Friday, May 25, 2012

The Queen and Joan Collins

Could you imagine two more brilliant old birds in one room than The Queen and Joan Collins? A regal pair of women who have remained true to their iconic style and stayed "in character" all their lives. With a combined age of 165, an abundance of fabulousness.

The Queen, Me and Joan Collins. Photoshop: The High Schooler

This week, Joan Collins celebrated her 79th birthday with the 86-year-old Queen at a Diamond Jubilee arts 'do in London.

This photo made me so happy that after I came back from my bike ride this morning, I felt I should join them. Yes, yes, I know it's not the proper royal curtsy, it is of course the Mrs Shirley Dibble School of Ballet (Whakatane) curtsy I was taught growing up. I'm so over the deep knee bob -  bring back the full curtsy I say.

I'm certainly not a royalist - why should a handful of people get riches, power and land just because they have big ears and posses the bald gene...that's why they get all that stuff right? ( Mind you, from all my readings about landed gentry, it seems footing the bill for a drafty old pile and risking the sulks from a servant if one ventures into the kitchen to make one's own sandwich provides it's own punishment.) 

But there is something endearing about a woman like Elizabeth Windsor who does her job and keeps schtum, despite all the drongos surrounding her.

Consider the terrific-ness: 

The Queen: the silver hair whooshed up and back with girl-ish curls at the ends, touch of lippy, no mascara, sparkly but comfy dress, slightly suntan pantyhose, swollen feet and ankles, patent leather court shoes. Do we know what she is thinking? No we do not, because that is part of her job.

The Joan Collins: Signature eyeliner on upper and lower eyelids, glossy vermilion lippy, great pins, wig on straight. Is that ruched creamy pink dress flattering? Maybe not, but it is part of her Eighties embrace and as such is perfect. Was she the best actress in the world? Who knows but she certainly elevated Dynasty into art with her arch delivery followed by her snappy turn-on-heel. Dominique asks: "I hear you get seasick on yachts." Alexis: "Only small yachts."

And so Queen and Joan Collins, fully-fledged members of the Brilliant Old Birds Club, I do curtsy to thee.


40 comments:

  1. Fabulous--love that yacht quote! It seems you are still doing your part for the bicycle trip Jody, and I am impressed! Have not been able to stick to my workout regime since Tuesday...and all the weekend eating extravaganza still ahead. Hope you have a super fun weekend!

    xo Mary Jo

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  2. I'm with you re:the monarchy, but I do think she has done a sterling job as queen.....and the pink dress is a bit 'belly showing' for Joannie don't you think? although her legs are great.....more importantly well done you for sticking with the cycling!

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  3. This picture made me LAUGH! You + Photoshop = genius

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    1. All the photoshopping is done by The High Schooler (the 14 year who has no name) I'm merely the "art director."

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  4. Oh come on.
    The Queen maybe. I'm not particularly fond of the royals (just look at Charles and bloody Camilia for goodness sake)but the alternatives are probably worse.

    President Tony Blair? *shudder*


    But Joan Collins???
    She had all the acting ability of a decomposing shrew.

    Love your stylish white cycle helmet, but not too sure about the lycra shorts.

    I would think Mrs Dibble up in Whakatane would not approve.

    "Girls" she would say "Never wear skin-tight and clinging shorts when in the presence of the Queen". "Royalty does not like seeing all the details"

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    Replies
    1. That's exactly what Mrs Shirley Dibble would have said.

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  5. Such sassy assessment!
    Love it. I'm all smiley now from enjoyment.

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  6. S'funny - I never think of them as having untold riches so much as a boring 24/7 job from which they can never resign, and to quote Bono, thank God its them, instead of, er me. Your curtsey would certainly brighten Her Maj's day, though - was your ballet mistress married to Officer Dibble? xxx

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  7. I once had to demonstrate a royal curtsey on TV (long story) and was amazed at how much more difficult it is than the ballet curtsey so ably demonstrated by your good self. You have to tuck the left foot right behind the back of the right foot, thus there's little hope for balance and decorum. It's no wonder so many people look a bit wobbly when they do it.

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    1. Yes and in the proper one you have to go low, low, low. Need more details about TV appearance!

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    2. Oh, (she says modestly) I get dragged out and dusted down every once in a while as Chicago's resident Brit, by our local PBS show "Chicago Tonight". Can't remember what the occasion was (perhaps a queenly visit?) a few years ago, and they asked me to go on - that night. I spent the afternoon researching everything I could, and for some reason, included how to curtsey! Not that many people would have known the difference between a ballet curtsey and a royal curtsey.

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  8. Superb photo, great legs (yours !) and very funny post. Please tell us the name of the woman on your left (!) ; I seem to remember that she is a singer but I forgot who .... x

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    Replies
    1. Shirley Bassey is there and I'm blocking Kate O'Mara (sorry Kate)

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  9. The High Schooler is brillant with Photoshop! Love the pic. And the yacht quote - only small yacht - pure genius. Being a Texan, Dynasty was a fixture in our house. Or was that Dallas?! It's all the same!

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  10. Cute post! Love the queen and Joan. You look in great shape for that bike ride! I'm jealous you are so good with keeping up with it!
    Have a fun weekend!

    xo

    Kim

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  11. With your superb shape, nice legs and endearing effort for CV fitness you belong royally with Quee E and Joan Collins.That includes the helmet for being safety conscious.
    Congratulations.

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  12. I've spent most of my adult life looking for a "sparkly but comfy" dress!! So funny!

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  13. Jody!

    Look at those legs of yours! Looks like your training is working :)

    Joan Collin's legs look great in this photo and the Queen feet look uncomfortable. Should we recommend cutting down on sodium and elevating the lower limbs?

    Have a wonderful weekend Jody :)

    leslie

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    Replies
    1. Yes and how funny that the Queen actually has someone wear in her shoes for her? They still look uncomfortable. Click into the "shoes" link...

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  14. Well, I happen to be quite partial to the Queen. Joan Collins's eyes were always a little too wide apart for my liking. Besides, I'd much rather have my theme tune, upon entering a room, be 'God Save the Queen' rather than 'The Bitch' (a ha). What would your theme tune be Jody?

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  15. Bless Joan...she'd still have us believe she's had no work done. It's all down to good genes apparently.

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    Replies
    1. Like Courtney Cox reckons she only has a weeny bit of Botox done, much much less than everyone else...

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  16. I love the understated-ness of the queen matched by Joan's flashiness. There is something so perfect about the two side by side. (Of course it is even better with you in the middle!)

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  17. someone are part of royalty now?hehe

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  18. The photo had me fooled at first! Had no idea Joan Collins was that old ... I hope I look that good at her age!

    Melissah

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  19. hilarious.....long may they both reign!!

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  20. Fabulous. I am not a royalist either and living out of the UK for so long means I don't keep up with them but I do enjoy a little Queenie, Katie, Harry action (They are my favourite royals... even though Prince William does have a place in my heart he is neither style icon or rebel so I exclude him from the list) When I am a Nanna I want to be like the Queen... having a chair behind me whenever I feel the need to sit and styling up my outfits with a pair of gloves! Hells Yeah! Love Elle xo

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  21. I have to say I love the Queen and this is from an Irish person. She has devoted her life to her duty and has never put a foot wrong. On her recent first visit to Ireland everyone was impressed by the way she made many symbolic gestures and even spoke some Irish words. She really seemed to be enjoying herself.
    She seems to be much happier in recent times and is enjoying her celebrations. For a woman of her age she has great stamina I for one would hate her job but I admire her dedication.

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  22. I had to chuckle at your description. Hilarious. This is the first time I've celebrated a Jubilee in England. It's exciting to see how the entire country got into the act.

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  23. One thing I forgot to say about the queen is no one wears colours better than her.

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  24. haha, this was such a fun post! and i love the photo, very cool! :D

    <3, Mimi
    http://whatmimiwrites.blogspot.com/
    $100 Shopbop Gift Card Giveaway -- Open internationally!

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  25. That photo is much better with you in the middle. :)
    Ada

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  26. Look at you in that photo. What amazing company that you have.

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  27. I'd like to see what Phil the Greek would make of Joan collins presumably when her madge wasn't looking!

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  28. That photo is just to cute!! What a great post!

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  29. awwww so cute!! I have two Maltese dogs, they are the sweetest!!!

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