The Peculiar Behaviour of Lady Perdita

I covered all my school books with pictures from National Geographics (from the '50s and '70s). Just because I could. Also it's now far easier to imagine being somewhere else. School is always so much more exciting in old girls' annuals, the title of this post is in fact a story from 'The Bumper Book for Girls 1956' - why do we never have to solve intriguing mysteries involving a new girl from an exotic country? Today the most interesting thing that happened was my maths teacher comparing calculus to little rabbits with floppy ears that scamper away when you try to cuddle them.

 Also school-related : A homemade school bag and pencil case

 

Holiday Time Fashions - Touring Holidays

 

The last of my 'Holiday Time Fashions' set - accompanied by photos from my family's own touring holiday. We took a day trip while in Northland up to Cape Reinga, which is the very top of the country, and utterly spectacular. The huge numbers of tourists irritated me a little - mainly because I think playing music off your cell phone is a little disrespectful at a place believed to be the 'launching place' of spirits into the next world,and where two oceans collide, but hey, that's just me. So a bit of etiquette advice to go with the following fashion tips - be respectful. Don't run in the art gallery or spit at the statues. Although I'm sure none of you lovely readers would ever think of doing such things :) Without further ado - the 'Touring Holiday'!

This is an opportunity for wearing lots of pretty two-pieces and smart, citified cottons. Go in for fabrics with crease-resistant finishes to avoid lots of pressing when you arrive.

Take two skirts, one straight, the other pleated, and several cool shirts and tops. 

Trousers are all right for loafing around, but choose your tops cleverly so that the effect is neat and crisp. 

You'll need walking shoes and sandals and a pair of smart shoes with little heels.

Towelling for the Beach

It's bright and exciting . . . it's a must for your summer wardrobe!

Terry Towelling has been with us for years but never in such a wide range of fashionable colours and contemporary patterns. Ideal for the beach because it is so absorbent, easy to wash, and doesn't crush or fade, towelling is all the rage overseas. Large reversible and striped beach sheets are not only a smart accessory for your beach wardrobe, but also make wonderful wrap-arounds for wet costumes. Available by the yard, and ranging in price from 15 to 30 shillings a yard, towelling is the answer for the home dressmaker. The styles shown on these pages were designed by Anthony Horderns to give you an idea of just what can be done with towelling. They are simple, practical, and easy to copy.

*Text and pictures derived from an article in 'PIX' magazine, from January 19, 1957

 

I can completely testify to the wonders of Terry Towelling, which I've always had a bit of a soft spot for. I've spent a lot of time this summer in the towelling wrap around below (although that photo was taken in my backyard), which I gto from Peachy Keen last year for my birthday. It's completely and utterly perfect. Sorry for my complete absence lately, I turned 16 and have spent a lot of time sleeping since. I have a whole lot of posts coming up though!

Somewhat Questionable Relationship Advice from BOYFRIEND '70

I've just properly realised that I won't be able to live in my white summer blouse all the time now that the weathers getting chillier, but will I be able to pull off a winter blouse as well as these boys from Status Quo did?? The ruffles, the mullet, the co-ordinating high waisted flare pants. But to be honest I'd probably dress like this if my girlfriend was going by the treat 'em mean, keem 'em keen approach that 'Boyfriend '70 Book' (the same edition which this status quo pic was from) advises. To be honest I'm feeling a little sorry for some of the boyfriends of the '70s, and also a little puzzled at how things worked out after this advice was followed.
A shortened list of pointers from the article is below:

HOW to make him love you even more

Don't listen to his troubles, but moan at great length about yours

Chew gum with your mouth open

Stop and redo an entire make-up job at every shop window

Tell him that the only reason you're dating him is because he spends all of his pay packet on you. Imply that there is nothing else attractive about him

Rin g him up every hour on the hour and ask why he hasn't telephoned. Doesn't he love you anymore?

When you visit his Mum and Dad, ignore them both and spend the entire time talking to your boyfriend. You have nothing in common with them anyway (you figured that out in the first five minutes) so why waste your breath.

Oggle his best friend whenever possible.
Tell him how lucky he is to have a good looking friend.

Don't ever remember his birthday. Yours is far more important.

Finally, read this article to him (clicking your tongue) and say you can't understand how any girl could be so awful.