Friday, 18 March 2011

Silence & Laughter



 There's a massive contrast in the blogosphere today, some bloggers are chosing to maintain a respectful silence in recognition of the ongoing plight of the Japanese whilst many UK residents are spending it laughing whilst raising money for Comic Relief




My Red Nose Day efforts so far have consisted of lending out some of my clothes to friends for workplace fancy dress and throwing money in buckets wielded by collectors in the town centre. No doubt I'll be spending this evening in both fits of laughter and floods of tears as the televised extravaganza intersects hilarious comedy sketches with heartbreaking real life tales from across the UK and Africa.

There's so many worthy causes out there, many hold an intensely personal reason for our support and it's up to the individual to choose. I prefer my charitable deeds to be done privately without need for recognition, if people wish to donate they should do so because they want to and not through peer pressure. I'm not financially well-off but my life is a hell of a lot richer than millions of people the world over. For me buying most of my clothes from charity shops isn't nearly generous enough although I hear this defence frequently bandied about when there's a collection tin being rattled.



Anyway, that's enough chat when there's two new dresses to show off.


This 1960's Keynote mini dress was from a jumble sale two weeks ago and cost 20p. I've rehemmed it and repaired the hooks and eyes at the back. I'm wearing it with some vintage grey leather boots (PDSA £4.99) and the 1960's white disc bag I bought for £1 from yesterday's car boot sale. The disc earrings were a prize from lovely Lisa-Jane's blog giveaway.


 This gorgeously slinky dress arrived from South-West France today from my glamorous friend Dash. Jon's finding it very distracting, it fits beautifully and I love it. It's the colour of fine wine so it would be a crime not a quaff a bottle later in Dash's honour.


I'm wearing it with a vintage turban and a pretty basket shaped bejewelled padlock (courtesy of the beautiful Sarah Misfit) refashioned into a pendant with the addition of ribbon.


However you've chosen to spend today, in quiet contemplation, hilarity or just hungover from St Patrick's Day shenanigans I hope it was good.

59 comments:

  1. Vixcita,
    You look ravishing, you know my fave look is the turban wine bruja dress.now I really need a turban.
    the yellow dress is so summery too and your a 60's Goddess. £1 bag, how cool.
    that flower basket pendant is beautiful, I adore all the pendants she sent me.
    isnt Sarita so kind and sweet?
    Have a great Friday amor!

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  2. It does seem like there is too much going on in the world lately, which does make me feel extreamly greatful for all I have. I too would rather keep my charity donations private, I feel that if I blog about every worthy cause I wouldn't have any time for anything else, not because I don't care about Japan or any of the other causes in need of late. I am wearing my comic relief t-shirt - though I have sucummbed to a cold which has been trying to catch up with me all week and have it one with my PJs for a cosy night in front of the TV. I am not surprised Jon is unable to concentraite with such a sexy siren in the room xx

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  3. Yep, La Dama is absolutely right, you do look ravishing in the second frock. Happy quaffing, Vix.

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  4. What a glorious dark bewitching dress that second one is and the turban adds a little more pizazz!

    I love the little flower basket padlock, so sweet!

    I too will be watching children in need, have a good evening you wonderful woman! xxx

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  5. You rock that turban! Looks fab. You find amazing boots all the time too.

    Know what you mean about blogland being a bit quiet - my usual way of taking the piss out of life seems to be on hold at the moment.

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  6. So true, I've been a bit off blogging this week it seems hard in the face of so much adversity elsewhere. And Comic Relief puts it all in to perspective as well.

    Your post today and yesterday is full of your usual wonderful buys and beautifully compiled outfits.

    I think I should lose my love of materialism and concentrate on other things.

    xx

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  7. Earrings are looking fab on you xx

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  8. I'm not surprised Jon's finding the dress distracting - it fits like a glove (in a GOOD way)! I'm very much with you that our decisions of how we support the world are essentially personal and private. xxx

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  9. I'm not surprised Jon is distracted, you look AMAZING in that dress and turban, beautiful. Hope you have a lovely weekend. Lottie -x-

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  10. You look stunning in that dress and turban Vix! No wonder Jon is not focusing!

    It's been an awful week in the world. It put our mini moans and growns into perspective.

    X x

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  11. Love that gorgeous turban and the wine dress is just WOWZERS! What an adorable basket pendant charm xxx

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  12. both dresses are gorgeous... i love the wine colour of the second dress and it looks fab with the turban!
    i love the yellow mini dress looks all spring like and happy!
    i am about to start watching comic relief now.. im sure i'll be crying soon!!

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  13. LOVE the turban on you. Work did a good Comic Relief fundraiser today. Sold tix for a lunchtime movie in the boardroom (The Hangover - most appropriate after last night!) - ticket price included a hot dog, popcorn and a half pint of wine (then sold extra glasses throughout the afternoon = sozzled!). xx

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  14. You rock in a turban!
    We've had a Comic Relief day at school today........kids are fantastic at getting into the spirit of things and raising dosh. I'm knackered now though!
    Have a top weekend.
    xxx

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  15. Vix, You look amazing in both frocks and I love the contrast of outfits. The claret frock is particlarly vavavoom on you and I ADORE the turban (and the locket turned necklace - what a fabulous idea!).

    I hear what you're saying about charity and silence and laughter. I agree that how a person responds to a tragedy (whether it's a personal tragedy or one on a world scale) is personal. Like any form of grief, every person's response will be different, and equally valid. I also think that we forget sometimes that we are multi facetted creatures. We can be heartbroken about world events, while celebrating a new op shop find.

    We carry grief and loss and sadness with us through our lives, and if we didn't acknowledge the losses, we wouldn't appreciate the good half as much.

    Sorry for the epic comment - the bottom line is that I agree entirely - and just because I am continuing to post doesn't mean that I don't also join the world in its grief over recent events. I do both.

    Love,

    Sarah xxx

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  16. Vix, I think you look gorgeous in both outfits, and I also agree with you what you said. I don't know... I don't really like giving to charities just because there's a tin or because everyone around me is giving.. I personally like to research the charity first, I think that there are so many that are just , well without being rude, pointless... By that I mean, there's so much bureucracy in them that by the time everyone's paychecks were paid (as they should be) there's not so much money left. Plus, some charities' causes are just a bit silly when there's so much moreimportant stuff out there. You know? So i do agree wth giving to charity, but I think it's not necessarily that any charity is a worthwhile giving.. I feel bad for even saying this, I hope I don't get lynched now, but that's just what I think ..

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  17. These dresses are fantastic! Hope you have a great weekend xxx

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  18. COR BLIMEY VIX! No wonder he's distracted. Just don't let him operate any heavy machinery while you are in sight!

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  19. Darling, the turban, I love it! x

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  20. That wine coloured dress & the turban look fantastic on you, Vix! xo

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  21. I'm turban-obsessed and I'm trying to teach myself how to tie one on;))). I'm impressed by how many bloggers are staying quiet for a day in honour of Japan. I agree it is an individual's choice how they decide to show they care - it's been a difficult few months for many communities world-wide. Thank you for lifting our spirits with not just one, but two beautiful dresses - lurrrrrrrrve the disc bag! xo

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  22. Love the turban you are wearing I so need some fashion lessons from you,

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  23. I had no idea until this afternoon about the bloggers day of silence and by that time I'd already posted so it was too late. Each to their own though - I wouldn't criticise anyone for talking or not talking about charity, we deal with it in our own ways. I personally choose not to talk about it in great detail because I don't always feel that my blog is the place to go into the deep and meaningful stuff and I worry that I sound trite when I try it. Doesn't mean I'm not thinking about it though.

    Does that even make sense? I am slightly limp from laughing so much at Miranda and crying at all the videos.

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  24. ooh wow that turban is such an awesome find! it looks great with your long flowing hair and face shape! =)

    http://pinkchampagnefashion.blogspot.com/

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  25. Love you in the Turban.. I had no idea it was meant to be a silent day today .. typical always the satellite brain here .... Thanks for my fix Vix xx

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  26. "I prefer my charitable deeds to be done privately without need for recognition..."

    Absolutely. Sanctimony is often confused with charity.

    ...and hell yeah Jon would find that dress distracting! You're wearing it!

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  27. Dearest Vix, I feel awful about Japan. The footage is heartbreaking. I went and donated some money at the bank the other day. I managed to lose my debit card again, then it turned up at my neighbours. I'm so scatty. I will make one to Comic Relief too. I didn't watch tonight as a friend came over.

    You look amazing in these pictures. I love both dresses. The dress from Dash is gorgeous, especially with the turban.

    We must catch up soon, I tried you the other day. Much love, C xx

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  28. The wine colored dress is stunning. Your sentiment about blogging and the state of the world are much appreciated.

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  29. i love both dresses... so beautiful.

    japan: hopefully we(my office)are able to carry a benefit concert out ...

    http://wardrobexperience.blogspot.com

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  30. Vix, both looks are fabulous but my favorite is the yellow dress with the white dic bag!!!
    I agree with you, all of us act and react in different ways! And keeping silence or showing your new outfits doesn't mean that the person is not helping in hers/his own private way!!
    Sometimes following our mundane life is the best way to appreciate it and to see the good in our circumstances.
    Have a lovely weekend!!!

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  31. O,sweetheart,you look so freakin' gorgeous and yes,devastatingly distracting in BOTH frocks!
    I love that mini,feck I LOVE IT! I adore poofy sleeves,soooo cute!Pretty pattern/colour too.The other frock is tres sophisticated,only right too,considering it came out of France! I am crazy for that turban!!!! Every fecking detail,really.I swear,seeing your fabulous jewellery and frocks every day drives me in my opshopping quests!!!
    Love you madly,HelgaxxxXXXxxx
    O,we had a Memorial Day for the quake here yesterday,so that has consumed my attention.Prince William was here for it!!
    (I'm a bit of a dick,yeah)

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  32. I want to steal the long dress right off of you!

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  33. I don't think it's just Jon that you're distracting with that dress! ;) I agree, it would be a crime not to quaff a bottle of wine to celebrate that dress. Sublime.

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  34. I love the long dress, it's amazing!

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  35. 2 beautiful dresses. The long one is fantastic. Not surprised Jon is distracted, you look amazing, it shows off your fab wee figure to perfection. x

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  36. Hi Vix, you look sensational in both dresses, I love the puffed sleeves, lace detail and summery feel of the first dress and the disc bag is fabulous. I must confess I am extra pleased that the claret dress fits and suits you so well, I love the way you have styled it and the fact that Jon finds it distracting is an added bonus!

    I am in total agreement with you, charitable deeds should be done privately and without the need for recognition. My heart goes out to all the people in Japan.

    Hope you have a fabulous weekend.
    XXX

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  37. I can see why Jon is distracted; that dress does fit you like a glove and you look fab in it, especially with the turban too.

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  38. Well personally my quietness has simply been due to busy-ness and having no internet connection for a couple of days. Every time we get a decent bit of rain it dies.xx.

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  39. Here I am - right at the end, as usual! Vix - you look great - that frock that Dash sent you looks wonderful on you and boy, can you model a turban!

    We did Tarot readings for Comic Relief yesterday (still doing them actually) and have helped generate about £185.

    Lotsaluv

    AX

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  40. Looking lovely as ever I see. You totally suit a turban too

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  41. I too don't really like the idea of blogging about my charitable donations (time or money wise) as they are personal. I will publicise good causes happily, but I don't like to pressurise anyone as everyone has different 'good causes' that strike a chord with them.

    Both dresses today look fabulous, and what a bargain that mini was! Wow.

    Once my lenten shopping fast is done I am getting myself a 60s/70s turban (original or repro)- such an elegant look.

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  42. I love that cute flower dress. It would be quite a hard one for most people to pull off, but you've managed it.

    I've never considered charity shopping as giving to charity, because I get something out of it. I wanted to buy some new cushions for the sofa and gave the money I was mentally saving for that to the Red Cross for Japan. Sometimes it is simplest to say 'what can I easily give up' and then give that amount xx

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  43. I love the mini! The shape of it is so wonderful :D couldn't find anything like it these days i'm sure!
    xxxxx

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  44. Brilliant post Vix, so well put x

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  45. Coveting the creamy disc handbag and the little flower basket padlock, and that wine-colored dress -is- a gorgeous piece, especially on your "f***ing fit" figure! ;-) I can see why Jon is distracted.

    There are so many giving choices, and so many giving pressures -- often from organizations that don't use the money as well as they could. I often feel I have to mention the causes I do give to, generously and of my own accord throughout the year, so I feel "explained" when I decline an acquaintance's or organization's request. At least it's a handy (and honest) response to telephone solicitors: "We've already determined our charitable giving for the year."

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  46. You look beautiful in that wine-coloured dress Vix! The turban is fabulous and really suits you, going to try and tie one of my vintage scarves into one x

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  47. I love that turban! You look fabulous in it! I didn't know about blogging day of silence I did it accidently :o)

    I prefer to keep my giving private too, I know who I want to give to and I do, we don't have much but still I like to give something

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  48. Hi my dear-what a lovely post, I think its interesting regarding our views on donating, keeping it private is my prefered option too, I like to pick and choose how regularly I give. You look totally wonderful in both dresses, the dress Dash gave you looks super slinky and chic with the turban and the little Keynote dress was an absolute bargain indeed. Hope you have a lovely weekend xxx

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  49. I love both dresses Vix, the detailing around the arms and neck of the mini dress is so beautiful. And the slinky dress is so glamorous; the vintage turban is a nice addition too.

    I think giving what you can towards a good cause and not shouting it from the rooftops is very admirable xxx

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  50. I love the dress Dash sent you. Naturally, I'm an oblivious American about the Comic Relief thing and can only imagine the compassion fatigue that must result.

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  51. Lovely, thought provoking post. Thanks for sharing...

    Your dresses are gorgeous as always! I thought of you this weekend because nearly everything I bought was from the 60's & 70's - a mini & maxi skirt, two long leather coats, daisy print shorts...

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  52. Well I'm not surprised Jon finds it distracting, you look like a sexy screen siren! It's pretty much the perfect dress already but with the turban and your long locks it's incredible.
    I hear you Vix, there's so many worthy causes. It's sad some people are getting a little snippy about it. I'm blaming it on the full moon, but can't help think they'd be doing it anyhoo.
    Hope you had a great weekend lovely & belated happy st. pats
    xxx

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  53. You look great in the turban. I agree with you on many levels. well written. lovely blog :)

    http://opinionslave.blogspot.com x

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  54. Hi again my dear :)

    You have won "The Versatile Blogger" award from me. I love your blog so mucg! Please visit http://hippiebohoreloaded.blogspot.com/2011/03/hippiebohoreloaded-versatile-blogger_20.html for more information!

    xx viviane
    hippiebohoreloaded

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  55. You do look so exotic in a turban and I love the maxi dress. Comic relief is a great idea - they say laughter is the best medicine.

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  56. Oh my, the yellow frock is one of my favourites ever!! I think yellow is a favourite colour of mine lately! And I don't blame Jon for getting a little distracted while you rocked that slim-fitting dress....what a babe! Not sure I could work the turban as well as you do, it looks great!

    XX

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  57. love the turban. you rock it so well!

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  58. I love the wine dress and not surprised that Jon finds it distracting;-)

    Abt donations, etc - to each his own:-)

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Lots of love, Vix