Why didn’t I think of this, and patent it! For years I have been struggling with backless bras and strapless bras and then when ‘revealing the straps’ came in, I thought, problem solved.
Now of course we have the rather revolutionary backless and strapless bra, fully padded and with reliable adhesive to cling to your skin. Like all brilliant ideas, it is simple but the answer to a maiden’s prayer, or should I say, that of a rather full on, middle aged, life juggling Mumpreneur like myself. (A rather flattering rendition recently awarded!).
It really does go with everything, T-shirts and tops for the day, and evening wear of course, and creates the illusion of fabulous jugs, which we all aspire to.
If you are more of a traditionalist then it is still good to be properly fitted, and many of the John Lewis stores still do a rather comforting and confidential bra fitting service. They cater for maternity, post op and bog standard, and their prices are still ‘never knowingly undersold’. See John Lewis lingerie
A few years ago I was greeted by a rather lovely elderly assistant who had an immaculate appearance as she had been trained in the old fashioned way, and as she measured me reassured me that to ‘keep my man’ this was the way to go, adding the reason for divorces these days was that women had lost ‘that little secret’ of beautiful underwear. I didn’t like to disillusion her having been recently separated, so agreed wholeheartedly. But I did buy a stunning set of bra and panties, which set me back a hundred or so quid, but I still have and wear to this day.
In spite of their recently iffy PR, M & S still have some fantastic lines in lingerie, and you really can’t go wrong with their expertise in the underwear department, and their range is still good. Book a fitting online, and there is no pressure to buy, but you will probably find a bra you like as the choice and prices are good.
As a truly committed devotee of the heady days of Princess Diana, from her peter pan collars and see through skirts, to the ever plunging necklines of the temptress, I vowed never to go there again after the tragedy of 1997.
Now with the butterfly advent of Meghan Markle, I am feeling those all too familiar pangs of fascination, but vowed not to be swept along in the same way with her obvious flair for fashion. After all she isn’t Princess Diana, and I am older now so don’t need a Royal Fashion Icon to follow.
But here I am admiring her style – and particularly her head ware. Yes, Meghan’s berets are becoming quite a fashion symbol in familiar circles of my peers – a sweeping statement you may think. But the beret was and has been fashionable for several decades, and even centuries.
Le Beret was worn originally in the Béarnaise countryside of France – usually in black and red. It has certainly become the staple fashion ‘look’ of France along with gauloises and the Breton striped jumper.
Celebrities have historically played a role in making the beret popular. It became a fashionable accessory in Hollywood as far back as the 1930s after being worn casually askew by a number of famous movie actresses or ‘A’ listers as we would refer to them today.
From Lauren Bacall to Julia Roberts in more recent times, you can see why as this sexy but classy headdress is both flattering and highly haute couture.
Over the years too it has appeared in some High Street outlets, but not seriously featured, except perhaps as a passing ‘wink’ to more beret centric days in Fashion.
So it is no wonder our Meghan, and did you clock the word ‘our’ – yes already adopted and addicted – has made such an impact, because as well as marrying everybody’s favourite Prince, she also has the knack of carrying off an outfit and putting it on the map. So with that in mind, I am throwing caution to the wind, getting back on the treadmill of Meghan mania, and am in search of some spectacular head gear – the beret is back and so am I.
As I flew to the other side of the World to attend the Wedding of Gerry and Andrea Anderson last week, I enjoyed the celebration of their big day, as they turned convention on its head and shared the beauty of their uniqueness with their family and friends.
Both high profile professionals in the medical profession, Andrea and Gerry have met in their thirties and forties respectively and apart from the parallels of their work, are compatible in so many ways and share so many strengths.
Both embrace Buddhist values, and so decided to recite their carefully chosen vows together, which touched upon sensitive subjects of sexuality and substance abuse – they are both T total by choice, and perhaps at having witnessed the effects of alcohol and drugs in their work this also came into play.
Andrea and Gerry unashamedly selected to keep the Wedding Celebration an alcohol free occasion, which seemed perfect as an early morning event, and the guests mingled beautifully, reflecting the magic of the day, and respecting the couple’s strength in remaining true to themselves and their beliefs.
After the heartfelt ceremony which was conducted on the mouth of the Mersey River, and just after The Spirit of Tasmania made its gloriously majestic swerve toward Melbourne, the Wedding Party were directed to just a few yards away towards the skilfully laid Breakfast table where we were served the most sumptuous Wedding Breakfast. Pancakes with fresh fruit and smoothies, followed by sunny side eggs and smashed avocado on toast and copious amounts of coffee and a variety of tea and soft drinks.
The choice of riverside Harbourmaster Café was as a result of their confidence in Leigh Murphy the owner, who they knew would deliver a great banquet with personality, and he did not disappoint. Andrea and Gerry had both enjoyed previous visits to the café and knew that the venue would provide the pure ambiance of the location that they envisioned for their celebration.
Many of the guests commented on the brilliance of the occasion, and nobody questioned the unorthodox detail as it seemed perfect for the couple whose honesty reflected a purity of spirit that rippled through the gathering and shone a light upon the day.
I am hoping that upon reading this article it will certainly give you food for thought when planning a Wedding for yourself or a friend or offspring, to overlook the norm, and explore the individuality of the couple in question, as did Andrea and Gerry.
I don’t mean that you should fly to the other side of the World to get married, or even go further than your own back yard, but to stay true to yourself or the couple in question takes courage.
It is true that you may have to make brave choices, as there are so many social and family pressures involved, but if you have the confidence and maturity to stick to your guns, there is no doubt that your guests will admire your resolve and respect your decision not to be rocked by convention.
October 12, 2026 1860 Elmer Sperry 1872 Ralph Vaughan Williams 1929 Magnus Magnusson 1935 Luciano Pavarotti 1942 Melvin Franklin 1944 Angela Rippon 1948 Richard Parfitt 1954 Les Dennis 1967 Susan Tully
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