A reason to remember - Horahm Hero's.

For those of you who read my blog you will know that my hubby and I  love the 1940's with a particular passion for WWII  and with both my parents filling my head with stories of the war - mum on the South coast surviving a machine gun attack, dad in London  dodging the bombs. We can imagine but never really know the reality. They were hard times but good times, with a combined fighting spirit, a common goal to defend our great country.

 When we are out and about at events or just every day people often come up and ask why we do what we do - well this is one of the most important reasons why .......

This weekend we went along to Horham home of the 95th Bomb Group of the USAAF who were based here from May 13th 1943  to May 25th 1945, they flew 334 missions and were the first US group to bomb Berlin. The base has been restored to house a museum, and the Red Feather Club - www.95thbg-horham.com.

Every year veterans and there family's return to the base where they served during the war.  We were honoured to be invited to share in this event.

 Saturday night started  with a recreation of The Liberty Run, during the war the GI's brought the girls from the neighbouring villages in  jeeps and trucks to the base for the dances so we were  driven in convoy through the sleepy Suffolk villages  to the base to dance the night away to sound of a big band courtesy of Skyliner.  (Glenn Miller's band played in one of the hangers on his last tour before his fatal flight).

The Ladies of the Liberty Run

On the Sunday we returned to the base for a service, celebration and remembrance for those who served and those who were lost, followed by a presentation of the history of the 95th and the base then and now.

Being able to meet and pay tribute to these great hero's ( a very miss used word these days in my opinion), was truly memorable, to listen to their stories and hear them talk as if it were yesterday was the most incredible experience.

 "Dressing up" is our way of paying tribute - if just one person asks the question

 What are you doing? Or
What is all about?

We can tell them what these brave men did to secure their future, pass on the history to the next generation, make them think of the real hero's of this world and in our small way make sure that they are NEVER forgotten.

What to wear - Weddings.

I love weddings - anyone that reads this blog will know I don't need an excuse to get dressed up so this year I have four weddings (sounds familiar!!!).

So what do you wear?  If like me there will be a lot of the same people at all of them  it calls for multiple outfits as every girl knows you can't be seen in the dress more that once but saying that I do have a stash of formal outfits that I can dress up for such an occasion but as I have not had many weddings in the last few years I feel like have a little indulgence!!!

Here is my little inspiration board to get some ideas and my top tips on wedding dressing.

 



• Keep your dress simple - you can add drama with a statement hat or jewellery.
• Be comfortable - you will be in your outfit for a long time, eating and drinking quite a bit so don't go for anything too tight or restricting.
• Go for colour - you don't want to class with the bride and it is a good excuse to wear something bright and cheerful.
• Accessories can make an impact so find a little pair of gloves or scarf to add a pop of colour if going all out bold is too much for you.
• I am not a fan of black at a wedding - we all wear too much of it year round - navy is a softer option and it works with so many colours - pink, coral, green and of course red.
• A clutch bag is a good option as you can tuck it under your arm, giving you free hands to hold a glass and nibble canapes at the same time.

So what of my own outfits - I have one down, a beautiful silk rayon 40's dress and straw saucer hat that I bought at Hepcats in March.  Two of my weddings have a vintage feel, one is a fashionista affair and the other garden party kind of theme so three more outfits to go!!!

One thing that I adore about weddings is that I get a chance to wear a fabulous hat and first on my list is going to be Betsy Hatter - who is an amazing self taught milliner who designed a range of hats for my collection launch in March.  You can find her on Facebook and at www.betsyhatter.co.uk.

I think that I could style a rather fabulous outfit around this lovely straw number???

All outfits will be posted in due course so watch this space!!!