Back in the 80s my friend invited me to go with her on a shopping trip to Bromley. Having dropped our daughters off at Primary School, we went in her car for what she described as a day of Retail Therapy. By lunchtime she had a few carrier bags, and I'd bought some new pants for the children.
"You must get yourself something, Ang" she insisted. So we went into Laura Ashley, and at her suggestion I spent £5 on a lacy pink knitted scarf. She assured me I'd wear it a lot.
Every so often I pull it out to finish off an outfit, perhaps half a dozen times a year. As I did a couple of weeks ago. Then I decided it should have a wash, so I put in a bowl of warm soapy water and swished it about a bit. I couldn't believe how much colour came out in the water! I felt like Macbeth with "the multitudinous seas incarnadine" I was so glad I'd not put it in the general wash inside a 'lingerie' bag.
It dried quickly in the warm sunshine. Back in the day, I was quite unsure about the purchase, it seemed rather frivolous on our limited income . But when I look back and think about it in terms of cost-per-wear, at about tuppence a time, I have definitely had my money's worth. I see they are currently being advertised online at £25+. Good gracious!!
Back in the 1980s I too bought that exact same scarf! Long gone from my cupboards though. I wanted to like it, but it was the wrong shade of pink for me.
ReplyDeleteOverthe years I've had different garments which it has paired with.
DeleteThe scarf has lasted well because you looked after it. You appreciated that you had spent precious money on it and therefore it was to be treasured.The colour is beautiful and I hope the scarf will bring you pleasure for many more years. Catriona
ReplyDeleteI still get compliments on it. 🩷
DeleteIt is a beautiful scarf! Yes, it's a good idea to think in terms of cost per wear or use when purchasing something, especially if it is someone one would wear or use for a long time.
ReplyDeleteLike a sari, it is a wardrobe item that will always fit, even if my weight fluctuates
DeleteWhat a pretty scarf, and pink is such a joyful colour I always think. It lifts my spirits when I wear something pink. I don't get "retail therapy", I am not that keen on shopping of any sort, I would sooner go for a walk. Food shopping is a necessity so has to be done but I have never been one to go round the shops without a purpose. One of my friends who sadly died a couple of years ago said her favourite hobby was to go shopping, mostly for clothes. Sadly when she died and her son started to sort out her house he found piles of clothes still with labels on that she had purchased and never worn. Regards Sue H
ReplyDeleteI did not find her Retail Therapy in any way therapeutic! Admittedly at the time we were on a limited income and "buying just for the sake of it" was really off limits. I find it so sad when people have to clear out the home of a deceased relation and find wardrobes full of unworn clothes, and cupboards full of unnecessary purchases
DeleteThat is a beautiful scarf, that has served you well. I have a small scarf that is pictured on a slide taken back in 1970, and I still wear it at times!
ReplyDeleteWow, 56 years!!
DeleteYou would never find a scarf for £5 in Laura Ashley these days. Money well spent, so that was a good investment. 🙂
ReplyDeleteYes it was!
DeleteAs a Bromley resident, I am glad you found something nice there and still enjoy using it. Nice to think of you still wearing the scarf all these years later. I know exactly where the Laura Ashley shop was, sadly now gone. I found some treasures there myself back in the day. Nicky K
ReplyDeleteI loved the Importers Tea Room, and the Fish Restaurant next to the Theatre ( called something Nordic) We were once in there having lunch, and the actor Dinsdale Landen came in, used the gents loos, and left immediately! He was in a play at the theatre that week. Fun memories...
DeleteYes, indeed, was the fish restaurant Movenpick with 2 dots over the o? I have had a few mixed wash accidents over the years. I think red dye is the last stable colour and most often the culprit.
DeleteIt was a good investment and thank goodness you didn't put it in with all the other washing, Bob could have had pink underwear! Xx
ReplyDeleteThat would be OK. It is the thought of ruining his best white shirt...
DeleteLA is very desirable! It's not my personal favourite colour but it's very pretty!xx
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DeleteI bought a dress out of Laura Ashley back in the early 80's. Thought I was the bees knees in it, it was green with a huge Lady Diana collar and dropped waist.
ReplyDeleteThat style was so popular!
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