Thursday 29 December 2011

On The Fringe


The flight's booked and we're off to Kerala in less than two weeks' time. As usual we haven't booked any accommodation or planned an itinerary, we'll leaf through the guide book on the plane, make a decision on the first night's accommodation once we land, moving on whenever the fancy takes us.


Hopefully we'll end up somewhere idyllic like the beach we found on our last visit.  


Whilst in town picking up some once-a-day sun protection (conveniently marked down to less than half-price in Asda) and the latest edition of the Rough Guide, I couldn't resist snapping up this 1970s fringed poncho from the charity shop sale rail. Around the touristy beaches of Kovalam and Varkala my usual attire's fine but for visiting the backwaters & cities and for travelling on local trains and buses bare arms are a no-no.


I also snaffled this fabulous, 1950s, hand painted, "Foreign" made, divided dish for £1.50. It's perfect for vegetarian nibbles on my New Year's Eve buffet table.

Fringed poncho (£1.75, Scope) worn with 1970s cotton maxi skirt (the divine Helga), aubergine vest (25p, car boot sale) and Tods' python boots (£7, car boot sale)

It's unlike me to buy something new for a trip. My holiday wardrobe is made up of the same old favourites known and loved for years, I have clothes that have been visiting India for over a decade. I once made the mistake of packing a brand new TopShop maxi dress snapped up in the sales and, unlike my trusty vintage dresses, the bloody thing disintegrated after less than three weeks of wear. I can't wait to get my summer suitcase down from the top of the wardrobe and pick out some outfits but that'll have to wait until our overnight party guests have departed on New Year's Day or they might be crushed to death by vintage frocks.


I haven't had a drink since Boxing day and it's time to get some practise in ready for New Year's Eve.

If I don't see you again in 2011...Happy New Year!

72 comments:

  1. Yey for your holiday! I'm so excited for you - I wish I had the guts to whisk away on a plane and not worry about booking hotels! I'm sure you'll have a lovely time!

    Happy new years!

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  2. Ooh a holiday booked for the new year, how exciting! I always take old stuff on holiday too. No point in buying new stuff for a couple of weeks is there?! Happy New Year to you too - eat drink and be merry! :) x

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  3. Ah glad to hear you're off for some fun! We're going to the dominican republic for the 3rd time - we stay in a beach town that's wonderfully untouristy. Please take some pictures to share with us while your there - between the drinks and adventure.

    Happy new year Vix!

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  4. Love your maxi skirt! Gorgeous colours and pattern. Hope you'll have a fab holiday too x

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  5. Enjoy your holiday! I could do with a break somewhere hot but work and a half-finished house beckon!

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  6. Bargain finds and what bliss - winter sunshine. I am so jealous.

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  7. Congratulations on booking the holiday tickets, it sounds amazing. I've never been to India but all my friends who have rave about it. Maybe one day! Can't wait to hear all about it, have a fabulous New Year too. (Im working NYE, boo!) xx

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  8. How exciting!!! We did the same when we went backpacking, just turned up at a country and find a place from the book when we touched down - the best way to do it and we've found some gems.

    Have a fab new years if i dont catch you before, big love Scarlett x

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  9. How exciting - your trip sounds like it will be wonderful. You should consider writing a guide yourself! xxx

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  10. How exciting!!! I guessed right in the last post!!! Have a wonderful time and a safe flight :)

    ♡ from © tanvii.com

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  11. Fantastic poncho!
    Have a great time!!!

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  12. That's MY kind of vacation - no itinerary - take it as it comes. Lovely fringe & interesting dish.

    Happy New Year!

    Soak up a little extra sun for me while you're gone. I'm so tired of dark & cold & it's only 8 days into winter!

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  13. Yay! Have a great time in your bikini! I have always wanted to go to India myself.I am eyeing that fringe cape of yours, looks lovely on ya.
    Happy New Year amor!

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  14. Vix,

    I just stumbled acorss your blog and have to say your style and flair is such a sight for sore eyes...your defintely not the cookie-cutter blogger type!

    Have fun on your vacay~

    kel

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  15. Fantastic finds and I am so excited for you!!

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  16. yay, you're gonna have so much fun! Happy new year!

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  17. I am sooooooooooo happy for you.
    I new you were missing warmer weather.
    XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

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  18. Enjoy your trip. Happy New Year!
    Love from Mum
    xx

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  19. Sounds very exciting Vix. Really pleased you've managed to book something.

    Enjoy your New Years Eve party and then get packing.

    X x

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  20. so glad you got something booked! x

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  21. Happy New Year my dear-love the poncho, a perfect find for your holiday which sounds a dream ticket indeed!! xxx

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  22. Yaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaay!!!! SO pleased you've booked your trip,you're long overdue!!!How bloody splendid!!!G and I generally prefer to travel by winging,but when we travel with our American friends it's largely organised....sometimes a pain!
    Oooo,the fringed poncho thingy is fabulous,ligth and airy and perfectly hippy!That'll be most excellent in India!O,India!Magical word!EEEEEEK!!!!
    Love you!
    Love Helga xxxXXXxxx

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  23. Lovely shawl and skirt and yay to booking flights (although we'll all miss you)! Your plans sound fab - I'd love to just decide on accomodation when I arrived.

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  24. I hope you have a great time on holiday. I Love the color combination of this look!

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  25. One day in the future.. I will book a Holiday. *lol*
    You look fantastic in that frock, I especially love the color.
    The poncho is delightful and the picture of the boat, sand and palm trees looks like some kind of Heaven.
    Happy New Years Vix!!

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  26. I love that lacy poncho - very good idea too, I have been thinking of making a little cape for a trip I am taking to Asia. Mainly due to the fact a couple of places I tried to visit in Hanoi told me I couldn't enter with my shoulder showing, however, there is a stall here when I can buy a scarf/t-shirt! I don't want that to happen again. I am quite jealous of you travel ethos - I am terrible when I travel, I have to have everything planned otherwise I just freak out! I love the idea of more "whatever happens, happens" trip - but I just can't do it:(

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  27. If I do not catch you before, have a lush New Years Eve / day darling!!!!

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  28. Wonderful! You'll have a fantastic time.
    Have a great New Yeras Eve and have a few shandies on me!xxxx

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  29. It sure does sound like paradise, I know you will have a wonderful time and of course look fabulous the entire duration!

    Have a great New Year Vix, thank-you for continuing to inspire me all year round xxx

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  30. your poncho really rocks, dear vix! and I love your hair in the last pic! Your trip to India sounds exciting! Wishing you a great New Year's Eve and all the best for 2011!

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  31. Great news about your holiday. Have fun choosing your outfits - love the poncho. xxx

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  32. Off on another adventure! I am jealous, but more of that dishy with the eggplant than the trip as Helen is a stay at home (not to be confused with a stick in the mud). BUT love hearing of the travels of others, so can't wait.

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  33. YAY re your holiday!!! And that poncho and your dish look amazing - i'm jealous!! Happy new year!!

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  34. Ooh exciting lucky you

    Fab dress too.

    Happy New Year lovely hope its a good one xx

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  35. You're finally getting sun and sand! Brilliant attitude towards travel.
    I think you'll enjoy it all the more for waiting. That shawl is beautiful, I love using them.in lieu of a cardi/coat.
    How will we all cope without Vix? X

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  36. Oh gosh you look like a beautiful gypsy princess!!

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  37. oooo how exciting!! So chuffed for you!i bet you cant wait! gotta say, i will really miss your posts whilst your away! they brighten a lot of dull days! And this outfit is perfect example. How gorgeous!
    xx

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  38. Oh yay! Glad you booked something :)
    Happy New Year to you too (and I love the skirt!xo

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  39. oh Vix, that sounds so idyllic. I have always wanted to visit Kerala and really hope to in the not so very far away future. My boyfriend is so laid back about travelling and never wants us to book too far in advance, i'm too much of a worrier though - hope that changes by the time I make it to India.
    Safe travels xox

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  40. Oh Vix, I am so pleased that you have booked your flights! Great news, not long to wait, and you have that gorgeous shawl to take with you. It's beautiful - light and delicate and gossamer and fabulous.
    The print on that skirt from Helga is lovely, and in that last photo, you definitely look as though you are thinking of Kerala.
    Cheers, my beautiful friend! Happy New Year to you and Jon! xxxxxxxxx

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  41. Looks nice, a well-deserved break for you too. Enjoy.xxxxxxxxxxxx.

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  42. I'm excited for you that you've booked your trip, and rather envious that you will be lolling about on a beach in a bikini as we trudge through snow and slush! That lacy poncho will be the perfect cover up when you need to be "decent". Have a very Happy New Year Vix!

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  43. What a fantastic start to the New Year! Have fun seeing off 2011 and stay safe on your travels - looking forward to hearing all about them xx

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  44. And a very happy new year to you too, Vix :)

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  45. A fabulous way to start 2012! Love the way you travel too. I just found a vintage hot pink poncho.....love yours! Wishing you all the best for the New Year Vix!

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  46. Oooh, this sounds wonderful. J and I have been looking at some great places in Kerala lately as our 'cat parents' have opened a beautiful B&B there. I'll send you the link, maybe you find time to visit them... xoxo

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  47. Wow hop you have a lovely time! It looks idyllic :) I wish I was spontaneous enough to hop on a plane without any other plans!
    Happy New year!
    Rachelle x
    http://inspiredbytheretired.blogspot.com/

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  48. I'm soooooooooooooo excited for you Vix!!! And oh no, buying new for a holiday is a waste of time for sure - tried and trusted minimal outfits are the go. All the better to make room for holiday treasures!!! xoxoxoxoxoxo

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  49. Ohh boy, the sound of an unplanned-go-where-the-wind-blows-dont-book-anything-in-advance kinda trip to India (oh how I freakin love India) brings back such fond memories.

    Happy New Year to you and Jon and can't wait to hear all about your travel adventures!

    Dee xox

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  50. I'm as excited for you both as if I was having a holiday myself - if that makes sense! Have a totally fab, yummy, chilled out time - and have fun putting the travel wardrobe together; want piccies of all the jewellery and goodies you'll be taking! x

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  51. YAY! So glad you are finally getting to India for some sunshine, amor! Your skirt is STUNNING and that poncho is GLORIOUS and I adore that plate too. Oh I am SO HAPPY FOR YOU GUYS! Love! Sarah xxx

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  52. Yay for booking your holiday, sun sand and surf awaits! That skirt is beyond amazing. Happy New Years!!

    xx

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  53. Hi Vix!
    Lucky you! I wish i would go away so friggin cold here ! A depressing -15 and feels like - 25 when outside
    I am very happy for you and can not wait to see the pics!

    Have yourself a Happy New Year!

    Lots of friendship

    Ariane xxxxxx

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  54. I'm so thrilled you have got your flight booked! I guess it depends on where you travel in the world as to whether you should pre-book places to stay or not. I tried that once in America and it was a complete disaster!?! lol

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  55. YEAH holiday, CELEBRATE I'm singing that Madonna song to you right now at the top of my lungs!!!!! I'm so excited for you and Jon to have this beautiful sunny escape just around the corner. What will we do without you Vix?!?!?!? I can't imagine your body every being in any other conviction than bikini ready.
    I do adore this vintage shawl with that bold and bright dress you look beautiful as always!
    Loadsoflove~
    Krista

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  56. Just back from my holiday and reading your post makes me want to pack up and go on holiday again sigh... Your holiday destination does indeed look idyllic! I never pack anything but old faves to go on holiday either! The shawl is beautiful.

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  57. Bet you can't wait to get away! I know you'll have a ball. Happy new Year!

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  58. haha Danger- falling dresses- only experienced persons to enter! floppy hats, colourful hats and fairly sturdy yet not officially approved hats can be provided if necessary!

    It must be so fun to pack for your holiday, glad your vintage things still carry on strong! Its so wonderful how clothing survives, I think it's so disappointing what clothing stores get away with these days, really annoying actually.

    Love the poncho, I have a white one (it is by the aforementioned topshop haha, but at least it was second hand!)
    I didn't know that revealing arms was a problem in Kerala, interesting. I always think of fish curry when I think of Kerala!

    Enjoy your BEAUTIFUL SUNPACKED holiday! Safe journey =)

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  59. I'm so envious, just look at that amzing secluded beach. Also, I'll get withdrawal symptoms while you are gone. Have a wonderful time on NYE lovely lady, and I'll look forward to seeing you in 2012. Love to you and Jon. xx

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  60. Yet another absolutely gorgeous outfit Vix, especially that Maxi skirt!

    I'm so happy that you are finally getting your wish after all that worrying over your dad's care. Soon you'll be laid on the sand without a care in the world!

    I wish you a wonderful new year's eve! xxx

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  61. first of all...lovely outfit..
    love your poncho..

    & secondly,have a safe flight& enjoy in Kerela---God's own country...!!!

    Come over to Delhi too. would love to meet you..

    hugs

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  62. May your New Year's festivities be merry! I love the way you and Jon plan your itinerary. Sounds very similar to our long road trips. Methinks if I were going as far from home as Kerala, I would be scheduling every minute.

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  63. Hey Vic,
    Sadly we are not going to Goa anymore :(
    I think we are going to save up for next year instead. Kerela looks lovely, my parents have been all over and said it was their favourite place.

    That outfit is stunning as usual. I love anything with fringe on it. i have an obsession with Moccasin boots and own 5 pairs.

    Hope you have a wonderful new years eve.

    Has been so nice to get to chat to you via the bloggesphere. xxxx Gabi

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  64. ooooh vix you look fabulous as always, love that turquoise maxi skirt and oh my god i wish you a wonderful time in india. enjoy it a lot and have a perfect start in a happy new year;)
    big kiss,mary

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  65. Fab in fringe! Happy New Year Dear Vix!

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  66. Hope you have a wonderful time while traveling! And great finds--especially the poncho. I somehow have no doubt they'll be even more fabulous bargain finds to be posted upon your return.

    Have a happy, safe and inspired New Year!

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  67. HAPPY NEW YEAR ! have an awesome year ! You deserve all the best ! HAVE FUN !V BE WILD ! ROCK ON !!(...) ! I love teh maxi,the colors,the pattern, ! BIG KISS :*

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  68. The poncho is divine, and will be perfect for your trip!

    Your travel plans sound wonderful, and just a bit brave as well. :-) I'm happy for you; what a great way to start a new year!

    xo. Anita

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  69. Another gorgeous Vix outfit! My favourite colour- turquoise! I have a poncho just like that!!!
    Ooooh Kerala's so cool- I'd love to go there- my friends are from there and they've told me all about it!!!

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Lots of love, Vix