After a six week break from vintage shopping I was positively itching to go out hunting this morning. Normally, my favourite shopping day is a friday but yesterday in the badlands Midlands we had heavy snow and both the public swimming baths and the charity shops were closed due to a town centre power failure putting paid to my routine.
This morning we decided to visit the nearby town of Dudley. Famous for such legends as Lenny Henry, Jas Mann and as a backdrop for the sleeve of Led Zeppelin's IV album, the town centre boasts twelve charity shops. As with many working class towns the prices are cheap and if you look beyond the heaps of Primark and New Look there often are a few hidden gems.
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| Leather skirt (£2.25 charity shop), Green tights (Courtesy of the gorgeous Helga), Suede platforms (Debenhams sale £3) |
This green leather skirt is from the Lorraine Chase Collection. The ex-model and soap star was famous in the late 1970's for her "Luton Airport" catchphrase and her clothing range was available through Freemans' Catalogue in the early 1980's.
What a bargain.
This groovy 1970's St Michael smock was £1.99, it looks much better on than off.
This cute vinyl vanity case is missing a key but for £1.49 I wasn't complaining. It'll be perfect for storing my nail varnish.
These pretty papier mache bangles were £1 for the pair.
This vibrant silk scarf was 99p
..and who needs Amazon when books cost just 25p each?
Charlie Brooker is fabulous, I adore his caustic wit.
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| Vintage brushed cotton maxi (Courtesy of my darling Helga), 1970's fake fur jacket (£2 car boot sale), Schuh platform boots (£5 Local market), TopShop armwarmers (£1 Winter 2005 sale), 1950's rose print bag (20p car boot sale) |
I'm overwhemed by the lovely comments you left about my hip, I was worried you'd find it a little self indulgent and a rant about the NHS, which it wasn't. Thank you so much for reading.
Love the colour of the skirt! I was in Dudley last week but didn't get chance to pop into the charity shops as I was working. I now carry a little notebook and write names and places down as we drive past charity shops on our way to appointments. We seem to have lots of appointments in run down areas, or at least drive through them so my charity shop notebook is getting very full x
ReplyDeleteOo, that green is very good on you.
ReplyDeleteDear old Dudders. The Crooked House. The old Aynuk and Ayli. Batham's beers. Haven't been for years. The bottle cones. Memories.
You are so unbelievably knowledgeable about vintage collections I've never even heard of - the Lorraine Chase Collection and the woman behind it. Where do you get all this knowledge from?
ReplyDeleteLove the fur coat and your shopping loot is always fascinating to trawl through!
Hi my dear-I remember Lorraine-Luton Airport- Chase very well, lol!! The skirt looks fabulous and is such a lovely colour and the vanity case is gorgeous! Great finds as usual and I love your outfit of the day too, very glam! xx
ReplyDeleteOO I do love your vintage West Midland finds, each with a unique historical story behind them(I found myself in a somewhat nostalgic mood perusing your blog:). It's a pleasure following your blog!
ReplyDeletexoox
Wowza that skirt is bargainous fabulous! Loving your other buys too.. And that cream faux fur jacket is simply heavenly on you! xxx
ReplyDeleteThose bangles are amazing! I also love that gorgeous colorful scarf! Again, why can't we go shopping together?!?! ;)
ReplyDeletei think i told you already... actualla i don't like green too much... but your green outfit is so gorgrous and so is your new leather thrift-skirt. and the tights: ADORABLE.
ReplyDeletei went thrift shopping too this saturday. i got my hands on an amazing unique warming cream coloured knit jacket and some colourful cognac glasses ...
hot springs (my online dictionary told me this words would be the right words for): public thermal bath/spa
http://wardrobexperience.blogspot.com
Oh wow! Luton Airport! I remeber it so well - you probably have a similar figure to her too!
ReplyDelete12 charity shops!! Oh. My. Giddy. Aunt. Sounds like heaven. Love the skirt. Am also loving the tights and gorgeous dress. You and Helga have fabulous taste.
ReplyDeleteI'm very envious I would love something from the Lorraine Chase collection, what a coup.
ReplyDeleteAs always you look divine x
Such great buys I love those bangles.
ReplyDeleteThat green skirt is amazing.
I also adore your fur jacket...I want it xx
Marvellous! I think you must have the best chazza shops in the land! Ours are a bit hit and mis lately, though I did have a good haul today which I'll do a post about but that was all from one shop. I love the green skirt and I would marry Charlie Brooker if he wasn't already married to Connnie!xxx
ReplyDeleteOne day amor im going tell mi buddy to drop me off and yours and go shopping with you mamas.ay 12 charity shops .. What a dream come true.. I am green with envy..i love your fairy goddess outfit .. Fur coat is divino.. Those are some great steals mi dear..leather skirt and maxi green dress... What else can a fashionista like you wish for.
ReplyDeleteFabulous! Another Charlie Brooker fan here too. Your hip post wasn't remotely self-indulgent - it eas great to read of such a successful story. The NHS saved my legs last year after I snapped both achilles tendons. Can't quite wear shoes as fab as yours yet but I'm getting there! Bx
ReplyDeleteDo you know, I went to Dudley once for a course but that was way before I discovered the world of vintage. Maybe I need to go back!
ReplyDeleteSuch bargains, well done x
I am going to spend 4 weeks in England this summer, so I shall pick your brain how to get the best bargains when the time comes.
ReplyDeleteAbout your hip, one is entitle to rant sometime.
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Dudley...must visit this place! You certainly are the Queen of the Bargain Hunt. xx
ReplyDeleteThe green skirt is lush, along with the silk scarf.
ReplyDeleteRe sheepskin boots: I am an Aussie, so to me they are SLIPPERS. I would never wear them out of the house, but I feel the cold badly so they are perfect for indoors with my cosy bath robe x
I adore the green in your outfit, it is lovely! I bet you couldn't wait to go shopping again after such a break, I know I would be!
ReplyDeleteThank you for your comment on my blog too, yes I am still bidding on the Astraka jacket.... a few days to go! Fingers crossed x
Vixen--the green leather is fantastic and the price is incredible! The bracelets are good too! I wish I could come visit with and empty suitcase and go shopping with you.
ReplyDeleteJas Mann - hilarious!! I wonder whatever happened to him. Amazing bargain hunting by you as ever and I love the maxi dress on you. I'm staring hard at the boots trying to figure out which ones they are (I've been at Schuh for a loooooooong time and I love spying styles I haven't seen for ages!)
ReplyDeleteAh Dudley I actually did a gig there once ha ha! And Lorraine Chase, we were only discussing her on NYE cos I bought some 70's drinks Babycham & Cherry B and we were trying to remember what it was she advertised!! I didn't know she had a clothing line.
ReplyDeleteFantastic finds Vix! My Nan and Grandad lived in Dudley for years they used to manage pubs..i spent many a happy day playing pool and drinking vimto :) xxx
ReplyDeleteVix I love the skirt and the brushed cotton maxi. You look fab! Dx
ReplyDeleteOh that Lorraine Chase skirt is fab, as soon as I saw it was her collection I saw her in it; she was one of my early girl crushes I loved her hair! Adore the little vanity case, I am always on the lookout for these.
ReplyDeleteAmazing bargains you have been getting you are an inspiration!
Kandi xx
Aaah, Dudley's where it's at! Great finds, especially that leather skirt! Maybe I need to venture out to Paisley or Ayr or something to find the cheap prices up here in Scotland!
ReplyDeleteThe leather skirt is pretty fabulous! Could you please explain the 'Luton Airport' reference for those of us in the colony who only get Neighbours references? Oh man, I am gonna save my $$ and come for a holiday in the Midlands and go op shopping with you Vix!
ReplyDeleteSarah xxx
(PS I've never watched Neighbours in my life, just so you know.)
I can't believe you found that gorgeous green skirt for such a bargain. I'm feeling definite charity shop withdrawal... the only ones I've had chance to visit recently have been more expensive than a high street shop. Maybe I'm due a lunchtime expedition this week! xx
ReplyDeleteI love the green skirt and you look fab in the maxi and fun fur coat.
ReplyDeleteLovely to have you back, Vix, as I missed your near daily posts whilst you were away xxx
ReplyDeleteYou look lovely in green, like a forest nymph, the leather skirt was quite a find as the vintage shops have whacked up leather prices this season!
ReplyDeleteRetail therapy is a lot more fun than hip replacement therapy, isn't it? :-)
ReplyDeleteOh, and your last post wasn't the least bit self indulgent. The more you get to know a blogger, the more fun it is for the readers. Wouldn't you agree?
- Susan
Green! Well obviously I love it. And by it, I mean the leather skirt, the maxi, armwarmers and those belting tights that Helga sent you. Lucky lady!
ReplyDeleteIsn't Charlie Brooker wonderful? I quite often reread one of his tv books, despite the fact it's about (mostly) crap tv from 2004 or a similar year. He's just too funny.
Dearest Vix, this has to be one of my favourite outfits. The green is fabulous and what a beautiful print! Topped off with a bit of cream fur! Perfect! I would love to wear it.
ReplyDeleteThe Lorraine Chase skirt is genius!
I'm dying to call you. Sorry I've been so crap and STILL haven't posted anything. Bloody lucky I'm not an Ebay seller, no one would ever get a thing!
The Actor is talking about going to Goa in the next few weeks... I can't afford it but might need to pick your brains. Love C xx
PS. So glad you watched Frida, isn't it brilliant?!
You look gorgeous and that green print is gorgeous !!!
ReplyDeleteI also wish we lived closer.
i know for a fact we would be the closest of friends!
Love to you as always!
xXx
reva
Looking good in green!
ReplyDeleteAre charity shops trift stores? or are they vintage shops and do they give their profits to charities organizations?
That leather skirt is gorgeous! you always find such treasures. xxx
ReplyDeleteI love vintage green, you don't seem to get the same shade in modern fabrics.
ReplyDeletehttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lorraine_Chase
ReplyDeletehttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aV5MnagQenc
at 1:29 - not Luton Airport but from the same series of ads. How can she be 59??? She looks like the classic Biba bird here.
The smock is gorgeous. Can't wait to see it on if you say it looks better still. And 25p books!?! Heaven.
ReplyDeleteHaven't heard of Pelion so I'm going to look into it. I do love traveling in Greece and reading about Greek history.
x
Blimey, Lorraine Chase, what a blast from the past! The skirt looks great, what a bargain. Love the bangles too and the maxi dress is absolutely fab.
ReplyDeleteI plan to visit all the local charity shops next week: can't wait! ... ;0)
Shirl xxx
I love you in mysterious rich greens. I wish I could afford some large, real emeralds for you, in vintage settings, because they'd be magnificent on you.
ReplyDeleteSO envious! That skirt is a marvel x
ReplyDeleteI didn't find the last post indulgent or ranty at all Vix.
ReplyDeleteInfact I found it more inspirational than anything else. I love a girl who goes against the grain, and especially one who doesn't do what she's told!
I see a sabbatical hasn't damaged your razor sharp thrifting powers anyway. Love the pattern and colour of todays maxi...and I had a little giggle at the Lorraine Chase collection, I remember my mum thinking she was so stylish ;)
xxx
Wonderful finds! I'm in shopping envy now!
ReplyDeleteThe skirt is by far fabulous, I adore the green, so perfectly wonderful Vix.
ReplyDeleteAnd the silk scarf, bangles and vanity case are all so beautiful too xxx
The faux fur jacket is lovely, as is the green leather skirt. Left a longer comment but Blogger has lost it - grrrr! xx
ReplyDeleteLove that green dress!
ReplyDeleteThe print on that scarf is gorgeous. Haven't managed to do a proper charity shop trip for a while, you have inspired me to get rummaging again!
ReplyDeleteloving the black silk bouse
ReplyDeleteI love the vanity case and I think I am going do the same - get a small one and store my nail polishes. Love, love the back top - that print would look great on a dress too..
ReplyDeleteur green outfit is so lovely and fresh. Its so nice to see this color in winters.
Love all of your goodies as usual.....you look so haute in that hairpiece..I think I wanna try one:)
ReplyDeletegreat bargains - why doesn't my Debenhams sell shoes for £3?! Loving the fur coat too :)
ReplyDelete