Tuesday 5 March 2013

Undressed For Success



I was so busy yesterday I didn't even have time to get dressed and today hasn't been much better, I even went to the bank in my nightie.


I'd promised to show you what I'd brought back from the vintage fair on Sunday and this brushed cotton nightdress was amongst my haul. A couple of sizes too big with a zip running from the neck to the knee, it was far too pretty to keep for indoor wear (and I never wear clothes in bed), so I worn it backwards and stuck a massive belt around the middle and nobody was any the wiser. 


I also came back with this pseudo-Victorian blouse by Antik Batik and a 1970s Jeff Banks blouse,


 A 1970s Belle Aire Fashions of Melbourne starburst maxi and a folksy print maxi by English Lady, a floral midi currently in the wash I'm cutting up for patchwork and this 1970s wash bag that's so big I'm going to use it as a handbag.


And the best thing about it all? They were a gift from my lovely friend Amy of Blighty Boutique who had a pitch on Sunday so I didn't need to spend a penny, that's what I call a good shopping trip.


I gave Amy my Mum's childhood collection of Coronation cards as she loves anything to do with the Royal Family.


Amy reckoned the clothes would all be too big for me to wear but they're so gorgeous I'll find a way to make them fit, that's what waistcoats and belts were invented for, weren't they?


It's bloody gorgeous today, the sun's shining and it's actually warm. I even had to take my jacket off on the walk back from town. 

1970s brushed cotton housecoat worn with leather belt (bought for 75p from Age UK in 2010), 1950s leather overnight bag (40p from last week's jumble sale), fake Litas (£5, retail) and a heap of junk jewellery. 
Once I've caught up on a million blogs and a hundred emails it's back to the grindstone. I'm so behind I'm linking to Patti's Visible Monday a day late. Hopefully I'll be able to share what I've been up to before the end of the week.

See you soon.


88 comments:

  1. Lovely nighty-dress. I often wear undie-vests and slips as summer dresses!

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  2. Perfect nightie daywear. :) Belt totally brings it all together.
    And still loving those platforms. Great colour.
    xx

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  3. Love the nighty dress, it looks like a perfect maxi dress.
    I love to use a belt to hold something in at the waist, it can change the look of a garment completely.
    Also, good find with the daisy print shirt, very pretty.

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  4. You are so clever mycket dear! You Always find ways to remake and change clothes so they fit! I only wish that i could do the same!

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  5. I can see why you would not want to hide that night dress. Very pretty fabric and the belt really seems to bring the whole outfit together.

    I love that Victorian style blouse really pretty look forward to see what you team that up with. And wow that is one massive wash bag it will make a groovy bag!

    Its been rather lovely here too today. Lets hope there is more of that to come.

    Hope you catch up with yourself I think this spring weather seems to bring out the busy in us all.

    P x

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  6. Nobody would have know that's not a day dress if you hadn't told us! Belts work wonders on too big dresses.

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  7. I just love that you wore a nightie to the bank - so funny when you read it like that but when you see it, actually it's truly gorgeous and not at all like a nightie!! Also love the rest of your haul, especially the grey lacy blouse. Avril x

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  8. Who'd know?! It looks lovely and fresh n' springy. Who else could rock a nightie as well and take it to the bank to boot?
    That Jeff Banks blouse is a bit tasty and the bag is lush.
    xxxxxxx

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  9. You look very pretty in your floral 'nightie' in the sunshine! I tried on an English Lady dress in a chazzer today but it was a little too insane for me to buy. It had enormous Harry Hill collars! xxx

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  10. If that is your nightie then my admiration for you has gone up the roof.Wow, I love the cut and trimmings! Pure, pure prettiness<3

    Love
    Shubhi's Revels!

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  11. The dress is fabulous, but the belt, ahhhhhhhhhhhhh the belt
    XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

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  12. Wow you're lucky your nighties are so beautiful, you could wear them out in public and nobody would be the wiser! ;) Love it. xo

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  13. Wowzers! That nighty's gorgeous! xx

    www.mancunianvintage.com

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  14. Awesome nightie dress, loving the colours :)

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  15. only you could turn this into such a fab outfit. you are one in a million...and gorgeous too. xo

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  16. You dissapoint me Vix, I was expecting nudity!

    x

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  17. Looking good in your nightie. Love the folksy maxi dress its gorgeous

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  18. Vix you are a genius. A new revolution of sleepwear all day. I've already joined up!
    Connie*

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  19. That wash bag is delicious beyond all description...I LOVE it.

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  20. You are always just so amazingly creative!

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  21. That belt looks fantastic with that purse and the dress I love it!! But then you make everything look wonderful :) :) Hey it's looking a little like spring there?? Hope you enjoying some warmer and sunnier days ~Love Heather

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  22. What a beautiful outfit, you're so creative! x

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  23. Hi there! The nightie looks amazing, a really inspirational outfit! I so love the overnight leather bag too! You got lovely pieces from the vintage fair, the blouses are fabulous! xxx

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  24. you would never know, it looks perfect!

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  25. I would've never guessed that you were wearing your nightclothes backwards!! It looks like it was meant to be a frock!!
    you got some wonderful goodies!!!

    I wish it were warm here. We are expecting over a foot of snow tonite and tomorrow. WHERE is SPRING??

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  26. Surely there must be creativity and an artistic eye to create your looks, but it helps to be incredibly stylish/handsome/good looking too ...

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  27. Hell, yes, that nightie is far too awesome not to be seen! I don't wear anything to bed either, ugh, can't think why you would!
    I always swoon over than divoon bag, it's a dream bag! Loving the belt too!
    Yay for a splendid swap! You both got the best end of the deal!! The washbag is especially awesome; Desiree sent me a similar, smaller version recently! I'd been hoping to find one for ages, but no luck!
    Sunshine! So pleased for you, you guys deserve a grand Summer! It's like someone flicked a switch here, we're right into Autumn mode.
    Love Helga xxxXXXxxx

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  28. That was a great opening line. But it looks like a maxi dress for sure. I would not be able to make it out the door in what I wear for pjs. Nope. Sigh, and it looks so lovely outdoors there. Right now it's snowing like mad here and has been steadily. We're expecting 6 inches. Another day perhaps...

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  29. I'm delighted that gorgeous nightdress won't be confined to the bedroom, it's a crime wearing pretty things in the dark!
    I've loved the weather today, everyone is more cheerful and colourful. Not sure about Walsall, but today in Ponty there were people knocking back flagons of white cider left right and centre. It was hardly a heat wave!
    I really like both the blouses you scored, and that wash bag is just the right size for a few cans, it'll come in very handy during the festival season.

    Lucy x

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  30. I'm delighted that gorgeous nightdress won't be confined to the bedroom, it's a crime wearing pretty things in the dark!
    I've loved the weather today, everyone is more cheerful and colourful. Not sure about Walsall, but today in Ponty there were people knocking back flagons of white cider left right and centre. It was hardly a heat wave!
    I really like both the blouses you scored, and that wash bag is just the right size for a few cans, it'll come in very handy during the festival season.

    Lucy x

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  31. How lovely to be out and about without too many layers on. I love your housecoat and brushed cotton sounds very comforting.

    What a great idea to do swapsies. It always feels so nice to get rid of stuff you don't want to a good home and then to get stuff in return, well that's perfect.

    Your washbag and maxis are gorgeous, I had to read a few times before I could accept you are going to chop up that beautiful ditsy floral one. Oh I just re-read it, you aren't chopping that one! That's great, can't wait to see you modelling it. xxx

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  32. What a lovely transition for nightie to day-wear, Vix! The big belt is really the fabulous key. Love that overnighter too. Thanks for sharing with Visible Monday xoxoxoxo

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  33. Straight up seeing the first pic I thought ohhh I like that dress (and your hair is looking so beautiful too). The next thing I read and giggly and see you say it's a nightie. Well then I thought if you're doing it, I'm not a slacker for doing it the other week and throwing on some thrifted and vintage accessorises. Instead of a slacker, I'm cool lol (ok at least in my head).

    I love your freebie shopping haul and second to big retro prints I do have a weakness or folksie floral print in a dress. Finally I am smitten with your bag, very, very smitten.

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  34. Shopping without having to spend a penny, that's frigging brilliant and what fab garments you bagged too. Love the Jeff Banks blouse and the Belle Aire dress especially and that wash bag is way too pretty to keep just for the bathroom.
    I'm so happy we're finally getting some spring weather, huzzah, love it!
    You look fab in your "from bedroom to bank" ensemble, I would have never guessed that it was a nightie in a million years :)
    Lot's of love,
    Jennie
    xXx

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  35. You are right this is far far too pretty to never see the light of day! You radiate in this or maybe it is that glorious sun surrounded you like bright happiness! You look gorgeous honey as always!I do love it when you take photos out front, I was on that street!!!!!! You alwasy have the most amazing things to add to your stock I adore both of those maxis. Amy sounds like a sweetheart and she would have to be to get such a lovely treasure from your family stash. I feel fortunate and special that I got your Mum's pink horn on that necklace!

    Speak soon sweetie!!!!
    XXOO

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  36. Your maxi dress/ nightdress is lovely. I would never have guessed. I love your belt and bag too.

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  37. Looking gorgeous as ever Vix, a nightie with a zip, how strange. Lovely pieces from Amy and I see you like Santana too.

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  38. Love the leather overnight bag and you look great in the nightie/dress!
    I love the floral English Lady midi and the big wash bag/purse.
    All fun stuff!
    Becky :)

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  39. In Liverpool you often see girls going out in their nightwear but very often it is shapeless jim jams not your very glam nightie.

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  40. what a great post , you have so many beautiful dresses. could I be cheeky and say if you are ever selling your wash bag will you let me know. lucyx

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  41. As always vix, you are an inspiration! Just as I am about to give away a shirt and dress that I love but are 3 sizes to big you come along a rock that nightdress/house coat. Genius and I think we all agree that it is far too pretty to stay indoors. I must say that I am very jealous of that stunning English lady maxi, it's a print of my dreams xx

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  42. gorgeous nightie hun I love wearing vintage nighties as dresses! :)

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  43. As always such lovely frocks, and I adore your belt. xx Beautiful Vix! xx

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  44. Hell, if celebs can prance around in their silky PJs, Vix can do the same in her gorg spring-like nightie! Love it, and never would have known it **wasn't** a dress. I love the overnight bag you found recently - meant to comment on it when you featured it but was too busy going ga-ga over everything else. So happy spring has come to the UK - it's warm here, though not so sunny.
    P.S. Love your red dress below; you're a stunner in it. xoxo

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  45. I'm always on the lookout for a nightie i could wear out so far no luck - You wear it well even 2 sizes bigger for you, yep the belt did the trick!

    Gorgeous pic of you! especially the last one -
    It has been nice today as well here you can tell spring is not far away! ye!

    Ariane xxx

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  46. WOW! Just WOW! I wouldn't want this dress to be a nightie either...And it looks like it was made for you...WOWZA to the overnight bag...I collect these massive bags to use them as hand-bags during travel...Yup the airline ladies tut-tut with disapproval while I try to look cool and comfy carrying my body weight on one shoulder...Yaay to spring, we're gearing up for autumn xxx

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  47. I have no clue how you keep up with everyone and get all this other stuff done! The nightie looks great cinched in although it's not swamping you on the shoulders which can be the problem when things are too big. Your hair is looking particularly gorgeous at the mo!
    x

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  48. Fabulous look--of course, you would look good in ANYthing! What a haul! My adrenalin would definitely have been pumping. At a girl!

    Best,
    Crystal

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  49. I DO love that belt--Yes, I do.

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  50. Oh I adore the folksy maxi dress. Wish I was skinny enough and tall enough to wear something like that. The nightie is fantastic

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  51. That' so about 1976 when I was eleven and had a similar maxi dress x

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  52. You are so right about that nightdress - it's way too pretty to be confined to bed, I'd have never guessed if you hadn't told me it was a nightie! - I love the purple shoes you have on with it too!

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  53. I love this dolly dress, it doesn't look as a nightie at all, especially worn with the beautiful belt!you look glorious in the Sun today, your hair are shining more than ever!
    Your finds are always great and the bag and the maxis are lovely!
    Lots of love xxxxxxxxx

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  54. That 40p bag is so bastarding stylish it hurts! I also love that nightie as a day dress, it looks gorgeous on you, the pattern is amazing. All your other freebies are great too... Wow to the jeff banks shirt! That bag is way too nice to hide away, it'll make a great handbag! Xxxx

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  55. Vix, you always get some wonderful clothes. Really like it :D

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  56. Bastarding? Clare's making up new words, I love it!
    Shopping without spending, and back-to-front nighties out and about, you are just brilliant, Vix! When I saw your post title, I did wonder if you were in your bikini again, but I don't think it's quite warm enough yet...
    Didn't you get some fab goodies from Amy, in return for your Royal paraphenalia? Both blouses and both dresses are beautiful.
    And Clare is quite right, that bag IS painfully bastarding stylish! xxxxxxx

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  57. How do you make prim and proper still look sexy? Love those cards of the Queen, too, though they are more proper and not so sexy.

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  58. Oh wow, that nightie is gorgeous! Why do I only find horrid nighties!!!x

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  59. No question, I would have snapped up that house dress too. I do love a good nightie, especially one that I could wear out and about (although you are worlds braver than I am for courageous dressing). You've reminded me of a cooking apron I saw in one of the shops yesterday. It was new but with a vintage look. It was so cute that I thought about getting it to wear over one of my plain black dresses, to wear out. But in the end decided not to. But now that I'm still thinking about it, I might have to go back to see if it's still there.

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  60. Most people, when dressed to the nines, don't look as good as you do in a nightie!

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  61. It's hard to believe that's a nighty worn backwards...you look gorgeous in it! I'm glad I'm not the only one who is happy to wear frocks that are too big. I agree a waistcoat or cardigan paired with a belt make just about anything look better. I love that leather bag too. Xx

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  62. I love the maxi dresses :) I have a sparkly bag in the bathroom to hold personal items (its hung up high enough that the 4 year old wont be found sticking pads all over himself, just as visitors walk through the door). I would definitely swap my sequined Primark bag for one like that lol. It is amazing what has survived from decades gone by really. V xxx

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  63. oh, you're looking totally spring!

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  64. The housecoat looks like it was made for you, with the assistance of a belt. I agree that it is much too pretty to not see the outside world. I've use the 'belt trick' since the 70's with many a dress from the
    40's. What would we do without accessories?

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  65. You're always thinking outside the box! I love the color of the leather with that print - it makes a great dress.

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  66. Fabulous - just Fabulous! You always find the best things. xxx

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  67. Im so behind to infact yours is the only blog i have just logged into everyone else is going to have to wait until saturday i dont know if im coming or going. I love your nightdress you look so pretty those colours are gorgeous on you and with that shade of pink lipstick stunning. Great buys to love the orange flower bag. Love dee xxx

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  68. Ahhhh what a beauty of an outfit! I adore it on you, and would love it for myself too! You look so pretty in that heavenly nightie, the colours and the print are gorgeously unusual and it looks perfect cinched in at the waist like that. Plus the bag and those PURPLE HEELS! You're the sexiest sweetest gypsy in town! I am in awe of your dress sense Vix!

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  69. Bag and night-dress-day-dress ENVY!

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  70. you're adorable with this floral nightgown *_*

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  71. I'm still trying to process the fact that your belt matches your bag....thank god you're wearing a backwards nightie or I would think you were slipping back into your "business dressing" days ;)
    The starburst maxi is such a beautiful colour and pattern, as is the glorious flowered handbag.

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  72. I love your look today Vix, but then I always do. Great job, the bag is awesome. I had one similar to that once, wonder what happened to it? Often your pieces make me so nostalgic, enjoy your sunshine.
    Pam in Texas. xx

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  73. Rocking the nightie dress, Vix! I'd never have guessed it was sleepwear :-) You do have such a knack for making a unique, fabulous outfit from garments others would never consider...

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  74. Holy heck that wash bag is so FANTASTIC. I would use it as a handbag too. I love the print and colors.I actually thought your nightie was a dress... so I don't think many people would be none the wiser. Except maybe the senior citizens. *heheh*

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  75. Hello Vix!!!!!
    Oh we have had such a poo of a time with getting the internet sorted, but think its all go now.
    Thank you for the fab comments on the new squirrel(church mouse) house. Hi Jon!!!!
    Wearing one of my favorite things, the housecoat.
    Its prefect back to front and the leather belts is gorgeous.
    sending much love and squirrel hugs V

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  76. So nice to see you out and about in your nightie!! Love the belt and bag!! I don't know how you keep up with your blogging and your commenting, along with everything else. I'm just happy to see you. :-)

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  77. What a fabulous nightie. Definitely too good for sleepwear. That bag your friend gave you is lovely.

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  78. I would have never have guessed it was a night its wonderful. Got some great buys on Sunday :) you look great Vix ...

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  79. you look lovely wearing that nightie!, it's so pretty floral than springtime seems to be here just now!!! and love your great ideas to make a too much big cloth fit you properly, hurrah for waistcoats and belts!, you're so inspiring!!
    besos

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  80. so pretty but I do love that Jeff Banks red blouse...... recently bought a cotton summer scarf from a charity shop, brand new, white with thin blue and neon green stripes, for a couple of quid.....it is London.... but although I'd thought the label was just some ethnic fairtrade thing turns out they retail for 150-170 dollars!!!!!x

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  81. Great styling of the nightie! You look wonderful!!! xxx

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  82. Night clothes worn during the day? Clothes worn back to front? What is this world coming to? I'm all caught up reading your blog now and am glad to see that all's right in your topsy-turvy world.

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  83. You look radiant, just like the morning sun and like a sexy version of Dr. Quinn Medicine Woman!
    How nice of you to pass on your mom's coronation cards.

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  84. My jaw dropped at the sight of both you and the "wash bag". :o No way that's a nightgown - too, too pretty! I have a similar wide belt. I must do something cool with it!

    Your photos are extra-lovely today, with all the sunshine lighting up your beautiful face.

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  85. You look gorgeous in that dress. It really doesn't show that it is to big for you.
    And your bag..... I adore your bag. It looks really great and big. (love big bags).
    xxxx

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  86. I love the nightie as a dress! The pattern is just lovely. I have worn a purple satin one as a dress once :)

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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