Wednesday 18 July 2012

Glittering Prizes & Vintage Slap



I was a winner in Ceri's Ethical outfit competition last month and got £50 to spend on up-cycled fashion from Grassroots

Fashion? I know, fashion and I aren't exactly natural bedfellows but combined with some retro clobber and a heap of my trademark ethnic jewellery even the trendiest of clothes can be given the Vintage Vix vibe.

Worn with some bell-bottoms I made from a 1950s jumble sale curtain, a heap of tribal jewellery, a 1960s chain belt from Helga the Great and my £1 car boot sale platforms.

First off, this 1990s leather-trimmed grunge crop top. Don't tell the age police there's a 45-and-a-half year old flashing her midriff, will you? Not that they'll find me, I'm housebound yet again as it's peeing it down.



This Bollywood pink tie-dyed cotton top was my second item.

Worn with 1970s crimplene maxi (from Helga)) & a huge gypsy choker made by the Lamani tribe from Karnataka 
Lastly, was this fringed cotton sarong reworked into a jacket.



The armholes make it far less irritating to wear than a shawl.



Fabulously & cleverly made and delivered within 24 hours of me placing an order, you can't get better than that. As Grassroots sell one-off revamped second-hand clobber there's no chance of bumping into anyone else wearing the same, just like when you wear vintage clothes.

Worn with a 1960s catsuit (courtesy of Sarah Misfit) and yet more tribal tat bought from markets in India
Vintage slap? That's Brit slang for make-up, if you were wondering!
I tried out some of the job lot of 1960s cosmetics I bought for 25p from last weeks' car boot sale in this post- Leichner Brick Red & Carmine Red crayons on my cheeks, white Leichner highlighting crayon on my brow bones, Number 17 "Olive" colour crayon and Number Seven "Sweet Mango" matt lipstick. I shaved their tops off with a knife to remove any surface dirt and they went one just fine despite being as old as I am.


See you soon (unless I develop bubonic plague or my face falls off in the mean time)!

79 comments:

  1. I'd be flashing my midriff if I had one like that!

    Looking fabulous young lady :o)

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  2. YOU and your belly rock!

    I am starting to think you literally look great in anything.

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  3. Yup I agree with all the above .. you look fab in anything .. love your posts Vix .. just haven't been reading lately .. xxx

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  4. Aaaaaaahahahahah... MORE vintage slap. Bought at a car boot sale, nonetheless! Bloody hilarious! Love it.

    You rock a crop top better than most 20-yos!

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  5. gorgeous...particularly like that tie-dye top...well done!!x

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  6. That jumpsuit is flippin' amazing! Great finds as usual, Vix.

    idrivevintage.blogspot.co.uk

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  7. Those pants in the first few photos are just plain out magical.

    xoxo MamA wolf.

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  8. You look AMAZING vix - am very jealous of your midriff!

    Oh and I sent you an email the other day, can you pls reply?

    xo

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  9. Congratulations on your prizes - they look fab and perfectly styled with the rest of your wardrobe.

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  10. Nice stuff! Well done on winning.

    I am always nervous of old cosmetics, I always think something in the formulation may have 'gone off' a bit. I think someone told me scare stories at a collectibles fair and it traumatised me!

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  11. Don't they look beautiful all lined up! Art can be found in the simplest of snaps!

    You look fabulous and those orange trews, and your belly is amazing! The nail varnish is still going strong, what a fab colour x

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  12. I love the idea of upcycled clothes. And keep flashing the midriff. There are many 18-year-olds who aren't in as good shape as you.

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  13. Brilliant! :) I agree with Bella, you really look great in anything!

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  14. Ooh I love every single item - but the pink top/blue skirt is my FAVE - you are beautiful in everything!!! The make up is amazing - can you imagine today's makeup lasting that long? NO WAY! And again, I love love love love love your curtains... I must get around to making some! Love you more than upcycled unicycles! Sarah xxx

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  15. I think fashion and you make a perfect combination - and what would any outfit be without the personal touch?!? And you know that we'd all kill for your midriff! xxx

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  16. Oh gosh I remember Leichner (I think my elder sister had some) and I had a 17 crayon just like that in blue. It was my only eye makeup for ages LOL! I wonder who that collection belonged to, and where its been hiding in the intervening 30 odd years?

    If the fashion police turn up tell them to get lost - you look fantastico! xxx

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  17. The second outfit is the winner for me. Blue and pink in those shades looks fantastic, and especially on you with your mid regions on show!! If you got it, then flaunt it, and you got it!!!

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  18. If the cosmetics smell fine and not funky, they may well still be great! Dunk them in some alcohol (like surgical spirit) and that'll zap any nasties.

    I love the croptop with the bell bottoms!

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  19. I love the first top!! :)

    xxx

    Clara

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  20. Jealous of your midriff! You look fabulous. xx

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  21. That is a midriff that deserves to be flashed! I had one once upon a time...gym calls I think. You got some lovely pieces and have made them all suitably Vixtastic, the sarong jacket is great.

    I salute your bravery with the aged cosmetics!
    xx

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  22. I know it's just repeating what everyone else has said - but bloomin' eckers-like, if i had a midriff like yours I'd have it out all of the time!

    Great pieces, but I must say the hand-made bell bottoms are a particular fave of mine in this post :) x

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  23. I love this fashion show!!Everything looks glorious and fabulous on you!!
    I already write to you that no fashion police exists for such a beautiful woman and I'm sure that you'll rock a short top even for the next 50 years!The first outfit is my favorite, I think because it recalls the 70's style that came out on 90's magazines, have you ever seen this old Vanessa Paradis video http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pwKn6fhtxtQ I think you could wear anything in it!!
    The pink top is beautiful too, the blue maxi has a perfect cut and I adore the catsuit with the shawl: great prints mix!!
    Love xxxxx

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  24. Well done on your win. You look sensational showing your midriff so why not? Love your recycled curtain trousers and pschydelic catsuit. Leichner.. theres's a name I haven't heard for a while.
    xx

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  25. Well done on yer win...Grassroots do some lovely things. I think you should show that midriff off at every given opportunity, love.
    Oh good old Liechner. When I was at drama school we had to buy it and stock our stage make up boxes...a knackered fishing tackle box as I recall...I loved it so much, I used to wear it out and about.
    Summer is arriving next week!xxxx

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  26. I had to have a chuckle at the 45yr old make-up! Nowadays they (manufacturers') advise you to dispose of most make-up products after 6 months of being opened/used! Mostly, I think that's just for them to keep selling you more!

    I must admit to cringing at the very thought of wearing crimpeline...It's brilliant that often you didn't have to iron it and it didn't crease much but, I always felt uncomfortable and sweaty in it.
    But, you wear it well!

    Have a great week,

    Sandie xx

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  27. I have a gorgeous shawl and I've often thought about turning it into a similar jacket type thing because shawls are just too awkward! I think I will. Xx

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  28. You are in a style-class of your own, Vix! You should copyright your name 'cause it's a GREAT style-class.
    It's not easy to carry it off ALL THE TIME like YOU do!

    I love it that you used the old make-up.

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  29. 'Vintage Vix Vibe' is now a phrase that I will always remember! And what a vibe it is! I love the sarong to jacket idea, which I use myself at times. It pairs perfectly with the 60's catsuit with its beautiful swirls and colors.

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  30. Show off that tummy, honey. I don't know too many 20 year olds who could wear that top. That pink swirly catsuit is insane. Love all your tribal jewerly

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  31. If my belly was as flat and brown as yours it'd be out there for the whole world to see :) Congrats on winning Vix, it really doesn't surprise me at all, you are fabulous! I love the pink tie dye and the jumper from Sarah oh lord that thing rocks!!! Doe the weather in the UK know it's JULY? Dang no wonder you are such a tough lot, I think I would have already packed up and moved someplace warmer :)

    I promise to bring the sunshine when I come. I can't wait to play with you!
    Love you tons~
    Krista

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  32. Well done on winning. I love those orange stripey trousers and they go so well with your rug! I was wondering how the makeup would hold up - it looks fab.

    Nikki x

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  33. The pink top with the maxi skirt from Helga is my fave, I think. You definitely Vixified each item, and you look, as ever, amazing!
    The Age Police can bugger off - yours is a midriff that demands to be flashed, darling!
    The jumpsuit from Sarah is SO fabulous, it's hurting my eyes!

    Leichner? Is that brand still going? I remember it well (too pricey for me as a teen though!) but don't think you see it any more. I'm sure your face will be fine, and what a gorgeous face it is! xxxxxxx

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  34. Can't beat a bit of midriff flashing when it looks as tanned and toned as yours! Jealous!
    Love the pink with the blue. Good buys.
    x

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  35. I always wonder about the state of using some of the old powder and rogue that sometime come in the compacts I pick up. Some of the remains are just too bad through crumbing that the make up just goes straight into the bin but many of them are unused. Might have to have a play with them myself!

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  36. oh dear raining again....just pack your bags and head this way what are you waiting for!! I have been thinking of upcycling some thrift things for my etsy ~You look lovely as always GET OUT your 45 1/2 omg you look fabulous!! Love Heather

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  37. you look fabulous wearing cropped tops, as usual!, and love that catsuit and maxi skirt, and everything you're wearing, you rock!!
    besos & 40+

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  38. LOVE the crop tops, especially the 90's grunge one (a look I am particularly fond of as it was my hey day!!).

    Nice to see you putting a 'Vix' twist on some different outfits for you.

    L xx

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  39. That catsuit is my faaaaavorite. The fabric pattern is so dreamy psychedelic.
    I saw a bunch of those old lipsticks recently at a vintage shop in downtown Seattle. They were asking 20.00 a tube for them!!

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  40. Totally stunning outfits! :)

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  41. I so love that second outfit, the bright skirt is beautiful! But those bell bottoms are just too good!

    I've never tried vintage make up before, despite having an abundance of old lipsticks. I do have a pair of eyelash curlers from the 50s though which still work perfectly! XO.

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  42. Superb, especially the 2nd and 3rd outfits :)

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  43. You great in the crop tops! x

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  44. Gorgeous as usual! :D Love the last photo and if I had a midriff like that I'd be flashing it off too! ♥

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  45. Gorgeous as usual! :D Love the last photo and if I had a midriff like that I'd be flashing it off too! ♥

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  46. Piss on the Fashion Police!!! If I had a midriff that didn't wook as white and doughy as the Pillsbury Dough-boy i'd be flashing it, too.
    Yup-you definitely Vixified your prizes--love it ALL-but especially the catsuit!!

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  47. The pink top with blue skirt is my definite fav. You are always rocking your outfits.

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  48. Fabulous as always - that 45-year-old midriff is pretty impressive!

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  49. FARK ME,you hot wench!!!! That's one fine midriff,whatever your age,and it deserves to be displayed!!! SCHWING!!!
    Ahem.Yay,winning is fun! You picked well;I especially am impressed with the sarongy thingy!
    Digging those pants,SO funky,and what a great use for curtains!I love curtain fabric,it's stiffer (oooer,missus) and seems to sew and sit well.
    I have heard of Leichner....must be from reading old English mags! I reckon they'll have great staying power!Such a great score!I don't think I've ever seen old makeup,if I ever do I will pounce on it!I treated myself to some brand new makeup in Portland!Hardly ever happens,but I had Mazzy's advice, and so cheap compared to home!A Mac lipstick costs less than the cheap shit they sell in supermarkets here in NZ! What I bought will last me AGES!

    Love Helga xxxXXXxxx

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  50. Ooooh you looks so sexy.just love those outfits.You are one brave lady with the vintage slap.I have lipsticks from the 40's and always want to try them but fear my lips may disolve.lol.they are probably full of lead.lol.But that red lippy sure is a pretty red.Love the tubes.

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  51. I like the shawl and the cropped top. I had pinned your DIY floral bikini top some time ago and I got questions about your age and fabulous shape. I don't think age is the determining factor, but the shape you're in.

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  52. Congratulations on your win. Please don't develop the bubonic plague. Then we won't have anymore "VVV" to aspire to. Geez, in the striped bell bottoms and crop top you look just like the go-go dancers I also aspired to be like. (At the age of 7, I told my teacher that I wanted to be a go-go dancer when I grew up. Or a librarian.)

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  53. What a fab prize! I adore the pink midriff piece!!! I've never found old makeup before it must get thrown out around these parts. The packaging is awesome!
    xx

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  54. I think you have the art of making any item of clothing look stylish

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  55. I love your upcycled pieces - and that toned midriff of yours is a work of art that cries out to be shown off in crop tops! The last catsuit from Sarah was made for you!

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  56. To hell with anyone who says you shouldn't show your mid-drift - Vix you look incredible!!

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  57. I'd get my midriff out all the time if it looked like yours. Great clothes (only two tops for £50?! - good thing you weren't paying) I love hte vintage make up - thanks for sharing! xxx

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  58. Love your choices Vix. I think you you fab in everything.
    Dx

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  59. whta a vibrant colour, splosion of creativity, honestly I love vintage make upo and colour, even moore on red, the were moore mat and long lasting, and the colour was so pure and perfect!!!!
    Hugs
    AnieB
    http://lahabitaciondelaspequenascosas.blogspot.com.es/

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  60. Grassroots sound like a really cool company, I'll have to check them out. I love the vintage make-up, how cool! And yes you're completely right, age is just a number! xxx

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  61. You have an amazing figure and age is just a number i reckon ;-)) You look gorgeous no matter what you wear. Glad the makeup is still ok for you that was a bargain ;-)dee xxx

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  62. Wonderful outfits. I love the crop tops xx

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  63. The print on the sarong-jacket is ace, love it. And most (almost all) woman half our age don't have a stomach as worthy as being flashed as yours! Wishing you a wonderful weekend. xx

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  64. you vixen you! your midriff is killer. and i love your term for makeup. slap!
    hope your weather improves soon. it isn't fair...this is summer dammit!

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  65. You absolutely deserved to win!! As I scrolled through the pics I was admiring your hair as well!! I'm so tempted to rejoin the ranks of the dyed, but I'm trying to hold off just in case the real deal will be more dramatic once it's actually grown in. Right now it's sooooo boring.

    I'm also inspired to reduce my "meno-pot" after seeing you in your midriff-baring selections. You look great.

    Have a lovely weekend. xxoo

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  66. That up-cycled sarong jacket is a brilliant idea. Shawls are useful, but as you say, irritating to wear.
    I love the Bollywood and grunge tops too, and Sarah's catsuit is fabulous.
    Thanks goodness you and the rest of the fab bloggers are here to inspire me in this dire weather!
    Love Annie xxx

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  67. Congratulations on winning - a worthy competitor if ever there was one! I love that first outfit, especially the belt - it really flatters your waist xxx

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  68. Oooh you look fabulous, Vix! Love the colours xx

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  69. Ha! You are so funny! I have a bag like your orange trousers- a family friend made it for me out of some old curtains! I totally have leichner makeup kicking around from my childhood in amateur dramatics dahhhling!

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  70. Oh my Mum has kept all her old Charles of the Ritz makeup, I'm always tempted to try it! Great shawl/cape! xxx

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  71. I love all your Grassroots buys - especially that pink tie-dyed cotton top. Also, your midriff is totally bangin'! I'm only 23, and I still don't have a midriff like that - it's a crime to not show it off!

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  72. I nearly pee-d myself when you scored the 25p make up lot and I'm beside myself that they've worked out for you - I weep at the thought that they may not have reached your fair hands:). Yay for winning the comp!! You have bloody awesome abs to die for - any 18y.o. would be steaming with jealousy if you wore your new tops out (the trews - SQQQQQQUUUUUUUUUUUUEEEEEEEEEE) - promise me you'll wear them out at the first glimpse of sunshine! Always, always LOVE your jewellery and YOU!!! xoxoxoxoxoxoxo

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  73. So pleased you got your prize and love your picks!

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  74. I adore your jumpsuit and crazy pink top and bell bottoms.
    Oooo I love old make up, looks gorgeous on ya amor.
    Besos

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  75. I love the little black net crop top and the orange bell bottoms, that belt looks lush.

    on my wanted list..
    www.personalautographs.blogspot.co.uk

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Lots of love, Vix