Neil Wardle Art Exhibition - Private View - The Lock Gallery

Two weeks ago hubby and I recieved an invite to the private view and exhibition opening party of an exhibition by artist Neil Wardle at the Lock Gallery, located at Coventry Canal Basin, tonight.

It was such a cold, dismal and damp day that it was hard to decide on an outfit to wear at all. In fact, I could have been quite tempted to stay in the warmth with a hot chocolate watching TV but for the fact that the invite had included art works which resembled one of my favourite artists, Tamara De Lempicka. I always find it difficult to dress for these arty functions, laid back arty cool doesn't really come to me naturally. Anyway, I finally decided on the following combo... more due to warmth than anything, and then we set off to collect Mum, who was coming along with us.

Boots: Duo Boots, Skirt: Per Una, Top: Burberry, Bag: Faith

When we got to the gallery I was pleased with the show, and it made the trek out in the cold worthwhile. The opening party was quiet and relaxed, but that was great as it gave us a chance to look at the work properly. There was a whole section of Tamara de Lempicka inspired works which were just phenomenal. The colours leapt off the canvas, and quite creatively the artist had also painted a chest of drawers with one of the images... I wanted it, but could not afford it. The images were so vibrant and rich, and very accurate to her style. Wardle, however, had not simply stuck to this format, but also showed some of his more mainstream portraits which demonstrate a wonderful flair for his artform. Hubby in particular, being an artist himself, loved one of the very skilled and beautiful paintings of a lady. Finally, another wall was dedicated to vibrant images of couples doing the tango all painted in oils. Again, the colours leapt off the canvas, and this, reminiscent of Vettriano was certainly my style. The Lock Gallery is only small, so after a glass of wine and a peruse of all of the images on show we decided to leave. I bumped into a colleague from work on the way out who informed me that the artist is her uncle, why I hadn't thought he could be related from the same name I don't know, but I wasted no time in telling her I loved his Lempickas.

After the gallery we had a quick drink at the Nursery, where there were some pretty cute dogs getting lots of fuss off us. Now we're home, nice and warm and it's not even 10pm.

The exhibition runs until sometime in April, I think for about a week or so (I'll update when I get more details) but if you are in or around the Coventry area in that time, I would definitely recommend popping by the Lock Gallery for a peruse of this exhibition.

As an aside, particularly for Vintage Vixen, here are my vintage Bally shoes from eBay... I hope you like them.

Prudence says RELAX

All in all I had a very quiet and relaxed weekend this week. There has been so much going on of late that I cannot even remember the last time I could refer to a weekend as relaxing, it has been as much work as … well, work really. With the move out of the way though, this weekend was very different.

The weekend started late for poor hubby. An inconsiderate late afternoon meeting in the North West meant that he didn’t get home until almost 9pm on Friday night, tired a bit groggy.

Saturday morning we were up fairly early, and certainly early enough to greet the postman who came bearing the vintage Bally shoes I had won from eBay last week. I can’t believe the condition of these shoes, they feel like they haven’t been worn and were an absolute bargain. The downside of this of course is that I have to break them in. I always lose patience with this exercise and end up wearing them before the breaking in process is complete, and being very regretful.

Anyway, back to my weekend. We did our usual routine of visiting the in-laws in the morning for tea and biscuits, and then in the afternoon we collected Bailey, who was coming to play in the garden with Pru and Alfie. With hubby and step-son firmly engrossed in front of the TV, I set off to take my Mum to Dunelm Mill, for curtain related sundries. I’ve never been to Dunelm Mill before, and I feel as if people have been keeping some sort of secret from me. The place is fabulous… I actually ended up spending more than Mum and it took a lot of restraint not to purchase some blue polka dot oil cloth fabric for our dining table. I can however justify the majority of the purchases; we did need some more towels and a new linen basket… I probably could have lived without the icing syringe though.

The day was pressing on, and following a huge grocery shop, which I have to say is the bain of my life, we were back at mine. I made a delicious lasagne, it’s funny you know the only lasagne I like is when I make it myself from scratch! Anyway, with garlic bread and salad it was perfect. We sat down to watch an episode of hubby’s ‘Only Fools and Horses’ boxset, and thankfully my choice of the yuppy one won the vote. You forget how funny that programme was … “ Play it cool Trig, play it cool”.

I dropped Mum home, and that was us done for the evening.

Sunday morning we were up bright and early for the Palm Sunday service at church. Afterwards we stopped off at the newsagents where I bought Cosmo. I’ve not bought this mag in years, and truth be told I only bought it this time because I liked the free bag on the front. Please tell me I’m not the only person who purchases magazines for the free gifts? Anyway, I’m glad I did buy it because there was a leaflet in there about a website call BooHoo. Have you seen it? Talk about cheap and cheerful. I personally love this dress  and this playsuit. I’m really keen on getting a playsuit for summer… but I may keep my eye on eBay before making a purchase from BooHoo.

Following a lunch which comprised of … you guessed it… Lasagne, we were back at Mums to put together her IKEA sofa and fix her garden fence. With all the work done, we went to her local for a pint before setting off home. While in her local we saw the most amazing dog, a beautiful husky. It’s so good when pubs allow dogs in I think, and I can see hubby and I walking our two up there in the summer to meet Mum for beer shaped beverages.

With the rest of the day to ourselves hubby and I didn’t know what to do. He soon filled his gap by watching the Grand Prix, which he’d recorded earlier… so I baked some cupcakes from the Primrose Bakery book, painted my nails, read my mag, and had a bath and even placed the winning bid on a vintage dress from eBay. What a gloriously, luxuriously laid back weekend.

Two Years of Wedded Bliss - 25.03.10

Yesterday was our Wedding Anniversary. Two years ago, on 25th March in Leith Registry Office, Edinburgh, hubby and I were married. He looked dashing in his kilt, and we had our photographs taken in Princes St. Gardens afterwards, it was so romantic.

Like many couples we like to mark our wedding anniversary each year by exchanging gifts and doing something nice together. Unfortunately, work was calling yesterday morning and so we didn’t have time to exchange gifts and cards before work. We worked through the day though, sending eachother the odd email simply saying ‘I love you’. Our Facebook account was chocca with well wishing messages, and on the way home we stopped off at Mum’s house for a cuppa. When we got home, we exchanged our gifts. Hubby had bought me the delightful Poppy dress by Fever. He has exceptional taste, and I’m quite lucky in the fact that I know I can let him shop for me and he’ll pick not only the correct size, but also something I will like and wear. The Poppy dress is no exception to this. For him I bought the ‘Only Fools and Horses’ complete series 1 – 7. He’s a big Only Fools fan and I think he’s going to have hours of fun watching those. I expect to hear some major belly laughs over the weekend.

Our table at Ristorante Calabria, the new Italian Restaurant in Coventry’s Cathedral quarter was booked for 8pm. I decided to wear my new frock, but unfortunately the weather was pretty appalling. I combined it with some yellow tights and my trusty ruby slippers, despite it not being ‘Ruby Shoesday’. Hubby looked dashing as always in his tweed trousers and red shirt.

Dress: Fever, Bag: Vintage, Tights: Primark, Shoes: Pineapple

We arrived at the restaurant on time and it was empty. We were shown to our nice table, overlooking the Cathedral. Almost immediately after us another couple were shown in, and despite an empty restaurant they were seated directly behind us. We thought nothing of it though until they asked for their window to be opened. I was in a short sleeved dress, and it wasn’t exactly warm, but the waiter didn’t bother to ask us if it was ok to open that window, which was a tad inconsiderate I thought. We moved table into a little alcove. We ordered our food, starters first of soup, and olives, bread and balsamic. The starters were nice, and then our mains followed. I had ordered Penne al Salmone, and hubby a pizza. Mine was delicious, but hubby’s pizza was layered with tons and tons of rocket. It looked more like a salad than a pizza. We had also ordered side dishes, garlic bread, which consisted of 4 pieces of 50p size garlic bread… kind of like garlic croutons really, and slightly over greasy chilli chip things. Nonetheless we continued eating, but no-one came to check if we needed our drinks refilling or anything, despite there being very few people in the restaurant. Neither of us finished our meals; mine because I was too full, hubby because he didn’t like it. Neither of us were tempted either by the 2 solitary puddings on the pudding board. We paid and left. It was a bit of a disappointment really because I had visited Calabria one lunchtime with work colleagues, and had a pleasant experience. This time however it wasn’t that good at all and I definitely don’t think we would visit again.

Leaving the restaurant the night was still young. We walked over to Inspire, which is a lovely bar located within one of Coventry’s 3 spires. Unfortunately though it was so very busy that we decided not to go in. We jumped in the car and went to Earlsdon instead. I knew that there was going to be a gig on at the Cottage, so we paid our £3 entry and were pleasantly surprised. The band, ‘Old Wave’ played some really good tunes, and hubby was really enjoying it. There was a decent sized crowd for a Thursday night, and I even caught a couple of people eyeing my frock. I love that frock. I feel like January Jones in Mad Men in that frock. Anyway, enough gushing, back to the evening. We stayed for about an hour, long enough to finish one drink. Then I decided I wanted to go home and watch the episode of Mad Men that we’d missed earlier in the week (because hubby kindly didn’t watch it without me while I was at the Paloma Faith concert). We got home, quickly walked our adoring hounds, and then settled down to watch the episode. Unfortunately, our digital box hadn’t recorded the end of the episode so we’re going to have to catch it on iPlayer later, but it was nice just to settle in the warm house before bed.

So, our 2nd anniversary passed well. Despite a not so great experience at a restaurant we won’t visit again, the company was fabulous. We get really loved up at these occasions… even more loved up than we usually are, which is pretty loved up. I can’t believe 2 years has passed so quickly and now we venture into our 3rd year of wedded bliss. I love you Mr. M.

Paloma Faith - The Concert

I was very lucky last night (Wednesday) as I got the opportunity to go and see the wonderful Paloma Faith, live at the O2 Academy in Birmingham. My friend, R, had mentioned to me last week that she may have a spare ticket available, and knowing how much I love Paloma Faith she asked if I’d be interested in going. Well, with hubby in London for much of the evening, and me with no other plans, I snapped her hand off. It wasn’t until Tuesday that I found out for definite that I would be going.

I didn’t have a great deal of time to get ready Wednesday, so I dashed home a little early from work. I’d already thought about what I would wear, having been seeking out an opportunity to wear the Fever Watery dress that I bought a month or so back, in Stratford. Since, however, the weather wasn’t entirely spring like I opted to wear it with a vintage green cardigan, blue net pattern tights and most importantly FLAT shoes which would allow me to stand all night without my feet feeling like they were being pushed through a cheese grater. I also wore a fascinator, as those of you who are familiar with Paloma Faith will know she’s fond of her head wear so I anticipated that the audience would probably follow her lead. (Please excuse the photographs; I didn’t have my photographer at home).

Dress: Fever, Clutch bag: Vintage, Cardigan: Vintage, Fascinator: New Look.

Having walked and fed the hounds, I set off and got to the car park just in time to catch up with R. We walked to the train station, both very excited about the evening ahead. Unfortunately, when we got to Birmingham after a long journey on the slow train, it was raining quite badly. We pressed on, and I was sure that I knew where the place was so we put a step in it. Arriving at where I thought the place was, half an hour late, we were in despair to discover that the building was boarded up and a ‘To Let’ sign in place. So the O2 Academy isn’t the old Carling Academy then? Thankfully R didn’t lose her patience at my inept sense of direction, but getting increasingly wet, and without any idea where the O2 was we opted to jump in a taxi and were there in no time at all.

We weren’t queuing very long… unlike those who hadn’t bought their tickets in advance, but nonetheless my quiff was a bit limp when I got in the building from the wet weather. When we got in, I was surprised at how large the venue was. I was less surprised at the array of flowers that people had in their hair, and felt decidedly vindicated in my outfit choices. The crowd was a real mix; there were much older people, and even a few school children. There were one or two rockabilly’s (which I wasn’t surprised about, have you seen Paloma Faith’s quiff?) and a couple of townies (not many). On the whole the women outnumbered the men, and unlike the usual grungefest you get at these gigs, people had thought about their outfits. Dresses and vintage like attire seemed to be the order of the day.

R and I found ourselves a spot where we could see the stage and endured possibly one of the worst support acts I’ve ever seen. La Shark, they were like a really bad version of the cure, I like the cure… I did not like these.

Shortly after 9pm, the lights went down and a band emerged onto stage (including a female bass player, most unusual). Then, Paloma Faith, dressed in a full length purple leotard with frills on, massive red platform shoes and 2 giant cherries as a headdress, she graced the stage with feather fans in a very burlesque manner. What an entrance. Despite having a tremendously sore throat she not only looked amazing, but sounded amazing too. I love her music anyway, and she went through one after the other of the songs on her album. Making a quick costume to change into a full length red dress, which was very Marilyn Monroe in Some like It Hot, she proceeded to sing a tune by one of my favourite ladies of jazz, Billy Holiday. The way she could sing that song just demonstrated the scale of her amazing talent. Then she reverted back to her own material, giving a lively performance and encouraging the crowd to join in wherever possible. The crowd were great, really laid back with no aggro or trouble or any such shenanigans. Her final costume change was into a flamboyant gold lame number. By the end of the show I wanted to be Paloma Faith… or at least be let loose in her dressing up box.

Leaving the show we were both overjoyed at the spectacle we had seen. What a show. It was a shame that hubby hadn’t been able to go since he shares my love of Paloma, but having seen her once I would be more than willing to go a second time. Next time she is on I definitely think it’s a concert that hubby and I will be at.

Collection 2000 Hot Looks Nail Polish Review

At the beginning of the week, I took heed of the fashion press' prediction that pastel coloured nails were going to be all the rage this spring, and went into Boots to try and find a suitable nail varnish. My criteria were that it was cheap and a suitable colour since I never like to spend a lot on fashion nail colours. I eyed up several brands, but Collection 2000's nail varnish won hands down on price coming in at a recession proof £1.79. All I can say is that you get what you pay for.

I prepped my nails with Sally Hansen double duty, which is what I always do before applying nail varnish. The application of the nail varnish wasn't too pleasant. It seems to have something of a gloopy consistency which makes the brush drag along your nail as you paint them. This makes it extremely difficult to apply it with a smooth finish and at one coat it looks particularly streaky. Coverage isn't too bad since 2 coats and I had the opaque pastel blue I was looking for, and in terms of colour I did get several compliments on my nail colour. Unfortunately though, in less than 24 hours (and without me having done anything manual or any housework) the nail varnish was chipped on 5 nails over 2 hands, which means it would not have even lasted long enough to get me to a special event if that had been my reason for painting my nails.

My conclusion is if you are looking for a new nail varnish, walk right on by the Collection 2000 unless you have the time and patience to paint your nails on a daily basis. I myself will be getting rid of this nail varnish to my teenage step daughter and continuing my quest for a nice pastel nail varnish which is inexpensive but lasts the course.

But I didn't get much sleep and my throat is sore.....

Well, it's been such a whirlwind week. If I've not been at a bank, I've been on the phone to sort things out for my Mums move, or diving into the car to drive to Mums, via Sainsburys, get her some groceries and get back to my desk within an hour. Basically, I think Mum has been doing far too much activity for her impending move, following a bad bout of shingles late last year. I've been trying to do my best to do my work, cook her a meal here and there, and sort the remaining business of her move out. The result is that I have a sore throat, I'm tired and my right leg feels like someone has taken it off me and put it back on the wrong way around. Have you ever had that feeling? It's most bizarre!

Thankfully, today, all of the hardwork that Mum, hubby and I had put in these past few weeks paid off. She signed the contract on her new place, and her and I spent the entire afternoon there. She was doing some cleaning, I was checking stuff out. She spent the whole afternoon with a grin on her face like a Cheshire cat, and it's the first time in months and months where I have seen her look so very happy. I felt so pleased, not least because Mum and I are very close. Perhaps it's an only child thing, but she's a very important person in my life, and knowing how much closer she is going to be living to me is wonderful. Of course, I'm not looking forward to labouring this weekend to move all her belongings into the new place, but I am looking forward to the fact that next week it'll all be over, and she should be settled in her new place. So one more weekend of no glamour, no shops and hard, dirty graft and life will be good again, and will be better than ever for Mum.

Now, I'm off to bid on a vintage dress on eBay. Originally I was watching this dress as possible stock for my forthcoming shop which I mentioned before but I've decided I like it too much, and it's my size so I don't think I'll be able to part with it. This business venture is going to cause me all sorts of dilemmas isn't it? Don't worry, there will still be plenty of goodies in the new shop... I've already started gathering my stock. I just need to get the photographs (oh the joys of being a knowledgeable photographer, married to a pro-photographer) and sort the listings out... only!

The Definition of Mundane

What a lovely Sunday morning it has been. We woke up to streaming sunlight, and decided to walk to church... unfortunately the walk back from church was more of a jog because hubby thought he was going to miss the start of the Grand Prix, so I'm relaxing with a mug of coffee, and some toast and pate, and thought I had better update you on my busy, but dreadfully boring week.

Really, my entire week seems as if it has been work, work and more work! We have moved from one side of our large office complex, to the other (more modern) side, and I have to say it's far nicer. It's lighter, and more open and there are more people to see. The amusing thing is when I was setting up my new desk I turned my head to find out that sat almost next to me is the girl who I sat next to 6.5 years ago when I first started working at my organisation... how bizarre. (Have I already told you that? I have I feeling I did).

Wednesday evening hubby had to spend a night away for work, he's working terribly hard at the moment and so had to stay away because of a conference that's he's been doing lots of work for. I was home alone... well aside from the dogs of course, which make me feel very safe. I decided, in his absence, to tackle the atrocity which was our dining room. We have this habit of just dumping things on the dining table, work papers, sewing machines, CDs etc etc etc... and it soon piles up. Add to this the fact that Alfie had got into the back room and chewed up some books on the floor, and you have a pretty messy room. The first thing I did was to put new curtains up though as the old beige ones we had were hideous (they've gone to the charity shop). Then I just cleaned for all I was worth, and I'm pleased to say I've reclaimed my dining room, hoorah!

Thursday after work I went jogging in Memorial Park with the girls I am doing Race For Life With (don't forget to sponsor me, the link is on the right). Now, I am not a fan of physical activity. Less so when I've misplaced my trainers and have to wear hubbys... so, the prospect of jogging around a cold park in the early evening didn't fill me with joy. It was as bad as I though, I coughed, spluttered and was red in the face... thankfully I was not alone in my lack of fitness though. My legs still hurt today.

Friday, I had to chose my benefits at work. I was glad I chose the health plan because having phoned up, I found that I can get prescription sunglasses on that. What a coo. So, lunchtime I nipped into town to check out some prescription sunglasses which I'll buy as soon as my paperwork comes through. At least then I'll be able to wear sunglasses while driving and may avoid spending a lot of my summer with migraines. There are 2 pairs I'm considering. Both pairs are by Lulu Guiness. I like this pair best:

Hubby however thinks that because they are rather large, and purple, they may go out of fashion and then I've spent a lot of money on glasses I no longer want to wear. So, these are the other pair I like (although I'm sure they had a more metallic logo on the side), which are far more timeless I feel.
Which pair do you like best?

Friday evening I went straight from work to mums. She's been working her socks off for her move (Which is next weekend) and wasn't feeling too well, so I popped over and made her some dinner and cleaned up. I was pooped by the time I got home, but still sat down with hubby and step son to watch Aliens.

Yesterday we were up early, and did a bit more cleaning in the living room and kitchen (I'm desperately trying to spring clean bit by bit so we don't have to dedicate our whole Easter weekend to it). Then we left to go visit the inlaws. We stopped by at the Irish shop en route to buy my mother in law a mothers day gift (we got her a lovely Beleek vase) and I talked hubby into buying some white pudding. I love white pudding, and it's years since I'd had it. It was a fairly brief visit at the inlaws as the step-daughter needed dropping off in town. So, once we finished there, and I'd dropped everyone at home I headed back to my mums to do more of the odd jobs she needs doing before she moves. I had been hoping to talk her into a visit to a mothers day shopping event they had on at Coventry Rugby Club, but she still wasn't up to it. During my breaks though between cleaning windows and wrapping items in newspaper, I was reading Company Magazine. Pretty much half of the magazine was dedicated to bloggers, so you might want a mooch of that at some point.

I was home by early evening, so while walking the dogs we bought some bottles of ale. Once in for the night we put on Terminator 3, which I watched while trying to finish the housewarming gift I am making for my mum. It's not quite there yet but I should be able to upload a photo of it by midweek.

Lastnight was a lovely relaxing night, and then this morning we went to church. Now checking out my blogroll, I was really lifted to see that my favourite things had been featured over at the Favourite Things Blog. Anyway, it's not been a terribly exciting week, despite being really busy. I'm hoping this coming week is a bit more fun... particularly as it's St. Patricks day Wednesday yey.

Rejeuvenating a Tired Black Cardigan

I love cardigans. If it's chilly you can put them on top of all of your layers, use them as a light jacket in the summer months, brighten up a black dress with a coloured one. They are such a versatile part of the wardrobe. This particular John Rocha cardigan I have had for at least 5 years. In that time I have worn it excessively, and whilst the fabric of the cardigan was still in pretty good shape, it was extremely washed out and tired looking. I decided to take action. I went out and bought a bucket, some rubber gloves and some black dylon, some blue ribbon and some little blue bow buttons. First I removed all the buttons, and the black length of elastic from the cardigan and, following the instructions undertook the rather messy but very fun job of dying the black back into the black cardigan. Then I sewed the new buttons on, and thread the new blue ribbon where the old black elastic had been. A very simple, cheap, but effective overhaul which I think has given my cardigan a new lease of life... I love you cardigan!

Before

After

Detail

International Women's week

Hi there folks.

I had intended to write this blog yesterday evening, but a pretty evil migraine hit at about 6pm which left me unable to do anything more than go and lie in a darkened room. I'm still not feeling 100% now, I hate migraines. Ordinarily I would have taken a Syndol, but I felt so nauseous with this particular attack that I couldn't even do that. Anyway, more interesting matters.

This week is international women's week. A time to celebrate the important role of women in the world. The last time I looked I was a woman, and so I'm very supportive of International Women's week. Coventry in particular has a whole calendar of events which have been taking place since Thursday and will continue until Saturday, I'd certainly like to take part if I find the time, but I thought that the least I could do was to dedicate this weekends blog post to 2 women who I find to be a great inspiration. Both of these women made a clear mark in a mans world, they were leaders in showing women what could be achieved, and for this reason I have chosen Irene Barclay, and Eve Arnold as my 2 women of inspiration.

Irene Barclay:

Irene Barclay was born in 1894, a time when women were still very much part of the male chattels, not really meant to be forging a career of their own. Ms. Barclay however not only forged a career of her own, but did it in a traditionally male dominated arena. Irene Barclay was the first female Chartered Surveyor, qualifying in 1922, she ran her own business for 51 years. In 1925 she became secretary of the St. Pancras housing association, and battled with loan sharks and poor living conditions to create her own loan club. The profession of chartered surveyor is still somewhat male dominated even today, I have been to conferences as a trainee where I have been the only woman in a room of 30 men, so I can only imagine what a strong and determined character Irene Barclay must have been in order to make her mark as a Chartered Surveyor in the early 20th century. She is certainly an inspiration to me, and I think a strong role model for any woman entering the profession.

Eve Arnold.

Eve Arnold was the first female member of the prestigious Magnum Photos. I remember first being introduced to the work of Eve Arnold as a very young child when my mum bought a coffee table book about Marilyn Monroe, all of the photographs had been taken by Eve Arnold. I remember flicking through the pages in awe both at the beauty of the actress, but at the stunning photographs too. I later revisited this inspirational artist when writing an essay for my GCSE photography at the age of 16. It was here, when I delved further into the work of Eve Arnold that I realised just how much she had achieved, how she had forged her career alongside greats such as Cartier Bresson when photography was very much still 'old school'. She had forged a professional relationship with Marilyn and had more opportunity in photographing her than pretty much any other photographer, and even today we are still looking in awe at the work of Eve Arnold. Another female trailblazer in a male dominated world.

During international women's week I would like to acknowledge the strong minded women who have worked in such a way that the world is a far more open place to us modern girls.

Who would your inspirational woman be?

Business Venture

I've decided that I'm going to pursue my love of all things vintage by opening a shop on Etsy which is going to specialise in vintage fashion. Obviously, I'll have to keep the day job, but I love vintage style so much that I'd like to experiment by selling. Before I do, however, I really need to get a grasp of people's vintage shopping habits. For this reason I have devised this short survey.

SURVEY

I'd be really grateful if you could spend just a couple of minutes filling in the questions as this will help me to figure out what people are looking for when buying vintage, and will help me to stock my shop accordingly.

Keep your eyes peeled for Princess Prudence Vintage.