Tuesday, 21 June 2016
The London Season
Ascot
Beryl and Jane like the London Season when invited (which frankly isn't often) mostly because it is the one moment when they can indulge in a little no holes barred, over the top British dressing. No cool international vibe is required here. Louis De Bernieres, who wrote Captain Corelli's Mandolin once described the English in particular as "exotic" and Jane and Beryl think we (the British) are at our most splendid when eccentrically dressed to kill.


This is Beryl's neighbour Juanita Coulson who is the fashion and literary editor of The Lady sporting a charming 1960's hat. Obviously Juanita is not 50, but as this is not her fault, and she looks so lovely, she has been included here.


Jane is definitely going for the Cecil Beaton version of Ascot. She is wearing a dress so old it's vintage from the worthy Debenhams by Jasper Conran. It cost £70 and has been trucked out for many high days and holidays (and lent to many a friend). The trick is, it's cut on the bias and therefore expands to fit all. She has put it with silver shoes from Fenwick £120, a folding hat from M&S for £5 in the sale, and a silk stole by Droopy & Brown which is at least 20 years old.
Wimbledon
Ahh Wimbles, again not invited this year, but ever hopeful, Jane and Beryl have outfits to go. This spotty dress and jacket combo has become Beryl's go to all purpose summer occasion outfit. The jacket is Hobbs and cost £40 in a sale. and the dress was £95 from Emily and Fin. Minnie Mouse also loves red polka dots, but Beryl's decided to rise above this.
A comfortable flat shoe that passes muster is a summer must. Middle-aged feet are tricky beasts and could have a blog of their very own. Beryl favours a ballerina pump, as they are still feminine, compliment a frock and cover ageing toes a treat. Beryl was in Barcelona this week, and snapped this amazing shoe shop. The ruby slippers pictured are from the children's department of Russell and Bromley and cost £40. The red handbag is by Armani and was a pressy 20 years ago. This outfit was about to join the Queen's birthday celebrations in Beryl's village, but like Wimbledon rain stopped play, so botanical print trousers were substituted.


Henley

Winchester, Jaeger £29). The jacket is from Top Shop, part of a suit bought
last year from Mind for £15. Hats are 'encouraged' so Jane will probably put on the Devizes Emporium one bought for £35 two weeks ago.
last year from Mind for £15. Hats are 'encouraged' so Jane will probably put on the Devizes Emporium one bought for £35 two weeks ago.


Glyndebourne
Beryl has made it to Glyndeboure, but would love to go again. Glyndebourne does live up to expectations, people set up elaborate picnics in the garden, before entering the opera house. The dress below cost £15 from a charity shop, but makes its owner feel fabulous, it is by Rene Derby and has shot pink undertones to the orange. Dressing beyond 50, is all about being interesting rather than beautiful and this dress fits the bill.
Pink shoes by Elia B of London. Freshwater pearls held together with a vintage broach.
Jane has yet to make her debut at Glyndebourne, but if she was to be asked, she is thinking of keeping warm in the British summer, so has added a vintage wrap to her outfit to keep out the chills. This is a 1920s version bought for £65. Underneath, she has a practically vintage (i.e. very old) dress black from French Connection, not very summery but it it pouring with rain right now and is under 10 degrees. She has put on silver Mary Janes (as above) and a silver clutch bag £79 from John Lewis, several seasons ago.
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