Friday 30 November 2012

Purple Haze, Ain't It?



I swear that most of the population of my home town are on crack. Almost everyone I encountered today felt the need to ask an inane question like the bloke who was responsible for my blog title. I've also had, "Do you like purple?" "Are you a Prince fan? Purple Rain, geddit?" "Do you like vintage clothes, then?" and "Is that supposed to be a coat?" 


How on earth's a girl supposed to charity shop when under constant interrogation?


No wonder I returned empty-handed. Still, with the stuff I've rescued from Dad's house there's no real need to shop.


 Jon took a fancy to these Denby cups and saucers a while ago and I managed to ferret out the matching coffee pot, sugar bowl and milk jug from the back of the dresser.


Designed by Gill Pemberton in 1963 after her travels in Russia the design was originally called Samarakland but later changed to Arabesque after Portmerion released a line with the same name. The range was entirely hand-painted and in production until the early 1970s. 


They were one of my parents' wedding presents in 1966 and only made the odd appearance at dinner parties so they're still in pristine condition. The psychedelic purple tablecloth is a Conran and another groovy wedding present. 


Mum was a demon crocheter in her day. I found this poncho she'd made in the bottom of the wardrobe when I was over at the house yesterday. She used to wear it when I was a babe in arms. 


The divine Helga wanted to know what sartorial rules we were planning to break today. I went with flashing far too much thigh, mixing silver & gold jewellery together, lurex as day wear and double leopard print, oh and I cut my own hair before I left the house this morning. Tut tut, call the fashion police!

1960s majorette's costume (Seen HERE), Wetherall of Bond Street wool cape (Seen HERE), Original leopard platforms (Seen HERE), Ultra violet evening gloves (£1, car boot sale), 1960s fake fur collar (inherited from Mum)
It's the Walsall Music Festival this weekend with Reverend and The Makers headlining and I can't wait. I bloody love Jon McClure, I may be days away from my 46th birthday but I'll probably still have to be restrained from invading the stage. I'll never grow up. 

Have a fab weekend!

86 comments:

  1. Loving the cape Vix and the purple suits you perfectly. Bet you are looking forward to such a great weekend. Think we may be off to the german market this weekend, that is if we are on better speaking terms! lol

    X x

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  2. Please never grow up - I don't think it would suit you.

    As for the daft people of Walsall - surely they are used to Vix now?

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  3. i adore every one of your fashion *violations*! you look beautiful breaking the rules.

    love that coffee set too. your parents had amazing things.

    here's hoping you make it onto the stage!

    xo

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  4. The cape is gorgeous & love the leopard! Are you going to use the pretty dishes? Things I got from my grandparents I use & wear & it drives my mom batty!

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  5. Today is the greatest breaking rules day!!Your outfit is something that words can't describe and purple and leopard seems to gain the first place in my personal favourite combinations: really Vix, it's awesome!I really enjoy the colours of your mom's poncho, it really surprises how amazing are those colours togheter!!Thank you for this great weekend inspiration!
    Love xxxxx

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  6. Purple is good, OK? Isn't it funny how people feel the need to comment on things? Personally, I usually only say, that looks great when I'm giving my unsolicited 2p's worth.

    Love from the wilds of Shropshire,
    Rosemary from www.foreveronthecatwalkoflife.blogspot.com

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  7. That coffee set is beyond awesome.

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  8. Let me know when you want to find a new home for that cape!
    Just pretend that you're performing community service by getting people out of their shell (even if it is utering inanities).
    I love earthy crunchy Denby crockery and this set is a beauty.
    Have a great time at the concert. Just don't get arrested.
    xx

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  9. I've been wearing a lot of purple lately (funerals and all). I love the cape on you and while I would have done a double-take if I saw you, I wouldn't have made a tiresome comment. What are the plans for the 46th?

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  10. People are so rude and ignorant sometimes, but I bet you came right back with a witty riposte. Loving the cape and your parents Denby. Hope you have a wild time at the festival this weekend and don't grow up...it's boring.

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  11. Don't ever grow up, ok? You are my rule-breaking inspiration. Purple and leopard are fab together and all those cretins who think they are so hilarious can take a flying leap! I love the shape of the coffee pot from that set, and your Mum's gorgeous poncho. My parents were both so conservative in their taste; I'm not sure where I came from ;)

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  12. Love the outfit!
    Liz @ Shortbread & Ginger

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  13. Hey! I was barnes and noble yesterday going through a book on Vintage Fashion, and I saw you smiling back at me on a page! And I was like, I know this chick!

    So proud of you!

    Love,
    Shubhi!

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  14. Silly questions from silly people no doubt. You look great, and have a fabulous birthday when it comes around, looking forward to the photos

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  15. Purple's my favourite colour, can't be beaten I reckon. You look fabbytastic, you must be infamous in Walsall now with all your gorgeous looks. Have a great weekend. Xx

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  16. I am so into cape's these days. :)
    I love the color of yours. But ow, all those purple questions.... :D It is a delight to see you in such color. Most peeps overhere are already dressed in dark, black and brown clothes. It is a bit boring. It is cool when somebody brings in a bit (or a lot) of color.
    Your moms and dads cups are lovely. And it is a nice memory of their wedding.
    xxxx

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  17. Gee, you'd think they'd ask more interesting questions such as, "Is that gorgeous purple cape made in the UK, or perhaps Scotland? Is it wool?". I love the cape - my Mom had a green one just like it, with gorg gold buttons, when we were kids - oh why did she get rid of it??

    Happy early Birthday - you are a Sag (just like Jo, I discovered), which means we'd all get on famously ... I'm a Gemini and many of my close peeps (my hubby; my best friend) are Sag's. Here's to never growing up! xoxo

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  18. I love ponchos and capes. That purple one is so pretty.

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  19. You look WONDERFUL!!

    This is one of my favourite outfit posts from you, just love it.

    Lxx

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  20. Love this cape.
    Oh and that crochet poncho is to die for.

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  21. Look at you sweet baby doll. I hate people on crack I seem to run into them too some days more than others ) Your hair almost looks pornographic it's so smooth and shiny! You look so sexy showing all that leg, breaking all those rules and having a blast doing it!

    I love that you are still finding treasure at the old house. Those cups and saucers are beautiful, same with Mama's poncho.That picture you took with your pillows in the background is extra cute!!!!

    You wear 46 like no other Vix and you continue to be a fashion inspiration to me! Have a wonderful weekend getting some prebirthday celebrating in! I can't wait to see what you wear!

    Iloveyoubunchesbabe!!!
    XOXOXO

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  22. Argh!! - I forgot to include wishes for an awesome Birthday (us Sags are pretty awesome!) and enjoy the Music Festival. Sending a pre-birthday hug...

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  23. Purple haze, oh, I get it.

    That coffee set is cool. I'd probably spill coffee all over the place with the odd angle of the spout.

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  24. I don't think we need to alert Mensa, but those comments did make me chuckle!

    I'm starting to think I've been growing up far too quickly. Might need to follow your example and start flashing a bit of wotsit myself. xx

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  25. It's funny I'm working on my burgundy post now and am saying there (not posted yet) that there are so many names for this color. I'd use "burgundy" definition for your coat and tights. But of course, it's just me. Plum and berry also come to mind to define that color. of course purple is just fine with me too :)
    love your mom's poncho
    xx
    maya

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  26. Fab cape and I love the colour of your gloves.
    Dx

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  27. I haven't heard anything from Reverend & the Makers for years, can't beat Heavyweight Champion of the World!!
    But I do love that coat and your scarf!
    Have a fab weekend! XO

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  28. My daughter would go nuts over your outfit she loves purple and animal print!! Break the rules ...You look fabulous ....who said it anyways rules were mean't to be broken LOL!! Love Heather

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  29. I am constantly amazed at the treasures that have been in your family. The tea service is beautiful and the poncho is fab. Your mum was very talented. It's obvious where you got your talents and love of vintage from. Being the subject of constant funny looks/stupid questions is a by-product of having your own identity and style and not walking around in Ugg boots, jeggings and padded coats with fleece hoods! Nearly 46 and looking fabulous as always xxx

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  30. I freakin' love it all-- the boots, gloves, leopard... Your parent's stuff is killer, too.

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  31. Hi my dear!! Wow, purple and snakeskin is a fabulous combination, you look really gorgeous! Have a great weekend xxx

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  32. You know you've never played by the rules, Vix, no point starting now! You look completely fabulous in purple and double leopard print, flashing your magnificent legs! I am surprised the good citizens of Walsall haven't got used to the sight of you sashaying about town in various outfits of colourful vintage finery. Maybe they just feel the need to say something, however inane, because you are the local celeb!
    Your parents' Denby coffee set is groovy, they must have been the It couple of their day - now it's you and Jon! Have fun at the festival. You go and see Reverend and the Makers, while I am off to see Squeeze on Sunday... I think we all know which of us is a cool chick and which is the old fart!
    Love ya! xxxxx

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  33. I get the same questions sometimes!
    The green docs and green tights this week got me comments and lots of looks!

    Love your mix and don't ever be like the others, stay yourself !

    You are just too cool for words!

    Have a great weekend

    Arianexxx

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  34. That's a gorgeous cosy outfit, you look snug as a bug in a rug in your warm cape and fur :)

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  35. You look fab in purple.
    I am sure my parents had the very same cups. They were married in 1963 and I came along in 1966.
    46 isn't too bad.
    Enjoy.

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  36. "Is that supposed to be a coat?" is my favourite!

    Love the cape, and your Mum's poncho too. The Denby coffee set is gorgeous.

    Have a great time with The Rev. and enjoy your weekend xxx

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  37. We had the same coffee set as a wedding present. Enjoy your festival.
    Love from Mum
    xx

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  38. How on earth's a girl supposed to charity shop when under constant interrogation? The answer is drink. You're allowed to it's time for celebrating your fabolousness this weekend. Have a wonderful time at the festival.

    The Denby set is lovely I certainly would be using if it were mine, it has however made me realise that my mother in law has a piece the looks very similar in medium sized coking dish. I will have to investigate.

    You look devine by the way in all your pretty purpleness. X

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  39. Love your outfit! Have a great weekend! x

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  40. Way to break the rules, lovely! Purple and leopard print looks lush.
    My grandparents had the same Denby set though where it went I don't know.
    Have a stonking weekend.
    xxxxxxxx

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  41. I'm trying to come up with a purple comment but can't match those of your "village people"!

    Oh, my goodness! The coffee set is VERY groovy. No wonder Jon took a fancy to them. It was interesting knowing a bit of their history, too.

    And you don't HAVE to grow up, you know. Enjoy the Festival.

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  42. Love the outfit! The idea of the cape with bright tights is fab, may have to try it!

    Parental Denby is such a 'thing'- both my folks and my in laws have/had 'just for best' sets!! I adore it, so chunky.

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  43. Lovely, I think that's probably my favourite of your capes so far! I imagine most of these people think they're very witty with said comments. You can't be the only person in the town who wears vintage, surely? Anyway, I bet most of them were wearing fleeces and you know what they say about pots and kettles!
    Love the coffee set, you rescued some lovely things from your Dad's place. It sounds as though you've inherited a lot of traits from your mum - she was clearly a stylish and talented lady x

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  44. I always enjoy seeing your fantastic cape collection!
    Sophie
    x

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  45. I always enjoy seeing your fantastic cape collection!
    Sophie
    x

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  46. I wish people were a little more bold and brave just like you. I love the leopard print twist! I was going to say your hair is looking so long and radiant xxx

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  47. That cape is gorgeous (I have a coat in the exact same shade and yes, people feel the need to make purple comments when I wear it!). Oooh, almost 46, when when when??????

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  48. LOVE it! The purple cape is fabulous x

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  49. You are under arrest for crimes against boring proles who lack imagination, even in their remarks! You are sentenced henceforth to a lifetime of rule-breaking, rule book-burning, anti-Gok campaigning and being an amazingly gorgeous creature with spunk. You're ticking all my boxes baby!!!!!!!!!!! Oh and BTW yes, he suprised me with a celebratory shag-fest yesterday - those endorphins really kicked in after that walk! Mmmmmmmmmmmm. xoxoxoxoxo

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  50. You know that really like everything you wear, and have been influenced by you to wear more colour. But I have to say that this outfit, is my favourite. I love everything about it.

    Enjoy yourself tomorrow (as if I have to say that!!)

    xo

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  51. Vix, I believe you may be becoming a bit of a celebrity! I'm also thinking of your statement about not being noticed.... and you get more gorgeous with every post!

    The dishes and tablecloth are 70s FABULOUSNESS (I wants 'em.) and the crocheted poncho is out of this world! I may may have to take up crochet again so I can have one like it.

    Girl, I'm so glad you're out there rockin' it! I'm 10 years your senior and make no apologies for doin' the same.

    Have a insane weekend, my friend!

    xxx

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  52. LOVING the granny square poncho - that is amazing!

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  53. Please never grow up Vix - you're perfect the way you are!

    Also long purple gloves are just so amazing:D

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  54. Your parents got some groooovy loot for their wedding. LOVE it. Maybe you got all the odd questions because it's hard for people to overlook purple?

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  55. Capes tend to bring out the weirdest comments! I love that you did double leopard with all that purple it suits you! Aha, another one who won't grow up, YAY for us! XXX

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  56. You timed this just about exactly to Hendrix's 70th birthday, but you probably already knew that. ;)
    Look at those knock out thighs!! And in purple no less. That combination alone should be a crack fix.
    Never grow up Vix!

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  57. Hi, honey! You have a great blog, very interesting and you are very beautiful! I'm your new reader! If you do not mind, I'll wait for you in my blog!))))

    http://tini-tani.blogspot.ru/

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  58. Love the cape and the collours - all the mix and combo is great ! You wear it so well ! Granny square´s ! - thought my self to make thoose ! Such fun to have things afet your mother.
    Have a great time !

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  59. I love coffee paraphernalia, despite hating the actual drink.
    You look fab in purple!

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  60. am a huge fan of mixing silver and gold..... it really seems to annoy quite a few people too!!x

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  61. oh I adore the leopard print in that collar and your shoes, so cool compination!! :)

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  62. FARK YES!!! Breaking all the most desperately in need of being broken rules in the BEST possible way!!!
    You frigging ROCK, and people clearly were gravitating to your fabulousness...pity they were too stupid to say something clever and original! Gawd I love capes, and this one's a pearler! So much yumminess, like that divoon leopard scarfy thing...SQUEE!
    Glorious bit of 60's pottery there, and how bloody special that it was a wedding pressie to yuor folks! And that tablecloth!!! Le SQUEE of ENVY! Fab poncho too, such lovely colours....
    You're my fave rule breaker EVER and I'm putting you on detention, young lady.Oooer!Might even have to bend you over the table..ahem.
    Love Helga! xxxXXXxxx

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  63. Always stunning, and those legs of yours were made to be flaunt, yeahhhhhhhhhhhhhhh.
    Have a fantastic weekend, my friend.
    XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

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  64. very cool denby cups with matching pot and saucers. Vix, you make vintage very cool.

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  65. Oh Vix,
    I have a new favourite look on you, I LOVE this x

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  66. oh my god all those questions are really a bit annoying, i don´t like interviews like that neither, but people here not getting tired to ask me almost everyday if i´m going to a special event or why i am dressing so pretty and bla, i´doing it to please my self just get it!!!! ;)
    anyway you look absolutely fabulous purple perfection!
    kiss,mary
    http://www.maryloucinnamon.com

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  67. You look like royalty Vix!! Rule breaking sexy royalty obviously (Because I doubt the queen would ever wear heels that high and a frock that short) *heheeh*
    The coffee set is aamazing and your Mother's poncho is lovely.

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  68. Wow, I love the purple with the leopard print)
    You look gorgeous, as usual1)

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  69. I love that cape! purple, leopard print and legs on show are wonderful. I love gold and silver togther - bugger the rules, wear anything. You look great and you know to ignore the Walsall Weirdos. We've got plenty here. I love the Denby set, it's fantastic xxxx

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  70. I'm proud to say that I break all the mentioned fashion rules, too (especially double leopard... a favourite!). And now I want to dress in all shades of purple! xoxo

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  71. haha! love how everyone in your town feels the need to comment on what you're wearing! you looks fab! love the cape and your mums cape is gorgeous xx

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  72. lol the title is funny..
    still better than the very loud 'HELLO PURPLE' some man said to a lady on the train once, who clearly was a fan of purple.
    I think the 'is that supposed to be a coat' one is rather amusing too..
    Shame it was ceaseless however our lovely mugs and poncho are so nice and great for the season eh =)

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  73. LOL 'Our' lovely mugs- haha, where's the 'y' when you need it!

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  74. The purple cape is divine! Have fun at the festival! May you be unrestrained by security from reaching the stage.

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  75. Ahh Your Highness Vixen, you look lovely in purples and leopard, gold and silver. That's what you should've been hearing! And it's true. No need to go shopping with all the treasures at home from your parents, indeed. How wonderful. Hope you had a blast this weekend.

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  76. I'm in love with your purple cape and the handmade poncho <3

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  77. These shoes are awesome! I've just got a similar pair from Dune - can't wait to wear them with too much thigh on show! xx

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  78. dear lady, I alway believed that purple matches everything, but now I Know it matches fabulously leopard and blue glitter, whouu, you look gorgeous and love your long gloves and bijouterie and your pretty booties!
    you're always inspiring!
    besos

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  79. Oh my gosh I totally adore that outfit. The coat is amazing and I love the colour and the boots and the leopard print scarf are just stunning. Its one of my favourites x

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  80. The colors, the leopard print, it's all divine. And a cape with violet evening gloves is too perfect for words.

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  81. People are daft, aren't they?! Imagine making stupid comments at you like that!! We've got an Arabesque set in the shop, I love the shape of the coffee pot. Sometimes I wonder if there's anything a member of your family *didn't* have.xx.

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  82. Wow your family had great style loving the coffee set. You look gorgeous i love the purple coat and your mums poncho is just the sweetest. I bet you cuddle up into that. dee xx

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  83. This needs to be in a fashion encyclopedia "How to wear a cape" Oh eM Gee I love it. People and their pesky questions. They are as boring as their outfits.

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  84. I just realized - you are not a real person but a goddess.

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  85. I adore both the cape and the tea set! Oh my goodness!

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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