Monday 13 June 2011

Faith, Hope and Charity Swapping With The Comtesse


I signed up for Lakota's charity shop swap and was thrilled to be partnered with the Comtesse de Ferveur, a witty and gorgeous Irish chick with a real eye for a bargain.

I've been a follower of her blog for ages and like me she's a vintage tart, with a penchant for mixing a variety of eras into one outfit.


When the postman knocked this morning I nearly fell down the stairs in my excitement to grab my parcel off him. As it's Glastonbury next week the Comtesse had gone for a festival theme and got it spot on.



 This gorgeous 1970s mini dress fits like a dream, it's perfect for popping on after sunset when there's a chill in the air and, being synthetic, I'll be able to sponge any mud off it and leave it hanging to dry overnight. The 1980s mock croc bag's got a handy long strap that can be worn across the body so I won't loose my valuables in a cider-induced daze. My trusty knitted beanie's seen better days so this gorgeous black number is most welcome (pimped up with an antique Arts and Crafts-era Ruskin pottery brooch). The silver beads are lightweight and pretty and won't do me (or any other reveller) an injury when I'm dancing.


New bangles are always a welcome addition. You can never have enough jewellery.


There's also some brilliantly vivid welly socks, gorgeous green nail varnish (because when you can't have a proper wash it's best just to paint your nails and forget how dirty they are), a sunglasses chain (so I don't loose my vintage specs when I'm dancing), a pack of groovy nail files and Aussie intensive conditioner (which I'll definitely need when I get home). There's a sweet vintage notelet, too.



There's some fabulous tips for revamping and creating in this article La Comtesse sent me and a Coalport thimble so I don't do myself any damage in the throes of my creative frenzy.


The rules of the swap stated that you had to include something hand-made and how cool are these gift tags? My favourite's got to be the squeaky clean former Kate Middleton declaring I want dreads, blinking hilarious.

Vintage mini dress, crochet beanie and 1980s bag worn with turquoise opaques (99p, Dorothy Perkins' bargain bin), suede block-heeled boots (50p, Saturday morning's jumble sale) and Barry M's Spring Green nail varnish.
Thanks, darling. I hope you're as pleased with my selection as I am with yours. Cheers to Lakota for organising it, you're a genius.

PS I'm doing a guest post over at the fabulous Rachel's blog tomorrow, don't forget to check it out!

61 comments:

  1. two amazing bloggers, an amazin outfit and a great idea - really well done!

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  2. Love it! I say take that maxi to glastonbury, you don't have to wear it but I bet you will find the perfect moment for it. xxxxx

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  3. That is an impressively curated gift-package. Wow!

    WHICH REMINDS ME, better get a move-on on mine! D:

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  4. What a great package! So thoughtful and inspirational. Love the hat! The charity shops here do not tend to be too good. Great to find a 70s dress is such good condition too :)

    (BTW festival black eye makeup- I really like my Avon supershock liner. I just make sure my skin is dry, and apply, and it doesnt budge much once set- a bit like Urban decay's zero liner or Gosh one, although cheaper (and perhaps more festival friendly that a gel liner and brush combo)) I really need to compare all of those! Have a fantastic time :)xx

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  5. What a briiliant parcel to receive! The dress is gorgeous and looks fantastic teamed with the bag, hat nail polish and tights. xxx

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  6. You look Fabulous as always! That jewelry is AMAZING! I am Loving those gift tags! Very Cute and Creative!

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  7. wow what a gorgeous parcel i love the dress it fits like a dream you look stunning. Goodness i better get my act in gear and sort out my parcel to. dee xx

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  8. How brilliant - just like getting your own personal shopper - except it's a swapper rather than a shopper. She really has chosen perfectly. That black/green combination suits you an absolute treat.

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  9. Hi my dear-you look totally amazing, the Comtesse got you to a perfect tee with a gorgeous dress and accessories, you will look fabulous at the festival in this outfit for sure xxx

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  10. What a great parcel to get in the post! The comtesse has done a cracking job! That outfit is great :) xxx

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  11. Excellent idea, wanna do a swap now! :)

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  12. I'm loving the new look blog and your outfit is divine!
    You can't seem to find the same fit in modern clothes *sigh*.

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  13. Looks like great fun and a new outfit too...bonus! :)

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  14. What a great idea. I'd love to be partnered with you, having seen all the amazing things you find!

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  15. What a gorgeous package! And a new blog for me to check out - exciting all round x

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  16. Fantastic outfit and can I say how young you're looking?! Is there a picture of you in the attic getting older?!

    I'll be following Comtesse as well now. Looking forward to reading your guest post tomorrow x

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  17. Wow what an amazing lot of items, and i cant believe how quickly you have done your swap! Need to get my bum into gear now ;o) Mwah Scarlett x

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  18. I love 'alreed babe' with Cheryl. Hilarious!

    Fantastic stuff, I love that dress on you.

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  19. Oooh, lovely goodies there. I was so sad that I missed this one. xxx

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  20. Oh Vix, your style is superb! I love the welly socks too! Your crochet jewel beanie is beautiful. Lovely colours in this whole ensemble dear! -xxoo looking forward to the guest post!

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  21. You are killing it with all of your accessories. Love your outfit. Love the details. Love you.

    strawberry freckleface

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  22. oh wow, what a great idea, I still to send mine before the year ends.
    I will have sign up to this one too.
    your lovely lovely in green, love that hat and jewelry is awesome amor.
    oooh a guest post, how fab.= for you.

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  23. You look fabulous! ... and what a cool concept. Would love to receive that in mail :)

    ♥ from © tanvii.com

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  24. Love the ensemble Vix, simply stunning ! I don't think I've seen you wear anything yet that doesn't suit you. The last time I tried to wear green tights, my kids said I looked like a pixie ! hahaha
    Can't wait to read tomorrow's 'guest post' x

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  25. i love your nail polish and those bracelets and im sure you gals had fun.

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  26. What a fun swap!! I wish I could take part in something like that. :)

    I love those gift tags. That Kate Middleton one is adorbs!!

    Oh, and I really need to try that conditioner...this heat is making my hair so dry and lifeless. Sigh.

    You look so COOL in that outfit.

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  27. What an impressive package (I wouldn't dare say that if you were male!). Between you and The Comtesse, there is some serious style and flair, what a pairing for the swap! I can't wait to see her parcel's contents. You'll be turning a lot of heads at Glasto, wish I was coming.
    Will check out your post tomorrow.x

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  28. How exciting! I would be a little frightened of not living up to your high standards of stylishness, but the Comtesse has done a fantastic job with her parcel, so well done to her!
    Will check out what treasures you have swapped - bet they'll be delicious!
    You look gorgeous, as ever xx

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  29. What a fabulous package! It all looks so good on you.
    I'm having serious doubts about what I have chosen for my swap now.....

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  30. Look at you, Vix! What an amazing outfit and great project. Well done, Comtesse! xxx

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  31. Gorgeous goodies in the post= one of my favourite things! Thanks for your fantastically supportive comment on my blog and FB page. It's so lovely to know my blog friends are cheering me on! Your swap goodies look fantastic, have a wonderful time at Glastonbuty. Big hugs, Em xxx

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  32. What a great idea! The outfit's fab and I love the addition of the green tights - genius!

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  33. Just got in the door I am so happy to see you modelling everything, you look FAB and so delighted you're happy with the bits and pieces! Writin' ya an email now! xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

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  34. Wow - you look fabulous and the Comtesse has set an amazingly high standard for the swap(although a bit naughty on the number of items!). You are going to ROCK Glastonbury :-)

    Love those labels too - hilarious x

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  35. ahhh Vix how fab do you look! This swapping malarky sounds awesome-how can we sign up? I've never heard of such a fabulous idea!
    PS thankyou so much for the lovely comment on my blog and the dry-cleaning tips. Masses of love to you beautiful lady xxx

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  36. What a darling, she got you just right. Those gift tags are AMAZING, I want some! xx

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  37. You look amazing! I love you new smiley photos.

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  38. ¡¡¡Qué guapa y qué bien te sienya ese tocado!!! ¿Es una boina?

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  39. Weeeee - it's nearly Glasto!!!! You look super-ready darl - what an amazing outfit. The little darling has done a superb job:))). I'm still laughing at the gift tags - ingenious! So much colour, texture and happiness in your outfit:)) xoxoxoxooxox

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  40. You look awesome! You've put everything together so stylishly as usual. I love the hat and bag. Is it time for Glastonbury already? Have fun!

    ~Bonnie

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  41. How GORGEOUS! What a wonderful idea - why am I not in on this???

    You look fab as always amor, I especially adore your tights and frock - the hints of green are lovely.

    What I wouldn't GIVE to come to Glasto with you!

    Love, Sarah xxx

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  42. Gorgeous! these colours really suit you!

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  43. Can't wait to see what you sent Comtesse! I really, really like the new bag.

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  44. What a winner!!! Fabulous choosing by the darling Comtesse!!!You'll be rocking it out looking gorgeosu as always in your new gears!
    Can't wait to see what you've sent her!
    Shit,Glasto next week?! EEEK!
    Love YOU!!! Helga xxxXXXxxx

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  45. You are a very lucky girl!
    Those bangles are amazing and like you said you can't never have to much jewelry.
    By the way, with this outfit I imagine that you are meeting Che Guevara for dinner and some New York Dolls music!

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  46. Oh Vix you look great, I love that dress, its my favourite dress, reminds me of On the Buses lol, I have two just like it and they are my ultimate favs! Enjoy Glastonbury, am hoping for nice weather for everyone x

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  47. What a great festival pack you got. Gorgeous mini dress and the Green nail varnish is going to look fab.
    I love the gift tags, such a great idea! I'd want to hang them up rather than use them for presents. :)

    xx

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  48. A great gift to receive. You look fab as always and it will, as you say be great for a festival.

    Bet you are excited now! Lets hope the weather stays nice for you.

    X x

    PS. Does this mean your new van is ready?

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  49. I love your ensemble today! I am a big fan of the crocheted beanie, and the frock. I'm also going to go & visit The Comtesse's blog now!

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  50. What a great idea, and your outfit is fab! xx

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  51. Fantastic, Vix, you're so lucky! I especially love the boots. You look so ready for the festival season - I hope you have an amazing time!

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  52. That dress is fab on you in fact I love the whole outfit xx

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  53. What a great idea! The dress is very cool! xx

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  54. Dearest Vix, what a lovely parcel!

    You look fabulous as always! Beautifully put together. Love the brooch on your beanie.

    Love you xx

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  55. So love this outfit on you....you look fabulous! I love the hat with the turquoise pendent....great inspirations you have given me today!

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  56. You just ALWAYS amaze me! What a flair & talent you have for putting together a fabulous look.

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  57. You look positively demure in that dress - lovely. My favourite tag is Jennifer Aniston: "I'm fine everyone..." Ha! xx

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Lots of love, Vix