Thursday 27 October 2011

Work It, Girlfriend - Fashion Fix vs Vintage Vix & Pearls Of Wisdom


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

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.


My outfit - 1960s leather trench coat (£32.17)  Tods' python boots (£7)  1960s leather driving gloves (50p)  Vintage clip earrings (20p)

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.

71 comments:

  1. I love your blog, it's really amazing! Great outfits!


    http://pippyohara.blogspot.com/

    ReplyDelete
  2. This comment has been removed by the author.

    ReplyDelete
  3. Damn it Blogger just wiped my first comment! Yep subtitles for sure with my Mancunian tones. I think we totally trumped Gok Vix !!

    ReplyDelete
  4. Jeez his shit really is tragic, isn't it?! I bloody wouldn't wear it either. Love your green leather coat.xx.

    ReplyDelete
  5. HA, I love that post! You sure are giving Gok a run for his money!!!

    Jules

    ReplyDelete
  6. Wow, you look amazeballs! Didn't know you were on Twitter, what's your name on it?

    I 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!!!

    ReplyDelete
  7. 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.
    These 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.

    ReplyDelete
  8. Girlfriend you have totally owned Gok!! ;)
    I 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

    ReplyDelete
  9. 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.
    I like your choices much better and that green coat is matchless.
    xxxxx

    ReplyDelete
  10. Fabulous! Yours are heaps better! Gok's versions are a bit ridiculous really, they're so ordinary. off to check out Pearl's now!

    ReplyDelete
  11. You should TOTALLY have your own show - I would be your translator!

    Your 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

    ReplyDelete
  12. 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.
    I 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

    ReplyDelete
  13. Bonjour Vix! ouh! i love the green leather coat and you look great with your hair up!

    Went 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

    ReplyDelete
  14. Gok's been Vix'd! I far prefer your styling Vix and that green coat is fabulous..I love the matching eyeshadow too.
    xxx

    ReplyDelete
  15. 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

    ReplyDelete
  16. Ok 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! :)

    ReplyDelete
  17. What 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!!!!!
    XOXOX~
    Krista

    ReplyDelete
  18. 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!

    ReplyDelete
  19. You can totally rock leather.....loving the long printed maxi skirt too....looking finer than wine sweets!!!

    Enter my Shabby Apple FAB Frock Giveaway!!

    ReplyDelete
  20. 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!.

    ReplyDelete
  21. hey 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:(
    love and kiss,mary

    ReplyDelete
  22. FANTASTIC! Vix n Pearl 10 - 0 Gok

    ReplyDelete
  23. Love this post Vix, off to look at Pearls now. xxx

    ReplyDelete
  24. Goodness, 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!
    XXX
    Suzanne

    ReplyDelete
  25. 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!

    I 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

    ReplyDelete
  26. Your win hands down Vix! It is crazy some of the tat that is around.

    For fear of sounding like my granny, they don't make things like they used to!..

    X x

    ReplyDelete
  27. Brilliant!! You've nailed it girlfriend!!

    ReplyDelete
  28. Great inspiration and a fab sales pitch to go vintage :)

    ReplyDelete
  29. Well, it's no competition, you and Pearl have won with a complete walkover - or even a fabulous STRUT!
    Your 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!!!

    ReplyDelete
  30. You win hands down! I especially love the green leather and the blue maxi outfit. -T

    ReplyDelete
  31. Do 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

    ReplyDelete
  32. Gok 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

    ReplyDelete
  33. That 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!
    Karlene

    ReplyDelete
  34. 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

    ReplyDelete
  35. I can understand 'yow' jus' fine! Stunning as ever and I'd pay my TV licence on time if you were on the telly xxxxxxxx

    ReplyDelete
  36. Wow 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!

    ReplyDelete
  37. You're looking waaaaaay classier in all your outfits than anything Gok could come up with. I am particularly loving the green leather coat - fabulous.

    ReplyDelete
  38. lady, 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!!
    And 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

    ReplyDelete
  39. HOW MUCH DO I LOVE YOU?!
    Only 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

    ReplyDelete
  40. That leather coat is ah-maiz-zing. Want, want, want!

    ReplyDelete
  41. *Pahhhh* Your outfits win by far!
    *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

    ReplyDelete
  42. And you got change - and lots of it - from each £50 budget!

    The 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

    ReplyDelete
  43. This is a fabulous post Vix and it'll come as no surprise that your outfits beat the fashion ones hands down!!!

    ReplyDelete
  44. Ummm yeah, definitely prefer your versions to the original source. ;)

    I love that green leather coat!!

    ReplyDelete
  45. 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

    ReplyDelete
  46. Vix, 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

    ReplyDelete
  47. You'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!

    ReplyDelete
  48. I'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.
    Time for the Vix n' Pearl show to be commissioned to inject some REAL style into the TV schedules.

    ReplyDelete
  49. Vixcita,
    You 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

    ReplyDelete
  50. I really enjoyed this post, because although I don't usually watch that programme, I did happen to see this particular episode!

    I 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

    ReplyDelete
  51. 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.

    xoxo.

    ReplyDelete
  52. 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

    ReplyDelete
  53. Absolutely loving your green leather coat, gorgeous!

    ReplyDelete
  54. That green leather coat is AMAZING! I have to add you to Pinterest!

    ReplyDelete
  55. I 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.
    Every 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

    ReplyDelete
  56. Beautiful entry, you have a beautiful space.
    Very beautiful images,
    if you like the poetry I invite you to my blog poetic breeze.
    you have a happy weekend.
    a hug.

    ReplyDelete
  57. 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

    ReplyDelete
  58. I am in love with that green leather coat! Wow that is so gorgeous. Suits you so well too.

    Love 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

    ReplyDelete
  59. 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!

    I'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

    ReplyDelete
  60. 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

    ReplyDelete
  61. What a fantastic little fashion show - this was absolutely amazing, Vix! x

    ReplyDelete
  62. Fab outfits you can give Gok a run for his money.

    xx

    ReplyDelete
  63. 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

    ReplyDelete
  64. I would love to know if he has picked up on this? This is BRILLIANT!

    ReplyDelete
  65. This 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

    ReplyDelete
  66. I 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!

    ReplyDelete
  67. I REALLY love your 60's Mayfair dress. And the earrings you are wearing with it are simply mind blowing :)

    ♡ from © tanvii.com

    ReplyDelete
  68. Your creations are much better than those others.You look sexy sexy.love the green leather and the black dress id super glam.xx

    ReplyDelete
  69. Can 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.

    ReplyDelete
  70. ooh i like all yours much more! The originals are so boring.

    ReplyDelete

Thanks for reading and for leaving a message. Please don't be anonymous, I'd love it if you left a name (or a nom de plume).

Lots of love, Vix