Call it a mid-life crisis, call it rampant nostalgia, but I just love fifties fashions. I was born in 1953 so I expect some of it is harking back to my childhood, but I do love those dresses and skirts. Modern female fashions cling to and expose the body, leaving nothing to the imagination whereas those full skirts and fitted bodices drape the body beautifully and hide the bulges most of us have. I also think that, as a male, it is easier to look feminine in these girly clothes as they soften the outline and make you less angular. Being someone who loves the feel of fabrics, I adore the materials used in the fifties. The fabrics are much heavier and stiffer than modern ones and make lovely swishing noises when you move. And the quality of tailoring is so much better too. Modern clothes are for discarding, but they made them to last in those days!

Let's not forget petticoats! Slip on a swishy net crinoline or crackling paper nylon slip and I defy you not to feel totally feminine and girly. Combine that with the inevitable stockings and suspender belt, and you have a recipe for heaven! Two years ago I discovered the fifties fashions section of ebay and I've been spending too much money there ever since. I now have quite an extensive collection of fifties clothes and I'd love to share some pictures with you over the next few pages. My perfect relaxation these days is to put on a frock and a floral pinnie and to cook a nice meal for my family, just like a good fifties housewife. "Honey, I'm home!".

Stop Press! I've just come back from a glorious short break in an isolated cottage in the Cheviots. Three days en-femme and mostly fifties. Read all about it and see my new photos here.