Don't laugh, I almost could be, I'm wearing something new from a real retail shop.
Can you believe it?
Can you believe it?
I fell for this crazy fake fur number back in July when I spotted it through the window of a town centre catalogue clearance outlet on the way to catch a bus. Although it had already been reduced by 50% to £40 it was still far too much for a cheapskate like me to spend on a whim.
A couple of weeks ago I noticed the shop was closing down and that the jacket was still there (I thought it would be, blue fur ain't everyone's thing and living in one of the UK's "fattest towns" there's not much demand for my dress size). In I went and saw it was marked down to £7. Good things come to those that wait.
On the subject of fashion, Vivays Publishing offered me a sneak preview of the hefty History of Fashion - New Look to Now by June Marsh. Featuring all that's ever been desirable in clothing from post-war Elsa Schiaparelli to present day Mary Katrantzou and everything in-between, the book is gorgeous to look at, educational (without being tediously dry and dull) with photographs of garments to die for. Unlike many vintage fashion publications the pictures are ones I haven't seen before, not a rehash of the same old images anyone could find searching t'internet.
Clockwise from left: Claire McCardell designs from 1946, Ossie Clark, 1977 Zandra Rhodes (especially for Krista), Emmanuelle Khanh for I.D., Naomi Campbell in vintage Y.S.L., Missoni, 1950s Simonetta Et Fabiani, Beatnik-inspired Bonnie Cashin, Balenciaga.
The book explores the influence of music on fashion, the move towards more ethical manufacturing, the resurrection of legendary couture houses, the influence of the fashion blogger and the differences between European and American design. In short it's great and every girl friend I've shown it to bloody loves it.
I'd offer to give it away but it weighs a ton (and I've already ruined it by drooling over the 1960s and 1970s clothes) so it's staying with me. If you want your own copy you'll find it HERE.
 |
| Crazy fake fur worn with a 1960s Bukta leotard (20p, jumble sale), Lurex and crimplene maxi (Courtesy of the lovely Terri), velvet platform boots (£9, Office sale, 2011), 1970s patriotic pendant (The ever-fabulous Tamera), 1970s felt hat (50p, car boot sale), hair feathers from a pound shop. |
I'm rocking red, white and blue in honour of my American pals. I'm thrilled with yesterday's results, what a shame most of us Brits didn't display as much common sense during our last general election.
When I wore this outfit previously a lady working in a charity shop asked if I'd "got enough bastard jewellery on". In the words of the mighty Keith Richards I responded with Darling, If it's worth doing, it's worth overdoing.
See you soon
love the blur fur it really suits you good things do come to those who wait :) x
ReplyDeletewow that is gorgeous vix. only you could wear blue faux fur and make it look chic. that book sounds awesome too. must get. xo
ReplyDeleteHoly shitbox, I might be first off the block!!
ReplyDeleteLove the blue fur, and indeed, good things DO come to those who wait!!!
That book looks and sounds pretty good! I love dribbling over that kind of thing.
Bastard jewellery!! Like massive bastard jewellery?! Hahahaha, that's brillant! Your reply is spot on, and soooo true. Feck it, I'm only wearing one necklace today, as I am too hung over to think straight this morning. Dumb arse, getting plastered on a school night!
Whatever, rock the hell on, funky chick, looking like a million bucks!
Love Helga xxxXXXxxx
What a cheeky lady! I agree with you & Keith on that one. I love the blue fake fur and it was SO meant for you after you waited all that time. What an absolutely beautiful book, love the fact it covers the relationship between music & fashion.
ReplyDeleteBastard Jewellery?? How funny. You are the most creative and unique dresser I have ever seen. Fab!
ReplyDeleteBlue faux fur rocks, what a great buy.
ReplyDeleteI love fashion history books. I have to get them from the library as I have no permanent space left (due to my food history books haha).
That coat had your name on it from the word go! I love it when patience pays off.
ReplyDeleteLaughing hard at the 'bastard jewellery' comment - brilliant.
I'mm going through my annual 'freshen up the faux fur' routine, which involves wearing a different jacket every day, and dousing each one in my favourite perfumes at boots. The make-up/perfume lady (who has worked there years and looks no different to how she did in 1883) said "hope you'll decide on one by the end of the week".
Cheeky cow!
I'm thrilled for our American friends too. G+T for me once the boys are in bed, why not mark the occasion, eh?
That book looks like an excellent gift for vintage fans, you're doing the right thing holding onto it.
Love today's outfit Vix, even when you venture into high street stores you find an unusual bargain!
Lucy x
Thanks for the tribute to America! Gorgeous as always! XXX
ReplyDeleteThe bass player from Dr Feelgood always wore a 'bastard suit' according to that brilliant film about them.
ReplyDeleteBrill jacket, gorg colour too!
Z xx
Gaaah, that jacket is such a find! It's gorgeous and a great colour on you! xo
ReplyDeleteI have total hat and earring envy, and that jacket is gorgeous too!
ReplyDeleteabsolutely love your modern hippy look! could be an outfit from my closet! the hat's divine! love that keith richards quote, it's the best weapon against evil comments from narrow minded people ;) Also happy about the US vote results. xx
ReplyDeleteNo need to pass out, I think waiting out and scoring the fur for $7 was well worth it. It looks gorgeous on you. The whole outfit looks fab, comfy and snuggly.
ReplyDeleteYay, serendipity! You look pretty! I think I'd like a hat in that colour, where did you get it?!
ReplyDeleteKiller look, Vix! That jacket was a total no-brainer for sure.
ReplyDeleteToo much jewelry???? Seriously................ not in our world!
Nice to see that the book recognizes the influence of rockers like Bowie on fashion. His buddy, Marc Bolan, got that look started. He would have liked your jacket. Long live Glam!
I loved this jacket the first time I saw you rock it and yeah for waiting it out, meant to be for sure. You look groovy in this outfit I know I said groovy but you do! This book does look beautiful I would love to have a look at it for sure and be inspired!
ReplyDeleteI think I will have to re-quote Keith too I have never heard that before but I just love love it!
Great minds think alike here's to 4 more years baby!
LOVEYOU!!!
A great find for a good price (I have a very similar one made by my aunt 30 years ago :)
ReplyDeleteMy favourite tweet this morning was: "Don't worry America if there's a strong breeze coming from the East this morning - it's just Europe breathing a sigh of relief." Phew! xo
Hi my dear! oh wow, adore your blue faux fur, it looks amazing and you so suit a hat too! The book looks fabulous too, sounds like a great read xx
ReplyDeletelove that jacket on you vix - I'm shocked it's brand new!!! :o
ReplyDeleteoh and give me that book please! :)
xo
What a total bargain you got with the blue faux fur - and you wear it so well, as always.
ReplyDeleteHuge sigh of relief re: the Presidential election here too - gawd knows what would've happened if Mitt the moron had won!!
Well, I can vouch for how fab that faux fur is, having seen and cuddled you while you wore it! It was a bargain at £7, your patience paid off. And the skirt from Terri is a beauty.
ReplyDeleteThe book looks brilliant, might make some subtle (but not TOO subtle) hints about it for Christmas... Love the pics.
Good result in the US, I like your tribute pendant. The only thing I would suggest, Vix, if you don't mind a little constructive criticism, from a place of love and honesty... Wear more bastard jewellery, that's nowhere NEAR enough!
Love you more than red, white and blue! xxxxx
.
Gorgeous coat and it obviously was MEANT for you!! and with a LUREX maxi-divine!!
ReplyDeleteBastard Jewelry??? LOLOLOL Is this a british thing????
I'll have to check that book out--I could see you sporting several of the things you gave us a sneak-peak of!!
Great fur and even though it is new it fits in well with your style...and you got a great deal on it good thing you waited!! You look gorgeous and that books looks very interesting a good read to curl up with on a cold day for sure ~ugh not so happy with election results Higher taxes in California it was the last thing we needed here :( Love Heather
ReplyDeleteThe indigo fur is definitely Vix-worthy, and at a fabulous price! I'm terrible at waiting for things to go on sale if I want something bad enough. Bastard jewellery indeed! A lot of us over here are very happy with the US election results too. That book looks like some luscious eye-candy. I hope to get my review up later this week for the one I got from you.
ReplyDeleteLooks like your bargain hunting skills aren't limited to charity shops! So up your street!
ReplyDeleteSophie
X
LOL at enough bastard jewellery! I like your blue fur, especially at the bargain price of £7.
ReplyDeletex
Who cares if it's new - it had your name on it and it looks fabulous. That's all that matters. I love the maxi skirt too, I bet it looks even more fab in real life with the lurex in it.
ReplyDeleteThat book looks one of the best I've seen. I may copy Curtise and drop a few hints for Christmas.
What was that charity shop woman on? But your response was perfect! :)
I am off to sip (OK, guzzle) a glass of bubbly in honour of the American people!
annie xx
I like your Good things come to those that wait, it is exactly what TOF used to say to me about himself many years ago!! I always go by the theory that if something is still there when I come back I am meant to have it. If it sells in the mean time then I wasn't. Usually works well. Looking gorgeous!!
ReplyDeleteYes great election result -and what an orator!!
ReplyDeleteBlue faux fur a bit of a boon for 7 squid brand new!!
Looking awesome! Book looks great!
Vix I love this outfit. The colours are fab. You got such a bargain with the jacket, it was worth waiting for.
ReplyDeleteDx
Well, having seen both the fur and the book in the flesh, so to speak, I can second how fabulous they both are. The book will probably be on my amazon wishlist for a while. Agree with you about the US election - Obama was the only choice in my mind.
ReplyDeleteObviously that jacket has been waiting for you dahling! And so perfect for you too.
ReplyDeleteSee, I could never pull that blue fur coat off. I'm so envious of your natural ability to rock the coolest most random things.
ReplyDeleteThat fashion book looks really cool and I love all the photos.
It's ok that you have a dead-Smurf coat, since Smurfs aren't sentient beings. It looks lovely. Thanks for the American tribute.
ReplyDeleteThat book does look drool-worthy. Hopefully, my local library will get it in.
Hope to see you in a few weekends!
Bastard jewellery! I bloody love it.
ReplyDeleteYou look GORGEOUS, amor - I love the blue fur and that skirt is fab, and you know I LOVE a felt hat. That book looks spectacular and I would so love to see some new old pics - I do get a bit bored with the same old same old. I shall put this on my wish list.
Love you more than BARGAINS! Sarah xxx
Oh I think I spied this furry number on you in another post and wasn't sure if it was yours or not - I'm glad you bought it as it looks fabulous on you. I love the blue colour! I'm a shameless retail whore but I now think of you whenever I'm tempted and wait for things to get heavily discounted, such is your influence! We've been cheering the elections results here too.
ReplyDeleteWow, fabulous fur vest!! And a completely great look, naturally. The book looks like a must. xoxoxo
ReplyDeleteThat lady's comment had me laughing and coughing. Mostly coughing. I just love that jacket on you, it looks fantastic and it'll keep you warm when you're trawling the chazzas. The whole outfit is gorgeous, now you mention a leotard I've got a request to see you dressed as Kate Bush. Do it! Or Cher in the Turn Back Time video. Minus the arse cheeks. Get Jon to dress as a
ReplyDeletesailor. Your reply to the harridan was perfect. Xxxx
Utterly gorgeous, and at the price, well worth it. Thank you for the red, white, and blue. At the risk of alienating some of my friends, I'm ecstatic with the results. I was very, very worried. Now I can start worrying about global warming again, instead of the insanity proposed by some of these elitist old men.
ReplyDeleteI was ready to move to Canada, though. It was extra difficult because I live in an area where most of the people don't think the way I do. It can be depressing. Blogging helps. Thank you darling.
That book looks amazing! Another entry for my already-too long Christmas list :-)
ReplyDeleteThanks (on behalf of America, haha) for your congratulations on the election results! I, for one, am ecstatic and super-relieved at the results. I was seriously considering what country to relocate to, if Romney had won...
but he didn't!! Yay!!!!!
XOX
www.VintageAdvantage.blogspot.com
Sigh it wasn't a dress up day today, I've been chasing stoopid sheep around on probably the hottest day so far, all carnage and mayhem and wellie boots! I is dead sexy I tell ya! Not half as sexy as you dearie ♥
ReplyDeleteWell, I think bitch jewellery is much better than bastard jewellery if push comes to shove. I'm soooo relieved by the blue win - I cannot tell you how much. You look stellar in that new jacket and maxi from Terri. The structure and lines in those fashion photos are dreamy, no other word for it.
ReplyDeleteLove your reply to that woman Vix and what a bargain that jacket was, I love that smokey blue shade. I have stalked things too until they went down in price and I always do what Lucy does when I go to the shops, I like a little scoosh of expensive perfume. xx
ReplyDeleteWow lucky you to get such a deal, can't believe it was just 7,- ! Your outfit is gorgeous as always and from this combo - i like that floppyhat most! XX
ReplyDeleteThe fur is wonderful!!It's incredible that it was waiting for you!!!
ReplyDeleteI know that I write you everytime the same thing, but this is my favourite outfit (probabily you'll never stop to surprise me) the maxi, the hat and the blue fur are fabulous!!
Thank you for the sneak peek at the book, I collect history of fashion books since I went to Fashion School and this one seems great, it's true that many of its pictures are never seen before and it looks amusing!
Lots of Love!!
Fabulous fur and such a bargain too.
ReplyDeleteI love books of yesteryore fashion photo's, just can't beat b&w either.
What a hilarious comment from the charity shop 'lady', hope your brilliant riposte took the wind out of her sails. x
Lovely jacket and well worth the wait. Brilliant response to a silly question too lol.
ReplyDeleteThere is so much to like here. The pictures of you in your "bought- fakefur," the pictures on the yellow blouse in the previous post AND the wonderful vintage images. Ossie Clark dress 77, David Bowie, It almost hurts!
ReplyDelete;) so right the good things always come when you wait!! i adore that blue faux fur jacket! and you styled it again to perfection.
ReplyDeletealso that books seems worth a look!
kiss,mary
Haha! Cheek of that lady!
ReplyDeleteAnd what a bargain, perfect for the chilly weather.
You so suit a hat Vix, love it.
xxx
Love the blue fake fur! I always hankered after a fuschia pink one but when I finally found one it clashed with my hair colour!
ReplyDeleteThe fur is outstanding, the book a delight but your response about the jewelry is the real gem! Just bought a hat like the one you are wearing (mine is teal) and will be feeling quite vogue today knowing I have something in common with a fashion icon.
ReplyDeleteWell I reckon bastard jewellery goes with the blue fur, right?! Both are an awesome and if people can't see it well that's their problem.xx.
ReplyDeletewent in doubt, add another piece of bling, it cheers you up. I'll have to check out that book, love the photos you posted. The Claire McCardell 2-piece is wonderful, love the neckline.
ReplyDeleteSeems I didn't comment already, how odd. LOVING that furry jacket, what a bargain. Patience pays off eh? x
ReplyDeletecute find! this shade of blue is great on you :)
ReplyDeleteOk to buy retail especially at that price - that is real cheap- yes sometimes it is good to wait!
ReplyDeleteLove that skirt too, wonderful!
I have my eyes on a book about fashion as well - I might get it one of those days -
Your book is great
Have a great day Vix
Ariane xxx
Your new blue fur is totally awesome. I can't believe the price you scored it for. *whoa whoa whoa*
ReplyDelete=D
Major lust for that jacket! xo
ReplyDeleteExcellent deal on the jacket! I have never heard bastard used that way before! :)
ReplyDeleteI love that jacket. Could have stroked it all day!
ReplyDeleteThat's a stonking book....I'm gong to have to whack it in me wishlist.xxxxxxxxxx
I love that jacket. Could have stroked it all day!
ReplyDeleteThat's a stonking book....I'm gong to have to whack it in me wishlist.xxxxxxxxxx
I love your jacket Vix! x
ReplyDeleteFAb coat and I love the colour (and the price too). I totally agree with you, I wish our country was more involved in politics rather than complacent about who runs our country.xx
ReplyDeleteBeautiful jacket Vix, and well worth the wait. And I might want to get my hands on the book. With your exquisite review, how could I resist.
ReplyDeleteYou in your faux blue fur which waited in that shop for you until the prices came down!
ReplyDeleteA Romance in itself.
Something like this happened to me two days back. I was in my favourite thrift shop in Colaba and saw a military jacket that I had loved 2 months back, still there! It was too steep then, for 250/-Rs. And now, it was Rs 450/-. Talk of price hikes!
Love,
Shubhi's Revels!
What a bargain you got hun. Worth the wait as its fab!
ReplyDeleteLoving the book, some of those dresses are stunning. Totally agree with you on voting. Even Ashleigh as her age commented.
X x
Great jacket, and what a bargin! I wish I had your patience. x
ReplyDeleteHow beautiful you are!
ReplyDeleteThe blue fur is very you, and for that price! That maxi is divine too! And ha, as if you could ever have enough "bastard jewellery".
ReplyDeleteThat fake fur is cool. And when cool stuff is still there after a while, it is ment to be yours.
ReplyDeleteThat book looks so great. I will go and look if it is for sale overhere. I really can imagine that you were drooling over the photo's. I would to.
xxxx
Oh Vix you make me laugh!! The jacket is definitely meant for you if it was still there. Love your comment to the lady in the charity shop as well. X
ReplyDeleteI love the book, gorgeous dresses.
ReplyDeleteYour outfit is lovely too as you know I like my faux fur x
Love the furry jacket and the inevitable way it made its way to you!
ReplyDelete