Friday 2 November 2012

Five Go Wild In Walsall

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Some of the most fabulous chicks in Blogland descended on Walsall yesterday for a day of art, culture, second-hand shopping, trying on outlandish clothes, cackling in pubs and causing general mayhem. Loads of people admired our colourful outfits, standing out on a day of endless grey.


After defrosting over drinks and chat in Costa Coffee we were positively raring to go. First on the agenda was a visit to the now legendary Second To None where Em and Dee were rendered speechless by the minuscule prices and massive amount of stock. It's Curtise's & Clare's third time, so they're old pros, but there were lots more exciting new arrivals since their last visit.


 Clare was suffering with the lurgy but some vibrant 1940s frockery soon had her feeling perkier.


We had a hilarious trying-on session in the party dress section upstairs. How beautiful does Dee look in this 1970s maxi and cape combo?  


 Clare rocked this pristine 1940s tea dress, it was made for her.


 Em wasn't quite so sure about the hat.


Curtise "The Body" in a studded Seventies catsuit. 


 Time to hit the town's chazzas. Clare was off trying on a frock on at this point.


After an amazing curry in our posher-of-the-two Wetherspoons we visited the Damian Hirst exhibition at the New Art Gallery and also Jodie Cary's Solomon's Knot, Fiona Rae's Maybe you can live on the moon in the next century and got spooked by Harminder Judge's In This Strange House.


We didn't make a detour to a builder's merchant, this is Dee looking unimpressed with a "Stonehenge-influenced" installation. 

From left: Em in a gorgeous hand-made Atomic frock, Clare in a 1960s two-piece & killer boots, Me in fringed psychedelia, Dee in a sweet 1960s daisy dress and Curtise rocking 1970s lurex and fake fur

Poor Clare started to feel terrible and caught the train home so the rest of us headed to rough Wetherspoons for alcoholic refreshment before saying our goodbyes.

It's the first time I'd met Em but after been following her blog and chatting on Facebook for almost three years and meeting her felt the same as it had with the others, like we'd known each other all our lives. I love blogging and I love my girls. 


My personal shopper Curtise gave me this incredible 1970s halter dress and fab cape sleeved Richard Shops blouse and other than a couple of rounds of drinks and a hair clip from the pound shop (I'm such a cheapskate) I bought nothing else.


What a frockin' wonderful day. I can't wait to see them all again.

Here's Jo's blog post about her visit to the Badlands Midlands last week.

It's a jumble sale frenzy and a Guy Fawkes fireworks spectacular this weekend, have a good one whatever you get up to.

See you soon!

67 comments:

  1. definitely looks wild! vix, you're my queen of maxis, so beautiful

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  2. I would so love to go to Second to None - it looks so amazing!

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  3. Oh lordy these are making me so happy right now and the sun isn't even up yet! You ladies all look so friggin gorgeous!!! I'm so happy you finally met Em, she seems to be a totally cool ass chick. Dee has the best hair ever, like Chris's but blonde:) I love that you took the noobs to Second to None and that Clare and Curtise are now considered regulars. I wish the pink polka dot dress would have fit me, seeing it makes me want it all over again. I am loving the dress you choose too fringe sleeves no way.

    The dress that Curtise brought you looks much to big for you, I will gladly take it off your hands :) That print it causing my heart to skips beats! When will you wear that? I want to see it on you NOW!!!!

    I hope you round later. I will give you a ring after my massage:) I can't wait to speak with you!!!

    Lots of blogger love baby!
    XXOO

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  4. What a wonderful day! Dee Dee had tried to entice me, but I really had enough to contend with at home.
    Next time?
    Z xx

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  5. Based on the traffic, it appears that Wasall is the hub of Blogland!! So many fabulous folks in one spot, more than once!! Too bad I live in the hinterlands, sigh!!

    Second to None looks like the kind of store that is literally in my dreams. I haven't found one that good in years. Y'all look amazing!!!!! I think I'd almost pay for a ticket to the UK just to go to that shop (and to the pub with you!!).

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  6. Colour is so important in winter! Nearly everyone here wears black. But I found a hot pink coat!

    I think the colour will help them find me if I fall over in a snowbank!

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  7. You all look so colourful and happy, looks like you had an amazing time. I love the pattern on the halter dress, stunningly special!

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  8. You've certainly helped to put Walsall on the map. I won't be right until I've made another pilgrimage to Second to None.
    I'd have loved to meet Em and Dee, and lapped up a bit of curry 'n' culture too.
    Love everyone's clothes, obviously!

    Hope you have a great weekend.

    Lucy x

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  9. Hi my dear-looks like you all had a splendidly fun time and all of you look gorgeous too! have a good weekend xx

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  10. Fecking brilliant day out love. Never mind what the doctor gave me, this was the best medicine ever.
    Can't wait to see you all again.
    I shouldn't have left that hat behind...it really is me!
    Em
    xxxxxxxxxx

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  11. What fun! That crepe maxi & cape is gorgeos as is the 70's body suit. Have a fabulous weekend Vix!

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  12. Looks like you had a fab time. Curtise looked fab in her body suit!! And looks like you had gorgeous gifts!!

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  13. Wasn't it a good day? Vintage deliciousness, trying on crazy stuff, chazzin', beer, curry, art, and lovely bloggers - who could ask for more?!
    I am so glad Clare did splash out on that frock, it's perfect on her, and what a shame that maxi wasn't quite right for Dee, she looks stunning in it. As for me, showing my pink bra to all of Blogworld - hahaha!
    I really loved the art gallery, but I am amused by the pics of the crocheted net and "Stonehenge"! Sometimes I think I don't get some art...
    Thanks so much for hosting (again!) You should be paid by the Walsall tourist board (is there one?) for bringing tons of visitors to town. Can't wait for the next get together! xxxx

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  14. I look HIDEOUS!! Oh god, Michelin Man meets sour faced bitch! At least despite the ugliness I had a lovely time. You lot are fantastic, I really couldn't miss out on it, even though I suffered on the way home. Second To None just keeps better and I thought the afrt gallery was wonderful, I'd be there all the time if I lived in Walsall xxxx

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  15. Looks like you all had a fab day out altogether.

    You should be getting dicount in 2nd to none all the love you send its way. It does look a treasure trove of a shop!

    Loving that cute dress you had on in the last post, so bright and happy.

    Happy weekend hope you have pop banging fun we are having our firework party next saturday. It is turning into somewhat of an epic! lol.

    P x

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  16. Oh wow, 2nd to none looks AMAZING!

    It certainly looks like you had a fab day- and you all look lovely!

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  17. I desperately wish I lived near you (or had the funds to visit). One of my dreams is for us to go vintage shopping together and eat delicious Indian food afterwards. Sigh.

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  18. It sounds such good fun Vix, you all must be becoming quite famous in Walsall now! Curtise looks fantastic in that jumpsuit and Clare does really suit that dress so well despite feeling ill. I love that patterned dress with the ladies all over it that Curtise gave you, how gorgeous is that. Can't wait to see it in a future blog post. xx

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  19. I am so jealous - you look like you had a frockin good time. Curtise looks amazing in th catsuit.

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  20. love the last pic, amazing dress <3

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  21. What a wonderful time, chazzin, Wetherspoons, Second to None, sounds like my kind of day. You all look gorgeous, talking of which that halter dress from Curtise is fantabulous, give us a look-see soon will you ?

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  22. I do hope the owner of Second to None is giving you a cut of her profits, considering how famous you have made her shop! Looks like you stylin' dames had an awesome day together. And to think that a couple of years ago I didn't know that Walsall even existed ;)

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  23. So jealous! It looks like you guys had a great time, and I enjoyed the peek at the second hand shop. We don't have anything like it around these parts :(

    You all look fantastic. Please tell me Curtise "The Body" took that catsuit home ;)

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  24. How great you all looked, was Walsall ready for you? I'm off to look up how far Walsall is from Luton, cos I reckon I need to see your shops next year! Helga...Sarah!! Fancy a trip to the UK???

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  25. You really should get a Midland's Ambassador title and special privileges at Wetherspoon's, Costa, and Second to None. I remember that red blouse that Em's holding and how could I forget that catsuit! It looks incredible on Curtise. I don't know how you all fit in the fancy dress room at Second to None. I love the print on the dress Curtise gave you. I'll need to check out the New Art Gallery the next time I'm in your neighborhood.

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  26. Ahh, such good fun Vix. I must say that 1970s maxi/cape is gorgeous! And you look just amazing, adore that hat! xx/Madison

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  27. Okay where do I start? The frocks from Second to None always make me giddy! That cape and maxi! The 40s tea dress! That studded 70s catsuit! (I'm truly lusting after that, but sadly know most don't fit wee little me, boo!) You all looked so fab, and it shows on all your faces what a great time you had! Have fun at Guy Fawkes Day! I actually went to a Guy Fawkes day celebration years ago in Brooklyn in this insane house -- doorways that opened to nothing but the pit of the courtyard (YIPES!) and a MASSIVE fire, with of course the booze flowing freely! Ah those were the days... pre-hipster Brooklyn! XXX

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  28. I want to visit second to none so badly and I alsi want t hang out with you ladies! You're providing me with inspiration to visit the UK!

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  29. you look gorgeous, and it seems that you've had a fabulous time thrifting and talking and laughing!, and love everything, so pretty ladies, so funny attitude and so gorgeous dresses!
    besos

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  30. Aw wow, it looks like such a grand day out and you all look lovely. I hope Curtise bought that 70s studded jumpsuit, so fab. Xx

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  31. Looks like a fun day out! I love your dress, the fringing really makes it xxx

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  32. aahh i had such a wonderful day thank you to you Vix and everyone else. I agree blogging friends are some of the best :-)I loved Second to None and was more than happy with what i brought. I loved Curtise in that jumpsuit and i did love that green dress an cape i just wish it did up. ha ha ha i just did not get that Stonehenge-influenced exhibit it went right over my head and round the corner :-) Everyone was simply amazing thank you for hosting a wonderful day. Have a lovely weekend, dee xxxx

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  33. how fab that you got to spend the day with such a beautiful group of women! meeting bloggers in person is the best! maybe one day we'll meet?!!! gasp!

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  34. I am positively green! Great pictures of you all.

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  35. Oh so many things to love here my head just might explode! What a lovely day you had. I've just read Curtise's "the Body" lovely post and of course I'm super jealous I couldn't be there. I SO have to visit Second to None. I love your flower power dress, the colours are perfect. You all look fab. I love Dee's velvet jacket. I have just spent the day traipsing around town looking for one just like it. Thanks for sharing these lovely pics xxx

    PS. Please tell me Clare bought that pink dress - it's amazing!!

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  36. Jealous Jealous seething with envy jealous!! You all look amazing and how much fun did you have??
    That pink 40's dress was MADE for Clare!!
    OMG the print on the halter dress curtise brought you is freakin' amazing!!
    Someday I shall come to Walsall and party with y'all!!

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  37. You guys have all the fun! We're a powerful force, that's for sure. The planet tips a bit from its axis when the blog ladies meet up.
    And look at Curtise in that jumpsuit. Fucking HOT! Jeez! And I'm still waiting to fit into a B cup. ;(

    Have a great weekend Vix. You are adored!

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  38. The group of you must have seemed like a comet blazing warmth and happiness through town on a rainy day. How wonderful is that!! - leaving a trail of camera flashes in your wake, jaws dropping, and whispers of "Oh, I could never wear something like THAT," and dreaming that they could. Doh!

    Sorry to hear of Clare's unwellness, but I do love that dress on her. And I can't believe Curtise didn't buy the catsuit but our closets are only so big... All of you look spectacular!!!

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  39. Wow looks like a great time,love your halter neck top :)

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  40. What fun you all had. And art, too. Can't wait to see you rocking that halter dress.

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  41. I don't know, your 2nd hand stores look much more fun and sound cheaper than what I can find here in Berlin... But I've only started diggin'. Enjoy Guy Fawkes, Vix! xo

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  42. Seeing these wonderful photos makes me almost feel I was there too. I WISH!!!! Oh it looks like you had fantastic fun. You all look gorgeous. How I wish we weren't from other sides of the world. Thank goodness blogland brings such a wonderful connection despite the oceans between us. Xx

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  43. You blogging ladies are fabulous looks like way to much fun!! So glad you had a wonderful day out!! Love Heather

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  44. OM FECKING G YOU GORGEOUS BINTS!!!
    I'm SO undescribebly (sp?! who cares) JEALOUS that you lucious tarts got together and had a great day...what brillant FUNNAGE!
    Jaysus,Curtise is indeed The Body.Feck ME,who looks like that after 3 kids?! It's not NORMAL!
    You all were frocked superbly,and yeah,I love blogging and my girls too and I love YOU!
    Next year!
    EEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEK!!!
    Love Helga xxxXXXxxx

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  45. This time of year I get really happy when I see people dressed in color, and to see more colorful at the same time gave probably all lots of energy.

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  46. Looks like such a fun day and you all look fabulous. Have fun at the jumble sale and fireworks. We will be watching the fireworks too this weekend.

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  47. You all look fabulous, looks like you had a wonderful day.

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  48. Oh what fun with friends and frockery. Blogging buddies are special aren't they? Oh how I wish I could join you on such a fun day out, I'm well overdue for an art show or gallery fix to.

    You all looked fab in your frocks. Vix I'm smitten with you fringed maxi wonder illness and Curtise oh my what can I say about the cat suit....HOT, HOT, HOT.

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  49. Right, that's it! Clear off a sofa and get a hot water bottle ready - I'm coming over! I'm CHARTREUSE with envy - what a spectacular posse of fabulous women! You all look gorgeous - CURTISE IN THAT STUDDED JUMPSUIT IS ENOUGH TO TURN ME FULL LEZ!!! and you look absolutely gorgeous in that beautiful floral, amor. Rockstars ALL! Love you more than supermodels! Sarah xxx

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  50. Look at all you lovely ladies! What a gorgeous print on that halter :)

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  51. what a truly fab girl's day out!!!x

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  52. Awesome to have such cool blogging buddies so close!! And now you've got me determined to go in that shop one day ya bugger!

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  53. Spending time with like minded bloggers is a gift and you all look so vibrant and full of life. Looks like there was some laughter going on throughout this day of adventure.

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  54. So neat that you all got together. Sounds like it was a really fun day. I met a fellow blogger for the first time last weekend and had a blast. Now I am keen to meet more. For some odd reason there doesn't seem to be many women who blog in Toronto though but I'm keeping on the lookout!

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  55. It must be real cool to have some girls who are sharing the same vintage-hobby. I don't know anybody around here who is also vintage-minded.... maybe I will meet somebody someday.
    You must have had a wonderfull day with vintagehunting and drinks. At least it looks like you have. :)
    You girls all look wonderfull.
    Love the halterdress. That patern is so beautifull.
    Hope you have a wonderfull weekend!
    xxxx

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  56. Doh! I missed another blogger meet up!!! I really must try harder to stay on top of things.
    Have a great weekend Vix xxx

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  57. Looks like fun! I hope at least one of you took the studded seventies cat suit home!

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  58. The new Fab Five!! Oh what fun you gals must have had. The catsuit on your friend was OMG!!! Nothing like a bunch of like minded ladies spending a day out together!!

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  59. Vix, looks like so much fun!! I saw the pictures over at Curtise' blog too! So much fun in one day. Sorry to hear that Clare started to feel badly. :( You look lovely in your psychadelic fringe!!

    xoxo
    Lynn

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  60. So jealous they spent the day with you Vix! What a bunch of well dressed ladies.You all look fabulous x

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  61. I think all of us would have love to be there, ahhhhhhhhhhhhhh, but me, I am so jealousssssssssssss
    XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

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  62. 5 fabulous ladies together oh this looks not only wild but also fun;) and i love that floral maxi you are wearing! sexy hippie goddess;)
    love and kiss,mary

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  63. You are all a bloody inspiration! =) xx

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  64. aww that dress is stunning.

    It looks so fab and I love the group photo x

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  65. *Eeep* This looks like way too much fun. I could just imagine how much trouble you all could get into together. *ahaha*

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  66. Do hope Curtise BOUGHT that catsuit--fits her perfectly!

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Lots of love, Vix