If you're a regular here then you'll know I've been laid low over the past couple of months with virus after virus, a chest infection too followed by strep throat, so today's post feels like another kind of milestone as I was up and dressed (to the nines) for a birthday trip with my dear husband. He drove me to this fabulous vantage point on Tresco aka King Charles Castle so that we could enjoy the beautiful sunny day. He packed a picnic, found a blanket and off we went for a jolly outing. When I had appeared in this psychedelic trouser suit his response was 'Wow!' quickly followed by, 'But will you be warm enough?' Moments later I returned with this cosy extra layer, which was very much needed as we sat on the very top of the island. Gone are the days when he questioned if my choice of outfit was appropriate, thank goodness.
This 60's look resonates with my younger self who, on the cusp of her teens, became aware of the fashion of the day, finding it a source of joy and excitement and very much a place where I felt I could express my fledgling self. Mini skirts, midriff tops, bell bottoms, knee high patent boots, shaggy fur coats and suede fringed waistcoats were all I longed for. Pans People on Top of the Pops wore psychedelic hot pants, doe-eyed Twiggy was my first girl crush and my bedroom walls were covered in posters of Marc Bolan, David Bowie and David Cassidy. My Jackie-reading prepubescent self ached to be grown up, to shop at Bus Stop and Biba, be part of this rollercoaster ride of pop music, Woodstock and Beatlemania. Oh what memories!
And now this trouser suit encapsulates all that I'd hope to be at 65. The older I become the more comfortable I feel in my skin. I don't have to rely on anyone to tell me I look okay. If anything, I feel a rising sense of urgency that I may not have enough time to try out everything I still want to play with. Working full time and salting away money into my pension pot is important, but I don't want to miss any fashion opportunities along the way. I'm not driven to spend lots of money on designer clothes as I may have done in the past, but to simply enjoy personalising choice items that I come across. The Sewing Bee has been a lovely distraction recently during my time at home, and also a wonderful source of inspiration. I feel a sewing urge coming on and am about to set my sewing machine up in the spare room to make it more accessible.
I've had to make a few adjustments to the trouser suit which I'm pleased with. I've taken four inches off the trousers, lined the jacket, taken a couple of inches off the sleeves and most scary of all, I made three button holes as the jacket came with four randomly placed buttons but no button holes. Just this little bit of sewing has been so enjoyable that I'm keen to get back to it again. A summer linen dress is on my wish list and I have the pattern, but no fabric as yet...
So, back to the outfit. My gilt 60's belt was a Primark find last year, the gilt necklace a Christmas present and the resin rings are both pre-loved. My retro sunglasses were from River Island many moons ago.
And here's my white patent boots (on sale here at Deichman).
This laid back birthday celebration couldn't have been more perfect. Later in the day I opened cards and gifts from family and friends as well as receiving three lovely bouquets of flowers. I felt very spoiled. I'll leave you with the view from our picnic spot. What a beautiful day it was!
From here, Steve and I watched a large shipping container in the distance as it rounded the islands gradually changing course to head North to Ireland or beyond. Its journey along the horizon was slow and steady, transporting containers of goodness knows what from one part of the world to another. We observed its passage, musing over the days when we had sailed to other countries by cruise ship, reminiscing about ports visited and sights seen. Happy times!
Anna x
Happy 65th Birthday, dear Anna! And what a sight you are in that psychedelic suit! I'm amazed that you hemmed it, lined it and added buttonholes (but seriously, they didn't have buttonholes?? What kind of fast-fashion world is this!?). It looks like a custom suit especially for you, my swingin' 60s sister!
ReplyDeleteGlad you enjoyed your day and were thoroughly spoiled. Enjoy a year full of good times!
Thanks for your lovely birthday wishes Sheila. I'm afraid this falls into the fast fashion genre, but my son did so well and I'm delighted with the end result!
DeleteHappy 65th birthday, Anna! You look amazing in that psychedelic suit, and what a fantastic spot for outfit photos and a picnic! xxx
ReplyDeleteSo kind of you to drop by with your birthday wishes. Thank so much, very sweet of you darling x
DeleteLovely way to celebrate your birthday. Great husband. Great suit. Great boots.
ReplyDeleteThe fact that you adjusted the jacket in so many (difficult) ways, is amazing. Very skilled dear.
Had to laugh over (on? about?) your sentence “ Gone are the days when he questioned if my choice of outfit was appropriate, thank goodness”. Hahaha.
Greetje
Thanks so much for your birthday wishes. I'm blessed with family and my wonderful, steady husband. Life is good xxx
DeleteJoyeux anniversaire.
ReplyDeleteVéro
Merci beaucoup xx
DeleteA very happy birthday to you, dear Anna! I think you look absolutely marvellous and your fun fur is a joy to behold, in addition to that wonderful suit- WELL DONE that son!
ReplyDeleteThe views behind you are incredible! So glad Steve knows not to question your choices now! You look younger at 65 here, than I do at 41 (almost 42)- I look haggard!!!xx
Kezzie, so lovely to hear from you! Thanks for the kind words too, but honestly you look as fresh as a daisy, darling xxx
DeleteHappy birthday 65th birthday!!! You are catching up with me altho I am getting older each year too so it won't happen. The trouser suit looks fab and well done on all the alterations. Aha I remember David Cassidy. Tessa xx
ReplyDeleteVery kind of you to send your birthday wishes Tessa. Wasn't David an absolute dream!
DeleteBelated, Happy 65th Birthday Anna.
ReplyDeleteMy goodness your trouser suit looks super, I adore the psychedelic colours and the cosy, vibrant jacket. Great accessories to compliment.
You look amazing.
Xx
And belated thanks to you Phyllis! Compliments accepted with grace, thanks xxx
DeleteSo much fun to see someone who still does it. I love looking at the hot colors and cool stuff you wear and wish I had the nerve....you're carrying the bucket for a lot of us. Happy 65th. Like 21: it doesn't mean as much as it used to, but still it's a milestone of sorts. So glad you're still kicking. (BTW I have been fighting a stupid virus myself for a couple of weeks--fortunately no subsidiary infections from it so far--so I feel your pain. Literally. Kisses from Cape Cod.
ReplyDeleteHow lovely to hear from you Kate and many thanks for all your kind comments. I do hope that you get well soon. I'm so much better now and am just wondering when I can start to pick up again on some fitness regime. Simple walking might be the safest thing, I fancy. Lots of love to you my dear friend xxx
DeleteHi Anna, very, very late here. But I‘m reading back in the weeks today. I absolutely love your description of your younger self. Fashion this days was such a source of happiness! With David Cassidy, Marc Bolan (💜💜💜) and David Bowie I‘m totally with you. Oh, and Gilbert O‘Sullivan, a sweet guy too!
ReplyDeleteHugs to you
Susa