Thursday 26 November 2015

And Sew On....

Me-made psychedelic blouse worn with Tarantella suede skirt (Babouskha) and 1960s wooden thong pendant (inherited from my Mum)
 You need to know how to sew if you're a vintage trader and not only because you spend a huge part of your life replacing zips & buttons, altering and mending stuff. I've sold so much from my own wardrobe this year that being able to whip up a few replacement pieces is essential. 


I've now only got one 1970s shirt left in my personal collection so when I wanted to wear a suede skirt this week I was a bit limited for choice. Luckily I'd got two great pieces of vintage fabric in my stash and although there wasn't very much of either, with a bit of a play around I managed to adapt a 1971 mini dress pattern into a shorter, zip-up blouse, redesigning the sleeves from the elasticated bells the pattern suggested into more dramatic trumpets.

Me-made 1970s novelty print blouse (fabric courtesy of Curtise) worn with suede skirt (as before) and Native American turquoise & copper pendant (inherited from my Mum)
These blouses would have been perfect with my other suede skirts in my collection but I've only gone and sold the lot. My olive green mini, made by Walsall leather company, Tarantella, in 1970 is currently being worn on repeat. You'll be sick of it by Spring. 

I mentioned taking it easy this week and that's pretty much what we've done but we have managed to squeeze in a bit of shopping, too. There might only be two vintage fairs left but we'll be needing stock for 2016 so, providing we don't sell out in Prestwich & Cardiff this weekend, we'll have some cool stuff to tempt the punters with next year.

Clockwise from top left: Quilted 1970s maxi; 1950s lame evening jacket; 1970s West German wool two-piece; 1960s psychedelic tunic;Austrian Dirndl; 1960s Tricel jacket; 1970s raincoat; 1970s Chamelle grab bag; 1970s painted & fringed suede jacket; 1960s barrel bag; 1960s suede fringed waistcoat; 1960s Starlight Room evening shoes; 1970s suede jerkin; 1960s Llama wool coat
There's a few things here I'm fighting the temptation to keep, the fringed waistcoat and the hand painted suede jacket to name but a couple. I know if I try them on it'll end in trouble. Fortunately for the Kinky stockroom the 1970s wool two-piece, made in Baden-Baden, is too big, but isn't it fabulous?



Clockwise from top left: Suede waistcoat; English-made slip-on shoes;1980s novelty print shirt;Tootal suede front cardi;1950s Brooks Brothers overcoat;1980s Paco wool cardi; 1950s English velour hat; 1960s Jamaican leisure shirt; 1980s Tiki print shirt; 1960s wool suit; 1970s windowpane check blazer; 1970s reporter mac; 1960s wool trilby; 1980s floral shirt; 1970s cord blazer
If it wasn't for John Grisham I'd have never heard of Brooks Brothers, the heroes of his books always seem to dress in their button-down shirts. I've no idea how this fab 1940s/1950s overcoat ended up in a charity shop in the West Midlands. The yellow leisure shirt, made for Ideal Clothing of Kingston, Jamaica looks like it should have had a starring role in Dr No. Jon's gutted that it's a bit snug on him.


I found this sweet little vintage doll on one of our chazzing adventures but I've gone off her after Jon pointed out her striking resemblance to Margaret Thatcher.

Right, better get the rest of the stock labelled and ready for a mad weekend and hopefully I'll see you on the other side.

PS I've been named as an Ageing Misfit and I'm one of Still Weird Zine's top ten of fashion bloggers who are "keeping it weird". Check it out, I'm in great company!

43 comments:

  1. Love those vintage style shirts you've made, and the fabric is gorgeous! The green one reminds me of some vintage cowboy wallpaper in the Birmingham Back to Backs (the bedroom above the tailors shop) and what amazing finds you've got to fill your storeroom.

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  2. Some great stuff there , Margaret thatcher lol xxx

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  3. you are in great company. It surprised to see (4) of the blogger are woman I follow. I must be doing something right...haha. It's amazing to me all the fab vintage you find. Good luck this weekend.

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  4. .....and rock on with your mad sewing skilz!!
    That fringed vest is something I would definitely keep. And congrats on that awesome mention - some of those folks I hadn't heard of so I'll have to pop over and see their blogs, too. Have a lovely day, Vix!
    xox

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  5. How I envy your sewing skills! You must keep the fringed waistcoat for yourself it's fabulous! Xx

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  6. Pretty sewing, you could wear that style virtually all year round, I like your suede skirt a lot, seeing it reminded me I have an 80s leather skirt lurking in my drawers which could do with an outing. Why would you want to give up that fabulous fringed suede waistcoat and painted jacket? they are one offs and way too good to part with - festival wear for next Spring? you have to keep them :D

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  7. Oh my, it DOES look like Maggie Thatcher!!!!! Yes, I'd go off it sharpish too!
    Your new me-made shirt is brilliant! You are so good at sewing!
    You found some good stuff-hope you get your stock right up! Definitely you should make more clothes to sell if you can make a profit on it.I feel bad about buying your white top now if you're losing all your vintage tops!!!
    P.S. Do you still have that deerstalker I tried on? Tempted to buy it if you did!
    xx

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  8. You so suit that skirt Vix and teamed up with your hand made blouses it's win win.
    I love the two piece you are selling, will it fit me ?? I'll have it if you think it will xxx

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  9. Great blouses! And that skirt is perfect! I keep meaning to do more sewing, just haven't gotten around to it.

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  10. Congratulations on yet another bloggy award : )

    Your sewing skills never cease to amaze me. The pattern on the fabric is so cool.

    I was out recently thrifting and vintage shopping and was tempted by a skirt very similar to this one. It wasn't quite long enough for me though. This is GORGEOUS on you. The green is wonderful.

    I also came across a fringed vest with even longer fringe at one of the shops. The 70's is out in full force.

    That quilted maxi is calling my name.

    bisous
    Suzanne

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  11. I love the design of your blouses , the first one is particularly groovy and I'm in awe of your sewist skills. Can't see all your recent finds very well as reading this on my phone but... didn't you do well?
    That doll's grubby face reminds me of the hideous Hamble in Playschool. Thank you for your lovely comment darling....you are kind! X

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  12. Nice tops! I love the style of them. Also, what a bunch of great finds. So much goodness there.

    And way to keep it weird, my friend. (That's a great article that I've bookmarked so I can check out all the cool ladies featured.)

    Hope this weekend goes well for you guys! xo

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  13. I love your Mum's necklaces. They look so great n you and match your new tops perfectly.
    Love your go to spirit with filling your wardrobe holes!
    Some gorgeous gear to fill your rails. Xo Jazzy Jack

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  14. fab blouses!!! well done sewing job! and how nice they match the cute suede skirt!
    hubby would love all that menswear stuff!!!
    and i´m tempted by the painted/fringed suede jacked - but it looks much to tiny for me. but so pretty! did you check that they dressed that doll in my clothes ;-)
    xxxxxx

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  15. It is so good knowing how to sew, and being able to adapt things to suit yourself. I really should get back in my sewing room!!

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  16. You are so clever at redesigning stuff. I used to make my own clothes when I was a teenager, sewing at school was one of my favourite lessons. I tend to dress for warmth now, don't fancy trying to make a sweatshirt or a pair of jog bottoms, ha ha.

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  17. The trumpet sleeves are so pretty, especially with your Barry M manicures and spectacular jewellery. The fabrics you treasure in your stash remind us that once-upon-a-time there were fun and fascinating print designs to play with on a winter's day inside. The bolts on offer now are not! inspiring and smell of fish sizing.

    No, no, no, not Maggie Thatcher. This is skater/film star Sonja Henie, a diva who adored costumes, fashions, and real jewellery.

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  18. "Keeping it weird" - that's my new favorite thing to say. Great shopping, you two. And I am ever in awe of your sewing skills - what you can "whip up" in a couple of hours would have me in tears two days later : >

    xox
    Patti
    http://notdeadyetstyle.com

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  19. Oh vix I love your closet só much, I wish I had 10 pieces of clothes, I would vê super happy :D sixties Abd seventies are my fave years for fashion, all different designs with colorful patterns. When I go to usa I have to spend at least one entire day hunting at thrift stores, so awesome!!
    Congrats to make it to still weird list, although there are really stylish ladies there you are the more colorful and shinny :) love your style babe! Especial because tou dont care, if tou feel comfy you will wear it doesnt matter how much color on it.

    Have a great weekend!

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  20. Needs must - if you sell all your blouses, what's a girl to do but whip up her own? (That sounds a bit odd but you know what I mean...) I love both prints - I'd forgotten all about that fabric - and of course the Tarantella skirt is a real beauty, not to mention a Walsall icon, much like yourself!
    As always , your stock is fabulous. I reckon you are entitles to divert a few pieces into your own wardrobe, given that you keep selling your own stuff!
    As for Margaret - I think she looks more like June Allyson, she's lovely!
    No "creeping towards conservative styles" for you, love - well done on being recognised as still weird after all these years! Hope the stock is sorted, your bags are packed, and you're ready for another busy weekend. Love you! xxxxx

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  21. You belong in the sun, dear queen. You can go to India, but Málaga is round the corner. There are lost of caravans park at the back of our house and everytime I pass by I think of you. Most caravaners are sunbathing topless while the local wear gloves, jajjajaj, crazy.
    We are 20 degrees in the shade today and doesn´t go lower than 10 or 11 at night which is nice; although I could do with a week of heavy snow, hahhahaha

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  22. I love your blouses and am in awe of your sewing skills. Is there nothing that you can't do? I think your new stock is fabulous, especially that yellow shirt. Jon has good taste. Amazing how Mrs. T still manages to evoke such negative feelings in us ladies old enough to remember her. Hope you have a brilliant weekend! Xx

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  23. i love those bell sleeves. they are so flattering! ralph lauren got his start at brooks brothers! take care and rest up lovely. xo

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  24. Oh wow, your sewing skills are amazing Vix! I really need to try my hand at this because I see so many people coming up with amazing pieces of clothing and alterations - love it, and you look amazing, as always too! - Tasha

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  25. Sigh, I love that psychedelic blouse you whipped up. That skirt is so cute.

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  26. She does NOT look like Margaret, much more like a 1930's or 1940's farm girl so keep on loving her. You are so talented, I assume you have also sold some of your own creations? If not you definitely should!

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  27. Oooh, nice sewing job.

    I'm surprised you get rid of stuff from your personal collection, I'd be afraid of never finding anything to replace items with. Then again, you do have your vintage-finding superpowers.

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  28. Ooo you are clever, what are you going to do with the Margaret Thatch doll? xx

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  29. I was thinking that the doll was quite nice until you mentioned Maggie, and now I have an overwhelming desire to smash her face in!!!
    LOVE the green suede skirt! xx

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  30. I was thinking the doll was quite nice until you mentioned Maggie, and now I have an overwhelming desire to smash her face in!!!
    LOVE the green suede skirt. xx

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  31. No chance of getting bored with your wardrobe is there? Wear a couple of times, sell, replace. Variety is the spice of life! Those new tops are great, particularly like the first one on you, all bright and cheerful. That thong necklace from your mum is great, really unusual. I agree, she does look a bit like Maggie in a dirndl. Look at all that stock! Looks like 2016 will be a good year for Kinky just like this one, but now, time for rest, then hopefully, a big adventure! Xxxx

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  32. Wow, it's so great that you can see a gap in your wardrobe and go whip up a piece to fill it. Great top, great sleeves! Margaret Thatcher would never wear such cool clothes. The wooden thong necklace is drool-worthy.

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  33. Looks pretty! I love that style of sleeves & need to make more of them too.

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  34. Oh I love both those tops! I have quite a few smaller lengths of fabric I need to do something with, a blouse like these could work a treat. I LOVE the big sleeves. Jon is SO RIGHT about that doll - wow.

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  35. Loving the new blouses you are clever whizzing them up they gorgeous with the skirt. Great finds again to. Hahah I can see what Jon means about the doll I have to agree :-) dee xxx

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  36. Deserved award! Congratulations and good match with the suede skirt (like the olive green, here are just brown suede skirts, I had the time of high school, now I want something different .. but here there is nothing fancy! ). Yesterday I thought! I went to Pisa Vintage, a fun event in my city, because there is music and old relics of the football team, but about the clothing ... a disaster! They would need your advice! Yet the organizers have very confused ideas about what is vintage! heheh Oh, this doll is cute, much prettier and Mrs. Margaret Tachter in my opinion! ;) - Heheh

    serena

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  37. I just love your new tops, the sleeves are amazing and your suede skirt is to die for xx

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  38. That green mini skirt is ace. I love the colour.

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  39. fantastic blog and images, your blog is good and excellent work.

    www.mysweetwardrobe.com

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  40. I had one of those snap front suede skirts that was rust-coloured and I wore it in the mid to late 80's. They were quite common in thrift stores here at the time. I didn't have any cool blouses like you to wear with them though.

    I REALLY like the 80's bright-coloured men's cardigan - what size is it? (or maybe you sold it on the weekend).

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  41. I love love love love the top outfit, it is fab. Pam in Norway

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  42. I love that psychedelic top it's amazing x

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Lots of love, Vix