child - thank goodness for school uniform - but these days I don't care what I wear as long as it's presentable and comfy!
Not so elegant on close up, I swear. I'd love to be, but...
I get the whole size thing. Mum was small and used to shop in Childrens-wear and to be honest, I've found the odd upper size in Childrens' that fits.
I am not that mad on Womens jeans - bit too hippy for me and I've often debated going to boyswear (teenage) or small mens. I LOVE mens's shirts for all the reasons you've stated and I'm not tall. They're just so much nicer!
I was bullied at primary school because I was tubby - do you know, I've never forgotten. It burns a deep scar and trashes one's confidence. So yes, to mature age and wearing whatever one wants.
In my thirties I used to always go for men’s jeans for the length, and those were usually fine, even though I felt at the time that with the straight up-and-down style I was always dressed like a teenage boy! These days women’s jeans seem to be available in longer sizes, so I have some which give me shape in the ‘right’ places - and even contain Lycra, which men’s trousers don’t seem to. I love a bit of streeeeeetch - it’s that comfort thing again……..! 🤣
So enjoyable to be allowed a glimpse at all the different Prues! And, I might add, even at your most 'casual' I see evidence of lipstick AND eyeliner! I always put mine on too - even in the garden - as I just feel more "together" that way. I think you are rocking that back brace incidentally which I actually thought *was* a very cool belt lol. Love the leopard pumps. You even manage to look elegant amongst the possibility of sheep poo! No small feat. Thanks as always, you got the tempo just right.
P.S. Love Michael Parkinson, I had quite forgotten about him.
Always, lippy, Sue and being a natural blonde and with palest eyebrows and eyelashes and if I don't want to look like an albino, I do rather like eyebrow pencil and mascara!
That back brace has been quite a help to the lower spine although my glutes need full body armour I think. My husband's now wearuing a brace as well. It's just that extra bit of support as the bodies age.
Don't get me started on age-ing. We'll be here all day!
XXXX
Hi Prue - since I retired, my wardrobe is predominantly yoga pants and tee-shirts. I love the comfort of stretch clothing and not having to dress up for work. I can totally relate to appropriate clothes for the task at hand - and the occasional dress-up for a fancier occasion (of which there seems to be fewer and fewer as time goes by). I love my casual, simple, unfussy life, and fashion bloggers aren't even on my radar - they all seem to always be "throwing on a jacket" and I can't remember the last time I wore one - so I just do "me" and l'm happy.
Yes, beyond a certain age, its nice to please oneself. I always think of the colourful and highly individual Iris Apfel who always said just be yourself. In other words - be authentic.
As you can see, I like those four bloggers. It's nice to dream, like reading a top notch fashion mag but better, with less affectation.
One is a former secondary English teacher and often devotes an entire blog to books. Another has had breast cancer and offers salient comments about her current lifestyle in relationship to that experience. Another is an interior stylist and offers a wide variety of subjects across her blog. My impression is that they're all lovely women.
Here in Tassie, one often has to 'throw on a jacket', but I'm not sure it's the kidn of jacket that would pass inspection. We're having the worst spring in living memory - galeforce winds, and a polar blast for the last almost month. I have learned to love my puffer jackets, parkas and raincoats with a passion!
This weather must pass soon, but my goodness it’s tiring dragging out the puffer jacket for every outside wander. Those winds are bitterly cold and SO strong! Brrrrrrr…… We’ve had two warm days up here and the whole neighbourhood was out with their mowers on both days. Day three of mowing should hopefully be Tuesday. Fingers crossed.
Beth, my son, like every cautious farmer, has checked the long range forecast and it says that as far as Tassie is concerned, this could go on till early summer. I'm aghast!!!!!
Hopefully you will get the odd good day as well. There’s been so much wind I’m rarely in the garden, so I was thrilled to see you had ventured there to deal with the agapanthus. Our last good day was weeks ago so I’m just hoping Tuesday’s predicted 22 degrees will actually have some much-needed warmth to it. Hugs 🤗
You have a way of looking put together in every situation, Prue, and though you write of it often, the anxious you never comes through in photos. Working from home has not done my clothing choices any favors, but I throw a scarf around my neck and an oversized shirt over leggings and call it good enough! Let's trust that the ouchy-achey bits will get themselves sorted out before summer!
Well done on your heron. He's wonderful!
Working from home is fabulous. I remember once Covid hit I learned so many lessons. Not least of which was that I could do without and that a 'home' lifestyle and clothing was the bees' knees.
Yes, the achey bits are on notice! Trust me!
Guess what? I met a Luther today! He was on the back of a ride-on mower. I immediately thought of you!
"I met a Luther..." This made me grin so big, Prue! There are Luther-types everywhere, for sure, and it's a privilege when we get to know them. :)
I've just booked in for the Look Good Feel Better workshop here in Mandurah for next month. After having to cancel last one due to being too ill and in hospital. Im so looking forward to it. Its volunteers like yourself that makes these things so special. Thank-you so much.
And I must say all your outfits are very stylish no matter what you are doing :)
Maree, I'm delighted you've signed up. I do hope you get as much out of the programme as I've seen others get. I learned the other day that there are now workshops for men which I think is fabulous as they're just as prone to the same loss of confidence and self-belief as they work their way through illness and treatment.
Thank you for the stylish bit. I feel as if, since I reached my 70's, that fashion and I have parted company. Take care. Thinking of you....
When I was head of computing in various jobs I hated being served by people wearing tee shirts. I thought that if I'm going to be spending £100k i want to be seen to by someone who looks professional. All your outfits are appropriate for the purpose and occasion. I think the predilection these days for ALWAYS looking casual is a great shame: very self-indulgent and showing no respect for others, as well as a complete lack of judgement. Great post, very thought-provoking
Thank you, Terry. I probably should have/could have gone into the subject matter more deeply - there's so much that matters in the concept of clothing.
It's interesting that charities have formed globally to find good second clothes to then give to women, along with advice on presentation (inc CV's) to enable them to find suitable employment and get them out of the poverty cycle.
I think clothing is more important than so many folk think. Let's face it, it's the first thing people see when they meet you for the first time - a judgement, rightly or wrongly, will be made until people have a chance to get to know you better. There's truth in that old adage - 'First Impressions...'
Exactly. Polonius in Hamlet: The apparel often proclaims the man. Charity shops welcome suits here for the the same reason
And that quote untimately became 'clothes maketh the man...'
Hi Prue. Firstly, you look fantastic in whatever outfit you wear and can carry any look off. Very elegant when in your finery! I love dressing up and as a legal secretary, office wear comes naturally. These days people don’t tend to dress up anymore only for certain occasion and that saddens me. I jump at any opportunity to don my glad rags! I also follow Susan over sixty who is also a very glamorous lady. I think in choosing your topic this week you have focused attention on how we look and the adage of look good feel good is so true - if I look smart and my hair looks good then I feel on top of the world. Thank you for another thought provoking piece - I’m off to pack for a week away in Harrowgate (UK) and will choose my outfits more carefully now! Love your song of the week too! Very apt for you.
Are you off to Harrogate Literary Festival? If you are, envy pure and simple. Quite a few friends and heroes will be there. You lucky lady! We miss out on a lot of these wonderful writing festivals here in Australia.
Susan After Sixty is tried and true, isn't she? Husband and self are trying so hard to follow her eating plan and failing at every hurdle. The loss of sugar in our diets on the really active days is making us both feel very shaky.
Hair is number one for me - if its okay, I'm okay. Even in hospital, as long as it could be tied neatly back I felt I was on a winning streak.
Have fun at Harrogate. I hope you blog about it.
No, sadly not - that’s in October- but next year, hopefully I might be able to attend as an author! My cosy crime novel is published on Monday so I will look into how to go about promoting my book. I will definitely blog about Harrogate as I have never been there and am looking forward to exploring the area. The fact that my visit coincides with publication week is exciting and is a much needed break.
Hats off to you both for trying Susan’s healthy eating habits - you all look fabulous on it!
Watch out for lots of news on my book release!
Will do. I'm guessing the publishers came through. Hoorah! Good luck on the launch!
Yes they sure did! Thank you 💕🎉🥳🍾🥂🎉
Congratulations on your novel! Wishing you all the best 🥳
Thank you! 🙏
A fun and refreshing post when things are so intense in the US. While it is turning to autumn up here, it is still summer -like with temps nearing 90. The gardens have wilted and the beds need tending , too soon for pumpkins and gourds but too late for produce except a few small tomatoes. I can still wear my capris and sandals!
After two rounds of breast cancer and two mastectomies, I choose only soft fabrics now against my skin. I've discovered merino wool leggings and tops, as well as bamboo or linen all of which suit me in all seasons. My fashion mantra is ,"Simplify!".
Yes to authenticity!
Do you wear the merino clothing all year round? I remember when my Father-in-Law worked for the Australian Wool Corporation, Italy sent clothing made from Australian merino wool for fashion parades and honestly, the dresses were cobweb-thin and hung so delicately. I was in awe of the softness. It ran through my fingers like the finest baby clothing. I think one could have worn it on soft spring and summer days as it would breathe beautifully.
I also love linen but don't think I've worn bamboo yet. I must look out for it although frankly our weather is so windy and chilly that I can't imagine when I would wear such things. We're having the worst spring in living memory! Polar blasts and gale-force winds for almost a month.
I'm sure I said in a previous Substack column that I'm still trying to find my authentic self. I change every day!!!
P.S. I love the heron, especially the water reeds!
Thank you!
Prue, what a fabulous read! I think that your wardrobe meets the needs of the many Prues that you are and that you always look "real", not made up ;) Your leopard shoes suit you to a tee ha ha
I have a secret crush on Richard Armitage so I must listen to his book, even though I'm a diehard "book" person.
Thanks for sharing the links to the blogs - I did try the Cindy Hattersley link (what an interesting and posh name) but it didn't work. I did find cindyhattersleydesign.com though and she does have an interesting spice loaf that I want to try as well as some lovely fashions. Can't wait to see the others. My fashion sense in my semi-retirement (I have a wee business that I work from home) is jeans and a top or shirt that suits me which means that it may not be currently fashionable LOL but it's me and sometimes, if one were to stop by while I'm working, they might catch me with an apron over my work attire as I will bake or cook while working on quotes. I do look "more professional" when I step out to see clients though.
Your weekly Knots in the String are a highlight and I look forward to reading them. Hugs from Canada ,continue to feel better and don't push yourself too hard. Oh, and you definitely need to frame your heron and place him by the Queen, he deserves to be seen :)
Thanks so much, Judy. I was concerned that such a shallow post may be ill-received but it turns out to be the opposite.
AND I love that you're an apron-wearer! I wear one in the garden obviously, but the minute I appear in the house, on goes the house apron 'cos I'm a seriously messy person in the kitchen, cleaning, whatever. It helps my clothes last that much longer. Without fail, if I have a favourite item on, I will drop sauces or cake and biscuit batter, jams (whatever I'm cooking) on myself. At meal and cup of tea times, I've decided I need a bib!!!
Definitely not a shallow post, it brightened my very hectic week and let me know that I'm not alone in wearing what works for me - big hugs!!
I love this Prue-does-her-style episode! You always look quite put-together in whatever circumstance you find yourself. Even though you do not do urban style or office - to - cocktail hour wear, I enjoy the style and fashion sense you bring to the tasks you do. Which are far closer to how many of us live anyway these days. Your fashion issue is right up my street! Glad the coin flipped the way it did!
It's true - society is not glammed up these days. In some ways I feel it's a shame that people don't try a little harder, but then that's very hypocritical of me. We're all so active now, that heels and beautiful dresses aren't really going to work. The terrier would look at me in horror and at the cottage we have beautiful oak floors. Can you imagine what womens' heels would do to those?
Confession though: I do wear smarter clothes to appointments. I actually do make an effort. I'm not a cafe and restaurant person at all so it is the one chance I have to slough off the rough stuff and become a little more gilded round the edges. It lasts for the duration of that appointment and then...
I adored this, Prue! Loved, *loved* your pics of all the many Prues that make up your life. You cut a dashing figure no matter if you’re communing with the sheep, or in your Little Black Dress for a fancy evening out. As they say, wow do you clean up well!
I am right there with you about garden gear, lol—I wear short leggings covered with a pair of battered Carharrts, and one of my husband’s old shirts tied at the waist. Then for cooler weather, one or more elderly sweatshirts from the era (90s) when a good sweatshirt would last forever.
As always, thank you for sharing your wonderful life 🥰
Isn't garden gear wonderful?
I think my washing machine has a panic attack when I stuff garden clothes into it!
I'm just trying to work out how to wash our back-braces. I think it might be handwash in a bowl and then drip dry. Today, we're carting old lucerne hay from the farm to mulch all the beds and provide nutrition and comfort for the new plantings.
And thank you for the compliments.
Oh Prue - you have totally brightened my day! Thank you for the humour, authenticity and love of life you share with all of us. I was reminded of something from many years ago - "When you look good, you feel good. When you feel good, you do good". Still works in our world today me thinks :-)
Possibly. I think there are many folk who can afford good clothes but then choose to walk past the needy in the streets. It's why I love all the thrift and charity services who donate good clothing to the needy. Especially St.Vincent de Paul, Red Cross and the Salvation Army here in Australia.
Oh Prue, the heron! Absolutely beautiful work.
Loved every word and every picture in this post. You're elegant in every scenario, even the sheep!
I dress both for comfort and for the job at hand, and wear things until they get holes in, and beyond - I love the soft, worn-in feel of a years-old favourite. The two shirts I bought in a sale this summer, which although are still too new and scratchy to be comfy have nevertheless been a revelation - I can't think why it's taken me this long to start shopping for 'blouses' to fit my ACTUAL body shape. Finally I've found what I need: it's MEN'S shirts, size small or medium - they have no bust darts, wide shoulders, and long enough sleeves! No longer will I struggle with the frustrations of womenswear, where any blouse large enough to accommodate my shoulders is far too roomy for the rest of my top half, and its half-mast sleeves leave my wrists chilly.
I used to be bullied for what I liked to wear as a child - thank goodness for school uniform - but these days I don't care what I wear as long as it's presentable and comfy!
Oh Rebecca, you are really kind.
Not so elegant on close up, I swear. I'd love to be, but...
I get the whole size thing. Mum was small and used to shop in Childrens-wear and to be honest, I've found the odd upper size in Childrens' that fits.
I am not that mad on Womens jeans - bit too hippy for me and I've often debated going to boyswear (teenage) or small mens. I LOVE mens's shirts for all the reasons you've stated and I'm not tall. They're just so much nicer!
I was bullied at primary school because I was tubby - do you know, I've never forgotten. It burns a deep scar and trashes one's confidence. So yes, to mature age and wearing whatever one wants.
In my thirties I used to always go for men’s jeans for the length, and those were usually fine, even though I felt at the time that with the straight up-and-down style I was always dressed like a teenage boy! These days women’s jeans seem to be available in longer sizes, so I have some which give me shape in the ‘right’ places - and even contain Lycra, which men’s trousers don’t seem to. I love a bit of streeeeeetch - it’s that comfort thing again……..! 🤣