Tuesday 4 December 2012

Psychedelic Purrs




I picked up this groovy 1960s psychedelic number on my recent vintage trip to Birmingham with Jo and Annie. Judging by the badly hand-sewn hem it was once a dress and in a bit of a sorry state so I cheekily haggled the seller down by a couple of quid.

Colin Glascoe mini (Mister Birds Emporium, £5), 1960s leather knee high boots (£4.99, PDSA), Lamani gypsy coin necklace (India), TopShop's 80 denier tights (Xmas present last year and still going strong)

I didn't bother trying it before I bought it and when I did it felt uninspired, too shapeless for a tunic and too short for a dress so I unpicked the hem, left it raw and added a crucial couple of inches by trimming it with a length of 1960s lurex fringing.



The fringing was 25p for a huge reel from a car boot sale last summer.


The fabric's been signed several times by the designer, Colin Glascoe. He was a leading light in the British psychedelic movement, known for his bohemian designs & wild prints and "introduced Americans to Beatles-era Kaleidoscope Eyes" (so I discovered HERE)


We've been given a camera by a technophobic friend who found it far too scary and complicated so today's photos are an experiment. (It's a Samsung PRO815 if that means anything!)

Stephen Squirrel in action
Jon couldn't resist capturing the beasts and playing around with the seemingly hundreds of fancy settings. 

Polly Piglet chilling


 Shame we couldn't find a setting to disguise my unironed hem!


I must crack on with getting my gear ready for the vintage fairs at the weekend and, more importantly, find something spectacular to wear for both events!

See you soon.

71 comments:

  1. really love the fringe detail on that little frock! you're really a girl that actually can wear bold, loud colours!

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  2. The fringing really makes the dress! And I have never seen Polly before, she reminds me of my Jessica x

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  3. Oooh the colours and print are absolutely beautiful but that fringing takes it to a whole new level of fabulousness.
    I really need to take a look at Mister Birds Emporium next time I'm in the centre of Birmingham. It was so lovely bumping into you at the vintage fairy! :)

    Florrie x

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  4. I could totally tell something was different with these pictures, they are pretty fantastic. Yeah for camera gifts you sure will get your use out of it. I about died when I saw this dress Vix I am in love with that print and those easter colors! The fringe on the bottom really adds something special and I have some of it myself!
    I'm happy to see the sun poking out for you too! Heck even the cats came out for it! As far as picking out something fab to wear to the fair, I have seen your closet and I know you could close your eyes and just pick anything and it would be stellar!
    Two more days lil birthday girl 2 more days:)
    I LOVESYOU!!!!!
    XOXOXOX

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  5. This dress looks great on you and the fringing is inspired!!

    Lxx

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  6. I love your new dress!!The print and the colours are astonishing and the fringe is perfect on it, you did an amazing artwork!!I'm glad to see a nice sunbeam in your photos it really enlights your colours there and my rainy day here!The new camera gives great results and I didn't notice the unironed hem because every picture and your beauty is so bright!
    The cats are so cute too!
    Lots of love xxxxx

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  7. pretty dress, and adding that cute trim made it wearable. You cats are cuties. Samsung PR0815 means nothing to me. I used a cheap Canon Power Shot, assistant #2 helps me with the settings...then pats me on the head like I'm her Grandma!

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  8. Finding something spectacular to wear? That won't be hard with your wardrobe! x

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  9. Fabulous dress! It's the perfect tonic for the cold, dark winter weather we've been having for the last few weeks.

    Gorgeous kitty pics too, love the one of Polly all curled up :) x

    www.mancunianvintage.com

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  10. That fringing is inspired. I love the colours in the design, too.

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  11. That design featured in my childhood somewhere - am sure my Mum had something in that design.

    Snazzy camera - keep hoping Santa will bring me a new one - I know I've been good this year!

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  12. Lovely colours ! You - I thought my self how to do thoose granny squares by using google..Not that hard !

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  13. What a great save- I love the print on that frock and you rock it!

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  14. Wow that frock is so groovy, the colours look amazing on you. I just love it and what you did with the hem is inspired. Your boots and tights look fantabulous with it too. Lucky you, £5 is a brilliant price.
    x

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  15. What a stunning print! Colin knew a thing or two about crazy colour and psychedelic gorgeousness! The fringing is an inspired touch, doesn't it make you want to shake and shimmy? The bright tights and 60s boots make the most of those fabulous legs.
    Oh those cute kitty pussies! Is Stephen Squirrel doing OK now? He certainly looks lively enough! He and my Minnie cat could have made beautiful monochrome kittens together...
    I don't think finding something spectacular to wear for your fairs will too much of a challenge for you, Vix, you'll look as wonderful as you always do, and hopefully flog tons of stuff! xxxxx

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  16. I really love that psychedelic print on the dress - it's stunning; and I love how you customised it too!
    Hope the fairs go well!
    XO

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  17. Sometimes it just takes a bit of thinking outside the box to fix something up, it looks lovely. Such cutey kittys. Xx

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  18. ooh, it's cute! love the fringing!

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  19. I love this dress Vix, the colours and the print are eye poppingly fabulous. I didn't even notice the hem.

    I always look forward to your vintage fair escepades x

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  20. Omg, I stinkin' love that dress! The jewelry is gorgeous also.

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  21. luscious colour and I love the print. The fringe sets it off a treat.
    I've just got meself a Samsung phone and I'm more impressed with the camera than by anything else on it. I must have a play around with it. I don't think my cat will behave as nicely as yours for a photo session though...the old bag.
    Have lotsa vintage selling fun on the weekend when it gets here.
    xxxxxxxxx

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  22. That frock is SUPER HOT! Love LOVE the colours and the print, and the fabularse trim is just the icing on the cake!!! Perfect for giving that crucial bit of length!!! Sexacious.
    Oooo, a new camera?! Fun. G is keen for a new, better camera. He's got a good eye, so it would be worth it.Me, not so much,it would be wasted on me! Polly and Stephen are looking well and truly fluffy!MMMM!

    Love Helga xxxXXXxxx

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  23. Vix! WTF this dress is AMAZING. You are perfect.

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  24. I loved that print when you bought it, but you have really taken it up a notch by adding the fringing. It is totally you!

    Looking forward to rummaging through your goodies (ooer missus!) on Saturday.

    Have a briliant day tomorrow, and enjoy Gazza!

    xxx

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  25. I see the sun has come out to greet you today.
    You are just unique, ahhhhhhhhhhhh
    XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

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  26. That dress is groove-a-liscous and more awesome now that you've Vixified it!!
    Love the pix of the kitties!! I must say I've seen that "look" Polly Piglet is giving!!!

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  27. Ha! That dress would be nothing without a little help from you, Vix. The trim is spectacular! I just have to send you that psychedelic paper material I have from the 60's when I was making paper minis. That's not going to happen for me any more, that's for sure.

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  28. I guess that my husband who likes psych-music and psychedelic patterns would be very happy if I found something similar in some second hand store.

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  29. The dress is great, but man the accessories!!! I love the cuffs and rings. Particularly the 3 stone one. Been looking for one like that for a while. Found one, but it was just too pricey... Love/want it all.

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  30. The fringe is so inspired - love this dress now. And the kitties are grand : >

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  31. What a great idea to lengthen your dress, looks great Vix. Love the colours and design.

    X x

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  32. may i suggest you wear what you have on b/c it is spectacular! wow, i love it and what you did to it. i feel the need to go sew something. pity i don't know how. dammit janet.

    xo
    janet

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  33. You've definitely improved that dress so much, the fringe is wonderful, it's really improved the whole look. The pattern is fabulous, you need to be go go dancing in the background of ready steady go. You need some white boots xxx

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  34. The fringe is the perfect finishing touch to that gorgeous piece of 60's history. The colors and design with tights and boots plus bling make your new camera shine.

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  35. That fringeing is amazing. What a wonderful dress. You look fabulous as always.

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  36. love the tunic, the colours are awesome and I love what you did with them x

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  37. AMAZING - LOVE this fabulous fabric, amor! The fringing is perfect and the colours are exquisite and you are super SEXXXY! As always, your handfuls of silver are GORGEOUS! Love you more than psychedelia! Sarah xxx

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  38. That fringe was the perfect completion to this sexy little number. Now it doesn't need a thing. Your thighs are amazing Vix!

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  39. Yay for psychedelic print pink and purple minis! Cool DIY job on the hem - you always manage to create the coolest clothes by adding your own special touch. The new camera seems to work fine - cute kitty pics!

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  40. I was wondering about the bad hem because the fringe is freakin' amazin' and then of course discovered you added it, which is the perfect touch and exactly what this dress needs.

    The photos are nice, they seem sharper, at least via iPad. Kitty doesn't look so into the paparrazi tho' :P

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  41. Clever idea with the dress. I think I might have to try adding fringe in the future. You look great in those colors & very pretty kitties!

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  42. It looks fabulous. I might have to steal your idea as I have a 60s dress that someone has chopped the bottom off and it's too short for me.

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  43. The fringe sure makes the dress, well,aside from you and your great gams. I love finding signed pieces (though I have never found a signed dress), especially when you can unearth a neat historical tidbit as you did. The kitties are so cute. Xoxox

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  44. Your dress is perfect, totally love the colours and you of course make it look fantastic!!!!

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  45. Wow....I LOVE this frock on you. The print is just gorgeous & everything about it looks fab....the fringe, the accessories, the tights, the boots. You are glowing! Oh I finally got some Barry M turquoise nail polish. I've been in love with it from your posts for ages. I am a Barry M convert! It's seriously the best polish & the best colour ever!!!! Thanks for being my inspiration. Xx

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  46. That dress is perfect! Love the fringing you added. The print is fantastic.
    Cute pics of the cats, little beauts.
    xx

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  47. I love this sweet little number on you. I am so impressed by how well it fits considering you didn't try it on beforehand. And the fringe you added is just right. So nice to see Stephan and Polly. Have fun with the new camera! xo

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  48. how could that dress be any more fabulous! a pink and psychedelic dream;) oh and your furry beasts are so cute;)
    kiss,mary
    http://www.maryloucinnamon.com/

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  49. You've given your dress the wow factor. You always look spectacular Mrs! M x

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  50. You look so nice., Perfect dress and color. Would you like to folow each other via bloglovin? Have a nice day.

    http://www.fashiondenis.com/

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  51. I particularly adore fringe and love this dress on you! Gorgeous print Vix! xx

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  52. Very nice dress vix- I am a big fan of pink - I have a couple of 60s or 70s top or dresses who are too short - your idea is great, i might to that as well
    I have noticed the difference with the pics, they are very nice - now you have to do your white balance - you can easily find out how on the web or find a tutorial on youtube -

    Ariane xxx

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  53. I think you are smashing in purple and pink! That's a great pattern and your added fringe detail really rocks! Also, kitties!

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  54. That dress is so freaking awesome! I love the bottom fringe. Great photos of the kitties.

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  55. Absolutely loving this blog. Stumbled upon it from the music one at the weekend, and thanks to the wonders of RSS it delivered the last 25 to which I have been reading all week during coffee breaks.

    Puts much needed colour into Walsall.

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  56. Is it the new camera or is it you? You, of course!!
    Love the pink hues on you. And that cat!! Always loved him:)

    Shubhi's Revels!

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  57. Ahhhh I LOVE this! The colour is so you, everything is so perfect! I love love love love it!

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  58. Vix! I believe birthday wishes are in order? Hope you're wrapped up in vintage finery and enjoying a lovely day.

    xxx

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  59. I really like the photos - they are much lighter and colour rich with this camera.
    The dress is gorgeous! x

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  60. Lovely dress, definitely worth haggling if there's something not quite right with an item. The fringing is great - wish I could find such fab things! Happy birthday, love x

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  61. WOW you look gorgeous in pinks and purples just love this outfit it suits you so much. The photo's are fab so clear. Good luck at the weekend but you wont need it
    ;-)) dee xxx

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  62. The dress is so cute on you - the color is perfect, anf the print, and the mini length) You have perfect legs!

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  63. That dress is so bold and fabulous, the fringing totally makes it Vix. Stephen Squirrel and Polly Piglet are both utterly gorgeous xxx

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  64. wow amazing colours very 60's! love it

    The photos of the cats are gorgeous x

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  65. wow, this looks fantastic on you ... all those poppin colours AND what a fit... like a glove!!

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  66. Your posts take me back to the day. I wuv this frock on you.

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Lots of love, Vix