Wednesday 13 March 2013

In Praise Of The Pound Shop


I don't mean Poundland or the other "sell it for a quid shops" that dominate the British high street but one of our local chazzas where everything is priced at £1 or under. Yes, that's right. Whilst Blogland is filled with posts bemoaning the prices in charity shops, here in the Black Country there's always bargains to be had. There's something to be said for living in one of the most economically deprived areas in the UK. We might not have fancy coffee shops, farmers markets and some of the highest mortality, unemployment & obesity rates in Britain but at least we can dress cheaply.


As a shopping experience it's on a par with the roughest jumble sale, the clothes are crammed on to rails and piled into dump bins, the women will fight you to the death if you're holding something they like the look of and men like to use how busy the place is to cop a sly feel. The mad old lady on the till often throws a tantrum and storms off unable to cope with the queue of huffing customers anxious to be served.


Still, it's more than worth being jostled, groped and waiting 30 minutes to pay when you can find cool goodies like this 1960s space age lamé tunic for a quid.

1960s tunic (£1, Cancer UK), retro 80s crushed velvet leggings (a few pence from a jumble sale), £5 Litas, Balinese earrings from Helga and my Great Grandmother's fob watch.

Or this prim and proper 1960s blouse.

1960s Pastella, Italy blouse (£1, Cancer UK) worn with 1960s Nordiska leather belt (From the 20p at the car boot sale), 1970s floral maxi (Maisie's Closet Vintage), Panda bag (PDSA), Earrings (Topshop sale, 2007) and £5 Litas


Or even a set of 1972 Hornsea Heirloom ceramic cannisters at a mere 75p each.

I'd love to tell you where this shop is but then I'd have to kill you.



The excitement was all too much, after I got back yesterday morning I came over all peculiar and took to my bed for 24 hours wearing almost all the clothes I owned. I'm obviously still not right as I've just posed for a photo bare-armed while it's snowing.


I took a phone call earlier from the lady who runs the church jumble sale to tell me that a "very old fashioned set of furniture" had been donated and at least four people had looked at it and said "That's retro, Sixties Lady will love it" so I'm off to look at it in the morning and shall report back accordingly.

See you soon.

84 comments:

  1. IN LOVE *swoons* and then passes out at the sight of all the reasonably priced goodness! Cannot wait to see the photos of the retro furniture...You look DIVINE! xxx

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  2. Sounds like old skool chazzas of the Eighties when stuff was dumped on the floor in bags and it became a free for all. I wouldn't say no as the prices are bloody ridiculous in our local ones here.
    That tunic is a stunner and all the better for being a quid.
    Take care you retro Sixties lady and stay warm in this bitchin' cold weather. Spring soon!
    xxxxxxxxx

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  3. ''Sixties Lady?'' You shall have to point the old dears in the direction of your blog and set them straight! xx

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  4. Oh Vix, I adore that you're known as Sixties Lady. Hope the furniture is as good as your clothing finds!

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  5. Excellent I love it when you find so much great stuff for so little! Can't wait to hear about the furniture. Both outfits are great!

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  6. You really are the queen of finding the best bargains! Looking fantabulous as always xxx

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  7. Gorgeous tunic and those Hornsea canisters were certainly a bargain.

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  8. Oh my goodness - a WHOLE ENGLISH POUND for those beauts? No wonder you're keeping it's location hush hush!

    Love those canisters too - very nice!

    www.mancunianvintage.com

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  9. You are so lucky Vix and I want to move to the Black Country, sod living in London, it sucks!
    Yeah, we have more designer coffee shops than you can shake a stick at but for a cheapskate like me they are about as useful as a pair of second hand dentures. I still frequent the greasy spoons where you get a cuppa for a quid and free refills, I will never be refined enough to pay £3 for a snooty latte. I love that lame tunic, it's gorgeous (and YES I'm totally green of envy). I saw a set of Hornsea storage pots in our local charity shop window the other week priced at £10 for three...it's another world down here I'm telling you, buhu!
    You look fabulous in both the outfits and yes we are mad for taking bare arm pics in March...suffering for our art and all that, eh ;)
    Loads of love,
    Jennie
    xXx

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  10. So jealous of those prices! Love your description of the battleground that is the budget charity shop.
    The tunic is divine with its little puffy sleeves. My boyfriend has been collecting green Hornsea in that pattern (which seems harder to find than yellow), so if you are looking to unload those canisters, please let me know.

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  11. Argh, I really do wish that we had any shops like that near me.
    I hope the furniture is fabulous and you feel better!

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  12. I'm so jealous of your finds, I must admit that you are talented and gifted, some people could find themself in a room full of treasures for few pennies and even can't notice! Some of my friends have such a poor imagination that they can only shop in aseptic boutiques!
    I love everything you are wearing as usual and you look amazing in the white blouse and maxi, but the thing I love the most is that silver space age tunic worn with the crushed velvet leggings..I'm in love!!!
    Love xxxxxxxxxxx

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  13. Yeah for $ stores. We have stores here called Dollar Tree; the everything for a dollar store. I buy books, party supplies and fake flowers for headbands. I went to Micheal's, a craft store, and fainted when a bunch of fake roses were $8!!!!!!! And always check out the sales rack. I once paid 10 cents for a panne velvet dress.

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  14. Hello The Sixties Lady! That chazza sounds worth the fighting and groping for some amazing finds! That's about as demure as you normally look, it's a gorgeous blouse and amazing tunic. Not surprised you want to keep it a secret! Don't get pneumonia again! Sounds like you "got the cold in your bones" which is what old people say to me

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  15. A fascinating insight into your charity shops, Vix, or should I say The Sixties Lady. I'm with Jennie on the state of London Charity shops - soooooo expensive (like the £99 sheep ornament I once spotted) and anything interesting gets flogged off on t'internet. Anyway, the blouse is gorgeous and I love the tunic. Take care. xx

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  16. Wow, this is the model to follow. We have pound shops, pound bakeries, next will surely come the pound jumble (please!!!). Minus the groping, this sounds like my idea of a near perfect shopping experience. Your finds are proof of that. My local high street have had 3 charity shops close down in the space of 3 months due to rent increases and just not turning enough profit. This will surely have to become the way forward. Offer everything for a quid and people will be falling over themselves to buy it up xxx

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  17. Hope you feel better soon. Wow - some amazing bargains to be had in your area. Love the tunic. Great when people know you and know what you like!
    Liz @ Shortbread & Ginger

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  18. lol, 'that retro sixties woman' ... seems you're famous, and rightly so. Love the tunic a lot. Your pound shop sounds like a fun experience, with excellent goodies. Hope you feel all better quickly.

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  19. love that tunic, vix, it's a real must-have for that price!

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  20. Oooh those are some corkers of finds! I particularly love that lame tunic, and how brave/foolish are you to be wearing it coatless in the snow? That's the sign of a real hardy northerner!

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  21. Hi there! It's so lovely to rummage cheap as chips chazzas and bootys and come away with vintage gold-your blouse and tunic are stunners and you look adorable as usual!! xxx

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  22. "Sixties Lady"!!!!! AWESOME!!!
    I wish we had something fabulous like the pound charity here!! Prices are ridculous for anything remotely vintage anymore.
    You look amazing in your Lame and dainty blouse!!
    Here's hoping you feel better soon!!

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  23. Thank you for taking me with you on your shopping trip Vix, I could just picture myself there with you.
    Oh, how I wish we had charity shops and jumbles in the US. Mainly garage sales here.
    You look gorgeous, as ever.
    Love Pam in TX.x

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  24. "Sixties Lady"--LOVE it!!

    The lame mini is gorgeous!! and i adore the dainty blouse!! I would've been tussling with you over those canister!!

    I hope you are feeling better soon!!

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  25. Aaaaah yes! There are still bargains to be had! My faith is restored!

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  26. No way would you ever EVER find anything the like of these treasures in our .99 cent store. I am loving that metallic mini, you are looking beautiful, but stay warm sweetie! I just noticed that gorgeous image of you on your sidebar adored with flowers, you are fabulous!
    Those canisters are worth 100 times what you paid, I love them and can see those perfectly at home in your kitchen.
    Let's talk soon. I love you lots!!!
    XXOO

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  27. Such great bargains! Love the mini and cant wait to se some furniture .

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  28. You look fab! The first outfit is my fav! I love to find a cothing bargain in Wolves :)

    http://live-laugh-love-fashion.blogspot.co.uk/

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  29. Sounds like you get exceptional value for money - clothes for a quid, a grope and entertainment from the staff. Sounds like my kind of day out.
    The more I hear about Walsall, the more it sounds like Pontypridd's older and slightly better looking brother.
    Ponty's prices are very good on the whole, there's one shop managed by an eccentric alcoholic lady with a shiny purple face who says things like "ooh. Cotton Traders! Designer make, I'll charge twenty quid for that'
    I avoid that shop.

    I really think the key to success with charity shopping is just to go as often as you can. Not everyone's got the time or inclination, but I do roll my eyes when people say "I never find anything in them" and you know they go in twice a year looking for fancy dress stuff before themed nights out.

    I'm with Edie, love the leggings and tunic - you look sensational.
    Get your furs back on misses - you'll get a kidney infection going out without your coat on (my aunt used to say that!)

    Lucy x

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  30. Love the pots and the maxi skirt. Well done again, great finds. I have been rummaging in all the locals shops and have some great bargains, and I even splashed out and bought a maxi dress for £5 which was a lot more than I usually spend but I love it

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  31. Ah, how sweet that the church peeps thought of you and that they have a special name for youu - but I think "70s Lady" is more apt! Great finds for a pound, I am eternally jealous. I'm not good at fighting off grabby peeps at rummage sales, but have learned to hold my own with the French on market day or at a Vide Grenier. :) Lovely lame top and the blouse is so feminine-pretty. Hope you're feeling right as rain soon. I don't think I commented on your post below when I stopped in on Monday but I loved the tour of your town. xoxo

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  32. Your posts and fabulous finds never fail to leave me green with envy x

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  33. Love those boots..that 1st outfit is fabulous x

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  34. Hope you feel ok Vix. Love the tunic, reminds me of David Bowie in a cool way! :)
    Love the hornsea cannisters, my grandma has some similar brown ones and still uses them everyday.

    Saw a lovely blue maxi dress today...£15 in the chazza...eeek!
    X

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  35. Ooh, tunic's a good'un.

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  36. Your so lucky We have one shop that has £1 weeks but the stuffs not as good as what you get. I cant wait to give the shops in my new town a proper rummage! love the lurex hun. hope your feeling better! cant wait to see pics of the furniture x

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  37. That tunic is amazing for that price, you don't half do well there!

    Yes I'm known as the 50s girl at the council where I'm working at the moment.

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  38. LOVE the 60s tunic and velvet leggings!! It was worth it-- rummaging around can be a bitch sometimes, but in your case, it paid off!! That's what I call a SCORE!!!
    Becky :)

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  39. Hope the furniture is really retro and not ratty and you get a bargain price if you want it! As always you look too cute at any price. Around here it's like prices suddenly took a jump the last 2 weeks. Slim pickins, even for a chubby gal like me.

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  40. 60's LADY!!! That's you, baby!
    SO awesome you are so identifiable thta peeps hold onto things for you!Bliss. Am looking forward to hearing just what this furniture set is actually about!
    This 1 quid chazza shop sound slike a dream come true! We do actually have one bargainacious chazza shop here, "Toff's" is what it's called. It's a $2 w/house that you can, occasionally find a gem at. OCCASIONALLY! If they think it's worth anything, it goes into a fenced off section at a higher price. I never go into that section! I've had some scores there, one day it was some vintage bags, another it was a pile of vintage hats. It's always worth a look if I'm in that part of town. There are no opshops in the poorer part of town, funnily enough!
    The prim blouse is divoon, and I love the brocade tunic! YAY! It doesn't have to be much to make us gals happy!
    Love Helga xxxXXXxxx

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  41. What incredibly insane prices for your charity shop. I laughed at the comment about needing to kill us if told us where it was. I'm all for sharing the word about some of haunts, but I must admit there are a few I keep hush, hush. My fav spot has 50% off white tickets this week, I popped in and came home with arms full and I didn't even break a tenner.

    Sorry to hear you came over feeling all funny, I hope you're feeling better and that when you see the furniture in the morning it's a winner.

    Looking fabulous as always, there's never a post you don't. You know how I feel about a maxi skirt *swoon*.

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  42. I do enjoy your blog, it just always looks so fabulous!

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  43. So envious of your Black Country bargains and the tunic is divine. Hope the retro furniture was worth the journey.

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  44. You would look wonderful no matter what you wore, expensive or inexpensive. I love today's stylings, especially the brillant shoes.

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  45. Are you feeling better? That'll learn ya, going out in your short sleeves in the snow! Worth it to show us that amazing 60s tunic though (yes, it's all about US!) It's a fab find, and you look amazing in it. The blouse is so pretty, but I think it is impossible for you to look prim and proper and Victorian Lady-like, it's just not you, Vix! You have far too naughty a twinkle in your eye! Loving that maxi skirt too, what a pretty print.
    The charity shop sounds a hoot, you need to be made of stern stuff but it's worth the fighting and the groping and the till lady's tantrums!
    So, Sixties Lady, hope the furniture is as exciting as it sounds, and the jumble comes up trumps! xxxxx

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  46. Oh how I LOVE the idea of a 1 pound charity shop (I guess it would be a $2 op shop here!). I usually wait till I go and visit my Mum and Dad in a very rural area before I can pick up such bargains. I can't wait to see this furniture "sixties lady" ;)

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  47. hi vix you always look so beautiful . i love hearing of your adventures at the charity shops. as i said the shops aren't great here in dublin. but there is a couple of markets and the thrill of going there is great. even if i don't get lots of things i love all the people i meet. please do a post on how to slim. i'm trying but i've got no motivation. i'd love to hear your tips it might be the push i need to go in the right direction. lucyx

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  48. oh my goodness I love that black and silver top!

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  49. From your photos it looks like a very nice place to live & what a battle you have to endure. Sounds like fun!
    Denise

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  50. Wow, not even in rural New Zealand is it very easy to find something for $1 in an oppy! Unless you find a fill a bag for $X sale, in which case you can work it out to 20 cents a garment if you stuff the bag well. I love the space-age tunic, and I love that the ladies at your local know you and your tastes.

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  51. one of my local chazzas was all £1 for a while with nothing at all of interest. All washed out vest tops and linen trews, yawn!
    You find the best stuff, I adore that prim blouse very much! x

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  52. Hello Lovely! You sure do have a great set of pins, Vixacious! Love that black brocade tunic. And your cannisters are freakin awesome! Hope you're feeling much better after your little "spell" yesterday! Cant wait to see what those jumble ladies have put aside for you - you ole 60s retro lady!!! tehehe

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  53. That must be the most amazing poundshop ever. The tunic looks as if it was made for you - waiting all those years.

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  54. Holy arsebiscuit - the lame number is GORGEOUS and the blouse/maxi is farking FABULARSE! I love those kitchen canisters (the colour!!!) and I can't wait to see what you make of the furniture!

    Love you more than BARGAINS!

    Sarah xxx

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  55. Roll up, roll up, everyfin' a pownd!
    You are a braver soul than me, to get caught up in all them bodies, I fear I would smack someone in the gob! Looking luvverly dearie :D Oops sorry! I've turned 50 and appear to be using old womans words....dearie...indeed :D

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  56. I find the conversations you can have with patrons in those shops is far more interesting than in those you find in "better" neighborhoods. The consignment stores in the 'burbs are too boring and way over-priced!

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  57. Get the FECK outta here!!! You have a place where everything is under a quid? I'm going to have to take to my bed after squizzing you in your FECKTARSTIC silver lame tunic with your velvet leggings - oh lordy, I've come over all faint! And the blouse with the FRILLED MAXI - GAH!!!!! Canisters - I've stopped breathing. I too don't mind waiting for all the craziness to settle so I can simply hand my money over at the till - I see it as free entertainment, while your's is more like a full battle!! xoxoxox

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  58. Wow! What a good price. Excellent job for the search and pulling them all together.

    7% Solution​

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  59. Oh you look SO PRETTY in the blouse and floral maxi! I can't wait to hear the report on the furniture! Thank you for always finding time to visit my blog! I'm loving you! XXX

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  60. You gotta love those cheap charity shops. One of my favourite op shops has $1 Mondays but I've never found one where everything's $1 all the time. That tunic is fabulous and I love your demure blouse.

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  61. I love both your outfits Vix, that lurex top with the crushed velvet leggings and those amazing shoes looks great, and your demure look makes me think of party dresses I had and loved wearing in the 70's. The charity shops are pretty cheap here in Cumbernauld too, as it's not a well off area. I've seen the west end of Glasgow being promoted as great for charity and vintage shops, you can even get tourist guides to them, but as you can imagine, they're really expensive compared to around here. My favourite shop here has crazy staff too, but that's part of the fun isn't it. xx

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  62. You are even more beautiful than Edie Sedgwick (but with long dark hair ...) in your silver brocade tunic. I also live in one of the most economically deprived areas in Sweden, but it means that it's rather difficult to get fun vintage finds here. According to tradition, the people here dress very practical ...

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  63. very nice boots dear! lovelylovelylovely!

    Lyosha
    Inside and Outside Blog
    P.S. I'm hosting an international 2 friendship bracelets giveaway on my blog here check it out

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  64. Two completely different, fabulous outfits :-) Can't wait to read what transpires with the furniture...

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  65. great finds! the 60s tunic is amazing! *_*

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  66. My retro sixties lady you look stunning! Well all the troubles are worth the dress and the fabulous blouse.

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  67. One pound and blinking smiling from ear to ear i say ;-) What fab finds love those Hornsea canisters what a bargain. We used to have a chairty shop here where everything was a £ Barnodo's then someone else took it over and well its pants now. Can't wait to see what the furniture is hope its something you like. dee xxx

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  68. Wowwww, Vix! Great scores! Especially love everything about that second look! Would've pick-up that canister set for sure. Please share a pic of the "retro" furniture even if you decide not to get it.

    Chazza on!

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  69. £1? Are you kidding? What great finds, I NEED to visit this shop! The mini is the best x. Look forward to seeing the furniture.

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  70. I love going straight to the pound basket.
    You look majestic, dear Vix.
    XXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

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  71. wooow this lame tunic is really smokin hot on you! you sexy lady with this blue heels! a great find!
    kiss,mary

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  72. I have the matching cups here in the states.
    I don't collect them, but I love them.
    Great stash you got!
    ; )
    d

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  73. Heehee, you're known locally as 'Sixties Lady', that's amazing!

    I wish I had charity shops near me where everything is under a pound...

    Lx

    www.whatlisawrote.blogspot.co.uk

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  74. Your tunic with those velvet leggings look so awesome together. I also love your maxi and bag.
    =D
    We have too many over-priced coffee shops here. I would gladly trade for cheap thrifts. heheh

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  75. Would that be the Sixties Lady who they thought had died?

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  76. You are jumble royalty if they know what you like and they phone and tell you about it. I'm on Radio Cornwall tomorrow morning talking about make do and mend, it would be lovely if you could email in some pearls of wisdom of the subject and how vintage is better than new, and better quality and a bit of work with the sewing machine will have it just the way you like it. If you would email
    Tracy.Wilson@bbc.co.uk -I'm on with her at 11 am - Thanks Vix xxxx

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  77. What a great canister! I have a shop like that too. People always ask me where it is, but I will never tell! As my mom always says, "Never tell where your berry patch is."

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  78. Bwa-ha-ha, I love how they called you, affectionately, the Sixties Lady. Space age lame for a quid? WOW. You are spectacular.

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  79. Oh my goodness, that beautiful tunic..and I love your Lita's, of course. :D The cannisters are amazing, too! I'm off to look for something of the like tomorrow. You are so fabulous!

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  80. I am always astounded at what you manage to get for a quid! I love that lame top and the high necked blouse is divine! I'm ill too - got chilled at a wedding and have been bedridden - hope you're feeling better x

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  81. Wow, I love the space age tunic what a great find. I love that you're known as the 'sixties lady', I've just come back from Hep Cats Holiday, the 40s/50s dance weekend and I was referred to as 'that 60s girl' all weekend! x

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  82. I love paisley print :) You are so colorful Woman, so cute.


    makelifecolorful.blogspot.co.uk

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  83. Love that space tunic on you Vix. You definitely are the all time queen of thrift shopping.

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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