Hi everyone
And I’m back almost a week after my cataract op. You won’t get a pic of me for a bit, but everything is progressing as it should. I did get a bit anxious (actually tbh, I’ll be anxious for about 2 weeks until it’s properly healed). But, oh blast, the day before the op, that chronic blepharitis occurred once again in the to-be-operated eye. But the surgeon said, it was very low risk and he wouldn’t cancel it, but I could if I liked. Yikes, but I went ahead.
The balance issue isn’t fixed as yet, as my optician, who always had a very optimistic idea that all would be well after the discrepancy between the two eyes was corrected, also said that I would have to retrain my brain. Think that’s what’s happening now as the balance is improving a bit, but it’s still not normal.
What is extraordinary is all the splendid colours I see now. Although there is a maxim that all older people should avoid beige I think the colours I’ve been seeing were very muted. And now – it’s wow – that blue is so blue, that red is so red! Those flowers, those green leaves. And especially….
Well, the thing is the day before the op my GP at an appointment, paused and peering at my face said, I think we’ll do your haemoglobin in case you have anaemia. I wondered what made her say that, but the day after the op I happened to be passing a mirror and was shocked at how starkly white my face was without makeup. In addition, my face was peppered all over with yellow sun spots, as in definitely not freckles but much larger stuff.
I was quite shocked as I had always seen I had two big sun spots, but all over my face? Nope. Could not see any of that. Now with my sight restored, I see my face in all its sun damaged glory!!
And btw, that whiteness? I was a redhead so always had very white skin. If only that teenager I was had not sun bathed, and not wanted a tan. But when I was a teenager everyone wanted to be brown, so you sat in the sun and applied the Ambre Solaire, which was nothing more than sweet smelling cooking oil. Anyone remember that particular Ambre Solaire smell? Furthermore, I’m just wondering what the colour of the makeup I applied looked to others. Hope it wasn’t too orange, as I wouldn’t have known!!!!
Now back to the title. Yes, my buying habits have changed and probably for the better. This has come about because I definitely get out and about, but because I am hanging on to my husband’s arm, I just haven’t been going into charity shops. it would be boring for him. So instead we shop for groceries, have a coffee, or go to cultural activities (the latter has just begun as the nerve pain subsides).
The not going into charity shops is good as I have a notebook that I began in 2012 (!) and into it I write every item of clothing I buy, its cost and where bought. I see there was a big gap through the pandemic, but I’ve been pretty consistent about this. And I can see that there is a pattern. Over the years at least one third of all these items have been either taken back to charity shops or, more recently, taken to be sold This has been a huge waste of my money, and time.
And also there just isn’t quite the same standard of items in charity shops as there was and, consequently, I was buying many items that were not quite up to my (rigorous) standards.
Now, instead of charity shops, I’ve been haunting certain platforms for their sale items. Mainly Hush, which is an ethical brand, and a designer platform, Idaretobe, which has eye-wateringly expensive designer items, but they do have sales. So that’s what I go for.
Also I am being very strict with myself. I am buying just one item only per month. So not counting January when I was still buying in charity shops, I aim to buy only 12 items during one year.
Phew. Can I do that? But, dear readers. The fashion industry has a lot to answer for. There is far too much consumption. We just have too many clothes (not everyone, of course) but I am old enough to remember the 1950s and the contents of my mother’s wardrobe, and she didn’t have the number of clothing that I do – no way.
Furthermore, the carbon footprint used by the industry is appalling. We all know that even one pair of jeans, which most people have in their wardrobe, needs shed loads of water, as does anything made of cotton, which we all think is a lovely natural material. Yes, it is, but the cost to the planet is appalling. And I was definitely guilty of consuming far too much even with my charity shop buying. Because, as I expect you all know, the clothes that charity shops in the UK don’t use, or sell, get shipped to Africa where piles of these clothes are dumped onto these countries ruining the domestic fashion industries.
So instead of buying anything from 6-12 items a month. I have resolved to buy just 12 items a year. And so far, amazingly, I’ve managed it.
Starting in February I bought 1 item. This was a black coat, yes, from a charity shop but the coat is a very good quality one. It is 100% wool.
In March it was a pair of boots bought new in a sale, to be worn next winter.
In April, I bought an amazing dress from Idaretobe. Its brand is Luukaa, and here it is.
It is exquisitely made with a tulle full length top with stripes going across and when I bought it, it was reduced from the price on the website now.
And under it, a cotton dress with stripes going down. I’ll wear this when I go up to London.
Btw, note there are no sleeves to this.
So I will, of course, cover my arms with either a short black linen, nipped-in waist jacket, or…. let’s take a look at what I bought in May!
In May I bought another item from Idaretobe. It is made by an Italian designer brand, Sanctamuerte, and was bought in a sale reduced from nearly £300.
Note that the tulle underskirt is removable.
And the back.
And I do dare to wear this! Probably with a very plain pair of black jeans, or even a good quality pair of blue jeans, along with a white t-shirt. Or a very plain black skirt, again with a white top.
In June I bought a scarf from the V&A, which will be worn in the winter, and a pair of red shoes, which I adore and are also incredibly comfortable.
So that’s 6 items in 5 months. I shall have to buy nothing in one of the coming months. And I think I can do that. Because I really love the quality of the items I am buying. Also because of the shitty (apologies) last few months I’ve been through I definitely intend to defy my age and state of health and continue to wear quirky, standout items of clothing. Because I definitely do dare to wear them! So not only my buying habits have changed I am firming up my intention to not fade away!
That’s all for now, I wish you all good health and happiness. And three cheers, we actually have warm weather over the next few days.
With love, PennyX
Yes you have had a shitty time Penny, so good to treat yourself!
As you know I hate shopping due to not being 5’5 inches and size 12. Shoes in particular are a nightmare. I have clothes in my wardrobe which have been there for 15-20 years and still being used.
If I see or find something that fits (amazingly) I often buy it. I now know what works and what doesnt so no need to dither.
Sales of good quality items – yes. Collected a dozen Alpaca cardigans that way. All different colours, which help ‘dress up’ items.
Enjoy your 12 items a year and good luck in your searching! xx
Thanks Alison and I think you look great especially in some of those Cruise dresses you had. So carry on buying exactly what fits and suits you.
Yup it’s onwards and upwards from now on!!! And onwards with the buying of much higher quality clothes!
Thanks again for the good wishes 😊
Love your dedication and how you are purchasing special utensils! Hope your balance will continue to improve! My mom is not doing well and we’re going to try to get her some help but I am starting to wonder whether she is having heart problems again and all in not related to her nutrition.
http://www.chezmireillefashiontravelmom.com
Oops items no utensils 😃
😂
Hope your health continues to improve. I’m trying to think whether l have bought anything this year, clothes or shoes wise…and, apart from a bag and some walking sandals, its no! I’m still plus size – though have lost some weight – and there are now very few shops that stock such clothes. Evans and Ann Harvey have gone locally, and M&S puts its – limited – + size range in with the regular clothes so its a lottery as to whether you find them. M&Co used to do a great plus range but don’t any more, no idea why. So l’m reduced to online shopping, which l.hate as you cant feel the material and often have to.pay no send things back! And agree with you that l have too many clothes anyway. I need to sort through all those work clothes in my wardrobe that I no longer need plus all the high heeled shoes I just can’t wear any more!
Oh those work clothes I had – I kept them for ages! I love jackets but slowly got rid of them, and then because I love them so, jackets seemed to creep back into my wardrobe 😁
I am truly hoping that my health situation is improving. I’m on my 2nd week of drops for the recently operated eye. And with acupuncture and doing exercises not only with my 1-2-1 but every single day, the nerve pain from the spine has reduced. But if I let up, the pain comes back as it did a couple of days ago whenI hadn’t done as much exercise after the op. As I get back to it – it eases. So one has to be rigorous.
We do all have too many clothes. And this morning I saw a horrific article in the Guardian about new clothes from M&S and Next being dumped in wetlands in Ghana. Think I will still look for 2nd hand in the Dress Agency. Because I have been very guilty of just being part of the rush to buy from and leave stuff with charity shops – what a waste. The fashion industry and us consumers have a lot to answer for. And I include myself in that.
Thanks Alison – so appreciate the good wishes about health – I know you understand – thanks 😊
Yes, it is always challenging dealing with one’s mother as they get very much older. Good luck and very best wishes to you as you deal with the situation.
Thanks for the kind words 😊
Hello Penny. Very best of luck with your recovery and hoping for a resolution of balance issues. Love the clothes etc. What make are the comfortable red shoes please?
Hi Alison
I thought I’d answer you immediately. The make of the shoes is Joseph Seibel.
https://josefseibel.co.uk/
Thanks for the good wishes 😊
Morning Penny
I’m delighted to hear the second op went well and that you’re getting your mojo back. It’s certainly been a tough few months for you.
Congratulations on your purchases – the two black numbers are very ‘Blondie’. One purchase a month is, of course, a huge reduction from your former shopping habit but might be a lot when you find such stunning stuff – making it difficult to keep to your ‘one out-one in’ rule. (A nice problem!) I’m impressed that you’ve kept note of all you’ve bought over the years… I might take that up.
Sunbathing! I don’t remember the smell of Ambre Solaire, but I do remember and shudder at the thought of the hours I wasted getting burned in pursuit of a tan… needing calamine lotion. And, sleeping in rollers (!) to get the hairstyle to match the tan: bonkers! It’s great to see women now striding around in comfortable footwear and clothes – taking their space. And it’s great that you’re getting out (again) with them.
All the best, Mary
Hi Mary, and re: the tanning. I used to sunbathe until I was like a cooked lobster and then yes, masses of calamine and then I did go brown, and looked good with cute freckles on my nose. And that is exactly where the biggest sun spot is – my nose! I can remember that Ambre Solaire smell and it was gorgeous. Now it’s Factor 50+ every single day of the year.
Oh thanks re: the Blondie look as I intend to do something soon (when all healed up) to my hair soon, as in, get that Blondie look??? But not cutting it all that much I hasten to add – learnt my lesson there!
Yup onwards and upwards – thanks Mary 😊
That jacket!!! Oh, Penny!!! It’s gorgeous and so very you as is the dress! I cannot wait to see you in both. I’m glad the second operation is over, and you are seeing some results. I have heard that before..that people are shocked at the colors of things. I’m crossing my fingers your balance issue clears up completely as you heal and retrain your brain. That muscle memory is a strange and huge thing! Good on you for the one item a month purchase plan. I should track my spending…it would probably stop me from buying things I really don’t want or need. So good to get notices of blog posts from you!!
https://marshainthemiddle.com/
Hi Marsha and actually that notebook makes interesting reading as I can see in the past I bought some very high quality clothes from charity shops, but not so much now. And it was getting to the stage of quantity rather than quality. And I’ve always admired Jill of GrownUpGlamour, and her style but thought I could never afford this type of clothes. But I can if I restrain myself (and maybe call that if I retrain myself) to not buy loads of cheap clothes, and instead buy just one quality item every now and then. And that’s what I am aiming to do!
The 2nd cataract op is healing well – one week now – yay! Sight much better (and colours are amazing) but as my optician said, I need to retrain my brain and thinking of doing some CBT. But early days. Weather is better and nice and warm rather than too hot.
Thanks so much Marsha 😊
Thanks for your latest posting Penny. I’m pleased your second cataract op went ok. I had mine both done in 2023 and the difference is amazing as you say. I woke up the next morning after the first one and realised I could see all the leaves on the trees in the garden – I had been so used to a green blur!
Good luck with the balance, I hope it improves. Mine isn’t wonderful but I find tai chi helps a bit. Good luck too with the one purchase a month – I must say I followed your link to Joseph Siebel and found a pair of sandals I like and bought them. Impulse purchase!
Kathy
So glad you found some shoes on the Josef Seibel site as they are very good quality and should last for years.
Thanks for the good wishes re: the balance – I had a good day yesterday when I felt less unbalanced and I think I really do have retrain my brain and the habits its got into. And isn’t good eyesight such a boon! I was seeing green also a a bit of blur and also a bit greyish really – now it is so different.
Thanks again Kathy 😊
That was in interesting read. May I ask what brand the red shoes are.
Best wishes. Kathleen
The brand is Josef Seibel https://josefseibel.co.uk They are very good quality shoes and will last for years.
Thanks Kathleen 😊
Glad things are on the up for you and yes you definitely deserve a few treats and I’m with you all the way on buying less and enjoying more the quality and style. I hate shopping and rarely buy much these days. I’ve got things that are twenty or more years old and still love to wear them. The old saying is so true, style never goes out of fashion – and you have bucket loads! Best wishes on your continued recovery.
Thanks for all those kind words, I will be wearing that dress very soon! And good for you to have that kind of style that never goes out of date, which you must have to be wearing clothes that are 20 years +. We all need to follow that example. Mind you 20 years from now…….😂
Thanks again Pamela 😊
Good on you Penny, to not fade away! Wear those gorgeous items you bought. I do hope you will show us!
I will definitely wear those items very soon – especially that dress. AndI will show you for sure 😁
Thanks Nancy 😊
Hello Penny, I’m glad to hear you’re making a good recovery after your cataract surgery and hope you manage to get the balance issue sorted. I had terrible dizziness a few years back and it turned out to be labyrinthites which was most unpleasant but fortunately hasn’t troubled me recently.
Talking of trying to buy fewer clothes, I’ve just finished reading a very interesting book by Patrick Grant from the Great British Sewing Bee. It’s called ‘Less’ and as the title suggests it’s about buying only very few good quality clothes preferably second hand and keeping them for years and years. He talks about never buying anything new unless it’s to replace an existing garment and mending worn clothes rather than getting rid of them. He also mentions not buying anything unless you’re sure you’ll wear it at least 100 times – quite a challenge! The book is a little bit preachy and repetitive in places but I found it quite inspiring and would recommend it. With all good wishes to you, Gill x
Dizziness must be awful. The thing that has always flummoxed the GPs I’ve seen (one never sees the same GP unfortunately at this practice) is that I am never dizzy, I am just unbalanced when I go out into the outside. It’s a proprioception issue of not having sufficient receptors working properly. When you think about it outside has no walls or ceilings, and that is why I feel so unbalanced. Better eyesight has improved things but still not walking on my own and that is what I have to work on.
Oh Patrick Grant – what a lovely man. I watch the Great British Sewing Bee and simply love it and agree with him that we need to buy better and fewer items of clothing – and second-hand. Will think about getting the book and perhaps try and pick it up 2nd hand!
I’m glad to have broken the habit of always looking in charity shops as the quality items are harder to find these days. But I do haunt the local Dress Agency which sells good quality 2nd hand clothing and have got some amazing items there. Meanwhile I am weeding out many of my charity shop clothing and am off to the Dress Agency this afternoon to try to get her to sell them. She is quite picky though!
Thanks for your good wishes Gill, which are much appreciated 😊
I was so glad to hear your second cataract operation is over and successful . Hopefully your balance issues will also soon be on the improve. I too remember the days of sunbaking to get that so called perfect tan regardless of skin type . If only our younger selves were more aware of the skin damage we would pay for later.
You have done so well with your new purchases . The jacket and the dress will look so good on you. I can also see the dress with a light top underneath worn like a tunic. As you know I follow a similar thought process and now only buy what I love and will wear for many years to come. I look at our charity shops rarely these days as like yours the stock is now cheap and nasty.
Skin damage was never mentioned when I was a teenager, it was just a fashion thing and a way to emulate starlets like Brigitte Bardot, who was blonde and tanned. We all tried to look like her!
I expect there are the quality items still to be found in charity shops but it is much harder and I am glad to have broken the habit. Now I definitely want to buy only one item a month and am always looking at the website Idaretobe, which as you know has some amazingly expensive items, but twice now I have pounced when I’ve seen something just about within my budget. And I will continue to do this.
Thanks Jill for not only commenting but being my role model 😀
Thank you Penny for that lovely compliment , I just had to reply to let you know you are also my role model on this ageing journey. I do wish we didn’t live so far apart.
Best regards, Jill
Same here re: the living nearer you. BTW I already have my eye on a Idaretobe sale item for July!!!! Restraining myself from buying it now!!!
Very best to you Jill 😊
Such good news that the cataract operation is allowing you to see to see the world in more vibrant color! I too am trying to buy less. In truth I could not but another item of clothing for the rest of my life and be fine, bored but fine. I did purchase a rain jacket a couple of months ago. I had actually been thinking that I could use somethin like it as my classic tan trench is too heavy for milder weather. It is navy with a striped lining. I am glad to have it. So far this season has been cool and rainy and it is just the thing. I bought it from a TV shopping channel that I was browsing. It was on special and it was available in my size, which I often find difficult to find. As I was watching I saw a blouse I liked, bold flowers in a black ground, again my size and greatly reduced so I gave into temptation. A moment of weakness but otherwise I have not purchased anything in months. And I have had complements on the blouse. There are no places to get good second hand fashion anymore. I have, though not recently, purchased items from Eileen Fisher Renew. This as you may know is a line which has been around a long time. offering basic well made and sustainable garments with a policy that they will always take back their clothing and resell it as is or in some cases with creative mending and restyling. My favorite piece is a linen shirt which is now a lovely shade of indigo. always a pleasure to read your “conversation” and the varied responses, Love, Dar5by
Hi Darby
It’s a shame you don’t have the same kind of charity shop in the States that we have. But in cities, I admit, there are far fewer of these shops. But in towns even quite big ones there’s always an area that has a lot of charity shops. And ours are different to your big warehouse type like Goodwill. The scruffy shops that were around in the UK 20-30 years ago are long gone and they are all small and laid out like boutiques. Some are really lovely little shops. However, more and more people are selling their clothes online so there are fewer quality items. Luckily I have found a good way to sell the clothes I am either not wearing or bought on impulse – it’s to a Dress Agency who take 50% of the sale price, which is a lot. But she sells them at quite a high price so there’s no faff or difficulty with posting and dealing with people. It’s just the one transaction to the owner of the Dress Agency – and I prefer it that way.
And it’s always lovely to hear from you Darby and yes, I also love reading all the responses 😊
It’s interesting that your habits have changed and you’re now buying mostly new (in the sales). Im writing a post about how the charity shop model is broken. Buying more new, quality, clothes is what we need to consider….as well as making better donations to charity shops rather than selling them for peanuts on Vinted.
Rant over!
So glad your health continues to improve.
It is onwards and upwards re: my health, but the walking unaided still needs a lot of work – and really there isn’t diagnosis as yet. It’s a very frustrating and slow business to get beyond, what do you expect at your age…..!!!! 🙄 Which, of course, is nonsense.
RE: charity shops – yup I think I agree with you that the model isn’t working nearly as well as it did before. The shops themselves are beautiful now. But once upon a time you could get amazing quality items at bargain prices. I remember for instance one tiny shop having about 10 different quality camel hair coats of differing lengths. But that was years ago, now that same charity shop just has rubbish coats (coats being my thing! )
Mind you the Dress Agency yesterday was disappointing as she took only 2 items out of 8 really good items of which a couple were unworn, to my shame. But in stead of all the faff of selling online I was generous to Oxfam and gave them the lot. I think this will be OK as they are sure to sell.
Thanks Gail 😊
Things certainly seem to be getting better for you but take it gently!! Really interesting to read about your changing buying habits. Interesting for me as I have just retired aged 70 and need a different wardrobe now. My income is a lot less so I’m looking at buying a few pieces that I can wear with what I already have and adapt my style for a changed lifestyle (which incidentally involves a lot of coffees!). I have way too many clothes so am inspired by your plan to buy just 12 items. I don’t begrudge paying for something more expensive as long as I actually wear it.
Enjoy your retirement – it is a very good chapter in ones life as you are now able to follow all the interests you had little time for whilst working.
I have found Dress Agencies have the quality clothes that can’t be found in charity shops anymore. I’ve found some amazingly stylish clothes at mine. And yes, how I remember having loads of formal jackets that I got rid of slowly. But because I love jackets – they also slowly came back 😁
I am taking it gently but have to up the walking as otherwise I get very stiff and achy – it’s a balance but am now into my 2nd week after the op – and three cheers for that.
Thank you Andy 😊
It’s lovely to see you again Penny, I’ve missed your new blog (up until now) so will gladly follow along. I love your plans on buying a limited number of items and they all look great.
Hi Debbie
Actually it’s quite challenging to retrain my buying habits as my finger is hovering over another Idaretobe sale! But I will restrain myself and wait until July.
And thanks so much for following – much appreciated 😊
Hello, Penny
Welcome to the land of light and bright colours! So glad your cataracts have received their heave-ho! Here’s hoping your other health issues soon follow.
As for clothes, I’m a huge fan of mix’n’match so can usually count on putting together a slightly different look each time. The trouble with that is I tend to wear favourite combinations time and time again so folks probably think I’m quite clothes-poor! Little do they know! I could hold an archaeological dig at the bottom of my wardrobe!
Keep on keeping, Penny. You seem to be doing well. Small steps, literally, must surely win in the end.
You take care now.
Zepherine x
Indeed it is small steps that count, and over the last couple of days I am making some progress re: the walking. It’s small but positive.
Ah yes, the colours are amazing – and seeing ones face properly for the first time in a long time 😁
No matter what you wear I bet you look really stylish. Thanks Zepherine 😊