Page 28 of What Would Dolly Do?

‘Right,’ she said, hands on her tiny hips as she surveyed her domain, ‘we don’t need more denim, avoid anything too floral, but we could do with some sequins for a bit of sparkle and obviously hone in on any tartan you can find.’

It was an excellent plan. We split up and began working our way methodically through the racks, peering into glass display cabinets and rooting through open travelling trunks along the way.

I had a much clearer idea of what I was looking for now and I was hopeful I’d be able to find something myself here rather than rely on Laura and her fashion bloodhound skills.

Over our tea break we had discussed the idea of using tartan here and there throughout my new wardrobe to give it a cohesive look and build up a slight theme.

If we could find the right way to do it I thought it could work well.

I wasn’t a flowery sort of person but tartan and plaid came in so many colour combinations there would always be a way to brighten up any outfit by adding tartan touches.

By the time we encountered each other again over an hour later we both had armfuls of possibilities and it was time for a try-on session behind a gold velvet curtain in the changing room.

My finds included an oversized diaphanous blouse similar to the black chiffon we’d bought from the charity shop.

This one was red and I’d decided it went equally well with the tartan trousers for a bolder, more colourful look.

Laura nodded her approval like a proud mother hen.

I’d also found a long, loose duster jacket made entirely of sky-blue sequins.

The fabric shimmered and sparkled as I twirled around and it made me feel fabulous even slung over my jeans.

‘Snap!’ Laura said as I twirled, sorting out a very similar glittery coat from her finds pile, only this one was a silvery fabric.

We compared the merits of one against the other but decided they were both too gorgeous to leave behind.

They were over the top and showy but I knew they could be combined with less flamboyant fabrics like denim and leather for a grounded yet glamorous look.

I just hoped I’d have an occasion to wear them.

Laura was most triumphant about her tartan discovery.

I’d almost struck out completely in the tartan department.

Everything I’d spotted had been unsuitable or the wrong size.

The only thing I had found was a blue and yellow checked man’s tie.

I wasn’t sure why I’d bothered picking it up but I just really liked the colourful design, it was very eye catching. Laura seized on it immediately.

‘Oooo what a great idea,’ she said lassoing it around my neck and fixing it in a low-slung position.

‘You can wear it over a little strappy top instead of a long necklace, or put it with an open-necked shirt if you want a more Annie Hall kinda look. That’ll be a great way to put a pop of tartan into lots of different outfits. ’

Neither of those ideas had occurred to me but I was liking the touch of tartan theme we were beginning to assemble. Laura, of course, had taken her tartan treasure hunt to a whole different level.

‘Behold,’ she whispered holding up a deep blue tartan bodice. ‘It’s Vivienne Westwood!’

I took the corset from her and studied the distinctive folds of fabric across the neckline, the wide shoulder straps and the gold metal zip with its trademark orb dangling from the pull tab at the bust. It was stunning, but did I have the guts to wear it?

I didn’t dare ask the price, it was surely going to be even more expensive than the sequinned coats …

and they weren’t cheap, even though all this stuff was pre-loved.

This was going to be a very expensive shopping trip at the rate we were going but I couldn’t resist it, I just had to try the vintage Westwood on.

Maybe it wouldn’t fit and I wouldn’t have to worry about the price tag?

Even worn with just my faded blue jeans the Vivienne Westwood design looked absolute knockout, I had to admit it.

Laura said nothing, just nodded her head and smiled.

I checked myself out in the mirror. Was that boring Becky Mooney looking back at me?

Then I suddenly remembered I’d also found a cool pair of boots tucked in one of the accessories alcoves on the second floor.

They were high-heeled ankle boots in black fabric studded with silvery rhinestones.

They’d reminded me of the boots Madonna wore in Desperately Seeking Susan as soon as I saw them and they looked like they could be my size.

I kicked off my trainers and pulled the boots on, tucking my jeans inside the slouchy tops.

Now we were talking. The boots finished off the outfit perfectly.

I was a little bit country, a little bit rock ‘n’ roll, the tartan bodice had oodles of personality and the jeans and rhinestone boots completed a country-and-western-style showbiz look.

This could definitely be the start of the new me.

‘How d’you feel?’ Laura was studying me closely as I stood before the mirror with about a million thoughts whizzing around my mind.

I was thrilled with the clothes, the way they made me look was certainly giving me a confidence boost I sorely needed but my brain was already second-thinking the whole thing.

How would other people react to me looking like this?

Was I too old to be reinventing myself in this way?

Was I just setting myself up for heartbreak and disappointment?

With Tom? With a new music career? Was any of this a good idea?

Laura could clearly see the doubts creeping in but didn’t try to over-analyse me. She waited until I finally gave her question an answer.

‘I feel … a bit dazed and amazed,’ I admitted.

‘Write that down, what a great title for a song! “Dazed and Amazed” by Rebecca Mooney!’ Laura said as she came and stood right next to me and addressed my reflection in the full-length mirror in front of us.

She put her arm around my waist and gave me a friendly squeeze.

‘This is just the beginning of everything, Rebecca. Don’t forget, these clothes will be your armour when you present yourself to the world.

They are already making you feel good, I can tell, and that will help you so much when you perform.

You’ve made a great start today, but of course, no real make-over is complete without a few finishing touches. ’

I wasn’t sure what she meant by that but then she stroked my mousey hair and twirled an unruly lock around her finger.

Oh Lord, I thought, as anxiety began swirling inside me again, what on earth could Laura be planning now?