me realise why people get het up about 70s and 80s being considered vintage, when they lived through it the first time. I'm not that old, I swear. Awwh... I'm old. :( That aside, anyone who's ever read this blog knows that I am not averse to picking up a bit of high street fashion to supplement my real vintage and authentic repro. Providing it isn't a complete rip-off as these things can so often be, that is. So I was quite pleased to find these basic, l ong-sleeved pencil dresses from Topshop - only 24 and available in some good dark colours and a few jazzier bright ones. Add a belt, seamed stockings and a cardigan, and they are super comfortable, practical and flattering! I must actually confess at this point that I am unable to wear around 99% of my considerable wardrobe due to putting on weight... something that I am addressing and hope to resolve before it gets really cold. I do not intend to buy anything bigger - it's something that no-one should ever do! The good thing about these cheap and cheerful but comfy dresses is how easy they are to throw on at a moment's notice and still look put together, smart and (hopefully glamorous). I had to do just that yesterday as I had to rush out to a forgotten-about engagement at the Winter Fine Art and Antiques fair at Olympia. I'm wearing a jersey midi dress, which doesn't seem to be on