h2g2 The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: Earth Edition

Prologue:

I like clothes. I enjoy hunting for bargains in charity shops and on sale rails, and I think about how to pull outfits together. This month I'm doing a bit of travelling (hence the "where was I" reference), and I'll be journalling what I wore each day. I'll try to remember where I bought the key items, how much of a bargain they were, and I'll award points for star quality/ compliments received/ would I wear it again. My descriptions, particularly of colours, are often related to food (a fact which has made QOTD recently), so apologies in advance if this journal leaves you drooling

1st November: Travelling to Perth

Off to Bonnie Scotland for the weekend, for the AGM of the Scottish Dance society.

Travelling - Lucky Brand jeans, bought in Vegas. I've always struggled to find jeans which fitted, so I was dleighted to discover this make on my last Stateside visit, and bought several pairs. Watermelon strappy vest, and Jeagar shirt in orange/ blue/ white abstract pattern. I only really got into Jaegar this year, but I love this shirt - it's light, doesn't crease, and looks very classy. Green waterproof jacket - the weather forecast isn't good, and it IS Scotland after all. And Dubarry boots. These are the world's most expensive wellingtons, but they are smart, waterproof, and a chestnut brown leather which matches everything. Pale grey pashmina. I did have a beautiful coral real cashmere one, but I lost it last time I visited Scotland. I shall keep my eyes peeled in case I see it again.....

*signs up to read Bea's journal. What a pity you can't post photos here!

Sad about the coral pashmina. I am imagining some delighted 'finder' draped in your cashmere, but that is no comfort for you, I'm sure!

Using the free wifi on the train to the airport- gawd bless Translink!

It's cold outside- I have a beautiful pair of gloves with me, tartan tweed. My husband bought them as an early birthday present in a wee tourist shop at gairloch harbour, where there was an impeccably behaved cocker spaniel behind the counter. That was a sailing trip with our friends d and k. K is a big fan of anything with a leopard skin print, and it was she who introduced me to dubarry boots earlier this year. They'd been over with us in January for our wedding do, and she had these fabulous boots with- of course- leapordskin furry tops. I was entranced.

It took a bit of hunting to find a stockist in norn irn: I don't like buying footwear online, it really should be tried on for size, and marched up and down the shop for a while. But I tracked them to a wonderful little independent boutique and dress designer- wee Winnie Magee in comber. I must take a trip over there again sometime, the shop is a real aladdins cave of gorgeous goodies, and the bakery next door makes cheese and bacon potato bread, which is just divine!

Comber being a Mecca of fashion is somehow rather pleasing!

Sometimes I get mildly dyslexic - your conversation title looks like "What will the Bear Wear?"

You'd definitely be Little Bear.

*note to self: If you ever go to the States, take an empty case*
*note to self 2: If you ever go to Scotland, look out for a coral cashmere scarf*

Reading about all those stylish but cosy garments has given me a warm glow to start the day, Bea!

I'll be humming 'Dedicated Follower of Fashion' by the Kinks for the rest of the month

I did gain a pair of Oakley sunglasses on the trip where I lost the pashmina, so in value terms I'm probly ahead.

At the airport, on phone, can't remember bt openzone details. I usually buy jewelry when I travel. Today I'm wearing a silver star necklace from Stockholm, 10 years ago: Milla? Titania? You were there!

Boots had to be removed for security check, but with no laces they're not the slowest items to take off and on again.

It's in my head now as well

Oh yes it is.

If you ever have a wardrobe clear-out, I want first dibs! (err actually I'm guessing they might be a little* bit on the small side for me )

and, I want* those boots!

Sorry leggsy, mala gets first dibs on my wardrobe, but yeah the boots are classy, like, specially with their wee furry tops. I'm at Glasgow queen st stTion now, glad of the gloves and scarf I can tell you!

Ooh scotrail free wifi, bless em!

Packed train. Time to catch up on everyone else's journals, and think what I'm wearing to tonight's dance

I thought we were friends!
well, as I said, I doubt they'd fit me anyhow

reddit

I read "boobs" for boots in Post 14. The furry tops confused me.

Right. Settled into the holiday inn, sharing a triple room with 2 other old hands. What to wear this evening?

Choosing a dress for dancing is tricky. It's got to be long and flowy, but not so long that you trip over it, ballerina length, they call that mid-calf style. Not too baggy, but not too clingy, to allow for movement. Not strapless- wouldn't want a wardrobe malfunction occasion! Not too heavy, not something that would show sweat stains.

I rarely buy anything full price, but when I found a tartan dress that meets all the above checklist in monsoon, I happily shelled out the £60 for it. And tonight will be its inaugural performance. My big worry is that, being this years style from a high street store, I may not be the only one wearing it!