The book Em sent me is totally captivating but the opening words make me laugh out loud:
"Walsall has been called the ugliest town in the world. One visitor described it as looking like Ceaușescu's Romania, only with fast-food outlets. It is notorious for its high incidence of mugging. Many of its shop windows are darkened by heavy steel bars. There is a pawnbroker and a mothy casino, and a pedestrianized shopping street strewn with an urban confetti of cigarette butts and chewing gum."
Walsall might not be the greatest town around but our charity shops often come up with the goods.
Like the KATI for Laura Phillips 1970s maxi dress I scored today.
I don't know anything about the label but the two dresses in my collection are amongst my all-time favourite frocks.
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| Blue peplum waist dress (From the 20p man at the car boot sale) and magic mushroom maxi (Darling Curtise) |
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| Miss Revolution blouson (fabulous Jo), 1960s suede mini (Lovely Liz), Silk scarf (Em the great), Bermonda Trend hat and 1960s knee high boots (Walsall charity shops) |
Despite the forecast promising a dry day it was raining when I left the house this morning and, as I needed both hands free to carry bags, I opted for a hat rather than do battle with a brolly. Strangely loads of people never recognise me when I have my hair up, I don't look that different, do I?
I missed a couple of parcels yesterday and picked them up earlier (and missed three more when I was out, Sod's Law strikes again!). The lovely Miss Magpie sent me this gorgeous beaded and crochet cardi and a fab orange sarong (its already replaced a manky one I'd packed) and the kitsch cake stand was from fabulous Alice. I might have to roast some chickpeas later just so I can try it out, it's perfect for snacks!
I'm very excited. We're off to Birmingham to see two top bands from my past tomorrow night, Black Country legends The Wonder Stuff & Pop Will Eat Itself (supported by Jesus Jones). It's been 25 years since I last saw them and I'll doubtlessly still be at the front dancing like a nutter.
Have a fab weekend!
Oh your 'new' dress is gorgeous! And the other two with the same label are beautiful too, no wonder they're your favourites!
ReplyDeleteI hope you have a lovely time tomorrow evening xx
I looove your style!!! You look so stunning and diffrent! so great :)
ReplyDeletexoxo
I would recognize you anywhere, you gorgeous creature, hair up or down!! I love the miniskirted outfit and hat!! Have fun in Birmingham, too. Love you XXOO
ReplyDeleteAhh.. Jesus Jones.. got a cd with them ! Looking absolutly smashing in that pink dress !
ReplyDeleteOh vix you always look amazing, I can't believe no one notices you with your hair up!!!' :o I love it, though!!
ReplyDeleteHave a fab weekends just sent ya an email!!
XO
I know! The opening does make me smile. I was rather taken with Walsall meself.
ReplyDeleteThat new frock is gorgeous, what a bargain!
Have a fab evening.
xxxxxxxx
Another fabulous score from the mean streets of Walsall! I always get irritated by descriptions of places which are so sneering and rude. Those "Best/Worst Place to Live" lists are just thinly veiled snobbishness, the "best" are always posh and the "worst" the poorest. Doesn't make the people any nicer, having money!
ReplyDeleteAnyway, enough of my class angst, on to the frock! It's another Kati beauty, I love the colour, the ribbon detail, and the glorious sleeves.
Why wouldn't folk recognise you with your hair up? Mad! I love that funky look with the hat and suede skirt and fabulous blouson, you look amazing.
Enjoy the bands tomorrow, dance as madly as you like! We are off to a Solstice Party tonight (hippy friends!) and have been counselled against man-made fibres as there will be a brazier. Oh no, I was going to wear lurex and faux fur! Might risk it anyway, live dangerously!
Love ya! xxxxxxxxx
Oh my, so much eye candy here. I adore that kitschy pink cake stand. You're a lucky lass indeed getting so many pressies. I remember the Wonder Stuff and Jesus Jones (International Bright Young Thing?) but I don't remember anything by PWEI apart from the Alessi twins from neighbours being in one of their videos!! Wow, that is a blast from the past! Have a great time xx
ReplyDeleteI LOVE your dress! xxx
ReplyDeletelove the hot pink dress, is stunning!
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ReplyDeleteThat suede mini skirt outfit has to be among my most favorite on you. The hat is just the perfect touch too.
It's a good thing for bad neighborhood reviews. It keeps the people away!
Your new frock is lovely. From the pictures you have taken of your town I think it looks rather cool. (That's probably because my town looks NOTHING like yours. Mine is rather boring and doesn't have big old buildings. (Okay maybe a couple) but not lots.... NOTHING like you have.
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ReplyDeleteEnjoy the Wonder Stuff. That takes me back! And Jesus Jones! It's great seeing bands from your past because it makes you feel 20 years younger. x
That's a pretty harsh description of Walsall! I didn't get that impression at all.
ReplyDeleteKati certainly did make some stunning frocks. What a score!
Glad you're keeping warm in the Miss Revolution top. Yay for purple and orange -- one of the best color combos in the world. This outfit also has to be one of my favorites on you, with that hat and that scarf -- it's divine.
Have a great time and dance up a storm tonight.
xx
All the maxis are stunners!!! Jesus Jones!! Saw them in concert here 20 years (or more?) ago at Janus Landing. Might not of ever remembered that if you hadn't mentioned them... Soooo, thnx for the memories lolzzz
ReplyDeleteWow, what a gorg colour on you, I see the universe is supporting your wardrobe India-prep mode with the pink! I LOVE this dress, and the others too - they're special, somehow. Have a great weekend and outing! xoxo
ReplyDeleteHi my dear!! Your 3rd Kati dress looks just as gorgeous as the other two and I love your hair up as well as down-you always look lovely!! Have a fabulous weekend and a very happy Christmas, best wishes to you and Jon xxxx
ReplyDeleteI remember Wonderstuff, great band, have an amazing time! Total dress envy again, you look wonderful in each of those gorgeous dresses, and the pink suits you perfectly. Have a very Merry Christmas Vix!
ReplyDeleteI was admiring your gorgeous outfits for today and love your what I am calling wicked pixie outfit complete with cool hat you look a treat!
ReplyDeleteThen you mentioned The Wonderstuff, oh then I was transported back to the early 90's earphones plugged in listening to Never loved Elvis album. Welcome to the cheap seats, Inertia (one of my favourites) and of course Dizzy. I do have some of their later albums too but none got me as much as that one. I am now lost in a sea of velvet leggings, mad colourful mexican coat and baker boy hats...... Ahh memories...... Hope you enjoy yourself (well of course you will!) Have a great weekend Vix.
P x
Oh my, Wonderstuff & PWEI - blasts from the pasts. You've reminded me that I used to love Circlesquare - must pop that one on the old turntable. The only I remember (and I do have it as well) by PWEI is Chiccolina (probably spelled wrong). Anyway, love the new pink dress and the pink snack thingmebob that Alice sent. Enjoy your night. xx
ReplyDeleteExcellent dress! Score!
ReplyDeleteOur town gets hassled a lot as it's considered dull by snobby aucklanders. Often the butt of jokes - but its irritating and ridiculous. Just snobbery, and you couldn't pat be to live in auckland!
x And our op shops are the boss!
I find it crazy that people don't recognise you when you have your hair up and a hat on. Seriously don't people still know it's you from all the fabulous clothing you wear. The Kati maxi is delicious and I live the sleeves, is the tie and bow at your waist velvet?
ReplyDeleteFeck me, that "kati" label is DIVOON!!! I'd love to get my hands on one, the 3 you own are perfection and my idea of the dreamiest 70's maxi!!!
ReplyDeleteI'm gagging to read that book, it's right up my alley!
Today's outfit is a bloody winner! I'd SO have accosted you, you're straight out of Man About the House.I don't think you look especially different with your hair up! Just hotness as usual! that hat is truly amazing.I must hunt something like that down for Summer, as it's a scorcher so far and I need to keep the sun off my youthful good looks!!!
Have a blast bopping around at that gig,baby!!!
Love Helga xxxXXXxxx
As usual - You look so good that ... I can't find the words in English. Well, really, really good looking!
ReplyDeleteFabarooni new dress and I just can't believe the peplum number cost you only twenty new pence! What a nasty description of Walsall, it's also fashionable to be sniffy about the town I grew up in even though it provided work for thousands of 'blow-ins' in the 80's and 90's. It makes me seethe!
ReplyDeleteHave a wild time at your gig and thanks for your card.
xx
I love you in pink, ahhhhhhhhhhhhhh
ReplyDeleteDance like a nutter for me too.
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Love your new dress,stopping by to wish you Happy Christmas,I've been so busy the last few weeks but will make more time to stop by in the new year,all your outfits look wonderful :)
ReplyDeleteI love Kati frocks but they hardly ever come in my size so in desperation I've bought 2 the same and will hopefully make them into one before next summer.
ReplyDeleteHave a FAB Christmas!
that Miss Magpie is fantastic. I love the new dress, the pink and is that black velvet trim? perfect. The magic mushroom dress is wonderful too. That pink sweet stand is fab too. I'm not sure Walsall is as bad as described, although you could point out at least two places where someone had been beheaded. xxxx
ReplyDeleteI love that pink maxi dress!
ReplyDeleteKisses, Lucy:)
You look divine in my favourite colour, purple. What a gorgeous skirt, I love 60s coloured suede so much. I do love the pink maxi too. Happy Christmas lovely lady, just in case I don't get back to your blog before Christmas. xx
ReplyDeleteOMG that dress is amazing and looks so good on you! So glad you find these gems!
ReplyDeleteLiz @ Shortbread & Ginger
I hope you dance like the gorgeous dame you are, Vix! Happy weekend, and enjoy your treasures. xoxoxo
ReplyDeleteoh i hope you are front and center! is there anywhere else to be at a show? haha
ReplyDeletei love your dresses! they are all so gorgeous.
i can't remember which actress said this but she was describing my little, adorable town as the most visually god-awful place she'd ever seen.
screw them! oh and merry christmas!
xo
janet
Love the pink and black dress you look fab darling.
ReplyDeleteThat new pink dress is fabulous!
ReplyDeleteWOW--your new maxi is gorgeous!!! I can't imagine how anyone could NOT recognize you with your hair up!!! You have such a distictive look of fabulousness!!
ReplyDeleteHow do you make roasted chickpeas?? sounds yummy!!!
Have fun at your shows and ROCK ON!!!
My town just got rated 3rd poorest town in America......and one of the top 10 places to open a restaurant. Doesn't make any since to us either.
ReplyDeleteYou look just the same wearing a hat. That pink dress is stinky cute
That pink dress is gorgeous on you! Such a great colour. Good find. That book sounds like it will be very interesting ... Not overly flattering of your town, but will be neat to read something that is set there. (I am assuming it is with an opening paragraph like that). I always love to read books set in Toronto.
ReplyDeleteHope you enjoyed the show. xo
Have fun in birmingham....dance like a nutter eh..
ReplyDeletelove you in your pink dress..
LOL about your town's description. It sounds more intriguing than offputting...especially the "mothy casino." Perhaps that's where the Hirst exhibit was held?!...
ReplyDeleteI love your new maxi. It is devlicious. Wonder what you'll wear for dancing like a nutter...
I'm saying nothing about being negative about home towns!
ReplyDeletePlenty to say about how jealous I am about the PWEI/Wonder Stuff gig tho! I would love it. I saw PWEI once when I was about 14. "Sweating like a pig doing a jig at the gig of the century" that lyric came to me then!
There is something extra special about the Kati pieces, they seem really well made and have a slight Edwardian feel.I love the peplum waist dress, and the one from Curtise is super-flattering. It's the colour I am drawn to with this one.
I have to brave a heaving town centre M&S today. I will challenge myself to see the positives of Pontypridd and see how I get on!
Have a great weekend
Lucy x
That dress is amazing! I love it and it's pink lol.
ReplyDeleteHuzzah the parcel got there in time! I had hoped you would find a wee bit of room for the sarong :)
Excuse me now while I die of jealousy I have always been a *HUGE* Jesus Jones fan and they are one of the bands I never got to see live for one reason or another. God I had such a crush on Mike Edwards *swoon*
I love that magic mushroom maxi. Have a great weekend, Vix! I hope the show is fun!
ReplyDeleteYou do look sweet in your hot pink frock with black ribbons. Sounds like a delicious book to read with your hometown as one of the characters. Whatever will you wear for the concerts and dancing? Can't wait for the pictures!
ReplyDeleteThat pink frock is so special, I also adore the hat! Labels just don't matter if you look good and feel good. Happy Christmas and weekend dear. xx/Madison
ReplyDeletePretty in pink
ReplyDeleteThat opening paragraph was pretty funny, reminds me of some of the places I've lived! I adore your new pink maxi, such a gorgeous colour and style! And I'm kinda freaking a little because just the other day I thought of Jesus Jones as I used to know one of the guys in the original band. I had met him through a dear friend (who I wish I could find dammit) who was managing another band he was in (mid-80s I think). Wish I could remember his name, last time I ran into him was in NY around 91. Crazy lately all these coincidences about things I'll be talking about then turn up! Have a blast! XXX
ReplyDeleteOh! I like the peplum waist dress! So cute- and the editing makes them look vintage. so cool.
ReplyDeleteOh, I would also like to invite you to come visit my blog and enter my international giveaway! it's my first giveaway and is celebrating the 1 year of my blog as well as Christmas! It is super cute and has hello kitty, jewelry, art and inspirational gifts! :D I look forward to your visit! Here is the link: http://beyoutifulhope.blogspot.com/2012/12/international-giveaway-hello-kitty.html
Merry Christmas& happy birthday Jesus,
Christine
www.beyoutifulhope.blogspot.com
Wow, I love that suede mini skirt with the orange tone blouse and that beautiful scarf. Such amazing clothing.
ReplyDeleteall three dresses are amazing!! what a gorgeous collection love them all!! ~Enjoy the show and A Very Merry Christmas to you Love Heather
ReplyDeleteSorry I'm so far behind in commenting Vix, the Christmas madness and a knackered computer are conspiring against me this week. That book looks very interesting, it must be even more interesting when you can actually picture where the events are happening. I live in a town that's won the Carbunkle of Britain award a few times so the description of Walsall sounds pretty like home to me! You'll have to write your own book about Walsall one day, it sounds a pretty fun place to live when you're Vix! All your dresses are lovely too, you really suit a maxi, and Miss Magpie's prezzies to you are lovely, that orange sarong looks perfect for you. You look very sexy air hostess in your hat and mini skirt. xx
ReplyDeletelovely, lovely dress! and so jealous about Pop will Eat Itself!! xxx
ReplyDeleteJesus Jones! Wow that's a name I haven't heard for a while - I hope you had a brilliant time. You look glorious in the pink maxi!
ReplyDeleteYour orange-red-burgundy mini skirt outfit is just KILLIN' me, Vix! Also, I think there can be a certain beauty to less appreciated places - because I'm sure Walsall has its hidden beauties, too - plus great 2nd hand stores.
ReplyDeleteHope you are enjoying the music and a happy dance around the Christmas tree, Vix. Lots of Love from Berlin! xoxo
That maxi dress is so darling and totally destined to be yours Vix! I think there is always treasure to be found in charity shops.
ReplyDeleteGlad you liked the little bit of pink kitsch! xxx
Great dresses!!The black lace trimming is lovely on pink and both the floral ones are stunning!Lots of great outfit in one post!I adore the velvet shirt too!I'm sorry for the late, but I've been busy with my belated Christmas shopping!!
ReplyDeleteLots of love xxxxx
Those really are great frocks, I'm not surprised they are your favourites. I love that one shouldered number. £3.25 is a steal! The East and West Midlands are obviously very different in some ways. Walsall wins on the second-hand treasures every time.
ReplyDeleteThat books sounds interesting. x
Two killer outfits in one post and they both rock in really different ways! I love how diverse you are and your look is not just that gorgeous black main but the way you rock color, I coul spot you all the way in India;). The Kati dress fits perfectly and the color, yum, but that hat with you hair up and purples and orange, most delicious combo!
ReplyDeleteLoveyoulots
Xxxxxxxxxoooo
I love Pop Will Eat Itself!! Hope you had fun.
ReplyDeleteLxx
BRILLIANT maxi. I long to go charity shopping with you and Curtise!
ReplyDeletethese laura philipp dresses are so gorgeous - all 3 of them. my fav is the magic mushroom maxi.
ReplyDeleteLook at you in that divine pink frock!!!! Just beautiful. You do look different with your hair up, but good different! I don't know how you manage to look so amazing in both maxis & minis. Merry Christmas to you both & safe travels to India. Enjoy the sunshine. Xx
ReplyDeleteFark a dark - that pink maxi is GORGEOUS! I love the other two as well - they remind me of Dollyrockers a bit and they suit you down to the ground. Your shopping outfit is amazing - the colour combo is so rich and beautiful. Love the hat and scarf. And the pink clam shell server is FABULARSE!!! Love you more than maxis! Sarah xxx
ReplyDeleteYou are looking fabulous in that dress, I also love the other maxi's. And so cheap! Just bought one for 10euro and it isn't half a beautifull as yours. I so much love the pink. :)
ReplyDeletexxx
That book sounds good and the dress is gorgeous. xoxo
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