Thursday 7 March 2013

I'm with the band

Many moons ago when Mark & I lived in Glasgow, we had a band called 'Gretchen'.
The boys (Mark, Jim, Dave & Allen) and myself practiced every Sunday and gigged regularly for a year at intimate venues like 'Nice N Sleazy' and 'The 13th Note'. 
We never got to the recording stage before splitting up but thankfully Mark bought me a four track recorder, so I do have a whole heap of live demos, from various rehearsal sessions, that I like to dust off and listen to every now and again ;)
The band didn't split up because of artistic differences, it was simply life pulling us all in different directions.
Mark and I moved to London, Jim changed career and relocated and Dave became a father.
Allen is still living the rock and roll dream though, playing bass in Maiden Scotland an Iron Maiden tribute band.

I actually still have both the trousers and the jacket that I'm wearing in these pictures...
The striped cami was my mums from the early 80s, the pink boucle jacket was bought from the Benetton sale in '96 (with some tax rebate money), the mad space boots I bagged in Copenhagen in '99, they were originally priced at over £100 but the zip was "bust" so they had been marked down to a mere £20. I took the boots to a cobblers in Copenhagen and he had them fixed in two minutes flat and didn't even charge me for it. The trousers I bought in the Topshop winter sale in 2000.
I'm amazed at how brand spanking these trousers still look cause I've worn them a lot...
I know that I usually harp on about how modern High Street clothing have no longevity because of  poor quality but I may have to eat my hat about this conjecture, cause in some cases it is obviously not true.
I told you the lurex jumper would get a few more outings this month...
number one and counting ;)
It was so nice outside today I didn't even have to wear a jacket or coat.
The fabulous fuchsia pink felt is by St Saviours Hats, these hats usually retail at over £50.
Needless to say I paid rather less than that, cause I am the original bargain bint ;)
00s Topshop trousers, cropped lurex jumper, vintage 60s psychedelic print shirt, Indian block print silk scarf, St Saviours  felt hat, velvet gloves, mini cross & safety-pin earrings & 80s boots.
Before I sign off I'd also like to tell you that I have made a fabulous new addition to my little gang of  Legendary Frockstars, namely Ariane of Style Sud-Est
She always bowls me over with her amazing style! 
If she's unknown to you, go check her out, you won't regret it :) 

I did want to share a song that Mark and I wrote a few years ago but I can't upload it, so here's a tune that we covered back in the gigging days in Glasgow, enjoy :)
Almost weekend again, huzzah!
Lot's of love,
Jennie
xXx


10 comments:

Helga said...

How freakin' awesome! I reckon there's a few of us with a murky rock n roll past! I wish I could upload old stuff, what I have of it. I'd love to hear yours!
Well,well,well-so the occasional High St item does make the grade! They're HAWT! I love this entire outfit, the colours, prints, just DIVOON, darling!
Rock the hell ON!
XXX

thorne garnet said...

Awe, you're a vision in purple. Ariane always puts together some smashing outfits

Krista said...

I do think we are of the generation that wanted to be rock stars and never grow up:). I love the purples, pinks and overall brightness of this outfit! Last photo is my fav!
Xxoo

Panty Buns said...

You have fabulous taste in colours! I love every single item in your outfit. How wonderful that your 00s Topshop trousers have survived and still fit! I groan sometimes when I recall that I threw out the outrageous wild striped bell-bottom trousers that I wore back when I was in my first band back in 1969 and 1970. By the time I joined a second band in 1983 they no longer fit me and the music was much different. it's great that you have the live demos from the four track. Getting back to your outfit: PLEASE DON'T eat your hat! It's way to lovely (and probably not very tasty either). Wow, I love the song you did a cover of back when your band 'Gretchen' was together. It sound's like you and Mark would like to perform again. That's a lot of practicing. I'm sure the song Mark and you wrote is fabulous. I hadn't realized you had musical background before - and I really love that outfit!

freckleface said...

Ooh another musician. Were you lead singer too?

I have no rock and roll past. I have all the enthusiasm and none of the skill.

You suit these berry colours so well. I'm impressed by the longevity of those trousers! Isn't it lovely to go coat free? xxx

Vix said...

I've dated a lot of musicians but no rock and roll past for me, I'll just bask in everyone else's glory, lazy cow that I am!
Topshop used to be brilliant, I've still got vests I bought new in 1999, don't know what it's like now, Walsall's branch shut down two years ago sadly - loved their jewellery and trying on their shoes.
You are a vision in purple.
Skunk Anansie are touring, are you going to see them? xxx

Anonymous said...

You really suit pinks and purples! :) x

Sharon S said...

Hi there! You look amazing in purple and pinks and I really love your fuchsia pink felt hat, it looks amazing xx

PinkCheetahVintage said...

I dated musicians but have noooo musical talent! Love the cropped purple lurex sweater so much!! The velvet gloves are just mad amazing and the pics of you in the hat are perfect beauty shots-- fierce eyes!
Becky :)

Miss Simmonds Says said...

These photos are stunning, the fedora, the trousers and the gloves are all wonderful. Such amazing colours xx