Here's me today.................
and this was then...suited, jewellery-free and blonde!
Because you asked so nicely I thought I'd share these, Corporate Vix from the bad old days. Behind that smile my eyes were dead.
Here's another, me winning some prize and pretending to be thrilled. You'd have found these pictures in the leading trade magazines back in the 1990s, I was contract catering's poster girl.
Every morning I wake up I still thank whoever's up there for giving me the guts to escape that life and just be me.
Every morning I wake up I still thank whoever's up there for giving me the guts to escape that life and just be me.
Happier things now! My darling Helga sent me a parcel of joy and here's some of the contents- a groovy 1970s bikini ready for my next trip, hair feathers and a cute ethnic purse, three pairs of loud opaques, a mad card and a book set in Cuba and a fabulous frilly lurex blouse.
Here's a suit I can handle, a 1970s Butte Knit, New Zealand wool two piece & another treat. Jon's been chasing me round the kitchen in this, I think red's made him a feel a bit frisky.
My eyes are suffering from the dust at yesterday's jumble sale. I'll reveal more about that soon!
Here's a suit I can handle, a 1970s Butte Knit, New Zealand wool two piece & another treat. Jon's been chasing me round the kitchen in this, I think red's made him a feel a bit frisky.
 |
| The amazing chain-mail statement collar was a giveaway prize from Glynis. I only found the package this morning, our postman's always tucking parcels away in secret places and forgetting to leave a note. |
These are the second pair of platforms I bought for £5 last Friday. Hopefully it'll stay dry enough to wear them out this evening.
 |
| New-to-me maxi worn with a denim waistcoat (£2.45, Acorns Hospice), Alfred Tricker Crafts Ltd., 1970s fake snakeskin and steel choker (£1.50, car boot sale), Dip-dyed bag (Free and pimped up by me) |
Helga's parcel also contained this groovy maxi skirt, made of crimplene, the most underrated fabric known to woman!
She bought these wedges from Trade Me but they didn't fit her dainty feet!
Hoorah for whopping hooves and for fabulous blogging buddies!
I'm off to catch up with some blog reading before I get tarted up for the pub, you could fry chips in my hair & my nails are appalling (the downside of jumble sales, dusty church halls and mingling with the great unwashed).
Have a fab weekend and see you soon.
PS Don't forget to pop over and enter Helga's giveaway, a chance to win a book with me (and some fabulous vintage clothes) in it!
PS Don't forget to pop over and enter Helga's giveaway, a chance to win a book with me (and some fabulous vintage clothes) in it!
I love the red suit.
ReplyDeleteWow at the difference between Corporate Vix, I would not have recognised you - I can't believe you were blonde!
wow ! I cant belive that its you ! But you are right - you look much happier now !
ReplyDeleteI love the red outfit and the shoes !
I bought a red wool coat on e- bay - waiting for the postman...
You look so beautiful in that red suit Vix, it's a great colour and shape on you.
ReplyDeleteAlso, I think you're amazing and brave for quitting your high paid job in order to pursue happier and more fulfilling experiences.
Luckily I still love my job and find it very exciting but there are definitely days where I'm sat at my desk with clients screaming for things and I know I'll be there til Midnight where I wonder if it's all worth it!! Maybe I'll be citing you as my inspiration one day!
L xx
Oh wow you look like a totally different person.Much prefer the non-corporate version!
ReplyDeletelove that red outfit and both shoes.Love the old photos.you look good blonde but I love your dark hair best.xxx
ReplyDeleteThanks for showing us 'Corporate Vix." You really can't tell that your soul has been sucked out of you, but you do look much happier now.
ReplyDeleteWhat lovely treats from Helgo. I girl can't have too many psychedelic bikinis (a girl with your figure, I mean) or loud tights.
My copy of the vintage fashion book that Helga is giving away just arrived and I look forward to reading it cover to cover.
The red suit is lovely. have I mentioned before that red looks divine on You? Dark hair suits you nicely, too. Blone is good, but I prefer you in a darker shade;-)
ReplyDeleteWow how different you looked! The corporate world isn't something I'd ever wish to go back too either - I hated office politics and men who thought they knew everything!!
ReplyDeleteGlad you survived the jumble sale is slightly battle weary ;)
Wow--other then your gorgeous smile and eyes I'd have never recognized corprate Vix as the faboo Vix of today!!
ReplyDeleteThe red suit is sexalicious on you--i can see why Jon has naughty thoughts on his mind!
what an awesome package of treasures from our amazing Helga! The new maxi is stunning!!
Have much fun at the pub tonite!
Whoa, very different! I must say you look stunning with both hair colours, although your current dark hair lends you a much more exotic look! The red suit looks gorgeous on you, you are a chameleon when it comes to colour as they all seem to glow and look fantastic on you! XXX
ReplyDeleteYou look so different with blonde hair!! I was blonde but I prefer being a dark brunette now! :-)
ReplyDeleteOh and I love that red suit, so gorgeous!
Have a good weekend - I hope you got my email!
xo
That red suit is the most beautiful suit I've ever seen.
ReplyDeleteI love seeing pics of the packages bloggers send each other. It's a little like Christmas with each post :)
Vix, thanks for sharing pics of your past. You are a beautiful woman any way you look at it, but I'm so glad you were able to leave the job that didn't suit the real you. (Oh, pun. Unintended :/)
You know, red is your colour, you look stunning in it. No wonder Jon is chasing you around!
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing the Corporate Vix pics - quite gobsmacking to see you in a suit. And know the feelings you described having at the time all too well! Your life change story is inspirational.
What a huge difference between then and now. I like to think I'm getting better with age, but you definitely are!!
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing your corporate self, good for you for having the courage to leave it all behind, so many of us wouldn't have.
ReplyDeleteLove the red maxi suit, red suits us brunettes but 'brrrrr', bare arms again. Have a great weekend and I look forward to hearing about your JS adventure.
Wow what a difference, you look great love your red suit and both heels :)
ReplyDeleteGoodness me yes, I can see a feel the change in you just from those pics from a lifetime ago. It must feel like a lifetime ago though, I bet? One should always do what the soul screams at you to do. Good on you for having the strength to make a change.
ReplyDeleteOhhhh finally a flash of the other pair of $5 platforms the colour combo is fab the pink looks a bit peachy. You're a picture in red, you vixen you. Helga has such wonderful style and flare and has done well with all those goodies you've acquired. I do especially love the skirt and shoes. Ohhhh for blogging buddies. X
Gosh, you looking sooooooo (I'm lost for words here)..... different. Much prefer the non-corporate you. The red suit is glorious and I love the crimplene skirt. Yeh, why is crimplene much maligned? I don't get it. Have a wonderful weekend. xx
ReplyDeleteWhat a transformation, Vix! Though you were quite a stunner then too! But I thank whoever's up there too, because we love you now!
ReplyDeleteAnd that red dress with the necklace-I want!!
Love
wwww Shubhi's Revels!
What awesome strength of will you have to have dumped a life that I'm sure people tried really hard to keep you in. Yay!!!! You did the world a service, brightening our days with your awesome style and fantastic life view. The crimplene skirt is madly wonderful and the red number is, well, no wonder Jon is chasing you. I know you're wearing those shoes so he'll catch you...! Helga is a queen for sending you those treats. Have a great weekend.
ReplyDeleteI seriously cannot imagine you as the corporate so & so you described yourself as in the last post! I've always imagined you as having a frugal lifestyle and going out having fun!
ReplyDeleteGreat outfits, I love the two piece and the print on your maxi skirt is gorgeous! xo.
I for one think this Vix fits you a whole lot more. =D
ReplyDeleteLove your red combo you look Gorgeous, no wonder Jon's chasing you around.
The eyes HAVE it, now! Good for you.
ReplyDeleteAnd YOU GO, John! (Isn't red the color of the capes the matadors wield?)
Gorgeous suit, definitely more you than the corporate look! You look like a totally different person back then, it's great that you found the courage to be the real you, so many people never do. Isn't Helga a doll?
ReplyDeleteNever mind Jon - I might chase you round the kitchen too, you look so hot in red!
ReplyDeleteThose pics of bygone Vix give me an odd feeling - it's you but not you, it's disconcerting to see your gorgeous familiar face but in such different circumstances and style. The real true Vix is in the denim waistcoat and fab maxi skirt, I think!
Helga sends such wonderful gifts, I love it all. And I love you, because you are brave AND beautiful.
Have a fab weekend, love! xxxxx
so nice! vintage is love
ReplyDeletexx the cookies
samecookiesdifferent.blogspot.com
enjoy your evening!
You did look lovely as a blonde but now you're just horny baby! Oh and did ya let Jon catch ya? Did ya? Huh, huh?
ReplyDeleteYou look sensational in that red!
ReplyDeleteYou look so lovely then and now but agree you look much happier now. SO glad you made the change for a happier life.
ReplyDeleteI'm loving that red suit, it's so REd and fabulous!!, and it suits you like a dream!
ReplyDeleteand also love that maxi skirt and platforms!, you look stunning!
And I think you're a wise person living your genuine life and enjoying every moment!
besos
Hey Vix! Sorry I've been a bit of a stranger-still keeping up with your antics when I can! Love those block coloured platforms, where on earth did you find them? And only a fiver, amazing!
ReplyDeleteCorporate Vix looks so different. I can see the real you in your current pictures-your happiness, contentment and joie de vivre shines out of you in a way that it can't do with Corporate Vix, that wasn't the real you, I'm so pleased you found the strength to let who you really are come to the fore. You still look gorgeous mind-would you ever consider going back to blonde?!
Huge hugs and kisses Amie xxxxxxxxx
I am proud at how far you have come, Vix - the fact that you say behind the eyes you were dead, is very telling - Now, you illuminate your spaces and places around you - A true survivor. And that red suit was made for you! xxx
ReplyDeleteYou look beautiful and happy! How interesting to read in your last post about your career. You had some HUGE responsibility! I cannot imagine. I really can't. I have a small amount with my job. A tiny amount compared to what you did. Glad you are enjoying life better now! It is horrible to be unhappy in work -- something we spend most of our time doing!
ReplyDeletexoxo
Lynn
PS -- fun to see your kitchen, and that food looks amazing!!
eek, blonde! Glad you're happy now! I love the yellow shoes!
ReplyDeleteDamn, you look nasty in those photos. Like one of those mean, back stabbing bitches on TV. So happy you ditched that life and became you! So many people go for the life they think they should have instead of the one they want. It's sad to see how many people are unhappy with their lives and how they take it out on the rest of us.
ReplyDeleteI just loved reading the stories about your past life. I can imagine you made a great boss, I would have worked my butt off for you! ;)
ReplyDeleteBut I must say, your new self, or TRUE self, is much more interesting and sexy....oh, and groovy!
You've always been gorgeous but now you look happy too, so good on ya I say. As someone who's on the dirty blonde side I've always darkened my hair and found I like it better, but you can carry off both. I'm all for jacking in the sensible thing if it's making you unhappy, as you may be able to tell by my moving to Spain in a time of financial crisis, but you only have one life to live as far as we know so you have to trust your heart, as you so wonderfully demonstrate xx
ReplyDeleteCan totally relate to your wanting to recreate yourself and your life, Vix.
ReplyDeleteThe first picture clearly reflects a woman that loves herself and the world around her. The second, I think, is a woman doing what she had to do (or thought she needed to do) at that time in her life.
I LOVE change! Rock on, woman, rock on!
Wow look at you then yes there is a difference you look better and happier for sure but you were a looker then and are still now but i prefer you now in all your vintage glory -
ReplyDeleteSeen the pic on Facebook about the fair, can not wait to see the post about it
Have a good weekend
Ariane xxxx
It is amazing where we go in life isn't it ~So glad you are happy now!! You look beautiful love the bright red and the new shoes ~Love Heather
ReplyDeleteOh the red is gorgeous on you. It really is no wonder you have Jon chasing you around the kitchen while wearing it! Have a great weekend, my friend.
ReplyDeleteLoulou
Wowwwww I just saw the photos and yet I still have a tough time picturing you all corporated out.
ReplyDeleteAnd well I am just glad you pursued your own personal happiness, as well as evolved into your own personal style, one that has nothing to do with suits or blonde hair. (I especially love your denim vest/halter top.) Your blog is always a source of inspiration to me, this time even more than usual.
Holy crap Vix! I seriously can't believe that was you! It's like a whole other life. You have always been beautiful but now with your dark hair and free spirit running wild you are so much more beautiful! Here's to fresh starts!
ReplyDeleteHelga so hooked you up with all these pressies! The skirt pattern I'm digging big time. But I'm with Jon on this red suit- meow! You look better than the devil in red and those shoes - sexy!
I wish Chris and I were out to the pub with you tonight. Miss you loads love you more!
Xoxoxo
Krista
Wow Vix, I cannot believe you were her!! So different!! The NEW you looks divinely happy and richer for it in so many more ways. You look the picture of health now. And being dark seriously suits you more than natural blonde. WOW!! Love you in the NZ red do. Enjoy your weekend ♥
ReplyDeleteI really admire you for breaking free from the corporate life Vix and I just can't believe it's you in those old photos - you look about a million times happier now.
ReplyDeleteI LOVE that red suit too - you look so striking with you long black hair in red xoxox
what a lovely post to wake up to - any escape from commercialism is wonderful and your recycling of the most stylish clothes is totally inspirational - love froogs xxx
ReplyDeleteWow Vix, I can't believe that's you! You look so much happier now! I'm so thrilled that you got out of a life that wasn't making you happy. Cheers to that!
ReplyDeleteHurray for both your pairs of fabulous shoes today! I can't decide which I like better. And that red suit is incredible. I'd be chasing you round the kitchen too!
You looked lovely back in the corporate days but you look not only lovely but so much more you now! Although I was only a small cog in corporate wheels in the past I always hated all the crap that went with it too! (Don't think one employer used to like my bikers jacket that i used to wear over boring office clothes! lol)
ReplyDeleteLove the colourful wedges and you look stunning in that red suit too! Love all your gifts from Helga too that skirt is really lovely.
Hope you have a great weekend.
P x
Oh my! Thanks for sharing, I love seeing how much people change over the years. Corporate Vix was pretty, Vintage Vix is a SUPER AWESOME BEAUT. Never change again! x
ReplyDeleteWhat a difference ! You look so very good now !!! I like your todays style ! (And adore your shoes) Have a fabby weekend XX Tani
ReplyDeleteyou look so much younger, happier and prettier right now, dear vix! congrats to your brave decision! Reminds me of a quote I found on tumblr today: "the price of anything is the amount of life you exchange for it" (Henry Thoreau)
ReplyDeleteYou do look happier now! Though I do think you suit the blonde as well.
ReplyDeleteLove those pink tights with the wedges.
Still the beautiful Vix in the corporate photos but with none of the sparkle. Amazing how such a change can occur and I for one truly applaud your guts in making such a lifestyle change. Now you look so young and full of fun.
ReplyDeleteX x
Ps loving the red suit!
X x
You are gorgeous in your red maxi dress!! Thank you for sharing with us your painful past, I think that behind those eyes there was a great strengt and the power to turn everything in what was better for you! You were very beautiful even with your different look and style, but I'm sure that she wasn't the real girl we know!
ReplyDeleteAll Helga presents are amazing and that bikini is perfect for you!
I really like both the 5 pounds colorful shoes, they seem comfortable!
Have a great weekend!
You look amazing as always, I wouldn't have recognized you in those photos! And you are right you look far more radiant in the more recent photos!
ReplyDeleteI also work for a financial company and I find it be soul crushing. The blog and dressing up is my way of keeping myself sane.I am already planning my escape route though and I hope that sooner or later I can do like you and tell them to take the job and shove it!
So much to comment on I hardly know where to start!! First I must say you were so right shedding the blonde, dark hair suits your face better, can I say that?! Not to mention the personality, obvs!!
ReplyDeleteI'm also slightly dying for those suede platforms, I've been eyeing up similar lately myself but yours are much more wallet-friendly. Not to mention the cork wedges, well we can never have too many pairs of those, eh?
Those platforms are very Prada! Great red dress!
ReplyDeleteWell, isn't that interesting? A life lived in 2 distinct halves! I wish I had a "colourful past" but no such luck. Only a lot of foolishness.
ReplyDeleteThe red suit is fab. You have some awesome blogging buddies. I find it amazing that the things they send you always fit.
Cheers,
Rosemary from www.foreveronthecatwalkoflife.blogspot.com
I haven't been by your lovely blog in in a while Vix, I just finished reading your post, very inspiring, I love how you make blogging a fun :) I wish we had "car boot sales" here, what is that?
ReplyDeletea+
-Izzy
The joy of finding your sacred self, the real you, shows in everything you do! I love it when someone grows more beautiful with time and you have.
ReplyDeleteyou look ravishing as a blonde, but I know what you mean about the dead eyes that only you can see.
ReplyDeleteLove the platforms so much.
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
Oh my, you were quite the blonde bombshell overachiever! I wonder what happened to those guys with you.....?
ReplyDeleteLove everything especially the red suit - skirt is such a lovely shape over the hips and the way it falls to the ankles! xx
Thanks for sharing those corporate pics with us, I totally understand what you mean about feeling dead inside, waking up each morning feeling unfulfilled is so soul destroying! Well done for surviving! x
ReplyDeleteHard to believe that was you, as others have said, none of your spark.
ReplyDeleteThe red suit is brilliant, very you x
It's fascinating to see pictures from your past life Vix, you look like you were a happy cheerful soul then too but now you're doing what you want rather than what was expected of you, and I respect you so much for having the courage of your convictions to do that. You're an inspiration in more ways than one, xx
ReplyDeleteI love hearing about your past. I have to agree with everyone else; that red suit is fabulous. It is such a good colour for you.
ReplyDeleteYou do look so different as a blonde. I much prefer dark hair and darker hair is gorgeous on you.
ReplyDeleteThat red suit is just stunning, red looks gorgeous on brunettes x
I know everyone has said it but you look so different as a blonde! Glad you had the guts to leave the corporate world behind, you definitely look happier now!
ReplyDeleteThat red suit looks great on you! Hope you have a great weekend x
The fact that you post pictures from the past probably means that you have "forgiven" that time, and that's nice!
ReplyDeleteIf I hadn't seen these photos on your blog I would never have believed it was the same woman.
ReplyDeleteAnd aren't those Butte knits wonderful? I have a small collection and it is remarkable to me how sharp they look after all these years. Can understand why jon is in a chasing mood.
You had not changed a bit except your hair. I am so glad you're happy with your life now. And I'm glad you had courage to change things.
ReplyDeletexx
maya
Ah,the past is the PAST for a good reason! You were just as gorgeous as you are now,only nowhere near as happy! I too thank the powers that be,cause I might never have found you!
ReplyDeleteYAY the parcel arrived!!!I knew you'd look a bloody TREAT in the red number,I'm quite pleased it's making Jon frisky!Go boy!
My feet aren't exactly dainty,but they are a little smaller than yours!I'm so keen to find those in my size,I love 'em! Work it,hot minx!
Love you! Love Helga xxxXXXxxx
Am just back,got some catching up to do later!XXX
Talk about transformation!! You look so much happier now and so much more "yourself"!! I love it. The platform shoes are fab, and I love the red outfit.
ReplyDeleteYou were very brave <3
ReplyDeleteOh My God! You look so different, your corporate past is mad, there's nothing worst than not being able to be yourself at work even if the money's good, you're just right to leave, your health and happiness are so much more important xx
ReplyDeleteYou look beautiful! Very Stylish pics
ReplyDeleteA chic kiss ;-)
adorable....... and look at you with your blonde locks....I particularly like those pink tights!!x
ReplyDeleteHey Vix great to meet your blog. Man I LOVE your yellow/pink/white platform shoes. They are the bees knees! You score the best bargins!
ReplyDeleteIt's not just the hair, it's the clothes! It's all very corporate stepford wives - no wonder you were a wild girl at night! Well done for escaping. Look at your legs in the second photo - bet all those guys were in love with you! But also scared... I love your Helga presents - look at those shoes!! That red suit is gorgeous too. xxxxx
ReplyDeleteI must say, modern Vix looks heaps happier than corporate Vix :)
ReplyDeleteYou look divine in red! I can see why Jon is chasing you around!
Fab bikini and I love those multicolored platforms! Wow!
We love modern Vix! I'm always so inspired by people who chase their dreams, rather than staying in their soul destroying jobs for the money. My part time job is in catering and I hate every second of not being able to wear my hair down, paint my nails or wear my rings! It's made think about never doing it again in the future! Glad to know you're much happier now - I truly believe money doesn't buy happiness, it's how you live you life that makes you the best person x
ReplyDeleteas everytime you're so inspiring ... i work on my escape everyday single day now ... hopefully my eyes will be full of life like yours nowadays.
ReplyDeletelove the red dress/two piece thingy. wow!
big hug
http://wardrobexperience.blogspot.de
When you said Jon chased you 'round the kitchen all I could think of was "waving a red flag in front of a bull"! So strange to see you blonde and suited up; working in the corporate world can suck the soul from those of us who can't squeeze our personalities into the boxes provided. I'm glad you were able to get out and let your awesome self shine! Love those colour-blocked platforms and the bikini!
ReplyDeletewow i love this lady in red ensemble!!! and i love the fact you could escape and just be yourself now. you are beautiful from inside and outside and as i´m sure a strong personality.
ReplyDeletejust stay as you are ;)
love and kiss,mary
It's so weird to see you all corporate-y. I can't imagine it. I'm glad that you are happy now, and have found the life that you want. That red suit is fabulous.
ReplyDeleteits so cool to have a glimpse in to your past! what a complete turn around! im so glad you got that chance in life and you always seem beyond happy now:)
ReplyDeletexxxx
Ps as always , you look amazing! especially loving the crimplene skirt!!
I knew you used to be blonde but crikey, you look like a whole different person now! So very much more "you" than in the corporate days :)
ReplyDeletei love that skirt!!just discovered your blog, i'm following you now my dear. i have a new post up if you get a chance to take a look, thanks x
ReplyDeletehttp://supposeishouldblog.blogspot.ie/
Wow, Vix, you continue to amaze and awe me: your past corporate life, your former life as a blond: all intriguing but nothing is more fabulous than your following your gut and having the courage to be fabulous you!
ReplyDeleteLove the second pair of platforms (don't know which colour I like best), the wedgie gifty and the Butte Knit suit - I have a dress of the same make that I picked up in Goodwill in Canada and I love its 1960s mod style ... makes me feel like a flight attendant! xoxo
Wow, I can't believe it's you! Seems like a completely different person to the Vix we know and love. Gosh, I am blown away, I guess it goes to show just how much a change is possible, if you want it and life is exactly what you make it. The corporate Vix would have never discovered blogging or all the friends through it xxx
ReplyDeleteWooooooooohh! I've never seen these pics before! I'm so in awe of your amazing spirit and chutzpah, amor! You look incredible in the beautiful red suit - and those shoes are frickin AMAZING! The bikini from Helgita is exquisite (I never find swimmers!) and the crimplene skirt is just splendid - and I agree - so underrated! That gorgeous glam collar necklace is GORGEOUS! Love you more than chutzpah! Sarah xxx
ReplyDeleteI'm offline for a couple of days and I miss all these scrumptious outfits. Love you in red!
ReplyDeleteIt is funny to see those old pics of you. You are beautifull in the photo's, but you are more beautifull now doing your own thing and living your own live. Now indeed, you see sparklings in your eyes. :)
ReplyDeleteI love that red outfit.
xx