I hate the winter. It's been vile here for days, cold, wet and endlessly grey.
I couldn't be bothered dodging the showers to walk into town for the weekly flea market and instead tidied an overstuffed drawer rediscovering some of my mourning jewellery.
I come from a long line of hoarders and have inherited the strangest things, this Victorian bog oak locket contains a tress of a long-dead relative's hair.
Freaky, huh?
I loved wearing Whitby jet as a teenager. These are just a few of the Victorian brooches in my collection.
Great-Great-Grandmother's (the former owner of my mourning jacket) mourning brooch featuring a daguerreotype of my Great-Great-Grandfather. Handsome chap, isn't he?
Instead of depressing myself further I dug out the brightest piece of fabric from my stash and made these flares, at least I looked bright and cheerful walking to the corner shop.
 |
| Crimplene flares (made by me with car booted fabric), 1970s tab collar blouse (the divine Desiree), Lime green vinyl shoulder bag (£2.95, Walsall Hospice), 1970s Madeira basket (£1.95, Acorns Hospice), Velvet platforms (£9, Office) |
There's wine in this bag. Hopefully a roaring log fire, booze and egg and chips will have me back to my usual self in no time.
Big love to my gorgeous and inspirational friend, Sacramento, who's having an operation tomorrow.
Big love to my gorgeous and inspirational friend, Sacramento, who's having an operation tomorrow.
Firstly... gorgeous trousers! Secondly... wow. Fancy having those amazing long gone relatives jewellery pieces... incredible!
ReplyDeleteIt's never grey when Vix is out and about. I'm really enjoying the bits and pieces from your family history. I wonder just how many clothes obsessed hoarders there were...
ReplyDeleteBeautiful jewellery, as always. I remember that lime fabric, didn't you make a dress from some too?
You and Krista really know how to replace the sun during the gloomier months!
You would brighten any rainy day in this outfit! You have brightened mine!!!!
ReplyDeleteThat seriously is creepy! Gorgeous trousers - what a lovely bright colour. How long does it take you to knock a pair of trousers up? I tried to buy some crushed velvet from the market this week after being inspired by you to try making my own leggings, only to find out it would cost me half what a shop bought pair would, didn't seem worthwhile given I'd probably not get them right!! I'll have to try the car boot for fabric in future :)
ReplyDeleteGorgeous green Vix, just the thing to brighten up this dull weather. Winter has definitely set in!
ReplyDeleteI love mourning jewellery, it's fascinating and wonderful that you have family pieces.
Egg n'chips...oh yes!
xxxxx
Such a gorgeous green, you are such a genius with the sewing machine!
ReplyDeleteThat jewellery is lovely and such an interesting history attached to each piece too x
Such fabulous flares! I love the colour you chose, such a delightful burst of colour, you really have a good way with fabric don't you.
ReplyDeleteHope you are feeling more uplifted now xxx
I love those trousers, Vix! I really need to get my red flares on tomorrow, you've inspired me!!
ReplyDeleteAnd I love egg and chips, too! I could do with those, and a ginger beer, tonight!
Jules
http://andsuddenlyisee.wordpress.com
http://wordshakermag.wordpress.com
Your mourning collection is fascinating - I suppose there are still similar trends, though not as ubiquitous as jet/hair etc was then - have you heard of the companies which turn your loved ones' ashes into 'diamonds'?
ReplyDeleteYour Great-great-Grandfather looks rather like Oscar Wilde, don't you think?
Loved seeing your Victorian treasures. The Victorians did the oddest things with hair! I am sure you brightened someones day today with those gorgeous bright colors. -T
ReplyDeleteThank you so much my dear Vix. The sight of you in green and colour bring joy to my heart.
ReplyDeleteI will let you know as soon as I can.
Love you.
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXx
Love your flares! I am so fed up of this grey weather. Hope you have a lovely evening xxx
ReplyDeleteBlimey I read this post with Axel crooning in me ear. Love November Rain and always think of the video that accompanies it. It is rather romantic/dramatic. I certainly used to think so as a late teen when that song was about.
ReplyDeleteI am loving your heirloom pieces. What gorgeous mourning jewlery you have. Although the dead relative hair is a little creepy its sort of what you would expect of the Victorian era. I have always been fancinated by that era myself, they certainly had some strange ideas but fantastic clothes and furnishings. I have always rather fancied myself residing in a victorian gothic pile.....
You certainly know how to brighten up those dark days. Those trousers are fab! Oooh egg n chips. I had the canivore version yesterday and added some ham! lol
Very yummy.
Hope you enjoy your lovely dinner and a drop of the 'ard stuff.
MBB x
I have a few pieces of mourning jewelry, and don't find it at all creepy. Love it!! Wish I had some from my own family.....Instead I walk around "mourning" total strangers.....
ReplyDeleteOM fecking G I adore Victorian jewellery.It's one thing I would LOVE to collect,had I the dosh! And you've inherited some amaaaazing pieces!EEEEEK! Beautiful AND meaningful!
ReplyDeleteAs soon as I saw the first pic I gasped in admiration!Those flares are fabulous,and the colour is simply SUBLIME!Love a good acidy apple green!You've done such a great job,they look fabulous,especially with that wonderful shirt and handbag!The baskety bag is lovely too,more so for knowing there's BOOZE inside!
Love you,my darling,and am so sorry that the skies are grey and nasty!Looks like it's fining up oover here,I've got a glass and some plain plates with your name on them!
Love Helga xxxXXXxxx
I love the Victorian era. I find their morbid obsession with death facinating! Love the brooches, and there is definitely a family resemblance between you and your great great grandfather!
ReplyDeleteYou are a sight for those gray skies, take that GLOOM! I love your hot new Vix trousers, you hit it outta the park with the lime green! The bolds prints on the top and bag, so delicious!!!!!! You are making me smile BIG right now!!
ReplyDeleteMourning jewelry, I have never seen such precious bits of someones past. Wow, that locket with a relatives hair in it is mind blowing. I would love to feel the energy of something like that. Trip out. Thanks for sharing.
Enjoy the wine and a RAGING ROARING FIRE!!!!!
Big love to Sacramento!
Tonsoflove~
Krista
Those jewels and those pants!!!! *sigh!*
ReplyDelete♡ from © tanvii.com
I LOVE your mourning pieces!!!
ReplyDeleteAnd great trousers!!!
xxx
Reva
I hate winter as well, but appreciate your efforts to make the most of it! Very inspired by those trousers you crafted. What great pieces you inherited! I'm not freaked out by the dead, they used to be living.
ReplyDeleteFabulous trousers, you are on a sewing roll!!
ReplyDeleteYou have a collection of Whitby jet I am soooo jealous. Whitby is not far from my childhood home, and one of my most favourite places on earth. I used to wander up and down those cobbled lanes looking at the shops with Whitby Jet in thinking one day, one day! I still don't own any, I really must rectify that. My Uncle Harold who died this year at the grand old age of 94 used to go to Whitby scouting for jet in his youth, in fact we got to read some of his diary at his wake where he was talking about just this thing!
Loving the inherited pieces....I really wish my family hoarded gems of these kind, after the passing of my grandparents when clearing out the house we found that the only real hoarding came in the form of bags and bags of wine gums!!
ReplyDeleteWhat a fab picture of your great-great grandfather - I really think he has a look of James McAvoy when he plays Robbie in Atonement.....does anyone else see it??
xx
Talented woman - these (and their sisters in red) are truly fabulous.
ReplyDeleteI love all that mourning jewellery. I know it's a little morbid, but quite fascinating too. Your great great grandfather was a terribly handsome chap. You come from a long line of stylish people I think. xx
ReplyDeleteJeeeeeez - you are amazing - anyone else fed up with grotty weather would probably curl up under a throw, with an unseemly amount of chocolate. You - you whizz up the most brilliant trousers, that Yootha herself would be proud of, and sail forth, brimming with bling and returning with wine! I am constantly impressed!!!
ReplyDeleteHow wonderful that so many lovely things have been kept in your family over so many generations - and that you are able to show them to us. x
I've seen mourning memorabilia that takes it even further and has a photo of the person, dead, propped up! :/ Fascinating idea, but a lock of hair is far nicer and less spooky!
ReplyDeleteWonderful outfit =)
ReplyDeleteThat's some extremely personal jewellery you have there! The ancient lock of how- how weird but of course beautiful! How amazing to have direct relics =)
My grandmother is a major hoarder- good to hear you sorting through your drawers, helping my Granny clear her things has become a little bit of a thorn in my side but I love her none the less <3
haha 'lock of how', I meant hair.
ReplyDeleteBright winter clothes are THE BEST.
ReplyDeleteYou look lovely :) xx
ReplyDeleteLoving the green - definitely brightening up a miserable day! xo
ReplyDeleteEeek, in weather like that I think I'd have to dress bright and cheery too. You certainly have some amazing jewellery, I hope you always keep it.xx.
ReplyDeleteLove your family jewels, its amazing. You are rocking those flares, just whats needed on a grey november day. Scarlett x
ReplyDeleteCome over here VV you may melt some days but it beats trying to stay warm.How lucky are you with all that family stuff.I am so glad you love it so much too I hate seeing people throwing heirlooms away.YOur looking gorgeius as usual.
ReplyDeleteI always have a Vix read at breaky even tho I dont always comment xxx
Oh my those pants are soooo me! I adore green (or snotty green as it is known in our house) and receive something in that colour every Christmas with out fail.
ReplyDeleteIf only I was that tiny I would wrestle them off you.
Hope you enjoyed your wine and egg and chips.
X x
I love Victorian mourning everything - all that misery somehow transformed into such lovely things, lucky you inheriting such treasures! I so hear you about the weather - I'm totally with you about fleeing here for warmer climes like your beloved Goa in the winter. Its the only way to cope! I love your apple green flares - just the thing to brighten up a miserable cold rainy day.
ReplyDeleteHow lovely to own some gorgeous jewellery with a personal history. I love Whitby jet too. Have you read that AS Byatt novel about Victorian poets getting it on in Whitby? Can't remember now what it's called - Possession? I've been to the pub, can't remember anything!
ReplyDeleteAnyway - lime green handmade flares? Yes please! You look gorgeous, definitely brightening up the Walsall gloom. LOVE the blouse from Desiree, and the basket. Hope you enjoyed your evening. xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Oh how weird!! I wonder how old that hair is and who it belongs to! I bet there is a pretty cool story behind it. :)
ReplyDeleteI envy your family heirlooms. You're a lucky woman, Vix.
You make the sun shine in that wonderful outfit. Love seeing the family hand me downs. My grandfather was a 'junk man' after losing all his $ in the Depression and my Mom's sister was an antique dealer - both my folks liked to junk and save, though not hoarders - do you think it's genetic?
ReplyDeleteOMG - another fabulous handmade item - you are on such a roll and you are so talented! As always, you look AMAZING and would cheer me up on a cold grey day. That shirt is fantastic and I ADORE that bag.
ReplyDeleteLove! Sarah xxx
That green would cheer anybody up on a miserable grey day! Your lucky your family kept those wacky pieces they're so interesting.
ReplyDeletexx
Ugh I am just so loving this pant pattern!! That is a great pattern. I do the same thing when I find a pattern that fits like that I make a few from it. I will have to go back and write down that pattern number I really would love to make those. Or maybe I could find something similar. I am still waiting to see if my patterns arrive in the mail :) ~Oh the winter season and rain...I do remember this well it can be bleak but I would always do exactly the same thing just wear the brightest clothing you can find!! Color is such a wonderful thing isn't it. I am so glad our lives are not black and white ~ Enjoy your wine and toasty fire :) Love Heather
ReplyDeleteYou own some amazing pieces of jewelry!
ReplyDeleteI adore this colorful outfit on you; it probably made the sun come out a little stronger just to compete with your brightness.
You look like walking sunshine :) Totally rockin those pants baby. Beautiful jewelry, lovely bag!
ReplyDeleteKarlene
really a lovely outfit, my dear! your self-made flares suit you soooo well. Love to wear the brightest colours in grey-ish cold winter, too :D My bright yellow coat is my best friend in winter :)
ReplyDeleteSuper flares Vix, they really brighten up a miserable day.
ReplyDeletexxx
What fantastic treasures! I bet not many people can say they own pieces like that. Loving your super bright look - perfect for cheering up the dreary day! :)
ReplyDeleteThe weather truly has been dreadful and I’m finding it quite impossible to not get sucked into the dark alleys of winter depression… You’re such a colourful ray of sunshine, Vix! (got your flights to Goa booked already?)
ReplyDeleteX
Vix, I can always rely on you to brighten up a dull day with your colourful outfits. It's been just as grey here - Bristol needs you to bring a splash of colour! The mourning jewellery is great - so lovely to have these mementos of relatives. I used to work with someone who did her PhD on Victorian mourning customs, I'm sure she would know loads about the jewelllery.
ReplyDeletewow! love the colors!
ReplyDeleteStunning hue those pants are, The green colour makes me smile and are absolutely a great colour for cold or a showers climate.
ReplyDeleteWow, the Victorian locket is very interesting, a bit creepy... no even more fascinating... I love those brooches as well.
Love the trews! Glorious colour and what a fab look all round. The hoarding is amazing xx
ReplyDeleteI really enjoyed sharing your mourning jewellery Vix. You look so sun-shiney in your flares. Egg and chips... Yum. Steve and I love a good plate of homemade egg and chips with a big dollop of peas. Em x
ReplyDeleteYou always brighten up my days amor!
ReplyDeletestunning lime green pants and blouse.
that bag is the best especially when you carrying wine around.
your victorian family jewels are just gorgeous. You have your cheeky evil stare from great grandad, he does look like Oscar Wilde.
I used to keep family members hair strands with amesthy quartz when they were sick.
besotes
OMG I just find your blog, your're amazing! That style is awesome! LOVE!
ReplyDeleteHi Vix, you are wearing my favorite green! it is grey here as well and rain, rain, rain.
ReplyDeleteI love your Victorian collection, i have some pieces that belonged to my grand-father.
looking great Vix!
Love you Ariane xxxx
i am in love. your blog and style is AMAZING. hands down out of this world. so glad i found a new source of inspiration, you rock.
ReplyDeleteBeneath the Glass
Oh Vix im loving those green trousers there gorgeous and really do brighten up the day it really is depressing. They fit you like a glove your sewing skills are amazing just look at those darts in the front ;-) Is that red hair in the locket? or are my eyes just tired. What a lovely thing to have items from your past family your grans mourning brooch is a lovely piece of history. I hope you have warmed up and enjoy your egg and chips ;-)) dee xxx
ReplyDeleteplease adopt me
ReplyDeleteSunnie
(.=
Dammit if green crimpline flares didn't cheer up anyone else you bumped into while nipping out for supplies, they're sure to have rocks in their heads. You look completely and utterly glorious and perfect with the shirt and ooooh ... you're almost double-bagging it there hon! What glorious treasures you've inherited, thank you so, so much for sharing them, you've made my day:)))). xoxoxoxoxoxo
ReplyDeleteI've always been fascinated by mourning attire, especially the jewellery and you have some wonderful pieces! I have seen plenty on eBay but they go for quite a bit! I came across a mourning fan at the boot sale last Sunday but the seller wanted £15 for it! It was beautiful but more than I was willing to spend!
ReplyDeleteThose flares are so crazy and bright! You could make something out of nothing if you were given a needle and thread. I just love the way you can make your own clothes whenever you feel like it! I wish I had the skill.
I hope the weathers brightens up for you this weekend! xxx
Very lovely flares indeed! It's great to have kept the mourning jewellery in the family. It just seems right and is so important to retain that link to the past.
ReplyDeleteYou look magnifique as always
xxxxx
What a striking pair of green pants. It´s definitely a head tuner. How cool that you can pul-off really vibrant colors. :)
ReplyDeleteOh I hate myself I haven't commented your last posts, I saw rings !!- in post before this one - wow they are so beautifull ! one dress before is sooo cool ! and these brooches WOW !! how you find those things ??
ReplyDeleteI really love your freedom in dressing and your whole blog !
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They remind me of the 70's my sister and my mum had some bell bottoms in bright colours xx
ReplyDeleteGorgeous! I hate wet weather too, I don't mind the cold but the rain... Hope the egg and chips made the day better and I love your family heirlooms. xx
ReplyDeleteVix I love your style and your blog and would love for you to take a look at my jewelry collection at Etsy: http://nutcasefashion.etsy.com
ReplyDeleteWould be honored to send you your pick and be featured on your blog. Get in touch xxx
You made them?! They look super. Such a talented bunny!
ReplyDeletexx