Say Hello, Wave Goodbye...

Hello 2013.  Goodbye 2012.  Happy New Year Frock Fans & welcome to my "very much condensed" review of the past twelve months.

Exhibitions I liked:
Strange Face Project
We are All Prostitutes
Lloyd Johnson:  The Modern Outfitter
Another London
Sebastian Horsley at Viktor Wynd

Book Launches I liked:
We can be Heroes
Time for Action
The Great Rolling Stones Drug Bust
Punks Dead
Vice Cream
A to Z of Mod

Other things of note:
Adam Ant (particularly in Swindon of all places)
Secret Affair & The Lambrettas
Carnaby Street "Discount" Nights
The end of year party at The Golden Bee where we drank cocktails and danced to "proper" disco music
Extra work in The King of Soho
The relaunch of The Inner Sanctum Film Club (previously Society Film Club)
Northern Soul - the Victoria Melody play
Dear Catastrophe Waitress
The Jubilee (loved it all, you haters!)
The Olympics (see above)

Good times in the Quays (Surrey, not Florida)

So, this past year has been "interesting".  I've worked my wotsits off to get my business properly off the ground and am (touch wood) winning.  Onwards & upwards, and here's to not having to do a 9 to 5 job or go to Xmas parties you don't want to go to, ever again!  I've enjoyed good times at my new favourite place, Trishas, lots of cocktails, dyeing my hair orange, going to lots of private views/launches and playing out South of the River! 

I'm not making any resolutions for 2013, other than to have a blinking good holiday in Stockholm (at least one) and growing my business to a point where I can be the lady wot lunches that I'd hoped to be.

Cheers everyone.  Here's to a good New Year x

December doings....

I'm currently in deepest, darkest Wiltshire where I have consumed cheese straws for breakfast & chocolate eclairs for lunch. Yep, that's how I roll.  The Slimfast police are probably en route but I care not.

So...what's been happening? 

I took a trip back to the seaside.  Ah, Brighton, my home for over a decade.  Nothing much changes.  A few new things appear here & there - Tiger on North Street (I'm easily pleased) and Peter Andre's coffee shop (!!!!).....and a fairly new (for me) pub called The North Laine in Gloucester Place, previously The Gloucester.  Pretty impressive as far as space and music go - plenty of room and Northern Soul.  Maybe not quite so impressive as far as service goes - VERY slow and not great choice if I'm honest.  I'm a bit spoilt I guess but it was a nice enough lunch, and good to catch up with the Brighton ladies (and Andy)....and the mulled cider was a winner.  Too dreary to wander round the shops for long so we just had a quick trip to the Heart & Hand instead....no longer the pub that I used to be excited about visiting...but ok for old time's sake.  I'm old and fussy perhaps.

While you "cool kids" (a'hem) did other things that night, a few of us went to see Quadrophenia at the (now) Inner Sanctum Film Club (once Society Film Club at The Sanctum Hotel).  Yes, Yes, Yes.....we all know you've seen it a million times (so have I) and we all know there are blatantly obvious inconsistencies in the film but in my mind, it's a classic and admit it or not, it was the reason so many of us got into the mod scene in the first place.  Even if you think the film itself is a bit cheesy (and yes Leslie Ash makes a chronically bad mod girl and Sting is a rubbish dancer), you surely cannot fault the soundtrack.  I still get goose-bumps when it starts.

This month has somehow managed to whizz by at a rate of knotts.  Struggling to fit everything and everyone in.  I took a short trip to Newbury this week, where I was born all those years ago, and where my Mum still lives.  I obviously havn't been for a mighty long time - no more traffic in the town centre, La Tasca, and Peacocks - what on earth?????  Unfortunately I happened to visit on probably the wettest, windiest day ever known to man but I still managed to go to the majority of the hundreds of charity shops that are there - nothing to be found except a full length fake fur coat (for a mere £12!) that was too big, and a gorgeous pair of Clarks shoes that were too small.  Such is life.  I will return on a sunnier day where I will raid those charity shops within an inch of their lives!

and with that....I shall get back to Bargain Hunt and country life.

Movember goings on.....

Greetings Frock Fans!

I havn't grown a moustache for Movember but well done to those that have.  I saw a particularly spiffing example at work the other day.  I would've taken a photo for the blog but thought it a tad rude!

This month seems to have flown by - with me working hard but then playing hard to make up for that.

Last Thursday saw another "Carnaby Street Discount Night".  Yes folks, you know the one - where everyone goes and spends their money on things they don't really need.  As I've mentioned before, if truth be known, everyone actually goes to see what they can get for free....well that's what we did anyway.  Champagne in the Levi Store, Beer in Ben Sherman, more champagne in the Levi Store, and red wine thanks to lovely Andy Lewis (old friend, musician, dj, and he of Paul Weller band fame).  We listened to some good music courtesy of said friend in the Pretty Green shop, tried to avoid the midget handing out sweets in a suspicious manner, and went into shops we wouldn't normally go in to get more free things! A trip to new favourite place, Trisha's, afterwards, where alsorts of interesting folk were out.....definite gangsters, definite prostitutes, and us.  Never a dull moment in Trishas.  Finishing up in Bar Italia for coffee & cake, a fun Thursday had been had.....and not a single penny spent.

A disappointing Saturday in Crouch End at a couple of "pop up markets".  I'm allowed to complain after having gone to vintage markets for many a moon and having earnt my "vintage stripes".  Firstly to a pop up craft market which consisted of 3 stalls.  This is not good Crouch End.  I've also noticed being back in North London that there is no sense of urgency by stall-holders at these markets - if something is meant to start at a certain time, everything should be ready at that time.....I can't be doing with late comers - things to do, people to see....and in the 15 mins you're late, you've lost out on my custom & my money.  Next to a vintage fair over the road, in a basement of a pub which was so dark that you couldn't see anything.  I found one dress that I could figure out was yellow (in the darkness), took it upstairs and found it was covered in stains.  This just isn't good enough guys.  Sort it out or people like me will be advertising your rubbish-ness on social media sites.

Finally, on this week's social calendar - a nostalgic night out to see The Lambrettas and Secret Affair.  I think I must have been out when The Lambrettas were around in the mod revival years or else I've got a mental block on their records - I only remember two of them!  As anyone who knows me or reads this knows, Secret Affair were the first band I ever saw....in 1980 or so at Chippenham Gold-diggers....they were the start of my mod years.....thanks to them I donned ski-pants & anoraks for many a moon!!!!  Good to hear all the old stuff again, plus a few covers....have a dance & a cider or two.  The gig was ruined a bit however by old bald annoyances who insisted on pushing and shoving when "Time for Action" came on.  Dear old baldies - you are no longer 16 & if you knock me over...ever....you will require new testicles.  Consider this your warning.  Love Cath.  I can't be doing with all the "We are the Mods" stuff either but I knew it would happen.  Anyways, a good night and "Glory Boys" still sends shivers down my spine - memories of a time past.

Bye for now Frock Fans.  Only another 5 days of moustache growing and then you can shave it off again!

xx

Bye October....

Hello November....and hello long dark days, soggy shoes and crumpets.

It's been a while since I wrote my ramblings down.  Since the last time, the clocks have gone back an hour, I'm back on the Slimfast and I've gone orange on the hair front.  Orange it seems isn't as popular with black women or homeless men as red is....but I like it.

So....what's been going on that I can write about and not get into trouble for.....?

A surprise sudden visit from my Newcastle friends saw a lovely Wednesday in Soho.  Days like these are the reason I chose to go freelance (or one of them).  We went to the now refurbished Photographers Gallery where they had a couple of nice exhibitions on (particularly Tom Wood - Men & Women, and Shoot!) and a odd cat projection in the foyer called "For the LOL of cats".  Thank you Justin for the free entry!  The French House next for a very civilised glass of rose' or two.  I'm not a pub fan but I do like this place - it's quiet, drunk-free, with interesting clientele.  No wonder they chose to film some of "The King of Soho" in there....a proper old boozer at it's best - no pints & no mobile phones (although most people forget that rule!).  Bar Italia after - where we sat outside watching the world go by - one of my most favourite things to do in Soho on any day of the week.  An introduction to Trishas for my friends next.  As I've mentioned a few times, if you really want to experience vintage Soho, this is the place.  Finishing up at Pollo for cheap but cheerful pasta.  Job well done.

Another visiting friend - another trip to Soho, unfortunately this time in the pouring Autumn rain.  The plan was to check out the recently apparently extended Groupies exhibition on Beak Street but it seems hardly any exhibitions at all open on Mondays, much to our annoyance.  Over the road instead to the Penny Slinger exhibition.  A locked door and no sign but we made it past the very uninterested staff and down some craggy old wooden stairs.  Penny Slinger is apparently a surrealist artist.  I don't know what this really means.  I'd describe her work as bizarre or erotic probably.  Definitely not everyone's cup of tea but there were a couple of black & white collage-style 70s pictures I particularly liked.  I must read more about her.  Food consumption that day was thanks to my old favourite The Mediterranean Cafe' on Berwick Street (if you havn't been there yet, why not?) and Bar Italia.

Back to my old haunt of The Sanctum Hotel in Soho on Friday for a viewing of "The Performer", a Ragged Crow film about Robert Pereno  - a complex, fascinating individual.  Robert:  If you're reading this, I hope that description is to your liking!  Appearances from Gaz Mayall, Adam Ant & the lovely Eve Ferret.  The film explains a lot about Robert & his life....and I think I understand him a little bit more after it.  Roof top bar afterwards for a cheeky mojito and a catch up.  In connection with this little trip to the Sanctum, I'm ecstatic to report that the very missed film club is returning on 12 November.  Life just hasn't been the same since it!

Finally, Wills Moody Rock & Roll Jumble Sale has returned too.  No longer called that but instead Jumble Sale at the Lexington.  Who cares what it's called - it's back, there's jumble and bargains, and this makes me happy!

Oh...and finally, thinking of lovely Jonnah this week.  4 years since she took her life in such an awful way and at such a young age.  Miss you Jonnah - RIP sweetie.

Back to my diet of Slimfast and dust....

A once a year visitor....

Dawn came to visit last weekend.  Dawn, now the proud owner of a Green Card and not likely to opt for London over NY again for the foreseeable future.  I remember writing my blog last year when she visited - the same comments apply this year.  The years pass by way too quickly but it always feels like she was here yesterday.

So......what did we do?  Wahaca on Saturday night.  My second visit and even more impressed with this one than the first.  We did discover that every veggie option practically involved courgette and cactus....but forget about that, it's amazing food overall.  Hybiscus Mojito to start with....a large one at that.  Slow roasted pork burrito to follow, and salty chocolate ice-cream to finish.  If you're looking for a nice, quiet (or romantic) meal, Wahaca is not for you!  It's crazy busy but the organisation is so good that you won't be waiting long for a table.  Cheap, cheerful but tasty.  I don't ask for much more really.  If you're courgette-hating veggie, check out the menu before you go perhaps!  Off to Trishas in Greek Street afterwards which was also, strangely, busy.  Love this place with a capital L...always great music and a nice atmosphere.  Probably the most vintage bar you are likely to find in Central London these days but as before, I'm not telling you how to find it.....it took me long enough!!!!

Sunday saw shopping in Oxford Street.  Not enjoyable on a Sunday or any other day probably.  My rule about Oxford Street (when visitors aren't here) is generally get there, get in shop you need to go in, shop FAST, get home FASTER.  If you can do this without becoming violent towards other shoppers, all well and good.   Strange state of affairs when the nicest things I saw were in BHS....obviously gone are the days when you'd avoid that shop like the plague due to it's naffness!

Plans for Greenwich and Mr O'Toole's vintage shop were replaced by Camden on Monday....due to the trek and various forms of transport required to get to South East London.  An early lunch in My Village on Chalk Farm Road, followed by a look round Camden Market.  Lesson for a Monday....all the good shops are shut.....and what DID happen to my favourite vintage shop that was once there?  If it's still there, I couldn't find it.  Also gone seem to be the two nice vintage shops on Chalk Farm Road, unless I was having a blonde moment and missed them too.  Camden Market must be heaven for teenage tourists.  I didn't hate it this time round (although I might say differently on a weekend) but there's not too much to tempt me to spend my money.  Not keen on joss sticks nor having my feet eaten by fish in public.

Bye Bye Dawn.  Hello Dear Catastrophe Waitress 90s Special.  Thanks to my lovely mod friends for trekking to North London especially.  A packed bar - unfortunately not always with punters we would like.  Anyone have any good tips on how to get townies to go elsewhere?  Still...a fun night with nice music and a couple of cheeky vodka & cranberries.

Finished off the week with a scrummy Sunday Roast and Eton Mess down the road.  This coming week brings some work, some meetings, and more importantly, a new hair colour for me.

Bye for now Frock Fans x

I'm just another Glory Boy.....

The title of today's ramblings obviously relates to Secret Affair.  I'm not a Glory Boy...whatever one of those might be.  The song though actually means a lot and takes me back to a time a long time ago, in a different place in the world than I am now.  Surely every teenager into the mod scene, stuck in the countryside with no means of escape, must have related to it.

Wednesday saw the launch night for Gary Bushell's "Time for Action" book, the title of which pretty much tells you what it's about - the Mod Revival.  I wish I could tell you how great (or otherwise) it is but I'm cheap and didn't buy a copy.  Lots of mod revival band folk in attendance although I wouldn't recognise too many of them these days.  I'll ramble about the mod revival instead......

I was only 14 or so when bands like The Chords, Secret Affair and the like appeared.  I was introduced to them by parka-wearing folk who went to school with me.  Through them, I started to go to "discos' at a very young age in my nearest little town - discos that were pretty much made for us - all two tone, mod revival & motown.  Older mods came from miles away and we had a nice little scene going for us.  I started buying up clothes from jumble sales & charity shops and was the only person in my village in ski-pants and anoraks!  I remember one time in particular when I had to get a lift home from a jumble sale as I had so many rubbish sacks full of suede coats, dresses etc.  Oh for those days again!  As I've mentioned many a time I'm sure, I went to see Secret Affair in Chippenham Golddiggers of all places and I guess the rest was history.....I progressed to "proper" mod clubs, bought a Lambretta, blah blah blah. 

For nostalgic reasons, I'm going to relive my teenage years again in November when Secret Affair and The Lambrettas play in town.  Concerned about the crowd and too much of "We are the Mods" but I'll sing along to every song, guaranteed.

Another nostalgia trip last night when we had a local night out and went to see Jaime Harding do an acoustic set in Muswell Hill.  Sigh - Jaime Harding - the once beautiful lead singer of Marion.  Drug problems and near death obviously take their toll but the voice is still there.  By the time he'd decided to do his set, we'd pretty much lost interest so didn't catch it all.  Good to see that he's getting better and doing gigs again.  I doubt Marion will ever reform but at least he's getting there.

Interested to see if my European readers will check in this weekend.  One day I'll write something they may be interested in......*wink*.  In the meantime, I'm off to give the Jeremy Kyle show a call.

It's grim 'up North....

Whoever came up with that saying is talking rubbish as it isn't.  It's grim in Milton Keynes - perhaps that's what they meant.

In lieu of working on my birthday, I took a trip (a very long overdue trip I might add) to Newcastle to visit friends, stroke cats, eat food, and meet babies that were born since the last time I visited!

As I'm living on a budget these days, I had to rely on coaches to get me there and back again.  National Express uphill.....some kind of leg room, a plug for my phone charger, a 15 stop to use ancient toilets in Leeds Bus Depot, and an annoyance of a woman in front of me who reported back to her friend every 10 mins as to where she was on the motorway.  To said woman - we NEVER were on the A63 and it's GATESHEAD not Gatishead love!  Megabus downhill - an unfortunate name for a form of transport that so isn't mega.  Sitting in soaking clothes for 8 hours in a freezing bus next to a woman who ate cold noodles with a spoon, no leg room, flooded toilet the size of a matchbox.  Blah.  Train £86.  Total coach journey £18.

Day 1 in the Toon House:  Dinner at the Sky Apple Veggie Cafe' in Heaton.  Halloumi salad, Cuban Casserole, Plum & Gingerbread Cake, take your own wine.  Lovely place and great food.  Good company from a soon-to-be-married couple...one of which I swear was in the queue for the Brighton Rock castings all those years ago.

Day 2 in the Toon House:  I'm lucky to have friends who get up early so we went off to an interesting little antiques centre/flea market on a trading estate (unfortunately the name of which I can't remember).  Full of interesting things and wolf-whistling birds.  I imagine you'd only know about this place through word or mouth or by seeing a small ad in the local paper.  Off to Whitley Bay in lovely Autumn sunshine next.  Aah...Whitley Bay - a seaside town lost in time.  Beautiful sandy clean beaches, "proper" fish & chip shops, amusement arcades.....ruined at night (as every other seaside town is) by stag & hen nights.  Horlicks in a time-warp cafe' on the front called The Rendezvous....all banana splits & peach melbas, then a look round the shops.  Two interesting shops next to each other - a vintage furniture/bric a brac shop called Mods & Rockers, and vintage clothing at Dregs of Society.  Some nice hand-picked items at pretty good prices.  

Back into Newcastle for lunch at Ernest.  Another winner.  Big chunky potato wedges, and a Posh Dog (which I think was chorizo, veg etc. in a ciabatta), followed by some dessert or other I'm sure!  Newcastle certainly isn't short of nice places to eat at the moment.  I remember the days of Pizza Express as that's all there was.  Had a look in the Ouseburn Farm next....where they had fluffy bunnies we wanted to steal called Miffy and Dirk (Dirk????).  Yes, this is what I do these days!!!!  A long walk along the canal and the Quayside next, where we came across an infamous terrible busker whose wailing you could hear from miles away.  We googled him we came back and he's a YouTube star you know!  Went to a few pubs later.   I've realised I no longer like pubs at night these days - they're full of annoying, drunk people and I would rather not be around them.

Day 3 in the Toon House:  A broken down car, a bus replacement service, Tynemouth.  Stopped off at a little indoor market where we discovered a great vintage shop called Boys like Dolls.  I'd heard this name before but not sure where.  Tynemouth Market next which seems to get bigger every time I go.  Managed to avoid buying anything other than a muffin (a darn good muffin I might add).  Still fascinated & a little bit shocked to see stalls full of war memorabilia which includes nazi helmets & other nazi paraphanalia.   Sad to say that I can't remember the name of the restaurant we ate lunch in but once again, it was great!  Amazingly cheap prices - if I could have eaten dessert, I certainly would have - 3 courses for £12.50 (practically the price of a roast dinner in Crouch End).  Had a 20 mile hike along the sea front with a friend and her beautiful little boy after lunch, past rock-pools and places I would have ran to get to as a child.


Thank you Newcastle - I had a blast.  Now off to watch two tv chefs going to Rotherhithe...*cough*.