I'm taking it easy today, lounging on the bed with tea and a good read.
Remember Wearable Vintage Fashion, the book I was featured in? I've just been sent Vivay's latest publication, A Guide To Buying & Collecting Affordable Couture to review. Initially I was a tad daunted by the couture part of the title (after all, I'm just a funny old bird who buys all her clothes from charity shops, car boots and jumble sales) but I needn't have worried, the tips in the book could apply to any quality garment bought new or second-hand. The book is easy to read, down-to-earth and pleasing to the eye. It's a useful guide to searching for treasures, buying discerningly, identifying fakes, taking care of your clothes and not being afraid to chop them up, shorten them and enjoy them regardless of the label.
Along with some beautiful illustrations, there's interviews with collectors and photographs of their enviable collections built up from years of trawling jumble sales, flea markets and raiding relatives' wardrobes and there's some useful tips for organising your hanging space.
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| I'm in love with this 1960s Jean Muir mini dress |
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| This lady's collection of clothing has me drooling. |
Whilst I'm more a fan of wearing clothes to suit your personality rather than to flatter your shape, there's no mention of the dreaded age-appropriate dressing so it gets a thumbs up on that count. I'll also forgive the chapter dedicated to"acquiring the ten key pieces you should own" (white shirt, black blazer, pencil skirt, little black dress....yawn!) because of the incredibly useful chapter dedicated to clothes maintenance. Did you know, for instance, that a squirt from a spray bottle filled with vodka and water gets rid of body odour and perfume smells? I didn't!
The book is out on general release on 19th October, 2012 but, as I love you, I'm giving my preview copy away.
What do you need to do? Leave a comment by 10pm (GMT) on Wednesday 17th October and be an EXISTING follower of my blog (none of this getting all friendly and abandoning me after the draw, I'm not that kind of girl!).
It's only a smallish book so I'll post worldwide.
It's only a smallish book so I'll post worldwide.
The winner's name will be drawn at random (from my latest '70s hat, which I'll show you soon) on Thursday 18th October, 2012.
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| 1960s St Michael lounge suit (the fabulous Curtise), 1960s earrings (car boot sale), 1950s Mafline specs (Last seen HERE) re glazed with my prescription lenses, Banksy mug (£1.99, Beacon Centre for The Blind) |
Thanks for your kindness, concern and well wishes. I promise to go to the Doc's if there's no improvement by Monday...honest!
See you soon!
Love your specs! I'm guessing they're vintage not repros! Glad to see you're having a duvet day. Hope you're feeling better. x
ReplyDeleteIf dressing brightly would help you feel better, you SHOULD be feeling better! I truly hope you turn the corner and feel good by Monday.
ReplyDeleteMeanwhile, it sounds like a most interesting book except for that boring chapter - which actually sounds a lot the contents of my closet currently :)
Gonna try that vodka tip on my new dress ! I dont dare to wash it so I hope it works ! ( the label says dry cleaning)
ReplyDeleteyou look so cute in those braids and glasses.thats my kind of day staying my pj's in bed with my tea.That book looks fab.Hope your feeling better.bg hugs.xx
ReplyDeleteYou are the sexiest sick girl I have ever seen. I love you in this two piece bit of happiness and you look super cute in your glasses. That book totally looks cool and like anything you take the good bits and leave the rest.
ReplyDeleteI do hope you feel better sweetie! Keep on taking it easy ok. I'll be on Skype later if you feel like a chat, if not stay in bed and get better!
I love you and your sweet braids!
XXOO
KRista
Wow I have been a follower for such a long time and I love all the posts that you do, So include me in your competition please!!!!! :)
ReplyDeleteOoooh count me in Sexy Specs! It sounds like a good read and anything that doesn't have a preachy age appropriate chapter is good with me.
ReplyDeleteTake it easy.
Em
xxxxx
O Vix I`m so envious of your lounging day in bed. I would love to have done that today.
ReplyDeleteDx
Count me in please - looks like a good read.
ReplyDeleteAlso, your outfit reminds me of 'I Dream of Jeannie' :)
Fabulous outfit, you're so brave, especially when feeling under the weather! Would love to go in the hat for the book please x
ReplyDeleteI will be trying the vodka tip on my clothes asap! Looking amazing as always, I never look that fab when I'm ill! x
ReplyDeleteoh please please beautiful book, come to Buenos Aires with me!
ReplyDeleteWhy don't you go to the doc dressed like this? He'd be sure to get you a cure real fast! ;)
ReplyDeleteYou look adorable there on your bed and that looks like a good read to me.
Get well fast!
I adore the 70's two pieces, it looks great with the long braids!The pictures you posted from that spectacular book are beautiful,I'd like to spy with my little eye that lady's collection and all the illustrations in it!I always thought that vodka stains the fabrics, good to know!I hope you are feeling better!
ReplyDeleteLove!!!
Hello my dear...sorry to hear you are not well...since getting back from Boston, everyone seems to be poorly sick...like you, I do not 'do' illness and just refuse to buy into it full stop unlike some who call in sick due to a slight sniffle...you are the most glamourous sick person I have seen and I have serious body envy...proves that exercise and a good and healthy diet is the way to go...your giveaway looks fab...I returned home in the nick of time to enter it would seem...hurrah! xx
ReplyDeleteEven with a terrible cough, you still manage to make 'lounging' around look glamorous!
ReplyDeleteBut get yourself to the doctors please xx
I just wanna see that 70's hat!
ReplyDeleteVix, I'm sure you'll understand that I don't wish (or want!!) to be entered in the draw (leave me out, please!) but I love that water & vodka tip!! Who knew?!?!
ReplyDeletexo
Thank you for another cheerful, colourful post. Just the thing for a horrid grey Thursday. I love the bunches look. And the glasses, geeky in the best possible way. I really wish I needed glasses as I'd go for some just like those.
ReplyDeleteHow kind of you to give your free preview book away. I'd love to enter your giveaway xxx
Hope the cough gets better soon. You look lovely lounging with tea and a book;)
ReplyDeleteHope you feel better soon Vix -
ReplyDeleteLounging with style always right, and why not, you feel better in no time!
Yes and yes love to win that book!
Take care
Arianexxxx
Hopefully your virus will be dealt a swift death by your immune system. I'm nursing a thermos of ginger tea to try to keep my congestion from getting worse.
ReplyDeleteYou look far too bright and bronzed and beautiful to be ill!
ReplyDeleteGot the Cher-with-added-specs-appeal look going on there, Vix, I love it!
The book looks interesting, though I usually find the photos more enjoyable than the text in these type of books... Like the vodka tip though, and I will just ignore any checklist that tells me what I "have" to own/wear. I make my own choices about that, thank you!
So count me in, love, you are a kind soul to donate your advance copy to one of us.
Keep well, you've got money to make at the weekend! xxxxx
Looks like a fab read, I'm always amazed to read about peoples collections and how they store them. I used to love a feature in Elle magazine called Closet Confidential, sadly that was the only thing that I ever enjoyed reading about, so haven't bought the magazine in years. But I am always amazed to see peoples style be it in books or on blogs! Hope you're feeling a little brighter today xxx
ReplyDeleteYou specsy beast :) xxx
ReplyDeleteGood for you for making your drawing be for your existing followers.......vodka huh?
ReplyDeleteWho knew??
Great way to spend a rainy fay.
ReplyDeleteYou look pretty in pink.
Great outfit, here I am in 3 jumpers and a skirt to the floor and I'm still cold.
ReplyDeleteSalaam.
Ooooooooooh, please can I enter!!!!?!?! Please!!!! I follow you loyally! Hope you feel better soon. Seriously you should go to the docs- after all my cold in the summer lasted 5.5 weeks!!!!
ReplyDeleteOhh I thought I might I've been sick for a minute and got totally lost thinking it was the 17th already and missed out on a chance. I'm glad to hear you're resting. Take care and get well.
ReplyDeleteAnd yes I would love to enter your giveaway.
You are looking glamourous even bedbound, my wonderful Vix.
ReplyDeleteI am glad that people saw your talent to put it in a book for all of us to share.
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
Ok, how dreamy are you in those pjs? Yah!
ReplyDeleteI'm into winning the book- I loved the other one! I'm a follower and a huuuge fan!
bella@thecitizenrosebud.com
Oh, Vix! Do you have to look so dang adorable even when you're sick?! Holy Cow! The specs, the braids! And Curtise chose well with that outfit. You have some incredible friends!
ReplyDeleteGlad to see you're resting and drinking your tea, my dear. Keep reminding yourself that it's okay to take a time out and care for yourself. Don't let the darn thing turn into bronchitis.
Liked your comment regarding the chapter in the book about the basic wardrobe essentials. I guess that's for women who need to do the expected thing and blend in or be concerned about how the are viewed by others. That's not you or your readership now, is it? ;)
Continuing to send good vibes your way.
xxx
Oh would you please give out the secrets to your fab body?! Or at least point me in the right direction if you already have! Thanks so much for shipping world wide on this one. I would love to win!
ReplyDeleteYou know those fashion pages in the Sunday supplements where they show new clothes for £silly money. Well, there was a feature on couture instead once and it was the only time when I thought that the stuff featured would be worth buying. The workmanship was incredible. x
ReplyDeleteBoth your room and you look gorgeous.
ReplyDeleteLoving the specs on you too x
This book looks fab x
Awww poor you, hope you get better soon! Though you look as good as ever!
ReplyDeleteThat book sounds great. Couture is just the French word for stitches I believe, I think you're thinking of Haute Couture which is all their fancy designer blah, blah stuff!
I just wanna hop on into bed with you for a snuggle, a drinkie and a good girly chat!YEAH!
ReplyDeleteOoo,pick me,darl! I 'd love to win that book, it looks jolly interesting!AND I'm a love you long time kinda gal!
I most certainly AM and DO!
Jaysus,get yourself all well and glorious,my sweet!
Love Helga xxxXXXxxx
LOVE your Morrissey specs! Wonderful! Anyway, yes please to the book, though obviously a key piece to the likes of us is something you found for 30p and no one else has. Which does mean you could gather tonnes of key pieces. Love the bed and the psychedelic suit - look at that trim figure! xxxx
ReplyDeleteEven when you're under the weather you look fabulous! You are an inspiration. Linda xxx
ReplyDeletecount me in! I love the photos too.
ReplyDeleteWell I wish I looked this good when I was ill! Your commitment to glamour even when under the weather is commendable!
ReplyDeleteCount me in for this book! It sounds fantastic and just the sort of thing I'd love reading. A wardrobe full of vintage couture sounds like my dream wardrobe!
Feel better soon! Although you do look adorable in your jammies and with your tea in hand. Sounds like a lovely book, pls. count me in. xxx
ReplyDeleteI LOVE your lounge suit, it's gorgeous and you look cute with pigtails.
ReplyDeleteLxx
Oh, and I hope you feel better soon.
ReplyDeletexx
drooling at the thought of owning this book, so going on my xmas list :D gald to see you taking it easy and lounging on your bed like me :) have a good weekend XOXO
ReplyDeleteEek, I'm in please! Good to see you're resting up for once.xx.
ReplyDeleteI hope you are feeling well soon. I would love to participate in your book draw!
ReplyDeleteI hope you are feeling well soon. I would love to participate in your book draw!
ReplyDeleteYou manage to look glam even when you're under the weather! I hope you feel better soon my dear. How nice of you to give the book away, I would love to enter the giveaway x
ReplyDeletePhew, nearly didn't make it... I so want to have a chance to win this fabulous book!
ReplyDeleteSuper cool look... Wearing crop tops when ill - you're a tough cookie, Vix :)
xoxo
How on earth do you manage to look so fab while being so ill?!
ReplyDeleteGet thee to the quack if it doesn't improve, please... meantime, lots of hot lemon, honey and whiskey ;-)
How on earth do you manage to look so fab while being so ill?!
ReplyDeleteGet thee to the quack if it doesn't improve, please... meantime, lots of hot lemon, honey and whiskey ;-)
You look fabulous even while ill!!! I love your lounge outfit!!
ReplyDeleteThose outfits in the book are gorgeous!
Sign me on up for the giveaway!
{{{Hugs}}}}}
Ooh, please count me in! That lounge suit is SO nice, I am very envious!
ReplyDeleteI want some glasses like yours! Not sure how useful a book on couture (new or otherwise) will be for me, but I can't resist a giveaway! Emma x
ReplyDeleteMy goodness I have been spending to much time outside with horses... I am way behind over here. I do hope you feel better!!! lots of Vitamin C and garlic!! I love what you did with that tank with the pants as sleeves my you are a clever girl. Well even though you are under the weather you look fantastic!! Hope you feel better soon Love Heather
ReplyDeleteGlad you are taking it easy and hope you feel better soon. I find myself picking out clothes I think you might wear but I haven't a clue what size you are. Thanks for your blog. It is always a good read even if I am such a boring dresser of myself.
ReplyDeleteHeather's right, get that garlic down your gullet! I make a very simple but huge pot of vegetable soup (celery, carrots, sweet potato, pumpkin, spuds, silver beet, leeks - whatever's in the fridge) and I always use an entire bulb of garlic. The Phoenix calls it my Magic Soup. And he's a terrible patient too. You need some Magic Soup. Meanwhile, I've got to get back to perving at your amazing bedroom (wallpaper! Lamp! Patchwork! Quilt! YOU!!!!) and oh I really need that book;). Really, I do!! And a cuppa wearing a fecktacious lounging suit like yours:) Big hugs to you. BTW it's freezing here again and snowing where the Misfit is! xoxo
ReplyDeleteFeel better!!!!! Your glasses are exactly what I'm looking for. You wear them beautifully. I'm eternally jealous of your abdomen as well. Just like my sister's!! I've never had anything but a squishy one. Oh well. I can appreciate yours. ( I suppose mine is fine too; I'd be a mess without one at all.)
ReplyDeleteXXOO
There you are looking ever so glam even when you're lounging around and sick! The book sounds great so I'd like my name thrown into the hat please :) xo
ReplyDeleteyou look so beautifully relaxed laying on your bed. and i love your rule about following. yay!
ReplyDeletethis book looks like a great read and handbook to have.
xo
janet
I love that lounge suit! So glamorous and chic. I have one similar, but it's an orange and black paisley print. =)
ReplyDeletehttp://pinkchampagnefashion.blogspot.com/
I hadn't seen your vintage specs before. I love them. I'm in the market for reading glasses so will look out for some vintage ones, too.
ReplyDeleteYou looks so pretty and happy in these photos. It's hard to believe you're not feeling well.
Please add me to the giveaway drawing. Thanks!
Ooooh count me in!!! I love a good styling book. I do hope you feel much better soon too. Nothing worse then struggling with your health. Love your groovy lounge suit, & those spectacles are FAB! Xx
ReplyDeleteYour bedroom looks so cosy. Hope you feel better soon x
ReplyDeleteyou look so cute and pretty, and you're wearing glasses!!, and love so much your bedroom style!
ReplyDeleteAnd I would love to have a look to that book, it looks so interesting!, and love that there's no mention to that f'ck'd "age-appropriate dressing"
besos
Sounds just my kind of book! :)
ReplyDeleteHope you feel better soon!
Dear Vix, what a great giveaway! That book sounds phantastic and I love her collection. Some thrifting tips for a girl from east Germany would be so nice as I'm planning to travel to the US as often as possible in the near future! So I do have to save money without getting unstylish ;) xx
ReplyDeleteHey there,
ReplyDeleteI found your blog recently and I am loving it!
It makes me realise how terrible the charity shops are around where I live in London, but it does give me hope of hitting the jackpot on occasions!
Hope you feel better soon. Glad you have a good book to keep you company in bed.
Foxy x
What a fun book! I have the personality for vintage clothes but not the shape but how I love that there are people out there taking care to preserve and enjoy the great clothes from the past.
ReplyDeleteThe vodka and water mix is an old theatre trick. During a run of a show you can't get pieces dry cleaned. I've got that mixed in my shop as I type (use the cheapest vodka you can find, recycle a spray bottle, mix with half water, shake and no more stinky clothes).
ReplyDeleteI love your lounging outfit; you look so snazzy!
ReplyDeleteI love the sounds of the maintenance tips in the book!
Hi Vix,
ReplyDeleteI have been an avid reader for quite a while now. I share you with my daughter in fact (if you see what I mean) anyway I digress.
I would love to be entered for the book giveaway. I am trying my very hardest to make my own clothes so this would come in handy. Being a large lady, I find it difficult to find lovely things in charity shops but maybe this book could give me ideas on how to convert some of the things I have seen there.
Yours hopefully
Cxx
PS if you could give some 'old fat bird' some advice on Chazza shopping that would be awesome.
Toodle pip.
Best of luck at the vintage fair, Vix - and I love your new hat! x
ReplyDeleteMy goodness you sure make taking it easy look glamourous! (At least I feel better for wearing my wacky vintage "lounge" gowns around the house!) The trick with the vodka is an old antique & vintage seller's trick for things too delicate to handle a rough wash or dry cleaning. You can stuff old leather bags with newspaper to get out any mustiness as well. XXX
ReplyDeleteGosh Vix you even rock pj's!
ReplyDeletejust found your blog few weeks ago and I love it :) xx
ReplyDeleteYou look so cute Vix, like you're ready for a 60's pyjama party rather than being in your sick bed.
ReplyDeleteI would love to be entered for the competition if I'm eligible, hope you're feeling better now. xx
wow when i´m ill i look like a zombie and you are still hot and fabulous. hope you feel better soon!
ReplyDeleteand gosh this is the sexiest pyjama i´ve ever seen ;)
it seems a definitely worth reading book!
love and kiss,mary
oh, wow! you have so interesting blog)
ReplyDeletei want to enter the giveaway! I love your hair in braids and the riot of pink in your reading look!
ReplyDeleteI love the pattern on that lounge suit! I am a pattern junkie. Also, what a great tip about the vodka and water. I get headaches easily from perfumes, so sometimes I don't wear stuff that I bought because I can't get the old perfume out.
ReplyDeleteI wish I had known about the vodka and water when I was a bridesmaid wearing a hired dress that reeked of someone else's B.O!
ReplyDeleteGGgrrrrrrr... something is definitely going on as I commented no this one DAYS AGO! Damn you Blogger!!!
ReplyDeleteYou look AMAZING - I absolutely LOVE this FABULARSE outfit so much! You look INCREDIBLE! Those earrings are divine and the book looks great too. BuT ERMAHGERD LOOK AT YOU IN THAT EXQUISITE OUTFIT!!!
Love you more than paisley! Sarah xxx
I've seen the other book with your photo's on Helga's blog. It must great to be in a book! This sounds to as a great book, and I am going to try the wodka and water on to one the man I work with. He is a bit smelly.... (I think he only showers once a week... ) :D
ReplyDeleteI have at least one key-piece. :) The pencil skirt. Yeah.
Your bed looks so inviting... I am getting sleepy only be looking at it. Looks so big and fluffy. Love the head-board.
xxx
Aaaargh those glasses are amazing! And only 20p? I'm so jealous - I'm after a 1950s pair myself but never see any about. Love the lounge suit too, it's so bright and pretty and the duvet cover is lovely too.
ReplyDeleteNikki x
That book looks like a delight, and wonder of wonders, I saw that Jean Muir dress in person at the Manhattan Vintage Show on the weekend!! It was part of the display London Swings: Carnaby Street to Kings Road 1964-1974 - talk about a mind-blowing coincidence. I hope I win the book, it would be the perfect thing to read after my trip!
ReplyDelete