Wednesday 28 November 2012

Going To A Go Go



 I bet nobody ever lay on their death bed wishing they'd worn a longer skirt, I'm damned sure I won't!


In the bad old days before I discovered the wonder of blogs I frequented a forum where women endlessly posted links to clothes they'd seen on various retail websites and pondered the question, "Am I too old to wear this?" Invariably it was a dress than revealed the knee and the poster was usually the age of a foetus (or at least young enough for me to have given birth to).


If someone mentioned that they were older than 30, had a half-decent pair of legs and quite fancied something short they were told, "Just because you can doesn't mean you should", trot out some god-awful Coco Chanel quote such as, "Less is More" or sneak the truly dreadful "Mutton dressed as lamb" into the argument.


Here's a quote for you, To dress modestly is to die a slow death, I've no idea where it came from, I think I've just made it up.

When I went charity shopping dressed as a 1960s go-go dancer earlier today, my only regret was that I should have worn my thermal vest, even with a fake fur coat on top I was bloody freezing.


A parcel from the fabulous Gayle containing this 1960s fringed tunic (along with this gorgeous retro card) arrived this morning and I just had to wear it straight away. She suggested the tunic would look good with bell bottoms but being such a short arse I tried it on, it covered my knickers so out I went.


My mate, Em, sent me this book about the seven Garman sisters, muses with a Walsall connection. I've been dying to read it forever and I can't finish my le Carré fast enough.

Martin Berens, Tall Fashions of California tunic worn with Shubette of London fringed waistcoat (part of a 1960s go-go suit, seen HERE), wolf choker (50p, car boot sale) and 1960s suede go-go boots (seen HERE)

Look at me, it's Wednesday, I've been alcohol-free since Saturday night and I'm hovering around the bar like a woman possessed. There's a fresh bottle of rum with my name all over it, cheers!

See you soon.

71 comments:

  1. My favourite skirt which I wore to death when I met Andy just about covered my bum, I found it again recently, it looks like a child's skirt! It's rather cute though, ahhh the days before hips!
    You look absolutely fab in this outfit, I love the fringes x

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  2. Too right, why cover up such amazing pins?! Look incredible Vix.

    X x

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  3. Those boots are adorable! That whole outfit is just fabulous.

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  4. I properly bloody loves ya!!
    I am so with you we could be conjoined. I'm not having any of this rules for women over forty bullshit. Who decided all of that anyway? I know women of fifty with the most fabulous pins that never see the light of day because 'I'm too old' or worse still 'my husband wouldn't like it' Arrghhhh! Oooohh I'm in rant mode...
    I love that outfit and I love that quote...it will now go viral.
    Enjoy the book...now there's a gang of girls who knew how to show it off.
    Stay warm love.
    Em
    xxxxxxxxxx

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  5. I've always thought that there is a difference between fashion and style - style (like you have) is a distinct identity and most clothing faux pas come from people trying to follow fashion.
    You, and your blog readers, will see something that they know is your style at once, and that is a great testament to your strong sense of identity.

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  6. You look great in that outfit. "Mutton dressed as lamb" is such a horrible put down that lots of women live in fear of it - me included. I'll try to be a bit braver - thanks for the encouragement.

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  7. That tunic never looked so good!!!
    you have an amazing sense of style!

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  8. I'm definitely making sure my mum reads this post. She's always asking me if she's looking silly wearing things she enjoyed when she was younger but the truth is: if you like what you're wearing there are no reasons for you to take it off! Just look at Keith Richards, he's still pulling the bohemian look and it works more than well. And I also must say you style (and yourself) really inspires me! xxx

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  9. Ha, you made me laugh. I just came over from Krista's blog after a heart moving read and then hopped over here to laugh through the tears welling up. These blogs are so great for that.
    You should never stop wearing short skirts!! If you stop, then I will cause you're my guru dahling.

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  10. Love, love, love the burgundy boots! The only reason to cover up is because it's COLD out there! I hope the faux fur was a long one, brrr!

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  11. I love this post! I found you blog and a few others like Helgas about the same time. I was about 31 at the time and I was feeling like perhaps I should reign in my dress sense. Then thanks to your blogs I felt confident in my own style, and kept true to myself. Thank you so much xoxo

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  12. I love your bright pink tights, they are fab. I agree, as long as you are happy in what you are wearing then who's to tell you not to? You have fab legs anyway, you should have them out. Xx

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  13. Haha I might regret not wearing a longer skirt but I don't think the 'less is more' crowd were thinking full period-drama lace beast with a train LOL! The less is more idiots almost brainwashed me (till I moved out of commuter belt hell in Guildford), so glad I ignored them.

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  14. My mum is 63 next week, and strike me down if her legs aren't still worthy of showing off. Sure, she won't go without tights now, by why cover up your legs - who are you protecting? I don't get it.

    It was indeed cold today, but dry, so my furs are getting the outings they deserve. I have some spiced rum calloing my name in the kitchen, and it may only be Wednesday night, I may have to be up at the crack of dawn, but Liam insists I watch I'm a Celebrity with him - I need something to get me through!

    Vix, you look absolutely stunning in maxis, minis, bell bottoms, knicker bockers, jeans, leather trousers, midis - why would a list of restrictions make life any easier?

    Beyond me. And as for being told by a mum at the school today that 'blue and green should not be seen'...has she not seen nature doing a cracking job of proving that saying WRONG?

    Keep being a rebel - don't ever change!

    Lucy x

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  15. If you (or You as in the German you - 'Man', referring to the general YOU, awck, we lack that word in English!) feel comfortable in it and like it then that is all that matters, that's what I always feel! SOme of the teachers at school say they wish they could wear some of the things I wear but they think they'd look like a little kid but I say, it's how you feel in it! Hurrah for you, hot legs!

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  16. I am now picturing you dancing your ass off in a cage looking super sexy!!! I don't know what I love more your granny boots or all that fringe! You do mini's like no one else and to deny the world those pins would be a travesty! Modesty is something I have never had, don't think I'm missing out either :)

    Gayle did great with that vest, FRINGE+VIX=LOVE and how cool a book with a Walsall connection! The lady on the cover is a beauty! I know you love your rum. How do you drink it? Is there a brand you prefer? I know so little about rum. Enjoy yours my dear and I'll speak with you tomorrow!!!!
    Lotsoflove
    XXOO

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  17. Oh for goodness sakes - if wearing something makes you feel FABULOUS then you should wear it to death and FECK to the onlookers. Mutton dressed as lamb is a disgusting turn of phrase - push the mutton button till it breaks!!

    No-one is going to go blind if some 'age-inappropriate' get up gets worn - the only folks flapping will be those who wouldn't countenance breaking the rules (so how very dare YOU do it) LMAO.

    More is more (don't be a bore)- that book looks FABBO!

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  18. Has anyone ever told you how cool you are? Of course they have. Looking gorgeous go go girl.

    I get, I get, I get keep the mini dress, we all need our supermodel moments. X

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  19. I'm a great believer that you're never too old and the older I get the more I believe it to be true. Why hide such gorgeous pins away? It's like all those silly people who say you can't wear your hair long once you hit 30 - what???? I look (and feel) terrible with short hair, and your hair leaves me green with envy, it's gorgeous. Linda xxx

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  20. Well, I'm on my own way to ruin as I passed the 30s , I don't care for the length of my skirt and I'm glad you share my attitude. I think that everything, as beauty and youth, come mostly from inside and a pair of good legs is ageless, my aunt is over fifty ,she should have a fashion blog because she looks divine in her mini skirts and leggings, she's goodlooking and thin why she shouldn't wear what she want?Anyway that dress and the fringed vest are fabulous, you are stunning and I'm crazy for your go-go boots!
    Lots of Love xxxxx

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  21. Well, I'm on my own way to ruin as I passed the 30s , I don't care for the length of my skirt and I'm glad you share my attitude. I think that everything, as beauty and youth, come mostly from inside and a pair of good legs is ageless, my aunt is over fifty ,she should have a fashion blog because she looks divine in her mini skirts and leggings, she's goodlooking and thin why she shouldn't wear what she want?Anyway that dress and the fringed vest are fabulous, you are stunning and I'm crazy for your go-go boots!
    Lots of Love xxxxx

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  22. You definitely look like you should be going to a go-go! Ready for "Top of the Pops", you are. My love of short skirts has been rekindled, partly because of the lovely comments I've received on my blog from my blogging posse. As long as my arse is covered I'll be flashing my legs as long as I can. That retro card is sooo adorable!

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  23. I will never get tired of laughing at those stupid arse "rules"!!! Nor will I cease hgetting annoyed by them! Like Ivy, it makes me a bit ranty!!!
    You look frigging HOT to TROT! End of story! You've got the legs,aAND the bod, so why the hell not?! that fringed number is amazeballs, and perfection with those to DIE for boots.It's generally an ideal outfit for any occasion, in my book.Dammit, I'm going to MINI-FY that black batwing number I got last weekend and wear it out on Saturday, and take THAT!
    The retro card is stunning, and I'm going to hunt out that book; I LOVE to read about fabularse women who push the boundaries, which is obvs why I love you!!!
    RAWR!
    Love Helga xxxXXXxxx

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  24. vix i love and totally agree with this quote "To dress modestly is to die a slow death" i definitely have to share it;)
    woooaah those boots are absolutely hot and so are you!
    kiss,mary

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  25. You always have the best phrases, my dear Vix, yeahhhhhhhhhhhhh.
    Enjoy that rum.
    XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

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  26. Lovely boots and the fringed number is fabulous. I'm not surprised you were cold, I've been in the house all day and I'm still freezing!

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  27. fringe jacket or the world most beautiful boots? what do i like most? ... fringe?-boots?-fringe?-boots? - i don't know. i adore both, cheers!

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  28. This post is quite apt for me today having had my first ever set of false eyelashes applied yesterday. Must admit, I did wonder afterwards if I looked a bit 'mutton', but bollocks they're done now.
    You've got the bod to wear anything with aplomb and thank goodness you do!

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  29. You go go girl girl.

    But please wake me up before you go go.

    Too much? Perhaps.

    The only skirts that look halfway decent on me are shorter than knee length, so maybe according to some, I shouldn't, but hell yeah, I do!

    Love the fringes and the whole look. You have the best friends who send you such wonderful gifts.

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  30. you're so inspiring and love your wise words, it's better to wear what you love and forget all that rules about what you should wear!
    and you look like a sixties rock star wearing that fabulous tunic and colorful tights!
    besos

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  31. Way to go go Vix. You look smoking! Perhaps fleece tights next time out will keep you a bit warmer. Or the rum first and then the going out. Fabulous.

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  32. Awhile back I saw a woman coming home from weekend day downtown. She was probably in her mid-50s, wearing navy tights, tall boots of some kind, a fitted minidress with navy and some bold, fun pattern, and a fancy patterned scarf topping it all off. All were what I'd deem very "normal" clothes, AKA I think what you'd think of as high street, not vintage or anything, but with a fun vaguely 60s vibe, and fun. She looked fantastic! And she had every right to show all that leg and rock it!

    I also think of something my aunt once said-- she loves getting older because she just keeps getting better! :D

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  33. That looks like my kind of book. I've got a book on the Bloomsbury set if you're interested, it's really fascinating, I read it years ago but I'm sure the Garman sisters must get mentioned a lot.
    You look fab, thanks to blogging, I'm never going to dress modestly. well normally, I do like looking like a librarian now and again. and you'll kill me but I must confess to buying some new tracky bottoms from Primark on Monday.
    I think you look fabulous, thermal vests are invaluable, I've discovered, so next time get yer undies on. I love love the tunic and WOW pairing it up with pink, you're unstoppable! You badly need a time machine so you can go back and dance on the stage at a swinging 60s club. You know I adore those boots too. Cher wishes she was you!

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  34. As long as it looks good, wear it! And you always look great. x

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  35. I just read your blog and had to laugh about the website you used to visit. I also used to post on a "fashion" website and the same topics used to come up every day. Also, they were so into shopping at the mall at "certain" shops and keeping up with the latest trend. I got quite sick of the whole thing. It's refreshing to see someone like you who always looks so fab and has their own style. Love the whole outfit.

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  36. I do love wearing a cheeky mini skirt, it's fun. I do love your quote very much x

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  37. Never stop getting them out, Vix - your legs, I mean, of COURSE! (It's Em's post about her plastic baps, got me all boob obsessed!) You rock a mini, and if a tunic just about covers your bum, that's perfect!
    Love the pink tights with those boots, and the fringing is fabulous.
    We all know those rules are a load of shite - go go for it, my darling! xxxxx

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  38. I adore your quote, and would add "dressing your age is to die a slow death" as well. You look like a star, as always!

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  39. HippieTASTIC, Vix! Rock on!

    "Goin' to a GO Go!" You got me singing it now! You've been listening to the Stones again haven't you? My favs too. Noticed you had the Rock and Roll Circus book in one of your book stacks. Don't you just love the pics?

    It's one thing to be a bold and daring dresser, but in addition to your creative eye for fashion, we all know you work hard to continue looking good by eating right and exercising regularly. That takes commitment and there's a lot to be said for that as well.

    Keep rockin' it, girl! xxx




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  40. you need to have your quote printed on t shirts and sell them!

    you look lovely today. xoxo

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  41. I'm with The Gardener's Cottage. That quote is brilliant. And that fashion "help" forum is just sad.

    And those boots--love them on you.

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  42. You hover 'round the bar, and I'll hover 'round those go-go boots. Damn, girl, all of you is awesome as usual, but THOSE BOOTS!!!!

    Oh, that's Internet yelling, I think.

    Oddly, as a very nearly 50 year old, above the knee skirts are one thing I do think still look good on me. I never thought to ask if I'm too old. Well, screw it. I'm also too short for most long skirts.

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  43. Stunning boots and I think you should off your fabulous legs forever.

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  44. I'm constantly saying to people, "There's no such thing as 'too old' to wear anything." You look fabulous in your mini. I love those boots.

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  45. With your legs you can wear anything! Though actually anyone can wear anything, who cares. I'm swanning around in leggings and short tunics all the time now, even though my legs and thighs are so huge. I kind of think I may continue to do this after the baby too.

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  46. My moto your only as young as you feel age is just a stupid number that i don't even look at anymore. As long as i wear what makes my heart beat with love thats all that matters ;-) You look fabulous in everything you wear dear Vix, enjoy your book i think thats the one that was in the art centre when we were in Walsall all together and Em pointed it out and said it was brilliant. dee xxx

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  47. You have got a cracking set of pins! :)
    I think as I've got older I am definitely braver in what I wear. I used to care about what people thought but quite frankly couldn't give a damn now. Life is too short.
    x

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  48. You look fantastic, all that talk about dressing for your age is absolute bollocks - when I wear skirts and dresses they're always short because they make me feel fun and feisty, I also think my legs are long and lithe enough to get away with it but to be honest even if they weren't (and when I was younger and heavier they really weren't!!) I wouldn't (and didn't) give a damn.

    That book looks very interesting, please let me know if it is any good and I'll check it out!

    Lxx

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  49. Oh gourd, I just hate every single stupid fucking boring, ridiculous rule about aging or dressing or being graceful. You look AMAAAZING! I love the skirt and the boots are INCREDIBLE and the long tassled top is from one of my all time favourite outfits EVER in the history of the universe. Why don't you have your own tv show?! Love you more than BREAKING RULES! Sarah xxx

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  50. When I was 6 I told my first grade teacher that I wanted to be a librarian or a go-go dancer. I saw nothing odd about the choices. Thanks for letting me know that I'm not to old achieve the latter aspiration!
    Just don't let not covering up be the death of you -- then it might cause some regrets on your deathbed. Warmer tights are needed then!
    Those boots are making me weak in the knees, they are so gorgeous.
    Yes, Marmite can make rice caked edible, but chocolate does not.
    xx Jo

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  51. You look better than most of the students I see on campus. The hell with dressing our ages. The only "rule" I like comes from a friend of mine who says "just because it comes in your size, doesn't mean you have to wear it" She was referring to plus-size clothes that plus-size women; me and her, shouldn't wear. Stuff like boob tubes and no bras, really short tight skirts, leggings as pants, halter top that don't halter. A mirror and undergarmets are your friends.

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  52. You are looking amazing as usual!! Love the fringed vest-so 60's a-go-go!!
    Those boots are gorgeous!!
    I need to check out that book!! I love dishy stories about women who break the rules!!
    xxxxhugsxxxx

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  53. You look bloody gorgeous! Cher would fight you for that tunic! Talking of Cher, I remember her being interviewed once in the 80s, and she was asked something along the lines of "Why do you always go out dressed in your underwear?" To which she marvellously replied "It's not that I don't know how to dress properly, it's just that I choose not to".

    I remember seeing that book on the Garman's at the New Art Gallery, and I read a good review of it awhile ago. Let us know what you think of it. xxx

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  54. The fringed waistcoat is beyond beautiful, especially with your stunning boots. I am grateful for your words of profound wisdom regarding dressing and aging.

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  55. There are a lot of people dying of a slow death around here!
    Boring and boring thank god that you and me are here to cheer the planet up!

    Love, love the outfit!

    Arianexxxx

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  56. You are never too old to wear exactly what you desire! And I for one very much admire that fringed waistcoat xxx

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  57. To dress modestly is to die a slow death... This will be my new mantra! (And when I've died of undercooling from wearing mini skirts I would like you to say at my funeral: At least she had fun and NEVER felt too old to show her pins.) Now all I need to do is to find some similar fringed amazingness. xoxo

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  58. Ooooh, how I love those suede lace up boots. IF you ever want to throw them out, I'm here. Hopefully we have the same size feet!

    As far as mutton dressed as lamb, I always have this to say: "well, that's just too baaaad!"

    I know my limitations when it comes to short skirts. Even trousers don't do me any big favours, so I wear what I want within what I perceive to be my boundaries. I guess the difference is that those boundaries are set by ME and not someone else.

    Much love,
    Rosemary from www.foreveronthecatwalkoflife.blogspot.com

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  59. There are no rules in choosing what to wear other than whether you feel fabulous in it - and not only do you always exude 'feeling fabulous', you look it, in every wonderful combination.

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  60. Oh so love the fringe tunic & your go go boots! Oh & the age thing...can you imagine what the blog personal style world would look like if everyone followed those inane rules?!

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  61. I think you can definitely wear anything you want Vix, I noticed the comment that mentioned that you eat well and exercise and they are two things I've really been neglecting to do lately. I love those boots so much, boots are my favourite footwear anyway and those boots are gorgeous. I've been making a lot of little changes to how I dress since finding you ladies, including wearing shorter skirts. I wish I'd known you all years ago! xx

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  62. Why cover up something? And I really still don't understand that age-thingy. I dress in whatever I want. When somebody doesn't want to see it, look the other way. (or other side or how you call it in Englisch). :)
    And you have a pair of legs that really shouldn't be cover up. I wished I've had your legs.
    Your gogo outfit is cool! I am loving your boots so much.
    Hope you've had a great Rummie-evening. :D
    xxx have a wonderfull day.

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  63. Great quote (dress modestly, not mutton), great boots and great legs. You're a star!

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  64. Too right!!! Now if you can just convince Sue for me, that all your ideas are true and correct!!!

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  65. As the saying goes 'Rules were meant to be broken', smash them with a hammer I say!!

    I've got that book too and its a bloody good read. Won't say more, but think you'll love it!
    xxx

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  66. love the hot pink tights, You have beautiful legs!

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  67. Vic, I haven't had the time to comment lately but I wanted to say I read every single post you make, and that you are my utmost favorite blogger. Just thought you should know. No one is like you!

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  68. Vix you are inspirational in so many ways. To dress modestly is to die a slow death - ah yes! We should all make this our new mantra!

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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