Thursday 22 March 2012

His 'n' Hers


Some people say I'm lucky that Jon loves charity shops, car boots and jumble sales as much as I do. Call me picky but I'd rather be single than live my life with a man who didn't share my passions. After 20 years together (it's the anniversary of our first date on 1st April) we love a day out charity shopping as much now as we did back in 1992.


I've finally got him to show off his 1960s Jackson The Tailor frock coat which cost £5 from the Compton Hospice charity shop last month. He's wearing it with a pair of jumble sale boot cut jeans he reworked into skinnies (as he's pretty nifty with a sewing machine), a Raf Simons tee shirt (75p, Age UK) and a 1950s paisley print silk cravat by Duggie (bought for pennies at a jumble sale)


Jon's vintage bag is actually an old microphone case (40p, jumble sale)


 ...and the Converse boots were £2 from the Acorns Hospice charity shop.


Total cost of Jon's outfit: £8.85
(Cost to me for making him appear on my blog: A curry from our favourite Indian restaurant.)


I'm wearing peasant dress by 1970s British boutique label, Mister Ant, bought from the Salvation Army for £1.20 and my trusty Madeira embroidered souvenir bag (£1.95 from Acorns Hospice).


Some original Ravel of Bond Street silver leather platforms (£4.50, Cancer Research) and a pair of 10p navy opaques tights from a jumble sale.


My tribal jewellery was bought at source in India (apart from the Lapis Lazuli ring which was a present from my Dad when I was 11 and the huge cuff I had for Xmas). The ring and anklets (worn as bangles today) are made by the Lamani tribe of Karnataka from obsolete coins.


My pendant was made by renowned Birmingham silversmiths, Arthur & John Zimmerman in 1902. It was once a button on my Great Grandmother's favourite jacket but my Grandpa had mounted and put on a chain for my Grandma.


Total cost of my outfit: £7.75

What a pair of cheapskates!
I'm entering our His'n'Hers outfits into Ceri's Ethical Bloggers competition.


There's much excitement in the house as the legendary Thursday morning car boot sale has restarted for the year and we're off there shortly. Keep your fingers crossed that there'll be some fabulous things to show you tomorrow.

93 comments:

  1. Ha ha, he looks like a reluctant subject but wow, what a great ensemble. I especially love the microphone case. Nifty with a sewing machine too - perfect you certainly found your match there! Great post xx

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  2. You are lucky! but after throwing hints at johnny he said hes taking me for a full day thrifting together this weekend,he could of blew me down with a feather!
    Oh wow your dress is gorgeous,I love it! And for £1.20!!
    I might drag the other half on my blog relunctently to ask how is first thrifting experience went haha xxx

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  3. I was hoping to see some pics of your man. LOVE his outfit. Totally stylie...you guys look so good together. Love that frock on you with the navy panels. Isn't is fab when you share the thrifting passion with your partner. Yay for men who love op shops, markets & jumble sales! Xx

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  4. I think any other entrants had better give up now! You look great together, and I'm amazed those jeans were ever bootcut - oh for a man whose a whiz with a sewing machine! (although mine does iron and I don't, so not all bad)

    Your dress and shoes (and jewellery of course) are beautiful
    x

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  5. Wahoo you 2 look smashing! Yes I agree - I think I'd rather be single than have someone who doesn't groove on the things I do.. I'm lucky John loves it too - but the kids now cramp our garage-saleing/op shopping style!
    Yay for the car boots starting up. I'm totally intrigued by the UK car boot thing. It just doesn't happen like that over here. Car boot sales don't seem to work here for some reason!
    Have fun!

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  6. Jon's frock coat is v smart and I always think that you two are so good together. I'm always dragging Mr TNMA around markets and junk shops - fortunately he loves it. As you say, it's good to share your passions with someone.

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  7. He looks superb! You're so right about shared interests. His Lordship does love a second hand rummage (although he has some of his own unique hobbies- old video games, no thanks...but hey, that gives me time to read my blog roll in peace!).

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  8. I love Jon's frock coat. Your platforms are fabulous. You're not cheapskates, you're bargain hunters.

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  9. That first photo of you and Jon together is beautiful. He is one stylin' man! I like everything about his outfit, and the mic case is a perfect man bag. The huge cuff you're wearing has me in a tizzy. And always the stories about family pieces make your ensembles that much warmer. Good luck hunting!

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  10. Helloooo Jon! Looking dapper. And Vix, I think that dress is one of my favourites yet - it is stunning. The Aussie is more inclined towards a skater/ MTB T shirt and some short, but y'know the truth, so am I.

    I adore the story behind the button/ pendant - the tales and history behind vintage pieces make them all the richer x

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  11. What great outfits you are both wearing and especially nice to see Jon as it's nice to see men can also put great outfits together from thrifting as well. I'm off charity shopping in Sutton Coldfield this morning - I'm feeling lucky. yesterday I was on a mission in my local charity shop 2 mins walk away to find real wool jumpers to felt. I didn't think I'd get any but came away with 4 so I was well chuffed and the most expensive was £1.40!

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  12. Yay for kindred spirits and those that share the thrill of the vintage hunt. Drape jacket is FANTASTIC!!

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  13. What a truly lovely couple you make xxx

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  14. you are a fashionable pair! that coat looks awesome. Crossing mh fingers you find some bargains! xx

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  15. aahhh how gorgeous do you both look together ;-) 2 beautiful and stylish best friends and soul mates together. Jon looks smashing love his jacket and those converse shoes i love that look. His bag is pretty smashing to. Your pendant is beautiful what a lovely story and what a wonderful gift and thing to do for your grandmother he must have loved her very much. Love those gold shoes. Good luck at the carboot ;-) dee xx

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  16. Dearest Vix,
    I totally agree, I'd also rather be single than to have to share my life with someone who doesn't share my passions...not that Mark likes to frollick around in vintage frocks but atleast he loves the fact that I do.
    Jon looks a dapper chap indeed in his cheapskate outfit, I bet that if you put a bloke dressed in £100 worth of TOPMAN gear and Jon side by side peeps would still think that Jon's outfit cost more...that frock coat is AWESOME and I love the super duper cool man bag too!
    Lot's of love,
    Jennie
    xXx

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  17. What a sweet couple you are. It's nice when the fellas share the passion. Jon is stylin'' in that outfit.

    Good luck at the carboot sale oh how I wish I could come thrifting with you.

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  18. vix.... oh how I love your and jon's shared passions... I'd much rather either date my crush or end up like susan boyle... I've already resigned myself to that fact now...


    alas, I do LOVE your his & her's outfit! :)

    just about to send you an email lovely!

    Le Material Girl

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  19. You both look just fantastic!
    Well worth the wait to see your Jon in that Frock coat, wish men would wear more tailoring in general....

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  20. What a stylish couple! I love to read about your cheap and cheerful outfits - such bargains!

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  21. You guys are such an awesome couple. Hope Jon ejoys his curry :) I LOVE those shoes your wearing... I want! x

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  22. You and Jon make such a fab couple. Love that you have such similar passions, Adrian and I are the same really I think it's so important to spend your life with someone who shares your interests!
    You look great together and congratulations on your 20 year milestone, amazing! Much love to you both xxxxxxxxxxx

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  23. Yay for men who thrift! enjoy the sale and best wishes to find the treasure you never knew existed but fell in love with upon yor eyes meeting it.

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  24. You and Jon are such a fabulous couple, it feels like such a long time since we all met up :-( I couldn't imagine sharing life with someone who didn't enjoy rummaging at car boots and charity shops either. Xx

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  25. Happy anniversary, Vix and Jon! You two look fabulous together, and the price for his appearance was well worth it, IMHO. I do so agree with you about being with a person who shares your passions!Bob and I met almost 24 years ago at my first job after college, and we knew then that we were meant to be together. It took a long time for that to happen, but the last eight years have been the best of my life!
    xo, Anita

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  26. I forgot to say that the button pendant really rocks. I have not seen something that interesting in a long time. what makes it even more appealing to me is the story behind the piece.
    Happy anniversary beautiful couple.
    Lisa

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  27. Oh bless him for posing for you! I think a curry is a fair exchange. Especially love the mircophone case - how brilliant.
    Absolutely love your shoes too. What a thrifty pair!
    Happy anniversary to you for the 1st =)
    xx
    emsipop.blogspot.co.uk

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  28. First, the remade heirloom button is just stunning and such a sweet family connection. Congrats to you and Jon on so many years thrifting and being together - you both have style to spare. Hubby H loves thrifting, he just buys stuff I don't get. Luckily he doesn't care if I deck the home in 'good' stuff.

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  29. Fabulous pix, Vix. I'm sure you'll win the comp. Impressed that Jon can use a sewing machine. What a star. Jim can knit, apparently, although I have not seen the evidence.

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  30. What a dude! And oh, those shoes... xx

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  31. Of course I LOVE his sneakers. The Angels wanna wear them....

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  32. You two are great! I love Jon's coat and as always the shot of the jewellery is much appreciated. :)
    Good hunting at the bootsale.
    xx

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  33. You guys have such fabulous body language, I'm sure there are many more happy years to come. Lovely to see such fab photos and Jons jacket suits him perfectly.xx.

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  34. It's great that he's into charity shops and hunting out a vintage bargain like you! I'm glad Joe it pretty much the same as me, i'm feel too guilty dragging him around all the sales and fairs we go too if he didn't!

    Love the pendent that you grandad changed from a button - that's really impressive!

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  35. Happy Anniversary to you both!
    You two amorcitos looks so gorgeous together.
    I love that Joncito is crazy for jumble/boot sales like you.
    any man that can use a sewing machine is a keeper.
    I adorar the button pendant so much and the amazing story.
    he looks so cool in his jacket and microphone man bag.
    besonones

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  36. Well done for getting Jon to pose for your blog, he looks great, as do you. Good look in the couples competition...and I hope you both enjoy your curry

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  37. A match made in heaven (same here)
    despite the April 1st first date.
    My OH loves my shoe collection as much as I do.

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  38. a lot of men could not pull off the look but jon does so with such style! he's pretty dang hot! the two of you are a beautiful thing!

    larry does not love to shop at all and it's prob a good thing as this place is so small it couldn't handle much more stuff.

    have a lovely day at your sales my friend. xo

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  39. You make a fabulously handsome and stylish couple! I agree I couldn't spend my life with someone who didn't enjoy similar things to me, Paul loves shopping for vintage stuff, antique fairs, all stuff like that, and he's a stylish fella, we've got it made eh? Lucky gals!

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  40. Wow! Congrats on the 20th anniversary ~And it is wonderful you found a soul mate :).... Curry also is a big pull in my house as well I may have used it once or twice for a bribe. I brought lots of spices with me from the Middle East so thankfully I can make a fantastic batch at home :D because I am not aware of any place around here that sells it~You guys look great good luck with the entry those are some great pictures. And have fun at the boot sales ~Love Heather

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  41. You both have such impeccable taste in second-hand, vintage and collectables, and I love the life you have carved together. I can’t wait to hear of today’s finds from the car boot xxx

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  42. You both look great! I love that you celebrate the day you met,we do as well...also in April.
    Vix that button/pendant is amazing. Love all the family history behind so many of your pieces.

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  43. Wow, you both look fab and i can't believe how much your outfits cost! Definitely feel inspired to root more at the charity shops xx

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  44. Well done Vix for getting a reluctant model to pose, bribery is always a good strategy! Jon looks fab in his vintage finds and I'm amazed at his prowess with a Singer. Hope you found some bargains at the Boot Fair today and will look forward to seeing them. Btw, love your pendant and such a lovely romantic story behind it.
    x

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  45. Jon is extremely cool and he finds amazing stuff too! Mike will tolerate a village fete or christmas bazaar and a bit of charity shopping but not loads. Your necklace is really beautiful and totally unique! Both your outfits are gorgeous and I can't wait to see what treasures you find!

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  46. What a great looking couple you are, fabulous outfits! xx

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  47. Happy First date, this an adorable post!!!!! You too look so sweet together! I am in love with this peasant dress the colors are fabulous! Jon, HI JON!!!!!!!! That is that killer jacket, dam it looks fierce on him especially paired with the converse, Jon has a style all his own and I DIG IT!!!!! I love all your beautiful coin jewelry from India it's pretty bad ass my dear! Jon's a friggin stud! Good luck at the car boot sale and with the submission to the Ethical bloggers site. I love you both buckets and buckets!!!
    XOXOXOX~
    Krista

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  48. Gorgeous gold shoes! Happy early anniversary!! You are a lucky woman!

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  49. My favourite things; Jon's jacket & bag and your necklace & platforms! You both look fantabulous! Thnaks fior the Jubilee comment, I wear the 1953 Coronation badge you sent me lots! I love it! xxx

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  50. Wow, you are like the coolest couple I`v ever heard of! Your outfits are amazing as always - I can`t stop to begin every comment exclaiming WOW! You are amazing)

    >'.'<

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  51. Wishing the both of you a very happy anniversary--you make such a foxy couple in your thrifted finds.
    So happy to finally see Jon in that jacket! You are very lucky, I've come across maybe two men in my life that have the patience and enthusiasm for vintage shopping.

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  52. love the pictures!! happy anniversary to you two :)

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  53. Happy anniversary. By an odd coincidence P and I have been together 20 years about now too (I think the actual anniversary may have been yesterday but I've sort of lost count, and I'm pretty sure he has too!) 1992 was obviously a stellar year to meet a wonderful partner.

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  54. I see you have got Jon posing for you, wowwwwwwwwwwwwwwww.
    My husband is the best charity shop hunter in the word. Yes, we also share the passion.
    Much love dearest friend
    XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

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  55. I have no doubt in my mind that you will find some fabulous stuff.
    Both Jon and yourself look incredibly stylish. Especially when most people would spend the same amount for the cost of your outfits as they would a pair of socks!! *lol*

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  56. This is probably one of my favourite posts. I love how its cost you a curry for Jon to appear on your blog!

    You look extremely happy and stylish together and I wish you many more happy years.

    X x

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  57. YAY!! How fabulous to have our Jon make an appearance,and looking so FIIIIIIIINE in his glorious vintage goodness!I'm ADORING his coat!!! G will gag with envy when I show him this!! That vintage microphone bag is frigging awesome too!I also love how he wears trhat cravat!Looking hot to TROT,Jon baby!
    And as for you.......GAH!Looking splendid in that gorgie frock!Thos eplatforms have me in a slight sweat;they're FABULARSEHOLE!!! And all that divine jewellery!That pendant!Inspired,turning it from a button to a pendant,I absolutely LOVE it! And I love YOU!
    O,my,if it's about to be your 20 year anniversary,then it's ours too,except we don't know the date,nor exactly if it was March or April!!!
    Love Helga xxxXXXxxx

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  58. You make such a great couple - it's clear why you've been together for 20 years, congratulations! Stylish, loves shopping and nifty with a sewing machine - Jon may be a reluctant model, but he certainly looks good!
    You look amazing too x

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  59. that pendant is to die!
    I wish i could get rod to dress like Jon, Ur so lucky! He looks so great!
    Hugs
    Reva

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  60. Thanks for entering the competition and Happy Anniversairy. I love both of your outfits. Inspired to get Mr S dressing more sustainably now!

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  61. What great outfits! I especially like Jon's jacket and your Great Grandmother's pendant.

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  62. Aww...what a sweet post, you both look so great and I love your great grandma's pendant. I wish I had some things like that.

    Rich will refuse to set foot in a mall, but if we're out and see an op-shop he'll happily go in. His only gripe is that there's never enough men's stuff - which is sadly true:(

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  63. Aww...what a sweet post, you both look so great and I love your great grandma's pendant. I wish I had some things like that.

    Rich will refuse to set foot in a mall, but if we're out and see an op-shop he'll happily go in. His only gripe is that there's never enough men's stuff - which is sadly true:(

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  64. You are such a gorgeous couple! And such an inspiration <3 I wish you all the best in the world!))

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  65. What a lovely post - and wonderful reading about so many thrifting-together couples out there! xx

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  66. Happy anniversary! John looks so dashing in his frock coat! DH's frock is more of a western cut...and I can only imagine what I would have to do to get him to model for the blog.

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  67. You two look so cute together.Happy Anniversary.His outfit looks great and so does your dress.Just love your shoes.My hubby likes antiquing too.but he likes old coins and civil wat stuff and of course any musical instruments.Now if he sewed as well.I would be set.lol.xx

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  68. I love a man in vintage clothing as long as he doesn't look as though he's trying to hard. Jon looks completely natural and at ease in this outfit. You're so lucky that he shares your interest in thrifting/vintage. My guy is coming round to it -- slowly but surely.
    The India jewelry, esp the coin anklet/bangle, is stunning!

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  69. Great to see your other half sharing your love of fashion & your interests! Congratulations on 20 years too...... I always say "relationships, marriage, common law, friends....are hard work...there are ups & downs....do you think he came this way" lol
    If there were not so many vintage hipsters in Vancouver I could find deals like you! Would love to see John in that handsome Military jacket you found a couple of posts back.... you can get him another curry dinner!

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  70. Woohoo! I love this post! So great to see Jon model for us, such a star! Love it, love it all! :D

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  71. Vix and Jon, I feel so much happiness for you both! How exciting 20 years sharing a fabulous friendship and treasure hunting.
    I am lucky to have a treasure hunter partner too.
    You both look so very gorgeous!
    The button pendant is just so beautiful and an amazing heirloom.
    Love v

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  72. Jon looks fantastic!! I love his style. :) That bag is especially the coolest thing in the world. I think Rian would like that bag.

    Congrats on 20 years! :)

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  73. You were made for each other! Hope the first boot sale of the season didn't disappoint. With your four eagle-eyes on the lookout, the other bargain hunters don't have a chance.

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  74. I'll keep my fingers crossed that you'll both win!! Jon is looking rather dapper indeed in his lovely frock coat! I adore that silver button turned pendant, what a wonderful thing to own, you have so many lovely keep sakes! xxx

    P.S Congrats on booking another holiday!! I'll be going down to Glastonbury to visit friends and family for a week on the 31st which I'm very much looking forward to!!!

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  75. YIKES! You are both such supermodels, I can't STAND it! Jon looks SPEC-FRICKIN-TACULAR in that jacket. And you, well, you always look amazing, amor, that frock, those fab shoes and that JEWELLERY - FABULOUS! Love! Sarah xxx

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  76. You're very stylish couple!
    Congrats on 20 years!

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  77. 20 years - that's amazing! You both look lovely, and so happy, together xxx

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  78. How sweet, it sounds a luxury to have a man who shares your interests. I drag mine round boot sales and bless him, he is so obliging but it ain't really his scene. I live in hope....! Fantastic fashion!! x

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  79. hi darling Vix, Jon has such excellent style and I am delighted to see him on here with his very elegant finds. You make a gorgeous couple, very, very cool! xx

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  80. Whoa, the Universe has delivered a good one there! Someone to rummage with. It must be a treat. Gorgeous Husband will go, but stands around looking pained if I take too long.

    Looking forward to seeing what the latest finds are!

    Love from Rosemary
    www.foreveronthecatwalkoflife.com

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  81. You had your first date on April Fools?

    You really do have a storybook-perfect life, Vix.

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  82. Happy Anniversary! I was chatting to a friend last night about being with our 'soul mates'. I'd decided to be single when I met mine 10 years ago. You two definitely look great together!

    Caroline
    xxx

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  83. Brilliant!!!!!! He looks brilliant and I love the fact he can use a sewing machine! I have incriminating shots of my boyfriend on a sewing machine as my Mum helped him to sew a pair of felted wool mittens!

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  84. Jon looks tres cool, you guys make a stylish pair!! I love how you had to bribe him with a curry to pose for your blog.

    Lis x

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  85. You both look fab you make such a great couple. Your shoes are divine xx

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  86. Good for you for making him show off. Love how you styled your golden heels with black tights.
    xx
    maya

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  87. Haha, I love you bribing Jon to appear on your blog! What a crafty plan! You two both look smashing, and it is always good to have something that you both enjoy so much to share! My boyfriend doesn't love thrifting quite as much as I do, but he likes it enough for us to enjoy a day out together doing it.

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  88. I totally agree with you - Its important to share your core passions in life! My other half is also an avid car booter, flea rummager and charity shopper and even picks out stuff I like too so its win all round! Congrats on your 20 years together :) x

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  89. I LOVE that first photo. You and Jon are so gorgeous, and your happiness as a couple shines in your faces. Scrumptious!
    Fabulous frock. And Jon looks pretty damn fine too! xxxx

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  90. Omg, you guys had your first date on April 1st, 1992? That is the day I was born! And guess what I'm doing to celebrate my 20th birthday? Going vintage shopping and to a costume shop sale with my vintage-loving man! We are definitely amongst the lucky few who have fellas who love picking through piles of old junk as much as we do. Congrats on 20 years and here's to 20 more! <3

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  91. Aww! What a sweet post! I love Jon's style and all for less than a tenner blimes! Drooling over your shoes and jewellery - love the button as pendant idea. Happy Anniversary to you both.

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  92. I do believe the two of you will be winners in the contest!

    You must be quite secure , Vix -- putting Dapper Jon out here in front of the whole world to see!

    All your jewelry is fabulous as always. Of course that button/pendant really caught my eye because my maiden name is Zimmerman!

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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