The fabulous Pearl and I share a mutual loathing of poor quality clothing of questionable origin and during Tuesday evening's Gok's Clothes Roadshow we indulged in some frenzied Twittering, shuddering at puckered seams, ultra-sheer synthetics and shoes so cheap they were almost disposable. Instead of running down to the nearest supermarket and snapping up some fast fashion we decided to create our own version of this season's key trends using clothes we already own. Queen of designer chic, Pearl, had an imaginary outfit budget of £250 and me, the goddess of cheap, had £50.
Whilst I'm not a follower of fashion I'm always up for a challenge and after all, most trends are simply a rehash of fashions from decades gone by.
Trend 1 - Winter Brights
Gok's Outfit: Blouse (£27.99), Skirt (£29.99), Shoes (£59.99), Necklace (£16.50), Belt (£19.50)
Total Cost: £153.97
My verdict? They're not the biggest but even I would have trouble keeping my bangers covered in this.
My outfit: Kimono dress hand-made by me from a 1950s embossed satin curtain (10p), Ribbed tights (5p), Suede ankle boots (£10), Belt (20p), Bangles (all gifts), 1960s leopard scarf (50p)
Total Cost: £10.85
Whilst I'm not a follower of fashion I'm always up for a challenge and after all, most trends are simply a rehash of fashions from decades gone by.
Trend 1 - Winter Brights
Total Cost: £153.97
My verdict? They're not the biggest but even I would have trouble keeping my bangers covered in this.
Total Cost: £10.85
Trend 2 - Leather
Gok's Outfit: Skirt (£24.99) Top (£30) Bangle (£14) Shoes (£79.95)
Total cost: £148.94
My verdict? Work it girlfriend? More like working girl.
Total £39.90
Trend 3 - Red Carpet Glamour
Gok's Outfit: Dress (£17) Belt (£25) Cuffs (£7 each) Necklace (£30) Shoes (£24.99)
Total cost: £110.99
My verdict? I can only imagine the horror of bumping into at least ten other women at a posh do wearing the same, mass-produced frock.
My outfit: 1960s Young Mayfair dress and 1920s Ostrich stole (Inherited), Earrings (£1.99), Velvet gloves (10p), Opera glasses (£2) 1950s Dorset-Rex brass and pearl cage handbag with lucite handle (£1)
Total Cost: £10.09
Trend 4 - Pleats
Gok's Outfit: Blouse (£19.99) Skirt (£14.99) Shoes (£24.99) Bag (£15.99) Sunglasses (£3) Belt (£5.99) Sock in hair (£2) Tights (£2)
Total - £88.95
My verdict? The quality of this blouse was shocking and peach polyester just doesn't float my boat.
My outfit - 1970's maxi dress (£5) Vintage scarab pendant (£1.50) 1960s vinyl clutch (£5.99) Velvet platforms (£9) Vintage clip earrings (the fabulous Desiree) Sock in hair (Free)
Total - £21.49
Check out Pearl's post here.
Me? Host a TV Show? You'd need subtitles to understand my Black Country accent.
I love your blog, it's really amazing! Great outfits!
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ReplyDeleteDamn it Blogger just wiped my first comment! Yep subtitles for sure with my Mancunian tones. I think we totally trumped Gok Vix !!
ReplyDeleteJeez his shit really is tragic, isn't it?! I bloody wouldn't wear it either. Love your green leather coat.xx.
ReplyDeleteHA, I love that post! You sure are giving Gok a run for his money!!!
ReplyDeleteJules
Wow, you look amazeballs! Didn't know you were on Twitter, what's your name on it?
ReplyDeleteI haven't watched this series but I have read the horror tweets. Time for him to move on I think.
Completely agree re questionable origins - bad bad bad!!!
Vix, as you know, I'm a big fan of clothes. I'm no fan of Gok's, never have been, for me, he has exploited women for his own gain.
ReplyDeleteThese looks he created scream 'cheap' to me. Where is the detail, the quirk, the craftsmanship? That 'red carpet' matchy-matchy ensemble is the worst.
You and Pearl have proved today that you can't fake it. Clothes have to be more important than massaging egos. It's a way of life, and you both look absolutely stunning and memorable. The highly forgettable looks Gok threw together are an embarrassment.
Girlfriend you have totally owned Gok!! ;)
ReplyDeleteI hate the way he buys a cheap top, then adds about £30 worth of buttons, lace, thread, leather. I'm all for DIY but that is too much.
xx
BANGING! I stopped watching the Gok a while back show mainly because of the nasty quality of the shmutter he was choosing,and it's general lack of relevance when it comes to my own wardrobe.
ReplyDeleteI like your choices much better and that green coat is matchless.
xxxxx
Fabulous! Yours are heaps better! Gok's versions are a bit ridiculous really, they're so ordinary. off to check out Pearl's now!
ReplyDeleteYou should TOTALLY have your own show - I would be your translator!
ReplyDeleteYour outfits are spectacular - the leather trench and gloves are STUNNING and the pleated maxi is FABULOUS and I ADORE your fab orange handmade dress.
Gok Who? It's ALL about Vix!
Love, Sarah xxx
I used to have a green leather jacket back in the early 2000s wish I still had it better still I wish it had been as nice as yours.
ReplyDeleteI will pay you to help me style up.
Did you hear I am going to the vintage fair and I left al my special outfits at home?How sad is that.Gunna wear that black one I wore the other day that The Captain liked what ya think?What I wish I had brought is that yellow floral I wore a couple weeks back argghh
xxx
Bonjour Vix! ouh! i love the green leather coat and you look great with your hair up!
ReplyDeleteWent to yesterday my 2 favorite thrift shops in the neighborhood - they are always closed when i get back from work and not open on the weekend, this is the good side of the tendinitis- i plan to go back often for the next month!
you are the best Vix - love you
Ariane xxxx
Gok's been Vix'd! I far prefer your styling Vix and that green coat is fabulous..I love the matching eyeshadow too.
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You look fantastic as ever - particularly love the pleated make dress, it's absolutely gorgeous. I'm so envious of all the car boots & jumbles you manage to get to!x
ReplyDeleteOk I really wanna hear you accent now! Excellent styling tho, way better than that pain in the backside Gok, and no yucky shiny fabrics either, loving it! :)
ReplyDeleteWhat a killer post Vix, I'm off to check out Pearls after. I too am not impressed with any of his looks, they are kinda boring and completely blah! You on the other hand always have such panache with putting your looks together. I love that orange dress and the belt is so funky! You have the prettiest eyes my dear! That green leather trench and python boots make me drool with envy, you look incredibly chic, and again those beautiful eyes! I think you have blown all of his looks outta the park with yours and BTW I LOVE EVERYTHING ABOUT YOUR BLACK COUNTRY ACCENT but I ESPECIALLY LOVE YOU!!!!!
ReplyDeleteXOXOX~
Krista
Your look is far better than any of his outfits! i have complete envy of all your wardrobe Vix. Round this neck of the woods the pickings arent so good, more's a pity! But i love looking to you for complete inspiration far more than looking to Gok!
ReplyDeleteYou can totally rock leather.....loving the long printed maxi skirt too....looking finer than wine sweets!!!
ReplyDeleteEnter my Shabby Apple FAB Frock Giveaway!!
Poor Gok, I am starting to feel a bit sorry for him. The clothes he chooses may be fine for walking up and down a catwalk once but they wouldn't really hack it in real life adn it seems quite irresponsible for him to encourage people to go these clothes. I love your budget versions!.
ReplyDeletehey you totally rock this competition and kicked gok´s ass haha really between your outfits and goks there are worlds, you look way better, individual and your styles have personality!! this green coat is to die for and also the mayfair dress!!! oh it must be so amazing to see talithas hangout with your own eyes, i really have to go to morocco, always wanted while i lived in spain but never found the time and now i regret it so hard:(
ReplyDeletelove and kiss,mary
FANTASTIC! Vix n Pearl 10 - 0 Gok
ReplyDeleteLove this post Vix, off to look at Pearls now. xxx
ReplyDeleteGoodness, I'd never seen this Gok guy so had no idea what was going on. What trashy outfits, and such horrid quality. Younlook like a million in comparison! Oh and if I ever find myself in the Black Country I'm stealing your green trench! I'm positively drooling over it!
ReplyDeleteXXX
Suzanne
I think you would make a fabulous fashionista on TV, showing how to 'work' vintage like a pro! Even with a wonderful Black Country accent - I'd love to hear it, like we get to in those films of Helga's!
ReplyDeleteI am anxious to see how the 'sock in hair' works? I didn't watch Gok, so I'm really not sure...
As for my wee ratties, consider them well cuddled - The same goes for me and your fab pussers! Fhi x
Your win hands down Vix! It is crazy some of the tat that is around.
ReplyDeleteFor fear of sounding like my granny, they don't make things like they used to!..
X x
Brilliant!! You've nailed it girlfriend!!
ReplyDeleteGreat inspiration and a fab sales pitch to go vintage :)
ReplyDeleteWell, it's no competition, you and Pearl have won with a complete walkover - or even a fabulous STRUT!
ReplyDeleteYour looks are wonderful, ethical, cheap and green - and I don't just mean that amazing coat!
All the looks are fantastic, full of style, originality and personality.
Move over Gok, there's a new Style Queen in town!!
PS. I can't believe you found that gorgeous little Dorset-Rex bag for a quid!!!
You win hands down! I especially love the green leather and the blue maxi outfit. -T
ReplyDeleteDo you know what i never watch Gok as the whole programme and his outfits wind me right up. I to agree who wants to be wearing the same clothes as some one else to a party that is why i always wear vintage in the evening. This has been a fab post you really should have your own design show you would be amazing well you are already but you know what i mean ;-) Number 2 the green leather coat OMG its gorgeous soooo wish i could find a green one. I have a lovely 70's red full leather and i did have a blue but i hitched the shoulder out and i just gave it away. And number 3 that is just up my sreet so to speak love it love it ;-)) Well done you another fab post ;-)) dee xxx
ReplyDeleteGok should know he's licked! Loved Pearl's outfits and I love yours - so much more creative and inspiring. That green leather coat is absolutely amazing. I think it was probably originally owned by a very sexy East German spy who was turned by Smiley in the 70s! xxx
ReplyDeleteThat green jacket is just crazy sexy! You look beautiful as usually. I love the classy black outfit with those earrings, It's like Vix meets Audrey Hepburn :) Work it girl!
ReplyDeleteKarlene
My favourites are the pleated skirt and the evening dress - gorgeous! I think you could host a TV show, and the West Midlands accent needs more airing in public. I can't even think of anyone other than Cat Deeley with a vaguely WM accent, and she's losing hers! Excellent post, love it. Emma x
ReplyDeleteI can understand 'yow' jus' fine! Stunning as ever and I'd pay my TV licence on time if you were on the telly xxxxxxxx
ReplyDeleteWow your outfits are so much better - that green leather coat is gorgeous - Gok seems to think putting a cheap belt on everything makes it look good but it just looks shit. He'd better watch out!
ReplyDeleteYou're looking waaaaaay classier in all your outfits than anything Gok could come up with. I am particularly loving the green leather coat - fabulous.
ReplyDeletelady, love your style!, and love how you've put together so fabulous ensembles!!, I'm loving so much that green trench with the python boots and delightful gloves!, you're a dream!!
ReplyDeleteAnd also loving specially your last outfit, pretty elegant!, it fits you so nicely!
(And I remember what my dear grandma used to say: 'poor people can't afford bad quality shoes'!)
besos
HOW MUCH DO I LOVE YOU?!
ReplyDeleteOnly about as much as I admire and am inspired by you,which is FRIGGING MEGA PROPORTIONS!!!
Socking it to them,baby!Feck I love that leather coat and the pleated maxi-heavenly!Not to mention all your wonderful accessories!COVET!
So neat that you and Pearl were going hard at it,I'm gonna go perve at her splendidness right now!!
LOVE YOU!
HelgaxxxXXXxxx
That leather coat is ah-maiz-zing. Want, want, want!
ReplyDelete*Pahhhh* Your outfits win by far!
ReplyDelete*Seriously* You look gorgeous in all of these outfits also.
I wanna do the same outfit sort of thing with outfits from magazines.
I know us bloggie people can do way better than these (Get this look for $250.00) "No thank you.. $6.50 sounds much better to me!"
hhahaha
And you got change - and lots of it - from each £50 budget!
ReplyDeleteThe green everything is fabulous - coat, gloves, eyes, boots...
And how oooh la la do you look in the black frock outfit!
Wasn't Gok's apricot skirt hideous: what was he thinking??? x
This is a fabulous post Vix and it'll come as no surprise that your outfits beat the fashion ones hands down!!!
ReplyDeleteUmmm yeah, definitely prefer your versions to the original source. ;)
ReplyDeleteI love that green leather coat!!
I love all your outfits Vix! All Gok's offerings look very flammable and cheap and I can't even see them close up! Yours as ever look incredible, unique and are cheap without ever looking it!! Love it xxxxxxxxxxx
ReplyDeleteVix, this is a brilliant post, oh my so much to comment on but im so stuck on the green leather trenchcoat - that is A-MAZING!! More of these gok-butt-whooping posts please :o) Scarlett x
ReplyDeleteYou're hilarious and a genius! - I LOVED all your looks! Especially the black evening gown, long gloves and ostrich feather ensemble - so Audrey Hepburn! And that green leather trenchcoat - swoon!
ReplyDeleteI've already told Pearl how brilliant this Gok-challenging blogger twosome is - utterly brilliant. Your styled 'looks' are, as always, fabulous in a completely genuine way. The green leather coat and boots is my (gasp-worthy) favorite.
ReplyDeleteTime for the Vix n' Pearl show to be commissioned to inject some REAL style into the TV schedules.
Vixcita,
ReplyDeleteYou totally kicked Gok's ass!
I much prefer your gorgeous creative outfits, then Gok's boring ones. love your green leather coat with prosti green eyeshadow. love you in lots of slap.I adorar the black frock outfit too, you look like an improved Audrey Hepburn ,especially eyeing your lucite bag. I would totally watch your show.
besotes
I really enjoyed this post, because although I don't usually watch that programme, I did happen to see this particular episode!
ReplyDeleteI love how you always embrace any challenges set to you :)
Thank you for the comment on my post - the kittens are such cuties!
www.heart-shaped-bruise.blogspot.com
yes! i love this post, gok's show is really ridiculous & your outfits are miles better! i'd choose 10p velvet gloves over high street buys any day.
ReplyDeletexoxo.
That £10 black tie outfit is amazing! Even with all your accessories too! I really don't like the whole 'fast fashion' thing too....it just screams landfill to me....shudder
ReplyDeleteAbsolutely loving your green leather coat, gorgeous!
ReplyDeleteWonderful! Gok needs you!!!
ReplyDeleteThat green leather coat is AMAZING! I have to add you to Pinterest!
ReplyDeleteI DESPISE disposable fashion! I have no idea what Goks is, but that clothing is horrid! And we have way too much of the same here in the states, also.
ReplyDeleteEvery outfit you put together is stunning! I have a feeling that your closet would put mine to shame. :-)
That green leather trench is to die for! I am going on the hunt for one of my own. And the Tods boots are the perfect compliment. Flawless!
xo, Anita
Beautiful entry, you have a beautiful space.
ReplyDeleteVery beautiful images,
if you like the poetry I invite you to my blog poetic breeze.
you have a happy weekend.
a hug.
You are living proof that vintage and a creative spirit are the markers of utter fabulousness. Gok's looks are ostensibly cheap on the pocket..... but also ON THE EYE! You look amazing, different and so very interesting xxxxxx
ReplyDeleteI am in love with that green leather coat! Wow that is so gorgeous. Suits you so well too.
ReplyDeleteLove the Black dress look too. Almost a bit Breakfast at Tiffany's but a bit rocked up! lol.
I think you most definately give old Gok a good run for his money. With change a jangling in one of your gorgeous vintage purses too......
MBB x
Hi Vix - this is the first time I've commented but I followed a link over from Louise (Princess Prudence) and I love your blog!
ReplyDeleteI'm so with you on this post. I'm a bit torn about Gok - I admire his attitude and his ability to empathise with the women he features on his show. I think he's a nice man, I do. BUT - I don't like his focus on disposable fashion. I love clothes and, like you, I buy lots (mostly from ebay) and it really pays to be discerning about quality of construction - it shows! If you have a well constructed garment you'll always wear it and it will always look good, regardless of what's currently in fashion. I don't think that buying cheap, mass-produced clothes is the way to make ANYONE feel good. Don't get me wrong - I'm not above buying the odd cardigan in H&M and I have two dresses from Tesco that are lovely quality and beautifully made and which I wear often - BUT, this show is valuing...well, I was going to say style over substance but it's not even that, is it? I don't know what it's trying to achieve, and I think it's a sad waste of Gok's obvious talent and enthusiasm.
Okay /end rant!
xx
Hi my dear-It goes without saying you and Pearl positively trampled Gok-you look great and my favourite outfits here have to be the maxi dress and green leather coat, well done and Gok should take note!! xxx
ReplyDeleteWhat a fantastic little fashion show - this was absolutely amazing, Vix! x
ReplyDeleteFab outfits you can give Gok a run for his money.
ReplyDeletexx
wow & wow.... so love this post.....you blow that Gok dude right out of the water! I love that stole & your glamour comment of horror made me lol....it is so true! Driving gloves are so fab too. off to visit Pearl
ReplyDeleteI would love to know if he has picked up on this? This is BRILLIANT!
ReplyDeleteThis is so much fun Vix! You went to a lot of trouble & the results are simply delish - I'm feasting on every single detail. Unlike Gok's cardboard cut-out outfits which hold zero appeal. Honestly, I don't want to be mean, but his outfits are just so incredibly boring to me! Oh rummy I would love to bump into Your Gorgeousnesses frocked up in your black evening outfit - feck me the details - arrrrrrrgggggghhhh! Please do us a vid so I can hear your lovely voice, The Phoenix does a wonderful BC accent for me if I ask him nicely and I love it!! xoxoxoxoxoxo
ReplyDeleteI love your leather and pleated looks. I agree - there's no attraction to me in buying cheap high street fashion in order to look, well, like everyone else!
ReplyDeleteI REALLY love your 60's Mayfair dress. And the earrings you are wearing with it are simply mind blowing :)
ReplyDelete♡ from © tanvii.com
Your creations are much better than those others.You look sexy sexy.love the green leather and the black dress id super glam.xx
ReplyDeleteCan we tweet Gok? He needs to know what he's up against! I am woefully behind on everything following my birthday/Halloween party planning but will go and check out Pearl's versions now.
ReplyDeleteooh i like all yours much more! The originals are so boring.
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