Well, this is my first official post heralding my return to blogging and let me take the opportunity once more to thank you for all the messages of support - it was exceptionally overwhelming and unbelievably kind.
Whilst my heart is heavy with loss, I'm not one for wallowing in self pity and believe that life must move forward even in the face of the worst of situations. I think in times of pain we should look to beauty to bring light back into our lives, and whilst it's infinitely easier just to hole oneself up for a while until facing the world seems doable, I prefer to push myself forward and emerge as soon as possible.
So onwards and upwards as they say. I have of course been absorbing myself in magazines and shopping, which is how I came across this beautiful Miss Selfridge blouse.
Not a shop I ever venture into, it was only because Queen Marie and I were exploring a new shopping centre which has opened near us that we bothered to go in at all. I originally bought it to wear to my mum's funeral (but decided against it in the end), but it turned out to be a great little £38 'all-rounder'. It reminds me of Picnic At Hanging Rock or the Virgin Suicides for some reason.
I must confess to having a real weakness for twee, whimsical blouses, which is rather at odds with my love for the hard-edged stuff I am normally so drawn to. To be fair though, the blouse really works with my usual mix of hard and soft - so teamed with waxed black jeans and killer heels, it looks much less romantic.
Queen Michelle
Welcome back!
I think I need to revisit Miss Selfridge.... too many memories of horrid sales girls though in the Brent Cross shopping centre branch...
Posted by: susie_bubble | Monday, 19 November 2007 at 10:20
It's good to have you back, Queen Michelle, welcome back!
Those high-waisted jeans look great on you- though, since I can't see the whole picture, my vote goes to pairing the blouse with waxed jeans.
Posted by: Drusilla | Monday, 19 November 2007 at 12:10
Welcome back Queen Michelle! Lovely choice as always x
Posted by: Lisa | Monday, 19 November 2007 at 12:12
Glad you're back! I think Miss Selfridge has been looking more appealing lately. I don't go in either but the clothes in their windows look less teenage-y at the moment.
Posted by: modaRhoda | Monday, 19 November 2007 at 12:22
GLAD YOU'RE BACK MICHELLE! :)
love the high waisted jeans, can you post other pics of them?
Posted by: elp | Monday, 19 November 2007 at 14:11
You look irritatingly beautiful, as always! ;-)
Posted by: WendyB | Monday, 19 November 2007 at 16:38
very glad to see you posting again! all the combinations are great, but the high-waisted jeans is my favourite. :) x
Posted by: amy may | Monday, 19 November 2007 at 17:42
Wow! Great pictures!k I love those shoes you're wearing with the leather skirt, and your high waisted jeans- where are they from?
Posted by: stephanie | Monday, 19 November 2007 at 18:11
Hey Michelle, good to see you back! And wearing THE SKIRT. The topshop one that I cannot get my hands on because everyone got there first. I am so full of envy :)
I've been wondering lately, whatever happened to Miss Selfridge? It used to be a neat and quirky little alternative to Topshop but it seems to have lost it's way in recent times. Maybe it's making a comeback... I hope so.
Posted by: Dee | Monday, 19 November 2007 at 18:12
Thanks ladies :)
Stepanie, the jeans are Topshop from a while ago.
Dee, ah yes The Skirt. I also bought this to wear to the Queen Mum's funeral since she was a huge rock 'n' roll fan and very accomplished jive dancer, so a flippy circle skirt seemed fitting. It's not normally a skirt shape I go for though.
I think Miss S ended up going much too young (for me) and all they seemed to stock was really bad printed jersey tops and batwing dresses. But it seems to be getting some pretty nice stuff in now. Still not as directional or trend led at TS, but worth a nosey none the less.
Posted by: Queen Michelle | Monday, 19 November 2007 at 19:34
Welcome back! You look amazing.
Posted by: Lady Winona of Likey | Monday, 19 November 2007 at 22:21
yay welcome back! i looove the ts leather skirt look. i took mine back because i got a size a bit too big and sadly because it's so heavy it just flopped off my hips :( yours looks MARVY though!
Posted by: selina | Monday, 19 November 2007 at 23:05
welcome back! you look great, those jeans are wonderful.
Posted by: thealchemist | Monday, 19 November 2007 at 23:43
Michelle! Welcome back - you were missed:) Loving the blouse but must confess I'm green with envy over your black waxed jeans. Details pls!!! Bisous -
Posted by: The Glossy Ed. | Tuesday, 20 November 2007 at 00:06
Welcome back one of the few women I've seen who looks good (and skinny) in high-waisted jeans.
Posted by: Hebden | Tuesday, 20 November 2007 at 01:33
It's good to be back!
Selina, the skirt runs quite big I think because I got an 8 and it's much too big around the waist for me, so I could have done with a 6 instead as it sits below my waist by a few inches, and when worn like this it makes my waist look really thick.
thealchemist and Glossy Ed the jeans are from All Saints ;)
And Hebden, thank you very much xx
Posted by: Queen Michelle | Tuesday, 20 November 2007 at 09:10
Glad to have you back Queen Michelle, and your words make so much sense. My mum struggled with depression and has got through a hell of a lot, always saying "surround yourself with beautiful things" - it's so important!!! So please surround yourself with as many beautiful things as you can fit into your already bursting palace!
Posted by: clairebear | Tuesday, 20 November 2007 at 12:08
Welcome back Queen Michelle! The high waisted jeans look fantastic on you and the lighting in the polaroid style photos is wonderful.
Posted by: Miss White | Tuesday, 20 November 2007 at 12:56
yay! glad you are posting again.. love your blog and LOVE those high waisted jeans you have on!!!!
Posted by: cindyd | Tuesday, 20 November 2007 at 19:52
yay Queen Michelle is back and looking fabulous as usual. Love the leather skater skirt!
Posted by: miss woo | Tuesday, 20 November 2007 at 20:46
i wish i could get a hold of a proper shiny pair of waxed/wet look/gloss jeans. the blouse looks great with all combinations.
Posted by: Prêt-à-Porter Prostitute | Wednesday, 21 November 2007 at 03:35