Saturday, 2 June 2012

Vix's Guide To Wet Weather Wear



It's the Bank Holiday weekend, there's a free festival down the road and typically it's raining. 
My lovely friend Clare's off camping on the Isle Of Wight this week and before she left asked me what she should pack to stay glamorous in the wet weather. I'm no style expert but I have lived through 45 British summers and far too many soggy music festivals to mention, so here's what I suggested:


  • A bright or see thru' waterproof mac or poncho and loud wellies to cheer you (& fellow campers) up.
  • Waterproof your fake fur coat with tent spray, perfect for if it turns cold.
  • Wear in-your-face stripey socks from Poundland (or similar) for fun, colour & warmth
  • Stick to shorts or mini dresses 'cos wet legs dry faster than a soggy layer of clothing.
  • A fancy brolly which can double as a parasol for when the sun eventually comes out.
  • Stick to synthetic, crimplene & nylon clothing as it dries in next to no time.
  • Wear fake flowers in your hair, just because.
  • Wear Barry M lipstick as it's bright, cruelty-free and stays put all day.
  • Ditch the mascara & wear false lashes to avoid the Alice Cooper look.
  • Carry a cheap tarpaulin sheet in your bag for sitting on.
  • Pack your body weight in lager, cider and cheap wine.


Am I heeding my own advice? Oh yeah.
I'm wearing a 1960s nylon nightdress I cut off & hemmed to mini length (£2.95,YMCA), striped socks from Poundland, 1970s high-heeled wellies (Courtesy of my friend, Liz) and a vintage Bakelite handled umbrella (50p, car boot sale)


Clare sent me a parcel of joy this week and this fabulous 1960s plastic bag was amongst the goodies, perfect for stowing away a tarpaulin and my brolly 'cos it will stop raining at some point (and I'm the eternal optimist).


These fantastic 1970s pin badges were another gift, ideal for adding a good old rock'n'roll edge to my latest denim waistcoat (£2.45, Acorns Hospice)



Waterproof face: Barry M lipstick in Shade 52; Waterproof & animal-friendly Indian wedding Kohl by Himalaya; False lashes from Poundland.



 Clare also sent me a pretty vintage postcard and a stupendously good mix CD ready for tomorrow's party.



A gorgeous chiffon & sequin hippy kaftan, an elephant print sarong (for dressmaking) and these cool wedge heeled boots.



I'm off to the pub in a bit to get some drinking practice in ready for our long weekend.

Have a fantastic weekend whatever you do.

72 comments:

  1. So cool down to every last detail. What a beautiful bag too. Love that vinyl!
    Great advice for weatherproofing. I could use some of that here in Seattle. Seems the only time it's not wet is from July 5-August 20th. ;)

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  2. Fantastic advice! Eversince I got the right equipment and clothes I no longer dread the rain....You look wonderful as always!

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  3. Fantastic outfit, as ever Vix! I love that umbrella, it would realy cheer up a rainy day.

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  4. Whaddaya mean your no style expert!! Really great tips, and most appropriate for Irish music festivals too. Don't know if i could pull off the short skirts/shorts tip. But i could sure do the see thru mac, tarpaulin and my own weight in cheap wine. Thanks for your lovely comments over at mine. x

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  5. Fantastic festival style advice, altho I'm never likely to go to one as I don't think my bladder is up to it.(All that queuing) Love your bag, Stones badge and Poundland socks which all contribute to that groovy hippy chick look.
    Enjoy your cider tonight, have a pint for me. x

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  6. Love your advice! spot on! love your festival style x

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  7. you look wonderful Vix! Love that bag and those heeled boots are so you!! I always love reading your advice posts they're SO useful! loads of love xxxxxxxx

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  8. Hope it stays dry for Clare down this way.We're watching the weather and hoping it just rains for a bit in the night and then the sun shines all day.
    Have a lovely weekend,lovely.
    xxxx

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  9. Hahahahaha! So useful and full of good humor all at the same time! I could never look so good as you do in my rain gear...

    We've had odd weather here lately....almost like winter for a few days (brrrrr), then fair and near-perfect this morning. Now wind and a little bit of rain. What's UP with this?

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  10. Yay for free festivals! You look SO AMAZING. Gorgeous jewelry, gorgeous rock pins, gorgeous ensemble, gorgeous Bakelight umbrella (literally gasped!), GORGEOUS YOU! Wow. :D LOVE the socks peeking out from those fantastic wellies. I need to get my hands on som Barry M!

    These are excellent tips, and I hope there's a festival where I'm able to put these tips to good use. :D (Searching music festivals during my trip to the city, so far only expensive, indoor festivals. I shall continue my quest! If I've no luck, I'll just sit in Central Park, dressed in festival goodness, and pretend I'm at the most fab festival ever. lol)

    Taking plenty of pictures of the bedroom action (kinky)--paint is even lovelier than I thought. Love when that happens! Will probably post a swatch, as I'm terrible at/too excited for surprises..lol

    Enjoy pub! Cheers! XO

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  11. Night dress? I have them, never wore them, maybe i should
    Great outfit
    Very clever advice for wet weather i will keep that in mind
    We have wet weather as well here
    Take care gorgeous

    Ariane xxxxx

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  12. You should publish the ultimate British style guide, this is just brilliant.
    Those wellies are so classy, they look good enough to wear at any time - what a great eye Liz has.
    Fantastic parcel, delightful umbrella, cool badges, and I like this 'new' waistcoat as much as your old favourite.
    Have a fantastic weekend (I know you will)

    Lucy x

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  13. You make looking good in the rain look so easy and fashionable. Credit to you Vix.

    Hope you have a fab weekend.

    X x

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  14. The voice of experience!
    No one but you knows how to face the wqeather so fabulously!I'm amazed you haven't been called on to write a bloody guide to LIFE guidebook!
    Your outfit is frigging divine,the weatherproofness is a bonus,as far as I am concerned!Such a bummer you guys are having such a bad run of shitty weather!We're cold,but it's mostly been dry!
    I need apair of those wellies though,for when it does get wet!
    Rock on,Muse o' Mine,rock ON!
    Love YOU!
    Love Helga xxxXXXxxx

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  15. The false lashes are a top idea, I would never have thought of that. Prob cos I've never actually worn them! Might have to start now... Totally agree on the cheap cider, in fact that's what I'm doing now :) xx

    Penny Dreadful Vintage

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  16. You are just too Cute! This is a great post! One that will definitely help me living in Seattle lol.

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  17. Yeah one of the things i'm not missing about the UK - is the rain. Being a Yorkshire lass I got particularly use to downpours 0 luckily they don't seem to be as frequent here. You can never go wrong with a nice fancy drolly to cheer you up - plus i've always brought really colourful coats and pac a macs just to cheer myself up in the drab Yorkshire weather.

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  18. i lurve your nightie dresses! I gotta do this!!!!!!!!
    Ur brilliant and so beautiful it make my eyes water :)
    Hugs
    Reva

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  19. Ooh you rainbow of loveliness! Ya know I had those badges many moons ago! ♥

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  20. Very cool advice & love the necklace!

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  21. Apparently you have the same weather as us this weekend, it's been pouring for 3 days now- I could sure use your advice, especially on the shoes, I can never keep my feet dry! YOu look so beautiful and bright.xx.

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  22. You are a "style for all occasions" expert in my eyes. And you know how to rock a nylon nightie too. Those high heeled wellies are the bees knees, especially with colourful socks and great legs to boot! (ha ha pardon the pun!)
    Have a fab weekend Vix! x

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  23. Haha! Love your wet weather survival tips! I love all your colourful festival gear - just the thing to cheer you up in the mud and rain that seems to be obligatory at festivals these days!

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  24. Excellent advice! Especially about shorted dresses/skirts and synthetic fabrics.

    Synthetics are simply the best for rainy weather - enjoy your weekend xoxo

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  25. I see you've found another waistcoat (I like that better than vest!) Your wet weather gear is the best. Can you get the kohl online? You look smashing as always my dear!!

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  26. Vix, I consider you one of the best style experts that I know. In fact, you're carrying one of the most beautiful umbrellas on the planet with its Bakelite handle which is a perfect match for the wellies. Wet weather never looked so good.

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  27. That is an awesome guide to wet weather wear, I should do these things! The wet weather is always frustrating for my style! Your whooole outfit is perfect, i love the pins and the rainbow socks : )

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  28. Oh the sign of someone FABULOUS is looking stylish know matter what the weather does!!!!
    Yay Vix I love how fabulous you are.
    Love v

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  29. Adore your brollie!!!!! I have some gorgeous brollies, resorted to very girly ones to stop my boys from nicking them. They were forever leaving my bog standard ones somewhere or another. I have floral gumboots called sloggers and I love them. Enjoy your festival Vix.

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  30. Your outfit is perfection, as usual! I love that fab bag - and the badges are frickin AWESOME and that pink lippy is splendid! I love your advice but it makes me laugh a bit if applied to Australia - we couldn't wear wellies, or any kind of boot here in summer... and any non natural fibre would last about three minutes as you'd melt into a stinky pool of sweat! Love the brolly/parasol idea though - and ALWAYS have flowers in your hair.

    Love you more than festivals... hope you're having a fabularsehole time! Sarah xxx

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  31. Only you could rock high heeled wellies, Vix! xxx

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  32. Oooh love this I love the boots x

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  33. The List. I think I can do most of the rules, except the bare legs - I'll have to clad mine in nylon tights in bright cheerful colours because I get bone-cold so easily. And I'd have my cider hot as well. Seersucker tights would be interesting for hot weather. I remember when EVERYONE had those mouth pin badges when I was in school. Excellent nightdress makeover!!

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  34. These are the best tips ever! You're absolutely right about bare legs, sodden jeans are the worst!
    Beautiful lipstick shade, so 1960s!
    xxx

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  35. "Waterproof your fake fur coat with tent spray, perfect for if it turns cold." GENIUS!

    Cold/wet literally brings me out in hives (I have very strange skin and am under the doc for it) so I have to cover my legs... I would wear leggings or tights and a tunic/mini, with boots if bare legs are a no-no. It's the flare of the trouser that usually gets sodden anyway.

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  36. I love this! Your advice and outfit is perfect) so colorful as well!

    >'.'<

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  37. ...and here's me thinking you end up looking like a drowned rat in lots of rain. You have outdone yourself again. Yu look fabulous

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  38. Good advice! And you look lovely as to be expected! That umbrella is so attractive, really like it!!!

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  39. Wonderful advice! I particularly love your suggestion about the fabrics; I hadn't considered that before.
    I need to learn how to apply false eyelashes; I have them, but have not tried.
    Your outfit is fabulous! I hope that your weekend is equally so.
    xo, A.

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  40. Hi Vix,
    I'm spending this rainy day catching up on your blog -- admiring the velvet coat, fab dresses, rug, magazine, and all the other wonderfulness that you've posted the past couple weeks. Thanks for rainy day festival fashion tips. Heading to a free festival tomorrow and another next weekend here in London.

    Finally getting around to posting on my blog as well.

    Thanks for brightening up my day!

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  41. What fabulous advice! The synthetic, crimplene and nylon clothing under a see thru' waterproof mac with some Wellies is a brilliant idea! Your cut off and hemmed 1960s nylon nightdress is beautiful! I wish I could find one like it in a store. Fantastic vintage fashionista wet weather guide!

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  42. Your flamingo poncho will always be my favourite!! xx

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  43. I bet I'm not the only one in the UK to bookmark this post!

    Great advice. I struggle with false lashes, so I usually dye mine. It's not so effective but it does avoid the Alice Cooper look. And Barry M is unbeatable.

    Fab outfit, I love the new denim waistcoat. xx

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  44. always love your advices for travels or festivals, so witty!
    And also love your new colorful bag, and your socks and booties!, they would cheer up any rainy day!
    besos

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  45. What a darling umbrella! That collage of pics is great, too.

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  46. ohh how cute ur outfit is ! loving this jeans vest !! you have a beautiful face,dear and I enjoyed the pix !! kisses

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  47. Oh that brolly makes the rain worthwhile!
    You manage to look wonderful whatever the conditions, Vix. That's the cutest nightie-turned-frock, your wellies from Liz are the best puddle-busters ever, and all Clare's goodies look amazing.
    Hope you're having fun this (wet) weekend! xxxxx

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  48. Great advice and tips... I know I will be able to put some to use when I go on camping trips. There is usually always a day where it decides to pour, and we sit inside the tent looking out the door waiting for the madness to end.
    "I already have leopard gum boots and a leopard umbrella so I suppose I have a good start. I am missing a vital thing though... I need a poncho!
    (Your umbrella is really fabulous & eye catching) The gifts from Clare are great (That bag is awesome & and know you will look stunning in the kaftan.)

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  49. Rain, or shine, gurl- you are hot, hot, hot.

    I love the advice because it's very practical but not at the expense of style. FUN loving and perfect for staying happy and warm and dry.

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  50. I think the flamingo poncho is fantastic still!! Also, I need to get my hands on a see-through raincoat, I always hate how my festival gear is covered up by some annoying old waterproof x

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  51. fun post!
    great boots ... good to have nice friends ;)

    maybe you can give me a guide for staying at home for weeks without getting mad ... meanwhile, i'm afraid of spending all my money on vintage pieces from ebay, because there's nothing else to do. ;)

    http://wardrobexperience.blogspot.de

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  52. Hi Vix you have a beautiful space and great post, if you like the poetry I invite you to my blog, have a good week. greetings from Valencia

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  53. Oh, that BAG! Love the tip about no maxis in the rain - they are def the rage here this summer and SO much cooler than shorts but I need a refresher course in how to get around while wearing one.

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  54. I don't know how you do it. Some people are just born with talent. You have it. :)

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  55. By god, your blog entries truly are a glimmer of amazingness on this bleak NZ day. You look AMAZING! Those socks are wonderful, and I cannot tell you how jealous I am of your charity shopping abilities. I thought I was good at rummaging out a decent second-hand find, but you truly put me to shame!

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  56. Ooh and I just wanted to add, if you ever decide you simply have too many vintage coats (haha, very likely) and want to get rid of that amaaaaaazing 1930s burgundy velvet one from the other week, I will gladly purchase it off your hands! It is utterly divine, and I can understand why you couldn't leave it behind!

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  57. Bring on the Festivals!!! I really must drag my hubby out to one this summer....I married my opposite his is not much for concerts...But I think I could bribe him if there was a beer tent lol!! Plastic is Perfect ;) Have a great time!! xx Heather

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  58. I'd really like to get a see through (plastic) mac. Love your tips rain or shine dear. -xxoo hope you enjoyed your weekend.

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  59. oh yes i want a see through mac or cape so bad!!! oh i love how your overknee socks match with your fabulous bag! a happy and colourful look!
    kiss,mary

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  60. I love your wet weather advice almost as much as I love seeing those rainbow socks peeking out the tops of your boots.

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  61. What a lovely rainbow in the wet you are lol. First THANK YOU SO MUCH, for the kaftans, they are fab and groovy. I think I may do a bit of chopping, but I haven't been well enough this weekend to do much. Ok, so, 'pack your body weight in booze'? hmmm. I may need one of those granny trolleys to drag that amount of booze behind me lol.
    Fab post gorgeous.
    V
    xxx

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  62. You look lovely all set for the rain we had yesterday, but its sunny today I so I hope your party goes well :)

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  63. This is like punky brewster meets Cher and I find myself wanting to hold your hand and skip through puddles :) I love your wet concert wear, I think I would melt in this type of weather but I guess if you add enough booze who the hell cares! Love those rainbow socks and new bag and your sexy ass legs!
    XOXOX
    Krista

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  64. Great tips....although I hate festivals and camping! I did Glasto 95' and it was my first and last festival.....just not for me! Had I taken on some of your fab advise however, I may have had a better time!!! ;)

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  65. Excellent tips!
    I now carry and umbrella and rain plastic scarf everywhere cause you don't know what the weather is going to be like here in Ye' Olde England.
    You not a style expert? Shit your the Queen amor!
    I love your hair flower tip and short mini dress tip.
    You look too hot for words in that mini dress.
    adore your rainbow big- ass bag perfect to carry everything ,but the kitchen sink.
    Besones

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  66. a walking rainbow in amongst the clouds! x

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  67. She's Rainbow Brite~I lvoe the umbrella and the boots! And the funky pins!! Looks like you were having fun!!

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  68. my heart just skipped a beat for those groovy pins! oof!-kerry

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  69. Excellent tips! I love your flamingo shower curtain poncho. I've been meaning to try out Barry M lipstick I have all the nail varnishes but have never tried the lipsticks. You also make me want to get into Poundland and have a mini spree! Hope you have (are having) a great time despite the weather xxx

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  70. Fab tips, I adore the retro badges they are pretty cool and the colourful mix here is just enough to make anyone smile xxx

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  71. I took as much of your advice as I could and got hold a couple of the items you'd mentioned! there's didn't seem to be any poundlands around but I did avoid heavy jeans, loads of make up, wore a bright red gortex jacket and was generally colourful in the downpours, my clothes were colourful, my language regarding the weather and the cold was also colourful.

    I'm so pleased you loved everything, can't wait to see you in the boots and top! I love that bag but it was always in a cupboard, you'll give it the rainbow filled life it deserves xxxx

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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