Vintage Vixen

A Friday Frock & Some Charity Shop Finds

2012-02-10T16:26:00.001Z

I'm not addicted or anything but it has been over a month since I last set foot in a charity shop so today, despite the sub-zero temperatures and snow flurries, I pulled on my thermals and headed into town for a chazza fix.

Here's what I found:

1970s maxi by Dorothy Perkins. It's actually a slinky nightie but I'll be wearing it as a dress. (YMCA £3.49)

1960s Victorian-inspired silk lined velvet jacket with Leg Of Mutton sleeves for unleashing my inner Stevie Nicks (PDSA £2.99)

Indian-made mirror work and embroidery cross body festival bag (Salvation Army, 60p)

Because a girl can never have too many fringed gypsy shawls (Salvation Army, £1)

Hippy-tastic cheesecloth blouse by Free People, dying to be worn with my denim bell bottoms and vintage platforms (YMCA £2.99)

My favourite buy has to be this 1970s polka dot chiffon gypsy maxi by Berketex (St Giles Hospice, £10)

As soon as it was donated the shop manager thought of me and put it aside until I returned from my travels, needless to say that when I set eyes on it I loved it. It might be snowing out there but I couldn't wait to try it on.

Floral head dress handmade by the awesome Desiree and The Stylist

Bring on the festival season.

Sod the snow and the hideous temperatures, we're off to the pub for lashings of real ale.
Have a fantastic weekend whatever you get up to.

How To Wear Vintage Velvet Flares

2012-02-08T17:03:00.000Z

Well, I'm wearing mine over a tiger print Mary Quant catsuit but you can wear yours on your head if that's what you want to do.

Check out the rather groovy label

1960s Sheffield Steel Alfred Tricker Crafts choker (£1.50, car boot sale)

Whilst trawling the Internet hoping to research the label on my 'loons I was instead inundated with tips as to how I should be wearing them and sadly "keep it simple" (surely the most depressing phrase in the history of the universe) was the general consensus of opinion by the so-called style experts.

1960s velvet flares (20p, jumble sale), Mary Quant catsuit (the divine Miss Von Trollop), Devore coat (the fabulous Janne), English-made leather Gladstone bag (20p, jumble sale), 1970s felt hat (50p, car boot sale)

How bloody boring!

Far be it from me to offer any wardrobe advice but for heaven's sake, let your personality do the talking, not your clothes. Age inappropriate, tarty, unfashionable, tacky or just plain weird.......to hell with it, if that's what you are be proud of it and let the rest of world know.

Dress to suit yourself , mix your eras, clash your prints & colours and pile it all on at once if it makes you feel good.

Anyway, rant over...I've been honoured with a mention by the awesome Bella as one of her top six unmissable over-40s bloggers and I feel like I've won an Oscar.

Check out her other choices right now. Helga, Desiree, Sacramento, Judith & all of Ari's Advanced Style crew are the some of the most inspirational & stylish people out there and if you don't already follow them then you're missing out.

The Right To Bare Arms

2012-02-07T16:31:00.000Z

As a teenager I was constantly picked on for having freaky skinny, bendy arms and told to hide them as they made my classmates sick.

Did I give a toss? Like the hell I did. Most of my youth was spent wearing vests and halter necks just to sicken the haters all the more. They soon got bored and moved on to hound someone who actually cared.

After a lifetime of baring them I never feel the cold on my arms. Despite the snow flurries and icy temperatures I went out with naked arms today. They're toned rather than skinny these days but they're just as bendy (and still freak people out).

My new pendant - thanks, darling Helga

Don't worry, I'm wearing Tibetan yak socks and thermal long john's today. Maxi skirts are brilliant for hiding away the most ugly of layers.

Crochet beret (the fabulous Elizabeth), 1970s Mexican maxi (the sauce pot that is La Dama), 1960s Astraka fake fur gilet (bought from a car boot sale by a friend), vintage cow hide belt (50p, car boot sale), Leather clogs (£5, Top Shop 2010), 1960s curtain couture bag (hand made by me) plus a heap of inherited brass jewellery

See you soon.

Jump(suit) For Joy

2012-02-06T17:00:00.000Z

Who's a lucky girl, then? My friendly neighbourhood postman delivered a parcel of cheer from the divine Helga this morning and I was so excited I just had to brave the sub-zero temperatures to show it off in all it's sheer, feather-printed, vintage glory.

The adorable Vanessa spotted it when she and the queen of NZ cool were rummaging at the Rangiora Musical Society Sale. I thought it was too small at first, then I realised I was trying to zip it up over the three tops I was already wearing.

How cool is the label?

Also included in the box of joy was some fabulous jewellery

......and an insane glass poodle bottle to add to my collection. Being totally spoilt I had another parcel last week from another of my gorgeous on-line friends, Janne, containing this teeny china poodle.

Don't they all look lovely together?

Janne also sent me this freaky child, he'll be adorning the Wall of Misery as soon as I've braved the shed of doom for a hammer.

My blogging buddies rock my world.

1980s jumpsuit worn with plastic jelly sandals (£2, car boot sale) and a pile of inherited copper and brass jewellery

Hope your week started well.

I'm off to get creative in the kitchen, wish me luck!

Snow Leopard and the Last of Our Adventures In Kerala

2012-02-05T11:50:00.001Z

As usual the winter weather led to most of the country grinding to a standstill. Not for us though, it takes more than six inches of snow to stop us hitting the town centre for beer, curry and a catch up with friends. Jon tutted at me going out in high heels but I ended up having to hold him up after he fell over twice walking to the pub (and that was before he had a drink).

Looking at me all snug in my trusty fake leopard coat it's hard to believe only a few days ago we were basking in deliciously balmy 35 C (95 F) temperatures. You'll be relieved to hear that these are the last of our travel pictures.

In awe at yet another temple.

After a week of exploring the backwaters we hopped on the train to Varkala, a sacred village where Hindus immerse their loved ones' ashes into the ocean and home to many temples as well as the most spectacular beach

Ganesh, anointed with oil, dressed in a mundu and ready to face the day.

We stayed in a large airy apartment in a peaceful garden, a stone's throw from the beach, just shy of £7 a night.

View from my hammock

Some people choose to sit in a tourist restaurant eating scrambled eggs, muesli or pancakes but not us. Why travel halfway across the world and eat something you'd cook at home?

Masala Dosa with sambar and chutney , (a crisp rice flour pancake stuffed with spiced mashed potato, lentils and onions, served with vegetable stew and coconut chutney)

Every morning, just after sunrise, we headed to Dhani's Cafe for crisp Masala Dosas and Nilgrili filtered coffee.

After breakfast we'd walk for miles,

people watching,

and window shopping.

We chilled on the beach by day until the sun set,

then after a shower and a quick change of clothes we'd head to a chilled restaurant to drink beer from china mugs

and fill our faces with fiery vegetable curries, crispy pakoras, chilli chips and curd rice.

Dress courtesy of the divine Sarah

We adopted street dogs and fed them our leftovers.

We heard there was an annual elephant festival taking place in a city an hour inland so we caught a bus and joined in the fun.

Over 40 comparisoned tuskers in one parade.

Thank goodness for the Emergency Elephant Care Unit.

The locals seemed to find us more interesting than the procession.

How amazing are these automated floats?

Back to grim reality again, that is until April when hopefully we'll have enough cash to head back to Goa.

1960s Astraka coat (£2, church sale), 1980s blue leather pants (£3.30 British Heart Foundation), Alexis platform boots (£20, Topshop sale 2011)

Enjoy the rest of your weekend.

Friday's Frock & Adventures In Kerala Part 2

2012-02-03T15:14:00.003Z

Good old crimplene, this 1970s wench dress is so warm I had to shed my gloves and hat in town earlier for fear of melting. The rum did the trick, I slept until 6am this morning!

Ready for part 2 of our trip?

After a week of bumming around on Kovalam beach we caught the train to Alappuzha, the Venice of the East, 3 hours up the road. We hopped in a grand Ambassador taxi on arrival and headed for Champakulam, a village set on the banks of the sacred river Pamba.

We stayed at this pretty heritage home stay. At 2,600 rupees (around £33 a night) it was the costliest place we've ever stayed in India but it did include the most delicious pure vegetarian food we've ever eaten and exclusive use of a kayak.

We ate like Maharajahs seated on cushions in the stilted pavilion.

We spent our days lounging by the river, walking along the banks and reflecting on how life in the backwaters had barely changed for hundreds of years.

250 year old Syrian Christian church

Paddy field workers

We stumbled across a snake temple in the forest.

The temple tank

Snake worship is an ancient tantric ritual exclusively found in Kerala. The temples are maintained by elderly priestesses and the grounds are kept wild for snakes and other wildlife to come as go as they please.

The statues are anointed with oil and dressed each morning

I still get ridiculously excited at finding exotic fruit growing like weeds in the wild.

The local transport,

as seen from our verandah.

After a few days we caught the local passenger ferry for a 2 hour ride back to Alappuzha .

We checked into another heritage home stay.

Bed & breakfast in this 100 year old house cost £12 .

There's always something interesting to look at in India.

I've no idea what this is all about but I laughed each time I passed it

I can't resist South India architecture

Alappuzha is home to an entire street of umbrella showrooms.

These retro enamel signs are fab, aren't they? Jon wanted to paint out the "H" and ship one home.

Park Lane shoe shop

As usual I couldn't resist the lure of a new pair of fancy chappals.

The Malayam version of Herbie?

Kerala is known as God's Own Country, can you see why?

Part 3 to follow shortly.

Lace-up maxi dress (£7, Clothes Show Live)

Have a brilliant weekend and see you soon.

From The Sublime To The Ridiculous - Adventures In Kerala Part 1

2012-02-02T17:24:00.002Z

Who'd have thought it, two days ago I was frolicking in the Arabian Sea in my bikini and now look at me, trussed up like Scott of The Antarctic. What a waste of a decent sun tan.

It's hovered around -5 all day today with snow and even colder temperatures forecast for later, bloody England. Why the hell was a beach bum like me born here? I've got my yoga pants, Tibetan yak wool socks, a vest and a sweatshirt on underneath this lot and I'm still cold.

At least I have my memories to keep me warm.

Here's some pictures from our first week in Kerala.

We took a groovy Hindu tuk tuk (auto rickshaw) from Trivandrum airport to Kovalam, home to the glorious Lighthouse Beach.

We stayed in a traditionally built home stay set amongst the palms.

All this for less than £8 a night

The lady of the house cooked us a traditional South Indian pure veg breakfast every morning.

Iddiappam (rice left to ferment overnight and then forced through a mould to form spaghetti) served with aloo (potato) masala and seasoned with freshly grated coconut.

Appam - fermented rice flour pancakes served with kadada (a spicy lentil stew)

Idli (steamed semolina cakes) with bindi (okra/ladies finger) and snake gourd curry

We took long walks.

Drooled over Hindu temples.

Were enchanted by nature.

Ate the best veggie food in the world.

Chilled on the beach.

As in Goa all able-bodied men are expected to help haul the fishing boats ashore, tourist or local alike.

Good old Jon leading the way.

The mosque at Viridyam

According to the Rough Guide, Kovalam is the most developed beach in Kerala. Don't let that put you off, Benidorm it ain't.

Hippy-tastic crochet maxi coat (hand-made by my Mum), Aztec belt (50p, Age UK), Slouchy beret (the fabulous Elizabeth), vintage duck print maxi dress (seen HERE)

Week 2 to follow very soon.

I'm as cranky as a cranky thing, I was wide awake at 3am. Hopefully a pizza and a bucketful of Havana Club rum will sort me out tonight.

Home Again

2012-02-01T15:26:00.000Z

Namaste!

I'm back from my travels.

Normal service will be resumed just as soon as I've slept off my jet leg and re-acclimatised to the hideous British weather.

Psychedelic Hindu print tee (Kerala), Red wool bell-bottoms (Hand-made by me)

See you soon.

Tune In, Turn On, Check Out

2012-01-09T19:49:00.003Z

The bags are packed, we've checked-in on-line and the skirt's as old as I am so, rather than blather about my outfit or what I've been up to, I thought I'd bore you with some old travel photos from the last time we visited Kerala.

Here's a close-up of the skirt, just in case you haven't seen me in it before.

Back in 2007 we paid a local to navigate us around the backwaters in a traditional canoe rather than by the more traditional tourist rice boat. This was a cheap and far greener option and we even got taken to the boatman's home to share lunch with his family.

Last time we flew to Thiruvananthapuram, departing six weeks and 950 miles later in Mumbai. Nothing was pre-planned or booked in advance. We travelled up along the west coast of India by train, boat, rickshaw, Ambassador taxi & bus, stopping off at anywhere that looked interesting. This time we've only got three weeks and are flying to and from the same airport but still aren't any more organised.

Bring it on!

Bayeaux Tapestry maxi (£5, local vintage shop) worn with a metallic gold tee (£2, British Heart Foundation) and a heap of second-hand brass jewellery

Thanks for visiting me and the lovely comments you leave.

See you in February!

Jean Genie

2012-01-08T16:16:00.001Z

A laid-back Sunday calls for suitably lazy clobber.

I love this catsuit as much now as I did when I bought it five years ago but, let's face it, when you're confronted with a wardrobe bursting at the seams with lurex, velvet, crimplene and psychedelic printed nylon denim ain't that exciting an option in the grand scheme of things.

Huge brown shell bangle on left hand side courtesy of Lakota, the rest are second-hand discoveries

I can't deny that it crops up with alarming frequency in my outfits. Along with second-hand battered leather, vintage suede and fake fur it makes my clothes feel less dressy and far more me.

Here's some previous outings in denim:

My favourite item of clothing ever:

Bought for 99p in 1992, it's been to North Africa, Indonesia, Malaysia, India and travelled extensively around Europe. I don't know what I'll do when it inevitably falls apart.

Denim catsuit worn with 1970's St Michael tee shirt and tooled leather belt with horse head buckle (both car boot sale buys), River Island leather boots (Salvation army), vintage fringed shawl (Acorns Hospice)

Did you have a good weekend? Last evening was spent with the crazy gang and went well, no-one ended up in tears, paralytically drunk or disgracing themselves over dinner and, despite it being a late one, we were up bright and early this morning.

My hands were steady enough to apply my eyelash extensions earlier and I've just got my feet and my roots to sort out.

See you soon.

Travelling Light(ish)

2012-01-07T17:05:00.000Z

Here's my travel wardrobe for Kerala.

Clockwise from top left: Original 1980s pirate boots (25p, car boot sale) , psychedelic flares (seen HERE), handmade (by me) tote bag, Topshop maxi dress (seen HERE) , psychedelic crop top (seen HERE), 1970s hippy-tastic tie-dye sun dress (£4.99, YMCA), Bespoke leather sandals, hand-made in Tamil Nadu, three vintage scarves, Ghost silk tunic (seen HERE), TopShop fringed suede sandals (£4, eBay in 2008), two Indian-bought sarongs, Oasis maxi skirt (20p, jumble sale), 1970s hand-painted kaftan top (£1, car boot sale), 1970s maxi (seen HERE), vintage fringed poncho (seen HERE), Silk bolero (India), Selection of bikinis, denim waistcoat, 1970s batik print maxi (seen HERE), de-constructed laddered vest (India), TopShop ribbed vests, 1970s embroidered leather bag (£1, car boot sale)

Underwear? Not a fan, especially when I'm on holiday.

The jewellery:

A few necklaces and pendants

Ganesh choker made by Krista's fair hands, African tribal choker (inherited), everything else picked up abroad

Two pairs of vintage sunglasses.

Pink pair courtesy of the fabulous Sarah, White Ted Lapidus originals from a charity shop

A handful of pairs of earrings

Shark's tooth earrings courtesy of Sandy , peacock feathers and bronze festival hoops from the divine Helga

A few bangles, armlets and anklets

A coin belt

Free from a car boot sale

Hair accessories (I've also packed hair grips and bands, far too dull to show you)

A handful of rings and toe rings

Silver dragon & carnelian rings both from Krista

The toiletries are more or less the same as usual so here's what we took on our last trip:

My make-up bag consists of kohl, eyelash curlers, tweezers and a pencil sharpener, not worthy of a picture.

It's times like these that I almost wish I had a Kindle:

The bags are locked so no chance of me sneaking in any last minute things.

I'm off to a dinner party with friends, I'll see you tomorrow, hangover permitting.

Have a happy Saturday.

Free People Style For (Almost) Free

2012-01-05T15:49:00.004Z

Like most of the contents of their hippy-chic website I love these Free People lace flares but the day I spend almost £130 on a pair of trousers will be the day I'm certified insane.

I spotted these black sequin & lace evening pants by vintage British label Country Casuals going cheap in a charity shop yesterday and I thought I'd have a bash at making my own version.

An episode of Poirot later.........

I unpicked the polyester liner from the lace outer, hacked it off to mid-thigh and hemmed it. The side seams were taken in by a inch on either side from the waist downwards, gently tapering out at the knee to keep the original trouser width. The excess fabric was cut away and I zig-zagged the seams for extra strength.

Not a bad interpretation for £3.30 and perfect with my trusty denim waistcoat & the paisley halter vest Nelly sent me.

Ganesh and skull choker handmade by the gorgeous Krista.

Peacock feather earrings from Queen Helga.

Antiqued Rupee coin belt worn as a necklace.

I know, I know, I should be packing rather than messing around with the sewing machine. Oh well, there's always tomorrow.

Blown Away

2012-01-04T16:06:00.000Z

Over the past two days Britain's been lashed by storms and I've had to wear a headband to walk into town to avoid being whipped and temporarily blinded by my hair.

The postman couldn't get to us yesterday as the road was closed due to flooding so he turned up early this morning with a parcel from the fabulous Nelly which amongst other treasures included this glorious lurex jacquard print maxi dress by Courtaulds which I had to wear immediately.

Kitsch Australian face cloths, vintage covered buttons, a scary kid picture for the Wall Of Misery, some crazy poodles for my collection, a crochet lavender bag and some gorgeous retro needles.

A hand made Scrabble ring and a pretty resin heart.

Poodles!

Jon loves his 1970s kipper tie complete with kangaroo tie pin so much he's planning to wear it for dinner on Saturday night.

Handmade steam punk spats and fingerless mitts.

Gold satin flared pants and a groovy paisley halterneck

and an AWESOME hand made bikini! I might be brave and post of photo of me wearing it, once I've got a tan.

Thanks, Nelly! I'm blown away by your generosity.

1970s maxi worn with denim waistcoat worn inside out (seen HERE and HERE), Babyliss gold headband (99p, Boots)

The finer details:

Faux tortoiseshell & zig-zag coral bangle (courtesy of Rachel), plastic cocktail ring (from Dee) , Run Forest Run nail polish (from Elizabeth), all other jewellery bought second-hand

Another piece from my crazy jewellery collection:

Native American pendant (50p, car boot sale)

Six days to go and counting. I still haven't finished packing but I promise to share the final selection before Jon locks the bags.

Packing My Bags

2012-01-02T16:18:00.000Z

I was so quiet yesterday afternoon sorting through my clothes, happily planning and trying on suitable Kerala outfits, that Jon thought I'd relapsed and gone back to bed. I'm nowhere near finished packing yet, I'll leave everything laid out on the spare bed and reconsider for a few days before making my final decision. A good travel wardrobe can't be rushed.

When I find cool second-hand clobber I think'll be ideal for holidays I wash it and pack it away in the vintage case on top of my wardrobe in readiness for our next adventure. It's like discovering it all over again when I open the suitcase months later.This black maxi dress was a jumble sale buy back in the summer. It's strappy, tube-shaped and pretty boring but keeps it's shape well, won't crease and is perfect for layering underneath hippy caftans and waistcoats by day or blinged up with heaps of tribal jewellery in the evening. I'm hoping it won't disintegrate after a couple of wears like my last Topshop dress did.

I found this silver Alpaca choker in amongst my Mum's huge jewellery collection, I've no idea where she got it from but it was probably from a charity shop.

Clockwise from top: Alpaca choker, Lamani gypsy coin choker (Mysore) on a silver snake chain (Goa), Tibetan amulet (Goa), carnelian pendant (£1, car boot sale), agate and silver choker (50p, car boot sale), tribal thumb ring (Tamil Nadu)

I cleaned some of my silver jewellery today.

I line a baking dish with foil, add a couple of teaspoons of bicarbonate of soda (baking powder) and cover with boiling water. After 30 minutes I rinse the jewellery and polish with a soft dry cloth.

It works a treat.

I just need to decide which pieces to pack. Decisions, decisions....

Cotton jersey maxi (20p, jumble sale), 1960s Shubette fringed waistcoat (previously seen HERE), Alexis ankle boots (£20, Topshop sale, 2009)

See you soon.

Oh, What A Night!

2012-01-01T15:34:00.005Z

Happy 2012! I'm still drunk, not dressed and I've had a plate of chips for breakfast, if this is an indication of what the rest of the year's got in store then bring it on.

I didn't used to care for New Year's Eve but after a crazy beach party in India ten years ago I saw the light. Great company, good food, plentiful booze, banging tunes, late night drinking and dancing with added fireworks and champagne, what's not to love?

Liz and Adrian

Due to an outbreak of man 'flu there were only five at last night's party but that meant all the more food and drink for us.

Tony, Jon's childhood pal and ex-flatmate.

Sarah and Helga sent me tablecloths within a week of one another so I can't remember which goddess sent this beauty.

Retro party nibbles.

I'm a disgrace, despite having a professional qualification in patisserie the puff pastry was shop-bought but I did make the Mexican vegetable vol-au-vent filling myself (kidney beans, sweetcorn, diced green pepper, red chilli and red onion in chilli-spiked mayonnaise) and I had more time to get ready, always a bonus.

My home-made cheese straws, party crackers topped with cheddar cheese with chili and chives & Dee's green tomato chutney, cream cheese with pesto, Spanish olives and chopped parsley and, for the non-veggies, sardine pate with gherkins and anchovies (kept away from the vegetarian options).

Cubed Edam and pickled silver skin onions on sticks

Retro-tastic devilled eggs - hard boiled eggs with the yolks scooped out and mashed with mayonnaise, Madras curry powder and diced cornichons, garnished with smoked paprika.

Crab vol-au-vents for the non-veggies (everyone but me). Adrian made some fabulous hummus, gravalax and dill dressing. I would have taken a photo but that would have meant putting my wine glass down.

A party is the perfect excuse to showcase my ~~jumble sale tat~~ retro cocktail accessory collection.

Jon's chana massala with home made naan bread

You'll always find us in the kitchen at parties.

Silver Star maxi and cape from the fabulous Kitty, headband from a charity shop, daft smile courtesy of 2 bottles of Chardonnay.

Mmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm!

As usual everything descended into chaos so I forgot to photograph my vegetarian Champagne and wild berry jellies served in 1970s coffee cups or the huge box of posh Greek pastries from Selfridge's Tony bought us.

Jon thought my superhero cape looked better on him.

The lads dancing to Dexy's Midnight Runners' Geno.

The boys pimped themselves up.

and we played at mad hatters, too.

You can hear my divine Black Country twang shrieking through the fireworks, classy.

Happy New Year! Here's to a 2012 packed with even more fun, frolics and fabulous frocks.

On The Fringe

2011-12-29T16:57:00.007Z

The flight's booked and we're off to Kerala in less than two weeks' time. As usual we haven't booked any accommodation or planned an itinerary, we'll leaf through the guide book on the plane, make a decision on the first night's accommodation once we land, moving on whenever the fancy takes us.

Hopefully we'll end up somewhere idyllic like the beach we found on our last visit.

Whilst in town picking up some once-a-day sun protection (conveniently marked down to less than half-price in Asda) and the latest edition of the Rough Guide, I couldn't resist snapping up this 1970s fringed poncho from the charity shop sale rail. Around the touristy beaches of Kovalam and Varkala my usual attire's fine but for visiting the backwaters & cities and for travelling on local trains and buses bare arms are a no-no.

I also snaffled this fabulous, 1950s, hand painted, "Foreign" made, divided dish for £1.50. It's perfect for vegetarian nibbles on my New Year's Eve buffet table.

Fringed poncho (£1.75, Scope) worn with 1970s cotton maxi skirt (the divine Helga), aubergine vest (25p, car boot sale) and Tods' python boots (£7, car boot sale)

It's unlike me to buy something new for a trip. My holiday wardrobe is made up of the same old favourites known and loved for years, I have clothes that have been visiting India for over a decade. I once made the mistake of packing a brand new TopShop maxi dress snapped up in the sales and, unlike my trusty vintage dresses, the bloody thing disintegrated after less than three weeks of wear. I can't wait to get my summer suitcase down from the top of the wardrobe and pick out some outfits but that'll have to wait until our overnight party guests have departed on New Year's Day or they might be crushed to death by vintage frocks.

I haven't had a drink since Boxing day and it's time to get some practise in ready for New Year's Eve.

If I don't see you again in 2011...Happy New Year!

Flying High Again

2011-12-27T15:06:00.002Z

Was Christmas all you hoped for? Ours was such a whirlwind of socialising and merrymaking it's almost a relief to have a few nights off before the New Year's Eve festivities. If I see another ounce of cheese, pickled onion, Indian curry or glass of wine before the weekend I might just implode.

I had some amazing presents of the hand-made, second-hand or edible/alcoholic variety. Liz made me this fab bag from vintage fabric complete with a hidden base for concealing booze, perfect for the festival season. The silver cuff and antique coin bangle were both gifts.

That divine minx, Desiree, sent me a fabulous birthday parcel containing this 1970 Katie shirt dress and the metallic silver nail polish I'm wearing ........

........as well as a groovy fake fur hood, one of her signature floral head dresses and a perfectly fitting, vintage bikini to die for. Our weather is so bizarrely mild at the moment I wouldn't be at all surprised if I ended up wearing it all together.

Even Jacob's confused, he came out of hibernation on Xmas Eve for a snack.

It would almost be a crime to own such an amazing new bikini and not to wear it immediately so we were queueing outside the Indian High Commission in Birmingham just after 8am for a tourist visa. I'm determined to book a trip somewhere exotic before the day's out.

We're hoping to revisit this paradise beach we last visited on Xmas day, 2008. No sunbeds, no tourists, no beach bars, no Western pop music, no water sports or anything except the odd fisherman and a curious cow or three. It's in India but not Goa, I'll reveal all once we've found a flight.

Floral shirt dress worn with black velvet hot pants (70p, car boot sale), Alexis ankle boots (£20, Top shop sale, 2009), vintage amber beads (Birthday present)

See you soon.

Hippy Christmas - The Alternative Way

2011-12-23T15:59:00.002Z

We may be home for Christmas but it doesn't mean we have to go down the conventional route of crippling ourselves in debt, piling on the pounds, buggering up the environment and have the waste bin overflowing by Boxing Day.

A new outfit? Why? I've a wardrobe full of fabulous second-hand frocks bought for peanuts throughout the year. I overhear women rejecting fancy dresses in charity shops moaning that they'll never go anywhere to wear them. As my late Grandma used to say, buy it and when the occasion eventually arrives you'll be ready for anything.

The house is decorated with hand-made and home grown things. The stocking is filled with the cats' presents (balls, felt mice and treats).

The "paper" chain is made from vintage fabric scraps, stiffened, glued and tied with ribbon. It'll be festooning Gilbert, our VW camper van, come the festival season. Fab tutorial, here.

I've used holly, laurel and ivy from our garden to add some festive cheer and pinned some vintage lurex braid (bought from a jumble sale back in the summer) to the fireplace for added sparkle. The peacocks usually roost on my chandeliers but they fancied a yuletide change of scenery.

The Trechnikoff ladies are feeling festive.

Pine cones from the trees in the garden.

The tiny home grown tree decorated with handmade crimplene decorations, salvaged sequins, wool, braid and burlap and topped with the rock fairy Emma made for me.

Some people think we'd odd preferring a single, well-chosen, second-hand gift bought with love rather than a multitude of over-blown, expensive gestures. Jon's fair-trade Komodo jacket retails at well over £100 but I snapped it up from a charity shop for less than a tenth of the price. It's going to be perfect for walking to the pub or chilly festival nights.

Extra food? There's no need. We've booked a table at the Indian restaurant for Xmas lunch and we've already got good cheese and crackers in the larder. All we've bought are fresh olives and a couple of bottles of wine. There's always a shop open in multi-cultural Walsall so there's no need to panic and buy more than we need. I don't feel the need to consume more calories just because we're constantly bombarded with supermarket adverts on the TV and besides I'm hoping to be on the beach soon so I don't want to be harpooned .

1960s Jean Varon maxi dress (£4.95, Acorns Hospice) worn with a heap of second-hand costume jewellery

Have yourselves a fabulous time and see you on the other side.
x

It's A Wrap

2011-12-20T12:57:00.002Z

We haven't got a clue what we're going to do on 25th December. Maybe a trip to the pub, lunch at our favourite Indian restaurant followed by an evening of cheese and wine in front of the fire but who knows? Neither of us are big on advance planning so it'll be whatever we feel like when we wake up on Christmas morning.

Following on from Friday's post about the festive season not having to be a massive stressfest here's my hand-made wrapping. The parcel paper was an 8 metre packaging roll bought from Poundland, I found the raffia lurking in the shed, I bought the henna stamp block for pennies in Tamil Nadu and I used a old pot of fabric dye from my stash to ink the design onto the paper. It took about an hour last Tuesday evening with a glass of rum and a TV murder mystery for company.

The tags were cut from an old cardboard box and hole-punched. After Xmas the recipients can chuck the wrapping in the recycle bin and use the raffia in their gardens, making virtually no impact on the environment. The total cost was around £1.40. I'm linking this to the Ethical Bloggers DIY Xmas.

I bought this brass choker (made by the Karen hill tribe in Orissa) on the same trip as I got my henna stamp. What a strange coincidence.

I usually have this 1970s wool wrap with me for celebrating the Summer Solstice. Midsummer nights at Glastonbury can get a bit chilly. It's just the job for today, delivering Xmas cards by foot, gathering holly and ivy from the garden to decorate the house and popping to the off-licence to stock up the cocktail cabinet.

After a meeting yesterday we've finally sorted out my Dad's long-term care plan. Not only is it a huge weight off our minds but it means that we can start making plans to go travelling in the New Year.

Vintage mustard wool wrap (40p, jumble sale) worn with 1970s lurex blouse (the divine Curtise), Kate Moss @TopShop hot pants, mustard hat, leather and brass belt and suede go-go boots (all car boot sales), 1970s velvet tote (25p, jumble sale)

Maybe I'll only be wearing tights and boots for another couple of weeks before I can trade them in for a bikini and flip-flops. I can but hope.

Feels Surreal

2011-12-18T13:04:00.001Z

We seem to be have done nothing other than go out on the lash lately, last night being no exception. I knew it'd been a wild one when I woke up to find various bits of my outfit randomly scattered across the house, a velvet glove in the bath, a false eyelash adhered to the fridge and a trail of bangles leading up the stairs.

The friends we met yesterday are an odd group which include a hyperactive 75 year-old, my late Mum's hairdresser and a sheep farmer. Needless to say that our nights out always end up bizarre affairs with drink-fuelled karaoke sessions until dawn, arguments and rows, tears and tantrums, mislaid belongings, jaunts to strange backstreet pubs and someone having to travel home in the boot of the designated driver's car.

Last night was no exception, two of the group stormed off in a huff, Jon lost his hat, there was a dispute with a waiter and I danced with a hunchback in a tracksuit to The Smiths' This Charming Man.

1970s turquoise maxi dress (£5.99, St Giles Hospice), Velvet boots (Office), Velvet gloves (Jumble sale), Fake fur collar (handmade)

At least I didn't wake with a hangover as we're out again in a bit. More booze, more curry and undoubtedly, more fun.

Clutch bag hand made by Liz

See you soon.

I'm Dreaming Of A Crimplene Xmas

2011-12-16T15:53:00.002Z

As the lady working behind the counter of the Co-Op bank put it so succinctly this morning as we surveyed the scowling, pinched faces in the queue behind me, "Christmas spirit, my arse".

I'm usually away at this time of year and I'm amazed by the outrageous behaviour and lack of manners at this, the season of goodwill for all men.

I queued in Marks and Spencer for a box of chocolates to give my favourite charity shop volunteers whilst enduring a legion of disgruntled pensioners huffing and puffing about having to wait whilst over the road in Poundland people abandoned their loaded baskets in the aisles as they couldn't be bothered to join the long queue snaking around the store. The Big Issue seller was told in no uncertain terms to "Feck off, mate, charity begins at home", charming, huh? If buying a gift for a loved one stresses you out that much, why bother?

There's no last minute rush for me, there's only a handful of people I have to buy for these days. I shop all year round at car boots, charity shops and jumble sales with suitable recipients in mind. There's designer clothing with the labels attached, books still cling wrapped, current high street jewellery carded & unused and even shrink-wrapped DVDs and CDs. My presents are wrapped in plain brown paper hand inked with a wooden printing block I bought in India and tied up with household string.

Intending never to spend another Christmas at home we gave our Xmas decorations away to charity years ago. After Emma sent me my fabulous customised fairy I just had to create a worthy abode. Jon was sent out to prune one of the many fir trees in our garden and we popped the branches in an old clay flowerpot wrapped in an old hessian sack salvaged from a spice bazaar in Tamil Nadu (especially for burlap-loving Lakota) and secured with a length of vintage woven braid.

I cut out the printed circle designs from a length of 1960s crimplene with pinking shears, hand-stitched two together and stuffed them with the innards of an old cushion.

The giant sequins were unpicked from a top I bought from a jumble sale and hand sewn to a piece of wool forming an alternative to tinsel.

Of course, not having to faff around hunting for presents means that unlike the majority of the population of our town I can peruse the empty charity shops with even less competition than normal. This white 1960s Grecian-style maxi dress was today's find.

I'm off to catch up with some blog reading before I hit the pub.
Have a wonderful weekend and see you soon.

A Rockin' Dolly & Dollyrockers

2011-12-14T13:11:00.000Z

Emma, a lovely reader, sent me this especially customised vintage Xmas fairy and I absolutely adore her. Dripping in bling with her black hair piled into a top knot, lurex hot pants and go-go boots, who on earth could she have got her inspiration from?

The postman's been a busy boy today. I also got a fabulous parcel from the gorgeous Kitty.

I do love a Dollyrockers label and was beside myself with excitement when she sent me this fabulous velvet & taffeta halter-neck mini dress to add to my collection. Dollyrockers was a collaboration between Samuel Sherman and Dolcis shoes and modelled by Pattie Boyd, one-time girlfriend of George Harrison and active between 1963- 1975.

Along with the frock and a heavenly vintage waistcoat (to be seen shortly) Kitty also included an amazing Woodstock DVD and a fab maxi dress pattern.

It's freezing here today and there was a covering of snow when I got up this morning. I'm hoping to wear this frock when I'm out with the girls on Friday night but by the look of the weather forecast it seems like it'll be accessorised with my wellies and a thermal vest..brrrr!

I made this muff (stop that Sid James'-like sniggering) from reconstructing a couple of fake fur hats and lining them with a red fleece all found at jumble sales. The gold muff chain was my Great-Grandmother's. My awesome witchy pal La Dama sent me the brass choker.

Here's some of my other Dollyrockers numbers:

All snaffled for less than a tenner.

I may be a hardy Northerner but even I'm not brave enough to show my bare back to the world today.

There's no excuse not to have a Xmas tree up now, looks like Jon'll be sent out into the garden with his chainsaw later!

Not A Sequin In Sight

2011-12-12T16:56:00.003Z

When Ceri asked the Ethical Bloggers group to post a photo of a Christmas Party outfit I drew a blank. I'm a last minute dresser and rarely plan an outfit in advance, it all comes together like magic just before I leave the house and I deal with the chaos the following morning.

My usual seasonal outfit of choice would be a teeny-weeny string bikini, a huge pair of vintage sunnies and a liberal application of Factor 30.

I'm not short on festive invites, virtually every night between 1st December and New Year has been booked up already. The trouble with Xmas is that the jollity is forced on you as is the expectation for sequins, glitter and novelty earrings. As much as I love dressing up the rebel in me almost makes me want to stick on a pair of jeans and keep it simple, doing what's expected never feels as fun as a spur of the moment decision.

I'm seeing friends this weekend that we haven't seen in months and they'd be disappointed if I turned up in something less than spectacular so I thought I'd try out this winter berry print chiffon maxi dress complete with a handmade variegated ivy head dress although I feel that the sleeves and a curry are going to be a tricky combination.

Peterson Maid of London vintage chiffon maxi dress (£14.99, St Giles Hospice), hand-made ivy garland, second-hand bangles and filigree earrings (Xmas present, 2009), Velvet platform boots (£9, Office)

The manageress of the charity shop had saved this dress for me a few weeks ago. It's a couple of sizes too big and currently tacked into place waiting for me to do battle with the sewing machine, no doubt 15 minutes before I'm due to leave the house on Saturday evening.

Hippy Xmas!

Think Pink

2011-12-11T15:18:00.001Z

I wasn't 100 % sure of this 1970s pink crimplene jacket when I spotted it at the Clothes Show but as it was still hanging up five hours later I took it as a sign and tried it on. I liked it all the more when the seller slashed it down from £29.99 to a fiver.

As a blonde I avoided pink like the plaque but as a black-haired lass I've grown to love it.

I've even embraced pink eyes using Sleek's Acid eye shadow palette (Superdrug), Kitten Vintage smoky burgundy pencil & mascara (courtesy of the wonderful Zoe) & lashings of black kajal (India) to keep it rocker-ish. The Christian Dior lipstick was 20p from a church bazaar a couple of weeks ago.

Forget keeping it simple, no matter how loud your outfit there's always a need for bling.

Krista & Sarah both bought me these groovy zebra print nail transfers for my birthday. The silver snake wrap ring was also from Krista, the Lapis Lazuli ring was brought back from Lebanon by Dad when I was 11 and the rest were from India.

Trevira 2000 blazer worn with 1970s C&A maxi with matching tie belt (50p, car boot sale), 1960s pink plush hat (£4, Birmingham Settlement)

We cancelled everything yesterday and a day's rest worked wonders for my hip. Thanks for your suggestions.
I'm looking forward to a tumbler of spiced rum, Italian olives and cheese & crackers in front of a roaring fire.

Have a happy Sunday.

Winter Blues (& reds, pinks and greens)

2011-12-09T14:51:00.000Z

Whilst winter lovers wax lyrical about clear frosty mornings and crisp dark nights spare a thought for us arthritis sufferers. Old wives tale, my arse, my non-prosthetic hip is murder at the moment and if having to wear lower heeled shoes to limp into town isn't bad enough then being asked if I need a hand with my shopping by a sprightly pensioner is ten times worse.

I suppose I could do the sensible thing and swallow a fistful of anti-inflammatories but they aren't a great idea with booze and I'll be damned if I'm going to Liz and Adrian's for dinner tonight and not drinking the Chilli Martini I've already got infusing in the fridge.

This 1960s ditsy play suit was one of my Clothes Show buys. Originally priced at £22 the stall holder told me I could have it for £5 as my outfit had made her week.

My Favourite Thing on Friday is a charity shop find. The fake fur hood was £2.95 from Acorns Hospice. I heard the volunteer shout to the manager, "You know that glamorous lady who comes in here? She's bought that mad fur thing, told you she would" as I left the shop.

Can you believe I've had more loveliness through the post? Scarlett sent me this fab 1970s blouse, stainless steel pendant, funky belt buckle and a vintage tea towel I lusted after on her blog a while ago.

Louise sent me these divine Indian moonstone earrings set in silver.

I was one of the winners of Ceri's Ethical outfit competition and chose a goody bag as my prize. There's soem fabulous indigo suede gloves, a ceramic Regency style brooch, a ceramic pendant, glass beads, lace butterfly brooch and a calico shopper.

1960s handmade cotton play suit worn with vintage suede boots, red opaques and a heap of second-hand junk jewellery

A dinner party, a night out on the town, a visit to the Italian farmer's market in town and a jumble sale, this weekend's a busy one.

Have a great time whatever you get up to.

See you soon.

Cards, Clothes, Curry & Capers

2011-12-07T19:05:00.000Z

How cool is this card from Lakota?

The one Liz and Adrian sent (handmade by Liz) is pretty fab, too.

This is the inside of the other Liz's card as she'd bought me a surprise ticket for the Clothes show for my birthday. Looking at the state of us at the end of the row (taken at one of Jon's gigs back in the early 1990s) I can confidently say that we've improved with age.

Thai vegetarian starter platter

On Saturday night we caught the bus over to Birmingham for Thai food sharing a hip flask of sloe gin to keep out the chill. The venue, The Bartons Arms, is a grand Victorian building once frequented by Laurel & Hardy and Charlie Chaplin and had it's windows shot out during the August riots.

Liz

Al eagerly awaits his food.

Liz's salmon steak main course.

After we'd wined and dined we headed back home to The Wheatsheaf for live music and real ale.

I can't remember the name of the band but they did some fantastic rock covers.

Liz (in her fabulous new vintage coat) and Adrian

I think I was a bit tiddly by then.

Here's Liz at the Clothes Show yesterday. Lots of people told us that it was nice to see two women who dared to look different.

Looking at the turnout I can see what they mean, depressingly dull and uninspiring clothing choices. Come on, ladies, just because it's cold outside shouldn't mean you can't make a bit more of an effort.

All my purchases were of the vintage variety with a bit of Barry M thrown in for good measure. I'll show you what I bought soon, heavily discounted by some lovely sellers because they liked how I was dressed.

The fashion show was great although we hadn't a clue who the celebrity special guests were.

Being the unprofessional blogger that I am I hardly took any pictures on the day as I was too busy having fun.

This is me in the pub last night, I've no idea what Jon did to the camera to create this effect but I rather like the emphasis on the Spring Green nails & turquoise jewellery.

Thanks for all the wonderful messages yesterday, you all rock my world.
xxx

Birthday Girl

2011-12-06T07:13:00.000Z

What do you get a 45 year-old woman for her birthday? My blogging buddies know me so well!

Being a bad girl I opened some of my presents last night to allow me plenty of time to tart myself up for my birthday trip to the Clothes Show today.

Indian cotton maxi dress, Batman DVD, brass tribal choker and blingy beads, Nails Inc hot pink nail polish and a funky leopard skin nail transfer kit.

The fabulous La Dama sent me this parcel of joy (above) which also included this amazing Mexican maxi skirt.

Fabulous Mexican maxi worn with a 1970s Jethro Tull tour tee pimped up by me (Saturday's jumble sale), 1980s leather belt (Vintage Village @ Clothes Show 2009) and a heap of junk jewellery.

This parcel was from the gorgeous Krista....

....pretty vintage navy blue gloves, some funky zebra Sally Hanson nail effects, a fairy tattoo and this beautiful Ganesh pendant made by her own fair hands...

and this Californian-made peacock print mini dress....

Slinky frock worn with (now repaired) 1970s Dolcis platform boots and a load of second-hand costume jewellery.

The retro Australian tea towel, 1970s scarf and kitsch deer ornament are from lovely Liz....

..... as is this stunning 1960s suede mini skirt.

1960s suede mini skirt worn with 1960s suede go-go boots (Ker rang K-Boot sale) and a crimplene top handmade by me.

The awesome Curtise sent these freaky kid place mats, a pair of kitsch-tastic china poodles for my collection and an exquisite hand-rolled scarf,

and this a-freakin'-mazing St Michael two piece. Can you believe Marks and Spencer ever made clothes this cool?

Cher-tastic trouser suit worn with attitude.

I was lusting after this on eBay a while ago but stopped watching it for some mad reason that even I can't fathom out. When I finally get to Goa it'll be coming with me as well as to all next years' festivals. I was tempted to wear it to the Clothes Show but even my hardy Northern constitution can't cope with a bare belly in December.

Blaxploitation and bad-assed, big breasted ladies..these DVDs can only be from the magnificent Helga.

Auntie Sarah sent me this beautiful Edwardian-style maxi dress in addition to...

...a stunning monochrome maxi dress, the best sunglasses in the world, ever, groovy zebra nail effects and some retro Australian tea towels.

How spoilt am I? Very (but I like it)!

Thank you so much for your messages and friendship.

See you soon.
xxx

24 Hour Party Person

2011-12-05T18:19:00.000Z

I've spent the last 48 hours inebriated which explains why I'm looking as rough as a badger's nether regions in these photos.

From eating my body weight in Thai, Indian and Italian cuisine, mixing red, white & rose wine, Singha lager, sloe gin and India Pale Ale to skirmishing with demented grannies at jumble sales and lusting over artisan jewellery at a craft fair, taking delivery of some of the most amazing parcels from across the globe from glorious bloggers to re-acquainting myself with my favourite Mad-chester film (24 Hour Party People) I've done it all this weekend.

This is how I was dressed earlier but after getting halfway to the pub the front of my boot decided to detach itself and I had to hop back home in the pouring rain to change my footwear.

This parcel jam-packed with Florida sunshine arrived yesterday from the wonderful Ofelia. These fantastically colourful clothes will be perfect when I finally get to Goa. I just had to wear the Andy Warhol printed skirt today which attracted a fair bit of attention from the security guard in Lidl who insisted on following me round the shop. I can only assume he was a connoisseur of pop art.

Isn't the print fabulous?

I snaffled this 1970s leather patchwork bag from yesterday's jumble sale for a measly 10p.

Andy Warhol print mini and patchwork bag worn with a 1960s red leather jerkin (£10.16, eBay), Dolcis suede platforms (£4.99, PDSA), 1980s jersey bodysuit (99p, Age Concern) , 1960s wool beret (50p, Salvation Army)

Just time to catch up on some blog reading before I crack open the next bottle of wine (well, it is almost my birthday).

Hope you've had an excellent weekend.

See you soon.

Not Such A Cat-astophe

2011-12-02T16:38:00.001Z

It's Friday and there's not a frock in sight. This time last year I was preparing to catch a plane to Goa. This year I travelled five miles down the road on the bus bound for West Bromwich, hardly glamorous, although the driver did tell me that my beautiful smile had made his week. Still, if I'd been setting off on an Asian adventure I would have missed out on these vintage beauties in the town's charity shops.

This 1970s catsuit, signed "Gina Luici", was £7.99. The lady behind the counter told me it had been on the shop floor for three weeks awaiting the arrival of the right woman.

1970s catsuit worn with Indian gypsy choker and armlet (India), Office velvet boots (£9)

Right woman or not, it's mine now.

This chevron striped Berketex Boutique two piece was £4.99.

Wool again? Am I getting all practical and mature in my old age? Somebody stop me before I get a sensible haircut and buy an age-appropriate jersey dress.

What's my Favourite Thing On A Friday other than charity shop bargains? Buying my tickets for next summer's Big Chill festival.

All day drinking, live music and the summer can't come quickly enough. Roll on August 2012!

1960s two-piece worn with original Dolcis suede platforms (£4.99, PDSA) and a 1970s scarab pendant (£1, car boot sale)

I'm off to get ridiculously drunk. Have a brilliant weekend.
See you soon.

Neigh Christmas Spirit

2011-12-01T16:21:00.005Z

Call me Scrooge and mutter Bah, Humbug all you like but I'm afraid that Xmas bores the pants off me. Fair enough if have small children or are a practising Christian but as a childless hearthen I find it a shameful excuse for greed and gluttony. Like my gorgeous mate Curtise says, "It's not that I'm mean, I love finding nice gifts for people, but I want to give them when I choose to, not when I'm told to, and not ALL my loved ones ALL at once".

I don't get the stuffing your face with food. I'm not bothered by chocolate, loathe Christmas cake and as for a traditional (veggie) roast dinner? Yuk! Give me a spicy veg curry and a plate of chips and I'm happy. Just because it's a national holiday doesn't mean I need to consume any more calories than I normally do.

Don't even get me started on the lagered-up blokes who use Xmas as an excuse to grope you when you're out shopping and force their beery tongue down your throat just because they have a manky sprig of mistletoe in the pocket of their shellsuit.

I've avoided all but one of the past eleven years by being in India but the situation with Dad means we're grounded for the foreseeable future. Rather than mope around, wishing we were chilling on a beach or backpacking round a bustling Indian city, we've devised our own way of bringing a bit of festive spirit to the month of December, we're necking a different shot of alcohol every day with our breakfast.

Today it was Tequila. Can you tell by the twinkle in my eye?

Changing the subject completely here's some of the jewellery my Mum made in the 1960s. Carved wooden and polished gemstone rings, enamelling and beaten metal. I can't tell you much about them as, sadly, she's no longer here to ask. The gem polishing kits used to be available to buy from most craft shops and enamelling was one of the industries the Black Country was famous for since the Industrial Revolution.

1970s maxi dress (courtesy of the sensational Scarlett), Crazy Horses (best Osmonds song ever) tank top (Queen Helga the Great), mustard hat (50p, car boot sale), 1960s leather bag (25p, jumble sale), 1950s copper choker (50p, church bazaar)

Thanks for the fantastic reaction to yesterday's post. I feel so empowered by the fabulously eloquent comments you left. If I hadn't discovered blogging I think I'd have imploded with feminist ire several years ago.

The Mid-Week Moan: Should I Care If I Look My Age?

2011-11-30T15:52:00.003Z

Add caption

You know how I hate so-called experts imparting their advice on us, trying to make women feel insecure and unworthy? Well yesterday I came across a book called "How Not To Look Old" which made me almost apoplectic with rage. It offered this age-defying advice for us over forties:

Hair: too short bangs.. too long hair parted down the middle… high hair…an updo… too dark hair… a solid block of hair colour… grey hair…

Now I'm a stubborn old bint, if I'm told not to do something I have to go and do the opposite. I went straight to the nearest mirror, grabbed a tail comb and parted my hair down the centre, then I headed to Boots for my usual box of raven black hair dye.

1960s Dollyrockers Maxi dress (£4.99, eBay), 1950s Scottish mohair cape (£1, jumble sale), fur collar (handmade by me), grey platforms (£5, local retail)

Skirts: skirts that are too long.. too short… the wrong shape…worn with the wrong shoes…

This had me reaching for a maxi dress like a shot. Are we supposed abandon our style, set fire to our wardrobes and queue at Marks and Spencer for a knee-length skirt as soon as we reach the magical age of 40? What's the wrong shape anyway? With my scrawny, angular frame pencil skirts and pointy shoes do me no favours but who's to say they are "wrong" if I wanted to wear them?

If I look my age then so what? I'm 45 next week, I've got crow's feet, myopia, greying temples, arthritic joints and a total hip replacement. My face bears the scars of a life well-lived, I'm proud of every line, achieved by staying out all night, sleeping in my make up, boozing, lazing on an Asian beach for months at a time and generally living life to the full. I don't want to hide the fact that I'm middle-aged, I'm proud to have got this far.

Am I odd for finding Keith Richard's hedonism-ravaged looks far sexier than Sir Cliff's clean-living ones?

Non-Brits can learn about Cliff Richard here

Bet I'm not the only one.

I'm not ashamed of my age or the battering my body's taken reaching it. Better to have lived and lost it than never to have lived at all.

My Green Outfit

2011-11-28T15:55:00.001Z

When Ceri challenged us to post an outfit featuring at least one second-hand or ethically produced item it was tough. Like the contents of our house, my wardrobe is predominantly second-hand and I wasn't sure on what to choose.

The decision was made for me when the postman delivered this astoundingly fabulous 1960s Cumbrian-made Mohair maxi from the wonderful Miss Rayne this morning. She spotted it in her local charity shop and kindly thought of me.

It goes perfectly with this 1960s St Michael Courtelle jumper (I know, knitwear, unheard of on me) from the 20p Man at the weekly car boot sale and the £1 suede jerkin bought from another car boot sale a couple of years ago.

The £4.99 green 1970s suede boots from the PDSA charity shop.

These Indian filigree earrings were 99p from Richard House Hospice shop.

Rings (from left) courtesy of Helga, Cancer Research and Krista. Bangles, from top, Oxfam, inherited and from Helga.

The belt (worn as a pendant) and the ring are made from out-of-circulation coins and scrap metal by the Lamani tribeswomen in India. The Accessorize wooden peace symbol bangle was from a car boot sale.

The Mac eye shadow, Sisley blusher, Lancome lipstick & eye liner and 1960s Miner's false eyelashes are all second-hand. I bought the Barry M nail varnish new but as it's cruelty-free it's ethical in it's own right.

The invalid's a lot better today, as my nursing wasn't much use your well-wishes obviously did the trick.

See you soon. x

Not Fair

2011-11-27T15:46:00.000Z

This is what I would have worn to today's vintage fair if Jon wasn't laid up with man 'flu.

The dress is an early present from the fabulous Sarah Misfit. It's not my birthday for another week or so but it was impossible to resist tearing open the parcel when it arrived. There's another fab frock to show you, I just need to tweak it to fit.

I'm a useless nurse. It's been years since I caught a cold and therefore hopeless at empathising with a coughing and sniffling patient. It was weird staying in and sober on a Saturday night, something I don't intend on making a habit of for at least another forty years.

Although I missed having a few beers and a pub lunch I'm not too fussed about foregoing the fair.
If I'm totally honest vintage shopping loses a lot of the appeal when it's specially selected, pre-sorted and pristine. For me the fun's in unearthing a gem at a jumble sale or a charity shop and fixing any faults myself. Wading through racks and racks of period dresses is downright exhausting. Price aside, for this Vintage Vixen the thrill's all in the chase.

This is just one of my overstuffed wardrobes. The last time I went to this particular event I was hard-pressed to find anything half as colourful, or as cheap, as anything I already own.

I'm off to make the invalid another cup of tea. Enjoy the rest of your weekend.

Edwardian-style maxi worn with Office velvet platforms and Indian chandelier earrings

See you soon.

Wig Out!

2011-11-26T13:23:00.000Z

You've seen this Bernshaw dress before (courtesy of the divine Curtise ) but what's that on my head?

..and on Jon's?

We threw a little party last night, the guests had to bring a bottle and wear a wig and rose to the challenge splendidly. During last weekend's Skype chat Krista talked me through making chilli Martinis and they went down a storm, I wish I'd made more.

The Lizs channelling their inner Hollie Golightly.

Al as Ozzie.

The party tree was decked out with seedless grapes, cherry tomatoes, mature Cheddar cheese, cornichons, silver-skin onions and various olives. The 1960s Apollo 8 vase held sesame sticks and Dee's party platter was filled with pistachio nuts, cashews and Seabrooks' jalapeno chilli crisps. The donkey cruet got his first outing.

Jon made his famous pizzas, Chicken Tikka and spiced German sausage for all but me.. my Gorgonzola, mushroom and mixed pepper one was cooked on a separate tray.

There was Greek-style salad and spicy jacket wedges, too.

Angel Delight with Smarties served in retro glass cups and a Lazy Susan filled with retro sweets.

I spotted these macaroons in the freezer at Lidl.

After a few drinks the madness started with an impromptu hairstyling session.

Stick to the day job, Liz.

Wigs got swapped around .....

...the hat cupboard got ransacked.

..and a good time was had by all.

We're off to the pub later and visiting a vintage fair tomorrow, that's if Jon's sniffle doesn't develop into full blown man 'flu.

Have a fabulous weekend.

Achtung, Baby

2011-11-24T12:38:00.003Z

I met the lovely Zoe yesterday at Birmingham's Frankfurt Xmas Market in Birmingham, the largest German market outside of Germany.

We arranged to meet at one of Brum's most recognised landmarks, known locally as the Floozy In The Jacuzzi.

We had a couple of Glühweins to stave off the winter chill and spent a hilarious hour and a half gossiping and people watching.

The air hung heavy with the aroma of German sausage.

There was tourist tat galore.

All manner of local characters.

Talking of characters I received a surprise package from the inimitable Helga Von Trollop in yesterday's post. Check out the insane tank top.

By bizarre coincidence I found this 1960s German-made midnight blue leather trench coat at this morning's jumble sale. It has a heady aroma of foreign tobacco and scent and I feel like a secret agent in it.

I also snapped up this 1906 double edition of the Harmsworth Self-Educator with fascinating tips on everything from finding the correct staff to run an efficient household, how to set up a baker's shop and touring the Carpathian mountains by train (£16 10s return).

In the Geographical Guide to England it describes my home as thus:

"Vegetation is blasted, and a pall of smoke overhangs squalid towns of mean houses, little redeemed by the fine administrative buildings and the luxurious villas of the west end - the fashionable, because, with our prevailing west winds, the least smoky quarter. Iron smelting and the iron manufacture in all its countless forms are carried in on a ring of iron towns rapidly growing into one unsightly whole - Birmingham, West Bromwich, Wednesbury, Walsall, Wolverhampton, Tipton, and others, forming what is fitly called The Black Country."

No change there, then.

Where I live might be dirty and depressing but it's probably the only place in the UK where you can pick up antique books and a leather trench coat and still get change from a quid.

Auf Wiedersehen, Pets.

A Century Of Style In One Outfit

2011-11-22T16:32:00.002Z

Earlier this week Lucy asked: How many eras/decades can you cram into one cohesive outfit? What a fab challenge. My heart may belong to psychedelia but I'll wear any period of clothing as long as it's second-hand and suits my style. To me slavishly dressing in the same bygone era is no different from being a slave to high street fashion or decorating your home in wall-to-wall Ikea. Mixing things up and being creative adds both depth and interest, allowing your true personality to shine through.

What have we got here then? A 1960s Sambo by Samuel Sherman panne velvet maxi dress (£3, car boot sale) worn with a 1970s crimplene floral waistcoat (in a surprise parcel of Parisian loveliness from Elizabeth) and a 1920s Ottoman carpet bag (a family hand-me-down).

1960s felt hat (from Zoe) worn with a 1930s Liberty of London silk scarf (£2, car boot sale)

The carved wood ring was made by my Mum in the 1960s, the other two are modern junk pieces.

This rolled gold wristwatch was a gift from my Great-Grandparents to my Grandpa when he qualified as a chartered accountant in 1933. It has his name engraved on the back. Being a bit of a witch watches don't work on me so it's just decorative.

1980s brass bangles worn with another of Mum's 1960s carved wood rings, a 1970s Indian dress ring and a contemporary cocktail ring.

1950s copper leaf choker which was 50p from a church Christmas fair last weekend.

1903 Ruskin pottery cabochon (inherited).

Modern brass earrings bought in India from a women's refuge charity.

Victorian button boots (eBay, £2.20)

So we've got Victorian, Edwardian, 1920s & 1930s and the 1950s through until the present day (omitting the 1990s because the decade they were so lacking in style I spent the entire decade dressed like a 1970s Starsky & Hutch streetwalker). I'd like to say I've got a gas mask in my handbag to represent the 1940s but it's over the road in Dad's attic.

Lost In Music

2011-11-21T15:57:00.001Z

Nothing like a blast of The Smiths for cheering up a wet & miserable Monday.

We've got such a massive amount of vinyl that we've had to build a garden shed to accommodate it all. Jon and I are the same age with similar musical tastes and a lot of our collection is duplicated but neither of us can bear to get rid of any of it.

The trouble is that with our collection being in the shed is that when it's cold and wet neither of us can be arsed with trudging up the garden to renew the selection we keep in the house so we just keep buying more and more when we see it going cheaply enough.

We bought Basie's In The Bag (1967) and Long John Baldry & the Hoochie Coochie Men (1965) for 20p each from Friday night's jumble sale. Old skool sounds call for an old skool system and I nearly died of excitement when I spotted this Philips portable record player for £2 at a car boot sale last year.

We've got a retro wireless in almost every room. This one was £3 from a car boot sale years ago.

Cassettes might be a much maligned musical format but our daily ride's a 1969 VW Beetle so it's the only option if we want an alternative to Kerrang. Our cassette collection's huge but we regularly change our 1970s revolving (rock the) Cass-bar to keep our road trips interesting.

A car boot seller gave us this for free. I think he thought we were mad for being so enamoured of it.

1960s red suede suit (£4.20, eBay), 1960s suede & patent knee high boots (Kerrang K-Boot), Strangeways, Here We Come (bought in 1987)

I don't just listen to retro sounds, I love anything sung with a passion from heavy metal to hip hop. I might wear old clothes but I'm not stuck in a time warp.

I was thrilled to be featured on Jill's blog yesterday, thanks babe.

Get On Your Boots

2011-11-20T14:26:00.002Z

eBay, I freaking love it. Where else can you buy genuine Victoriana for less than a pint of cider? I spotted these antique leather boots last Saturday morning, popped in a snipe, hit the charity shops and by lunchtime they were mine. The description said that they could only be fastened with a button hook and that the leather was cracked and dry, but that didn't deter me.

Coming from a long line of hoarders I still have my Great-Grandmother's silver Art Nouveau button hook.

Isn't she a beauty?

I gave the uppers a quick once-over with nail polish remover to remove any surface dirt and allowed them to dry for around 30 minutes. I then lightly coated the surface with intensive hair conditioner leaving them to soften overnight. The following morning I buffed them with a soft cloth and they're now supple and lovely.

The lovely Ceri challenged us to post an outfit featuring some DIY. Here's mine.

I made the dress from a 1950s curtain. The lace tights were from Friday night's jumble, they were very long leggings and I simply sewed the cuffs together to form feet.

The collar was from Thursday's car boot sale and the ribbon I attached came off one of last years' birthday parcels.

Handmade curtain couture dress (20p), lace tights (20p), fake fur collar (50p), Victorian boots (£2.20)

Hope you're having a good weekend. As usual ours has been spent eating and drinking far too much, rummaging through other people's cast-offs and catching up with friends. We went to see a wonderful nursing home this morning complete with a resident cat, I think Dad's going to love it.

See you soon.

Ready To Frock And Roll

2011-11-18T15:21:00.001Z

How are you? I loved reading your flying stories. It's made me even more desperate to board a plane and head to India but until Dad's settled I'll just have to make do with watching Pan Am and gazing at our old photos.

Remember the mother of all maxi's I started on earlier this week? Here she is in all her monochrome glory. Considering it's mid-November it's stupidly mild and I'm able to show it off without my arms turning blue. I will wear a coat when I hit the town tomorrow night, I'm not that hardcore.

Gorgeous Jennie of Frocktasia sent me this groovy fabric last year and it's been folded in my fabric stash ever since. I've been too scared to cut into it and bugger it up but after a cheeky school-night cider and I was able to set the pinking shears in motion without any mishaps.

It's a 1969 Butterick pattern I bought as part of a huge job lot from a car boot sale last year.

All but the beaten silver bangle are second-hand. The carnelian ring is from the awesome Krista. Nails are Barry M's Spring Green.

These earrings were from a street market on Colaba Causeway, Mumbai just down the road from Leopold's.

Favourite Things On A Friday? These groovy purchases from yesterday's car boot sale:

Clockwise from top left: Fake fur collars, electric blue leather pants, retro linen tea towel, 1971 Simplicity turban pattern, assorted sewing notions, English-made 1970s ankle boots, sexy nude oil painting dated 1979, 1970s hand-painted cape-sleeve caftan top, 1930s cream jug, 1970s hippy belt, another 1960s Cher-tastic coat, 1950s feather-trimmed hat, miserable Dallas Simpson kiddie, 1970s Elmoor of London Aztec print wool skirt suit.

Handmade maxi dress worn with a Mongolian lamb stole (20p, jumble sale) and 1970s Dolcis green suede platform boots (£4.99, PDSA)

We're off to our second jumble sale in 24 hours later then it's back for home made pizza and wine in front of the TV.
Have a fantastic weekend whatever your plans are.
See you soon. x

Come Fly With Me

2011-11-17T07:40:00.000Z

Can you tell I watched Pan Am last night?

Air travel has always excited me but I was an adult before I flew. During my childhood Dad worked abroad and didn't considered foreign travel "a proper holiday" so family holidays were spent in England. I was 21 by the time I'd managed to save enough money to pay for my first flight abroad. I'd expected my maiden voyage to be a glamorous affair and was bitterly disappointed to discover that, unlike the films, air hostesses were normal-looking women in dowdy polyester suits, flesh coloured tights and clumpy court shoes .

If I had my own airline false eyelashes, groovy clothes and six inch heels would be obligatory for stewardesses and passengers checking in wearing tracksuits and any other sportswear-related clothing would be banned from travelling.

1970's Chelsea Girl dress (£3.09, eBay), Cropped wool jacket (£5, Topshop sale, 2005), Spotty scarf (courtesy of the lovely Catherine), Blue platforms (£5, local shop), Clip-on earrings (the goddess that is Desiree), 1960s leather backed navy gloves (inherited), Suitcase (25p, jumble sale)

The first flight I took was on my own travelling from London Gatwick to Barcelona in 1987. How about you?

Sugar Coated

2011-11-15T14:58:00.008Z

One of the few good things about the long, cold British winter is that I can wear the coats I snapped up in the warmer summer months for next to nothing.

People often ask how I can buy my winter clothes before I know what's going to be in fashion for the coming season. What a dumb question. If I'm wearing clothes I love I couldn't give a toss whether Anna Wintour and her ilk deem them suitably trendy.

If (fake) fur and Native American jewellery is good enough for Cher then it's good enough for me.

Photo montage courtesy of the fabulous Leticia

Shame I haven't got the abs to go with it.

Forget fashion, quality clothes are timeless. This coat's got to be over forty years old and it's no less fabulous than it was on the day it was made.

West German BORG coat (£2.50), bone & turquoise wolf choker (50p), Alpaca Mexican silver earrings (50p) and suede lace-up go-go boots (£1, all from car boot sales) 1970's leather bag (40p, jumble sale), junk jewellery (gifts or inherited) TOTAL COST: £4.90

Thanks so much for your comments yesterday, a jerkin is a hip-length, sleeveless jacket and a waistcoat is shorter, finishing at the waist.

I've tackled the crap weather head-on today, playing some of my favourite Goan chill-out music and starting on making the mother of all maxi dresses.

See you soon.

Found by the awesome Psycho Sue

Jerkin It Out

2011-11-14T16:32:00.003Z

It's no secret that I'm a fan of the 1960s jerkin, in fact if you search Google images you'll find six pictures of me on the first page alone.

I wear the same two over & over again I thought it might be worth investing in a third just to ring the changes, I'd hate to get stuck in a rut. I spotted this 1960s red leather version on eBay last week and loved it so much I was prepared to go over my usual £10 spending limit.

As the auction was scheduled to end at just after midnight I stuck a snipe in, went to bed and was thrilled to discover I'd won it for £10.31 the following morning. I thought that was a bargain but since I started writing this post I've snapped up another eBay bargain for a mere £2.08.

It gives my favourite maxi dresses a whole new lease of life and it's a far groovier layer of warmth than a cardi.

Red leather jerkin worn with a 1960s Dollyrockers maxi (£3.66, eBay)

Can you believe that I took today's photos just after lunchtime? It looks like the middle of the night.

Sticking The Boot In

2011-11-13T14:41:00.004Z

Know the feeling? You've been desperately trawling the charity shops for so long even a 1980s acrylic batwing sweater starts looking attractive. That was me yesterday, seriously losing the will to shop, until I spotted these 1970s suede beauties.

Made in England by Dolcis and priced up at a fabulous £4.99 my heart skipped a beat and my palms broke out in a sweat. Despite them being a size and a half smaller than my usual size they slipped on and zipped up like a dream.

Do you honestly like those? the manager asked in a bemused manner, they've been in the shop for weeks and we all laughed at them when they were donated, we couldn't believe that anyone would want those hideous old things. How I love living in a place where the locals prefer cheap new stuff to cheaper old stuff.

Dumarsel, London 1960s cape dress (£15, Vintage Village @ Clothes Show Live, 2009), Tribal choker bought from a Lamani gypsy in Goa

According to yesterday's Guardian knee high boots are back. I didn't know they'd been away, there's always been plenty in my cupboard.

A boot fetish? Me?

Hope you're having a brilliant weekend.

Crochet Crazy

2011-11-11T16:27:00.000Z

Here's Friday's frock, a gold lurex number I found at a car boot sale complete with flesh-coloured slip for modesty. The dealer thought it may have originally been a hippy chick's wedding dress but sadly the original owner was no longer around to tell the tale. I had planned to wear it to Glasto but it's always been either too hot or too wet for wool so rather than let it hang unloved in my wardrobe I wore it to run some errands in town earlier.

It certainly enjoyed it's mundane outing, elderly ladies stroked it and admired the artistry and a sprightly pensioner cheekily asked me to join him for a coffee.

Favourite thing on a Friday? This solid copper Native American pendant one of my late mum's suitors bought back from the States in the early 1960s. Little did she know her first born would be a Sagittarian with turquoise as her birthstone.

What else am I loving on a Friday? The fab post the gorgeous Strawberry Freckleface honoured me with yesterday. What a thrill. Thanks to my new followers, I'll be checking you guys out over the weekend.

That copper cuff on the left was another gift from the same admirer. The tortoiseshell Lucite ring was a gift from Dee and the brass bangle with blue flowers was from Sandy. The nail polish is, as always, Barry M.

These discrete earrings were 25p from a car boot sale.

Remembrance day poppy sold in aid of the British Legion.

Crochet maxi (£5, car boot sale) worn with embroidered denim waistcoat (previously worn inside out here) , Hand-dyed leather bag, Tods' python boots (£7, car boot sale)

Have a fantastic weekend, my lovelies. I'm off to the pub in a bit, what shall I wear?

November Rain

2011-11-09T17:15:00.000Z

I hate the winter. It's been vile here for days, cold, wet and endlessly grey.

I couldn't be bothered dodging the showers to walk into town for the weekly flea market and instead tidied an overstuffed drawer rediscovering some of my mourning jewellery.

I come from a long line of hoarders and have inherited the strangest things, this Victorian bog oak locket contains a tress of a long-dead relative's hair.

Freaky, huh?

I loved wearing Whitby jet as a teenager. These are just a few of the Victorian brooches in my collection.

Great-Great-Grandmother's (the former owner of my mourning jacket) mourning brooch featuring a daguerreotype of my Great-Great-Grandfather. Handsome chap, isn't he?

Instead of depressing myself further I dug out the brightest piece of fabric from my stash and made these flares, at least I looked bright and cheerful walking to the corner shop.

Crimplene flares (made by me with car booted fabric), 1970s tab collar blouse (the divine Desiree), Lime green vinyl shoulder bag (£2.95, Walsall Hospice), 1970s Madeira basket (£1.95, Acorns Hospice), Velvet platforms (£9, Office)

There's wine in this bag. Hopefully a roaring log fire, booze and egg and chips will have me back to my usual self in no time.

Big love to my gorgeous and inspirational friend, Sacramento, who's having an operation tomorrow.

Heavy Metal Madness

2011-11-08T16:48:00.002Z

These hand made leather trousers had been hanging in a branch of Cancer Research for over a month, failed to sell and were packed off to the charity's clearance shop marked down to a £1. Needless to say I snapped up both pairs with grand plans to transform them into hot pants.

After I'd posted this photo a couple of commenters mentioned that they were the "in thing". After some research I came across these Balmain pants in pewter-coloured leather.

Currently retailing at a eye-popping £3,465.

Who the hell spends over three grand on a pair of trousers? It's beyond belief.

Of course, if you've got that kind of cash burning a hole in your pocket you're more than welcome to buy my original vintage version. I promise to put the money to good use (like give £2000 of it to charity and buy a couple of Round-the-World flights with the change).

Now I'm stumped, do I chop them off into hot pants or keep them as they are?
I thought the 1980s tapered leg would look awful on so I'm pleasantly surprised by how well they fit. They definitely lift the spirits on a miserable Tuesday (and drew no end of admiring comments from fellow supermarket shoppers this morning).

Leather pants needed some serious heavy metal accessories.

Silver dragon ring from hot metal babe, Krista.

The Black Country is the birthplace of metal, both the industry and the music. Led Zeppelin, Black Sabbath, Judas Priest and Napalm Death are all local lads and we can even boast Rob Halford's parents as neighbours so it's only right I stay true to my rock roots.

This is how Net-A-Porter styled their metallic leather trousers:

Marc Donague shearling coat (£1,255), Versace black pin heels (£655), Lanvin gold tee shirt (£785), Alexander Wang Clutch bag (£400), Balmain metallic leather pants (£3,465) TOTAL: £6,650

Here's my vintage version:

1960s fake fur coat by Quelrayn (£2), Contemporary suedette platforms (£5), Hand-made pewter leather pants (£1), Led Zeppelin tee shirt (20p), Indian coin belt (Free) TOTAL: £8.20

That's a saving of £6551.80. Enough to keep me in gig tickets, rock biographies and CDs for many, many years.

To Dye For

2011-11-07T16:43:00.001Z

Check out my new purple hand bag.

It was a rather mundane shade of white last week. Whilst I love vintage clobber I don't feel the need to treat my clothes like museum pieces. I have no qualms with chopping off hems & sleeves or dyeing something a completely new colour. For me it makes far more sense to make something wearable and work with the rest of my wardrobe. Clothes are for wearing, not for stroking.

1960s psychedelic mini dress (£3.60, eBay), Antique Indian tribal collar (inherited), vintage Ackery of London handbag (50p, flea market)

Fancy trying a home dye job? As promised here's that leather dyeing tutorial for you.

You'll need an old leather bag, rubber gloves, plenty of newspaper, a scouring pad and some leather dye. I don't usually use Tarrago but I fancied a violet handbag and my preferred brand, Dylon, only do navy blue, brown and black.

Gently buff the surface of your bag with white spirit applied with a scouring pad to remove any dirt.

Allow to dry for a few minutes.

Next, using a small brush (provided in the kit), apply the dye to the stitching, handles and any surface scratches of your bag.

Add a few drops of dye to the sponge provided and apply to the rest of your bag's surface in light circular movements.

When the bag is covered put aside and apply a second coat when the first application is fully dry.

You may need up to three coats to reach your desired shade.

Leather dye can be found at most independent cobblers and haberdashery stores. I pay £3.95 for a kit which is enough to transform a handbag or a pair of shoes.

Good luck and happy dyeing!

Check out my friend Glee's post on her blog today, it's all about me!
There's also a feature on Gerry's web zine, here. I'm honoured.

Play With Fire

2011-11-06T14:27:00.002Z

I'll never make one of those professional blogging types. Despite taking my camera to Liz and Adrian's bonfire party by the time I'd remembered to get it out of my bag all the food had been eaten, the fireworks let off and the guests looked so drunk I couldn't bring myself to embarrass them by posting their pictures.

Liz and I braving bonfire night in synthetic fabric. My lurex catsuit was 20p from a jumble sale in the summer.

You'll just have to take my word that Adrian's South Indian pumpkin & chick pea curry and aloo saag were delicious, the fireworks were spectacular and a good time was had by all. Although I was knocking back the ale until the early hours I managed to complete the Guardian crossword when I got home and happily ate vegetable samosas with chili sauce for breakfast.

Jon & I hit the chazza shops yesterday afternoon and I picked up this crimplene maxi for £5 from the British Heart Foundation.

Well into his second bottle of red, hence the mad expression.

Jon got this 1960s Hardy Amies fake fur overcoat from Age UK for a measly £9.99 and the Tootal scarf for 50p from the YMCA.

1970s Richard Shops gold lurex dagger collar blouse £2.20 Sue Ryder

Krista's got me hooked on Type O Negative so I was pleased to spot October Rust in Banardos for £1.49

I couldn't resist snapping up Phoenix by psychedelic band The Warlocks either.

Groovy 1960s felt hat with a vinyl trim (50p, Compton Hospice)

Two pairs of hand-made, fully-lined metallic leather trousers at £1 per pair. These babies are totally insane but fit like a dream. I might chop them off into hot pants.

4 x hand rolled 1960s scarves (50p each, YMCA).

White 1960s punched vinyl shoulder bag (£1.50, junk stall on the market)

Vintage wood brooch (50p, Salvation Army)

1960s maxi dress worn with tapestry boots and a heap of junk jewellery.

Hope you're having a great weekend.

Flares On A Friday

2011-11-04T16:37:00.001Z

These long dark winter nights have helped me recover my sewing mojo and I'm stitching like a woman possessed. I found this piece of vintage red wool at a jumble sale months ago and it seemed a crime not to make it into some more kick-ass bell bottom pants.

How good does it feel to have something you've made with your own fair hand stroked and admired by strangers? At least, I think it was my trousers they were admiring.

There's blue stitching running through the fabric but you can't really see it in here. The fennel's gone a bit wild, hasn't it?

The beautiful Sarah Misfit sent me this 1970s Cabaret shirt a while ago, the red perspex necklace was 50p from a charity shop.

My friend Louise wanted to see some pictures of my Grandma as they shared the birth date of October 2nd (the same as Gandhi).

My Grandma (right) with my Great-Grandmother (left) and Great Auntie Maud,(centre) circa 1936

My beautiful late Grandma always stressed the importance of investing in the best quality winter coat you could afford. She loved charity shopping and preferred spending her money on top quality second-hand than a shoddy high street equivalent.

This 1960s Hokia Modell Finnish-made wool coat was 20p from a jumble sale and it's the fourth winter I've owned it.

I'm off to the pub tonight and we've a mega Guy Fawkes bonfire party round at Liz and Adrian's tomorrow night to look forward to. I pity my poor head come Sunday morning.

Have a brilliant weekend, my lovelies.
xxx

Inherited Treasures

2011-11-03T18:12:00.001Z

I nearly passed out with excitement when the postman arrived bearing a parcel from my fabulous friend, Krista yesterday.

A patched-up denim mini, studded hair band, scented oils, a beaded shawl, a touring guide to Scotland (we've chatted about how we'd both love to do a road trip there one day), a Shiva fridge magnet, a mystic keyring, fairy dust, a rocking CD compilation .............

....... the most insanely fabulous selection of jewellery...

...and these trousers!

I must have lusted after some perfectly fitting black leather pants for over a quarter of a century. The second-hand ones I've always found have that typically 1980s unflattering tapered leg with a waistband that reaches my armpits. These hipster Fly Girls beauties were Krista's when she was in college and now they're mine. I love them!

It seems only right to wear Krista's pants with another inherited piece, my Great-Great-Grandmother's mourning jacket, circa 1860.

Rock chick leather pants and a jet encrusted bustle? My namesake, poor old Queen Victoria, would be spinning in her grave at the audacity.

Barry M's looking a bit tired today, luckily my bling takes the attention away from my tatty fingernails. I'm been on a creative roll this week and my nail varnish has suffered.

Leather pants & Victorian jacket worn with purple vest (50p, car boot sale), Suedette platforms (£5, local boutique) and 1970s Panda hat with metal band (£4, Birmingham Settlement)

Krista, you rock!

Fun With A Fiver

2011-11-02T15:08:00.007Z

Last week the fab Lucy challenged me to put together a whole outfit that cost around £5. Walking into town earlier I realised that today's outfit was a cheapie, too.

This dress was from "The 20p Man" at the Thursday car boot sale and the bag was 20p from another car boot sale several years ago.

These lace-up suede boots were £1 from a car boot sale and the turquoise opaques were a gift from a friend.

1960s Perspex clear rings and black bangles (Inherited from Mum), turquoise plastic bangle (Queen Helga), Black & Silver bangle (50p, car boot sale), Black cocktail ring (50p, Acorns Hospice), Plastic dress rings (25p each, car boot sale)

Enamel earrings (40p, Bay Trading closing down sale)

A total outfit cost of £3.30

I splashed out a grand total of £2 on all these vintage goodies from this morning's town centre flea market,

1960s veiled cocktail hat, Miss Rayne pearlised court shoes, Ackery of London Kelly bag and a 1950s English-made leather Kelly bag and almost had change left from my imaginary £5 note.

I'm not alone in embracing cheap chic. Check out these gorgeous frugalistas:

Janet @ The Gardener's Cottage
Sarah @ Misfits Vintage
Curtise @ The Secondhand Years
Liz @ Rose & Bird
Helga @ Helga Von Trollop
Lakota @ Faith, Hope & Charity Shopping

Don't be shy, share your cheapest outfits, I'd love to see them.

Bitchin' Stitching

2011-11-01T17:24:00.001Z

I used to think dress-making was the most dull & old-fashioned pastime on the planet and of no interest to a liberated woman like me. What an idiot, I've since come to my senses and realised that there's nothing more empowering than creating your own perfectly fitting vintage-inspired clothes for next to nothing.

I've been hunting eBay for years for an original pair of 1970s bell bottom pants and I decided to try making my own with this 1973 pattern I bought from a car boot sale a couple of weeks ago.

This length of brushed cotton printed with birds and leaves was 10p from one of last week's jumble sales and luckily there was just the right amount.

The pattern was a basic "How To Sew" one and there were some scribbled notes inside from the 14 year-old girl who made it as a class project. If a school girl could manage it I reckoned that even a novice like I could.
I'll probably add some vintage black rik-rak braid to the turn-ups for added retro appeal.

Excuse the mad expression, I think I'm just feeling smug about making my dream trousers in just over three hours for 35p.

Another of my latest jumble sale acquisitions.

1970s St Michael tee shirt (25p, car boot sale), denim waistcoat (had forever), Tooled leather belt (£1, car boot sale), Vintage leather bag (40p, jumble sale)

I'm no skilled seamstress, there's more about my adventures in dress making here.

A leather bag dyeing tutorial? Watch this space!