Tuesday 20 December 2011

It's A Wrap


We haven't got a clue what we're going to do on 25th December. Maybe a trip to the pub, lunch at our favourite Indian restaurant followed by an evening of cheese and wine in front of the fire but who knows? Neither of us are big on advance planning so it'll be whatever we feel like when we wake up on Christmas morning. 


Following on from Friday's post about the festive season not having to be a massive stressfest here's my hand-made wrapping. The parcel paper was an 8 metre packaging roll bought from Poundland, I found the raffia lurking in the shed, I bought the henna stamp block for pennies in Tamil Nadu and I used a old pot of fabric dye from my stash to ink the design onto the paper. It took about an hour last Tuesday evening with a glass of rum and a TV murder mystery for company.


The tags were cut from an old cardboard box and hole-punched. After Xmas the recipients can chuck the wrapping in the recycle bin and use the raffia in their gardens, making virtually no impact on the environment. The total cost was around £1.40. I'm linking this to the Ethical Bloggers DIY Xmas.

I bought this brass choker (made by the Karen hill tribe in Orissa) on the same trip as I got my henna stamp. What a strange coincidence.

I usually have this 1970s wool wrap with me for celebrating the Summer Solstice. Midsummer nights at Glastonbury can get a bit chilly. It's just the job for today, delivering Xmas cards by foot, gathering holly and ivy from the garden to decorate the house and popping to the off-licence to stock up the cocktail cabinet.



After a meeting yesterday we've finally sorted out my Dad's long-term care plan. Not only is it a huge weight off our minds but it means that we can start making plans to go travelling in the New Year.

Vintage mustard wool wrap (40p, jumble sale) worn with 1970s lurex blouse (the divine Curtise), Kate Moss @TopShop hot pants, mustard hat, leather and brass belt and suede go-go boots (all car boot sales), 1970s velvet tote (25p, jumble sale)  

Maybe I'll only be wearing tights and boots for another couple of weeks before I can trade them in for a bikini and flip-flops. I can but hope.

93 comments:

  1. I'm glad things have been sorted out for your Dad. Loving the mustard and black combo. If the weather was cooler I'd be living in my mustard tights.

    xx

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  2. Oh my - I caught the last sentence as the comment window opened and thought you said - I'll only be wearing tights and boots. End of sentence. Gasp! You look fab and your wrapping paper is elegant and environmentally thoughtful. So glad things are sorted out with your Dad.

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  3. dear vix, you may be the only person i know who dreams of putting a bikini on and that in itself is a wonderful inspiration to me! i'll 54 soon and b/c of you, i want to spend next christmas in mexico in a bikini!!!! how awesome is that. christmas just doesn't hold the appeal to me that it did when we had little ones around. and the whole spirit of christmas gets lost in the over abundance of everything...shopping, food, etc. it's gross.

    love your outfit and i hope i can get it together today to post my christmas gifts for ethical fashion bloggers. xo janet

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  4. I love things wrapped in brown paper - its always stylish and timeless as well as being environmentally sound!
    Great outfit, you are very brave to wear hotpants in this weather! I am swaddled up at home in long johns and jeans! :) x

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  5. I just looooove that vintage mustard wool wrap, it looks amazing on you!
    and that mustard hat is beautifullllll.

    xx
    Pippy

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  6. Thanks for showing the parcel - very inspiring.
    Love the splash of yellow on a dark, December day.
    Your Christmas sounds lovely.

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  7. My friend potato stamped brown paper last year and had a whale of a time, it was simple but effective just like yours.

    I'm so glad to hear about your Dad. x

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  8. CHRISTMAS ! tHE present wrap is fabulous ! OH Vix,dear,honey,angel,fabulous,etc..I ♥ your joy and fashion ! big kiss and hug

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  9. Must be reassuring your dad's care is now in hand. Love what you've done with the wrapping paper!

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  10. I do love your stylish eco-wrapping... very clever!
    Good news about your dad... and hope this means you will soon be jetting off to warmer climes :-)
    I am quite tempted to grab some winter sun somewhere...

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  11. your eco friendly wrapping paper is lovely! It's much more special that the usual off the roll wrapping paper that I've used haha!

    Your outfit is gorgeous as usual. I adore those boots! That's good news about your dads care being sorted, I know you've been yearning to go to your beloved India but hopefully your feet will be in the warm sand very soon!

    I'm off to mums tomorrow for Christmas. I'm not looking forward to the train journey but hopefully it will go as planned! Have a wonderful Christmas! xxx

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  12. OMG VIx I LOVE LOVE LOVE this wrap shorts combo so much - you should showcase your perfect Principal Boy legs in every outfit! I'm also in awe of your eco-thoughtful gift wrap (having just wrapped everything in gold foil which will probably never biodegrade - I feel ashamed, especially as your presents look much more inviting than mine!).

    I'm so glad you've managed to sort out your father's care and can now look forward to a break - knowing you you'll get the bargain to end them all LOL! Lots of love and Merry Christmas to you both. xxx

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  13. LOVE this outfit, I love the hat and the wrap and the shorts are perfect with it. Vix all in all, you look amazing.
    Good news regarding your dad, big weight off your mind I'm sure.
    And your wrapping beats the hell out of some I've seen for sell. I made my own last year and this year, think it got more comments than the presents. :)
    xx

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  14. So glad to hear your Dad is going to be looked after, it can take thepowersthatbe so long to get their act into gear, great wrapping paper.

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  15. I'm glad you got your dad's care sorted out.

    I do, however love your blanket and bag. And your wrapping paper is such a bargain! :)

    Jules

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  16. Vix I love your wrapping. The raffia looks fab with the brown paper.
    Love your stylish wrap too.
    DX

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  17. Vix I love your wrapping. The raffia looks fab with the brown paper.
    Love your stylish wrap too.
    DX

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  18. Glad to hear you've sorted out something for your Dad - he has dementia right? My grandad had it too and once his care was sorted out he was so much more comfortable.
    Love your raffia and stamped brown paper gift wrap - so much nicer than the naff Xmas paper that abounds! And you rock that shade of mustard!

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  19. So glad you've sorted out your Dad's care, Vix - must be a huge weight off your minds. Have a fabulous Christmas, whatever you decide to do xx

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  20. I would spend my entire life in a bikini and flip flops if I could!

    You've put together another fabulous outfit lady; I'm loving it!

    You wrap your gifts similar to the way I do it. :-) But you are so far ahead of me; I won't get to wrapping for days yet.

    I am sure that however you spend the 25th will be fabulous; can't wait to hear!

    xo, Anita

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  21. SO happy to hear Dad's care has been sorted out, vacation on the horizon! You look so snuggly warm and adorable in this outfit. You are looking extra wicked this morning Vix I love the boots with the shorts and your wool wrap it's all just delicious!

    You have inspired me again with your wrapping, it's beautiful and simple. I used some pretty vintage hankies to wrap some stuff in this year but I have to get away from the gobs of wrapping paper and gift bags and boxes, I know it's wasteful.

    Christmas sounds like it will be nice no matter where you go or what you do, you guys have each other. I will be around Thursday and Friday if you are available for a chat. I miss you!!!
    Krista

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  22. Fantastic news on your Dad's care plan Vix - hope you feel much better now that it is all on it's way to being settled. How lovely to be travel-planning! You look glowing today in those beautiful golden tones. Happy for you! xx

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  23. Darling Vix you deserve a break with the year it's been... But I do miss my regular Vix Fix while you're gone. Love the mustard wrap too, it looks great! Xx

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  24. Love your outfit! I love the mustard color, it looks magnificent on you!

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  25. Beautiful packaging! The outfit looks amazing too! Have a fab Christmas whatever you decide to do! I am not a big yuletider so Amy goes off to my sisters who is a fun fanatic!

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  26. I am so glad things are getting sorted for your Dad. You look Fabulous today!

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  27. How do you still stay so glamourous in this cold weather? I look like the michellin man!

    Loving the wrapping paper, such a simple yet effective thing to do. The shop brought stuff can be so expensive, I get all mine when it goes down to pennies ready for the following year.

    I just know you will have a smashing Christmas what ever you do.

    Thanks for entering my give away. Good luck.

    X x

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  28. Forgot to say, great news about your dad.

    X x

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  29. Mustard is a hard color for me to wear.....you make it seem so simple! Maybe I should start off with a hat like yours? Small baby steps, right?

    Looking good lady!

    Have a great week!

    Bloggers Rock the Colors of Christmas Link Up!

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  30. this wrap and hat are mustard love vix! and the bag oh i love that bag. sexy puss in boots style ;)
    kiss,mary

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  31. Is there an Ethical Christmas Wrappers site you could join!!! It looks really smart. Great tip about the £1 brown paper...just used all mine up!
    Love this outfit.
    Am so pleased they seem to have organised your dads' care plan. You must be so relieved. Phew! Celebrate with a Gluhwein tomorrow, as before?
    Z xx

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  32. love both wraps, my dear :)
    also love, how you keep on combining your kate moss topshop shorts, they really work very well for you!

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  33. Just my style of wrapping - I ask for waste lengths of brown paper from the supermarket - they get loads with the fruit and veg.

    Things are looking up for you, I find January and February are miserable months, really grim.

    You're looking very youthful and fresh - I really MUST drink more wine.

    Lucy x

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  34. O,thank goodness they've finally pulled finger and got your Dad sorted out!YAY!That'll be so sweeeet,buying your plane ticket out of Winter!
    Mmmmmmmmm,looking totally FOXALICIOUS!!! The wrap looks sooo snuggly!Ah,holly and cocktails and boots and all things nice!
    Great job on the wrapping paper!It amazes me that people spend big dollars on wrapping that will only get chucked.
    Love YOU!
    Love Helga xxxXXXXxx

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  35. That Mustard wrap looks totally delicious on you! I want a cozy wrap, I could have had a nice one but I passed it up. (one of those thrifting regrets)

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  36. Very, very pleased that you've finally got your dad's care plan sorted out. Here's hoping that you'll be sunning yourself on a beach as soon as possible!

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  37. Really pleased to hear that you've sorted things out for your Dad - hope he's settled in for Christmas.

    Looking good today (especially the wrap)- wish I could look as foxy just running errands! I love the handmade wrapping - I'd be thrilled to receive a package like that.

    Our Christmas will be quiet too, just the three of us. Hopefully BB won't be up too early!

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  38. You gorgeous creature you. I love a bit of mustard. May yo have a wonderful Christmas enjoying it perfectly just the way you want. Much love. X

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  39. That's good news about your Dad's care plan being sorted and at least you'll have peace of mind now. I hope he settles in soon and that it'll start to feel like home for him.
    xxx

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  40. Good news about your dad and I hope you'll be sunning yourself soon - Jan and Feb are definitely good months to be away. Loving the mustard wrap and hat. xx

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  41. Hi Vix, i am so pleased to hear you have sorted out the care for your dad i can understand what a relief that must be. Great news about the travel ;-)) I hope you are able to arrange and book real soon ;-)) How exciting. Love your wrapping paper its so personnal to. And i love your wrap and outfit, you always look so lovely. What ever you decide to do have a wonderful christmas, hugs dee xxx

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  42. Merry Christmas, Vix.
    Love from Mum
    xx

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  43. Glad you got your dad sorted ♥ I love the way you look today! Awesome! :D

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  44. Love this outfit loads you look fab xx

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  45. Really good news about your Dad's care plan. Good for him to get settled, and good for you and Jon to be able to get away to the sun. Well done for making it through the maze of social/health care planning, funding, assessments, etc etc.
    You look gorgeous, chic and funky and warm and totally wonderful. You look fabulous in mustard, and you rock a pair of hot pants like NO ONE else! xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

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  46. The colour of the wrap is wonderful. I envy your 'come what may' attitude to xmas day plans. xx

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  47. You look amazing as always!! you should have been a stylist! :) x

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  48. You look amazing! I'm in love with the hot pants :) Glad to hear that things with your dad are getting sorted.
    The giftwrap is great too, I bought some brown paper from poundland but lost it when i was moving house booo, hopefully it'll reappear before next christmas haha :)
    Rachelle x
    http://inspiredbytheretired.blogspot.com/

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  49. WOW...I simply love the way u style your outfits...
    The wool wrap is so beautiful..
    loved your bag too much..

    I am your newest follower..
    love

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  50. Ooh that wrap looks so cosy and deliciously warm! You look fabulous, as always - I ADORE that bag and hat and HUBBA FRICKIN HUBBA YOU HAVE THE BEST LEGS IN BLOGLAND!!!

    Love! Sarah xxx

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  51. I love the way you paired that flowing shawl with the teeny little shorts. The yellow beanie hat is killer! Merry Christmas, you creative fashion force! =)


    pinkchampagnefashion.blogspot.com

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  52. Oh hon, I am super impressed with your green xmas wrapping ideas and even more impressed by your minute hotpants!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! EGAD you're a sight for sore eyes ... if you were hand delivering cards on my street I'd have to invite you in for a cuppa so I could gaze upon your amazing outfit, boots and LEGS!!!!!!!! Which will hopefully be roasting in the sun soon:)). I'm so glad things are looking up for your dad's care - you jolly well deserve a holiday!!!!!!!!!!! oxoxxoox

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  53. I'm glad that your dad care and I hope that you have a fun and awesome Christmas whatever your plans may be!
    Feliz Navidad y muchisimas gracias por ser tan buena amiga durante este ano y por siempre tomarte el tiempo de leer y comentar en mi blog.
    Mil besos y abrazos,

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  54. So glad that things are looking up for you family wise......love your fringe shawl....so modern with the shorts. I so wanna be back on the beach too!

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  55. what a relief to finally have things sorted with your dad, eh? On a selfish note, now you can come out here and visit us!!!!

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  56. So glad you have things sorted out for dad, you must be very relieved! I love the outfit you look amazing and comfy at the same time!

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  57. I'm glad things have been sorted out with your Dad, that must be a relief. I am also in all kinds of love with this outfit. Hotpants! Knitted hat! Boots! Wraps! Mustard! So much awesome.

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  58. I'm sorry about your dad, I'm glad it's sorted though. You 're rocking those shorts! x hivennn

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  59. you look amazing dear- love this look
    xx the cookies
    share the feeling
    visit <3
    samecookiesdifferent.blogspot.com

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  60. Bonjour Vix,

    So happy for you and your Dad! My parents are well and kicking for now but you never know.

    I love that short - tights combo, that is always a winner and so, so comfortable and you have the legs for it!

    Merry Christmas to you and family and Jon -

    Thank you for all your lovely comments and frienship

    Beaucoup, beaucoup d'amour et d'amitié xxxxxx

    Ariane

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  61. You hottie! It's true it's summer solstice today... So there is hope (light) on the horizon!

    Whatever you're up to, wishing you a great Christmas time - love, peace and happiness - and many more years of hot pants! xxx

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  62. I'm so glad to hear you're happy with care arrangements for your Dad, what a massive relief. You'll deserve a peaceful Christmas and lots of travelling fun in the new year after all this stress.

    Your outfit is quite festive, nice golden touches rather than full on glitz.

    Hope you have a lovely Christmas whatever you decide to do xx

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  63. Ah Vix, this is one of my favourite ever outfits! The bag and boots are just to die for!

    Have a wonderful Christmas!

    Lena
    x

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  64. I always give presents in brown paper with string! Brown paper RULES.

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  65. Ahhh, the wrap! So gorgeous. You look beautiful :)

    xoxo.

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  66. LOVING those mustardy tones on you, lady! Perfecto!

    I have brown paper wrap as well. Mine is contrasted with bright kitsch baubles!

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  67. Your wrap is beautiful and I'm so pleased you managed to get some long-term care sorted out for your dad. Have a wonderful solstice, lovely Vix x x

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  68. Great news that you've got dad's care plan sorted out - huge relief all round, I'd imagine.

    Love this outfit and TOTALLY love your wrapping idea! I am so going to do this from here on in *crosses heart*

    Have a lovely Christmas and New Year, whatever you decide to do!

    Ali x

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  69. Fabulous outfit! Love your mustard wrap. Your blog is awesome.

    I'm following you, dear. I'd be flattered if you could follow me too :)

    poseposhpost.blogspot.com
    Pose Posh Post

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  70. Beautiful wrap on you and beautiful wrap on a special gift for a loved one.
    Stages in life are so hard when stepping on a new path, all the best for your dad and for you.
    V

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  71. It must be a big relief to have your Dad's care plan sorted out. You are one of the very few women in their 40's who can still rock a pair of hot pants. I hope you get your wish and are lounging on a beach in your bikini in the New Year!

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  72. Looking as lovely as ever here Vix, I love the colour of your hat too, very Autumnal. And thumbs up for the eco-friendly Christmas wrapping! xxx

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  73. Hi Vix, I hope you're well. Sorry I've not been by in forever :(

    The paper looks fab - I'd expect nothing less.

    Hopefully I might get the chance to swing by more regularly! xxx

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  74. I must say I am loving the hat and the wrap especially - fab outfit :)

    CC xXx

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  75. I like that mustard wrap! Cute outfit! I've missed seeing your posts over the last couple of days! I like your wrapping!

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  76. It's really great you have sorted everything out with your Dad - must make you feel a lot better.

    I love your handmade paper - but I love anything recycled/handmade.

    Rich and I are having French Toast for Christmas breakfast (made by Rich) and Nando's for lunch. I also have Bad Santa on hand for Christmas viewing.

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  77. how fab you look....love the wrap am huge believer in make-it-yourself....had overwhelming smell of heavenly scented Indian oils...sandlewood, rose, patchouilli....while reading that and was transported to Mysore market!!x

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  78. Such wonderful news regarding your Dad, I know it’s quite a personal matter but I really do hope things are a little less daunting for you now. India sure is calling.

    I love the mix of colours. You have a way of creating the most beautifully alluring combinations. The wrapping paper also gets my approval; you really do put the shops to shame.

    Hope all is well, and I really do wish you and Jon a wonderful Christmas whatever way you decide to spend it xxx

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  79. I love this look on you- hip and chic and you never look like you're trying to hard. Very warm and wonderful and smokin' in those short shorts. The eco-wrapping is just the thing too! Like you I feel we can all make a big difference if we focus on small actions.

    Wishing you a most wonderful holiday! xo. the Citizen Rosebud

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  80. Thank you lovely Vix, and here's to 2012 being the best year yet! It's been tough for so many people. xxx

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  81. So glad you have got things sorted for your Dad. Can't wait to hear about your exciting plans for the new year. I live wrapping paper and your outfit looks amazing. That yellow colour is so perfect.

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  82. All best wishes to your Dad!
    I really love the outfit especially the wrap - it's gorgeous!

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  83. I love you in hot pants amor!
    That shawl and mustard hat are gorgeous.
    Glad your pops is sorted out, now you can relax and have your long awaited holiday.
    Your such a genius, love your green idea.
    That emboss is stunning.
    Luv ya

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  84. I am so pleased that you have sorted out a care plan for your dad. It must be such a huge weight of your mind.
    Mustard looks gorgeous on you Vix, you should wear the colour more often!
    Sophie
    x

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  85. I must say you look perfect, really fantastic outfit!

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  86. Mustard completes you!
    Love your way to dress and to live!
    It's amazing when we see people that improves other kinds of wearing lovely clothes!
    Good luck with ypur life!
    Kiss

    http://miabelledelgado.blogspot.com

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Lots of love, Vix