WHAT A TREAT!

For those of you who have not seen Cinema Paradiso. Here is the whole flippin' film!!

For those of you like me who have seen this film countless times and can't get enough of it, well, here's a chance to put on your slippers, fill that pipe and indulge yourselves once more.

I have met people over the years who have dismissed this film as sentimental hogwash. Each to their own.

I prefer the comment i read just now by a fan on Youtube, who said it is a love letter to film.  I couldn't have put it better myself.  (Plus it has one of the best movie soundtracks of all time by the talented Mr Enrico Morricone).

GEORGES LEPAPE

Studied at the Ecole des Arts Décoratifs, Paris, and the ateliers of Humbert and Cormon. In 1911 he illustrated Les Choses de Paul Poiret and the following year programmes for the Ballet Russe . 

He also illustrated Innumerable magazines covers and fashion plates for La Gazette du Bon Ton and Vogue.

In 1911, Poiret again published a brochure of his designs, this time created by another young artist, Georges Lepape, who had been trained in the atelier run by Fernand Cormon, where Toulouse-Lautrec, Van Gogh, Sérusier, Matisse, and Picabia had all studied. Les Choses de Paul Poiret, vues par Georges Lepape appeared in a larger edition: one thousand copies were printed (Paris: 1911). Lepape, too, had absorbed the lessons of bright color taught by the Ballet Russes, and his pochoir prints of Poiret's still high-waisted fashions in this brochure and later in the Gazette du Bon Ton used line drawings with large areas of blues, greens, reds, pinks, and yellows.


I'm a particular fan of the slightly naive quality to his work and of course his extraordinary sense of colour.


Let's have a quick peek at some of his work.

There is something of the Beardsley about this design, i love her little reticule dangling from her waist and the little pom-pom/powder puff.

These two prints are probably among some of my favourites.  Great use of colour.

Love the stripy curtains!

This final print is probably my favourite, i adore the colours and sense of movement.

TURBAN OF THE DAY

Tres jolie, non?

MAE OUI!!


I'm not really seeing much of dear Mae of late on the vintage blogosphere...so here's a lovely interview with the grand dame of sassy herself.

Chock full of her inimitable wit and sparkle.

You gotta love the broad, i mean, she's in her mid-eighties in this clip and actually, aside from the dodgy barnet, still looks pretty good, (having said that, she could look like Freddy Krugers' Mum with a yeast complaint and still do no wrong in my eyes....)

JUST A FEW MINUTES OUT OF YOUR DAY...

Being that i live right near the Rye fisheries, I know and have seen first hand that the fishermen go out in all manner of inclement weather and generally brave the elements, to put a fishy on our plate.

As far as i'm concerned i don't think about, or appreciate the lengths they go to nearly enough really.  Do you?

Let us not forget the brave work of the RNLI and all the other lifeboat institutions, not forgetting The Royal Navy and their stirling work either. 

It would be nice if we could all listen to this and just spare a thought for all those brave men and women, past and present, who give and have given their lives in service to their country and its people and all the other sea-faring folk who work relentlessly day in day out, sometimes in the most hazardous of conditions.

Please don't think me too mawkish or sentimental.

I think we should listen to this lovely hymn to inspire us to spare a few thoughts for these courageous people.

Actually what has prompted all this talk so far, aside from my thinking about the fisherman of late, is that i have an exciting project to tell you about shortly.

It is the brainchild of a lovely friend and colleague and i have to say i was very moved when she recounted the story behind its conception to me. It really struck a chord and basically i take my hat off to her for her hard work and really for just giving a damn and having the mettle to do something about it.

All will be revealed toot sweet!

TURBAN OF THE DAY


Vintage Emilio Pucci

I will treat you dear followers to another seeing as we are on the cusp of Saturday and Sunday...

The magnificent Loretta Young.. I love the way the tulips in her turban match the bedspread.

I will be posting a 1940's Pathe clip shortly, showing how to tie all manner of turbans using a simple scarf or two.  You won't know how you managed before!

RECIPE FOR SUCCESS

I'm going to try and post at least one recipe a week, (see, i'm going with the whole Julia Childs idea Michael, syndicate, syndicate, haha!!).

This week it's Prosciutto e Piselli, or Peas and Ham to those of you who don't speaka da lingo.

Traditionally this would be served as a side-dish.



Ingredients

Serves 4-6

800 grams of frozen peas, (one uses petit pois)
2 cloves of garlic, peeled
1 tsp of sugar
2-3 tbsp Olive Oil
400 grams pancetta, streaky bacon or italian cooked ham, cubed or sliced into small pieces
I - 1 1/2 chicken stock cube (Sorry to be vague on amounts, but you want a tasty broth so more than one cube may be needed depending on what brand you use, personal taste etc).
Salt and Pepper
A small handful of chopped parsley to garnish (optional)

How to take care of business

Heat water in a medium saucepan and add the stock cube(s).
Stir until the cube(s) dissolves.
Bring the broth to the boil and then add the peas.
Simmer the peas until they are cooked, then drain and set aside. Reserve a ladle or two of the broth and set aside.
In a medium frying pan, add the olive oil, heat, then add the two garlic cloves.
Brown the garlic cloves in the oil, but be careful not to burn them!
When the garlic is browned, add the chopped meat, stir well and cook gently until the meat is cooked through and starts to brown and sizzle nicely.
Remove the garlic cloves.
Add the sugar and stir through the meat until it caramelizes somewhat.
Next add the cooked peas and stir through the mixture.
Then add the reserved broth, bring to the boil and simmer very gently until nearly all the liquid is absorbed. You may want to use more than a ladle of broth, i usually use one and a half.
Season to taste and add parsley before serving.
This dish REALLY benefits from being cooked beforehand and left for at least a few hours, then reheated and served.  (Or nom it cold from the fridge, the choice is yours...)

Variation:  Add half a ladle of white wine and half a ladle of broth to the peas and meat mixture. You can also add an onion to the mix with the garlic, at the start of cooking if you wish.

You can also chop the garlic and leave it in the dish, just don't let it burn. NASTY!

This makes a great accompaniment to cooked meats.  It also makes a great brunch or light supper dish, served with some crusty bread, or you could push the boat out and serve it with a poached egg on top or thrown onto some pasta.

Buonissimo!!

MORE MUSIC MAESTRO PLEASE...

I thought i would upload the version with the cute sing-a-long video.

Go on....you know you want to....

I sing this into me hairbrush in front of my mirror every night, with a face full of coldcream and me hairnet on...maybe that's why Mr Sandman has forgotten me...still it entertains the cat....

DISH(ES) OF DAY


The new Stephen Soderbergh film 'Magic Mike'.  I'm hoping it's going to be like 'Showgirls', but with lots of waxed chests and jockstraps.  (Plus it has a guy called Cody Horn in it, what's not to love so far?!)

CAPRI SUN!


I thought i would do a little post-ette about the wonderful 1950's capri pant.

Why the 1950's capri pant i hear you ask? Won't the abundance of cropped trousers and Capri pants currently available all over the high street fulfill ones 'Capri Criteria'?

The answer to that is yes, provided you pick all the important features from the 1950's version, which ultimately made them sooo stylish and flattering and apply it to what is on offer in a high street near you.

Capri Criteria


(If you know all this already, sorry loves, tough....this blog is all about me and i love the sound of my own voice.....so sue me....)

OK,  lets look at the centre picture from this lovely 1950's pattern above. We'll ignore the bermudas on the left totally and the cropped trousers on the right for the moment. (Look at the ric-rac on the bottom of those muthas, it's like trimming porn)!!

Notice how they are very high-waisted. This is ultimately very flattering on the bottom and also makes the tummy appear much slenderised. (Not a muffin top in sight, WIN)!!

50's capri pants will have a side fastening zipper or buttons, again which again is ultimately very flattering.  (No front zipper fastening or pleats to add bulk to even the most svelte figure).

They will also be fairly fitted/tapered to the leg in most cases, which also flatters.  (Unlike the modern, straight-leg, three quarter length variety, which are a heinous fashion crime in my opinion and would make Gisele look about as long and lean as mushroom growing out of a pile of manure!!)

Notice how the centre Capri pants finish just over the knee. This is a very flattering length, as the  exposed calf is always the thinnest part of the leg, regardless of ones body shape.  (The pair of pants to the right are also flattering, as they expose just a few inches of leg and the ankle bone, which when paired with a pair of heels or wedges work really well for all body types.

Let's see the lovely Miss Bernie Dexter showing us how to work the Capri pant.

Even on the most Ruben-esque of figures this look would work.  Pick Capri pants in a dark colour,  build yourself a waist if you don't have one, or emphasise your curves if you do, with a wide belt and get those heels on girls!! Swap the sleeveless tee for one in a dark colour, with elbow length sleeves for those of you not blessed with toned arms and you're going to get them fainting in the aisles! (Don't forget the shape-wear either, if you're like me and have a cake tummy Robbie Coltrane would be proud of)!!

Here is the reigning Goddess of the Capri.  I don't think anyone has quite bettered Miss Audreys' Capri, ballet pump and fitted jersey ensemble.

Mind you she could make a binbag look like couture could our Audrey.

Here's an outfit i have been salivating over this week:

Isn't the print to die for tho'? Plus it's towelling, droooool!

I hope you enjoyed my little post.  Right i'm off to dig for change under the sofa cushions and get the son and heir a tin cup, so he can go begging.  Momma needs this outfit!!

THE END OF AN ERA

We should all be wearing our shoulder pads at half-mast today, as the genius responsible for designing the iconic costumes for Joan Collins and the other female cast members of Dynasty, Mr Nolan Miller, passed away on Wednesday night, aged 79.

He was also a six times Emmy winner for his costume designs, as well as designing outfits for TJ Hooker and The Colbys. He also designed a best selling range of clothing and jewels for QVC for over 20 years.

Joan Collins had this to say about her beloved chum:

"He was a huge part of my life. He was an innovator and helped define fashion through his lifelong contributions. His legacy is enormous and not only me but every one who knew him will miss the humor warmth and joy he gave generously. He was a rare gem - one of the truly good human beings in this world - and I am simply devastated he is gone."


I heard she had it stipulated in her contract (read that as inked into her contract with blood), that she got to keep all her outfits Miller designed for her for the duration of her time on the show. Clever girl.


Feast your eyes on some of these fabulous Miller creations. Can our Joan work a fur hat and a fishnet veil or what?  

I think i might have to wear my velvet turban and some 'go faster' stripy blusher in memory of Mr Miller this evening, (i've got the gold lame and shoulder pads on already of course).

DISH OF THE DAY


Let's carry on our 1950's theme with the lovely Marlon Brando.  Surely on of the most talented and sexy men to grace the silver screen.

Enjoy!

WHAT A HEEL!


You may beg to differ with me dear readers, but as far as we are concerned, here at Lipliner Towers, when we are talking about tantalizing those tootsies, for us, it's all about the lucite heel.  I'm not talking about the modern 'stripper heel'.... oh no,....i'm talking the vintage lucite heel!!

Feast your eyes on these 1950's beauties!

Are you seeing what i'm seeing?!!!!!

And there's more.....

Pass me the smelling salts Mother!

If you shop around on sites like Evilbay or Etsy, these babies can be scooped up for a very reasonable price.

Buyers beware:  Small sizes tend to be the norm, (as with the majority of vintage shoes).  Always check the width of the shoes. as again, vintage shoes tend to be on the narrow side compared to their modern counterparts.  Check the lucite on the heels are not cracked and the plastic on the vamp and ankle-straps, (if there are any), are not too yellowed.

Condition of the soles is a must too, as the in-soles are prone to coming loose with age.  Many lucite mules and sandals have diamante embellishments, do check for missing rhinestones.

That's not to say these problems can't be remedied, diamantes can be replaced, lucite cleaned and scratches buffed out, etc.  I personally don't mind vintage items with a certain amount of 'patina', commensurate with their age.

Actually, who cares if you find a pair that are a little tired or don't quite fit, just use them to decorate your boudoir or adorn your dressing table for a dash of vintage glamour!

Let's have a little pic of the lovely Marilyn 'Goddess of Lucite' Monroe, showing us the right way to wear the lucite heel for lounging in a casual fashion.

Lush lucite confections with ankle-straps. CHECK!
Bombshell high-waisted bikini.  CHECK!
1950's big hoop earrings and hair freshly bleached and pincurl-ed to perfection.  CHECK!
Mega-watt smile.  CHECK!!
'One leg crossed seductively over the other' and 'arm behind the head', killer pose.  CHECK!

Let's now look at how not to wear the lucite heel.  (Nervous viewers may want to look away now...)

Actually Beyonce looks fine. Take a look at these other two flowers. No, no and thrice NO!!

Thou shalt not be wearing the lucite heel looking like thou art about to start the evening shift at Spearmint Rhino.

Thou shalt not wear a garter belt, Taylor Momsen and leave your skirt at home, whilst wearing the Lucite heel.

Thou shalt not steal your Mums girdle, Taylor Momsen, without wearing a frock on top, whilst wearing the lucite heel.

Thou shalt not have hair like Joey Tempest from Europe, whilst wearing the Lucite heel either of you two Desert Orchids.

Ok, lets see how the Lucite heel should be worn for a glamorous evening look...

Ok, so you can't see the heels, but you can bet you're life they would be lucite heels adorned with crystallised unicorn tears and marabou feathers.

Stay tuned for more vintage items for the glamorous girl and guy about town...

GALVANIZE


Benefit - 'That Gal' Primer.

Ok, so i got some free samples to slather on. (By the way, feel free to send me as many samples of potions and ungents to try, really, i insist, no, i DEMAND free samples and presents!!)

I'm not a huge fan of Benefit products per se, not that i can claim to have tried 'em all.  Like other gals i have spoken to regarding the merits and demerits of Benefit, we have all at one time been sucked in by the cute retro packaging and the rather lovely sales girls at their makeup counters. (I used to get a free full face of slap applied every Friday evening by a lovely Benefit girl in Waterloo station, in the days where i was a commuter. I think i only bought about two products in six months, i even used to pick out what makeup i wanted her to put on me, haha, how great is that, shame she couldn't do a mani and a blowdry and collect my dry cleaning or i would have married her!)

Anyhow back to the product, yes, the packaging is cute, but let's read the official report from Laboratoire Lipliner.

Pros

I'll say it again, cute retro packaging.

Lovely Strawberry milkshake fragrance.

It's not just a jar of silicone, like some other primers on the market. Not a fan of them 'cones.

It has a nice creamy consistency and was easy to apply.

It made my makeup last reasonably well all day.

Cons

It didn't seem to make my pores look less noticeable or hide any of my skin imperfections.

I had to really touch up my makeup during the day with powder, as it didn't stop the dreaded shine.
(Maybe it doesn't claim to be oil free, or anti-shine, so i'll let this one go perhaps).

It claims to be brightening and although it is a lovely pink colour in the tube, i didn't notice my skin looking any more radiant when i first applied it. (Although i am, to be fair a little visage du corpse in the morning, so any primer would have to bust a gut to make me look dewy and glowy haha.  In fact the only thing that would make me look radiant in the morning would be Clark Gable knocking on my door with a suitcase full of Emeralds...)

Summary


All in all not a bad product. I wouldn't re-purchase tho'. There are other similar, but superior products on the market. Paul and Joes' primer is very similar, but i actually found that it did give me a nice radiant bit of colour as well as improve the texture of my skin.  Perhaps if you are young, or blessed with good skin, with minor imperfections, it may work a treat.

Ruth Orkin 1921-1985

Ruth Orkin was an award-winning photojournalist and filmmaker. 

Orkin was the only child of Mary Ruby, a silent-film actress, and Samuel Orkin, a manufacturer of toy boats called Orkin Craft.  She grew up in Hollywood in the heyday of the 1920s and 1930s. At the age of 10, she received her first camera, a 39 cent Univex.  She began by photographing her friends and teachers at school. At 17 years old she took a monumental bicycle trip across the United States from Los Angeles to New York City to see the 1939 World’s Fair, and she photographed along the way.

Orkin moved to NY in 1943, where she worked as a nightclub photographer and shot baby photographs in order to save up to buy her first professional camera.  She worked for all the major magazines in the 1940's.  She also photographed many of the greastest musicians of the time, including Leonard Bernstein, Isaac Stern, Aaron Copland and many others.

In 1951, LIFE magazine sent her to Israel with the Israeli Philarmonic.  Orkin then went to Italy, and it was in Florence she met Nina Lee Craig, an art student and fellow American, who became the subject for her iconic photo, "American Girl in Italy. The photo was part of a series, which aimed to document what women encountered as they travelled alone in Europe after the war.  This happens to be one of my fave photos of all time.  I just love everything about it. Every time i walk past the copy i have in my hallway, i have to stop and gaze at it, it's power to stop me in my tracks doesn't seem to have diminished over time. If anything it's the opposite.  

She received an Academy Award on her return to NY in 1953 for the film "The Little Fugitive and continued to photograph consistently until her death in 1963. The changing landscape and seasons outside her NY appartment where a constant source of inspiration for Orkin and are simply stunning. 


I can't seem to turn off the underline-y thing, grrrr!! Sorry folks.


Let's have some more fab Orkin photos to marvel at shall we??

I still can't turn this flippin'thing off, any suggestons? Answers on a postcard please. Do not underline your name and address, or i will get rather cross.

BITCH, I'M FABULOUS!!

DIDN'T IT RAIN CHILDREN....


Seeing as it's a bit of a miserable evening, i thought i would just post this rather apt song......

I urge everyone to worship at the altar of Sister Rosetta. There is nothing i can say that can do justice to the woman and her talent and her fabulous taste in shoes and coats and horse drawn carriages.  (Now that's an entrance, i'm taking notes, believe me...)

I do have a little bit of a love/hate with modern technology, but, it's being able to access such amazing clips as this mighty fine one, that restores me faith in all things tech-y, (well, a little bit anyway).

God bless Sister Rosetta!!

Enjoy it lovelies!!

MORE MUSIC MAESTRO PLEASE....


I want to be Eartha when i'm a grown-up.....

MY TOP 5 BUDGET BEAUTY BUYS FOR UNDER A FIVER!

I will shortly be following this post with my, "Top five, "To hell with it, damn the cost, i need me some luxe products in my life or else, i shall DIE..." beauty products.  (Much as i am all for a bit of thrift, one does need a luxurious treat every now and then, especially in these dismal, lean, times and of course i have my standards to uphold and my reputation to consider....).

Ok, Top 5 beauty budget buys:

1. Mavala nail polishes. At under three and a half quid, these little Swiss-made beauties really are the business. They glide on dreamily, have great staying power and come in a range of classic and current shades. I have been using Mavala nail polishes since i first started doing my nails, (in the womb obviously) and for the ludicrous amount of money they cost, i don't think they can be beaten. I'm currently lovely 'Music Hall', a true red with discreet glittery bits and 'Fruity' a lovely tomatoe-y red. The little, dinky 7ml bottles are also great for travelling. You can take one for every day of your holiday, hurrah!!  

2.  Pears soap.  I love the glycerin formula, the perfume, which is amazing and the fact that it is so aesthetically pleasing, with it's lovely orange-y brown colour and chunky, oval shape. Interestingly it is one of the only soaps that doesn't bring me out in hives or dry my skin out to the consistency of an old crocodile handbag.  I have even, gasp, washed my face with it on occasion. Plus it doesn't clag up the soap dish as much as other soaps, which is a godsend for a slattern like myself.

3.  Astral Moisturising Cream.  This is another firm favourite. Like Pears Soap, it's been around since the year dot. My Nan was an ardent admirer of Astral. It is not dissimilar to Nivea in consistency and has the same, rather pleasant, old-lady perfume.  It is perfectly fine to use on the face, although a little heavy i find for a morning moisturiser, pre-slap application. I do however use it as a night cream after using my serum or oil, when i feel my skin is very dehydrated and needs the extra boost. It also makes a very good after-sun cream and of course is great for use as a hand or body lotion.

Joanna Lumley is a fan apparently. So there.

4.  Euthymol toothpaste.  Possibly the best product design ever. I love its Victorian style packaging and tube.

It has a rather a medicinal flavour which can take a bit of getting used to, but it really is great stuff and is even purported to help prevent gingivitis and aid in the curing of mouth ulcers, due to its antiseptic properties.

I def recommend buying it, if just to watch small children wash their teeth with it for the first time.

Hehehe.....

5.  Papier Poudre.  This little gem of a product has been manufactured by Lehchasor since 1903. It was invented to be used in the boudoir by ladies who would have traditionally only powdered their faces in the morning at their dressing tables, since compacts had not yet been invented.

Actually the idea of an Edwardian lady wearing anything but a discreet layer of powder applied at home, (or perhaps a touch or rouge in the evening), let alone touching up said discreet macquillage in public, would have been tantamount to her announcing herself as a woman of very loose morals indeed.  Fancy!

Papier poudre is basically little tear-off sheets of blotting paper infused with a light, fragrant scent, which gently cleanses the pores and smoothes away grease and shiny bits from the face. The formulation and packaging is unchanged since 1903. I love this product as it is easily slipped into the handbag and really comes into its own in the Summer months, as it does not sit heavily on the skin and well, just basically does what it says on the tin, removes shine and adds a little light powder to the face.

It does come in different colours, i personally prefer the 'Rachel', which is ideal for a light to medium complexion.

All these lovely products are available from Boots and/or the lovely vintageous chemist next door. This is for those of you who live in Rye obviously.

DISH OF THE DAY


Well, who else could one possibly choose to grace todays 'Dish of the Day', than Prince Hot Ginge!

Swoon-tastic!

CRETIN OF THE WEEK


Well it was a bit of a no-brainer really. Whichever bright spark decided to cast Lindsey Blohan as Liz Taylor in the upcoming biopic gets my vote.

I really am lost for words, but i think i can manage three.  Dear God, NOOOOOOOOO!

HOUSTON, WE HAVE A PROBLEM....


Sorry folks, the track i just posted for Son and Heir is playing, i know i should have wound up the gramaphone and opened a window, instead of relying on modern technology...

Let's try again...

Enjoy!

RAVE ON!

It's gonna be that time again soon folks! I have the opportunity to go this year, but sadly i think i will have to give it a miss, due to being brassic. (BOO, HISS)!!

Anyone who has yet to sample the delights of The Rockabilly Rave really should, if you get your rockin' skates on there may well be some tickets left, or perhaps think about giving it a whirl next year, you won't be disappointed.  (Or you could be a rebel with a cause and bunk over the wall round the back)!!

The bands are always first class.

The shopping for all things vintage, clothes, accessories, homewares, vinyl etc, is also really top notch).

Oh, and for all you lovely Rye traders, who may, (read that as should), be reading this, rummage around in your lock-ups, trailers and sheds, tout suite and find lots of nice retro bits to tantalise those nice Cats and Kittens, who will no doubt descend on Rye, en masse, for a bit of a rummage and a cream tea.

I'm also preparing myself to rubber neck with the best of them, as undoubtedly there will be lots of handsome fellas to ogle. There's nothing like a cuffed cat to get the pulse racing and the petticoat frothing here at Lipliner Towers.

Oh and lots of nice cars...Son and Heir just reminded me. So, yes lots of cars.

I'm going to put this little track on for Son and Heir, as he loves this...(feel free to roll back the rug and have a twirl).

MORE MUSIC MAESTRO PLEASE...

Seeing as she's playing at the Jubilee concert tonight and i have been having some very pertinent conversations with someone recently regarding the Pocket-sized Venus herself, (You know who you are Mr B...). Let's enjoy a bit of Kylie.

It's got lots of towels, hot men in Speedos and herself looking as lissom and lovely a flower as i have ever set eyes on....(loving the matching lip and nail combo)...

Actually this is probably my favourite Kylie video EVER!

I also have to give a nod to Alan Carr, who did the most excellent 'Slow' impression on his show the other night. Probably the funniest thing i have seen on telly for yonks. In fact the whole interview with Kylie was pretty ace. 

SHED 7


Well i certainly had a good night!

Can i say a big thank you to the wonderful Polly and her equally lovely Mum, for throwing such a lovely party.  I'm posting this track on here, as it's one of my faves and was part of our booze-fuelled kitchen disco soundtrack, when most of the guests had sensibly retired home to their boudoirs. (Yes folks, you will always find me in the kitchen at parties....especially when there is good music to fling myself about to, the remains of the buffet and copious alcohol to cram down my neck before i hit the road or get forcibly evicted)!!

May i also say thanks to the lovely Mari, who helped me do the key dance with Polly and Tristram, yes, i was a little pickled and lost me keys. The up-shot was i assumed i could break into my own house, as i'm a bit of a splap-dash old trout and invariably leave a window open.  Sadly i had been organised for once and locked up properly, so after trying to pop a window with a pebble, i had no alternative but to retire gracefully to the shed for the remainder of the evening. (It's was not actually as horiffic as it sounds, one has rather a spacious shed and i had sensibly worn me ermine stole and a big net petticoat, plus I had a nice picnic of chocolate biscuits and a bottle of Merlot to keep me company).

By some stroke of genius, i found a sunlounger and a cushion, so it was all 'tickety boo' as they say, well, until the sunlounger collapsed on me. (I knew i shouldn't have had eaten that last bit of flan, but que sera, sera...she will not be told...).  Anyhow i spent a rather interesting evening in the shed at Lipliner Towers, listening to the sweet night music, (read that as rain dripping on the tarp covering the hole in the shed roof) and reminiscing about lovely evening and equally lovely chums.

I was rescued by Son and heir and Father of Son and heir, who, after hearing about my shed shenanigans, laughed so much, their was almost a scrap as to who was going to get to the loo first. After he had suitably composed himself, Son and heir even made a cuppa, (a first, let me tell you), so after a hot bath i was suitable revived you will be pleased to know.

Never a dull moment at Lipliner Towers, eh?

OH GO ON THEN....


This one's for you Her Madge. I won't rattle on too much about how wonderful you are, i'll just let the song speak for itself.  I'll be raising a glass of Dubonnet to you later. But for now...thanks for being such a  brick, for your dignity, grace and unflinchingly loyalty to your subjects and this wonderful island we are blessed to call our England..(Oh and thanks for doing such good jewels and headscarfs over the years, you've never let me down...).

MORE MUSIC, MAESTRO PLEASE....

I hope everyone has an amazing day today, whatever you may be doing......

MORE MUSIC MAESTRO PLEASE....


Can't beat a bit of Bowie.

Continuing on the Jubilee theme here, although for the record i don't think the Queen is a bitch. (Only perhaps when she doesn't return my jewellery on time, although she has given me Canada as security for the loan of a couple of tiaras and a diamond encrusted Cartier Corgi keyring for the weekends festivities....)

Enjoy!

 

DISH OF THE DAY

The young and particularly toothsome Prince Phillip is todays Dish. What a debs delight!

GOWN BOY, GOWN!

Seeing as the Jubilee weekend is upon us, I thought i would do a post of some evening gowns circa 1953. I was going to do a post on Her Madges Coronation gown and jewellery, but there seems to be sooo much on the Net about it and in the newspapers, so I thought i would tantalise you with some lovely gowns by the master couturier Jean Desses.

(I recommend a plastic bib for those of you prone to swooning and drooling, as these are some serious pretties....!!)

Jean Desses was born on the 6th August 1904. Pegged it 2 August 1970. He honed his craft in various couture houses in Paris before taking the plunge and setting up his own establishment.  He became one of the most famous and well-respected couturier of the 40's, 50's and 60's.

His iconic designs reflected his love of travel, the gown above, is classic Desses, with its Grecian style draping. He worked mainly in Chiffon and Mouselline and also loved using intricate embroidery to adorn his gowns. (who can argue with that?)

His gowns were beloved by movie stars and royalty alike.  Some famous Desses fans include Her Madge, Princess Margaret, Wallis Simpson, Elsa Maxwell, plus most of the female crowned heads of Europe, (although who would blame any European Kings and Princelings, if they got the urge to squirrel away a bit of the Missis' Desses to twirl round the boudoir in, when she was out terrorising the servants or murdering a game of croquet!

Interestingly both Valentino and later Guy Laroche studied under Desses. (Valentino in the 1950's`). I am an ardent admirer of Valentino and i think one can definately see Desses influence in some of Valentino's later dress designs.

I love the black dress and hat above. I do love me a decent neckline and this one is particularly ravishing.  The 1950's i feel was the one era where designers consistently adorned dress and seperates with necklines that were, well, just right. From the pretty, yet flirty sweetheart neckline to the simple elegance of the bateau, they just nailed it.

For the money shot i thought i would give you a stunning 1953 wedding gown. I'll let the dress speak for itself. Please email me if after seeing the final picture, you need a Kleenex Balsam, and a post-frockage Turkish cigarette. I'm happy to oblige.

Jean Desses, we salute you, may your lovely frocks adorn the gossamer-winged angels in heaven...

I'M SO RICH I CAN EAT MY OWN GLASS!

The sensational Jayne County in Derek Jarman's 1978 film Jubilee. I love this clip, but usually have to watch it a couple of times. Once to ogle at the decor. (Check out the pink piano, fluffy lamp and amazing curtains). The second to worship at the altar of Jayne in all his trashy glory.

I love the wig that looks like it's made out of Wotsits and his filmy peignoir. Such a flattering colour peach dontcha know...

MORE MUSIC MAESTRO PLEASE....


Alot has been written about Al Bowlly on various vintage blogs, so i won't blether on too much.  This is possibly one of the best clips of dear Al i have found on t'internet.  I love his rendition of this classic song.  In fact it makes me well up a little every time i watch it.  So effortless. So sincere. So heartfelt. Pure class. (Plus i love his little dance half way through and the way he adjusts his jacket at the beginning). A life tragically cut short by war, but luckily he left a large back catalogue to slake the lust of us mere mortals left behind. 'Nuff said. I'll let the clip do the talking. Oh and lets not forget the talented Monia on the piano.

Beauty Buy of the week

Bobbi Brown Powder Blusher


Ok, so it's not technically a bargain beauty buy, as it is a little on the pricey side, but i have to say i decided to post about it, as it really is a little belter of a product as far as i'm concerned. So i'm going to be a little turncoat and jump into the 'you get what you pay for camp' on this one.

What with this lovely hot weather we have been having, my usual cream blusher hasn't really been cutting it. (Think halfway down my face by elevenses and you've just about got it). I had read excellent reviews about this blusher on various sites and seeing as i have been more than happy and repeat- purchased other items from her range i thought i would take the plunge.

I'm a little on the sallow side without my slap on, (read - looks like she's recently been exhumed and you're on the right track). I bought the No.6 Apricot, which is actually rather a rasperry pink colour with a hint of peach, which to be honest, rather surprised me as i was expecting something more peach-y perhaps with pink-ish undertones. Duh. I blame my crap monitor. However, it is a lovely, natural, flush-y colour, makes me look really wide awake (no mean feat that) and is also very highly pigmented and lasts pretty much all day without any touch ups.

I also found the product very easy to apply and unlike alot of other powder blushers i have tried, it sat nicely on my skin, didn't give a chalky effect or highlight some large-ish pores i have on my cheeks.

A little of this product goes a long way, which is something i have found with other Bobbi products i have tried, so good value for money i'll say, which is an added bonus!

Dish of the Day

Feast your eyes Cats and Kittens!

10 things i cannot and will not live without


My son and heir.

My cat, the delectable Miss Daphne.

Lipliner (obviously).

Proper coffee, although i have a penchant for a seaside caff and that frothy stuff they serve in little pyrex mugs.

Cheese.

Elnett.

Books.

Cashmere and silk in its myriad forms.

Music.

Scent.

Earrings. I'd rather show my cellulite and wobbly bits to the world and step out naked, than go out without a pair of clip-ons.

Are we all quite clear on that?

Please pay attention, i may be testing you on this later....