Tuesday 29 May 2012

cheap dresses and cheap days out

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I think everyone needs some cheap, happy dresses in their wardrobe, like this one I bought in Mexico a couple of years ago. The kind that cost $10 or less, and which is comfortable but which you're not nostalgically attached to, that you can flop in the grass in, cook multiple meals in, throw on straight out of the shower and then cycle off to a picnic in. Actually, scratch the cycling; I did just that in this dress and it was scandalously short...

The last couple of weekends I've been enjoying lots of relaxed, summery and inexpensive activities in Barcelona:

Bicycle tours of wine regions:
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Actually, this one wasn't so relaxing as it's where I fell off my bike (due to a steep hill and dirt road, rather than the wine). I've been rendered temporarily palm-less and with a bruised chin, but it was picturesque, in Catalonia's wine producing region (the Penedés).

Picnics with friends in the park:
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You spend €7 on ingredients, then sit in a sunny park chowing down on a shared feast of pasta, couscous and potato salads, tortilla de patatas, sushi (a couple of my friends used to live in Japan) and homemade chocolate cake. Cue contentment.

Explosive fire and music festivals:
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Barceloneta had the festival of the choirs this weekend, which is as described by a friend who lives in the neighbourhood: "On Saturday morning all the bands from all the different streets have a competition. Then they go to the Costa Brava and get drunk. On Monday they come back and do it all again, and at midnight they set off chains of fireworks and dance amid the falling sparks." Strange but true. Such a great night! Honourable mention to people knowing all the words to all the songs, the Pakistani beer sellers working overtime, and grannies standing on their balconies and the bands turning to serenade them directly. Also, the sequined pitchforks, fedoras, and sailor costumes.

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Barcelona, t'estimo

28 comments:

Daisy said...

Such a pretty dress and the photo of the band looks fab!

Fufuquices said...

I love your dress!
The city of Barcelona to be really lovely!
And all of these attractions are really interesting!
kisses

Emily Peebles said...

Ah, cheap dresses are such a summer staple. And that sounds like the most delicious picnic ever..

Closet Fashionista said...

Love the dress! and yes...I love the dresses that are cute but they weren't expensive so I can do whatever I want and not worry :D
Sounds like you've been having an awesome time (minues the spill on the bike :/ )
http://www.closet-fashionista.com/

Anonymous said...

Most definitely we should have play dresses. Hope the palms of your hands are getting better. The idea of a neighborhood band is fascinating to me...and what a great way to have a sense of community.

Molly Page said...

That is undoubtedly the perfect summer dress. Looks like it's serving you well so far this summer! Loving the sunglasses too.

Deppa said...

Yo soy una EXPERTA cuando se trata de comprar vestidos baratos.
Realmente tengo unos cuantos tesoros que me han costado medio dólar o menos! Y de verdad que me gustan muchísimo porque como son todos de segunda mano me doy el gusto de saber que nadie más los tendrá a mi alrededor (mucho mejor que cuando los compro en tiendas)

Te ves muy linda en las fotos.
Nos vemos!

Shybiker said...

Love the dress. Most of my dresses are cheap, so I relate to your point.

I find it interesting how women gauge the length of dresses and skirts. What's "scandalously short" to you is normal to others, especially for someone with nice legs like yours.

Dus of Cuddly Cacti said...

OMG tortilla de patatas! why have I never thought of taking that to a picnic? J & I used to make that all the time but have forgotten lately, thanks for the reminder! and more importantly, it looks like your summer is off to an absolutely amazing start!! Glad you're enjoying the outdoors w/ friends and food! the grannies sitting on balconies is my memory of Spain haha and... I looove this dress, you look adorable in it & seems to have fared you great w/ all that wear.
http://dusanabotswana.com/

Emily, Ruby Slipper Journeys said...

@Shybiker: It's only scandalously short while riding a bike, and my definition for that would be "can you see my underwear?" Which, unfortunately, with this one, you can.

out of order said...

mmmm thanks for showing me how much I need to have a potluck picnic!!! <3

Vanessa, Take only Memories said...

What a gorgeous dress. You look so lovely and summery.
Hope you've been well! xx

Miss Tallulah Porkchop said...

Ouch. So summer-fabulous it hurts.

TheHeadlessMannequin said...

I love cheap clothes and cheap thrills :) And picnics are my favourite of the latter - they're a bit of a rare occurence in Scotland albeit but that makes them all the sweeter when they do happen :) This dress is so pretty too and yet again I feel like your blog has given me a lovely sneak peek into life in Barcelona!

NRIGirl said...

As much I try not to I can't deny the fact that I am a little J of your cycling adventure in a summery weather. Enjoy!

Norbyah said...

such a sweet dress for a day out. but, i really am commenting to tell you that i really love that checked blouse from your previous post. i'd wear it all the time...
xo
n

Emily, Ruby Slipper Journeys said...

@The Headless Mannequin: I always think it's such a shame about the weather in Scotland, because it has such wonderful parks that are perfect for picnics!

@Norbyah: Thanks, I wear it all the time myself!

Amber said...

this looks like a dress I had when I was a kid. They sell similar dresses like this everywhere in Texas. I miss that dress. That sounds like a pretty gnarly fall. I hope the wine lessened the pain.

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Emily, Ruby Slipper Journeys said...

@Amber: Oh yeah? Well, Texas basically is Mexico anyway, right? ;)

Annebeth said...

I want that dress! it looks so comfy and pretty! and the shoes are perfect, I want some just like that. You look like I want to look! :D

Emily, Ruby Slipper Journeys said...

@Annebeth: And here I was thinking I was too casual for blogland...

Ashley said...

I totally want a recipe to that delicious-looking potato salad :)

Diana said...

there is nothing better than a great dress you paid almost nothing for! i feel like i tend to wear and love those more than the dresses i splurge on. ps this made me want to go on a picnic right now!


http://dressedupallligators.blogspot.com/

Imogen said...

Your outift is so perfect. The dress is so beautiful and pretty and the shoes are so cool and a great match.

Female Escorts UK said...

You look fab with that dress. I loved it.

Nicola said...

You are so, so incredible.

Please don't ever change.


http://shelovesmixtapes.blogspot.co.uk/

Enter my jewellery giveaway!

Cheap Summder Dresses said...

I need some cheap dresses,but I donot know where to buy.Could you tell me the address?or,if I can buy them online?
Thank you!

Cheap Coats For Women said...

Beautiful dress, I like it so much.