Monday 24 October 2011

Presence Of Mind & Presents


One of the two jumble sales we went to on Saturday charged 10p per item of clothing and when stuff's that cheap (and it's for a great cause) you can see the potential in everything. 


If you've only spent a few pence on something it's not scary to customise it, like this 1980s tee shirt which benefited from some scissor-happy DIY.

Fringed cat print tee shirt worn with 1970s C&A maxi (50p, car boot sale), 1960s wood love beads (20p, charity market), 1970s suede patchwork shopper (50p, Bridging The Gap charity shop), Denim waistcoat (had forever)

The Autumn's no friend to bloggers. It was only 4pm when we took these photos and it looks like midnight. I must try and get my act together sooner in the day.


I've had two exciting parcels from some wonderful bloggers recently:


The fabulous Louise sent me a leopard scarf, a Top Shop leather bag I'd admired on her blog, two pretty hair clips, an Indian anklet, a groovy Floozie make up bag, a stunning doll face compact, some beautiful ethnic earrings and a scary thriller.


The divine Dee-Dee sent me this beautifully packed box of goodies on Friday. It seemed almost a crime to rip them open.


An wonderfully kitsch orange plastic swizzle stand, retro sweeties, a frame worthy Trechnikov card, a Sara Moon poster, a huge plastic cocktail ring, a funky vintage shopper, vintage buttons...


...some of her own gorgeously packaged home made green tomato and apple chutney (can't wait to give that a go), 1980s wild spotty tights.....


and a 1970's Ronco Buttoneer which after watching the TV adverts as a kid always longed for and am so excited to finally own one.

Spoilt, me? Definitely! Thanks ladies, you are so thoughtful and have my taste down to a tee.


See you soon. 

67 comments:

  1. wow that cat t-shirt is gorgeous and I love what you have done with it xx

    ReplyDelete
  2. There certainly is potential at that price! Those cats look a bit possesed - good for halloween!

    Great presents as well x

    ReplyDelete
  3. You look bloody amazing :)

    That cat tshirt is .. inspired! & 10p? What a bargain!? They might as well GIVE it away!

    You've got some very generous blogger friends - you always seem to be getting various lovely things from them. Lucky thing :)

    My favourite has to be those lovely vintage buttons. In fact, they'd be perfect for my friend - she's making button bouquets for her wedding in the summer (instead of flowers) & they fit the colour scheme perfectly! May have to get my bum on eBay & try & dig out some vintage buttons of my own to pass on to her :)

    www.heart-shaped-bruise.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
  4. awww thank you for sharing the package the photo's look lovely, im so glad you liked it all it gives me a warm feeling knowing it will all be loved and used. Im loving your outfit you really know what suits you and to cut the t-shirt is a fab idea. The clocks go back an hour on saturday night so it will be even darker in the evenings ;-( Have a lovely week, dee xxx

    ReplyDelete
  5. what a kittykat-tee... love it. it reminds me on my big cats-allover bag. i have to wear it again!

    http://wardrobexperience.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
  6. those sweets. THOSE SWEETS! Kids don't know how to live these days! I love Dib Dab when I was a kid! :p

    And I love the fringed effect you gave the tee. And great goodies you got in the post, too!
    Jules
    http://andsuddenlyisee.wordpress.com

    ReplyDelete
  7. You've definitely got the customising magic these days - you're on a roll. The cat T doesn't know what hit it! And you deserve all your lovely goodies xxx

    ReplyDelete
  8. T shirt is so much nicer with the fringing!!! And for 10p Whay Hey!!!

    ReplyDelete
  9. Your look is always unique, but more so with the customized pieces.
    You seem to be on a roll with your creativity.
    I'm glad you've had some parcel love returned to you, and what brilliantly inspired gifts.
    I challenge you to model an outfit head to toe that cost under a fiver, shoes, accessories and all!

    ReplyDelete
  10. such beautiful & thoughful gifts from friends! The wrapping & homemade chutney is just as beautiful to look at. Your tee is a fab idea!

    ReplyDelete
  11. What lovely gifts you've received! I especially love the orange swivel stand; my fave color! I remember those buttoner commercials as well; you'll have to let me know if it lives up to all of the hype.
    xo, Anita

    ReplyDelete
  12. wow - two parcels of lovely goodies; there's an awesomeness of patterns between them both. love the swizzle display thingie; perfect for the sweets.

    great t-shirt customise! x

    ReplyDelete
  13. Fantastic way of wearing an old T-shirt. I'm now thinking of raiding hubby's drawers. I must keep an eye open for a denim waistcoat - I keep admiring yours and it seems to 'go' with all sorts.
    Love from Mum
    xx

    ReplyDelete
  14. Well darling Vix you are such a lovely person you deserve all of those goodies. I'm so glad you're happy with your bits.

    I would never have thought of doing that with the t-shirt. How does your mind work? Inspired.

    Xx

    ReplyDelete
  15. whouu, love how you customize t-shirts, and this one rocks!
    And so magnificent goodies in so pretty parcels!, I'm loving the buttons!
    besos

    ReplyDelete
  16. OH!!! I LOVE the kitty t-shirt... although I do feel sorry for those shredded kittens at the bottom! Looks great with the denim waistcoat. x

    ReplyDelete
  17. OMG I am so often blown away by your making something I would NEVER have considered worthy MORE than totally worthy!!That cat T is now FANTASTIC! So simple,but SO clever! You look quite the lucious bohmeian princess!
    Yay for being spoilt!What darlings those ladies are!Treats for the sweet,I say!
    Love you to BITS!
    helga xxxXXXxxx

    ReplyDelete
  18. That's brilliant, that t-shirt. I love it.
    Wonderful pressies from wonderful ladies...I actually squeaked when I saw the Sara Moon poster. I had one on my wall when I was younger. She is responsible for my drawing faces with huge eyes!
    Have a fab week. xxx

    ReplyDelete
  19. Feeling guity that I haven't got to the post box yet! Love your 80s outfit from previous post & shredded cat tee is a gem! Xx

    ReplyDelete
  20. Such a lucky lady! Great parcels to receive, what wonderful people. that t shirt looks fab, reminds me of many a one I had as a youth.

    You must let me know where the best jumble sales are to visit as I would love to have a go at the fur collar you made. The charity shops are all so expensive!

    X x

    ReplyDelete
  21. As a fellow cat lady, I am completely smitten with the tee. I’ve been trying to spot a Russian Blue, I think there’s one lurking on there somewhere! xxx

    p.s Thank you for taking the time to read my last post, your advice is always appreciated.

    ReplyDelete
  22. I love what you've done with the tee shirt, but oh how jealous I am of your jumble sales!

    Such lovely parcels to receive; I've still got a Buttoneer somewhere.

    ReplyDelete
  23. LOVE what you did to that adorable cat shirt. It looks so much more cooler now and I agree, more special now that you put your own stamp on it. ;)

    ReplyDelete
  24. I'm SO envious of all your jumble sales, I'm eternally searching for them locally here in Leeds but to no avail. Love the cat tee & if you do make some velvet leggings, I would love to see a tutorial so I can line Phillip Greens pockets no more!x

    ReplyDelete
  25. Oh hello, I'm here first time, and I already can say I love this.
    Love vintage and all this you have and you get.
    I'll be here soon again, cause I like your blog a lot!!!

    ReplyDelete
  26. That is such a cool outfit, you have a lovely style, i especially love the cat tee. That sale sounds so fun too

    xx

    mirrorandmoon.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
  27. Oh Vix, this t-shirt made me laugh! In the best possible way. Trust you to rock up something most of us wouldn't look twice at! x

    ReplyDelete
  28. You really do have some great blogging buddies! :) Loving the fringe tee look!!!


    ♡ from © tanvii.com

    ReplyDelete
  29. You really do have the best blogging buddies. How lovely to recieve all this in the post! Lucky lady! Loving the bit of DIY!
    Sophie
    x

    ReplyDelete
  30. Hi Sweetie! I love the crazy shredded cat shirt and even your kitty made an appearance! MEOW! Your green shadow and nails look fanfriggintastic! I love all your yummy presents especially that black and silver leather bag, so you so hot!!!! See we all love you so very much!!!!!

    I can't believe how dark it is at 4 but just so you know it's been warmer at your place than mine....but I know the cold is a coming!

    Love you!!!!

    ReplyDelete
  31. Love the customised kitty tee! I'm dreading when they turn the clocks back - I won't be able to take photos period.

    ReplyDelete
  32. While you sleep tonight...I'm carefully removing that t-shirt from your dresser! It is requiring me to teleport back and forth...so its trickier than it sounds! LOVE your look. Hearts, Janna Lynn

    ReplyDelete
  33. Vixcita,
    adorable cat shredded t shirt! so a la hippy would look great with your fringed waist coat. you deserve all the gifts and mas amor. your always so generously sweet. love your prosti make up.shit locks!!I know its getting darker earlier.
    besos

    ReplyDelete
  34. Awesome fringe top...and lucky you with some awesome gifts:) ROCK ON!

    Enter my Shabby Apple Fab Frock Giveaway!!

    ReplyDelete
  35. Your t-shirt looks fantastic and your parcels of goodies are gorge. I just wondered what the buttoneer was? I haven't come across that before. Em x

    ReplyDelete
  36. OMG! Sara Moon - I had 3 of them in my lounge, all bought as engagement gifts from woolies! I used to gaze at them and wish I was as beautiful as they were! What a waste of wishes! lol! x

    ReplyDelete
  37. awww, your little gifts look wonderful! lucky you. & that cat tee is ahhhhmaaaazing! need need need!

    xoxo.

    ReplyDelete
  38. I love the cat tee! Excellent job with the customising- I had a fringed t-shirt in the 80's!!!!

    ReplyDelete
  39. Everyone loves you thats why your so spoilt Love what you did to that shirt xx

    ReplyDelete
  40. That's crazy cheap! I love what you did to the kitty t-shirt, it looks as though a cats claws could have done the same job :)

    You are a lucky girl! Xoxox

    ReplyDelete
  41. The kitty tee is brilliant. And I love how you gave it some fringe effects!

    Cool vintage swag too!

    ReplyDelete
  42. That tshirt is spectacular - the shredded/fringed effect is perfect! Those parcels are fab - I especially love the silver anket (so you!) and the crocheted shopping bag. It's only fair, considering that you are the parcel queen!

    Sarah xxx

    ReplyDelete
  43. Ha I would have never thought to do that with a tshirt! Brilliant :)
    Such lovely gifts too.
    Karlene

    ReplyDelete
  44. Wow great price for clothing!
    I am liking your makeover to the t shirt.

    And WOWWWW what awsome gifts you got. My gosh spoiled spoiled! *hehe*

    ReplyDelete
  45. I am loving the way you customised that tee shirt, it looks just fab on you too. Also WOW you recieved some amazing stuff in the mail - mail makes me so happy!

    ReplyDelete
  46. i love the cat top - a great use of the scissors! :)
    and i can't wait to see those polka dot tights in the flesh! :)

    ReplyDelete
  47. That cat tee is amazing Vix, good DIY job. The nights are drawing in quick aren't they! I've been trying to do more videos but my house is just too dark and with the lights on I look very strange.
    Lucky you with some gorgeous parcels in the post, can't wait to see the Topshop bag in action, it's lovely.
    xxx

    ReplyDelete
  48. A fabulous day's work again, dahlink! That customization of the cats T is very nice. And, a Ronco Buttoneer, good luck with it! I remember I had the tiny sewing machine once - I've never recovered! ;)

    What wonderful generosity exists amongst your friends - How lovely that you know each other's tastes so well, although I sometimes wonder how difficult it must be to part with some of the fab finds!

    Much love, have a great day, although it's still very dark up here, doesn't even seem to be morning yet! Fhi x

    ReplyDelete
  49. Enough goodies to keep you busy for a while there young lady! I like the look of those sweets, yum.xx.

    ReplyDelete
  50. wow that cat tshirt is so perfect! Truly a catch!
    I really like your bag too =^.^=

    Fun goodies! That's nice of you to post the pictures =) sherrrberrrt

    ReplyDelete
  51. Hi Vix, miss a few posts again! great stuff you have there, love the laced red and black boots, wow! I prefer you with black hair, but thank you for having the guts to show us you as a blond!

    I am on sick leave for 1 month, acute shoulder tendinitis, so will have lots of time to read you all!

    Will be posting soon my pics from NY!

    Lots of love - Ariane xxxx

    ReplyDelete
  52. LOVE the scary-cat-lady-t-shirt, the fringing transforms it from somewhat insane to utter genius (isn't that what they say about madness and genius anyway? A fringe is just the fine line between the two). LOVE IT.

    ReplyDelete
  53. Wow, I’m going to look at charity shop clothes in a whole new light now.
    I’m a funny shape so I don’t often find things I like and that fit, but if I started customising then I’d open up my options.

    Thanks for the tips on Lush the other day, I will defo try shampoo bars.
    x

    ReplyDelete
  54. I HATE how early it gets dark now! It's barely four and I already feel like I need to turn a light on. Grr. But you look very rock-chick and cool, so that cheers me up xxx

    ReplyDelete
  55. Good job on the tee! What a lovely package of suprises how exciting :)

    ReplyDelete
  56. Clever Vix! That t-shirt looks a million times better after your scissor treatment. I note Stephen Squirrel is hightailing it out of shot in case you get any ideas about coming for him with the scissors!
    Lovely pressies, which of course you totally deserve, because you are such a kind and generous gift-giver yourself - instant karma, my lovely friend!! xxxxxxxxx

    ReplyDelete
  57. Hotty! I'm always scissor happy with my t-shirts, too. I think they just need it. xo

    ReplyDelete
  58. this kitty shirt is so gorgous i really love it!!! and how beautiful your goodies were packed, its really a crime to rip them open;)
    love and kiss,mary

    ReplyDelete
  59. I love you I love you I LOOOOOVE YOU!!! You're way too cool.

    ReplyDelete
  60. The cat t-shirt........... pure AMAZING xxx

    ReplyDelete
  61. I remember those kitty t-shirts and I love the DIY you've done on this one - it looks absolutely fantastic! You deserve to be spoilt because you a one fecking amazing woman who can always rock the shit out of a 10p jumble sale find!! xoxoxoxoxox

    ReplyDelete
  62. OMG -- I miss my Sara Moon poster! I had that exact one. Thanks for bringing that memory back!

    ReplyDelete

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