On Christmas Parties and Finding the Perfect Dress

Hey Ragers and Ragettes!!!  It’s a chilly day in St Helens so I have dressed accordingly.  I’m rocking a red sparkly belted jumper with my skinny jeans and my brown riding boots.  Now I have been wearing dresses this past week but today I have opted for jeans.  Why?  Because it is so cold here at work that I have to put a heater under my desk.  The heater has given me ugly looking marks on my leg so I can’t be having that.

I especially cannot be having that as it is coming up to that time of year that every girl loves and dreads....Christmas Party Season. 

Christmas Party Season is a bittersweet time.  Think crash diets to get into that frock, trying to find a frock that no one else has, booking beauty appointments (I booked mine in October!!), trying to get shoes and the right accessories for the frock, and so on!

Then onto the actual Christmas Party.  Christmas Parties are a hotbed for drama.  Many illicit kisses, bitch fights, sexual encounters and drunken mistakes are made.  Friendships break down and new ones are made.  Yes, so much drama in one night.

One such party, on this night, someone got fired, a romance happened (the happy couple got married this year) a promotion occurred and I got home in one piece with my boyfriend at the time.  It was a classic evening.  That night, I rocked a purple asymmetric frilled River Island frock, fishnet stockings and studded leather black stilettos and a rock chick side swept curly hairdo that at the time was a great idea.  Looking back....it probably wasn’t!!!

Well this year, this Christmas party should be pretty much drama free.   The lads at work, Paddy and his brother and Simon’s parents will be there.  As I will be the only chick there I need to rock a particularly fab outfit.

So I started hunting.  I usually go for a red short dress or a jumpsuit.  I needed something different though.

So I starting looking on Asos and I found 2 gorgeous frocks.  Both stunning and fabulous.  I looked at the price.  Ouch!  So I started to think outside of the box.

I started looking online at some quirky boutiques and after 5 hours of trawling the internet, I found it....

Now this frock is totally un-Betty Rage like but I chose it for one reason.

You all know how much I love my best friend Suzanne.  She is my constant inspiration, my rock.  She is one of the few people that I can be totally honest with and she will always give me her 100% honest opinion.  I consider her my sister. 

So when I saw this dress, I decided on it because it reminded me of Suzanne.  Suzanne is blond with blue eyes and clear porcelain skin.  This dress is falls to the knee, it has ¾ length sleeves, it cuts where a normal t-shirt would at the neck line, but it is backless!!!  And the colour?  Well, it is sequinned....and it is ice blue.  Yes, Betty Rage is breaking the red cycle and going for ice blue.  Suzanne wears blues all the time and I can imagine how gorgeous she would look in this dress.  It would suit her!!!  The fit and the colour....God, she would look stunning!

I decided to buy this dress and as I clicked on it I decided how to do the rest of the look.  I am going to go for a snow queen look.  So I will be wearing my silver sparkly stiletto shoes with matching clutch bag.  Some crystal chandelier serious bling earrings, and I found a statement cocktail ring.  That’s the outfit sorted.  I ran it by Suzanne and she agrees. 

I scheduled to get my beauty treatments done on the day of the party and one of the things I am going for is to get my eye makeup done.  Being a red lippy wearer, I am not confident doing my eyes.  So I need to get them to do a snow queen look for me.  I will probably slick my pink lip gloss on to finish the look.

It’s out of my comfort zone but I think that it will be fab! 

Simon and I decided to do a Man Versus Food sort of competition for our Christmas Party.  It's on December 20th at our Local Pub.  At our local pub, they do lovely food and 2 of the items that we do include a huge burger (it weighs about 2 pounds) and an 18 inch hot dog.  We are challenging the lads to eat them and the side of chips and onion rings.  If they finish it, Simon will pay for the whole meal.  It should be a laugh!!! 

I usually dread the holiday season because I have been single and alone.  But this year is different.  Life has changed so much for me so I feel that you sometimes need to go with it.  So here’s to ice blue dresses, eating competitions and fingers crossed a drama free Christmas party!!!

Until next time Ragers and Ragettes, keep your heads and standards high and your heels even higher!

Lots of love

The Fabulous Betty Rage xxxxxx

On a New Personal Trainer and Cleaning Out the Closet

Hey Ragers and Ragettes!!!   It’s Monday again and here I am at my desk with the heater under my desk blasting on full blast!  I am rocking my black and wine lace patterned vintage wrap around dress with black tights and my black patent with velour detailing stiletto Mary Janes.   I have my new favourite lippy on and I am feeling fab-u-lous!!

Suzanne is at home relaxing and getting better.  I am so happy that she is resting.  She needs it!!!  I do miss her though so much.  I need to schedule time to see her before Christmas and give her the Christmas present I bought her.  

This past weekend was a great weekend.  I woke up bright and early on Saturday as I had a training session with my new personal trainer.  Her name is Karen* (Changed to protect the innocent) and she is a very pretty girl.  With Blonde hair and her petite frame she looks like any normal pretty girl that you would see at the gym.  But this girl is seriously physically fit!!!  She has entered body form competitions and you should not under estimate this girl!!!!

We kind of started talking anyway before she started training me and it transpires that she went to school with Simon.  Simon remembers her as being quirt, pretty and sweet.  That’s pretty much Karen. 

We started the session with my measurements.   She measured my calf muscles first.  Now when I rolled my jogging bottoms up, she saw my defined calf muscles.  Christ, Betty she said.  You have got a pair of killer calf muscles!! 

I grinned and said, do you want to know my secret?  She looked at me and said yes I need to get mine better for my next competition. 

I smiled and said, I wear 5 inch stilettos most days.  I have been wearing heels for 17 years now so I can strut my stuff in most heeled shoes.  They shape the calf muscles nicely.

Karen was shocked.  She took the rest of my measurements and we started the training.  It was weights based (which is what I prefer and has been proven to work the best for fat loss) and I impressed her as I lifted more than she thought I could.  We chatted like friends would and it was a pleasant session.

She was asking me about my heels and the size that I wear.  I told her that I would send her a heel wearing training plan.  Result!

She said that she would send me a training plan (which she did) and recommended what I should eat.  I felt comfortable and confident leaving the gym.

When I got home, I took a shower and when I came out I had a friend request from her on Facebook and a text telling me that I did great on my session.  I had 2 trainers previous but I feel that working out with Karen will give me the results that I need.

I spent Saturday sorting through my clothes and clearing out what I wanted to list on eBay.  I got through a lot and it felt quite good.   I ended up with 43 items that I want to sell. 

I even went through my Facebook account and got rid of a lot of the bad things, people and feelings and negative vibes.

I then topped up my red hair (which I love so much!!!) so it's very, very, very bright red (thank you Crazy Colours!!)

I then settled in my bean bag chair and watched Swedish/Danish police drama The Bridge (God, Danish men!!!!  Daaammmmmnnnnnnnnnnn!!!!) and just felt content with things. I felt that finally things were moving in the right direction.

On Sunday I listed 12 items and within an hour 2 had bids against them!!  Result!  

A wise person once said, when you clear things and people out of your life, you are actually making room for better people and things.  So I like to think that I am getting rid of bad memories, negative feelings and negative influences. 

It’s so liberating!!!  I also found some lovely dresses at the back of the closet and realised that I haven’t worn my office dresses for ages.  So I am going to start wearing them again to work.  I need to get my femininity back.  

So I am going into this week feeling more positive and bright.   No doubt there will be times where I will want to snap and scream but the key is to remember that better things are coming and also remember never to let anyone make you feel inferior.

So Ragers and Ragettes, clean out your closet and make room for new things and new people.  I mean, do you really need an excuse to buy new shoes and clothes?

So until next time, keep your standards and heads high and your heels even higher

Lots of Love

The Fabulous Betty Rage xxxxxxxxxx

On Going to Amsterdam

Happy Friday Ragers and Ragettes!!!!  I am in a great mood because it is Friday!!!  Whoop whoop!!!  I am rocking today a fuchsia, black and grey striped jumper dress with black leggings (I am honestly loving these things!!) and some black ballet pumps....yes you read that right.  I have reasons for wearing these today.  I am also wearing my new favourite lipstick.  It’s a deeper wine coloured red.  It’s a gorgeous colour!  I am so tempted to go out and buy at least 4 more tubes of it.

Good news also.  Suzanne is in the hospital but she is recovering.  I have been messaging her trying to keep her amused.  Please get better Suzanne!!!!! I miss you!!!  

I am also excited because in 10 weeks I am going to Amsterdam!!!!  I am beyond excited for this!!!

It all came about a month ago.  We were in work and I was chatting to the lads in despair about going home for Christmas.  Now I don’t mind going home for Christmas.  I get to see my parents but one thing I have learned is that when you live away from home as long as I have and then you go back to see your parents it can be...well.....erm......trying. 

My Mama is the worst.  If I have a glass of wine (she is tee total) instantly, are you an alcoholic?  For ages it has been why aren’t you married?  When are you going to have a child?  Stop piercing and tattooing your body.  Have you gained weight?  And the list goes on!!!

I was chatting to the lads about this and I said that I need a vacation from my break in America.  They said where would you go?  And I said some place like Amsterdam.  They all looked at me and it clicked.

I went to my desk and did some research.  And before I knew it I found flights and an apartment accommodates 10 people.   I told the lads excitedly and on payday we all booked it!  

And I am now beyond excited. 

Amsterdam is a great city.   Besides the culture, history, scenery , great vintage shops, and atmosphere, they have “coffee shops” that serve beer, coffee and marijuana.

Now let’s get something straight.  I am not a major pot smoker.  I have maybe smoked the stuff about 6 times in my 30 plus years of living.  It’s something that I can take or leave.  I am more of a cigarettes and alcohol sort of girl.  But when I go to Amsterdam, I plan on relaxing and indulging in the giggle weed.  I don’t plan on getting wrecked though.  Someone will need to be the responsible adult!!! 

I went to Amsterdam in 2011 with a hen party (bachelorette party to people in America) .  It was August and it was the best weekend I ever had.  The bride to be was a bridezilla and threw temper tantrums when she didn’t get her way.

I remember the Friday that we arrived.  It was a lovely, warm August morning.  We took the short flight (an hour and 20 minutes) and arrived.  The train station was in the airport.  We got the train to the city center (there is a train to the city center every 20 minutes) and when we got to Dam Square, the sun was bright and it was lovely and warm.  We checked into our hotel (just off Dam Square) and headed out into the city center to explore. 

We went to a cafe and the Bride’s sister bought some pot.  We rolled a joint and shared it.  It was relaxing.  We had a laugh especially when the bride’s mum came in and in her Irish accent said “ are ya sure that this is the best pot that you can get?  I don’t wantcha smoking somethin’ that is substandard.” 

We all giggled even more!!!  It was a laugh!!!  We then went roaming the streets of Amsterdam and were giggling about everything. 

Then the munchies hit.

I needed food and I needed it at that moment!!!  I then saw a sign that said “Best Chips in Amsterdam”.  It was in a blue and yellow cone shaped paper.   I knew I needed to try these chips.

I ordered a big cone of chips with garlic mayonnaise and cheese.  I was in heaven!!!!  They were the best chips I ever ate.  Ever!!!!

As the afternoon drew on we went to the shop bought some alcohol and just chilled.  We then got ready to go out.  All 8 of us went out together but 4 of us split away from the group.  We ended up going on our own adventure.  We went to a few bars.  Then we decided to go find a night club.  One of the girls was a professional dancer.  So we danced until they threw us out at 4am.  We then went across Dam square singing and laughing.

Such great memories.  It was a great time.  I don’t know if I just wanted to recreate the moment.  I am not that fresh faced girl that I was 3 years ago.  I am a different woman.  So many things have changed since then.  But I have always wanted to go back.

So, January 30^th – February 1^st, 10 of us are going to Amsterdam which looks like it will be an epic weekend. 

It’s basically everyone from work let loose.  We all agree that someone will get arrested, someone will sleep with a dodgy prostitute and no doubt someone will get so wastes that they will end up naked duct taped to a fence somewhere.  All I know is that it is going to be the best weekend ever!

Christmas?  Nah.  It will be great to see the family, but Amsterdam?  I can let my hair down, laugh and enjoy a great city with great company.  And that’s what I intend on doing!!!  It’s great to have something to look forward to. 

So until next time Ragers and Ragettes.  Keep your head and standards high and your heels even higher!

Lots of love,

The Fabulous Betty Rage xxxxxx

On A Cathartic Weekend and Bathing Guinea Pigs

Hey Ragers and Ragettes!  It’s Monday and I am feeling good in myself!  Today I am wearing a beige knitted dress with black trim, black leggings (I am really loving these leggings!!) and my black heeled knee boots.  I touched up my hair so it is bright, bright red!  Fabulous!!!  I have my red lippy on and it matches my hair.  Feeling on top form!

But I need some prayers Ragers and Ragettes.  Suzanne isn’t doing too well.  It appears that she has a bad kidney infection and she is on her way to hospital as we speak.  I am scared for her and I want her to get better.

In light of this news, I am going to make myself happy and put positive vibes out there for her with today’s post.

This past weekend was lovely and interesting.

Saturday was busy!!  I went to the gym and had a great session with my Personal Trainer.  I am gutted because on Thursday she is leaving and moving onto another gym.   She is an amazing woman and I have learned so much from her.  She’s given me a new lease of life in my workouts.  I feel stronger and she has made me see my workouts in a different light. 

Then Simon picked me up and we headed to the train station to go to Wigan as I needed to return 2 dresses to H&M that I bought.  One was a big fuzzy jumper dress that was way too big!  I mean the armpits sagged down to my waist!!!  Plus it just didn’t suit me.  (it suited the skinny bitch model though!!!) and the other was a quirky cute dress.  I put it on and it just didn’t suit me at all.  It was a bit tight but the way that it was cut didn’t flatter my figure at all.  I was looking for a blazer to wear for Simon’s birthday celebration in 3 weeks time and I found a gorgeous peachy/pink one.  I found the last one in my size got my refund and Simon and I walked around Wigan laughing and joking about how many pie shops there were.  Honestly.  Every other shop was a pie shop!

We then got on the train and headed back into St Helens and I went to the little shopping mall to a little boutique that I like and purchased 2 tops to wear under the blazer because I couldn’t decide which colour.  The first one is a gorgeous wine racer back floaty sort of top.  And the other is a cobalt blue wraparound cami.  Both look great under the blazer and I can’t decide which one to go for.  Part of me is saying go for the cobalt blue one.  It’s different and striking, I think with my red hair. 

We then went to the pet shop to purchase some more Timothy hay for the guinea pigs and Simon pulled a little pink bottle off the shelf. 

Hey Betty, Simon said.  Hey what I responded.

He grinned his cheeky chappy grin and said let’s bathe the guinea pigs. 

Now Betty Rage has never bathed an animal before ever.   Where do I even start? 

I shrugged and said, ok let’s give it a go!  We finished our shopping and got back home.  I got into a nice hot shower and put on my raspberry colour sweater dress (I love sweater dresses!!!!!!) and my tan leggings (which are a tad too big for me!) and we cleaned the guinea pigs’ cage out and then decided to try and bathe them.

I read on the internet some tips and so we tried it.  We put a towel in the bottom of the bath (for traction for the little guinea pigs’ feet.) filled the bath with warm water.  We put Wally* (I even changed the guinea pigs names to protect them!!) in first as he is placid.  I held Chilli* on my lap to calm him down while his brother was being washed.  Wally let Simon pour water on his back and rub his little body with the guinea pig shampoo.  It was the cutest thing I have ever seen!!!!  I even videoed and took photos of it!  When he was finished with Wally, I handed him Chilli and I wrapped Wally up in a towel.  The little guy was shaking so I did my best to keep him warm. 

Chilli didn’t like the bath at all!  He ran around trying to avoid having water poured on him.  Simon picked him up and kissed his nose.  The site was too cute for words!!!  Honestly!   It was cute over load!

We towelled Chilli off and wrapped them both up to keep warm and dry them off.  We took them to the front room to watch some TV.  I was holding Wally and Simon was holding Chilli.

That moment was perfect, Ragers and Ragettes.  We were sitting there on the settee with our 2 little bundles of fluff holding hands.  Honestly, if I could take a moment and wrap it up in a box and put a bow on it.  So when times got bad, I could revisit it over and over again.

Now, Wally has a little habit that makes me angry.  He likes to pee on me.  Yes, you read that right!  I felt confident holding him in a towel because surely he would pee in the towel?  Wrong!!!!

I was holding Wally in the towel and his face was pointing towards my face.  He started to crawl up towards my face.  I thought that he wanted to give me kisses.  I felt a warm wet feeling on my jumper and on my chest. 

The little shit got out of the towel to pee on  me and then went back into the towel!!!  Simon thought that this was the funniest thing ever!!!  I was not impressed at all!!!! 

We decided to put the little guys back in their clean cage.  Simon couldn’t stop laughing.

Sunday was spent chilling.  I reluctantly went to the gym in the morning.  I came back and I just felt disconnected.  Simon and I cleaned the apartment from top to bottom.  We finished up and Simon decided to play his PlayStation.

So I decided to touch up my red (red does fade so quickly so I used Crazy Colours Fire to keep the red looking bright and vivid.  I do this every 10 days in between hair appointments.   It’s not a permanent colour so there is no peroxide or anything like that.) and I sat in my comfy chair and started watching the latest Danish/Swedish Noir TV program, The Bridge.  It’s a great show and you know how much I love Danish men!!!!

I got lost in that world for a few hours.  I then looked at the time and decided to make a batch of chilli for Simon and me.  I love making chilli.  I can’t cook but I do make a good batch of chilli. 

Simon and I had dinner, watched TV for a bit.  It was getting late so Simon and I started to get ready for bed.  I cleaned up the kitchen, brushed my teeth and put my night cream on and headed for bed. 

Simon checked his phone and I was reading up on the latest fashion trends,  I just felt like I was a bit lost.  Simon turned the light off and got into bed.

I held him and we snuggled me.  Betty, he said.  What’s up.

I started to talk to him.  I told him how I was feeling.  The feeling of being lost and sometimes isolated.  How I want better for myself. 

He listened, stroked my back and I felt safe.  I don’t even remember what I said but I felt like some of the pent up feelings I had were set free. 

When I was finished, he stroked my face and said, Betty you can always talk to me.  He kissed me softly and said let’s get to sleep.

I rolled over on my side, my back facing him, he spooned me and wrapped his arm around my waist and kissed my neck and my back.  I feel asleep for the first time in a long time with a huge smile on my face.

Sometimes with our partners, we feel like we need to hold things back.  The truth of the matter is that your partner is your friend too.  We need to remember that. 

So here I am typing this up as Simon is blasting and dancing around the office to Barry White’s “You’re my First, My Last and You’re My Everything”.  Yes.  My other half is silly and sweet.  Yes he can sometimes be a bit of an ass in work and sometimes he has a know it all attitude but he’s lovely and sweet.  He’s one of my closest friends and I am blessed to have found him.

This weekend it made me realise that I have being living in the past and it’s time for me to move forward.  So next weekend I will be doing a massive clean out! 

Lastly, Suzanne, I love you, I miss you.  Please get better.  Please.

So until next time Ragers and Ragettes, keep your head and standards high, and your heels even higher!

Lots of love

The Fabulous Betty Rage xxxxxxxxxxxxx

On Work Night Outs Drama

Hey Ragers and Ragettes!  It’s a chilly Monday here in St Helens.  I am rocking a Raspberry jumper dress over my skinny jeans and comfy brown riding boots.  I am nice and cozy and warm!!!

Well, on Friday I had another birthday celebration.  This time it was with my colleagues from work.   Keith, Errol, Errol’s girlfriend,  Paddy and Paddy’s brother.

I dressed in a white and beige body con dress, nails and make up done up to the nines hair perfect.

Now work nights out are notorious for drama.  Usually someone cops off with someone else, people fall in love, someone gets trashed and throws up all over the place, etc.  It’s usually a good laugh and I tend to not drink as much because in the past I was usually the one causing the drama.  And Betty Rage doesn’t want or need any more drama right now!

Friday night had its fair share of drama.  It started off nice enough.  We were all in the pub laughing and having a drink…  Errol’s girlfriend, Brittany (name has been changed) and I started to chat and have a laugh.  We played pool and have a good laugh.

Then our new member of staff, Andy (name has been changed) showed up.  Andy, is about 50, has an arm full off tattoos.  He’s a tough guy and he’s our mechanic.  He’s a good guy.  I bought him a drink and we all continued to have a great time.

Then we decided to go to another bar down the road that was quite skanky.  We all rocked up with Brittany puking on the way.  Messy!!!

Keith and Paddy walked up to 2 girls and started chatting them up.  Simon and I started chatting to Andy.  He’s enjoying working with us, which ixs good because he’s a good worker.

Simon then wandered off somewhere leaving Andy and me.  I went to buy a diet coke (I alternate alcoholic with non alcoholic drinks)  It was loud and I felt an arm around my waist.  Before I knew it, I was pressed against Andy’s torso, he whispered in my ear chatting about work...I felt his hand tenderly rubbing the small of my back.  I instantly felt uncomfortable.  Where was Simon?

I made my excuses and went out to see Simon who was having a cigarette and laughing outside.  Keith saw me shiver and he gave me his coat. 

I took a cigarette and pretended to laugh and joke.  Andy came outside and lit up a cigarette.

I was overreacting, I told myself.  I smiled, relaxed and joined in the merriment.

I gave Keith back his coat and he and Paddy went back to the girls they were chatting up and Simon disappeared again.  I went inside to check on Brittany who was chatting to Paddy’s brother.  Simon and I shared a kiss.  Errol called Simon over and I was again alone.

 I went out to have another cigarette and in a blink of an eye Andy was outside with me having a cigarette.  He was looking at me funny.  I tried to make small talk.  I finished my cigarette and he put his arms around me once more.  He hugged me and told me he was happy working for Simon.  He kissed my bare shoulder and I knew that I wasn’t over reacting.  His hands rubbing up and down my back.  You’re cold, Betty. 

I felt a bit scared.  He is 6 foot tall and looks like he has been in prison for murder. I didn’t know what to do.  I was shaking half out of cold half out of fear.  What if Simon saw?

I smiled sweetly and said, I need to go to the bathroom.  So I broke away and went to the toilet and tried not to cry.  I mean, my eye makeup looked perfect!!!! 

I checked my phone.  It was getting late.  I composed myself and strutted back out.  Andy vanished.

Simon was laughing with Errol at the fact Keith and Paddy went with the 2 women they were chatting up.  I stayed by Simon’s side for the rest of the night.  We got thrown out of the bar as they were closing at 3.   We stumbled to the take away for a pizza and not once did I leave Simon’s side.  Simon was the drunkest I had ever seen him so he didn’t think anything was up.  I clung onto him and he was whispering pure filth into my ear.  Usually I would reciprocate but I still felt a bit upset.

We got a cab and got home.  I had to hold Simon up.  When the lift got to our floor I went to leave and Simon fell flat on his ass.  I had to pick him up (wearing 6 inch stiletto heels and trying to pick up a giggling drunken boyfriend is difficult!!!

We got in, I ate only a slice of pizza and Simon picked the toppings off and ate it like a naughty school boy.  He looked sweet and I smiled at him.  I washed my hands and we got into bed.  I turned the lights off.  Simon tried to have sex with me but in his intoxicated state he couldn’t rise to the occasion.

So he passed out and I drifted to sleep.

The next day I pretty much did nothing.  My tummy was feeling off.  Simon was feeling rough..  I spent the whole day by his side.   Hugging him and kissing him.  I felt clingy, needy, guilty.  Then Andy texted me.

My heart started pounding.  He wanted to know if I had a hangover.  I texted back, I am a bit rough but ok.

He then asked questions about the work’s trip to Amsterdam. 

I answered brightly and pretended nothing happened.  I just felt guilty. 

I know I am probably making a mountain out of a molehill.  I bet that I am getting worked up over nothing.  I bet that this is not as bad as I feel.  Why do I feel so bad? 

I haven’t told anyone about this, not even Suzanne.  Did I do something wrong?  Why do I feel guilty? 

I am struggling with all these emotions.  When I was single I would have lapped the attention up but now that I am with Simon, I just feel like it’s all wrong. 

The worst bit is coming into work today and Andy acting nonchalant about it.  I am putting it down to drunken behaviour.  That’s all it can be, can’t it?

So I made a decision.  I am off the booze for the foreseeable future.   I just don’t want that drama in my life.  I worked so hard to get a great guy and to get a good life.  Things aren’t perfect by any means but they are better.  I love Simon so much and I don’t want to lose him.

We will see how this goes.  Fingers crossed it goes according to plan!  

So until next time, Ragers and Ragettes.  Keep your heads and standards high and your heels even higher

Lots of Love

The Fabulous Betty Rage xxxxxxxxxxx

On the “L” Word

Hey Ragers and Ragettes!!!  It’s a cool day here in St Helens and I am writing this in my warmest sweater dress and my brown heeled knee high boots that I love so much!!!  These boots are so comfy!  They have a leopard print liner in them and they make your feet and legs feel so warm.  And the plus side?  I can drive in them!!!!  Result!!!!  I rarely can drive in heels!

Well, today I need to discuss with you, Ragers and Ragettes the “L” word.  I am not talking Love, Lesbianism, or life.  No, something far more controversial..........Leggings.

Besides the Ugg Boot (which I despise), never has an article of clothing caused such a rift in the fashion world.   A lot of women do own a pair of leggings but this trend has never been for me.

Why?  Out of principle.  I saw this trend the first time in the 80's and this time round I see how girls were rocking them, usually wearing them as bottoms, paired with a crop top and the leggings being so thin  that you can see not only the person’s knickers and the pattern on the knickers but what they ate for dinner the night before.

Yuck! 

Also, being a lady with ample curves, I am scared that my legs will look like sausages and my large bum will look bigger than Nicki Minaj's.

But someone changed my mind.

On Saturday I went out with Simon’s Mum and I ended up having a lovely day!  We went shopping and I bought a few sweater dresses.  Wearing jeans is ok in winter but sometimes you just want to try something different. 

The problem though is that one would need something to cover the legs.  I love multi coloured tights and but I have a small problem.  I tend to snag them with my acrylics.  I have tried putting them on wearing gloves (I end up pinching my skin and snagging them anyway!) getting someone else to put them on (That just ends in Simon ripping them off and fucking me!!) and putting them on without my acrylic nails (That was the worst week of my life....I need my acrylic talons!!!).  So I was chatting to Simon’s mum about my plight over a glass of Chardonnay at my favourite wine bar in Manchester, The Hanging Ditch, and she said, Betty, have you considered leggings?  I almost spit out the pleasant glass of Chardonnay I was enjoying.

What? Leggings??????????????

I looked at her with shock and she smiled and said, come on, let’s get you some leggings.

I know most things about fashion and such but leggings are a forbidden and unchartered dark corner in the world of Betty Rage. 

Simon’s Mum and I headed to Primark and she started explaining to me about the best type of leggings to get.  They can’t have a lot of lycra in it because they will stretch and sag.  That makes sense.  She recommends that I go for cotton ones.  They are nicer and will not stretch out as much with wear and when you wash them they won't snag.  

I was shocked at how many types of leggings they do!!!  All different colours, shapes, sizes, materials.  They even do fleece lined ones!  They did sucking in ones which sound like a good idea.

So I picked out a tan pair, 2 black pairs and a black sucking in pair in my size and ran to the check out and bought them before I changed my mind.

Yesterday I decided to try them on so I picked out a black and white stripped sweater dress that I purchased at H&M on Saturday and I opted for the sucking in leggings, took a deep breath and put them on under my knee length sweater dress.

Ragers, Ragettes.  They were not bad at all!!!  I put my knee high black sexy stiletto boots on over them with ease,  Topped with my red lippy, I looked at myself and thought, foxy!  Simon saw me and said, sexy baby and he playfully slapped my ass.  Ok, so far so good.

I spent the day wearing them and my verdict? They are much stronger than tights.  They are comfy, and the sucking in ones did the job.  My tummy and hips looked smoother and better.  No one really noticed that they were leggings.  That was a good thing.  The only down side is that every once and awhile, like tights, you need to adjust them and pull them up.  Sucking in leggings under a monochrome sweater dress with sexy black knee high boots?  9 out of 10.  Fab!

Today I am wearing my tan cotton ones under my cream sweater dress.  These aren’t sucking in ones and they are not shiny and nice looking like the ones that I wore yesterday. They fit nicely under my boots and didn't bunch up. They are thicker than tights and quite comfy.  My dress is a little shorter today so I am a bit self conscious.  But I am also happy that I get to rock them with my new boots.  I strutted out of the gym this morning feeling different and slightly sexy but pulling the back of my sweater dress down.  Nice.

So my verdict on leggings? 

They are ok.  I am not going to start to wear them every day but they are a practical solution for the winter sweater dress and tights dilemma.   I just need to remember to wear them under long jumpers, midi dresses or smock dresses.  Plus if you put a sassy pair of knee high boots on , no one will know the difference!   Result!!!

So until next time Ragers and Ragettes, keep your head and standards high and your heels even higher!

Lots of love

The Fabulous Betty Rage xxxxxxxxxxx