Monday 22 May 2017

Only In Your Underwear



Yay! The joys of being self-employed. There's no Monday morning blues in this house. The sun is shining and I'm off to 'Spoons in somebody else's underwear. 


Yes, this cotton top is a Victorian camisole, helpfully labelled by the previous owner's seamstress.


I did a bit of research and discovered it most probably belonged to a young lady called Elizabeth Deakin who was born in 1870, lived in West Bromwich (Walsall's nearest neighbour), had 6 siblings and died at the age of 30.  Yet another reason to embrace shopping secondhand, you wouldn't need spend hours searching the 1891 census if you bought your clothes from Primark. Not only do you get a wardrobe full of all manner of mad stuff nobody else has but you get to learn some local social history, too.


It's not looking too shabby for something 131 years old, is it?


The tasseled choker is made by the Hmong tribe (via Krista) and the earrings were a present from Curtise.


Check out my clogs! I've wanted some Scandi clogs for years and a fortnight ago I bit the bullet and splashed out on these low wood, vegan beauties. Delivered direct from Stockholm, both the alder from which the soles are made and the staples holding them together were sourced in Sweden. To help raise the funds to pay for them I stuck my charity-shopped Stuart Weizmann sandals on eBay and to my amazement they made enough to pay for these plus extra cash to go towards a second pair (which are winging their way to Walsall at this very moment!)


Orthopaedic shoes don't have to be ugly....or neutral coloured! I can walk to the pub in confidence with these and know that even if I am bladdered I won't break an ankle on the way home.

Don't worry, a brand new splurge hasn't dented my passion for charity shopping. Here's Friday's finds:

Clockwise from top left: 1950s horse's head vases; hand painted 1980s shirt; Markus Lupfer cat print sweat shirt (Retail price £168!! One for eBay, I think); Early 1960s Peter Baron day dress; Handmade 1960s shift; 1970s Greek cotton maxi; 1980s swimming bag; Tissavel fake fur; 1960s Moygashel travel blazer; Horse brasses (in the words of Tom Hardy...I have a use for you); 1950s mosaic plate; 1970s Indian block print silk scarf, 1980s day dress; 1980s 100% rayon Hawaiian shirt.


Right, I better make a move. I've got to buy a new iron on the way to the pub....I know, I'm just so goddamn rock'n'roll! 

Antique camisole (£1, charity clearance shop); 1970s Ulrike of Sweden patchwork print maxi (£5.19, eBay 2011), Patchwork and pom pom bag (Birthday present, handmade by Liz)

Linking to Patti & The Gang for Visible Monday.

See you soon!



82 comments:

  1. I absolutely adore Victorian underwear! I often joke to Andy that I was probably a lesbian in a past (Victorian) life, such is my fascination for ladies undies from back then! Andy even shoots me a look if there's a lady in her flimsies on a period drama or film! Consequently, I absolutely love this camisole!

    And how lovely are your clogs! Clogs always remind me of my mother, she was big on them even when I was growing up and often used to tell me how she went all the way to London to buy some as a teen, then saw them in her local C&A once she was back with some! xxx

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hehe! Victorian undies are fab. I've got my Great-Great Grandmother's lawn cotton petticoat somewhere, I out to tweak that and wear it as a skirt.
      Your poor Mum, all that adventure to get her clogs and they end up in C&A! xxx

      Delete
  2. wearable history! love!!
    and it makes for a fabulous outfit with that cool skirt, gorgeous bag, viking shoes und the stellar necklace. have fun at the pub!!
    xxxxx

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks, Beate! I had a fab time at the pub! xxx

      Delete
  3. If all that glorious colour makes my heart sing, think of all the joy you give to all the lucky people who you pass. by.xxx

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. What a lovely thing to say, Sally! xxx

      Delete
  4. I love, love this Victorian ladies' under-blouse! it looks so you, and still retains its historic magic. Fabulous shoes too - comfort plus unique provenance. Oh! and the patchwork bag - beautiful. xox

    http://notdeadyetstyle.com

    ReplyDelete
  5. I wonder what Miss Deakin would think of you wearing her liberty bodice to a drinking establishment? Lawks! I hope she'd be bloody pleased that it had stood the test of time both in quality and style.
    Fabulous clogs love....are they Lottas? Today's ensemble is glorious, like the weather. Loving that 60's shift too. xxx

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Miss Deakin would be positively spinnuing in her grave, West Brom was quite posh back in the day!
      They are Lotta's and I love them! xxx

      Delete
  6. Wow! I can't believe that gorgeous camisole is that old, it looks brand new! And that skirt is so colorful! I'm in love with those clogs too! :)

    ReplyDelete
  7. "I've got to buy a new iron on the way to the pub" - that made me laugh. I was just nipping out from the office earlier when a colleague asked if I was going somewhere nice for lunch - I laughed and replied that I was just nipping to Lidl to buy toothpaste! Rock n' roll here too!! That blouse looks so crisp and fresh, it's really gorgeous on you, and how lovely to find out some history (one of my favourite things about charity shopping). I vaguely remember reading something about Victorian camisoles, and how they used to wear them over corsets as sort of 'corset covers', rather than under them, I think because yours has buttons on it was probably a corset cover rather than a camisole as we know it today, as it would have been uncomfortable wearing a corset on top of buttons, they would have dug in! xx

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Haha! The glamour!
      That's interesting about the corset cover. I did find an amazing lace-up, boned corset in a chazza a while ago but couldn't be arsed with trying it on, it looked like a piece of torture! xxx

      Delete
  8. Wouldn't you just love to know more about Elizabeth Deakin? When I sell clothes or shoes on ebay I'm always tempted to put in a little note about when it was bought, what it was worn for, and a request to know the item ends up, did it fit, is it loved! But then I think it'd make me seem a little mad. Not to mention creepy. I'd love to find a dress, wear and pass it on, and build a blog series around it's travels.
    Anyway, lovely clogs, and your outfit has two of my favourite things - patchwork and tassels. You just need a few pom poms :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I bought a dress from a lady on Ebay years ago and she sent me a little note telling me that she'd saved for the dress for months and wore it to see Jimi Hendrix play the Isle of Wight Festival. I liked the dress before but I fell in love when I read that! xxx

      Delete
  9. Just clocked the pom poms on your bag. Excellent work ;)
    xx

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. You love pom poms as much as me! xxx

      Delete
  10. That's the kind of camisole I might be able to wear-wide enough shoulders to hold in my massive under garments! I imagine clothes had to be of terrific quality as in days gone by they owned much fewer items (except the rich. For 131 year s old, I'd say it has stood still in time.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. It's so much more pretty and practical than the stuff they make now, isn't it? People really cared for their stuff back then. xxx

      Delete
  11. Talk about being in tune.....im spending hours researching my 1843 book and I'm looking at Scandi clogs following on from the girl who set me off with Fly London boots showing me her clogs. So watch this space.
    Isn't your top a fabulous find, I love doing a bit of reasearch. Your skirt and bag look wonderful as well.
    You'll be enjoying Spoons by now. Have one for me. I need it, I'm just back from Aldi with 85 year old auntie gladys. 20 mins when I go on my own. Hour and half with Auntie G. Haha xxx

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Get some, get some!!
      Your trip to Aldi with Auntie G sounds very trying!! I still think back to the day I took my Mum & Grandma to Ikea - it was 15 years ago and I've still not gone back! xxx

      Delete
  12. You really are rock and roll. The camisole is so cool and is in super shape for being antique. Cool jewelry!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks, Bobbi! Maybe a bit too much sometimes she says thinking back to Sunday's quick drink that ended up as an eight hour session! xxx

      Delete
  13. Your antique camisole is absolutely beautiful - so are your new clogs. I love the colour you picked

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you! The clogs came in so many amazing colours I was spoilt for choice. xxx

      Delete
  14. I don't know what it says about my life either, but I'm rather excited by the idea of a new iron. Do let us know what you end up buying.

    That cami is looking good after all these years, and I do like the way you've paired it with a maxi. Your clogs are lovely, and in a wonderful colour.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Ha! the new iron was a shop own brand at a bargain £15 but had 284 positive reviews from customers and has a extra large well so I don't have to keep running to the tap. xxx

      Delete
  15. How amazing that you were able to find that info on the camisole! That is one of the reason's I love vintage, you are wearing a piece of history and keeping it alive.

    I love the whole outfit and the colour of clogs you chose. That handbag is a darn sweet present!

    bisous
    Suzanne

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you! Yes, that is the joy of wearing vintage, a way of keeping history alive. It's a crime to shut something away in a cupboard and save it for best. xxx

      Delete
  16. Replies
    1. Me, too - can't believe it took me a year to buy any! xxx

      Delete
  17. I don't think today's underwear will last for 131 years! What a fascinating piece of history that camisole is. I love the bright colours of your patchwork maxi skirt and your new Swedish clogs. I'm stil regretting I left behind a pair of Swedish clogs at Think Twice last year. I don't remember the price, but they must have been a fraction of the retails price. Oh well, you can't have it all ... xxx

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. There must have been a reason to leave the clogs behind, always trust your gut! xxx

      Delete
  18. Whoaah...amazing find ♥

    ReplyDelete
  19. What I found the most 'precious' was the inscribed name and date in the camisole.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I know, really touching and personal isn't it? The handwriting is so perfectly Victorian, too. xxx

      Delete
  20. You could have called this post 'The Swedish outfit' with the maxi skirt and clogs coming from Sweden! I love the skirt and the clogs and the beautiful handmade bag. Thank God the weather has warmed up and you can wear this sort of thing without freezing your wotsits off!

    The camisole is so pretty and fits you beautifully - it's as if it was made for you. RIP Elizabeth Deakin but thank you!

    Fab earrings and tasselled necklace as well.

    Enjoy the sunshine!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. It is very Scandi - it must be my obsession with Scandi Noir rubbing off on me!
      xxx

      Delete
  21. The history of your camisole was fascinating and it looks lovely 131 years on too.
    I had a pair of red clogs from Sweden many years ago, I have no idea what happened to them. I love the colour of yours and that necklace is wonderful too. xxx

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. How fortuitous that Miss Deakin's name was inscribed in the side seam. Hours of fun Googling. xxx

      Delete
  22. That is so cool...learning the provenance of your garment. Wow, it just makes it so special. And I agree; it really is in beautiful condition!

    Love your clogs too!

    ReplyDelete
  23. How interesting to link the camisole to Elizabeth Deakin. I love your clogs, gorgeous colour! Xxx

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks, Jess! I hope her ancestors aren't reading this, they might want my cami back! xxx

      Delete
  24. Those Swedish clogs are the best the colour is divine! When I was a teenager I used to wear vintage petticoats as frocks in summer and camisoles. None dating back as far as your fabulous underwear. And Madonna thought she started that under wear as outer wear thing, I think not!!!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Madonna must have been inspired by you, Sue! Vintage undies are the best, I love them. xxx

      Delete
  25. Swedish clogs are so gregarious and last forever.I own 3 pairs maybe for decade and still in a good shape.Victorian underwear is my favorite for the special occasion.I got.married in Victorian petticoat.You are looking divane

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Your wedding outfit sounds super, Hope! Swedish clogs are the best! I often come across them when I'm charity shopping but never with buckles - I'd break my neck in slip-on ones! xxx

      Delete
  26. I have been wanting tassel earrings so bad!!!!!

    ReplyDelete
  27. That is so perfectly summery, and so perfectly you! It's a really cheering outfit. I've shown the Love Witch ones to a few friends at work and now they're all keen to know when Kinky is coming to Bath. (Whether they'll actually turn up is another thing; I don't think they all feel the joy of the vintage chase yet.)

    Now, what are you going to do with those horse brasses?...

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Haha! Not sure when Judy's are back in Bath, hopefully October - I'll get my pentangle polished. xxx

      Delete
  28. You look as lovely as ever! I do adore patchwork, and your clogs are to die for.
    Your bunting is really pretty, I will get around to making some of my own before the end of Summer. xx

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you!
      I made the bunting from some 1960s inflatable lilos - its waterproof! xxx

      Delete
  29. I do like wearing 'historic' clothes, Vix. As you say, they somehow expand one's POV into the eras overlapping our own. Every winter my dad's WWII Merchant Marine sweater sees another season of active duty.

    The cammy top is a handsome alternative to the tee some would wear with that patchwork maxi. More tassels in the necklace! Tassels are "in" this summer!
    Now about those brasses...something to do with a corded belt, perhaps?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Your Dad's sweater sounds like an incredible family piece. Military uniforms really were built to last.
      Tassels are everywhere this year - I'll be patient and buy them from the charity shops when the fashionistas get bored with them. xxx

      Delete
  30. When I was a teen (70s) my mom bought me a pair of brand new white suede clogs. Two days later I spilled soup on them. We all knew it was gonna happen, ha ha! I like your clogs better. And your floral banner :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. White suede sounded like an accident waiting to happen!! xxx

      Delete
  31. I wish I could wear clogs but the wood sole just kills my feet. I think it's so cool you found out who the previous owner of the camisole was, and that it was so well made that it is still wearable 131 years later.

    I like the cat print sweatshirt but whoever paid the original retail price for it must have been mad!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I found Hasbeens really hard on my feet but these Lotta ones are made from Birch and are super lightweight and easy to wear.
      Can you believe the madness of paying nearly £200 for an item of clothing and giving it away? A trip to Greece is costing us less than that! xxx

      Delete
  32. That's interesting that you managed to find out the first owner of this piece and her story. Amazing necklace, love it!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I know! how thoughtful to write the name of the original owner inside! xxx

      Delete
  33. lovely clogs!, I think that a good quality and comfy pair of shoes is always a good investment!, and they're cute!
    So amazing that you found the name of the girl who originally worn this piece!, it's a wearable piece of history!. Love it!
    And love all your bijouterie and your skirt, and all your fabulousness!
    besos

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. You're right, far better to buy something you love than compromise on poor quality and fit! xxx

      Delete
  34. How cool that you managed to find out about the owner of that top, it's looking great for 131! Love the new shoes too, the colour is great xx

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I know, hooray for the internet! xxx

      Delete
  35. Such great taste, I love your Victorian camisole. Gorgeous, I love things with history like that. Great minds... I have blue tassel earrings and blue clogs (mine are open toed, but were seconds so not that expensive!).

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks, Tanya! I've been eyeing up the seconds but the only ones in my size are the neutral ones...bah! xxx

      Delete
  36. It's fantastic that you were able to learn about the previous owner! I can't believe this beautiful camisole is over 130 years old, it looks wonderful! And what a perfect pair to your patchwork skirt! I love shoes like these. I absolutely agree - shoes needn't be either stylish or comfortable, they have to be both to make their way to my feet! Enjoy your weekend!!!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I know, amazing to think it had survived for 130 years and remained so pristine.
      You are the queen of fab shoes! xxx

      Delete
  37. Replies
    1. Treat yourself - you won't regret it! xxx

      Delete
  38. Ahhhh, *thank you* for posting about the vegan clogs! I've yearned for a pair for years but could only find them in dull brown and black - THRILLED to see that I can have cow-free bright green feet now!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hooray! They're by Lotta of Stockholm if you didn't know and they're the most comfortable things going! I want more! xxx

      Delete
  39. I have a top from somewhere modern (actually, it might even be Primark) that looks like a Victorian corset top- I've had it since 1999 and I love wearing it with a white cotton brodie anglais skirt from Topshop (bought in 2001) which makes me look like a girl in Victorian undergarments! Brilliant! You look fab- love the way you teamed it up with amazing patchwork skirt!!! I really like your minty clogs- they look nice and low AND cover your toes (I hate my toes!)-tempted if I didn't already have some summer sandals and Huachas!x

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I think I found one of those Atmosphere tops in black in the clearance chazza, it's not bad at all...I must dig it out! xxx

      Delete
  40. What amazing history in that gorgeous camisole. Fabric nowadays just won't last for one hundred years. I love your skirt, the whole picture is fabulous. Hope you got a sturdy iron, I'm sure it will get plenty of exercise! xx

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks, Elizabeth! I got a decent iron with an extra large well, I'm forever topping the spray attachment up! xxx

      Delete
  41. Lush outfit, really summery. That camisole looks perfect on you, really figure-hugging. I'm partial to the Edwardian ones, they're fab for summer and the larger sizes are so easy to find xxx

    ReplyDelete

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