Wednesday 5 October 2011

New To Me



In the absence of finding anything very exciting from this morning's car boot (classic car parts may be worth a small fortune but they don't make for the most scintillating of blog posts) I thought I'd show you a couple of last week's finds instead.


This early 1960s vintage lurex and wool skirt suit has been painstakingly handmade with exquisite French seams. It has cotton underarm protectors (to avoid any unladylike sweat stains) and is lined with pink silk.



It was hanging on a rusting metal coat hanger from the wing mirror of a van belonging to a scruffy bloke dealing in antique books. I'm always a bit wary of things on hangers as sellers tend to ask a premium but I bit the bullet and asked and was more than happy with the £2 he wanted.



A vintage purist may have worn it with flesh coloured stockings, kitten heels, dainty jewellery and an alligator hide Kelly bag.


Me, I prefer something a little less traditional so it's fringed suede shoe boots (£5, local market), turquoise opaques, 1960s vinyl bag (50p, Salvation Army) and a heap of ethnic jewellery.


This midnight blue lace shift is mid-1960s and again, handmade. It has covered buttons and French seams. The sleeves, sides and hem are silk and it came with a separate nylon lining.


This was from the same seller. I asked if he had any more old clothes and he produced this from the back of his van. I had to haggle him down to £4. 


The original lining doesn't show the lace off to it's best advantage so I'm wearing a pair of velvet hot pants (70p, car boot sale) underneath along with a pair of Claires' Accessories tights (£1.50, 2009 sale), Nordiska suede belt (20p, car boot sale), faux suede platform shoes (£5, local boutique), a 1960s vinyl shoulder bag (£3.25, Walsall Hospice) and a vintage plastic brooch (20p, car boot sale)

In the absence of a cider press, I'm off to spend the afternoon baking with apples. I'll share any creations with you very soon.

80 comments:

  1. You always look fantastic and suit 70s garb so well, but I adore you in these 60s numbers, which you make look classy and quirky!

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  2. ABSOLUTELY Loveee the second look! That color is FAB! :)

    ♡ from © tanvii.com

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  3. Just discovered your blog. Love the first outfit , you really have amazing style.

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  4. Vix, I could scream. those are terrific.

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  5. Dearest Vix,
    That skirt suit is wonderful, what a superb find and for £2 a complete steal. I tend to be a bit wary of things hanging on display too but it's good to have a punt on asking how much anyway cause sometimes you do get lucky other times you nod to the seller and think "£££ mate, you're having a bubble, it's a car boot sale not Christie's". Imagine if you'd just walked on presuming he'd be asking for too much, disaster! I really like how you've styled both the outfits.
    Lot's of love,
    Jennie
    xXx

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  6. Vix! That suit is just gorgeous. So ladylike. Both outfits are fabulous finds

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  7. When you buy your clothes do you try and buy things which will go with any clothes you already have or do you just buy things because you like the look of them?

    Cxx

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  8. Both are darling. LOVE the 'modern' touches of the unexpected tights and colors. It's like you have a sixth sense for finding these treasures.

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  9. There's an almost futuristic look to the first outfit. Exquisitely made, and as always, fits you perfectly. I love how you styled it, not sure the purist way would show off the finish of the suit so well.
    Adore navy, it suits everyone, and lace is always a winner.
    Enjoyed seeing you rock the sixties today. There used to be a stall on the local market (so my mother tells me) which consisted of an elderly man sat on a stool next to an untidy pile of clothes. My mum and aunt found some exceptional clothes there. I love finding a diamond in the rough! You certainly did with these outfits.

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  10. I love both of these looks because of the fab colour combinations! Your hair looks gorgeous too. I prefer to put things together so there's a burst of colour, or something unexpected too. Good luck with the baking. My wafers taste amazing but are a bit lacking in "rise"! Em xx

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  11. you look gorgeous in both outfits Vix! I love the prices of each outfit; I love the detail on the shift dress & that suit reminds me of what my Mum bought for my Bro's wedding last year.... except it costed her £300 more!!!! {just proof you don't need to spend a fortune in looking fab!!}


    Jules {click on wishlist to access}

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  12. I absolutely adore both outfits Vix, I am inspired to wear some chunky Indian jewellery with some of my ladylike dresses now. Just need to get some first! Those purple leopard tights are also fab xx

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  13. Thank you for dropping by!

    Love the midnight blue dress. You look lovely in it!
    And the mix in colors are very well played! Creative!

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  14. I love that you paired those powder blue tights and bag with that gorgeous suit in the first couple photos. What a unique and spectacular outfit! :)

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  15. i love the mix of colors in both these outfits-you are just too fabulous!!

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  16. I love the first outfit, but the second is gorgeous. Such good finds.
    I could imagine the top in the first one being worn with flares and wedges for a casual/dressy outing for pints outfit - lotsa jewellery naturally. :)
    xx

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  17. Ok I have tight envy right now! Why don't I own turquoise tights?That lurex suit is amazing and a bargain. It's official I want to hang out in your closet.

    Em x

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  18. Those shades of purple are absolutely stunning on you, Vix, I adore that outfit! And those tights... may I have them, please? :-)

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  19. Vix, I love how you've paired modern elements with these vintage outfits. Only you could think of it and look blindingly fantastic. Love those tights. I especially like that first two piece outfit. It is spectacular.

    xo, Bonnie

    PS - Loved seeing the goodies you sent La Dama's way. She will make a wonderful Halloween vampire prostitute!

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  20. Wow, what a gorgeous suit. So ladylike, looking fabulous as always. Xx

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  21. I love you in 60's Lurex suit, so sophisticated, with turquoise accesories. so much beauty amor.
    you rock the lacey purple one as well amor. what a bargain biatch you are.
    I am perving at your leopard legs and shoes so divine grime.

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  22. Morning Sunshine!!!! Now that is liquid gold you have on there. I love this suit on you and the two buttons on front so tailored! Does it make a little swoosh swoosh when you wiggle wiggle :) I love all that turquoise it totally makes the outfit SING!!!! That purse and those shoes...LOVE!

    The navy number is also fanfriggingtastic, these things just come to you!! The lace with the leopard tights perfection me dear! Vix sometimes I just wanna bite you!

    Big KISSES!!!!!
    ~
    Krista

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  23. As ever, you have remained true to your own unique Vixaciousness in your styling, and made these outfits completely YOU, even though they are a change from your usual style.
    You look hot hot hot with your up-do and your amazing legs, phoaarrrr!

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  24. ooohhh Vix you look absolutely beautiful in the gold suit it fits you to perfection what a stunning and well made suit. Love the way you have your hair and makeup with it you look very glamorous. And the other dress is gorgeouos to. You do have some amazing clothes i would love to go carbooting with you. dee xx

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  25. Cor blimey! I love these outfits...you look fab. I particularly love the glitz and teal combo. Goregous!xxxx

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  26. Both those outfits are stunning - especially with the amazing tights you've worn with them. Fab-U-lous, darling (in the words of Craig Revel-Horwood.)

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  27. That turquoise is utterly gorgeous :)

    Re your apples - a friend & her o/h spent hours juicing pears in a normal food processor to make cider/perry. Fiddly but do-able.

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  28. Love both these outfits, esp the turquoise and lurex, tell me you shoe size

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  29. Love your colour combinations here. Really brings your vintage finds up to date.

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  30. I do love that turquoise with the lurex, it looks amazing!

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  31. Both looks are AMAZING!!! I don't know which one I like better. The tights add so much to both ensembles.

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  32. i am drooling over that suit!!.. its so stunning .. i loved it when i saw your pics last week and it looks even better on.. im sure if i dont eat for the rest of the year i could squeeze into it!!
    love the blue lace dress to its gorgeous and looks fantastic with the tights!!
    charl
    x

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  33. Gorgeous dresses, especially that navy one which looks fab teamed with those leopard print tights.

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  34. Wow Vix beautiful, exquisite outfits, wow! no wonder you are # 1
    Love the animal print thights, to cool, i want a pair! the skirt suit is divine!

    You did it again my British friend - Love ya! Ariane xxxx

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  35. Great finds! I love both outfits, but especially the first one, it's so pretty and what a bargain! :)

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  36. We are SO loving all the pops of color and mixing of patterns! You look FAB!

    ox,
    -Davie+Erica
    Wardrobe Stylists, NYC

    >>http://www.lpfashionphilosophy.blogspot.com

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  37. Love both outfits - I especially like the way you combine colours and those teal shoe boots are fabulous. Shame you didn't find a cider press, but I bet you would spotted it if there'd been one there - you have such an eye for these things!

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  38. OMG LOOK AT YOU!!! O,honey,you are SO rocking these numbers,and you've made them so VERY Vix!!!! Great scores,I adore each piece,and especially every detail that you've added!
    SUBLIME!
    I adore YOU!!!
    Love Helga xxxXXXxxx

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  39. hi vix,

    though our styles are wildly divergent, i so admire your genius-like pairing of fabrics and accessories. no one does it better in my book. i love the attention to detail that is found in vintage clothing and i'm continuously inspired by the guts you show in dressing.

    xo
    janet

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  40. Look at your rocking the leopard print tights - blooming lovely! Both outfits are amazing, and fit you like a dream :o) Scarlett x

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  41. Love love love the second outfit - those tights are smashing!

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  42. I love both dresses, but the gold one has stolen my heart. You know I am baroque yeahhhhhhhhhhhhhhh.
    Love u.
    XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

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  43. You look fab in both these outfits. I am super-jealous of your great legs!

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  44. i love both looks... in the first i adore the mix of colours... but i love every little piece about the second look.

    http://wardrobexperience.blogspot.com

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  45. Good lord woman you're going to stop traffic in that lacy dress! I like the first one too but I think the color on the second one is really beautiful on you.

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  46. I love it when I get to catch up on all your posts! I've been teaching and only had a chance to read them tonight. The bike is brilliant! Love all your outfits and those 60s finds are wonderful xxx

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  47. Just loving that lace dress so pretty. Love the colour too! It looks really good teamed up with those cool tights too!


    MBB x

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  48. I love the turquoise with the lurex suit. It works so perfectly; vintage and yet fresh and unique. Your way with colours always inspires me!

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  49. Oh my word, that lurex suit is TO DIE FOR! £2?!! Wow! You look amazing in it. Have a few posts to catch up on after being off the grid in Skye. Having a wine Wednesday (just 1 large glass!) and the pleasure of reading about what you've been up to over the weekend. xx

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  50. what lovely outfits Vix, so glam but I love the way you've added your stamp on them with the ethnic jewellery and flashes of neon. Fabulous! xxxxxxxxxx

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  51. I am in awe of such a lady like dress....would love to see the pink lining next time you wear! I love how you styled it....your booties are gorgeous. Love the lace dress too!

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  52. I love the suits but the tights make them AMAZING!

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  53. You're totally inspiring me today, Vix. Bronze and turquoise, midnight blue and leopard... LOVING IT! xxx

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  54. Just love that second outfit! Hitting Ebay now! Emma x

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  55. These suit you to a t! My favourite is the purple number with the hot pants & leopard print stockings, but I love the little suit paired with the turquoise accessories as well. Fabulous!

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  56. The gold lurex looks great with the turquoise touches.
    Plus those fringed suese shoe boots are flipping sweet!

    The blue lace shift looks FANTASTIC on you and I love how you added the green against it. That dress is amazing I am crazy about the fabric and design.

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  57. Dear god almighty!!! I am booking my flight to the UK immediately - such is your gloriousness in not one but TWO incredible outfits, I want to wing my way to you tout suite!! Oh yeah baby hot pants and leopard print under that A-mazing lace number has me drooling and turquoise with your incredible lurex suit is making my eyes pop with utter delight!!!! I want to have your baby. xoxoxoxooxoxox

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  58. Isn't it always a treat to find beautifully made garments? Even if I don't find the style appealing I always appreciate the quality and finish and I'm sure you do too. That first set looks mad with the turquoise and although I usually hate lace I LOVE that purple number!!!

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  59. Well looky at you Mrs. Fancy Pants!! WHO HOO!! that suit looks Vintage Amazing!! you look like your right out of a movie....(love how you did your hair too!) And the next outfit is so creativly amazing I just love it and your shoes match perfect did you know you had shoes that would match so well? Well I love it both outfits you look amazing ;) I love how you take your vintage pieces and put your own spin on them! Enjoy the rest of your week ~xoxo Love Heather

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  60. Both outfits are SO fab! But I think I love the blue one best - especially with the animal print tights "rawr"

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  61. OMG!! That second outfit is absolutely gorgeous! THE COLOUR is amazingly beautiful and the lace swirls are divine! Love it!!

    I love how you styled the first lurex one too. We can only expect some thinking outside of the box when it comes to you accessorising an outfit Vix! Flesh coloured stockings are BORING! xxx

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  62. Can't believe you got that amazing lurex two piece for £2. Steal of the century! Looks perfect and very you pared with the turquoise, Fab! ♥

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  63. Both outfits are totally stunning!!!!! I am soooooo envious!! Beautiful - I love how you styled them. x

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  64. Are you ok, Vix? You don`t look as smiley in these pics - as though they`re more of a chore than a pleasure! Lynn

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  65. Love both outfits but I love the colour of the 2nd outfit as that skirt is stunning xx

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  66. It’s always that little bit special when you stumble upon a handmade creation, the craftsmanship and time that has gone into both pieces is something that should go on to be treasured and loved. I know they will have a good home in your closet Vix.

    p.s The Claire’s tights always look fabulous every time xxx

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  67. Hi my dear-two stunning outfits for less than a tenner and you've styled them so beautifully too, I really adore both looks xxx

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  68. Hi Vix,

    I love your style, and its been such fun perusing through your archives. If I could I would want you to take me to all spots you know of for shopping. Guaranteed nobody looks like you!

    Chadina

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  69. Wow those leopard print tights are a killer. Simply amazing! In fact I adore the whole outfit. Such creativity has gone into it!
    Sophie
    x

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  70. oh boy is your lurex suit gorgous!!! it really makes me speechless!!! and it fits you like a glove, fabulous vix!!! i love how you wear it with this turquoise heels and tights!!! and your hair!!! this is real glamour!!!
    love and kiss,mary

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  71. What amazing finds! The lurex two piece suit and blue lace dress are gorgeous, I love the colour of both and your accessories are fab!

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  72. Wow, I absolutely love the navy dress, it's fab! Great tights! :) x

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  73. Two stunning outfits, love the tights.

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  74. I love how you have styled the metallic suit. You look terrific in it.

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  75. You look hot in both outfits.Love the turqoise and leopard tights.purrr.xxx

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  76. you look so sleek and polished in both of these looks! I love the big earrings and your hair looks fantastic this way!!

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  77. Absolutely loving the blue outfit Vix!

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  78. Holy BeJAYSUS they are both fabulous! I love the first one - especially with the fab turquoise accessories - and the button-up back is so classic and beautiful.

    But the second one rocks my SOCKS OFF! The blue and green combo - with those TIGHTS and SHOES! And the fab plastic brooch - OHH LA LA!! You look AMAZING!

    Love, Sarah xxx

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  79. Okay, here we have two of the most magnificent outfits ever! The metallic meets turquoise is INSPIRED! xxxxx

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Thanks for reading and for leaving a message. Please don't be anonymous, I'd love it if you left a name (or a nom de plume).

Lots of love, Vix