Friday, December 20, 2013

The Secret To A Leather Jacket You Actually Wear...and Nigella and Frank Bough

What makes for a great leather jacket that you actually wear? I had a black moto jacket at university which languished in my wardrobe for years. Ten years ago someone gave me a teal leather jacket; I wore it once and recently gave it away. But then I bought this half-price navy one from Barneys (own brand) when I was in New York a week ago. I slipped it on and have worn it every day since.

With my imaginary friends...Just after filming at NPR

The jacket is lighter navy than it looks here

What was the difference? It isn't a short bum-freezer, it was as soft as Cy's pyjamas and it was navy blue, the kinder cousin of black. It's more the colour of the first photo. This weekend the NY Times told us to wear all-black, all navy, all white but to mix up all the shades and textures. Don't have the loosey goosey wherewithall for that, I'll be matching my navy, as per usual.

Top photo shows me just after filming at NPR (America's BBC) for a show called Check Please (I know, they insist on spelling it wrong) where three ordinary bods like me review three restaurants. Fun after a few glasses of wine, but at first utterly terrifying. I had done a little telly in London as guest consumer expert for the Julia Carling Show (sweet with a kittykat prettiness, wasn't her husband Will Carling a total drongo for dalliancing with Diana?) and on TravelTV with Frank Bough, who had been the nation's favourite newreader until the tabloids uncovered him in brothel sex parties where he was dressed in woman's lingerie and high on cocaine. Women's undies aside, he was a blimin' well-researched host, incredibly professional.

The NPR make-up artist put some drops in my eyes called Collyre Blue, you can only buy it in France. Friends: it was like liquid coke for the eyes! Who cares what's in it if it makes my eyes as sparkly as Nigella's.

Striding into court a la Joan of Arc. Botoxathon or does she get more beautiful with age?
I remember reading an interview where Nigella told how she was attracted to her first husband John Diamond (who later sadly died of cancer) because he wasn't ridiculously posh and he was the only person in a carload of journalists who could change the tire when it popped en route to a jolly. Ironically he was not terribly interested in food.  One night, after she had spent some time on a intricate roux he told her: "Oh, none of the gravy for me thanks."

She must long for those days.

My eyes needed the sparkly boost because our dog Teddy, has had surgery on both knees and I couldn't bear to leave him in his crate where he is supposed to reside for eight weeks. I carried him for days (he wasn't allowed to walk or jump up) and we were up for three nights straight making sure he was okay. Poor old Teddy, he looks terrible, he's all shorn and scarred. Here is a picture from happier days when he's on guard making sure none of the neighborhood dogs disrespect him by peeing in front of our house. Old Tedmeister, the body of a bunny and the courage of a lion; all he's ever wanted is to bark with the big dogs on the porch.

In happier days. Me watering the plants on the deck with Teddy sitting guard. 

We're off to my hometown of Ohope Beach in New Zealand this afternoon. Bit worried about the Three Day Rule as we're there for ten days. But if there is some strife...She started it first Mum! Will also be mindful of rule: Don't Blow Your Arse On the First Night. My sister always says I get too excited on the first night and drink too much, then have to abstain for days. And as we all know, Kiwi champers is the most arse-blowing kind. 

Will give you a shout, as my Dad says, from the other side. 





36 comments:

  1. And when does your loyal public get to see you in our very own living rooms? Can't wait!

    I've been using Gouttes Bleues for years, maybe it's time to try the hi-test.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Supposed to be April, but am worried I looked a great gallah after supping too many wines

      Delete
  2. How brilliant is a NAVY leather jacket. I like it. Yes don't blow your arse the first night! That is an excellent expression and you taught it to me so thank you. Safe travels to you and have a Merry Christmas.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I loved seeing the phrase bum freezer, I always say that for short jackets!

      Delete
    2. They also lengthen the old PA (pancake arse) too!

      Delete
  3. Have a great trip home. Love the navy jacket. I've always been nervous about leather jackets as a bad one is really, quite the worst thing you can wear. You can end up looking stiff, and like some sort of try hard rocker. Yours looks (and sounds) perfect. No Hell's Angels try hard associations with it at all, its very elegant.
    Hope teddy is on the mend soon. Our dog was supposed to get his knee operated on too... but I couldn't face the recuperation process. My sister, a vet, likes to tell me I've cursed him to a future of arthritis. He's happy enough at the moment though, so fingers crossed, he'll be fine?! xx

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Totally know what you mean...I was a bit worried on the show I was sitting very stiffly with the leather riding up all over. If he's happy stave off the operation, it really is a nightmare of recuperation and myriads of medicines they don't want to take, Never mind the cost. Next week he is off to water therapy at $60 for a half hour! whaaa?

      Delete
  4. Love the navy jacket. I have a similar one in tan. One of the few items I bought new thanks to some vouchers my DB's sisters gave me last Christmas. :)

    Have a great time in NZ, I hope someone is looking properly after Teddy, (poor lamb). He seems a bit young to be having knee trouble.

    Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year, and lots of adventures in 2014 that we can follow tranquillement from our screens. :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yes the dog sitter appears any minute. I'm afraid she will find him terribly spoiled and he won't be put down. Hope she copes okay...the knee thing is a little dog complaint, his left one was completely popped out

      Delete
  5. Oh poor Teddy! I will send him good thoughts!

    You look lovely and yay for a trip home! Safe travels and much joy!

    ReplyDelete
  6. haha have to keep your excitement at bay
    At least until after the first day
    Have a safe trip there and back
    To your hometown shack

    ReplyDelete
  7. So what happens on day ten of the homecoming? Please inform when back home. Have a lovely trip.

    ReplyDelete
  8. Safe travels and have a great visit with your family...and Happy Christmas x

    ReplyDelete
  9. Christmas Kiwi style, if that means you over do on the first day so be it! You seem to be the life of the party with or without the "juice". Cheers! :-)

    ReplyDelete
  10. Love the jacket but I think only certain people suit them. I have tried and tried but wasted a lot of money but I do wish I could wear one bc I'd wear it all the time. So sorry about the dog...I can't imagine- poor thing. But you must give us the link to the show!

    ReplyDelete
  11. Happy Christmas to you and your family. I love the navy jacket a great change from black. Oh poor teddy they do become like your baby when they are ill. Have a great trip

    ReplyDelete
  12. My leather coat is burgundy-coloured, and is textured like a Leopard's skin. My wife convinced me, years ago, to buy it, when it was on sale. I still wear it occasionally, but the lining is worn out and shredded. Must fix that in the coming year.

    Blessings and Bear hugs! Happy Christmas in Kiwiland!

    ReplyDelete
  13. Fab jacket, wish I could find one like it over here...they all seem to want to make you look like a middle aged greaser. In other words, very old and sad! Have a fab Christmas in NZ!

    ReplyDelete
  14. Have a wonderful time Jody! I can't believe Teddy had to have surgery! And on a more foodie note, I just love Nigella's story, it's better than any romance novel. Can't wait to hear how your trip ends up,
    xo Mary Jo

    ReplyDelete
  15. Love that jacket on you though...But I think one either suits it or doesn't - there is no middle ground on jackets like that! You have got to give us the link to that show when it airs please!!! I feel for your doggy. I hope the recovery is quicker than expected...Have a great time in NZ! Merry xmas x

    ReplyDelete
  16. I still haven't found my leather jacket. I've been looking for about twelve years. None of them feel right enough for quite so much money! Maybe navy is the answer ...

    All good mending wishes to the Tedmeister! And happy Christmas to you and your family!

    xxx

    ReplyDelete
  17. Love the jacket Jody. Perfection with the fit. Gorgeous too. So sad to hear about Teddy. Hope he get well quickly. Enjoy your NZ holiday! Looking forward to snaps. Wishing you all a lovely Christmas!

    xo Kim

    ReplyDelete
  18. Have a wonderful time. I love the jacket, it's lovely. Be safe & have a gorgeous Christmas xx

    ReplyDelete
  19. Nigella looks more like her dad with age, not sure that's a terribly good thing!
    What the hell happened to Teddy's knees? Isn't he a young pup?
    Have a happy, Kiwi Christmas!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. It's a small dog thing, knees popping out. Now we've done four weeks, its a full time job doing rehab!!

      Delete
  20. Navy leather is a change and I have always liked it with tan. I'm sure you will have some fun stories when you get back. Have a wonderful Christmas
    and thanks for all your comments!

    ReplyDelete
  21. The elusive perfect leather jacket - always on the search for that and wonder why I have bought the ones I have over the years as they have never been quite right.
    Sorry to hear about Teddy.
    I think you will make wonderful telly. Talking of Frank Bough, he cropped up in a song I sang earlier this year - there was a whole verse based on his sexual proclivities!
    I remember reading John Diamond's book about his cancer - stayed with me for a long time.
    Have a wonderful Christmas, my very dear online friend xx

    ReplyDelete
  22. D'y know I was only thinking about Frank Bough the other day- small beer compared to the ghastly cases of sexual abuse we are told of daily here.
    I remember reading an early memoir of his - before the hoo ha and found myself laughing out loud - always a pleasurable experience.
    I admire Nigella for standing up to that thug. Mind you she is not without a power base herself, fortunately for her.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Just heard in NZ about Rolf Harris - total shocker, ghastly!! We don't get all the British news in the US so had to go to NZ to get the best and worst of it.

      Delete
  23. Love the jacket on you. It's perfect for your colouring. Have to get me some of those eye drops. Love your blog and even though my ex-hubs was a kiwi, I won't hold that against you one pinch! Looking forward to reading more.

    ReplyDelete
  24. The leather jacket & scarf are both gorgeous. And your legs look a mile long in those boot-cut wide-legged jeans who fit you perfectly!

    Your Leather Jacket

    ReplyDelete

Related Posts Plugin for WordPress, Blogger...