Have you noticed the Me-Made-March tag in my side bar? I've signed up to wear or use an accessory that I've refashioned or hand made every day throughout the month of March. Hopefully it'll inspire me to finally finish all those half-made projects currently languishing around the house in a state of disarray.
Today's handmade accessory is my owl tote bag. I sketched the outline of an owl on to a hessian bag I got free from an Indian street market and hand-sewed leftover scraps of vintage fabric, felt and buttons on to the drawing. I then machined the edges in a contrasting hot pink zig-zag stitch.
So, what's in this bag?
Firstly, this gorgeous purse I won in the divine Lady Cherry's blog giveaway.
When a local antique shop owner saw me in the pub on Saturday night he told me he'd saved a few dresses from a house clearance and promised to reserve them for me on his weekly stall on the town's flea market. Obviously it would have been rude not to have popped down to see him. A red leather 1960's mini dress? Enough to get any vintage-loving woman out of bed on a bitterly cold Wednesday.
A 1960's fringed towelling beach bag and some insane C&A faux snakeskin platform heels from the £1 stall
What am I wearing?
This suit was another of Friday's charity shop finds. I know, a wool and silk tailored suit isn't what you'd normally expect to see me in but the quality is stupendous, it's still got it's cardboard inspection tags in the seams and even the bored looking Emo kid on the till gave it the thumbs up when I tried it on.
You can't argue with the price either.
Hylan Booker at Windsmoor suit worn with a vintage navy and white scarf from a car boot sale, ribbed navy tights and cobalt suede shoe boots (Bought in TopShop's Buy-One-Get-One-Free sale in 2005 for £10)
How lovely to read in yesterday's comments that there are so many of us that don't conform to the typical female stereotype. I thought I'd alienate readers by sharing my "weird" views but no, there's loads of us out there! Thank goodness for the internet, until I started my blog I thought I was odd now I know I've got kindred kick-ass sisters throughout the world.
Ladies, you rock!
How lovely to read in yesterday's comments that there are so many of us that don't conform to the typical female stereotype. I thought I'd alienate readers by sharing my "weird" views but no, there's loads of us out there! Thank goodness for the internet, until I started my blog I thought I was odd now I know I've got kindred kick-ass sisters throughout the world.
Ladies, you rock!
What a wonderful idea! And you look great as always. I also notice there is no snow, and for that I am most jealous
ReplyDeleteOWL ALERT! I freakin love owls, I don't know why. I love bags too... owl bag is to die for!
ReplyDeleteYou cut quite a figure in that suit so it is no wonder the EMO was impressed. Interesting blog challenge you are participating in! Highlighted how few of those sorts of items I have in my wardrobe - I wouldn't make it to the end of the month. Love that red leather jumpsuit - look forward to an outfit pic!
ReplyDeleteYou must have the perfect sized figure Vix - it never ceases to amaze me how you can buy things in charity shops and they look as if they were made for you. The fit of that beautiful suit is just perfect.
ReplyDeleteCannot wait to see you in the red leather minidress! It's fab. You know me though; my eye was immediately drawn to the green frock next to it. SO pretty!
ps - isn't it lovely how kindred spirits reveal themselves through blogging? Mind you, I still think I'm quite odd, haha!
Super Suit! You rock it! Having read your entire archives now I know it's not your usual skirt length, but you wear it so very well all the same. The bag is an inspired touch.
ReplyDeleteThe owl green fabric is so beautiful! You are so creative and brave to take a month long challenge to wear something hand made!!
ReplyDeleteMy word you look nice in the suit ,and clever you the bag is lovely ,cant wait for tomorrows make ,looks as though you are in for a busy month and us a treat ....love Jan xx
ReplyDeleteBlimey, a handmade thing EVERY day. Wow, that IS impressive.
ReplyDeleteThe owl embellishment is fantastic. Loving the suit on you and looking forward to seeing you in the red mini - it's amazing!
What a great project! I think it will be fun to see all the fab stuff you own ... Love the suit btw. So corporate you look :)
ReplyDeleteI love the bag! gorgeous. xxx
ReplyDeleteFabulous bag, you're a bit of a star at that kind of thing aren't you? What a great challenge to commit to, if I thought it would encourage me to finish my projects I'd do it but I'm a bit bogged down right now, shame, fab idea!
ReplyDeleteAnd you're right the suit isn't quite what I expect on you but you look stunning in it!
Dearest Vix, I would be completely flummoxed at a handmade thing every day! Your owl bag is adorable!
ReplyDeleteYou look super elegant in that suit, I love it. And you will really rock the leather mini and shoes.
Have a great evening. Have you been watching The Model Agency? I used to work there. The staff are lovely but the bosses are vile. Times the shouting and hissy fits by 1000 and you're almost there! We must have a catch up this week, much love, C xx
Ooh you look gorgeously elegant today! Love your bag, well done on the creating! :)
ReplyDeleteFecking oath,we rock!! So do YOU!!
ReplyDeleteRight,I've signed up too.
Sweet suit!! So ladylike!!
How darling to have those wonderful goodies saved for you!! Can't wait to see you rockin' that leather mini!! OMG!EEK!
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX LOVE!! Helga
you look very chic and smart in the suit. Love ur owl bag - very boho. Looking forward to all ur projects - hopefully they will inspire me to get off my ass!!
ReplyDeleteThats a great idea to spur you on to get stuff finished, I'm terrible at that too! Love your purse, I have a few paper plane things they are fab. Beautiful suit, it's great that the locals get to know you. I was chased down the street today by the man from the charity shop as he had some new teacups in I might like ~ they call me the teacup lady in there!
ReplyDeleteKandi x
Hi my dear-you look fabulous in this suit, it screams quality and looks totally stylish, love your scarf, tights and shoes with it!! The red leather dress is dynamite,,can't wait to see it on! Good luck with the March Challenge-not that you need it of course, I will love to see your array of hand made loveliness!! xx
ReplyDeleteInteresting challenge Vix!! I have aproximately zero things I have made myself, even my cardi I tried to dye got thrown out as I couldn't bear to look at it anymore!
ReplyDeleteLove the owl bag how cute!! x
That owl bag you made is absolutely ADORABLE!! It looks like something I would purchase immediately at a vintage store. :)
ReplyDeleteGreat Idea - you look great as ever! Looking forward to the rest of the month!
ReplyDeleteI love your Handmade Owl tote. It gives me an idea to give my advertisement for a business tote.... a new MAKEOVER! wooo! Maybe I will do it tonight.
ReplyDeleteThanks Vix
How cute are you in a suit mamas... Sexy school teacher teach me how to sew bags. So clever , cute owl bag. A need a morrissey bag ;)
ReplyDeleteYou classy dame, it looks as though you should be marrying Mick Jagger in that suit. I adore the red mini dress, that will be great for the little bit left we have of cold weather with coloured tights and a long-sleeved tee. So glad the dress fits, I thought the Mucha postcard would suit a hippy chick like yourself too. He has always been one of my favourite artists xx
ReplyDeleteI ADORE your slightly secretary suit, and knowing it's wool silk makes me love it even more. I've got a feeling we'll both be on crafster.com soon... Thanks for the tip! xxx
ReplyDeleteFabulous suit, and yes, everything looks great on you! Just a touch of glamorous Air Asia hostess in that last photo - love it!
ReplyDeleteI wish I could join in your challenge, but give or take a few scarves and pairs of earrings I've given away I have no handmade (by me) accessories at the mo. I'm attempting to make a fascinator, but need more feathers. Will post when it's done!
Suits you, lovely! Excellent price and it's made for you.
ReplyDeleteFabulous bag, it's bang on. Looking forward to seeing what the rest of March brings!
xxx
Very cute purse, love the skirt!
ReplyDeleteI love your owl bag, would love to make some art like that myself when I stop procrastinating!
ReplyDeleteYou look fabulous as usual Vix. I've had many people tell me that I'm a bit odd or weird - though generally in a very nice way so I think it's wonderful that we can come into blogland and meet so many likeminded people when we're thought of as "odd" by the rest of the world.
ReplyDeleteI love your long hair . You are very pretty Vintage Vixen . Have a positive filled day !
ReplyDeleteThe owl bag is so adorable.
ReplyDeleteyou could set yourself up in bisiness with those cute owl bags alone(love 'em:)!
ReplyDeletex
Love the suit and your purse :) Very pretty as always
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The suit looks as if it was made for you Vix!
ReplyDeleteYou look stunning in it. That red leather dress will I'm sure, look stunning on you with your slim figure. Very jealous!
It a great challenge you have set yourself. Can't wait to see what you have "Vixed!'.
Much love x x x
Bloody hell - you can style the shit out of ANYTHING - suit, leather dress, minis, maxis and everythingin between - you are the STYLE MISTRESS!
ReplyDeleteGorgeous bag! I made an owl pocket for a vintage cord skirt last year... must dig it out, it's so cute!
Sarah xxx
I have that envelope purse, isn't it so adorable? x
ReplyDeletewow that bag is fab.. arnt you clever!
ReplyDeletei love that purse its gorgeous and even better that you won it..well done!
really like the suit, i think a girl should always have a few vintage suits in her wardrobe.. they are always so much better quality than the cheapo ones you'd get today which are always shiny!!
the red leather minidress is aahhhmazing!!.. how are you going to style that??
I adore your owl tote bag, it’s a good way to utilise vintage scraps. Looking forward to seeing more makes in March now. That purse is completely after my own heart, I love mail! Fabulous finds as always xxx
ReplyDeleteFab bag Vix and love the suit what a bargain.
ReplyDeleteDx
Oooh, I can't wait to see all of your made and revamped things in March. I love that suit. It's absolutely fab, and you can see even the photographs how well cut it is. What about that red leather dress too? How good is that. xxx
ReplyDeletei adore owls, can't believe you made this bag yourself..it's so cute! perfect find on the suit as always :)
ReplyDeletexox
Fantastic suit and I love the bag - I thought it was 70s until you said you'd made it yourself recently!
ReplyDeleteYESSS blogs rule and rock and there's nothing like it! :) I really don't know what I would anymore without all the blogs and blog friends :) It really is such a community and I lvoe that I know I'm not the only weird one out :P haha! BUT all the best people are absolutely bonkers, or so does Alice from Wonderland claim :)
ReplyDeleteVix I love the blouse you made in your previous post its gorgeous!! xxx
ReplyDeletewow it's a surprise to see you in something this tailored, but you totally rock the look! i love the whimsical blue scarf around your neck. and i am totally jealous of those amazing pumps you got!
ReplyDeletehttp://pinkchampagnefashion.blogspot.com/
wow! the owl! want to own an owl tote too... and the challenge sounds fun! liking your suit a lot!!!
ReplyDeleteThat red leather piece is so unique!
ReplyDeleteI can't believe all of that stuff fits into that bag! That red mini is darling. I hope that you wear it soon.
ReplyDeleteGorgeous bag, l feel inspired to do something similar now. So glad you like the purse. I'm jealous of your gorgeous skirt suit!
ReplyDeleteLovely post and nice bag!
ReplyDeleteGreat suit, cute bag! ... :0)
ReplyDeleteShirl xxx
i love the bag, it looks brilliant and what a lovely suit, i agree with alex that you have such luck with finding things of a perfect fit ;)
ReplyDeletehehe I love the suit! The effect is very unusual, you look so smart!
ReplyDeleteSweet bag too, again lovely fabric! I love the shape of owls, (well most animals are charming) they are so fun and easy to draw. I had this project saved from a long time ago- http://www.flickr.com/photos/17292505@N05/2861580792/in/set-72157607316893263/
the internest (lol tat's a typo but I shall leave it) is an amazing thing!
Oh my gosh! You get the best stuff and you wear it BEAUTIFULLY! Sometimes with vintage, it's easy to look costumey....but you NEVER do. You manage to take vintage and make it current. I LOVE YOU FOR THAT!!! ~Serene
ReplyDeleteOo, suits you sir! You look fab in a suit, and I love that red leather dress!
ReplyDeleteMy my, you look so demure! Beautiful suit, Vix. The bag is so cute, too - I've just made a similar one for my niece. I need to make some more fleamarket friends... xx
ReplyDeleteI love your owl tote. I need one! I may have to copy you and make one. I also love the suit with that blue scarf, you look so good!
ReplyDeleteVix in a suit! I never thought I'd see the day but you look scrumptious. That Owl bag is fantastic x
ReplyDeleteYou look very prim and proper in that suit! Naughty secretary?? =P I really really really love you hand made owl bag! The baby owl is SO cute!!!
ReplyDeleteYou must have a lot of admirers where you live with men thinking of you and what you may like! You leave a lasting impression on everyone :) xxx
oh I want to play with the made me march thing too!!! How does one take part?
ReplyDeleteI don't think I'll be able to rustle up a bag, but I might try to customise something from a charity shop!!!
*bounces up and down* I wanna play!!!!
AX
The me made March idea is fab! And that owl bag is gorgeous, you creative thing!
ReplyDeleteYou don't half suit a suit. ;)
xx
Love the bag. I have one very similar that I brought back from Mexico.
ReplyDeleteSo demure you are in that suit! The owl design is quite fetching - I like the stitching...
ReplyDeleteIt is unusual seeing you in something so muted but it looks great. The little Owl bag is darling, good job! x
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