Thursday 23 August 2012

A Hatful Of Hollow


You probably already know Vix's law, if it doesn't make you feel fabulous...get rid of it. It's the only way to prevent having a wardrobe stuffed with clothes but nothing you actually want to wear, the bane of many a woman's existence.


Trouble is if I followed my own rules I'd have to chuck this hat 'cos as fabulous as I feel when I look in the mirror sadly doesn't make my head feel too great, more like it's been clamped in a vice, as this candid shot reveals (thanks, Jon darling).


Or it could just be the after effects of two hours spent trawling a field with the great unwashed of the Black Country bypassing piles of hideously tatty, over-priced clothes, scary stuffed toys, knock-off designer bags and the not-so-sweet aroma of the burger van.


We were out yesterday and missed the postman so swung by the Post Office on the way to this morning's boot sale and collected a parcel of joy from the fabulously polka-dotty Sarah. I loved this gingham maxi so much I whipped off the skirt I was already wearing so I could road test it around the field.

Also included in the parcel of joy, a crazy retro postcard, a killer frock and a 1960s tablecloth crying out for makeover.

So, cut to the chase, Vix, what did you get from the car boot sales this week? 

Turquoise ring on index finger (sweet Valerie) and silver snake (Krista-licious). Nail paint all by Bazza M

This rather sweet 1950s Made in The Crown Colony of Hong Kong bucket bag (£1.50) for one thing.


Clockwise from top left: Pair of rocking 1950s sun loungers by Haaning & Co., Denmark (when the seller mentioned "Vintage" and "Scandinavian design" in the same sentence I was expecting a hefty price tag so I was thrilled when he said £10 for the pair), 1970s St Michael paisley printed velvet midi (£2), 1950s giant straw basket (£1.50), 1960s Ultraviolet elbow length gloves with pearl buttons (£1), 1960s transistor radio in perfect working order (50p), 1950s Lizard handbag, 1960s vinyl handbag by Boots & 1970s Welsh Tapestry purse (£3 the lot), Long auburn wig by Steiner, ready for our next party, (50p), 1960s woven picnic hamper (50p)


If that wasn't exciting enough I got back in time to receive a parcel from gorgeous Fiona.


A glorious tray and wood-effect nibbles dishes to add to my collection of retro-tastic party ware,


and a truly beautiful handmade card, made by Fi's own fair hands!


And if I hadn't been spoilt enough Jon bought me flowers! I did ask if he was feeling guilty about something , the poor sod hasn't got time to get up to anything naughty but knowing his penchant for vintage motors I wouldn't be surprised if a VW he'd forgotten to tell me about turns up on the drive when I'm out. It wouldn't be the first time!

Vintage gingham maxi skirt & 1950s bucket bag worn with 1970s suede waistcoat (last seen HERE), 1960s hat (50p, car boot sale), Groovy pendant & Balinese earrings (goth-tastic Helga)
That's far too much waffling for one day, I must go and finish off my latest patchwork creation.
See you soon!

64 comments:

  1. Oh Vix, you look fabulous as always. I'm off to my first ever festival in a couple of weeks so I shall be taking style tips from you. I love this hat, how annoying that it isn't comfy.

    That radio is amazing. I'm currently having a radio dilemma. I would like one so I can keep up wioth the Archers, but I really like the Roberts' ones, which are so expensive and I'm not sure if I can bring myself to pay that much.

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  2. Thats a shame about the hat, but *whispers* I had my ears done when I was eleven and even now at 42 I cant wear anything too tight or it kills me (or plastic headbands but I can live without them lol). Wondering what your patchwork creation is going to be :)
    V
    xxx

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  3. Fab as always ! Love all of your "bling " them rings..

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  4. I love your mantra, I think I need to use this and have a good sort out of my wardrobe. I'm forever having days when I have nothing to wear yet I have wardrobe(s) full of clothes!

    Great bootsale finds as always.
    x

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  5. Ooh, quite a few 1950s things in your haul, but my favourite thing is the picnic hamper - it's lovely.

    You look fabulous as per usual and that skirt is gorgeous - such great colours!

    Nikki x

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  6. You are oozing with fabulousness!

    Those loungers are spectacular - I see why you snatched them up.

    Oh-and I can't wait to see your latest patchwork creation!

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  7. A-may-zing finds again, Vix. I adore those sunloungers - and the M&S velvet midi skirt. I'm also very envious of the 1960s tablecloth you were sent - the pattern on it looks divine. Can't wait to see what you make with it.

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  8. Good haul! I love the picnic hamper.

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  9. oh the curse of a large brain when it comes to buying vintage hats!! I can't believe how much wicker goodness you bought! Can't wait to see you in the wig - and lucky you, love the skirt, Sarah's a generous wench XXXXX

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  10. You know I have a hate that I really like and it gives me a headache:( Wow sweetie I am loving this skirt from sweet Sarah and she always sends the best vintage clippings. Your waistcoat is killer too.

    I am loving all your loot, the chairs are to die for and if it's sunny we will be lounging in em :) I love the gloves and that turquoise radio too. Fiona total hooked you up with the lovely serving tray and plates how sweet! Jon got you flowers :) I love the story about a VW might appear, God I hope so! You guys always have me missing my old one.

    Loveyoulotshoney~
    Krista

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  11. those sunloungers are so vintage dahl! I love them! Great wee haul too, and gorgeous parcel too!

    oh and I sent you an email! getting rather tetchy now (not with you silly!)

    xo

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  12. Score on those chairs! Can't wait to see the pix of you and Krista kicking back in them. I had a radio like that one when I was a girl. I thought I was so cool! Were women pin heads back in the day? I have a 24" noggin and it's rare a vintage hat fits. That and shoes.

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  13. Hi Vix! I think about your famous quote often and have been purging like crazy lately because of it. I think it's the best way to narrow down what our true style is. And hopefully make less mistakes...as in "what was I thinking?"
    I think the hat looks wonderful on you and I love that it's black.

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  14. Superb sun loungers, my auntie Jean had some just like them. Your 60's 'wireless' was an absolute bargain at 50p and love the hamper too. You are a lucky girl receiving Alstro's from Jon they last for ages, and I love Sarah's skirt and tablecloth. Any plans for the p/c of those hunks in their Y Fronts ? Glad the tray arrived in one piece.
    xx

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  15. That maxi is smashing!!! you looked fabulous even if your head was squished a bit!!
    You scored some wonderful loot at the boot sales!!!If only our local yard sales had even a smidge of that!! all it seems to be is mangy Barbie Dolls, video games and nasty stuffed animals anymore!!
    I adore the postcard of men in their tighty-whiteys that saucy Sarash sent you!!!
    I see now where the deer you brought wound up--I like it on the mantle.
    You collect retro entertaining bits and bobs (filing that info away!!)
    So a VW may wind up in your driveway???LOLOLOL That would be my dream!!!
    {{{{{{{hugs}}}}}}}}}}

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  16. I KNEW those loungers would be good! Great car booty, Vix, the basket and hamper are fabulous, I am fully expecting you to rock the purple gloves, and I am intrigued by the velvet skirt, the print looks beautiful. And you know I love a wig!
    Oh that maxi from Her Royal Polkadottiness is perfection, and with the waistcoat and uncomfy hat - gorgeous!
    Beautiful gifts from lovely Fiona, she's a card-making genius, and Jon bought you flowers because he LOVES you! As do I! xxxxxxxxxxxxx

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  17. You know you hit the nail on the head with the scary stuffed toys comment... where do boot sale toys COME FROM because I've never seen such scary things in Toys R Us!?! ROFL

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  18. Your latest patchwork creation? Can't wait to see it. You look adorable in that long skirt and hat. love the colro of your vest.
    xx
    maya

    p.s.
    jon seems like such a nice guy.

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  19. It's a good thing for a Goddess to quote herself and to receive such beautiful presents as a tribute!
    Vix's law is a true statement!
    I hate fabulous vintage hats for the reason that my head is quite big and lots of hair like yours and mine doesn't help at all to avoid a headache!That skirt is ultrasonic and your figure is stunning in it!
    Great finds as always and the purple gloves are spectacular, can't wait the cold to see you wearing them!
    Lots of love!

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  20. too bad that hat doesn't fit b/c it sure looks great on you. of course everything does though! love that turquoise radio, what a find!

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  21. That radio would be perfect for sitting outside and listening too while on your new chairs - they are such a great find!

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  22. Fi is really talented - the card is beautiful. Getting flowers is a rare occasion for me too - Hugh always hands them to me saying "it's ok, I haven't done anything wrong!!" x

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  23. I agree about the hat but the skirt is fabulous. And two parcels of joy - wow!

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  24. I am going to have to start reciting your mantra OUT LOUD, every single day in order to purge my bulging closet. The maxi skirt from her royal sarah-ness suits you to a "T" and looks damn fine with the waistcoat. Shame about the hat though. Those rocking lounge chairs are definitely worth a "SQUEE!"

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  25. AWESOME WIG!! 50p! seriously I want to go to your boot sales! Can't wait to see the wig on you! Isn't it lovely when your man brings you home xx

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  26. I love Vix's law:) Also those chairs are amazing!

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  27. You always find such amazing things! I love the gingham maxi, it looks fabulous on you!

    You've gotta ditch the hat, though...no-one's brain needs squeezing :-)
    Set it free for some pin-head to enjoy!

    xox
    www.VintageAdvantage.blogspot.com

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  28. If you're lucky you might be able to find someone with a hat stretcher for that yummy hat (a local department store hat junkie found such a thing in their defunct millinery section and worked magic on a felt hat for me moons ago). Also elbow length gloves with pearl buttons ... oooh I wish I could find something like that (that would also fit my giant navvy-hands lol)

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  29. Absolutely fabulous finds, Vix!

    I especially love the sun loungers and radio - could I employ you to find these things for me?

    I'm with on the flowers thing too. T'other half will be all lovely and then BAM a new car is on the drive. They're sadly never vintage either.

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  30. Fark YES,that's a fabulous maxi!
    Shame about the head pinching hat.Sadly,with our big heads,that's often the way of it!I ahve a couple that I wear rakishly sideways in order to get aways with it!
    Yay to greta scores,the cunchairs are diviin,and you scored some greta handbags/basketry!!!The radio is the most scrumptious colour!!!
    And then more retrotastic party ware!!Heaven!Caps off the day nicely.......hahaha if there IS a VW sitting on the drive!!!How spelndid!
    Love Helga xxxXXXxxx

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  31. Just found your blog and you have fabulous style! You can see your personality shine through your outfits. The jewelry you have is way too cool. Loving the cuff bracelet. Heather

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  32. ahh Vix I love love loveeeee reading your posts, they make me laugh and make me happy :) Especially the story about Jon sneaking a camper van onto the drive hahaha amazing. How nice he bought you some flowers! You look wonderful as always you never fail to inspire xxxxxx

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  33. I really do need to follow your law, I have a load of clothes yet very little to wear as I they just don't make me feel anywhere near fab. You on the otherhand never fail to look amazing - I love that maxi. Linda xxx

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  34. The perfect words of wisdom as I agonize over my clean-out. (I haven't been making very good progress.)

    Lovely outfit and fabulous finds!

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  35. lovely gingham skirt, it's so summery, and I like your hat and your waistcoat (you look always fabulous when wearing a waistcoat!)
    And you're right, the words 'vintage' and 'scandinavian design', usually mean 'over-priced items'!
    besos

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  36. You found some great stuff ~How sweet flowers and lol Adrian would do the same only a motorcycle would be in the driveway LOL!! Love your skirt absolutely beautiful!! Enjoy your weekend Love Heather

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  37. Your rule is a good one Vix, and I intend to adopt it as my very own as I fumble through my closets this weekend, looking for pieces to downsize. Too bad that the hat is too small, because it looks fabulous as you peer from beneath the large brim.

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  38. If the hats too small... You surely need one just like it in a bigger size because it really does look lovely on your head!!! "It doesn't look like a vice at all." *hahah*
    That maxi is so sweet it really suits you I love flowy skirts!

    Flippin great finds too. ALL OF THEM ARE AWESOME but my favorites have got to be the radio, wig and maxi.

    You got scaed by stuffed toys again? Thank gooness pooh wasn't there calling out your name from a pile of fuzzies. ;)

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  39. Just how many VWs does Jon have? I've noticed similar gifts of chocolate and flowers occur at my house for similar reasons.

    I love the blue elbow-length gloves and hope I get to see you model the vintage/Scandinavian chairs.

    Fiona makes a lovely card.

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  40. Very nice collection. Such a stylish accessories. Nice blog.i will keep updated with the same.

    mezoterapia bezigłowa

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  41. I was very pleased to seek out this net-site.I wanted to thanks on your time for this wonderful learn!! I definitely enjoying every little little bit of it and I have you bookmarked to check out new stuff you blog post.
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  42. Oh that hat brings back memories, I had a blue one just like it when I was little then I found a felt black one at a car boot in my teens that for some reason I only wore in the bath! Wish I still had it, shame, only have the photos. Love the gingham dress. Great lounger chairs, fabulous buys and finds as usual. As for a goat, I think you have to ear tag them and also register as a small holdings? Perhaps a donkey??? I love donkeys. x

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  43. Great haul - the rocking sun loungers are a find! I always assume when I get flowers that Mr V is guilty of something he hasn't owned up to yet - like shrinking my favourite jumper or the like.
    Love your gingham maxi and I love your floppy 70's style hat.

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  44. I am so jealous that you're so fine in the slouch hat. My head is too big, so the proportions of the hat and the face is wrong.

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  45. Wow,Here so interative and interesting wearings in all types are available.I love this.


    masaż

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  46. Oh Vix I love the skirt so much!!!! What yummy presents you have been sent from gorgeous friends.
    Oh oh the sun lounges are just amazing!!!!! Wow I can't wait to see you and Jon soaking up the sun looking fabulous.
    Hmmm another VW is always a good thing and flowers are too!!!!!
    Love v

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  47. Oh yay the skirt is PERFECT on you!!! I love it with that fab top - shame about the too tight hat - and the jewellery is all fabularse, of course. That radio is AMAZING - I have been looking for one forever, and they are all hideously expensive here... maybe one day I shall find one for 50p! I love the yellow basket and Fi's card is beautiful. Yay for treasures! Love you more than WIGS! Sarah xxx

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  48. Wow i love those sunbeds what a bargain and what a smashing find ;-) And i would love to have found that radio to you lucky thing ;-)Great buys. Bless Jon for buying you the flowers. Look forward to seeing your patchwork creation ;-)Have a lovely weekend, dee xx

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  49. That turquoise radio!!! Score! And those loungers!!!

    That'a a great skirt. I think all my maxi skirts when I was a kid were exactly that style with the ruffle..

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  50. That skirt is so pretty! Love it.
    I do the same if Andy buys me flowers, it's usually followed by "I'm going fishing this weekend" or "I've broken *insert object*"
    xx

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  51. Love the hat! I have a gorgeous paper straw hat with flowers but as I know my head can't have grown (I don't think) and I haven't gained any more hair, I can only think that it's shrunk as it's so tight now it's almost painful to wear.
    Those loungers are rather nifty!

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  52. how utterly wonderful....loving the gingham skirt....and the saucey post card!!x

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  53. I swear you're like a magnet that gorgeous retro things get stuck to! They come flying out of their hiding places amongst the crap and scream, "Mummy! Take me home!!"

    Nobody does it like you do, girl. And that's a compliment.

    Cheers,
    Rosemary foreveronthecatwalkoflife.blogspot.com

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  54. Ooh lots of great finds as always! LOve the red chairs especially, yay for having a van to lug them home in. Let me know if you're selling the purple gloves.xx.

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  55. Hats are tricky, often the ones that look the best have a flaw. You know people can be like that too - so here's to comfy hats and flawed companions. Love the outfit and finds - the gloves and that radio have me enthralled!

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  56. Great finds, Vix, as ever. I love love LOVE those elbow lengths gloves - fabulous colour! x

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  57. Great finds, Vix, as ever. I love love LOVE those elbow lengths gloves - fabulous colour! x

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  58. Hi Vix!

    Great finds again - I had my share of good finds as well this week! lots of sales around here even for vintage and recycled fashion!

    The gingham maxi is wonderful

    Have a good weekend

    Ariane xxxx

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  59. You look gorgeous, though I guess the hat will end up going if you can't stretch it.
    Great car boot finds, the lounge chairs are the bee's knees.
    And what an awesome parcel of fabtastic party ware. Fi's card is beautiful too. xxx

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  60. I absolutely adore vintage St Micheal clothes, I must have over 10 items already. And I am very jealous of that fabulous midi skirt xx It is a shame I am too much of a whimp to go to car boots.

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  61. I absolutely adore vintage St Micheal clothes, I must have over 10 items already. And I am very jealous of that fabulous midi skirt xx It is a shame I am too much of a whimp to go to car boots.

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  62. I have been using your mantra quite a bit lately. I love the hat and the bag. Those little plates will go well with your snack tree :)

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  63. Very nice fabric clothes! thanks for sharing the blog.I wish you to post new updates regularly.

    gotowe prace licencjackie

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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