Wednesday 16 February 2011

Cameos And Crimplene


When my darling Mum received this antique cameo brooch as a retirement present she was almost apoplectic with rage. My late mother was rock 'n' roll to the core, wore leather trousers and a leopard coat throughout her retirement, smoked like a chimney and spent every day in the pub with her cronies. Getting this as a gift was about as appropriate as buying Keith Richards a cardigan. She swore her old boss did it to spite her for refusing to follow the workplace dress code.


It's been in a box for seven years so I thought I'd give it an airing.



I needed to pay a couple of cheques into the bank today and couldn't resist a peek around the Wednesday flea market. 



This magnificent 1950's era wooden poodle was 50p. He's still got the original 7/6 price tag on his base.



This big and slouchy tan leather bag is by Autograph and cost £9.95, a bargain in my book. The money not only goes towards helping our local hospice charity but when I checked the Marks and Spencer website saw that it retails for £79.


Vintage crimplene dress (Car Boot Sale 20p), Patent heeled brogues (British Heart Foundation £1.95), Bespoke bag, Vintage scarf (The fabulous Ivy Black)
The worst gift I ever received was an enormous basket of peach-coloured dried flowers from some work colleagues which I accidentally left on the bus on the way back from the office party. How about you?

69 comments:

  1. Beautiful cameo. Your mum sounds such a rock chick. My own ma was an outrageous hippy as I was growing up and now she'd just outrageous!
    Love the bag too, great shape.
    The worst gift I had was a ship in the bottle kit!!! Straight to the chazza shop the very same day...
    xxx

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  2. Dear Vixy,
    Fab outfit darling & how awesome is that funky coffee set!
    When I left my job as a hotel receptionist in Edinburgh back in '96, the regular punters had clubbed together & bought me a porcelain doll in traditional Scottish dress, I was completely mystified with this leaving present, especially as I was leaving to go travelling! I gave it to my next-door neighbours daughter & she was chuffed to bits with it.
    Take care luv,
    Jem
    ...xXx

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  3. Heehee, what funny stories and no wonder your flowers stayed on the bus!! The Cameo does looks so lovely and I'm really loving your dress too. Fabulous finds today, the bag is an amazing bargain indeed!! xxx

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  4. What a stunningly gorgeous dress! I think you always look great in black and white! I immediately said 'wow' when I saw that tea set, it's very very groovacious! What a bargain that bag is! I bet it smells good! Always love your finds! xxx

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  5. Lovely poodle how elegant.

    My worst present was a pair of flared jeans in 1978. (like punk never happened!!)

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  6. The cameo really suits that dress; you've got a very Victorian air about you today. Completely and utterly love that coffee set; its amazing that that tall spout hasn't been broken off and that poodle is cute. But what about the bag? Such a bargain!

    My worst present: a brown acrylic jumper with nordic style pattern in orange and red, a Christmas present from Mum when I was about 12. I had wanted a denim jacket. Totally gutted.

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  7. Thanks for sharing your Mom's memories with us! Lovely cameo. I love the black and white, its a very sexy escapee nun style!

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  8. Worst present-a Diet book and a pair of trainers...hmmm,subtle hint anyone?

    I LUUUUUUUUUUUURVE the handbag-in fact, I would be willing to buy it off you! Puuuurleeeeze.

    Kassi aka Bunnyinthelights ;0)

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  9. fab finds as ever!

    worst pressie? a glass vase with a hole in (for a bulb I think) - it looked like something a man might use in a hospital bed!

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  10. The worst gift I ever received was an iron from my ex-husband (there is a reason he is an ex--laugh) for Christmas.

    Love you.

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  11. Accidentally? Like hell!

    I once had a cook-book from my mother-in-law (1st marriage). The old b**** knew I didn't cook.

    That poodle is bizarre.

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  12. I LOVE THE WHOLE OUTFIT INCLUDING THE CHOKER - I AM A FAN OF BLACK AND WHITE BUT LOVE SEEING YOU IN COLOUR AS YOU CARRY IT SO WELL! WHAT A PEACH THAT YOU LOOK GREAT IN MONO TOO! LOL!

    YES THE MALTESERS HAVE GONE DOWN A TREAT! LOVE ANNIE

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  13. Honestly Peach dried flowers, nasty! Your Mum sounds like she was some amazing woman, fancy buying a woman like that a cameo brooch.
    My worst ever present was a massive bouquet of flowers about 9pm on my wedding anniversary. He was a Nurse at a care home and they were from a funeral earlier that day that family had brought all the flowers to the home to cheer up the old dears. He forgot and left the card in ~ insensitive prat ~ needless to say he is my EX husband.
    Kandi x

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  14. Worst gift I ever received? Box of pins on my 21st birthday from my so-called boyfriend.

    I love the cameo, and that coffee set is BRILLIANT!! I don't get my Meakin set out often enough...

    xx

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  15. Sounds like you've inherited your mum's 'don't give a monkey's' attitude - I bet she was spot on about her boss!

    Love the black and white and what a bargain bag! Love the coffee set, so bright! I NEED to visit your flea market x

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  16. Your mum sounds so cool, you were so lucky xx.. The cameo suits you though xx

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  17. My worst gifts was romantic ballon flight for Florizel and I (he has vertigo and travel sickness).

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  18. Hi,

    I LOVE that coffee set - how bright & cheery! It looks in great condition too.

    That bag is a real bargain - what a classic shape, and as it's leather it will look even better with age.

    My worst present is pot pourri (sp?), unfortunately I still get a bag every year from my aunt.

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  19. Well even if your mom disliked it you look good in it.

    Love the bag, that would cost a fortune new!

    My worst gift was a real granny swimsuit for my birhday from my hubby years ago, just after I'd given birth to my youngest! Normally I would have laughed it off but I think I was a little down at the time.

    X x x

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  20. Ooh I bet your mum was fuming!! It's a lovely cameo but I see her point!
    That Autograph bag is such a bargain, and if the money goes towards a good cause I'm all for it.

    My worst gift, hmmm I think a floral travel bag (but not a cute one - a horrible musty plastic with stains one) from an auntie. I swear she'd found it at the bottom of her wardrobe. I know you should be grateful for any gift but that was hard to smile and say thanks for.

    xx
    (loving your honesty on my latest post - I'm sending you a whole heap of hot pink styling tools - I can imagine you opening them and screaming!! hehe)

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  21. Haha what an awful gift! Yours I mean, your mum's is rather pretty :)

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  22. Well,thank goodness y'mama didn't leave it on the bus!!! I loove it,I do! It looks gorg with that heavenly frock that I am ever so jealous of!!
    My worst gift?? Um.I've had a few...I really can't remember.It's been a very long time since I asked people (particularly family)to not buy me gifts for my b'day/xmas,as I hated them wasting their money on rubbish!!
    Love Helga xxxXXXxxx !!!

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  23. Wow, I love the cameo lol. Mind you, they aren't everyones cup of tea are they? I'm not really sure that I've had bad presents... most people have got me pretty much sussed now! :-) xx

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  24. I love that cameo. But I can see why she might have been mad!!!

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  25. I hate to ge present that I can eat. If I want chocolates or cakes I will buy them myself, thank you...That was dedicated to my sister, who will never read this post hehehe.
    I bet those dry flowers made somebody happy, such is life hehehe.
    XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

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  26. Leather pants and leopard coats - AWESOME rock and roll Jen! And I loved your Keef Richards analogy, how perfect!

    You look AMAZING in that gorgeous fock - I love the sleeves and the edging detail. And the bag AND the scarf - you are exquisite, as always.

    Fab finds - I just love them all - the colours on the coffee set are stunning and that poodle is fab (great one for your collection!).

    Sarah xxx

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  27. Love the dress! Gizzi the tv cook has one very similar she's been wearing recently for publicity shots.Alison

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  28. You take a dress that would look so prim and proper on anyone else and give it total va va voom! Another fab outfit. That bag is such a great find. Worse present I ever got was from my auntie, she bought me a nightie for Christmas one year, now not only do I not wear anything to bed (though to be fair she's not the type you'd inform about that for fear she had a fit at the indecency of it!), but this nightie was a dirty pink shapeless item and must have been about a size 22 - it was impossible to tell though as it was so old and washed out the label had faded to white! xxx

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  29. My boss (who NEVER gives out presents to people) once gave me a bottle of red wine and some chocs as a thank you for a project I'd sweated blood over. You may think that's quite nice of him, yes? Except he bloody well knew I was allergic to chocolate and didn't like red wine! I'd rather he hadn't bothered!

    I'd have loved a present like that beautiful cameo, although I can see why it wasn't quite your mum's cup of tea. Absolutely perfect with that stunning dress.

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  30. I love all the black and white frocks you been aearing lately..your mamas cameo is exquiste, but i can understand her being angry for working hard..she sounds like you amor.. Tea pot and poodle how fab.. Love it all.
    A Present my boss gave me was a automatic sharpener and chocolates. Ha, can you believe?

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  31. Ooh I love the way you're rocking the cameo brooch. It looks very fresh with the monochrome. The vintage tea set is divine! Thanks so much for your good wishes earlier today, much appreciated xxxxxxx

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  32. Oh girl! This outfit is soooooo me!!! The dress is just gorgeous and you've styled it beautifully! BTW, I do love that purse! ~Serene

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  33. You do look ever so lovely here. I would love to win the bird pendant. I think anyone who would leave an anonymous nasty comment is a cowardly mouth breather. You ALWAYS look lovely. I ADORE your V-day peignoir (and pics, it's just relaxing looking at them). The dress you were sent in the pic before last is FABULOUS. And WOW I covet your coffee set trés much.

    Yes, I am apparently catching up your fabulous posts all in one go!

    much love: K

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  34. Dearest Vix, that is one of my favourite of your dresses, you look gorgeous.

    I'd have loved your mum too.

    I'd have left the peach flowers on the bus too. I'll try and catch up with you tomorrow if you're around. Love C xx

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  35. love that coffee set, so pop and colorful!, and you're awesome in your lovely dress!
    and I liked to read that brooch funny story, you make me laugh! : love anecdotes of how some pieces were acquired, it's interesting!
    (and yes, I think we're honored to be mentioned by Bella, and I'm so glad!!)
    besos

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  36. I love the bag and the brooch. I have been looking for a vintage brooch for sometime. The worst gift that I have received was a teddy bear from my boyfriend:( I was never into stuffed toys!!

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  37. I love your dress Vix its gorgeous! xxx

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  38. Nothing like a dose of Vix to get me goin'!
    thanks so much for your well wishes.
    My Mom sounded really good today when I spoke with her. God old Vitamin D is visiting us this week :)
    Love always
    xXx
    Reva

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  39. Cameo's are never right when you first get them. They have to find a place in your affections.

    I have two worst presents. SnowChains for Christmas. Yes, the husband bought them. For being a bridesmaid, I was given a piece of soap shaped like a butterfly (this was after spending $250 on a dress I'd never wear again, two shower gifts for the bride and a wedding present). I think I left it at the Church. Her marriage lasted six months.

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  40. Oh so much to comment on. Your mam sounds awesome! The cameo is very pretty but definitely doesn't sound suitable for her.
    The tea set is fabulous! What a bargain. The bag looks lush as well.
    My worst gift was a work secret santa (tho I knew who it was). They bought me a very hungry caterpillar moneybox. That in itself isn't too bad but it was the fact they said they had been asking me questions to find out what I'd want/like.... How the feck did they get that from whatever I said???
    x

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  41. Hi Vix,

    Nice to meet you via Bella of the Citizen Rosebud.

    I love cameos and your outfit is so pretty. That wooden dog at the flea market is so cool.

    JTwisdom

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  42. You look fabulous.
    I am one of the many people who follow this blog on the sly and stop short of commenting...not a good trait, I know.
    You remind me of my friend Carol who lives in Cambridge and has a fascinating sense of style as well. You too even look similar!
    This blog is one of the things I look forward to when I log in and it completely robs me of my sarcasm which I am usually known to employ when asked to comment on pages of lazy and unimaginative fashion bloggers. So, thank you.

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  43. Aarggh. Typo. You TWO (and not 'too') even look similar.

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  44. beautiful stuff!!!

    join my STila Giveaway!!!
    http://fashioneggplant.blogspot.com

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  45. love your blog. you look amazing in that dress.

    and check out my blog and my current contest/giveaway at http://www.fruitylashes.com

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  46. The outfit is amazing and you amazing in it. You tantalize with your thrifty finds! I am on a shopping blackout so I guess I will vicariously shop through you Vix. And what finds you found.

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  47. Vix ,I love the frock, only you could make a romantic one like that so Rock n Roll!
    Worst gift ever ,a slice of soap with a green lizard in the middle(hopfully made of soap too,did'nt look to close ) with a nasty smell in a tin shaped like a stone!This was last christmas from a close? friend. Liz2b

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  48. love the outfit.. the lace on the dress is gorgeous.. i love the cameo i think you could make it even more rock and roll if you wanted to.. pinnning it onto a shirt tucked into leather shorts and knee high victoriana boots!...
    your mum sounded ace.. love the fact she was a rebel!!

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  49. Wahaha, your mum sounds amazing. The cameo does look good with that dress though - did she ever wear it with her leather trousers? xx

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  50. ha ha ha re your mum, love that story! The worst present we had was for our wedding someone bought us a crappy plastic 1950's themed clock with a fake american car & a rubbish dancing couple, it was so vile we didn't quite know what to say!

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  51. Your mum sounded like a very cool and hip lady! Just like you :) xxx

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  52. Everything about this outfit = perfection!

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  53. I love cameos and that is an amazing one. Your mum sounds like an amazing woman - leather trousers and leopard into retirement is pretty inspirational! Loving that black and white outfit you've styled with the cameo - very modern day My Fair Lady!

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  54. I have always really liked cameos, my mum had a ring which sis and i used to fight over when we were younger.!

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  55. I'd be bloody horrified if I got a cameo as a present too! Great coffee set, I'd put that in my shop if it were closer.xx.

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  56. That dress always looks so elegant on you and the cameo is beautiful- I guess in a way a lot of thought when into the present, as your Mum was bound to despise it so therefore would definitely carve a firm and fond memory. And the vintage coffee set is wonderful xxx

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  57. wowowowo Amazing blog.... you really have a Vintage Style Blog!!! love it!


    kisses & love from Germany

    http://trendrebajas.blogspot.com/

    have a nice day

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  58. Great buys, especially loving the bag and the coffee set! What a wonderful woman your mother must have been. Leaving presents are so funny, very rarely does anyone get it right: I think putting the money in a card would be a far better thing to do.

    The worst present I ever received was a bottle of nasty red French table wine that looked as though it had been rolling around under someone's bed for at least 3 months before they gave it to me. Never let it be said that I'm not an intrepid explorer, so I did open it; disgusting, completely undrinkable!

    Shirl xxx

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  59. Loving your outfit.
    I had to laugh at you leaving the flowers on the bus!

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  60. A swarovski crystal swan.

    I like swans but for some reason I loathe swarovski crystal anything

    xx

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  61. Hilarious. love the outfit and the tea set. your mum sounds like my nana. so the worst gift I ever got was from my mum, they all came from her! A neckace that looks like a triffid. Here it is:-

    http://beforeigotobed.blogspot.com/2009/02/triffid.html

    that's me on xmas morning trying it on filled with horror..

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  62. Oh that cameo is beautiful. I remember falling in love with cameos as a little girl because my mum had a cameo ring that I would always like to look at, and this love has stayed with me to this day. Unfortunately I never got my hands on the ring as it went missing but she bought me a beautiful duck egg blue cameo brooch for my 21st birthday which I love. The worst gift I think I ever got was some spiritual guidance books, the person who gave them to me clearly doesn't know me at all as my idea of spiritual healing is listening to wonderful music or watching good comedy. Much better for the soul!

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  63. I think the last gift I received at work was a tea pot...in the shape of an elephant.

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  64. LOVE LOVE LOVE the wooden poodle and the bag! ace finds, scarlett x

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  65. First of all, thank you for visiting my blog the other day! Secondly...LOVE LOVE LOVE the cameo. Good for you for rescuing it!

    Fantastic blog, I'll be checking it out on a regular basis!

    xoxo
    Cyrillynn
    Any Second Now

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  66. I love cameos in general and this one is just beautiful)))
    Your mom sounds really great - I love people who know who they are and stay true to themselves. My mom's wearing pink floral doc.Martens to work)))

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  67. I love cameos in general and this one is absolutely beautiful.
    Your mom sounds like such an amazing person - I love people who know who they are and always staying true to themselves.
    My mom's wearing pink floral Doc. Martens to work)))

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Lots of love, Vix