Two fresh pints of Young's 'Bitter' set down in front of them, Giles continues.

"On her right wrist is a single strand of pearls—a creation by Les Bernard. These cultured pearls, luminous and delicate, weave timeless elegance into her ensemble. As she places them on the table, she tells me that she wonders if pearls hold memories—the laughter of parties, the hush of secrets shared in dimly lit jazz clubs."

"Well, Giles, if they do hold memories, let's all be very thankful that they cannot speak!" laughed Jeremy. "Cheers!"

"After unbuttoning her knee-length duster coat and hanging it up, she then carefully unzips her slimline sheath dress, letting it slip elegantly from her splendid body. Carefully, she steps out of the dress, ensuring not to trip, leaving it in pristine condition. Now dressed only in her matching undergarments, she also hangs up the slender dress in the old wooden wardrobe. Meanwhile, I pretend to be studying my glass of particularly fine French red wine, but I cannot resist stealing occasional glances at her, the delicate lace of her lingerie tenderly hugging her curvaceous form."

"Ah, Monique's influence", Jeremy nods as he whispers. "Every one of the 'Girls' is so attired after one of their Parisian jaunts", he continues, his sea-green eyes twinkling. "I recall the story well! Monique, who graces the catwalks for Maison Lejaby, a name synonymous with elegance and femininity in such matters, had negotiated a rather splendid arrangement with the proprietor. Monique had secured, at a most reasonable rate, new ensembles of the most exquisite silk and lace undergarments for all the 'Chelsea Girls'. Each set was meticulously selected to complement the hair hue and complexion of its recipient."

"Ah, how splendid! The ladies are indeed fortunate, Jeremy. The meticulous selection of these exquisite silk and lace ensembles, each tailored to enhance the natural beauty of its wearer, is a true testament to the Maison. And to secure such finery at a most reasonable rate, well, that's simply remarkable. A job well done, I must say."

"However, Giles, when Suzi Williams voiced her discontent about the expenditure, Monique made a rather surprising revelation. Namely, she had, in fact, disposed of all their previous lingerie! Quite the shock, I dare say. But such is Monique's audacity, resolute in her determination that the 'Chelsea Girls' are always at the pinnacle of fashion and elegance! Perhaps Suzi will pen a protest poem?" he laughs. But back to Eli!"

"Yes, Jeremy, underneath her professional outfit, Eli does indeed wear sets of exquisite Maison Lejaby lingerie. Crafted from a luxurious blend of silk and lace, they seamlessly marry comfort and style. The deep red colour she had selected to wear radiates warmth and passion, reflecting Eli's bold and confident personality. It is the perfect choice against the cold, grey December outside."

"Indeed, Giles", Jeremy takes a long draft of bitter ale.

"Her bra, a sophisticated full-coverage design with underwire support, perfectly sculpts her silhouette. Delicate cups feature a scalloped lace overlay, a subtle nod to her femininity beneath her business outfit. At the centre gore, a dainty bow adds an extra touch of elegance. Adjustable straps and a convenient hook-and-eye closure ensure a perfect fit and effortless dressing."

"Ah, 'a convenient hook-and-eye' — there speaks the voice of practical experience, I think!" laughed Jeremy, clapping his friend on his shoulder.

"A gentleman never speaks of such matters, Jeremy!" admonished Giles with a broad grin before continuing lovingly. "The matching high-waisted panties ensure a seamless line under her professional attire. Matching delicate lace detailing adorns the edges, adding allure to the set. Her lingerie is a perfect blend of comfort, style, and sophistication—impeccably complementing her image of a fashionable and successful young businesswoman."

Quote from: chrism on April 12, 2024, 02:45:59 PM

Quote from: Ed on April 12, 2024, 02:08:38 PM

Quote from: dannyboy on April 12, 2024, 01:00:35 PMDo you remember when you were 20 in the 70's? Well now you are 70 in 20's.

Yeah, but don't ask me what I had for dinner on Monday

You mean that you can remember what you had on Tuesday, Wednesday and yesterday though? Wow, that's some memory 

Only because Tuesday is egg and bacon night and I went out for lunch Wednesday 


Ed

Quote from: Ed on April 12, 2024, 02:08:38 PM

Quote from: dannyboy on April 12, 2024, 01:00:35 PMDo you remember when you were 20 in the 70's? Well now you are 70 in 20's.

Yeah, but don't ask me what I had for dinner on Monday

You mean that you can remember what you had on Tuesday, Wednesday and yesterday though? Wow, that's some memory   

Quote from: dannyboy on April 12, 2024, 01:00:35 PMDo you remember when you were 20 in the 70's? Well now you are 70 in 20's.

Yeah, but don't ask me what I had for dinner on Monday



Ed

Quote from: dannyboy on April 12, 2024, 01:00:35 PMDo you remember when you were 20 in the 70's? Well now you are 70 in 20's.

Sorry, not funny. 

Do you remember how, back in the 50's and 60's the UK Government boasted how in Communist Russia children were sent to breakfast clubs and nuseries and parents were forced to work whilst in the UK our children had the privilige of being brought up by their parents.  How things have changed!

Do you remember when you were 20 in the 70's? Well now you are 70 in 20's.

"As Eli gracefully sheds her duster coat, a captivating emerald green sheath dress emerges. Its tailored silhouette subtly accentuates her waist, while the fabric delicately clings to her amazing curves, evoking sophistication without excess. Eli explains that, designed by Hubert de Givenchy, it epitomises timeless elegance and impeccable tailoring—hallmarks of Givenchy's aesthetic."

"Despite Eli's well-known opinions about the French, she certainly favours French designers, right?"

"Yes, so it certainly seems, Jeremy. However, the intricate brooch adorning Eli's dress is a vintage piece by the Italian designer Elsa Schiaparelli. Known for her whimsical designs, it adds a touch of playfulness to Eli's outfit. Eli wears it as a talisman, a reminder, she says, of the love she has found in the labyrinth of London streets."

"However, if I remember correctly what Monique told us, Schiaparelli founded her eponymous fashion house in Paris. Now, what love was Eli referring to, I wonder?" Jeremy's eyebrows arch.

"She won't say, Jeremy", smiles Giles.

"I can picture it all, Giles."

"Next, she carefully removes her elbow-length gloves, supple and warm, crafted from fine leather by Gucci. They are also emerald green, matching her hat and dress. The supple leather and fine stitching ensure both style and comfort. They protect her hands from the cold, allowing her to sign contracts and create art easily."

"Around her neck, she wears a string of perfectly matched cultivated pearls. This classic design, crafted by Trifari, exudes sophistication. Nestled against her collarbone, each pearl is a tribute to Eli's innate elegance."

"Indeed, Giles. Cheers!"

"She removes the necklace and places it on the table. Eli's black stockings cling to her legs, echoing the hue of her shoes—a subtle detail that only she truly appreciates. For Eli, genuine style resides in the unspoken, the hidden. She takes off her practical yet chic black leather shoes, crafted by Salvatore Ferragamo, boasting an iconic bow detail on the toe, infusing them with a touch of Italian flair. These comfortable flat loafers have soles worn from countless pavement miles, a testament to Eli's commitment to comfort and fashion. She replaces them with an older, paint-specked pair. As you well know, my friend, Eli refuses to make concessions; for her, style is non-negotiable."

"A determined elegant young lady, indeed, Giles! It's your round!"

Common problem that Joe, I have seen plenty videos of the hinges being replaced, but if was old it might be worth updating anyway. You have to take care there are a lot of rubbish computers and laptops out there with old processors in them, so slow, just because it's new does not mean it's any good.
Chris H.

"Cheers! So, you desire further elaboration... On that day, Eli decided on a deep emerald green as her signature colour, projecting sophistication and confidence. It was a subtle nod to Eli's rebellious spirit—the very same spirit that has led her to boldly have her hair cut into an iconic bob. So, after taking the East London line from Chelsea to East London, we strolled together, our arms linked, through the foggy streets. Eli's vibrant emerald green caught the refracted light, leaving a lasting impression on anyone who happened to cross our path."

"I can well imagine, Giles."

"So, imagine Eli confidently striding along, wrapped in a knee-length grey duster coat. This stunning creation by Coco Chanel is a true testament to the designer's keen eye for detail. The coat's tailored silhouette gracefully emphasised her waist, while the contrasting edges—navy blue against dove grey—add an air of subtle elegance. With Eli, it's not just about looks; this coat is practical too, designed to keep her warm while maintaining her impeccable style."

"I can see that our training to observe and remember every detail has paid off, Giles! Not that with Eli, that is at all difficult!"

"Agreed, Jeremy", smiled his friend. "However, as soon as the front door clicked firmly shut behind us, Eli shed her smart business wear like a second skin. The transformation takes place... First, she sets down her beloved handbag, the Sac à dépêches by Hermès, on the table just inside the entrance. Crafted with care, this structured bag boasts elegant black box calf leather. Its trapezium shape perches vertically on four sturdy studs at the base. Two straps secure its closure, while the bottom reveals three layers of supple leather. The yellow gold studs and clasps give a touch of opulence.

"A truly splendid creation indeed!"

"Within its clean lines, it holds Eli's essentials: luxurious leather wallet, matching leather-bound diary with pen, and matching business card holder with her cards; a bunch of keys on her custom-designed key ring; Revlon lipstick; Volupte powder compact with mirror; miniature manicure set; hair clip; her cherished sketchbook and pencil; and her signature perfumes. For daytime allure, she wears 'Bal À Versailles' by Jean Desprez—a rich perfume with floral notes, woods, civet, and amber. As evening descends, she envelops herself in the enchanting scent of 'Soir de Paris' by Bourjois, a floral fragrance with delicate notes of lily of the valley, rose, jasmine, heliotrope, and iris—a blend that exudes both femininity and strength."

"My, Giles, despite Eli's trenchant opinions of Paris, her favourite perfumes certainly reference Versailles and Paris!"

"That's Eli! Next, she gracefully removes the deep emerald green Christian Dior cloche hat that elegantly frames her freckled face. The woollen fabric, adorned with subtle gold embroidery, shields her from the damp and cold. A simple silk ribbon ties under her chin, adding a touch of sophistication. And there, at the hat's base, a tan leather band provides, Eli told me, warmth and grounding. But it's the contrasting peacock blue silk lining inside the crown that, she states, whispers of mystery and intrigue."

Jeremy chuckled heartily. "You're waxing poetical this evening, my friend! It must be Eli's influence. And these days, your knowledge of fashion labels is in danger of eclipsing your knowledge of wine bottle labels!"

Giles laughs before continuing. "As the hat is lifted, Eli's red hair is revealed, a freshly cut short bob, courtesy of Vidal Sassoon. This rebellious choice defies the prim and proper norms of the past. Her hair is sleek, sophisticated, and practical—a true reflection of Eli's modern sensibilities, don't you agree, old chap?"

"Certainly, Giles. But, please, do continue."