Finally I go out in a dress!!!

So what do you think???!!!!!

Thank you to everyone who commented on which dress I should wear.  Actually it wasn't too bad.  I thought I'd feel really uncomfortable but it's a very easy dress to wear.  I've had it for ages; probably at least a couple of years.  I'm pretty sure it's from Primark.  My boots are also old.  I found them in the back of the cupboard.  As my son put it, "they're really old school".  Maybe I'll get some new ones in the sales.

It's inspired me to try dress wearing again.  Claire and Sarah also wore dresses but they are regular dress wearers.  We had such a lovely evening.  Claire's house is always immaculate but at the same time warm and welcoming.  Although Claire, like myself, is a reluctant cook she always gives us a lovely meal and is a wonderful hostess.  We had salmon in a cream sauce, roasted new potatoes and salad followed by trifle and of course plenty of bubbly and wine.

Yesterday was my day off my diet.  I really enjoyed the whole day but feel crappy today.  I'm not sure you realise how over indulging effects you until you diet then there is such a contrast in how you feel on diet and none diet days.  I still exercised yesterday.  My friend Paola picked me up at around 8.30am and we met some of the Cleeve Ladies at Pitville Park and went for a run.  The reward at the end of the run was coffee and cake at the cafe!  I also walked the dogs for over an hour. 

I'm actually glad to be back to dieting today but it's an exercise free day for me - unless you count walking round Sainsburys!  Tomorrow back to running!  Bring it on!  Oh and it's my day to weigh!!!  Prepare for me being devastated!!!!

The Dresses!!!

Feeling brave this morning after walking the dogs and showering I thought I could delay no longer - I have to try on the dresses and get Rich to take photos.  God help us!  I was scared!  Dresses just don't suit me!  And now you get the living proof!!!  Go on . . . be honest!

Here goes - dress number one:

And now dress number two:

And number three:

And finally number four:

So there you go!  Now over to you!!!!
But I didn't stop there!  I had to take Rich into town for his retirement lunch. ( He's currently flat out on the sofa having drunk red wine, Guinness and Jager Bombs!!!! )  So I decided to wear a skirt!  I must be mad today.

Whilst in town I thought it was only right to have a browse.  I ended up trying loads of things on.  Obviously carried away by the fact that I was brave enough to try the dresses on.  I got led astray by the lovely Hannah - who works in Oasis - giving me a 15% off voucher. I will save my purchases for another day.  I will probably take half of them back anyway!

Saturday Night Supper

Last night I went to my friend Jane's for supper along with three other friends.  We had a fab evening, lush food, lots of wine and even more laughs!  I wore my burgundy/wine coloured Gok straight jeans - again - and my Joules hunting shirt.  Doing this blog has made me realise that the saying "you wear 20% of your wardrobe 80% of the time" is true.  I'm very aware now that I wear the same things on a regular basis.

I looked through my wardrobe last night and tried a few things on that I hadn't worn for a while but ended up going back to my favourites!

At supper Heather - who also usually avoids dresses - was telling us that she had seen a dress in Monsoon that she had coverted for weeks and finally went to buy it only to find it didn't fit her.  She was gutted because she loved the dress.  I know that feeling.  I saw Myleene Klass in the newspaper wearing a dress from her own range and just thought - that's so me - only to find that it's sold out in all sizes except size 20.  Gutted!!!

This is said dress.  I just love it.  Anyway in order to be more interesting with my wardrobe I have ventured into the loft and returned with four dresses.  My dresses live in the loft due to lack of use.  So they are currently hanging in my bedroom and I am determined to wear one next Saturday for supper at Claire's.  Now I've said that I guess I'm actually going to have to do it.  I'm feeling uncomfortable already.  I will try them on tomorrow and see if that makes me feel any better???!!!

I have to say the Myleene Klass range of dresses is really nice but others must agree as most of them are out of stock.  I like the following ones too:

I've had such a naughty week of eating and drinking this week so from tomorrow I'm off the wine, on the diet and out there running.  Wish me luck!!!

Am I really 50?????

Hello!

I'm 50!  Glad I'm typing that and not saying it out loud because no matter how hard I try I just can't believe it.  I don't feel 50.  Well, except when I'm having hot flushes! I feel more like 25!  I want to be young.  I'm sure I am young.  And then I look in the mirror and . . . massive reality check!  Surely that's not me?????

I have three children age 22, 20 and 17.  I'm married.  In fact I only got married last year so surely that makes me young?  I have three dogs and a cat.  I like riding and reading, socialising with friends, drinking wine - particularly a nice Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc or Champagne.  I'm a chocoholic and a shopoholic.

I still listen to Radio One!  My children are always stealing my CDs so I must be trendy?!  I like chatting to my children's friends.  I like being silly!

But . . . what is it appropriate to wear when you are 50?  And more to the point - where do you shop?  I would love to shop at Johnnie Boden.  He regularly sends me offers and tempts me in with his 20% off and free delivery; addressing me as though we were friends.  But I just can't.  I look through his collection and think - "it's all for grown up, sensible people."  But I guess Johnie really is sending me offers because I'm his target market.  He thinks I should be grown up and sensible because I'm . . . not 25!!!

I like to shop in New Look, Top Shop, River Island, Oasis and Warehouse.  But do the shop assistants imagine I'm shopping for my daughter?  Are they gossiping behind my back saying, "What's she doing in here?" with that snarl of contempt that young people have when the can't ever imagine being . . older!  And how long can I continue to shop in these teen emporiums?  

Next is safe.  Anyone can shop in Next.  But where else can I indulge my shopping addiction?  Not M&S, unless it's for underwear, that IS admitting you're old!

And do I give in and wear classic shapes and designs or can I still follow fashion trends???  It's such a dilemma!  Can I wear the same styles as my daughter or is that 'mutton dressed as lamb'?  And where is Gok Wan when you need him?!!!