Dress Of The Day with Angela

 Useful Websites https://www.amazon.co.uk/Fabric-Permanent-Clothes-Pillowcases-Markers/dp/B07VQRYYRP/ref=sr_1_5?crid=1E1JPW3MJL4I0&keywords=fabric%2Bpaint%2Bkit&qid=1680256122&s=kitchen&sprefix=fabric%2Bpaint%2Bkit%2Ckitchen%2C313&sr=1-5&th=1 Age 3 and up, reusable boards and a water pen. https://www.amazon.co.uk/Galt-Toys-Dinosaurs-Colouring-Children/dp/B00TLRSPGY/ref=sr_1_38?adgrpid=56870879951&hvadid=263273681715&hvdev=c&hvlocint=9045970&hvlocphy=9062509&hvnetw=g&hvqmt=e&hvrand=5864853315320875623&hvtargid=kwd- 299802065414&hydadcr=6015_1759781&keywords=clever%2Btravel%2Bcompanion&qid=1680257452&sr=8-38&th=1 World map to colour. 6.95 pounds. https://www.amazon.co.uk/eatsleepdoodle-doodle-world-map-wrap/dp/B079DXZQHS/ref=d_coffee_espresso_home_sccl_4_2/262-2575546-4003030?pd_rd_w=nLkeM&content-id=amzn1.sym.a2b001a2-4f9d-4a63-9948-29b1de479b78&pf_rd_p=a2b001a2-4f9d-4a63-9948-29b1de479b78&pf_rd_...

Travellers have assorted needs. 1 Security.  Clothing and Luggage To avoid and prevent thieves. 2 Safety.  To guard against accidents and breakage. 3 Clothing & Health.  To avoid insects, mosquitos, food poisoning. 4 Sunscreen  To protect against too much sun. Close weave clothing. 1 Let's start with preventing theft. Warning sign from Ypsilon, taken in Tallinn, capital of Estonia.  1 Pickpocketproof clothing comes from the USA. It features dummy pockets and concealed pockets. Their blog has stories of customers who have foiled would be pickpockets. Their best seller seems to be the pants for men. for ladies there are simple dresses and short skirts. Not much variety of styles and colours. Except for the men's shirts. Two or three muted colours. But perhaps on a train overseas you don't want to attract attention or to look overdressed. The items are also quick overnight dry so you don't always need a second one whilst the first one is drying out. 1 Look for ...

  Xavier in Zara shirt. Photo by Angela Lansbury. Copyright. Xavier looked very jolly and handsome. He had had wine. We had had wine. And the effect was definitely enhanced by the wonder shirt.  We had a very jolly, boozy wine dinner. It's a good thing I didn't have any felt tip pens in my bag. After my fourth wine I already had the urge to start colouring his shirt. I could not find anything like it online. I looked on Zara. I did a reverse image search. I tried searching for shirt websites and white shirts and batik.  I tried the search wording mens white short sleeve shirt and black and white - to no avail.  Here is one black on white shirt for men on Zara's website. https://www.zara.com/sg/en/seersucker-printed-shirt-p04589991.html?v1=251026439&v2=2205225 And another black paint daubs https://www.zara.com/sg/en/printed-stretch-shirt-p07545314.html?v1=222685906&v2=2205225 But my favourite has black palm trees, tropical https://www.zara.com/sg/en/geometric-...

In Australia and the UK and USA most people have shoes. Shoes are needed by athletes in poor countries who need good shoes for running people in poor countries without any shoes needed for walking Why do you need shoes? To avoid or reduce Animal dung - from cats, cows, dogs, more  ant bites poison ivy rusty nails snakes thorns verrucas  Australia Shoes for Planet earth has collection points in Australia. Recycling for yourself Many websites claim that you can clean up old white sneakers (lace ups, often with canvas tops) by putting them in washing machines. You might get a few extra wears out of your shoes by adapting them. You might want to invest in shoe glue. Straps  Or straps. for flat shoes or heeled shoes. Search for detachable straps. Sets Or do what some people do with socks, buy two or three pairs. When one shoe or sock wears out, you bring in one of the spares. https://sg.shein.com/1pair-Clear-Shoe-Strap-p-11126966-cat-2865.html?skucode=I631td6cu27l&currency...

 In the days of my grandmother, my paternal grandmother who was a seamstress, you would sew buttonholes by hand. How? How to make a Buttonhole by Hand You start by drawing a line in pencil or with tailor's chalk. What is tailor's chalk?  Tailor's Chalk A tailor's chalk looks solid, like coloured pencil lead. It doesn't crumble like blackboard chalk. The tailor's chalk is a contrasting colour, but washes out easily. Another name for tailor's chalk is French chalk. From Wikipedia. An alternative in a washable felt tip pen. Check it really washes out on another scrap of fabric or the back inside hem  or half way up an inside side hem, anywhere which won't show. Stitches To stop the button hole from fraying, you sew several parallel lines of one long stitch across both ends of the slit. These lines must be close together. That conceals the end and prevents the fabric pulling apart each time you use the buttonhole to fasten or unfasten the button.  Then you s...

   A vintage H& M outfit worn by my new friend, a fellow author in the anthology Grief And Us, edited by Carolyn Street. Photo by Angela Lansbury. The dress is what the owner called a top. I call it a dress because it is ankle length. My Taboos I must admit that twenty years ago I would never have bought an outfit featuring a wild animal. I did not like lions, tigers, snakes or snakeskin, or insects. I preferred plain colours and fancy collars to draw attention to my face and away from my body. Now, now that I am into taking full length photos, I look for eye-catching designs. Shock and Drama The dark colour of the design contrasting with the white background is the perfect complement to the wearer's dark hair. Complement with an e in the middle means match and compliment with an I means praise. Both apply here. The wearer of the dress bought three different tops at the same time. Animal Prints - Santitized Wildlife Go online and you can find many sites offering animal pri...

Angela Lansbury standing in front of reception desk flowers. Selfie photo by Angela Lansbury. Overhead flowers. Photo by Angela Lansbury. Angela Lansbury. Selfie photos with flowers. Copyright. Tanglin Club, Singapore.  I photographed myself with the flowers in the ladies toilet, and with the flowers in the lobby. the largest display was in the centre of the lobby. Other displays were on the reception desk, and at the entrance to the largest Restaurant, The Churchill Restaurant. The smallest display was in the Ladies toilet by the mirrors. Where can you find flower displays for photos? Many hotels have flower displays. The same goes for apartment blocks and public buildings, even gardens at railway stations in the UK.  Look around the city where you live and all the places you visit on holiday and for events. Often, if you position yourself right, you can hide the camera behind the flowers. Or ask a passer-by or hotel official to take your photo. The classic error is to accide...

  Angela Lansbury. Selfie. This lady's shirt came with a one thickness matching tie which attaches to the top button. It hides the placket with the buttons down the front and adds interest.  I was wondering how to copy this idea. It is a good use for old ties. You can find old ties cheaply in thrift shops. You only need the front piece. You need the colour to contrast or match the shirt or the skirt or trousers (Americans say pants). How To Make a Buttonhole What if you don't have a buttonhole? Just make a slit and sew or cover the edges and choose a button which covers the edges. The button could match the shirt. If you already have shirt buttons on the shirt, no need.   The top button is sufficient. If the top button is missing, the tie will over all the other buttons. You can move up a button from the hidden area, such as the lowest button, or if the swining tie is likely to reveal it, the middle button. Some shirts have a spare button on the label at the bottom o...

 Faith chose this kimono because it features her favourite flower, cherry blossom. Her favourite colour is pink. Dress 512. Faith wears a pink hair clip. Faith in a Japanese kimono. Photo courtesy of Faith,  You can see she has taken a selfie in a full length mirror. Faith is a former President of Braddell Heights Advanced Toastmasters Club, of which we are both still members. Faith has been learning Japanese. So am I. Ki means wear. Mono means thing. She likes the satin feel of her Japanese outfit. She bought it in Lucky Plaza, in Singapore. She did not tell me where but I checked the mall website and found a shop called Chosan Zakke.  Zakka means everyday items - homewares, knick-knacks. Zakka means everyday items - homewares, knick-knacks. These kimonos as you see are ankle length wrap around robes. some with longer arms. From user Immanuel Giel in Wikimedia Commons. Useful websites https://web-japan.org/kidsweb/virtual/kimono/kimono01.html Chosan  Zakka, Lucky Pl...

  Birthday Badge. I got this badge on a birthday card which was expensive becuase of the inclusion of the badge. I had to have it. I knew I would use it again and again. Afterwards, I realised I should have photographed myself holding the bouquet. So I did. Angela Lansbury holding birthday bouquet. Photo by Trevor Sharot. Copyright.

  Group of writers, authors in Grief and Us, edited by Carolyn who is second from the right, in her blue dress.  Carolyn in the blue dress. Carolyn in her blue lace dress. Photo by Angela Lansbury.

  This is the style I liked at Sayon. A cap sleeve and a drawn in waist and fancy tiered hem. This style was in several colours, pink, white, turquoise, pale blue and black. Close up of the lace effect in pink and red. Sayon is in the underground corridor between the Farrer Park MRT and the shopping mall. Sayon also sells children's clothes online. Useful Websites https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=1059095750824124&set=pcb.1059095897490776

Angela Lansbury in red Shein dress. Photo by Trevor Sharot.  I ordered the red dress with cape back in size 3x. Shein runs true to size. It was too long. What could I do? I was afraid it would fry if I cut it. If I cut it, the skirt had a circular hem, which was another challenge. Then I realised it had a belt and two thread tabs on the dress. If I hoisted the skirt up over the belt, that looked and felt better. I bit bulky on the top, but better than tripping up. As for the cape, I tried the same trick. Fold it into the belt. What if the dress came undone? I did not want to fall up steps or trip when crossing a road. So I fastened the belt and the parts which looked over it with safety pins.  Useful Website Similar red cape dress, pleated. 29.99 pounds from Shein UK. You can login to Shein from your address to get prices in your currency. Please share links to your favourite posts.

Gorgeous gold shoes worn by Tan May Yan at World Speech Day in Singapore. These shoes were bought in Singapore. From The Shoe Company in Orchard Road. Their stocks are often around 200 dollars. They specialise in shoes for people needing arch support. Leather upper and leather lining.  Hook and loop fastening on both ankle strap and across the toe. Look elegant. Go with muted and all colours. Elegant for evening. Practical for daytime. The sandal model I liked was called Daffodil. It has a slight wedge effect. Leather lining. Leather upper. Riptape closure. You get 10 dollars off if you sign up on their website. Brands they stock include: Ziera ,  BeautiFeel ,  Solidus ,  Vionic ,  Dr Comfort .   If you look for Ziera shoes on Ebay, you will find lots in red or white or black or other colours, around 70 US dollars and up and about forty dollars postage. They are leather, with the pull apart straps, but sometimes second hand and a bit frayed. I i...

My bargain blue tee-shirt and shoes. Dress 506. (504 updated with hat and brolly)  Angela Lansbury wearing bargain blue tee-shirt and blue does. Dress of the day 506. Photo by Trevor Sharot. Copyright. The white umbrella creates a lighter, summery effect. I tried out the two shades of blue. I think this matches better. This is the item after I bought it and brought it home. Angela wearing  blue tee-shirt with pattern of hearts in blue, yellow, white, and rusty, dusky pink heart. Look closely and you will see that some hearts are filled in and others are outlined. This is a handy romantic outfit for Valentines Day on February 14th or Wedding anniversaries or date nights. Blue Bargain Sandals My fifteen Singapore dollar sandals are in two shades of blue and white.  A triple leaf pattern is on the top front, behind the toes. The ankle strap is hook and loop. They feel comfortable. The heel is solid, raised on a slope, sometimes called platform heels. Size 36. They have six t...

Angela Lansbury wearing a sarong from Indonesia. Photo by Trevor Sharot. What is the difference between a sarong and a kebaya? A sarong sounds simpler, like a large sash, or something loose you wind around yourself, like a shorter version of a saree. A large beach scarf? Close in meaning.  Singaporean Kabayas  In Singapore you can see and buy fitted dresses or matching bodices and skirts called kebayas. Sometimes also called sarong kebayas. The Singapore Airlines air hostesses wear kebayas. Indonesian Sarongs In Indonesia the temples ask men and women who arrive in shorts to cover their legs. At the outside entrance to the temples and sellers of sarongs. A sarong is seamed up vertically so it cannot come apart revealing your legs. It might be called a tube sarong. Unlike a wrap skirt. The cost is quite modest. The pattern might be repeated.  Patterns My husband bought one in brown effect. I prefer lively red colour clothing to boring brown.  I prefer curves to geomet...

Photo by Angela Lansbury. Copyright.  I was on my way out of a World Speech Day meeting in Singapore at Peninsula Plaza on North Bridge Road  a big building on a corner near the City Hall MRT underground railway station and within sight of a major art museum. What caught my attention was a rummage trolley with the alluring sign, only 5 dollars. Singapore dollars. The price of a cup of coffee.I saw a long red swirly pattern skirt and a see through  black net wrap skirt, but wasn't sure i wanted either. the shop looked extensive, so I wondered what else they had at reasonable prices. The shop ran from the corridor on one side to the corridor on the other side. At the other end was another tray of items at only 5 dollars. This time tee-shirts.  I looked at a red tee- shirt and two blues and decided on the red. I bought it.  I left behind the blues. Searhcing For Sandals As I walked past other shops I wondered if any shop stocked sandals. I went back to the shop I h...

 French - English bandeau - a stretchy or wide fabric hairband beret - simple, round hat, often felt, with a small tab in the centre, curved in to grip the crown of the head, no brim, might be worn flat or at an angle, sometimes kept on with a piece of elastic blonde - white or yellow hair, on a female, the male being blond without the e brassiere - support for the bust, shortened to the word bra broderie Anglaise - literally embroidery English (style), nowadays often called eyelet, but not just a cut-out, cut-outs edged with sewing camisole - spaghetti strap vest chemise - blouse or shirt coiffeur - hairdo, smart hairstyles arranged by a hairdresser, often fixed with pins, nets or ribbons cravat - wide ribbon tied at the neck in a bow or link as if starting a bow crochet - made with a single needle with a hook end culottes - knee breeches epaulette - shoulder tab, often fastened with a button, nowadays decorative Diamanté - set with diamonds or sparkling like a diamond faux - fals...

  Cushion covers converted into dining chair covers. Photo by Angela Lansbury. Copyright. I had two cushion covers separated from the curtain which they originally matched. They also had moth holes, so I put them out of the house onto the balcony chairs. They lay scrumched up, untidy. I did not want to carry them back through the house to the bin for fear of spreading the moths or most cases. Eventually I decided they looked untidy and I should shake them out and fold them up. I folded them over the backs of the plastic chairs. Then I decided to slit them down one of the four edges so that the fabric could go over the chairbacks. The holes at the back are completely invisible. I could cut off the back of the cushions, sew up the holes, and use them to cover the seats. The balcony is protected by the one overhead so this part of the balcony against the back wall is not affected by rain. One of the buttons from the centre is missing, probably in my button box. The other one fell off....

 My regret of the day for my birthday month of March is not buying the Happy Birthday headband in Daiso. A modest cost. Wearing it might get my a free drink, a photo, at very least a smile or two when I wear it on my birthday or the nearest weekend when I am out for a celebratory dinner. Daiso Where is Daiso? All over Singapore and other parts of the world. The company originated in Japan. Dress of the day, undress of the day. I still have time to buy it because my special dinner will be later this month. I save all my birthday items in a bag and box labelled birthday. Let's see some previous birthday pictures and outfits. March 2023, Emmaus Toastmasters International club meeting at the home of a member. Happy birthday headband in Daiso. Phot by Angela Lansbury.

 I was walking around a supermarket looking for a handbag to match my dress. No luck. I saw a towel. Wrong colour and fabric. Then I saw the perfect item. I rushed over and picked it up. Perfect. Except that it was a cushion cover. I thought, that is such a lovely fabric. What a pity they don't just add a strap. It would make a lovely gag. Then I had second thoughts. Why don't I do that. The price of the cushion cover was no more than a bag. I bought it. I recently discovered a discarded square padded item with a slit on one side which I envisaged could probably have been a cushion cover or  possibly a pillow case. I remembered the cushion converting idea I once had. Bag from a cushion cover. Photo by Angela Lansbury. Copyright. What could I add to turn it into a bag? All I needed was a strap to make it into a shoulder bag. I could add a wide ribbon which I had saved from the box of a birthday cake at an event (a Toastmasters International meeting). They were going to throw it...