What does one wear to the circus followed by a cabaret show? A circle dress, that’s what!
Have you a dress in your wardrobe that you’ve bought on a whim? At the time you probably convinced yourself that;
‘Oh, I’ll be able to wear it for such and such’.
But we all know ‘such and such’ never comes. The dress you bought on a whim, becomes an interior hanging ornament for your wardrobe. Never more true than for this dress.
It was always a little too bright and bold for the office. I always had something a little more dressy for weddings and so it became the ‘almost dress’. I almost wore it for many occasions but it was always pipped at the post.
But when we booked to see the circus show ‘Scotch & Soda’, followed by cabaret, in a rare London performance by The Puppini Sisters, both at The London Wonderground, last week, I instantly knew my circle dress had found its own spotlight!
The Puppini Sisters aren’t actually sisters or even remotely related. Yes I know, confusing isn’t it? So why sisters then? The name’s a tribute to The Andrew Sisters, who were real sisters. The group’s a close harmony trio whose sound is ‘swing punk’ with a faint touch of burlesque about it.
Are you still with me? Can you even imagine what that might sound like???
We found some colourful grafitti on our way to dinner. His trousers match my shrug, But he has no neck, which anatomically speaking, is a little disconcerting!
Wonderground is near all the restaurants on the South Bank and we settled on the oriental flavours of Wagamama’s for a relatively speedy meal before curtain up.
It all started so well. A lovely headshot, showcasing the brilliant blue of my Oceana Necklace from Yosa. I love the blue on blue and how it fits perfectly around the collar of my shrug.
Then it somewhat descended. Peek-a-boo, I can see you.
I don’t care if my lipstick gets smeared all over my face. Nothing’s gonna get between me and my juicy ebi katsu (that’s fried prawns with a sweet chilli dipping sauce served with a wedge of lime, to you).
Some decorum and lipstick were restored after dinner. I thought my dress would be in keeping with the night’s entertainment, especially as Marcella, Kate and Emma are always very glamorously attired for their shows; often wearing 1940s/50s/vintage inspired outfits. That evening they rocked, off the shoulder, leopard print blouses, black corsets with black wiggle skirts and wore fabulous hair pieces that Marcella had made for them!
My dress is a nod to that era; the scooped neckline, the nipped in waist, the full circle skirt. The shrug came with the dress so fits like a glove and no having to search to find the right blue to match. Being a petite dress, the length hits just the right point on me, below the knee.
I’m wearing a petticoat under the dress but I need to seriously ramp up the ‘poofiness’ factor. Now that the dress’s been out on its inaugural spin, the mission is to find a petite length, ultra POOFY petticoat. Then I can really sashay my way around town.
One more shot before we go in? Oh, alright then.
Must fly now, daaaaaarlings, I’ve two shows to catch.
When there’s an arrow THAT big, you follow it! If only Dorothy in the Wizard of Oz had had a sign like this one.
Follow the Spiegeltent sign.
Follow the Spiegeltent sign.
Follow, follow, follow, follow,
Follow the Spiegeltent sign.
The Spiegeltent is by Jubilee Gardens, on the South Bank of the Thames, where there’s all the fun of the fair.
You wouldn’t get me in one of those things for love nor money!
To be fair, I have been in The London Eye. Twice! Go me. But then you are cocooned inside a glass capsule or a pod or whatever they call those bubble things.
It was a glorious evening to enjoy far reaching views out across the capital, from either one. Although, I suspect folk in the fairground ride wouldn’t really be going up to catch the views!
Almost forgot! In between the circus show and the cabaret, we managed to snap one of the dress without the shrug.
Keep an eye on my vodka tonic that’s on the bar, would you?
Debenhams Petite Collection Petite Circle Dress & Shrug (old)
Next Evening Bag (old)
Oceana Necklace by Yosa (Similar collar necklace)
New Look Strappy Sandals (old)
And what of the circus? A wonderful mix of old school circus craziness of the spit and sawdust kind, although the talent was just as comparable to what I’ve seen in big shows like Cirque du Soleil.
There were genuine gasps from the audience at the skill and risk on display which was right up close and personal in the tent. Literally just a few feet away. Aerial work on the trapeze bar and rope, feats of strength, balancing, tumbling, flying, slapstick. All interlaced with fantastic jazz music provided by the Crusty Suitcase Band. Isn’t that just a great name for a jazz band?
I leave you with the gravity defying strength of Skip Walker-Milne, from Company 2, who’s about to do a handstand on a towering stack of suitcases and crates. I can barely do a handstand from the floor.
When was the last time you went to the circus?
Linking with / Brilliant Blog Posts / Turning Heads Tuesday / Garay Treasures / Confident Twosday / Style Swap Tuesday / Stylelixir / On Trend Tuesday / The Wednesday Pants / The Wednesday Blog Hop / Colorandgrace / Fashionshouldbefun / TARDIS Tuesday / 40+ Style /
A very pretty dress. For the poofy petticoat, try Rellik in Covent Garden.
Thanks Tiina, I hadn't thought about Rellik! Good call. I've tried the Vivien of Holloway ones, but they are just that bit too long on me.
What a pretty dress! And joyful post. You're livin' large, my friend.
All the better to enjoy life, my friend!
A very pretty outfit! Love the pictures, they are so interesting!
Glad you liked them Caramella.
Wow! What an evening and what a dress! LOVE the retro vibe and the bold funky dots as well as the colour brings your gorgeous blue eyes. I'm going partying with you the next time I'm in London : )
Etsy sells lots of petticoats online, if you're still looking.
bisous
Suzanne
Ha, ha, Suzanne, you're on! And the frock will come out to play with us! Oooh yes, I'll have a peek on Etsy.
Sounds like an amazing evening! Your dress is so playful and fun with the polka dots. I am prone to justifying some of my purchases by swearing I'll wear it for a particular occasion and then I never do. However, I am glad you found just the right place to take this dress out for a night on the town!
-Katie
http://hellokatiegirl.blogspot.com/
It was a brilliant night out, Katie and yes, the playful nature of the dress fitted with the atmosphere of the evening. Another one like me who justifies their purchases and then never wears them! Get them out the wardrobe, Katie!
The perfect dress for such a fun filled evening, with its retro vibe. Sounds like you had such a great time , I must admit I haven't been to the circus for many years . Loved your pictures.
The perfect dress for such a fun filled evening, with its retro vibe. Sounds like you had such a great time , I must admit I haven't been to the circus for many years . Loved your pictures.
Thanks Jill. We want to go back to the venue as they have all sorts of interesting acts at the venue and I enjoy going to slightly off beat performances.
I absolutely love that dress!! It's dotty perfection. Now you know its power you won't be able to take it off! It fits you perfectly. And the necklace shows off your gorgeous eyes. For the petticoat, I agree – the pouffier the better. I love the photo of you framed by your handbag. I always wanted to run away with the circus and practised running on a barrel in my backyard for years to prepare.
You're so wise, Melanie. TallBrownFox had to prise me out of it, I didn't want to take it off when we got home. The dress is sooo powerful it had a fair old temper tantrum about being taken off and I think it's still sulking in the wardrobe! But I've reassured it that it will twirl again very soon. Glad you like the photo of me framed by the bag – one of my favourites! Keep practicing, your circus calling may still come!
PS Thank you for nominating me. Such a happy surprise!
You're very welcome! You deserved to be up there with the best of 'em! I would've also nominate Sue and Suzanne but I was only allowed one so you're flying the flag for Canada!
Oh beautiful, beautiful you! What a truly stunning ensemble! I wish TARDIS Tuesday was happening at the moment as this is perfect (you'll just have to link it in retrospect in September!). Glad you had fun at the Spiegel tent. I've never made it there which is a shame as they have great swing dance events on which I am itching to join in with!x
Thank you Kezzie. When TARDIS Tuesday is back I'll link! The Puppini Sisters got everyone up and dance for the last number so there was a little swing going on in your honour!
I've never heard of swing punk before but I'm intrigued! Yummm the fried shrimp + sweet chili sauce sounds so good, it's making me hungry! The occasion was perfect for the dress 🙂 I definitely have similar pieces in my closet– too formal for every day but not formal enough for a fancy party, but they seem to be perfect for a meal at a nice restaurant or a fun night out!
Mili
The food was delicious – a great start to the night. Some dresses hit the middle ground don't they? As you say too formal for day but not formal enough for a swanky do but I think I hit a bullseye for this particular occasion. Thanks for stopping by.
that polka dot dress looks so cute on you!!
xo,
Sandy
Sandy a la Mode
Thanks Sandy, it's a fun dress to wear. Thanks for stopping by.
So glad you wore your dress! It looks great on you, and I love those shoes!!
Amy Ann
Straight A Style
Thanks Amy. I have at least 4 other pairs that are similar. I just love the style of them so scooped them up in all the other colours I could find!
I love that you went for blue from head to toe – bold but it totally worked! I'm ESPECIALLY loving those shoes – so cute!
Thanks so much for linking up!
xoxo
Valery Brennan
I played with other colours for the accessories as I thought it might be overkill with so much blue but there was just something that kept drawing me back to it. They just all fell into place with each other and felt the most comfortable somehow so I'm glad you thought it totally worked!
That is a beautiful dress, I'm glad you had a chance to wear it! 🙂 I too have a few 'almost' pieces in my wardrobe! I'm really making more of an effort to wear and enjoy them, otherwise they are taking up space for no reason!
Away From The Blue Blog
Exactly Mica. We've got to drag them out of the back of the wardrobe. It's definitely worth it when we do!
Wowzers!
You were made for a dress like this.
Love the cut, colour and (of course) shoes!
XXX
Samantha
Fakefabulous
Thanks Samantha. I did feel so comfortable in it! The shoes are fun, aren't they? I just love the lattice pattern.
That is such a beautiful dress! I love the color very much! You are so funny and I enjoyed reading your post! 😉
Take care and keep in touch!
Please stop by today for Color and Grace Fashion link up!
Grace
http://colorandgrace.comÂ
Thank you Grace. Blues are very me! Glad you enjoyed reading the post.
Looks like a wonderful show! I love this vintage inspired look on you, perfect, I say wear it more often ! The polka dots are whimsical and fun and I love the blue sandals. Looked like a fun time!
Thank you for linking up with Turning heads Tuesday!
jess xx
http://www.elegantlydressedandstylish.com
Both shows were thoroughly entertaining. I shall have to do more vintage inspired outfits!
Positively In Love with your dress! I would be wearing it All the Time! So glad you pulled it out for a spin. I believe I would enjoy the Puppini Sisters very much based on your description. Sounds like you had a wonderful evening!
You would, they are such great performers and had such a rapport with the audience. I'm so pleased I found the right occasion to wear it finally. Won't be so long next time.
So fabulous!!!! You look totally adorable in this cool retro look, Dear! And your photos are so fun and make me wanna be there!
Thanks for sharing with Fun Fashion Friday & I hope your weekend is wonderful!
OXOX
Dawn Lucy
http://fashionshouldbefun.blogspot.com
We had a lot of fun taking the photos. I find being photographed an odd experience but not on this occasion! Thanks for your lovely comments.
Every dress will have its day! And such a beauty as this polka dot circle dress deserves to be out more often! Love your photographs and how you write about everything, it is really entertaining 🙂
What lovely compliments, Olga, thank you! The dress definitely deserves to be out more and it won't languish in my wardrobe any more, I'll make sure of that!
Oooooh, this dress! It makes my heart flutter all over the place! The blue! The polka dots! It's positively brilliant! Thanks for linking with TARDIS Tuesday. 😀
Aw, love your reaction Maricel. It is a heart fluttering dress, isn't it.
I really like this dress on you. Had to search your blog as the link on The Rich Life in Wine Country took me to your latest post instead of this post. But… found it. And it is indeed lovely.
Greetje