According to fashion pages of The Guardian, Monochrome is back with an energetic force this spring and this potentially tricky look can work whatever your age, that's if you follow their advice and invest in all manner of overpriced nonsense including a £250 pair of white stilettos, a £29 bangle and a £300 leather skirt.
Sod that! When has monochrome EVER been away, who doesn't already own something black, white or both, and, more importantly, what's age got to do with anything?
Here's my concession to Spring 2013 fashion with a Vix-style 1970s twist. The entire outfit cost less than one Guardian-endorsed bangle.
Not visible is the long sleeved thermal vest (from a jumble sale), knee high socks (nicked from Jon's underwear drawer) or the fleece-lined leggings Liz bought for me from Birmingham Rag Market - all essentials for our British springtime.
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| Monochrome maxi dress (details HERE), Devore maxi coat (last seen HERE), Baroque bag (hand made by Liz for Xmas 2010), Plaited headband (99p Stores), Bastard massive vinyl platform boots (£2, car boot sale) |
Great-Grandfather's silver Victorian Vesta* case strung on a bath chain bought from the ironmonger's and some complimentary cat hair.
* A hinged case for matches, after Vesta - the Roman goddess of the hearth.
* A hinged case for matches, after Vesta - the Roman goddess of the hearth.
Hand Bag woollen mittens on a string (I bought with my pocket money from Van Allan in 1976), monochrome bangle made by the gorgeous Edie Pop, the rest were second-hand finds.
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| 1960s pearlised grape earrings (Inherited from my Mum) |
Yes, it's still excruciatingly cold with the occasional snow flurry & no sign of any let up for the rest of the month. It's the first spring in seven years we haven't jetted off to Goa for the end of season pre-monsoon party session, what were we thinking?! I'm going to have to crank up the central heating, cook Chana Masalla, crack open a Kingfisher and watch a Bollywood movie in my bikini.
I haven't forgotten about taking a photo of the rag and bone man but he's swapped his horse and cart for a truck this week due to the inclement weather conditions!
See you soon.
What is happening , are you still snwed in, ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh
ReplyDeleteI coudn´t agree more with you, my dear Vix: what's age got to do with anything?
Love and want everythinng you are wearing, ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh
We are having 3 days of rain and Spaniards in the south are going crazy.
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
You look amazing! You always do! I've been laughing to myself whenever I read about what's trending- lately it's (gasp) leopard, polka dots, mixing florals with leopard and polka dots! Black and white is in! But it was never out. My boyfriend made a good point- you have to create news where there is none- so fashionwise, every spring it's nautical and navy, and summer is pink and yellow, and fall is paisley and burgundy- or their sartorial equivilent. Meanwhile you always inspire me- with you being you and sharing it so ruthlessly with the world- showing that we can be just us! And no store can sell that, only we can wear it!
ReplyDeleteAge really is just a number. And I so agree with you, with not having to break the bank to be in fashion some of these top designers should take a leaf out of your book and all those young girls who buy those fashion magazines you are the perfect roll model for them. Looking gorgeous despite the freezing temperatures. Love and hugs, dee xxx
ReplyDeleteAh man I wish I could make my gloves last as well as you do - mine don't last a winter!
ReplyDeleteI was looking for some fashion magazines online, but after seen this I gave up! Nothing could be compared to this amazing monochrome vision, but I feel equally sad because this wonderful outfit is impossible to imitate as the fashion designer proposals are!Your collection of unique pieces is out of my reach, but I'm glad that you give me the inspiration for being always individual and for finding the right way to express myself.
ReplyDeleteThe creative process for art or clothes is the same, if you can't see nothing in front of a canvas or a wardrobe you are not a true artist.
I adore those gloves and the dress that reminds me of Andy Warhol's screen tests (I have a tiny piece of a similar fabric and I made armwarmers with it).
You always bring spring even when it's snowing!!
Love xxxxxxxxxxxx
Gorgeous, and damn straight when has monochrome ever been out. Love it.
ReplyDeleteLove those earrings.
xx
I love everything about this outfit!! and isn't it wonderful that nature decided to give you a monochromatic backdrop?? (snow sucks--come on spring!!)
ReplyDeleteYour outfit is far far cooler than anything a trendy fashion stylist could come up with!!!
What is it with this nonsense about monochrome being "back" and it being "potentially tricky". Load of rubbish if you ask me. Love that dress - like Edie says very Warholesque. xx
ReplyDeleteGeez, I didn't realize wearing black and white was tricky. Damn, girl, that's a lot of snow! Funny we have a "rag and bone" man across the street, except he has a beaten to hell pick-up truck and collects scrap metal.
ReplyDeleteOhhhhhh...you look like the snow queen!
ReplyDeleteYou look great as always! I love that you have and wear reminders of your Mum .
ReplyDeleteDear Vix - absolutley fab !
ReplyDeleteF**** ! winter and snow!! Sick of it ...
I prefer your take on monochrome Vix xxx
ReplyDeleteI’d take your fashion advice any day over some on trend fashion forecaster! You are right, everybody is in on this trend already, it’s very rare I don’t wear some element of black or white.
ReplyDeleteThose Hand Bag mittens are one of a kind! I like how they’ve stayed with you all this time, certainly pocket money well spent. xxx
B&W has never looked better than it does right now on you! The faces on that dress I want to look at all of them! I love that beautiful coat your wearing all the furry bits and detailed pattern make it way more than just B&W. I love the mittens too!!!! Words and faces I have a thing for both! Gimmie gimmie:)
ReplyDeleteI'll never say we have similar temperatures again. You poor thing. It makes me happy to hear you say you'll be having a curry and cranking the heat in your bikini. Hotness! I loved having a chat and seeing your pretty face!!
XXXOOOOOO
LOVEYOU!!
Yeah, clothes, black and white - it's all just soooo tricky! Hahahaha, bloody Guardian! I must be in sync with you (and the Guardian) as I'm in monochrome today too, though I had no idea I was working such a potentially tricky look, even at my advanced age!
ReplyDeleteThe print on your frock is so fabulous, as is that wonderful coat. Always a joy to see Great Grandad's Vesta case and one of Liz's beautiful creations.
Funnily enough, I saw our scrap/rag and bone van this morning! Enjoy your curry and Kingfisher, love, but drape a blanket over your bikini, it's bastard freezing! xxxx
I'm deeply in love with your coat! It's something I should invest in myself, I have two but one of them works like an uniform for me.
ReplyDeleteIt's quite funny how people advertise "what's in" using pieces that most of their readers can't afford. It worked better when they used to show you the cheap versions of designer pieces! xxx
As ever you do it so much better, looking great. App this time last year we were having a hose pipe ban, so what is up this year I just don't know? Hope you enjoy your Bollywood movie in your bikini.
ReplyDeleteAmazing as always. I am interested to hear more about this rag and bone man! :D xx
ReplyDeleteI LOVE LOVE LOVE the dress and the coat. This may be my favorite outfit you've ever worn.
ReplyDeleteLove you, Vix.
SB
LOVE today's outfit! Especially with the colourful make-up = hawt!xo
ReplyDeleteThe maxi you made from Frocktasia's fabric is out of control amazing!! I love the T-back design that you got to fully show off in the original post. Love the headband, too. I am currently on the search for one similar. Black and white a trend lolzzzz It never goes out of style!
ReplyDeleteBecky :)
Oooh, how spooky, I was going to challenge you to do a Vix spin on the LBD and this is very close! In fact, I'd love to see how you embraced the LBD thing in your inimitable Vix style! Looking GORGEOUS!x
ReplyDeleteIf you had been walking through the woods unescorted(!) some years ago you would have been called a witch by your jealous neighbours. I don't really understand how it can be "tricky" to wear black and white. This is my favourite fabric ever. And I'm glad you have room for layering. The whole ambiance of your first photo sends wonderful shivers down my spine. LOVE!
ReplyDeleteI never seem to leave you a decent comment but LOVE LOVE LOVE this x
ReplyDeleteWhat bollocks, you'd think the Guardian fashion editors would have more sense than to feature an outfit costing more than five hundred quid. Have they not heard of austerity measures? Anyway as you could look good in a sack you have no need to worry about pulling of a 'potentially tricky' monochromatic look. I adore that coat which looks splendid with the frock. Thank god for thermals tho' got my vest on today too.
ReplyDeleteMust be something in the air, I'm in black, white and grey too. I didn't find it that difficult but I don't pull it off that well, I find myself a bit jaded. Need a bit of sunshine. That devoré coat with the lovely furry collar is great on you paired with that dress and handbag.
ReplyDeleteI like the sound of your evening. Nothing monochrome about that. Enjoy yourselves! xxxx
madness!!!sheer awesome madness..the prints..the monochrome..the braided head band..your gorgeous self!
ReplyDeleteBikini and Bollywood sound like the perfect cure against this depressing state of weather. Also very happy how you showed the Guardian some thrifty creativity. Silly advises, especially in these recessive times.
ReplyDeletexoxo
I don't know what's worse, the paper spouting such rubbish, or the idiots who run to do exactly what they say!
ReplyDeleteYou show us, once again, just how easy it is to look fabulous on a shoe string, with a nod to the trends! Woe be to those who can't think for themselves! It's so damned obvious and easy.
These pix are divoon, incidentally, you look effortlessly glamourous! I always love that maxi, such a brillant print! Liz' bag is scrumptious.The eyeshadow you've been wearing is fantasmo, it stands out like dogs balls in all the dreary snow!
I am visualisng the thaw.......
Enjoy that Kingfisher!
Love Helga xxxXXXxxx
Hi there-you are a monochrome Queen in this outfit and the dress is awesome, I love it! Fabulous accessories too you really look lovely and so stylish for this miserable weather xxx
ReplyDeleteYou've outdone any magazine I've seen!
ReplyDeleteWow that first pic nearly has you camouflage with your surroundings. Although you may be damning the snow we here in Queensland Australia are having a run of hot, hot days again. It's not boding well for me, my clothing options that keep me cool with a growing belly are seriously in threat. Send your snow and cold weather here I need it stat so I can slip into more of my other frocks without having a literal meltdown.
ReplyDeleteYou look gorgeous as always and I must agree what a croc about black and white as if it's ever been out. Either way you do it justice with perfection. X
very cool ;)
ReplyDeleteAh, fashion editors: they love to try to create a wee bit of neurosis on the one hand (hence the tricky bit) while appearing to solve your style dilemma on the other, crafty buggers (I was an editor so I hope I'm saying this without being too unfairly judgemental)! I love the long dress and coat, Vix, and what an oh so cool factoid about the Vesta. Love that it's so pretty yet functional at the same time. Xoxo
ReplyDeleteStupid fash mag slags and their contradictory ideas, older ladies were always told to head toward monochrome, now it's tricky? Nothing's tricky about monochrome. You've made it look piss easy and where monochrome is usually minimalist, you've made it wonderfully decadent. That dress is just amazing, I love it, especially with that coat (shame you need it), love that you've kept your groovy mittens from your teens too. Also love all that bastard jewellery. It's the height of Spring fashion whilst simultaneously sticking a middle finger up at fashion editors. Love you! xxxx
ReplyDeleteAm I being dense? How can monochrome be tricky for anybody? Seriously. ?. Bit of black, bit of white, boosh, sorted. Sorry, just came over all Jamie Oliver. I love that frock, but this weather is enough to get anyone down. Xx
ReplyDeletethat first photo of you is very beautiful. you should get it framed.i love your dress. do you keep all your clothes or do you sell them ? i like your make have you changed your style? i'm glad you are taking a photo of the rag and bow man. i like the glove from 1976 how great is that. i love your style and honesty. love lucy
ReplyDeleteSod that! Monochrome has always been fab and fash mag bints do talk a load of old nads especially when it comes to dressing your age.
ReplyDeleteI do adore the print on that frock and you look gorgeous in the winter, I mean spring, wonderland. I will have to come over all weather witchy and banish this nonsense and get the sun shine back. A dance around a big biker fire might do it!
Bleedin' loves ya.
Em
xxxxxxx
Are you a fan of the Kermode & Mayo Film review prog on FiveLive on Fri afternoons (podcast-able)? They are starting to do Bollywood reviews & it's a great programme
ReplyDeleteWhat a fab outfit, especially loving the coat. xxx
ReplyDeleteReally! I also see the "black and white" is in for spring - every year since 1942, at least : > You look fabulous, naturally, and at a much better budget! xoxoxoxo
ReplyDeletedammit! what am i going to do? i wore black and grey! grey! i can't monochrome properly! hehe - i can't believe people get paid to tell the rest of the world what to wear and undermine peoples choices - you look divine as ever, and i do love your blog x ps i resigned from my job after some soul searching and reassurance reading your great advice and am now super excited about having some control back in my life - you really did help and thank-you x
ReplyDelete@ Maria
ReplyDeleteThat's bloody fantastic, I'm so excited for you. xxxx
What an awesome dress. Black and white is always a cool combination. Makes you laugh that people get paid for such nonsense.
ReplyDeleteI love your outfit. Though looking at that snow is making me feel cold. I don't mind winter but only when its winter. Its spring now, come sunshine please! lol.
Cool mittens too!
P x
monochrome looks awesome in the snow. That dress is gorgeous x
ReplyDeleteOne good thing about all that snow is it's a stellar backdrop for your fabulous black and white ensemble. Go Monochrome! You tricky Vix. I'm thinking we need a Vix calendar with a pix for each month. Would this be the Spring ensemble?
ReplyDeletewoah, we don't get snow like that here! I wanna rub my face all in it! I've never heard of a vesta before. So cool!
ReplyDeleteLooks like a proper fashion shoot to me - everything is perfection. The Vesta is gorgeous. I have my great-great's carried in the Civil War but never thought to put a chain on it.
ReplyDeleteYour dress is lovely but the coat is absolutely gorgeous!
ReplyDeleteYou look superb in your version of "monochromatic". Never got that one, being a New Yorker we're all usually monochromatic, it doesn't show the dirt! Love the vesta case! I used to keep a little shrine to Vesta in my kitchen as homage to keep things running smoothly. Must resurrect a new one! XXX
ReplyDeletethe first photo of you in the snow looks like a magazine cover. love it all!
ReplyDeleteThanks for the forecast. I'm glad black is back on the horizon. I love the way you can simply hose it down if you have a mishap.
ReplyDelete300 quid for a skirt made of dead animal skin? I guess someone at the Guardian is in need of a remedial fashion course. The look was apparently too tricky for them. Your monochrome outfit looks lovely - The fabrics, your design, sewing skills and taste are excellent. I love details you included about your outfit including the essentials for your British Springtime. :) Keep warm, have a lovely week and a Happy Easter weekend. :)
ReplyDeleteWhat a cool dress! It looks amazing with that coat and bag. And the Vesta case - wow, so pretty! You look like a snow nymph standing there under the tree in the snow, sort of mysterious and lovely!
ReplyDeleteI love the dress it is the perfect drape for your shape.
ReplyDeleteWe used to have a rag and bone man when I was growing up in 1970s Manchester.
I've mentioned before how I love that dress Vix, that's the good thing about maxis too, you can hide a lot of woollies under them! Love your grandad's old Vesta tin on a chain and your mum's earrings too, I wish I had more family keepsakes, it must feel good to wear things that have personal history to you. And I have well and truly had it with this weather now, hope you enjoy your bikini and Bollywood day, that sounds like a good idea, just pretend the snow and freezing cold isn't there for a while. xx
ReplyDeleteMy God Vix it looks freezing over there! You still have snow!
ReplyDeleteI have all but stopped reading the Guardian for fashion commentary precisely for nonsensical statements like this. What does age have to do with monochrome? Plain daft. Anyhow you show 'em! You look fabulous in that dress and coat!
I have collegues who often ask me "which color that is trendy this season" (just because I'm interested in clothes they believe that I think that trends are important). I always answer, "the color that makes you feel good". However. Vix - you make me speechless again! So very beautiful! And have I ever mention yor make up? Anyway - I like it a lot! Your make up is also against the stupid advices. Of course more is more.
ReplyDeleteYou look fabulous. Far better than anything the Guardian could come up with. I love that maxi. I hope the weather warms up soon for you.
ReplyDeleteI'm in love with your dress! You look fab!! xx
ReplyDeleteMonochrome is so striking, I love it! You look gorgeous! And no outfit is complete without a smattering of rabbit/cat/dog fur :)
ReplyDeleteFashion is a crock! And I love your vesta case - I inherited a similar one from my Mum who was an antiques bloodhound. Come and live in NZ - it hardly ever snows here!
ReplyDeleteGorgeous! The dress and coat are especially fab.
ReplyDeletexx
Gorgeous! I just love this dress x
ReplyDeleteyour comments about monochromatic outfits are very witty.we don't get fooled anymore.We declared war to fast fashion crap. But I would love to sip a kingfisher with you.
ReplyDeleteYou look so amazing, your my fashion inspiration. Looking great!!
ReplyDeleteYou're a picture in black and white! Even the snow has cooperated in the monochrome scheme of things. Thanks for the photo of the Vesta case. I never knew what they were called, although I do like the look of them.
ReplyDeleteCheers,
Rosemary of www.foreveronthecatwalkoflife.blogspot.com
As much as I adore your colourful/pattern mixing creations I have to admit that you look rather glorious in Black and White roaming through the forest. I've given up any attempt to be "on trend" and just set my own.
ReplyDeleteWhen, oh when, is Spring going to get here! Enough of the snow and cold already!!!
Looking as fabulous as ever, Vix. Particularly love your devore coat. I, too, am cranking up the heating and praying for Spring - I thought living in Devon we were supposed to get lovely weather, but not this year!
ReplyDeleteLooking as fabulous as ever, Vix. Particularly love your devore coat. I, too, am cranking up the heating and praying for Spring - I thought living in Devon we were supposed to get lovely weather, but not this year!
ReplyDeleteLooking as fabulous as ever, Vix. Particularly love your devore coat. I, too, am cranking up the heating and praying for Spring - I thought living in Devon we were supposed to get lovely weather, but not this year!
ReplyDeleteI love your dress :) you look great, glad your managing to look awesome and keep warm too, I've been in hiding with lots of jumpers on again :)
ReplyDeleteYou look incredible against the snow with your monocrome outfit Vix. It always amazes me how much some of the outfits and accessories in these articles cost, I mean who really pays that?
ReplyDeleteBet you do wish you were off in a hot warm climate instead of this cold wet weather. I am so sick of it now. I sound more like me granny constantly saying how cold it is lol
X x
Vix the difference between having style like you do and being a fashion slave is that you know how to take any trend and make it your own. And keeping it withing your style and your budget while looking so magnificent as you do in these photos!
ReplyDeleteChana Masalla in a bikini and a Bollywood movie sounds like a fantastic way to enjoy some homey-spring-time.
Yes they said at the fashion show that Monochrome is really in but I wear what I think suits me and not whats really in fashion. It annoys me how people think at a certain age you should dress a certain way too! You look great and I love the earrings x
ReplyDeleteI love your maxi dress, it's amazing ! The print is truly awesome :) Kisses
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Love the dress & your mums earings! So much snow you got there too.
ReplyDeleteDenise
& I forgot to say Congrats on your new website! Looks like great.
ReplyDeleteOoh this is on of my all time fave frocks ever! You look amazing, as always! The mittens are so fabulous and I love the gorgeous bag. 29 pounds for a bangle? Bloody hell - I balk at $2!
ReplyDeleteHope you get some warmer days soon!!!
Love you more than that fabulous coat!
Sarah xxx
I love your monochrome look, except for the white part that is all over the ground. Sheesh ... enough already. But you do fit in very well there for the photos!
ReplyDeleteYou're right ... A decent black and white look can be pulled off by most anyone without expensive purchases.
Also love your vesta, both for it's beauty and sentimental value.
Omg. You are full-blown Cher fabulous. YES.
ReplyDeleteYou look like a gorgeous medieval snow queen. xxx
ReplyDeleteI think my family will tape my mouth up next time I open a newspaper mag that tells me what a tired old hag I am yet at my age I can "get away with" wearing a version of the latest trends. I tend to go off on one. Just a weeny bit;). Yeah, sod age and bloody hell who wants to look like a fecking cardboard cutout? **blood pressure rising** ;). I would much rather save my precious and at-the-moment-non-existent pennies for a holiday too thanks very much and anyone who spends that kind of money needs their frickin' head read!!! God you're gorgeous, so absolutely stunning and I CANNOT believe you've still got your gorgeous mittens since you were a wee lassie!!! Your make up is bastard gorgeous, especially with you in the snow looking like a fecking queen that rules the world. The frock ... fuck me. xoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxo
ReplyDeleteAge is not a factor, style is. Something that is so inspiring about the vintage blogging community. You always look so meticulously fabulous in all your outfits. The world needs more advocates of truly doing your own thing and not giving a flying feck what the media says.
ReplyDeleteBtw, I've just checked out your website on Helga's prompting and I'm so impressed. You've done a great job of it. I'm so in the market for dresses right now so I will keep checking back! xxx
Ow my.... Still a lot of snow overthere.... :( We are now having a little bit of sun! Love that dress and you mittens are so sweet. And so monochrome is back? I haven't seen any fashion pages/magazine's in years. Uhm no, last week at the docters place, but the magazine was already 2 years old. So vintage.
ReplyDeleteI really hope for you that the snow will vanish and that the sun will come!
xxx Have a wonderfull day, Jolanda.
Age has nothing do with anything, you do what pleases you not the others!
ReplyDeleteGreat ode to that b&w trend! and yes you don't have to brake the bank to get the look, you can find all that stuff in second hand stores and it will be better quality!
You look smashing my dear!
No snow here, sunny and warm, it's about time!
Ariane xxx
It's so crazy to see snow right now... & beautiful! You look like a magickal snow queen -xo
ReplyDeleteAhhhh how did I miss this post? You look so beautiful, the ultimate snow queen in that wonderful dress, and nice and warm too :) You're inspiring me to get out there in my best frocks, whatever the weather!
ReplyDeletepretty cool outfit. ... to be true, it remeinds me a little on a gothic outfit a friend wore when we were teens.
ReplyDeleteLove that dress...amazing print, agree with Miss. Edie Pop, very Warhallesque, and with that jacket, too cool. And, really love Liz's purses, makes the whole outfit zing in unison!
ReplyDeleteIt's articles like that which make me want to tell them all to sod off! I'm sorry, bur your new rules are just marketing crap to get us to buy more shit!;) And, when/why were YOU put in charge of telling ME how to dress!
This is why I often surprise people when I tell them I hate fashion. I LOVE CLOTHES...not rules, and marketing BS!!! And, why I LOVE all the Blogging Goddesses who through them/it out the window!!!
I still get many of the fashion mags, and keep swearing I'm not going to renew each year when I see another cleb on the cover and all the BS in between. Well, this is the year I do it, no more! I love blogs because I love REAL gal's style, it's so much more interesting and so much more fun!!
Fashion mag shoots now kinda remind me of fancy hotel rooms, sure they are nice but have no SOUL!!! OK, I'll stop ranting, you know you pushed our buttons with this one...like the beautiful example of Miss Pull Your Socks Up, I'm getting the blood pressure up to much here.;)
I've just been catching up on my blog reading as I am stuck in a Vietnamese bus station for a few hours and I too miss Goa, in fact India in general! What I wouldn't give for an ice cold Kingfisher and a tasty paneer curry!!
ReplyDelete