Friday 16 December 2011

I'm Dreaming Of A Crimplene Xmas



As the lady working behind the counter of the Co-Op bank put it so succinctly this morning as we surveyed the scowling, pinched faces in the queue behind me, "Christmas spirit, my arse". 


I'm usually away at this time of year and I'm amazed by the outrageous behaviour and lack of manners at this, the season of goodwill for all men.


I queued in Marks and Spencer for a box of chocolates to give my favourite charity shop volunteers whilst enduring a legion of disgruntled pensioners huffing and puffing about having to wait whilst over the road in Poundland people abandoned their loaded baskets in the aisles as they couldn't be bothered to join the long queue snaking around the store. The Big Issue seller was told in no uncertain terms to "Feck off, mate, charity begins at home", charming, huh? If buying a gift for a loved one stresses you out that much, why bother? 



There's no last minute rush for me, there's only a handful of people I have to buy for these days. I shop all year round at car boots, charity shops and jumble sales with suitable recipients in mind. There's designer clothing with the labels attached, books still cling wrapped, current high street jewellery carded & unused and even shrink-wrapped DVDs and CDs. My presents are wrapped in plain brown paper hand inked with a wooden printing block I bought in India and tied up with household string.


Intending never to spend another Christmas at home we gave our Xmas decorations away to charity years ago. After Emma sent me my fabulous customised fairy I just had to create a worthy abode. Jon was sent out to prune one of the many fir trees in our garden and we popped the branches in an old clay flowerpot  wrapped in an old hessian sack salvaged from a spice bazaar in Tamil Nadu (especially for burlap-loving Lakota) and secured with a length of vintage woven braid.


 I cut out the printed circle designs from a length of 1960s crimplene with pinking shears, hand-stitched two   together and stuffed them with the innards of an old cushion.



The giant sequins were unpicked from a top I bought from a jumble sale and hand sewn to a piece of wool forming an alternative to tinsel.



Of course, not having to faff around hunting for presents means that unlike the majority of the population of our town I can peruse the empty charity shops with even less competition than normal. This white 1960s Grecian-style maxi dress was today's find.



I'm off to catch up with some blog reading before I hit the pub.
Have a wonderful weekend and see you soon.

82 comments:

  1. I love your customised Christmas tree, the fairy really is the icing on the cake! I brought some gorgeous vintage wooden tree decorations in a charity shop yesterday for when I move out! They remind me of my nans when I was little.
    What a lovely find the dress was, you look gorgeous!
    Sophie
    x

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  2. Oh, the christmas tree is lovely, and you look stunning in this dress

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  3. Hi Vix,

    Wow you do look like a grecian goddess in that rather beautiful dress! What a find.

    Lol it is amazing those that moan and whine and are rude in shops everywhere. I worked in a shop for a little while a local co-op. That was an eye opener on people's manners or lack of them. This time of the year and really hot weather seemed to bring out the er 'best' in them!

    Loving your christmas tree. It is totally you and that is what in my humble opinion its all about. I did say to the other half when we did our trees that when the girls have grown I am having my own alternitive tree. I am thinking black, skulls and roses. I thought he would hate the idea him being something of the traditionalist. But he kinda liked it!

    Have a bevy for me whilst at the pub. Cheers! Have a lovely weekend too.

    MBB x

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  4. What an inventive Christmas tree! I really love your dress!

    Oh and I hate long Christmas queues. That's why I try to do all my Christmas shopping in November! :) Or do it midweek if I have to......

    Enjoy the pub - and have a drink on me: I've hit 50k words! :)

    Jules
    http://andsuddenlyisee.blogspot.com

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  5. Love your alternative Christmas tree - that fairy really is ace, and your Grecian-style dress is yet another fabulously great find.

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  6. A perfect abode for your amazing fairy from Emma!
    I take it that your dad is not settling too well? Hope he is OK?
    Beautiful dress, modelled to perfection, Vix. Stunning!
    Z xx
    PS in Brum next Wednesday...fancy a cheeky glass of something?

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  7. I just love that fairy - so very you :)

    My accident has turned into a blessing - no queuing or crowds for me this year - just online, the local little shops and handmade for my family :) I do have to join MrVV for a Co-op shop tomorrow - I shall just smile and think of the large drink I get once its done ;)

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  8. The tree is so inventive and totally you but the topper is best, love what Emma made you so much! What a beauty you are in that white dress you do look elegant next to your lil tree.
    I hate tools most at Christmas time, I guess I figure that they are jerks most days but it stands out so much more this time of year. How sweet of you to get a lil something sweet for those workers who look out for you. You are a kind sweet woman for sure !
    Love you have fun at the pub!
    ~
    Krista

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  9. Wow that dress is gorgeous!! you look spectacular!! and what a cute tree you have love the burlap as well wrapped on the bottom and the cute ornaments ;) ~It is quite different being in another part of the world during Christmas. It really puts things in a different perspective that's for sure!! Merry Christmas and enjoy all that free time not having to Ba Humbug around ~Love Heather

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  10. Vix, what a BEAUTIFUL dress! You look so gorgeous, so winter-lovely xxx

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  11. You look like a Grecian goddess. I have to say I'm equally shocked by the way people are acting now, perhaps if they spent less and respected eachother a bit more everyone would have a much happier Christmas! Xx

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  12. Really inspiring Vix. For someone so creative and fun-loving, I love that you're also brimming with old-fashioned common sense.
    You'll always have a great time because you're realistic and have true friends. Who needs all the appalling money-spending related shite attatched to Christmas?
    Your creation is beautiful, and that dress is an excellent cut. I love the way crimplene falls with the weight of the fabric. White always looks great on you, no wonder that fairy looks hacked-off!

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  13. what a fabulous sexy frock, where are your wings?

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  14. Love it! I always head to charity shops and jumbles to buy gifts. I support a charity which the recipiant likes by buying from there, and reuse things others dont want. I also buy a couple of new things, and mix them in, or sometimes bake things. There are many ways to give gifts without it costing the earth. I have also give 'vouchers' for things like cleaning, babysitting, a cinema trip etc I like the cinema trip for older relatives as it means they get a day out and do something they might not do otherwise!

    Happy christmas! xx

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  15. Love your tree with it's perfect angel topper! Rude is the new black..... People wear it like a cloak.

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  16. Lovin your dress...you are sooo glamourous ...!!

    my husband said I looked like princess Ann the other day....

    must take a leaf out of your book!

    S x

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  17. I am so in love with your dress. I would love to see pictures of your wrapped gifts - they sound wonedrful.

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  18. that dress is amazing Vix...

    and doesn't the lack of spirit in some people put a real dampner on things?!

    x

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  19. oh, i love your tiny christmas tree. the rockin' dolly is the perfect angel for it's top. girl, you look like an grecian angel, too.

    http://wardrobexperience.blogspot.com

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  20. Both you and the tree look stunning Vix.

    Your spot on with the lack of festive feeling. It always amazes me how rude and horrid people become. I always feel for the staff this time of year as they get treated so badly by grumpy customers.

    X x

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  21. I LOVE IT! WHAT A GREAT CHRIMBO TREE AND DECS!

    THE DRESS LOOKS GORGEOUS ON YOU TOO X

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  22. What a beautiful, simple dress and I love your tree especially your home made decorations. It looks like sparkly material - very Christmassy. It all sends out a Christmas message of love.
    Enjoy your evening.
    Love from Mum
    xx

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  23. Dear Vix, your post today mirrors my own thoughts about Christmas. Take heart that even in the southern most corner of the world there are still rude people shoving each other aside for made in china tat. I also will be taking a treat to the lovely ladies in my fave charity shops.
    I LOVE your tree! It reminded me of when my family emigrated here and we made a tree from newspaper. However you plucked up the courage or is that audacity :-) to cut up the gold crimplene to make decorations amaze me. You are amazing. Thankyou for your utterly honest and inspiring blog.

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  24. Your tree is rather cute! Great idea for the decorations.

    You look friggen sexy sexy SEXY in that white dress.

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  25. Fabulous Xmas tree! I do buy presents but I do it well in time, get lots of stuff from summer sales for example and avoid shops these few weeks leading to Xmas. People get crazy. For example the food. People are stocking up like the end of the world is coming and they are going to be in their bunkers hiding.
    Hope you have fantastic Xmas Vix!

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  26. What a cool little handmade Christmas tree! Given that Christmas is supposed to be about "Goodwill towards Men(and women)", it certainly seems to bring out the impatient and the rude in people. I'm glad I don't have to navigate the crowds or stress about holiday preparations. Vix, you do look like a Greek Goddess in that dress --you have got a rockin' body on you girl!!

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  27. I soooo love that dress, you glamourpuss you! ♥ Dig the tree and I know exactly what you mean about peoples attitudes at Xmas. Takes the whole joy out of it! I'm so glad I moved 12,000 miles away from the hassles of that and families and trying to please everyone. I love that we all go to the beach on Xmas morning with the dogs and a bottle of bubbly, then come hoe relax, eat nice food and drink some more and sit in the spa trying not to let the jet of bubbles go up me bum! Or I could end up looking like one of them fish in them fountains where the water comes out their gob!

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  28. tu me fais pensee a Cleopatre ;)

    bon w end !

    surlelongchemindelacceptation.blogspot.com

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  29. Love what you've made there - recycled vintage marvels! Well done with the frock find - you could be one of Tretchikoff's exotic women! x

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  30. What a lovely little thrifty Christmas tree! The angels PVC boots must be spreading some Christmas cheer!

    My mum buys things here and there throughout the year too, so that she doesn't have to spend too much come December. I started my shopping the middle of last month and wrapped every single present last Sunday. I don't understand people who leave it all until the week before Christmas! They're just causing themselves unnecessary stress!

    That dress is pure gorgeousness on you! xxx

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  31. That's a very stylish Christmas tree you have there Vix, and one stunning that white dress. It fits you like a dream. Being nosy, I love having a peek at your house too, its full of interesting bits and bobs - just my sort of thing.

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  32. The dress looks absolutely amazing on you! I actually had all my shopping done at the beginning of the month and got the rest shipped in, I can't handle the miserable lot of Bolton!

    xoxo.

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  33. That dress is super-gorgeous on you, and sod the shoppers, you are where it's at, Vix, fo' shore!

    Much love,

    Fhi x

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  34. Very though provoking and so true...love your decorations :)

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  35. Ooh lovely arm bands and dress.

    That makes me feel so sad about the Big Issue seller, I bought one the other day with no fuss and the guy's reaction really made my day.

    The boots on the angel are so funny!

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  36. Just grit your teeth, Vix, make your gorgeous crimplene tree decs, and it'll all be over by... well, by Christmas, hahaha!
    Seriously - there's no excuse for rudeness, is there?
    You've done a cracking job with your little tree, and that dress - wow, you total goddess! It's a bit of a shock to see you in white (so virginal, love!) but blimey you look super elegant and sexy! Like you should be in Baccara (am I showing my age? Oh well, I don't mind!)
    Hope you have a fine old night out, oh gorgeous one! xxxxxxxxx

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  37. You look like a greek goddess in that frock.

    Christmas makes people insane, its terrible. I have to go into town today to go to the hairdressers and I am NOT looking forward to it.

    Post pics of the wrapping paper you made? Please? :)

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  38. Heehee, burlap is APPROPRIATE for a rustic living thing, it's when people start wearing it as pants I have a problem!

    Your gorgeous chandelier is Christmas ready in itself, and you make a lovely angel, you'd have been perfect in the nativity play I just saw, just need a bit of tinsel round the head.

    You have the same coffee table as my MIL, now I'm jealous of you both for the same reason (not something I ever thought I'd be likely to type!)

    x

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  39. Your tree looks lovely Vix! & your dress is gorgeous :)

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  40. Your tree is sooo funny! Well done on the fun craft! I can't wait to read Lakota's reaction! Also loving that Greek maxi- I bought a contemporary one that is similar in Greece last Feb!
    Yes, it does annoy me when everyone is scowly! I tend to shop all year round and also do some last minute shop just to find last bits so I tend to be fairly chilled!

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  41. Wow that dress is simply gorgeous on you!!!!
    I was a bit sad when I saw your blue lady in the background. We lost ours in the building after the earthquake.
    Your little tree is the best Christmas tree ever!!!
    Happiness to you V

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  42. I like your version of christmas...the tree is sweet (I used gumtree branches when I was living with hayden, but this year I have no room!), and I love your handmade decorations! The angle is wicked! I'm glad you found a suitable home for her :) Love that dress on you, goddess! Xxx

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  43. I love your tree and that dress is fantastic, you look stunning! Have a great week xxx

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  44. You are glowing like a gorgeous angel. What a stunning dress, love how it falls on your curves.
    I love tree and the decorations so pretty.
    luv ya

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  45. I lovelove your tree, and it's just the most perfect resting place for your angel. And in that white goddess gown, you are looking pretty angelic yourself!
    xo, Anita

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  46. Working in retail for two Christmases really showed me how little "Christmas spirit" there is. Everyone is stressed out & angry, and abusive when you don't have what they want on Xmas eve. Yuck.

    I like your approach & your customised tree better. :)

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  47. Beautiful frock!

    I have to work up in London over Christmas and New Year, and it's enough to make you never want to see another human being again. People with no spatial awareness, people with no sense of humour or good manners, greedy, drunk....gah.

    Every year I have to battle through hordes of drunk people (whilst totally sober) after the show has finished, and people with expensive shopping bags, down a street with many homeless people and a soup kitchen. It's truly chilling to the soul.

    xx

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  48. Your dress is beautiful.I love it.What a cute tree.I understand how you feel with the horrible lines and grumpy old people while shopping cuz they have to wait.I had a old hag bitching cuz I had to run around the store tryng to find a sku for the item that had no tag.and then had to look it up in the comp and change the price.She started huffing and getting an attitude so I decided to go slower.lol.I have to bite my tongue so much right now at work.xx

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  49. Love your Christmas tree and love your dress more!!!

    I too never understand the stree around the Christmas. It is supposed to be a happy time instead turns into a chaos!

    ♡ from © tanvii.com

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  50. I love your alternative Christmas. Over the last few years I have been feeling that Christmas has been getting to stressful and consumeristic. This year I have tried to cut back on presents and concentrate on just relaxing and enjoying.

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  51. I love your 'tree'... I go crazy for hessian, I think it's lush. I love the smell of sacks too... weird right? Fabulous dress, you look like the ghost of Christmas past - like an angel!

    Anyhow, completely agree with you that if you hate shopping for presents for your loved ones so much you shouldn't bother. Who needs to encounter stress-heads out in the shops at this time of year? No thanks.

    xxx

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  52. Yeah shopping at Christmas time is never fun - I remember often getting pushed and shoved and moaned at especially when things ran out [like they only just knew it was Christmas and said product hadn't been out for like months and months ahead of time when there was plenty in stock]. I've found it worse in supermarkets, when people are pushing you out of the way to get a certain product, ramming you with their trolleys and then doing the huge sighing when they are in the check out queue. Sad but true x

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  53. You're just perfect, you are, Missus!and I don't mean that in any patronising way. I'm so glad someone else is doing 'brown paper parcels tied up with string'....mine's is butcher's twine for the festive season and my stamp is a charity shop find. Glad Tidings to you. x

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  54. You look so classy and stunning xx

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  55. I love your white dress--it looks great on you.

    And I love the way you shop for people. I've been telling myself for years I need to do that too--just keep my eye open for quirky, unique items. That way the hunt doesn't feel like a chore or something overly serious when it isn't.

    Also: Thanks so much for your feedback on my design. It means a lot!

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  56. Hello pretty lady. Sounds like the perfect Christmas to me. -T

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  57. Abso-effing-lutely, Vix, I agree totally. From beginning of December the high street is a no-go zone for me. Christmas to me is baking and eating lots of cookies, hanging out with Sarah and being as lazy as can be... So glad the creepy fairy found her calling. Looking good! xxx

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  58. Wonderfully said, your post. Thank you. Love the tree and ornaments, handmade are the best. As usual you look fabulous in the new gown.

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  59. I adore your dress! I avoid the high street at this time of year or target only 2 - 3 shops if I must at the most. Your tree and decorations are great - my dream is to have my own fir trees to choose from in the garden!

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  60. OM FECKING GODDESS!!!
    Love LOVING this gorgeous frock!!(G is so thrilled to note that you are "free range")
    Brillant tree,totallly inspired and perfectly fits with your way of life!
    Yeah,christmas spirit my ARSE indeed.People here are behaving like maniacs,and the driving is the worst I've seen in ages.And for what,exactly?!Pah!
    Love you more than crimplene!!
    Love Helga xxxXXXXxx

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  61. Vix as you know I work in a shop and everyone is SO grumpy!! I feel like telling them to cheer up!! Love that dress on you, it's beautiful xxxx

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  62. As always, Vix, you do things in style... Christmas being so exception! Hope you're having a wonderful weekend :-)

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  63. Both you and the white dress look stunning!
    X

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  64. Lookin mighty fine in that Grecian dress lovey!

    Your xmas decorations are the bees knees! I made similar ones out of denim scraps. Our xmas tree looks like something out of a Dr Suess book! Just how I like it!

    Sending the festive love all the way to you Miss Vix!

    Dee

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  65. Love your funky tree, it suits you. That dress is beyond amazing, it must be the reward for a life well lived to have found it. Enjoy the weekend.

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  66. You look lovely!
    Here in South Florida people are not only very rude during this time they are also super dangerous on the road and very aggressive when they are shopping at the malls.
    I purchased simple gifts for my kids because both of my girls have their birthdays in November and also because I hate being in the middle of all the craziness and nastiness that takes place during this time of the year and prefer to concentrate in spending time at home with my family just cooking, eating and listening to music.

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  67. I love your Christmas tree, your magic angel doll, your Philosophy on life, and YOU!!!
    xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

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  68. Ooh that dress is beautiful! I can see you strolling down the beach in that treasure...

    I adore your xmas tree - those handmade crimplene baubles are THE BEST and that doll is the most fab vintage/goth/angel topper ever.

    And I always love a glimpse into your beautiful home... the patchwork cushions rock my world!

    Love! Sarah xxx

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  69. Stunning dress and I love those glittery Christmas decorations - great idea! xxx

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  70. Add a halo, a harp and some wings....you're on your way to being angelic!

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  71. Love your tree and the handmade decs, and I'm so with you on the shop-all-year-round front, that's the way to find things that people will genuinely appreciate. Lovely frock too.

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  72. Ooh your dress is gorgeous! It always annoys me when folk moan about having to queue in shops - use the bloody internet then! ;)

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  73. What a gorgeous find ... You really do find the best things :) Loving your little tree and homemade decorations too :)

    CC xXx

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  74. Wowsers, you look STUNNING in this dress - what a Grecian goddess! You should do a post on your fitness routine - the walking, swimming, yoga you do - as I think it would be very inspiring for people to realise that they can look this amazing and toned without being a slave to the gym. xx

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  75. you are divine and have finally put me in the christmas mood. I'm officially dreaming of a white christmas!

    Sunnie
    (.=

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  76. what a beautiful dress miss !

    http://www.like-mousse-au-chocolat.com/

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  77. I freakin love your dress....I can never find white in wearable shape! I hear you about Christmas spirit....I think next year we will be gone also some where hot & Chistmasless...with a dress just like that!!!

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  78. Such a gorgeous Grecian-style maxi, you look like a goddess! I will never understand the need to be rude or plain ignorant at this time of year, manners don’t cost a thing xxx

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  79. You look ravishing. That gown, that face! I feel Xmas magic at work. xo. the Citizen Rosebud

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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