When the lovely Folly Bird, asked me if I wanted this dress I didn't need to think twice. I've always fancied a cheongsam but never been lucky to find one in my size.
My favourite Trechnikov lady, Miss Wong, wears one.
She also sent me these beautiful Dalmatian Jasper and silver earrings made by her own fair hand.
Aren't they pretty?
Thanks, Melanie. I love my parcel of joy!
Thanks, Melanie. I love my parcel of joy!
Last week the lovely Charis tagged me, asking what books I had by my bedside.
I love reading,in bed in the winter at a rate of around a book a week, but when the sun's out I get all solar powered and read like a woman possessed getting through a couple a day at my most voracious.
I'm just finishing the final chapter of John Le Carré's Absolute Friends, where lifelong pals and cold war double agents reunite for a final time, I'm a huge fan of Le Carré and a total espionage nut. The last book I read was something I rarely read, chick lit. I'm not a fan of the genre but Never Can say Goodbye was quite a sweet read, set in a haunted vintage clothes shop and featuring a heroine who wasn't as silly and feeble minded as the women in these novels usually are. The next book I'll read is The Diving Bell And The Butterfly, the true story of the former Elle magazine editor left paralysed following a massive stroke.
I went to a book sale at a nearby church hall yesterday and picked up this little lot for 20p each so that'll keep me quiet for a while.
What are you reading? I'm always on the lookout for gripping reads to look out for in charity shops.
 |
| Chinese Cheongsam worn with leopard tights, blue platforms (£5, local boutique), lace parasol (£1, car boot sale) |
I'm glad I'm not the only one with ghostly tales to tell, more coming soon, I promise!
See you soon.
See you soon.
Oooh it is so stunning dress, I like the print!
ReplyDeleteYou will love Tamar. Mal Peet is an excellent author.
ReplyDeleteThat dress fits you perfectly!! I've been super slack with reading lately no time. I read too much online instead. I do miss when a good book sucks you in so much you can't put it down. xx
ReplyDeleteGorgeous - fits you perfectly! I always think the cheongsam suits non Orientals best!!
ReplyDeleteOh my, I KNEW it would suit you and I was right! I'm so happy it has a good home xxx You look stunning.
ReplyDeleteOMG! I love this complete ensemble. Beautiful!
ReplyDeleteAs I've written before, I do love your hair up like this; really cute.
Z xx
Fab dress (and lovely green skintone)
ReplyDeleteI've just finished Amitav Ghsh Sea of Poppies, he's one of the few modern authors I read nowadays. Also Princess of Mars before going to see John Carter. Next up is the Rising Tide by Molly Keane.
PS the Garden Dolls head is MIA.
Ooh I love looking at what other people are reading! Keep seeing The Girls book in charity shops, must get round to reading it :)
ReplyDeleteWell, I read a chapter out of a Mrs. Piggle-Wiggle book out loud to my husband on the way home from a thrifting forage! This was a book my elementary school teacher read to us after recess while we "rested"! I was pleased to find a copy for a quarter. (Just wish it had been a hardback.)
ReplyDeleteYou look absolutely stunning in your cheongsam. I'll have to look that up - though from the photo I think I know what it is...and the earrings are so unusual and lovely....
That dress suits you perfectly Vix. I keep meaning to read more but time just gets in the way! Must try harder as they say.
ReplyDeleteX x
Wow what a beautiful dress! Fits you perfect...I am on the search for a new book to read as well! If I find any good titles I will pass on the names...love Heather
ReplyDeleteWow what a beautiful dress! Fits you perfect...I am on the search for a new book to read as well! If I find any good titles I will pass on the names...love Heather
ReplyDeleteYou look fantastic,I love your pics on your posts too beacause your house looks amazing!
ReplyDeleteHow lucky you have church sales nearby,I was thinking the other day when my mum used to drag me to many jumble sales in churche halls and now I cant find one! :( xxx
Loving the cheongsam and the leopard print tights! I saw the film of The Diving Bell & The Butterfly, don't want to spoil it for you but... it's a very sad story. Enjoy the rest of the weekend.
ReplyDelete*screams* There is nothing about this post I do not love. That outfit is KILLER!
ReplyDeletePats to Jude. :D
DELISH!!! Oh I love you in red, there's something so magical about a cheongsam isn't there? And a lacy brolly ... drool ... I love your beautiful bedside mug and a decent size for a jolly good cuppa! I would never think anyone's haunting stories would be too much to bear ... bring 'em on!! xoxo
ReplyDeleteThat dress looks fantastic on you, like it was custom made. Nice friends you have! I read The Girls, and while it's such a unique story, it was one of my favourites. I hope you enjoy it.
ReplyDeleteLoulou
The dress is fabulous - love it! Hope you're enjoying the sunshine.
ReplyDeleteI used to devour books and would often have 2 or 3 on the go at the same time. I don't have so much time these day, but can still get through a sizeable novel in 10 days or so. I really must read more 'literary' books - I'm guilty of reading 'fluffy' stuff!
If you haven't read 100 Years of Solitude by Gabriel Garcia Marquez, I would give it a go. Totally can't put my finger on why, but I loved it!
How gorgeous do you look in that dress? Just stunning.
ReplyDeleteI'm reading The Little Stranger by Sarah Waters, some art history books and I've picked up Bruce Chatwin's On the Black Hill again.
xxxxxx
I've picked up some new kisch 70s cook books recently.
ReplyDeleteThat dress super suits you!
Pretty dress looks lovely x
ReplyDeleteI see that you've got Lori Lanson's The Girls there. I highly recommend that. One of my fav all time books is The Great Gatsby. If you haven't read it, you should. I might read it again (for about the 10th time) myself next too. xxx
ReplyDeleteThe Cheongsam fits perfectly and the color is divine. Love your hair! Every inch of your home is interesting. Your bedside table with books accessorized with a faux fur trimmed phone! What detail. I am currently reading 'Quiet' about the power of introverts and Chris Cleave's 'Little Bee' which is a page turner.
ReplyDeleteShazam! http://illustratorclaire.wordpress.com/2012/03/11/love-books/
ReplyDeleteThat is what I am reading.
I like your face-mug. It's a little scary, but that's no problem.
I'm about to read the diving bell and the butterfly too! can't wait!! xxxxx
ReplyDeleteHow fab, we did think it was them but wasn't sure! Thanks for clearing it up!! xxxxxx
ReplyDeleteWhat a gorgeous dress! xxx
ReplyDeleteWhat a gorgeous gift! Along with those pretty earring of course. And I read a lot myself too - have like a huge pile of books near my bed that I must read, so I refrain myself from bying new ones. Though when you find something interesting in a charity shop for 50c, it`s hard not to take it home with you.
ReplyDelete>'.'<
Oh Vix i adore that first photo of you its a work of art like Miss Wong that would be great on your blog somewhere. You look gorgeous and i love your bedside lamp. I have read that book The girls by Lori Lansens make sure you have a box of tissues close by ;-) Enjoy the rest of your Sunday. dee xx
ReplyDeleteI adore that cheongsam, vey Miss Wong indeed.
ReplyDeleteI haven't been reading much lately, the time just flies away sadly. After a long time of resistance I do however now enjoy chick lit - for a long while I didn't read any I think purely because of the dismissive title of chick lit and the sugary pastel covers. Then I found out they are basically just like any other book genre - there are a good authors and bad ones, some I love and some I hate. And they are very often a lot less silly than some of the 'dick lit' spy and action thrillers you see out there xx
You look fabulous Vix, styled to perfection. I adore the lace parasol, I've always fancied one of those one day xxx
ReplyDeleteYou look amazing! I just adore that dress - what a wonderful gift to be given. You're bold style is so inspiring, thank you for sharing with us!
ReplyDeleteAs for books, I read The Unbearable Lightness of Being by Milan Kundera for a college class recently and it was wonderful. Highly recommend it!
Wow, you look amazing in that cheongsam, it looks like it was made for you :).
ReplyDeleteAwesome dress, and those earrings are so stunning. Hope you are enjoying the beautiful spring sunshine xxx
ReplyDeletep.s.. the constant gardener ... awesome film and book, not read that particular le carre, will give it a go after Lolita xxx
ReplyDeleteA stunning dress. I bought my daughter one in blue when I went to Hong Kong.
ReplyDeleteGreat choice of books. I am re-reading Ornages Are Not The only Fruit.
Tad jealous of your lace parasol! You got some fantastic stuff from Melanie, I got my lovely parcel today via my Mum. Will show off the goodies later!
ReplyDeleteI'm really obsessed with books and have 4 bookshelves in my room. Currently reading some Terry Pratchett as I'm slowly working my way through his back catalogue! I love love love your bedside table, your room looks amazing!
Can't wait for more ghost stories
Vix, this is my favourite outfit ever. Ever, ever. You look gorgeous.
ReplyDeleteI used to have one (well my stepmum did, I borrowed a lot) but she got rid. It was blue and I would have worn it to death. Love them. *sigh*
Just started the Keith Richards book I bought in Jan. Will let you know what it's like.
xx
You're a bird of paradise in that cheongsam, Vix and I love it when you wear your hair like that.
ReplyDeleteLooking forwards to reading more about your ghostly anecdotes too.
xxx
All your dresses seem to be made especially to fit you, you are so lucky, with that gorgeous slim figure. ..I always seem to have to take about 5" off my hems, I must be a midget!!or everyone else are just giants.
ReplyDeleteFour of your books look interested I must look them up on Amazon, as I need some good books at the moment. Last night in the lorry I was re reading Bridges of Madison county.
LOVE the dress!!!!!! I had a blue one which I got too fat for so I bought a green one! *naughty*
ReplyDeleteOh, The Girls is really good. I just finished Pigeon English, which a friend picked up in a charity shop and passed on to me. She's really lucky - there's someone local who buys everything my friend wants to read then hands them in to the shop. xx
ReplyDeleteThat dress reminds me of the one my mam got the other month on the high street. Naturally, yours is a bargain as always!
ReplyDeleteXO
What a fabulous first picture. It needs framing.
ReplyDeleteLove from Mum
xx
Your cheongsam is gorgeous gorgeous!! Your parasol and hair and earrings are exactly right. And a beautiful backdrop that reminds me of bamboo.
ReplyDeleteI am also a voracious reader. A couple recent reads have included Young Nelsons - Boy Sailors during the Napoleonic Wars and Plain Tales of the Raj, memoirs of British colonists in India, library/thrifted. Oh, and Joan Mitchell Lady Painter. Currently I'm working on The Idiot and although it goes on and on I like the Russian names!
dress is stunning.....you look adorable....Diving Bell and the Butterfly as amazing, almost unbelievable how it was written....very moving x
ReplyDeleteWow! You look great, we often see a lot of ethnic clothing in the ops shops here, I dream of having the figure to fit in them ;D BTW in my blog [ost at the beach I don't think that's a tan, more likely to be rust wiv all the effing rain we've been having! ♥
ReplyDeleteActually,I'm amazed that you DIDN'T have a cheong sam in your massive collection!
ReplyDeleteIt's gorgeous,and you look DIVINE in it!! How lovely of Melanie to send it,I expect we'll seeing quite a bit of that!Love that parasol,and the funky hair!!!You're way more scrummy than a Trechnikov lady!!!
I just devoured The Girl With Dragon Tattoo over the weekend,and therefore didn't do a lot of drinking!Probably a good thing!I'm enjoying the Life & Times of Gypsy Rose Lee,but not so into the Salman Rushdie one......must look out for The Diving Bell and the Butterfly.
Love YOU!
Helga xxxXXXxxx
Wow, that cheongsam was made for you, I love the way you've paired it with the parasol. Currently reading chick-lit, (can't be doing with anything too heavy after a 12hr shift) but do read other stuff periodically and I love a good autobiography.
ReplyDeletewhaaaa, you look gorgeous. In fact I would go as far as to say I've never seen you look more gorgeous, and that's difficult because you always look amazing. I'm so jealous though, I've not yet found my perfect cheongsam. I started Bram Stokers Dracula weeks ago and have got no further, isn't that lame? Maybe I'll read some tonight and try to get back into it. I never buy new novels, there's no point when they are so cheap in the charity shops. xx
ReplyDeleteGorgeous dress! I wore a beautiful emerald green one for my leavers ball at Uni. I sold it as I put on weight afterwards, but wish I'd kept it now as I'm back to the size I was when I wore it!! x
ReplyDeleteYou are a woman of many faces. Why you could star in your own espionage tale. One day you would pop up as the hippy chick, the next as the cheongsam-wearing seductress, the next as Miss Marple...
ReplyDeleteHave you read the Children's Room by A.S. Byatt? It stars the S. Kensington Museum (precursor of the Victoria and Albert), and lots of Arts and Crafts characters. Wonderfully detailed descriptions of clothing in it as well.
You look adorable!
ReplyDeleteThat dress is wonderful, love the print :)
I swear I used to have this exact dress! Then I gave it to a charity shop because I had too many dresses! Unlikely, but wouldn't it be funny if it turned out to be same one! I like your parasol! I'm now wondering where on EARTH the parasol I bought in Brugues went!
ReplyDeleteI've always wanted a Cheongsam too, but haven't found one to fit. That one appears to have been made for you, both in colour and size! Love your hair up in those little buns. You match perfectly with your parasol, what a lovely photo! I just recently read The Diving Bell and the Butterfly too, am trying to decide on my next read.
ReplyDeleteWow.. just wow! You looks so adorable but also quite sexy in this outfit.. I think it is the hair that adds the cuteness factor.. love it that way!
ReplyDeleteI really need to get my hands on the Mesmerist before I read The Circus of Ghosts me thinks! You are truly a book-a-holic! :D xxx
Leaping Lizards Vix! You look great! Is there anything you can't wear? Always so imaginatively dressed, I just love it.
ReplyDeleteLove from Rose
www.foreveronthecatwalkoflife.com
absolutely fabulous dress, love that red printed fabric and love how it fits you and how you wear it with leopard tights, delightful!
ReplyDeleteI'm reading "A Short History of Private Life" by Bill Bryson. But I also like to read espionage, thriller or detective stories.
besos & fun
I had that dress too!! Although it was a shorter version, awww brings back memories one night I was wearing to a friends birthday meal which I didnt realise until I got there was taking place in a Chinese restaurant. Everyone kept stopping me thinking I was a waitress LOL xx
ReplyDeleteoh I love this dress!! its beautifull! i love your blog! I am now following!!
ReplyDelete~Veronica
How I love the outfit! I've just started getting back into reading after not really get into anything since last October - munching by way through Remember Me by Sophie Kinsella which is worth a read is you want an easy read.
ReplyDeleteHi Vix,
ReplyDeleteI loved this look, just fab!
xoxo
Hi Vix,
ReplyDeleteI loved this look, just fab!
xoxo
The dress fits like it was MADE for you and it is absolutely stunning. I have read the Diving Bell and the Butterfly--a powerful book. Currently I am reading The Giver, a children's book by Lois Lowry.
ReplyDeleteEeeekk!!! YOU LOOK SO CUTE!!!! My daughter Bella has a dress just like this that I bought for her at an Asian market! This is my Favorite look so far!! OMG!!!
ReplyDeleteThat dress looks made to measure! Red is the best colour for a cheongsam.
ReplyDeleteI've got a lot of promising books from Christmas to get through, but continuing the ghostly theme, I recommend Sarah Waters' The Little Stranger. I see a lot of people on here are praising The Girls, so I'll keep an eye out for that one. So many books, so little time!
Oh wow Vix!!! Just so beautiful. I have had a few cheongham in the past in the shops and very few ladies can wear them and fit them well. You look stunning.
ReplyDeleteI wish I read more, I am sorry to say.
Love v
ohh how pretty baby
ReplyDeleteI always think these are so elegant and kinda trashy (in a good way all at once!) This one is gorgeous on you I love the sassy red and your hair again so sweet! My favorite part are your leopard tights and that heavenly parasol! Love your mug too.
ReplyDeleteI need to read more. I just finished a autobiography now on to some fiction. I will start the third book in a series by Richard Kadrey called Aloha from Hell. I have really enjoyed the two previous reads. They are sort of scifi horror tales with all sorts of supernatural beings. I'm a sucker for that stuff.
Love you!
Krista
What a beautiful dress! I will definitely start looking for a cheongsam, too.
ReplyDeleteAbsolute Friends is such a gruesome, fascinating thriller, isn't it. I just found an old edition of 'The 3 Musketeers' in the Oxfam bookshop which I've started reading yesterday.
xoxo
Beautiful dress & I am re reading Lady Chatterley's Lover....I am still looking for a older version of this book!
ReplyDeleteWhat a stunning cheongsam, and you look suitably stunning in it! Melanie did very well, it fits like a dream.
ReplyDeleteI read a load of crime thrillers, usually nothing particularly intelligent, but occasionally I find one I really like and then get into the series - John Connolly's Charlie Parker series, Ian Rankin's Rebus books, that kind of thing. You got me into Jo Nesbo, I have The Snowman waiting in the pile next to my bed. I'm reading Her Fearful Symmetry by Audrey Niffenegger at the moment - not really sure why, as I am possibly the only person in the world who didn't like The Time Traveller's Wife. But I'm giving her another try! Must read some Le Carre, Simon loves him and I've only ever read The Constant Gardener. xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
You look TOTALLY GORGEOUS in that cheongsam Vix!! And those earrings are so cute.
ReplyDelete=D What a lovely gift.
oh what a beautiful dress and i´m impressed you have the matching red umbrella , now you blame all the geishas looking that hot in this dress. and i love your hair like that, so gorgous!
ReplyDeletelove and kiss,mary
Does the phrase you look amazing ever get tiring? Because I keep saying it to you over and over. I really should be saying it to you in Chinese today.
ReplyDeleteLove, love, love.
ReplyDeleteXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
Recently saw the film of Diving Bell & The Butterfly and really enjoyed it. Very moviing. I'm currently reading, amongst other things, Clarissa Dickson Wright's autobiography (one half of the Two Fat Ladies who used to cook on TV). She's lead an absolutely fascinating life.
ReplyDeleteVixcita,
ReplyDeleteYou look a vision in cheongsam Chinese red dress, adorar your Chung Li hairstyle so much.
sweet jewellery amor.
eyeing that lovely lacey parasol.
luv ya
'The Girls' freaked me out, didn't really enjoy it. I've just added the Diving bell and the butterfly to my wishlist because I've been meaning to read it for ages. I'm currently reading the 'Thursday Next Literary Detective' series which is really good fun xx
ReplyDeleteHaven't read any of these, shall try & get my mitts on them!
ReplyDelete