Wednesday 10 August 2011

Panic On The Streets Of Birmingham


 
What do you know? We spend four delightful days chilling in the wilds of Herefordshire, listening to amazing music, meeting lovely people and having the time of our lives oblivious to the news that the country's descended into a state of anarchy. Last night, a few miles away from our leafy avenue, three young men lost their lives in a hit-and-run accident reportedly defending their Mosque. Whilst London had a welcome night of relative calm, violence continued in the West Midlands and Manchester. 


West Bromwich, Wolverhampton and Birmingham were under siege for most of the evening. Despite reports to the contrary, Walsall remains relatively trouble-free although the town centre pubs closed early as a precautionary measure.


I'm planning on going out tonight regardless.

1970's printed cotton maxi (£5.19, eBay), Vintage leather bag (20p, Jumble sale), 1980's leather belt (£2, Vintage Village)


It'll take more than a bunch of lawless, sportswear-wearing thugs to stand in the way of me and a Vegetable Madras. Besides only a moron would find anything worth robbing in our derelict high street.


79 comments:

  1. It's such sad news from the Midlands. Really terrible. On a happy note, your dress is just beautiful. What a find! xx

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  2. Water cannons and rubber bullets have been authorised- very sad it has come to this in such a civilised country but it all has to stop somehow.

    I'm finding people who tweet/fb 'reports' of trouble really annoying- needlessly scaring parents etc'. :( I saw a warning of a group of thugs outside my local station last night. By local, I mean I live above it!! And there were NO thugs. But mums were rushing to find their kids and people called me because I they thought I was in danger. :/

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  3. I do think all of the rioting is so pointless and pathetic.

    Stay safe Vix!

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  4. Argh, so sad. Hope your country quickly recovers from this nonsense.

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  5. First, you're looking absolutely gorgeous! Secondly, i cannot get over the madness in the UK, it's like a Mad Max movie... and for what? Reeboks and Plasma TV's?
    I also really feel for the small businesses without this insurance for this kind of situ. It makes me really angry and also sad to this happening.

    x.o.x.o
    p.s be safe doll.

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  6. Take care. My son-in-law reported youths hanging about his workplace last night in the small hours but security round the depot (post/mail) is too tight.

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  7. Awh, dear, that's really sad news! I hope you're quite safe and manage to go out tonight regardless!
    xxxx

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  8. You stay safe though!!! It is really disheartening and scary what is happening out there.

    On lighter note, I like these new pictures taken around the city ... make them look like they are taken in another country! :P

    ♡ from © tanvii.com

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  9. Omg, look at that beautiful dress!

    Trouble seems to have largely bypassed Coventry too... Although some yobs 'looted' a PDSA charity shop... I ask you. Xx

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  10. I'm so cross about it all that I won't even start on here because my comment would be about 90 squillion lines long and full of the f word. At least we seem to have avoided the looting here in Liverpool. Don't know if it's worse or better that they're "only" burning cars and terrorising their neighbours instead.

    The father of one of the hit and run victims was immensely brave and gracious to make the statement he did. I hope there are lots like him and that it all starts to calm down.

    Anyway, you look utterly beautiful in these photos Vix. Enjoy that curry and I hope there's no trouble round your way.

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  11. I was wondering how Walsall was faring in all of this, since the Midlands is having it's share of disturbances. Nothing seems to have kicked off in Sheffield, though bizarrely enough there was a van set on fire on our road last night - not connected to anything more significant but we were woken by the flashing lights of fire engines and smell of smoke...

    Ahh well, keep on keeping on, babe, you look stunning in that gorgeous dress, and a curry ALWAYS makes things better xxx

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  12. It's all so insane; I do hope water cannons are brought in as Perdita ^ says. It annoys me that the police just stand there doing nothing except watch the yobs carry on.

    I hope you have your normal great night out Vix.

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  13. Really hoping that it all fizzles out. It's all very saddening. Have a wonderful veg curry - ooh the very thought is making me extremely hungry.

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  14. Lovely dress my dear and put a brick in your handbag - it worked for Tara King

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  15. Have a lovely evening, and just obviously keep your wits about you. There's not much worth robbing round here, but anywhere that sells fags or booze has been a target. Oddly the local 'Munch' was smashed up as well. Not sure if that's an advert for or indictment of their wares!

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  16. Such a sad story Vix about those guys losing their life. We can hardly believe all the chaos going on in the UK. Hearing stories like this make me happy to be a gun owner, if thugs tried entering my home to steal from me they would be greeted by the barrel of my 9 mm.

    Please be safe you utter vision of loveliness with those killer sleeves!

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  17. Such terrible waste is going on. Wasted educations, wasted public money, wasted youth, 'wasted' parents, wasteful idiots controlling everything we do, wasted lives...
    It makes me feel even more passionate about re-using, recycling and charity shopping. Who else is going to look half as good as you Vix, in their New Look/Primark/Dorothy Perkins/Sports Direct get up? Answer - nobody!
    Enjoy your curry and keep spreading the message that happiness comes from enjoying the very small things like a 20p bag, and the company of dear friends.

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  18. It's made me soo bloody mad!

    I was in Walsall yesterday working and the police were fab. They kept us informed and even came into the store for cuppas, bless my hubby for making sure they were fed and watered.

    we then got back hem to Wolves and the town was crazy! It is just mindless thugs who don't realise its like pooing on your own door step and going hurt them more in the long run.

    You enjoy your evening hun.

    X x

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  19. So sad to hear the news from round your way - A tragedy...

    BTW I love you saying that nothing would stand between you and your veggie curry - Making my mouth water, you are, not to mention that fabulous frock!

    Thanks for the travel tips, Vix - I do fancy India really, but hubby doesn't want to do a long-ish flight - Perhaps another year - I would love to visit Prague most definitely, thank you again!

    Enjoy your night out - Slip a can of soup inside your bag in case you've got to cosh someone to stop them taking your fashionable gear!

    Take care, love Fhina x

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  20. Oh my, it's so sad. I can't believe that it's happening in such a beautiful country((
    But once again your post made me feel better - your beautiful dress, your words, your desire to go out and have fun... It's simply amazing)

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  21. It is just awful especially now with the news three lives have been lost. There will be no going out regardless up here in Manc it was like a war zone last night, everything has shut up early in prep for tonight now, praying for calm, keep safe xxx

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  22. urgh the riots sicken me!!! I've done a post on the riots (and Byker Grove) that will be published tomorrow...

    in lighter news, I'm loving your dress and bag!!

    Julia @ Retro Jules

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  23. Well said! Love this dress, great design. Thanks for the tip on the Elegance book, I actually already have it, thats why I recognised the new book, so gonna go back and re-read it with both in hand! :)

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  24. You and Jon look after yourselves and be careful hun!

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  25. Isn't it just bloody mad, Vix?!

    You look great btw.

    No rioting in Scotland cos we're all away down the pub, plus it's tipping it down with rain here.

    Hope it all stops soon. The rioting and the rain.

    Keep safe.

    Ali x

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  26. So so sad....and pointless.....that we've come to this. Your brilliant attitude is infectious....and your dress and bag are fabulous.....the maddening joy of menopause has rendered me tearful and fearful, demanding to know where my son and his friends are, screaming wrong place wrong time and accidents will happen....hopefully the sirens I keep hearing are just to let everyone know the police are out and about and we will have another calm night....good luck, take care , stay safe!!x

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  27. so sad and worried to hear all that awful news!, and so glad watching you so fabulous as usual in your lovely maxi and ready to go out for dinner!, you're awesome!: enjoy your curry but take care!!
    besos

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  28. really bad news from my beloved uk, hope you are well and have a nice evening over there :) you look fab!

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  29. Hey VIx, glad your ok! Sorry I haven't visited for a few days- enjoying catching up on your posts. You look fab as ever xxxxx

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  30. Crazy bloody times, eh? Glad to hear you're all still safe in Walsall, hope you really enjoy your veggie curry and, as always, you look fabulous in that dress.

    PS Like the idea of a can of soup in your handbag - that'd give the mindless little gits a surprise if you had to hit them with it!!

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  31. Really sad news about the 3 young men that lost their lives.
    You make sure to keep safe!

    Your dress is beautiful Vix.

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  32. It's been difficult to grasp the reasons behind it all here in the US - of course we only get things in easy to digest bits on the news, not much in depth info unless it's about the latest reality TV star. Take care when you go out. You look lovely in your groovy outfit.

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  33. OMG it's so appallingly low rent,all this rampant behaviour,and frankly terrifying! Thank goodness you guys are fine,and I know you'd beat the hell out of anybody trying to prevent you from having your curry with that fabulous bag!!! I LOVE that bag!!! I love that frock! I love YOU! Avoid all suspicious peeps!
    Helga xxxXXXxxx

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  34. here here! they are total idiots aren't they, they make me so mad! Hope you have a good night out x

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  35. I was very saddened to read that story of those three young men. Such unnecessary loss. The scenes of what's happened in the West Midlands and Birmingham have been awful. It's terrible to think this hooligan mentality is all over the UK.

    Good for you going out regardless though - I think I would too if Mr V were home. But on my own I'm a bit worried. You look wonderful as ever and that maxi dress is fabulous.

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  36. Stay safe honey - you look as fab as always. I don't blame you for flicking the bird at the chavs. I could go on at length about it cos it's made me SO mad - but I won't. Happy Curry!!! xxx

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  37. It’s a little bit mad right now, all we can do is hope there is soon an end to all this trouble. Keep safe and well Vix xxx

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  38. Vixcita,
    Its horrible whats happening to London amor, its clearing up though.
    glad your are safe and looking so gorgeous in your frock.

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  39. Yeah, I'm horrified about what's happening over there. :S I'm glad to know you're somewhat untouched by all of the rioting. I was thinking about you this weekend when I heard the news...

    You look gorgeous in this outfit. That dress is DIVINE. xo

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  40. love that dress its stunning ..and i have serious bag envy ..20p for that is amazing!!..
    your weekend sounds amazing and the outfits were fantastic !!
    be safe going out tonight!
    charl
    x

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  41. It has all made me so very sad Vix. I'm sure if any looters came across you in that fab dress they'd feel so cheered up they'd go right on home to have a cup of tea instead.

    I'm only just starting to comment again after my break last week - I had well over 1000 blog posts to read! Luckily I am back to being caught up now :) xx

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  42. The riots is just pure and simple crazy behaviour! You don't see anyone with half a brain out there thugging and looting.. just the scummy selfish idiots who are out doing it for their own gain!

    Some human beings are disgusting!

    Maybe only morons would rob from your high street but these people are morons!

    You look wonderful! If any rioting does kick off, one look at you and they will forget what they're doing! :D

    Have a good night! xxx

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  43. The violence is terrible isn't it :(, i hope it all stops soon.

    You look lovely :).

    Sadie xx

    http://www.brandnewbutterflywings.com/

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  44. Absolutely horrendous. How is this happening in 2011?

    I might riot if you don't show us a close up of the fabric of your fabulous frock. You look just amazing, as always darling.

    Stay safe. Love, Sarah xxx

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  45. I'm so sorry things escalated after I posted about the riots to the point that young people have now lost their lives. Insane materialistic bullshit, we need proper communities back.

    Enjoy your evening xx

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  46. It's sad to see what's happening in England at the moment and terrible that 3 men have lost their lives because of it. I'm glad to see it hasn't dampened your spirit though. You're looking fabulous as ever. Stay safe and enjoy your curry.

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  47. Gorgeous dress. Just perfect!

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  48. The Phoenix and I have been thinking of you Vix and hoping you are safe - his family is in Sheffield and so far things seem OK there. I'm sooooooooooo relieved to see you looking scrumptious and "up yours" in your beautiful maxi and belt.:))
    The divide between the haves and the have-nots has never been so profound in the UK as it is now wot with Thatcher's toy-boy at the helm. None of this surprises me. It's incredibly frightening for people who want stability and a close-knit community, but are torn apart by the strife of mounting debts. Right then. OFF my soapbox. Big hugs to you xoxoxoxo

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  49. keep safe and keep rocking your beautiful vintage clothes. You'd love one of the dresses i wore the other day i think ... http://lovesabargain.blogspot.com/2011/08/work-outfit-challenge-day-132.html?showComment=1312769881588#c6466030770837249444

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  50. I'm still struggling to put how I feel into words. I was crying at the fires in Croydon, and those poor men in Birmingham. All just...awful.

    It seems weird to excitedly tell you, post-traumatically, but that dress is a Jean Varon. How do I know? Because it's the first one I ever bought (mine has the label). xx

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  51. (This makes me think we need to meet and wear them out together!! Imagine the looks we'd get...)

    ;)

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  52. Gorgeous dress! I've been hearing on the news all the terrible rioting that's happened. But don't let it stop you, go out and have fun! I hope you have a great time. http://thearcenciel.blogspot.com/

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  53. Hope the trouble doesn't come any closer!! thanks for your lovely comment on my last post, I've had trouble with VB (worsening tantrums) these past 2 weeks and am still woefully behind!

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  54. I have been watching on the news what has been happening. It seems so surreal. We have many people here in Bahrain from England. Hopefully that will quiet down very soon. We must not let the thugs of the world keep us locked into our homes frightened of what might be because we would never know what might become!! And we all know the future holds good things indeed!! And of course many more fabulous vintage outfits for you!! ~Enjoy your time out!! my husband told me he found a little place here even during Ramadan that still serves drinks an Englishman told him about it hehehehe....so he said he would bring me out tonight for a little treat!! ~Love Heather

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  55. You look lovely.

    I hate all this violence and I expect the one who get caught will get sentenced to 10 days in jail..some punishment. Take their benefits away!

    xx

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  56. So sad to hear about all of the trouble and for those it has affected. I just can't believe that people can sink so low.

    On a more positive note, I am glad that you are not letting it get you down. Such a beautiful dress. Stay safe.

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  57. It is so terrible to watch.....I hope your country deals with it better than ours did.....glad to know you are ok & carrying on with your life in your beautiful maxi.

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  58. It's horrible to see people losing everything they've worked hard to the hands of someone who expects something for nothing. Not right.

    You look gorgeous Vix, that dress is a beaut! Enjoy you veggie curry, very jealous.
    xxx

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  59. You look beautiful! Love the dress, cant stop looking at the print.

    Hope everything calms down soon. I think this summer have have seen enough tragedy's as it is. Take care!

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  60. You go girl! We shouldnt have to live in fear of these thugs and Im glad you werent put off from your night out :o) Scarlett x

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  61. We all had being young and stupid; but what I never understood its the desire to destroy the small stores around the neighborhood because they are part of the city income and they employed the locals. Its just sad to watch.
    You look fabulous and enjoy your vegetable madras safely!
    Besos,

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  62. Vix I love that dress so much!
    And good for you carrying on as normal- I think that's all we can do sometimes. It's as good a way to stick two fingers up at the people causing the mayhem as any other, they're intent on intimidation and violence.

    xxx maddie

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  63. Great outfit Vix, what is up with Britain lately? I hear about it on the news but I don't understand what is going on?

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  64. Talking about morons... Nah, I also went to London (accompanied by tweets like: 'Turn back!' 'Are you mad?!') and encountered no troubles. When a big number of armoured police vehicles stopped in front of our bar I made a move though. Have fun and stay safe, Vix! X

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  65. You have been in my thoughts, Vix. Glad you are okay. Crazy times.

    Love you so,

    SB

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  66. Vix... I have had this post open for so long and I still don't know what to say... it's all so heart breaking... it's as if the water has been drugged and people have been changed into violent zombies...

    Anyway... thank you for such a brave, warm and funny post! You should be PM. Cool Britannia needs someone like gorgeous fabulous you.

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  67. Vix, I hope the craziness stops soon. Of course I thought of you and all the other UK bloggers when I saw the news. Hopefully, today will be a peaceful one.

    You look great btw and I love that you've shown us another shot of your village. Hope you enjoyed your curry.

    xo, Bonnie

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  68. Hi my dear Vix-am so pleased to hear you are safe and sound and looking as gorgeous as ever too, the maxi is a stunning find!! It is utterly horrible what is happening in our areas and I do so hope we've seen the worst of the mindless actions that have taken place. Have a lovely evening tonight and stay safe xxxx

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  69. Hi Vix! looking amazing as usual - love the street's pictures - Here in Canada we ear a lot to about the riots in the UK but it seems that they can not tell us why it is happening - The pics we see of the riots are terrible - Hopefully it will come back to normal soon

    Lots of serenity for you on this side of the ocean - lots of love - Ariane xx

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  70. I can't believe what's been going on - so sad about those three boys in Birmingham. Terrible news. Things are getting back to normal here so hopefully it will be the same near you. Glad to see it's business as usual and you're off for a curry! The derelict high street comment made me laugh.

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  71. I adore your dress! The belled sleeves are perfection!

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  72. It's terrible about those three lads.

    I thought of you the minute it started spreading in the Midlands but I remember you saying that the shops were boarded up anyway. It's still awful and I'm glad it's calmed down.

    Your dress is brilliant! Love you xx

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  73. You all stay safe out there! I hate seeing all this dangerous stuff going on over there.

    You do look fabulous though!

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  74. stay Safe Vix! It's all over our news here in Aus about all these riots. Such a shame.

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  75. hope all is well in your area now...

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Lots of love, Vix