Tuesday 20 September 2011

There's Something In The Wood Shed



Jon was putting away some freshly chopped wood on Sunday when he discovered a parcel our friendly postman had squeezed through the door of the wood store. The awesome Helga had posted it to me in August and it must have been hidden away for weeks. This frock was amongst the goodies stashed away inside.

Raymonde maxi dress worn with vintage wool cape (£5.99, British Heart Foundation), velvet platforms (£9, Office) 
Turquoise ring (Sarah Misfit) and turquoise bangle (Helga), the rest of it was picked up for under £1 a piece on my travels.

I was so excited I wore it to the pub the very same night.


Whoever you are, Raymonde of Wellington, I like your style.



Remember this cape?



I nearly caused a bunch of pensioners to riot when I bought it. As a consequence I'm always a bit wary of where to leave it if I remove it when I'm out in case a lustful Black Country Granny tries to make off with it.



Is it as miserable where you are as it is here? It hasn't stopped raining all day and at nearly 7pm it's already dark. I never understand people waxing lyrical about the Autumn, in literature it may be all burnished leaves, crisp mornings and gleaming conkers but in reality it's downright vile.

57 comments:

  1. Yep, its darker earlier than it should be already. Am trying to be British and not put the radiators on yet (well, only sometimes...)

    What a surprise in the woodshed indeed!
    Love the greenery - awesome frock from Helga; Raymonde must have made it just for you... and more capery. Are we going to get some batwing-arm photos, to show off the capes in mid-flight glory? ;) x

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  2. We've had a gorgeous sunset here in East Yorkshire tonight but it's been showering all day, it's getting so dull and dark on a evening lately. Not nice at all x

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  3. What a nice surprise! It is sunny here at the moment but has gone much colder, we are going to have to start putting the heating on. The first dusting of snow on the mountains this morning a sure sign that Autumn is definitely on it's way!
    XXX

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  4. What a great surprise! I do love all the fresh, bright greens.

    I just wish the weather would make up its mind - its so annoying to get layered up and then end up roasting!

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  5. Hi my dear-wow, Helgas pressie was better late than never, you look amazing and the cape is amazing with it too! Congratulations too, you are number one on the Cision list for best vintage blog-naturally, lol!!

    http://uk.cision.com/en-gb/Resources/Social-Media-Index/Top-UK-Social-Media/Top-UK-Fashion-Blogs-and-Twitter-Rankings/Top-10-UK-Vintage-Clothing-Blogs/

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  6. Am loving your capes ,would be just the job on my buggy,I will look out for ,its been raining on and off here too and cold ,I packed away most of my summer gear ,after I read you had done that with yours,thanks for motivating me ..love Jan xx

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  7. Right, now I know your thoughts on autumn;-) Sorry to hear it's been raining all day. Hope the sun comes to visit tomorrow. And how sweet of Helga to think of you - she's such a Gem. I'm so into Green now, and as I can see from the above images, so are you;-)

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  8. I adore those colours together so much.
    XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

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  9. Yay for surprise parcels, and what a fabulous lot of goodies, i love the green, just beautiful on you. And my what a cape that is, totally stunning, def watch out for those cape stealing grannies who will be lurking ;o) Scarlett x

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  10. absolutely loooove all the green and you look adorable with that cape!

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  11. What a fabulous surprise and of course it looks divine on you!

    I love Autumn, sorry, I like when it gets dark early too *runs and hides*

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  12. This is the PERFECT outfit. That cape is magnificent and to pair it with that gorgeous green outfit was a wonderful decision!

    I can't believe that dress was a gift. You are so lucky! I wish I had as generous of friends. ;)

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  13. Wow. Helga finds some gems, bless her. Green is always a winner for me.
    South Wales has seen the worst of Britain's weather this past week, and I'd be lying if I said its not getting me down.
    At least we've always got the best of weather here on your blog - its always a fine day.

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  14. Gorgeous, gorgeous, gorgeous! What a nice surprise to find in the woodshed - usually it's just spiders! Has chucked it down most of the day here. I had to put the lights on at 5pm!

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  15. That green colour is amazing. Yeah, it's colder & more like autumn here too.

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  16. Vixcita,
    I remember this cape and the mean grannys. what a surprise a parcel hidden from Helgita. our postman does that too and signs our stuff.
    I love how you stand out wearing this shade of green. accesories are so pretty, especially green earrings.hold on to that cape, I might send some grannies over.; )

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  17. You'll have to check your wood shed more often in future! That dress is so very Helga but it looks perfect on you. The bracelet she sent matched your nail polish perfectly.

    I do remember that cape, everyone was drooling over it and I understand why!

    The weather hasn't been too bad where I am. It's been sunny all day here!

    I'm an Autumn lover. Summer in theory is nice but I can't stand the heat. I love Autumn because of it's colours and it's the season for Hallowe'en - my favourite day of the year. I also love it when it gets dark early! It always makes the night seem longer which makes a night out seem longer too! It's the one season I look forward to most.

    My favourite Autumn quote by someone whom I can't recall is - Bittersweet October. The mellow, messy, leaf-kicking perfect pause between the opposing miseries of Summer and Winter. It rounds up how I feel about Autumn very nicely! xxx

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  18. Hahahahaha,Lustful Black Country Granny!!! Sounds like Mrs Slocombe on crack!! Oo,could be me........!!!
    Loving the frock on you,it looks as gorgeous as I thought it would!!And with that magenta cape!!!OH!HeavenLY!Fabbo combo,and the jewels are supremely complimentary!!!
    Squee! Bummer it's getting miserable already there...looks like we're gonna have a lovely day here....
    LOVE YOU!!!
    Helga xxxXXXxxx

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  19. That dress is to die for. Just look at how vivid those colours are!!! I'm an Autumn baby, and I love Autumn and Winter, but it still takes a bit of getting used to. Its about time I faced up to the fact that I need to pack my summer frocks away... And let loose the winter ones. Hoorah! Xx

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  20. oh the beautiful watercolors!
    It has been raining here, too, but finally crossed the pond :)
    There is something very electric in the air for me during Autumn.....
    Maybe cause i'm a witch/
    xXx
    Reva

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  21. Wow a fantastic outfit, so just what is your secret superhero persona?

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  22. I LOVE purple and green together! This is an Amazing outfit! I agree with you about autumn, it is vile. I miss my summer months : (
    It is Autumn and winter almost all year round where I live Argh! Seattle Yuck!

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  23. I LOVE purple and green together! This is an Amazing outfit! I agree with you about autumn, it is vile. I miss my summer months : (
    It is Autumn and winter almost all year round where I live Argh! Seattle Yuck!

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  24. Check out that cape!!! LOVING IT. Only you could pull off something like this so well. You seriously look fierce!

    http://www.glamkittenslitterbox.com/
    Twitter: @GlamKitten88

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  25. what cool colors! I love the all green outfit, and then to pair it with that gorgeous plum cape! Its so contrasting and complimentary at the same time!!

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  26. I've been trying to take photos of the jewellery I've made today but the light has been so dull all day, the pictures are pants!

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  27. How nice to find a surprise parcel - every shed should have one, especially if it contains a gift as marvellous as that green frock! Helga is a wondrous woman.
    And the cape, ah yes THAT cape... Be prepared to do battle with those Black Country grannies when you out and about wearing it. Luckily you are a cape-wearing Superhero, so you can fend off any would-be robbers! xxxxx

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  28. ahh, these colours!! are there any that doesn't suit you?? :-) you are very good at mixing them too... and do you find that all colours look so much better on you since you have black hair? i seemed to get away with almost any colour when I had dark hair...:-)

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  29. What a fab surprise! I do adore it, I love that you show fascinating labels too!

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  30. Helga really does have amazing taste. The dress is so amazing, love the vivid green. What a lovley surprise for Jon to find!
    Sophie
    x

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  31. Thank goodness it wasn't something nasty in the woodshed, ahahahahaha. I love all the green together, so lush. Autumn is really rather nice here, but only because the leaves are pretty on the heath xx

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  32. Dearest Vix,
    I quite like autumn; I think it may be the old Viking genes in me cause cold & rain doesn’t bother me…I just adhere to what the British adventurer Ranulph Fiennes said: "There is no such thing as bad weather, only inappropriate clothing." Saying that I have to admit that on occasion the particularly DAMP British cold manages to fray away even on my rugged nerves. When I was up in the Highlands last week it rained non-stop for twenty-four hours not to mention the wind howling like a banshee through the village; it wasn’t until my third day there that I could actually see the mountains on the other side of the loch. We’ve had quite good weather here in London today, a bit blustery but not a drop of rain in sight.
    Helga should look into becoming a personal vintage shopper, she gets it spot on all the time! That frock is stunning & it looks wonderful on you.
    Hope all is well with you and Jon. Congratulations on the CISON number one spot, hip hip hoorah VINTAGE VIXEN!
    Lot’s of love,
    Jennie
    xXx

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  33. no way i have just wrote a post now with practically the same title!!..
    thats a bit mad .. must be great minds and all that!!
    i love that cape it looks so comfy and the colour is gorgeous..
    i kind of like autumn but i think i have rose tinted glasses when i think of it.. i hate the dark nights and the cold but i still think autumn is going to be all sunny days and glowing firey colours .it never is is it!!

    charl
    x

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  34. It might be dark and wet in England but your are simply divine in that lovely green number I love those sleeves and print! That cape makes me want to cuddle with you!!!! I love it!

    It looks like an Indian summer here today it's almost 80 so I am sending sunshine and happiness your way! Rain rain go away!

    Love you VIX!!!

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  35. What a great discovery, it all looks lovely! Must be a day of finding things, I found some of the winemaking stuff, I had accused Joe if throwing it out! Oops! I hate being wrong :D

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  37. I love those colours on you Vix!! :)
    and I totally agree with you re autumn - i hate it. the rain, grey clouds... and it being gloomy & cold!!!!

    yet it's still 30 degrees (ish) in Spain... guess where I'd rather be....?!?!

    Jules x

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  38. Wonderful cape. It goes perfectly with the frock. Your hair looks fabulous too. I think we should swap weather. I am a fan of cold weather and I can't stand the heat. We're just going in to Spring and I'm not looking forward to it getting hotter at all.

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  39. You're so cool!!!!
    Greetings from Buenos Aires, Argentina
    XOXO
    Roxy.-
    http://www.indicaboutique.blogspot.com

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  40. I certainly do remember the near-riot you caused last year with that fecking adorable cape!!!!! I still laugh about it today - I only wish I had been there to witness it! Hidden treasure - yay!!! What an amazing surprise to find it and I do love your Cold Comfort Farm reference - this is so strange, I have been reliving the book and film in my head for about a week now and The Phoenix and The Stylist get strangely disturbed when I repeat "I saw something nasty in the woodshed when I was a little girl". Thank god I live in a mad house!!! That green is YOU!!!! Helga is a frickin' legend and I love your frock! xoxoxoxoxoxooxoxoxox

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  41. Gees! Will I ever stop having ring envy of you???

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  42. I'm frothing at the mouth at that cape. Wow and more wow!

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  43. Loving the cape ... how many do you have now!!! That green is so awesome .. rarely see that color in the stores!

    ♡ from © tanvii.com

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  44. I'm green with envy...okay not really..I love seeing you in those amazing outfits...totally brightens my day! I love mopey rainy weather...it was warm and sunny here today and got up to the 70's. I am against it...I want chilly weather! Hearts, Janna Lynn

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  45. Oh my gaaaaawd - that frock is incredible and you look HEAVENLY in it! And with the cape - it's FRICKIN DIVINE! Honestly, just when I think you can't get any more glamorous... the fabric, the sleeves, the bow, the colour...

    And your hair is quite spectacular too, amor.

    And what in earth was the postman's deal??? He knows which is your front door surely!

    Lovethefrock, Sarah xxx

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  46. it is absolutely beautiful spring weather where I am ... and that green is totally amazing on you. I LOVE the pussy bow and patterned shirt and the solid skirt.

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  47. What a nice surprise, (think Mona was hiding in there too) the outfit is another stunner! Beautiful colours. Thank you for your lovely comments btw xx

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  48. Rain pisses me off every autumn, but I just love the atmosphere and the nature :) Gives loads of inspiration!

    Your frock is fab fab fab! Bow looks great, and that cape, looks warm! :)

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  49. The purple and green go together so well! I just love it how you and Helga swap packages - very cute:D

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  50. Someone needs to inform that postman about the magic mailbox....stuck in the woodshed!! Well at least it was a fantastic surprise ....I think you look beautiful that dress fits you perfect and I love the huge blousey sleeves...So Yeah! for Wood Shed surprises...Well if fall is going to be blah at least your giving Mother Nature a run for her money with your fantastic Wardrobe. They cape it appears is going to come in handy for your weather. ~Enjoy your day ~Love Heather

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  51. What a marvellous thing to find in the shed! I usually just get cobwebs and spiders! :)
    Gorgeous cape, goes great with the Green.

    xx

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  52. Glad that your postman at least leaves parcels somewhere that you will get them (albeit eventually!)
    Mine had a tendency of leaving them propped up in the corridor against my door. More often than not if there is one still there when I get home, someone has opened it first. :(

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  53. Totally gorgeous!! Green and purple is amazing on you.xx.

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  54. P.S> forgot to mention the weather thing, how crap for you! See the post I just did and tell me if you're jealous :) We're warming up big time this week, it was 33 on Sunday (yes, our 2 weeks of spring is over) but no humidity yet thank gawd.

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  55. Sorry to hear the weather's not looking good for you at the moment :( And I think I romanticise autumn a little too much, haha, it does get grey in Milton Keynes too. Today it's been chilly but sunny, so not too bad. I love that green dress by the way, gorgeous and is your title from the amazing Divine Comedy song? xxx

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  56. Aaaahh, our post woman does that too - leads to the best surprises. LOVE this riot of colours on you! X

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Lots of love, Vix