Thursday 18 August 2011

Simply Red



I discovered this vintage red wool skirt at the car boot sale this morning. The seller was clearing out his late grandmother's wardrobe. Although worn and well-loved everything was of the finest quality including such labels as Daks, Dereta, Celine, Miss Holmes & Salvatore Ferragamo and needless to say I snaffled the lot. In her day she shopped mostly at Harrods and her Grandson was rather well spoken and most unlike the regular traders.



As soon as I acquire a new-to-me garment I'll race home and try it out. If I'm not completely happy then it gets passed or sold on, there's no room in my life for things that don't make me feel fabulous. I'll experiment with different accessories and create new outfit possibilities from the depths of my existing wardrobe.

 

I like having a few outfits in mind, it's brilliant for those days when you're in a hurry and need to throw something on quickly. I can't be doing with a clothing crisis when there's somewhere I need to get to fast (and, believe me, when you have a parent with dementia it's all too often). By only keeping clothes that fit and make me feel good, storing anything that needs repairing in the mending basket and out-of-season clobber in suitcases, there's no need for a dressing disaster as everything in my wardrobe makes me happy and is ready to wear.




Vintage red wool skirt (40p) worn with Broiderie Anglaise gypsy top (50p) and bubblegum scented sandals (£2), all car boot sale buys. The pendant was £2 from Top shop's 2009 sale.


Tapestry clutch bag (£1.95, Walsall Hospice), Pearl cocktail ring (50p, Acorns Hospice), Plastic ring (25p, Car boot sale), Bangles mostly inherited (with the exception of the tapestry one from lovely Sandy), Nails by Barry M.



Thanks for those kind words of encouragement with regards to my sewing. I've got my pattern ready and I plan to cut it out over a glass of red and Sons Of Anarchy later.

71 comments:

  1. I wish I could get such terrific bargains as you but unfortuately I an not as slender so clothes shopping is a complete pain in the rear :-( Love the gypsy top

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  2. Amazing skirt and that gypsy top is gorgeous. I love your bangles, rings and nail colour combo too.
    Dx

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  3. This skirt is so flattering on you and I bet nice and warm. I am loving that necklace with this outfit.

    Have fun watching all those bad bikers :^p

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  4. Amorcito,
    I never seen a gypsy top quite as beautiful as this one. love the detail too. You look stunning wearing this outfit, your garden is amazing. your bagles are always so mystical like you. wow, what a bargain doesnt surprise me, red skirt looks lovley on your figure.

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  5. You look lovely as always and that necklace is gorgeous. I love all the bangles too. And yes it's amazing to think of all the odd animals on the planet. xxx

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  6. Well, it certainly doesn't hurt that you look fabulous in everything!

    If girls still played with paper dolls, you'd be able to market yourself for sure...

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  7. That top is just plain gorgeous. I also love the necklace you have on and that skirt fits you wondefully! Great buys Vix!

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  8. extremamente linda...................

    http://tonyranthum.blogspot.com

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  9. I hear you on the dementia thing:(
    I can't believe you have dressing disasters Vix - you seem to run such a tight ship (wardrobe). I'm going to follow your 'feel good in it or move it on' mantra. I've been holding on to some things for a while whilst my weight fluctuates wildly (thank you manky thyroid) - I'll still be able to find stuff when I need to.

    Don't panic Mr Mannering! (she said in a Dad's Army stylee)

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  10. i absolutely love this outfit!!! this great red skirt with the fabulous carmenblouse on top and the necklace you look like a gipsy princess!!!
    love and kiss,mary

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  11. i totally understand with the the dementia thing!

    And I love your skirt, it's really divine!!

    Julia @ A Bit of Jules (the new name for Retro Jules) x

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  12. I love your Mexican looking top.
    You are amazing with everything, but I go by your rule: if an outfit doesn´t make me feel fabulous, it goes out...
    I think you look STUNNING!!!

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  13. Love that shade of red,and love how you've gypsyfied a classic wool skirt!! Ah,such words of virtuous wisdom,my sweet twinny twin,you inpsire me everyday!!!
    O,no idea how I did the big hair,it just kinda happened!I'll have to try and replicate it,but it'll prob never happen again quite like that!!!
    Love you,sexy wench(bring me more wine!)
    Helga xxxXXXxxx

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  14. Beautiful pictures, I'm in love with your rings! :) X

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  15. Yet another great find Vix.

    I adore that top!

    X x

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  16. Love the outfit, looks fabulous.

    I'm sorry your Dad has dementia. My Grandad has had dementia for the last 5 years and it is a difficult thing to deal with. I hope you are getting support...I know that it's not always easy to come by.

    Sending support! x

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  17. Great finds - how nice to know the history and hopefully the seller got some comfort from the fact it was all going to a good home. I would never think to put those 2 items together - I need to try more daring combinations x

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  18. Gorgeous outfit, loving that bag - the detailing is divine x

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  19. Aren't you gorgeous! Gipsy top looks amazing on you :) I should try that and think of some outfits in my mind a lot just in case of a busy morning..!

    -Sara
    xx

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  20. That red skirt is divine! I love red, I love maxi skirts and you look fantastic. Em xx

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  21. Ooh lucky bargains! I've just cleared out my wardrobe and even now the clothes can move I still take ages humming and hawing in front of it! :)

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  22. I wish I felt the way about my wardrobe the way you do yours. You really do have such a flare for creating outfits that are completely your own.

    I really admire your attitude and sense of style Vix, it speaks volumes and inspires many alike xxx

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  23. Dearest Vix, you look gorgeous in red and the whole outfit is fabulous.

    You are so right with your advice. I feel another wardrobe sort out coming on!

    I'm dying to speak to you. I don't know where the last week's gone! Love you loads xx

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  24. The quality shines through, a beautiful shade of red and genuis styling by you. It must be lovely for the seller to know these clothes went to such an enthusiast. X

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  25. Such a gorgeous outfit I love broderie anglais. I must say I love that necklace too its gorgeous x

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  26. I'm almost hyperventilating reading that list of clothing names that you 'snaffled' at the car boot. I'm just glad to hear that the lovely lady's wardrobe gems found a loving home! Long skirts always look fabulous on you - and this is no exception.
    And as for needing to get somewhere fast - with a parent with dementia - I sympathise greatly. My 93 year old great grandma has had dementia for years and, well, it's pretty tough at times isn't it?

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  27. I love that top more everytime I see it.
    The pearl ring is amazingly beautiful.

    xx

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  28. Wow! That style of gypsy top really suits you! It's gorgeous and flattering!

    I love the clutch and the necklace! xxx

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  29. Fabulous skirt. Hope your dad's doing ok. Looking after someone with dememtia is very challenging. xx

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  30. You look gypsy fabulous!! Vix you're a vision in white and red. I adore that gyspy style peasant top and the boho accessories. I'm dying to see pictures of this designer car boot haul - vintage Ferragamo and Celine?? Palpitating - purlease show photos!

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  31. What a great red skirt! I love the combination of red and white (the tantric colours)... and a bit of Barry M blue just adds to it. But what are bubblegum scented sandals??? X

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  32. i took care of my mom w/alzheimers for the last 12 yrs of her life so i understand completly. what a good daughter you are.

    i love your theory on keeping your closet full of only things you love and look fabulous on you.

    xo

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  33. Vix, I am fast coming to the decision that I like you best in red, you look fab in it.

    Dealing with a beloved parent who suffers from dementia, is terribly hard, thou art brave.
    XXX

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  34. I wish I could be so organised with my wardrobe.

    I love everything about this outfit, the colour, the detail, the shape.

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  35. Lovely outfit and such sage advice - advice that I am sorely in need of - my wardrobe is full and nothing in there fits or makes me happy, the things I wear day to day are put in the wash, washed, shoved in a pile somewhere in the bedroom (because the wardrobe is too full of things I don't wear!) and then worn again. I will be taking your advice and hopefully my mornings will be far less stressful. With grateful thanks, xxx

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  36. georgeous blause!! You look amazing!!

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  37. It's ever so Carmen, isn't it? I'm imagining you sipping sangria and tempting bullfighters away from the ring. Ole!

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  38. God I love it .. I love a Spanish influence and adore red ..you look amazing xx

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  39. Seriously, Vix. This is getting way out of control.

    Just when I think you can't possibly get any more fabulous, you post photos of yourself in the CUTEST OUTFIT EVER.

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  40. This is TOTALLY DIVALICIOUS!!! Red looks fab on you ... everything looks fab on you!!!

    ♡ from © tanvii.com

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  41. Love the red skirt. It's funny isn't it, when I buy new things they often sit in the bag for days afterwards before I try them on again - what's all that about?!

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  42. the blouse you've chosen to wear with this is gorgeous. So, will you keep this skirt in the beloved part of the wardrobe? Admiring the bird cage you're posing in.

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  43. Sounds like a great steal with all the goods you got at the car boot sale! Nice philosophy on wardrobe items. I feel the same way--I like to have clothes I know I love and can throw on and look great in. http://thearcenciel.blogspot.com/

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  44. Just fabulous, as always. I adore that gypsy blouse - and the pendant is marvellous. The tapestry purse is gorgeous too - and that skirt will be so versatile. Man alive, I would love to go carboot saling with you, amor!

    Have a gorgeous weekend!

    Loveredskirts, Sarah xxx

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  45. I makes perfect sense to fill your ample wardrobes with treasures that you know will fit and look utterly fabulous. And my god they certainly do!! You were in the right place at the right time to snaffle this beautiful skirt and oh my stars the peasant blouse and pendant are shockingly gorgeous!! Your jewellery, oh your jewellery ... and yes we should start making frocks and skirts from 60s & 70s curtains! xoxo

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  46. The red is very striking I really like it. I like how you explained how you organize your wardrobe that is really great. And kind of having a few outfits in your head for those days when your in a hurry is brilliant I will do this for sure when I get settled in my new home. My closet was always clean but not organized and it would take me forever to get dressed because I would end up putting something that did not fit or I remembered when I got it on it did not look good. Thanks for sharing those tips. And happy sewing!! Love Heather

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  47. White and red what a beautiful fresh combination love the blouse to that so reminds me of summer when i was little i used to have a few off the shoulder dresses. I hope that your mum is ok. I think you have such a great attiude to clothes and i agree you should only wear what makes you feel fabulous and you always look this way. dee xx

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  48. Gorgeous wool skirt......love it with your white gypsy blouse! The pendent & your rings are fabulous......I like finding clothes like that at our church sales......you were at the right moment in time!

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  49. What a really lovely find, Vix - and it goes perfectly with your white gypsy blouse as well. Fabulous! xx

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  50. What a fabulous haul to stumble upon. I love red, it really suits you too.

    I can't wait to see more of your haul. Xx

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  51. What a fabulous juicy red. It will brighten up any outfit, I am trying to get more bright basics for those 'rush out of bed' days, they add so much more style than 'black tunic, black trousers' which can be a temptation!

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  52. Looking amazing as usual! Red looks fab on you xx

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  53. Hi my dear-sorry I've not been checking in lately, you certainly got some gems from this seller-the red skirt is divine and I can imagine so are the rest of the pieces you snaffled!! I'm trying to do a bit of a clearout too, I just want to keep the pieces I truly love-I'm getting there, lol!! Have a great weekend! xxxxx

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  54. Love the bright red against the white! I'm really into longer skirts at the moment!!

    E :)

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  55. What a great find... for 40p! You look gorgeous...

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  56. wow! what a 'wow' outfit. it's details and colours are just adorable.

    http://wardrobexperience.blogspot.com

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  57. Red suits you. Your always get such terrific bargains. That skirt is lovely. My mother used to always say quality never goes out of style.

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  58. What bargains! I really should follow your philosophy and not hang on to all the clothes I do, i really need to gut my wardrobes. Scarlett x

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  59. I love everything about this but then again red has always made me happy. This skirt has to be a keeper! It really suits you.

    Caz x
    www.mystylisms.blogspot.com

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  60. Gorgeous Vix! I love red and love this look in every way.
    You have the best stuff.

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  61. I think you've said the most clever thing I've ever read about clothes and how to improve them: "everything in my wardrobe makes me happy and is ready to wear", yeah, I vote for it!
    And the red skirt is wonderful and REd, what else?. You look stunning!
    besos

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  62. Excellent find Vix. Lush colour...you look great in red.
    Have a good weekend.
    xxx

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  63. Wow...really, really love your outfit. What a super find. I don't blame you for snapping it all up although I may be a little jealous :))

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  64. You look beautiful. I love the skirt.

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  65. Such a pretty gypsy outfit) This dress is super red, and I love it)) Also - beautiful blouse and pendant, everything is complimenting everything)

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  66. really love your jewellery, especially your necklace. love, how your nail polish matcges with you8r bangle :D

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  67. Bet the grandmother in question would be thrilled to know her clothes were still being enjoyed. I am trying to follow your mantra of 'fabulous clothes only' but I'm not finding it as easy as I'd hoped to banish the mundane from my wardrobe. Need to lose a few pounds and I think I'll be feeling happier.

    Sorry to hear about your dad, that must be so difficult to see. I dread this happening to anyone I love, it's so unkind.
    x

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  68. What a great Look!!! Love, love looooove the blouse <3 You rock girl :)

    amintasfashion

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Lots of love, Vix