Well it’s the half way point, can’t believe this year has gone so quickly. Of course it’s been a bit of a cheats year for no new frocks for me, as there have been no occasions to wear those frocks. Still I have enjoyed the wardrobe I have, and I know that I don’t need more clothes. I must admit to occasionally dreaming of buying again, particularly as there are so many bargains to be had.

My future daughter in law was wearing a lovely Anthropology skirt on our zoom this weekend, in the sale of course,. It led me to look at their sale site were I identified at least two bargains I would have bought in normal circumstances!

My daughter in law who works in the fashion industry also reminded me that I must write about ethically sourced fashion in the second half of this year. Not as easy to research as they all declare to be, but I will have ago. Though I still have more to say yet about clothes in general.

Looking in both wardrobes, I only found 2 unworn items. A dress I bought in Spain just as people were dressing down , rather than up! And a H and M skirt which I really should wear ( hope it still fits).

Well the shops are open again but I haven’t felt tempted to venture out. Though others have I see. I know there are bargains to be had and I do love a bargain, so I hope there are a few left by Christmas!!

I can’t believe it’s Midsummer,where has the year gone? Of course one of the things I enjoy most about being out in the summer months is people watching. On the street people form the aesthetic landscape. A fascinating pastime is to sit outside on ones holiday at a bar, watching the world go by and outfit spotting . Many a perfect evening in Spain has involved a glass of rose and a constant stream of outfits. In particular evenings in Malaga by the cathedral come to mind. Saturday evenings seemed to be dedicated to wedding parties, the bride and groom followed by all the rels young and old parading in front of the magnificent Malaga cathedral, and again it’s the colours that are so attractive to watch. The clothes tell a story of lives at the time. Appearances are not held to be a clue to the character, occupation etc but we seem to have no other. So watching and contemplating people and what they wear is a much enjoyed pastime.

At home in the uk we have less opportunity for people watching apart from those rare balmy evenings. It’s the weather that dictates what we wear to some extent both practically and psychologically . Lack of sunshine has an effect on our souls in so many ways. Lucky in lock down we have had so much sun this year.

iPad still playing up but should get it fixed next week. It takes a long time to write this!!

Today is the first day shops will open again and I’m not sure I will be rushing back. What is going to happen to that shopping experience now?Although I need to visit Leamington Spa and Western computers ( my iPad), will I be tempted to just pop into H and M or Lilac Rose for a quick browse? H and M was particularly tempting as there was always that little bargain to give one a lift. But now I just don’t fancy queuing , wearing gloves and mask while searching the racks. How will it effect the high street? Will people throw caution to the wind, I guess the young may, which will further discourage us oldies to visit the shops. Lucky I’m not shopping this year .

Returning to last weeks theme of colour and how important I feel it is. I was musing on those who use clothing as an art form. Grayson Perry and Zandra Rhodes comes to mind . Helena Bonham Carter , Michelle Obama, to name but a few have style. Their character, philosophy of life, in fact the essence of them is reflected in their dress.

It’s not only those in the public domain who have distinctive individuality. A few people I know also do. One friend in particular always dresses colourfully reflecting her character which brings joy to those who know her.

Finally I had a busy weekend! Managing to go out for a friend’s birthday tea in the garden. It was the first time I’ve got dressed up to go out! I enjoyed doing so.

I stand corrected I’m likened to a magpie by the family and I’ve mis spelt adhered. Sorry

I’m hoping my iPad will work for a few sentences before it plays up again! So here goes. COLOUR is so important to us all. I know that I tend to gravitate to strong, bright colours. I’ve been likened by family members to a parrot, always attracted to the vivid and vibrant. I think that these suit, rather than paler, and more subtle tones. I like reds, blues, yellows, and greens, and of course black and white. I don’t often choose brown( though know it can suit) . I can wear certain shades of pink which isn’t a colour Im too fond of, and of course there are the purples and oranges to name but a few.

This is my week for a personal rant! Colour analysis, At one time people paid out good money for someone else, ( often without much training!) to dictate what colours they should wear dependent on what season of the year represented their skin tone. People then addeared to this and always wore colours based on what season their particular skin tone matched. Where I live, a lady colour analyst was never seen out in anything other than blue and purple hues topped off by a purple beret, rendering her like a large blackberry. She never wore any other colours! I do understand that certain colours suit more than others and I also understand that people lack confidence. But the joy of colour is to wear colours you like and enjoy wearing. I know that shades of blue suit me and flatter my complexion but I don’t want to be constrained or dictated to in the colours I wear. In fact I often err towards wearing clothes to match the seasons, and natural environment. I tend to wear more black in the winter and more flowery materials in the summer months.

Sorry, if I have offended but it is a pet hate. I don’t like being dictated to and of course I love individuality . Perhaps, though in lockdown I should open my mind and find out what colours I should have been wearing all my life. Though that doesn’t mean I will wear them.!

This time last year I was in Peru. My version of fashion whilst spending 2 nights away from Cusco backpacking.

A round-up of key looks and moments from Vivienne Westwood’s career, from her punk era collaboration with Malcolm McLaren, through new romantic style and beyond
— Read on www.vam.ac.uk/articles/vivienne-westwood-punk-new-romantic-and-beyond

Spanning 1947 to the present day, Christian Dior: Designer of Dreams traces the history and impact of one of the 20th century’s most influential couturiers.
— Read on www.vam.ac.uk/exhibitions/dior-designer-of-dreams

Clothes matter, people care about what they wear. We may not all wear high fashion but generally we like to wear what is appropriate for what we are doing at the time.

Clothes can make us comfortable psychologically as well as physically. I know that I always enjoy the demands of trying to dress appropriately for the company or situation I’m in. I enjoy returning home knowing that I was pleased that I felt right for that particular occasion or event. Although members of my family often comment that I over dress! I guess for me colour is very important and I will be writing further on the subject next week.

This is a very short blog as my iPad is playing up! This short piece has taken half an hour to write, due to the keys not working properly and the iPad is just out of guarantee !

As I can’t write much I’m going to share a link from the V and A instead. Worth reading.