What could possibly have been a more timely arrival on International Women's Day than a parcel from the States with some killer leggings designed and made by one-woman business, Kiss Me Kitty?
Kiss Me Kitty is Portland-based and owned by my friend Krista's pal, Cristi.
Before you shudder at the thought of leggings, forget those saggy, transparent horrors you see around made of fabric so thin that you can see the wearer's cellulite & dingy knickers, coupled with a muffin top wobbling over the waistband. These are made of opaque Spandex and fit & breathe like a second skin. They're designed to fit, flatter and to cover the waist so no vile bulges 'cos your belly's been cut in two.
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| 1960s Richard Shops waistcoat ( Ronnie) |
Forgive the heinous crime of a short top, I only wanted to show you the leggings off - not me, honest. Please don't call the fashion police.
The print reminds me of one of William Morris's designs.
I'm touched and overwhelmed by the comments you left on my post yesterday and loved reading about your experiences with depression, other peoples' expectations and shitty jobs.
You asked how I coped financially. Despite once being a high earner I was never been a big spender, high end labels and fancy acquisitions don't interest me, I've never had a credit card, store card or loan and my only debt was a very small mortgage we paid off 9 years early. I was brought up to live within my means, save for what I wanted & pay for it in cash and if I couldn't afford it then I couldn't have it.
I wrote more about our thrifty lifestyle HERE.
I wrote more about our thrifty lifestyle HERE.
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| 1960s Wetherall of Bond Street cape (£3.95, YMCA , years ago), Velvet boots (Office sale, 2011), 1970s hat (50p, car boot sale at 3 years ago), 1960s Vogue umbrella (50p, car boot sale, years ago) and a heap of bastard jewellery inherited, given to me or bought second-hand. |
It's a night in with home-made pizza, a BBC 4 music documentary and booze for us, hopefully a night on the town tomorrow and Sunday will be spent avoiding all mention of Mothering Sunday - being motherless is always harder at this time of year.
Have a fantastic weekend and thanks for your love & friendship!
Looking lovely in purple
ReplyDeleteOoh! What is that cheeky VW I can see?
ReplyDeleteRocking the leggings, Vix - purple is such a lovely colour on you too!
I hope this Mothering Sunday isn't too much to bear.
You've changed my mind about all leggings - I see more of the thin, saggy, wobbly bits ones than this type.
ReplyDeleteThat cape is AMAZING, if you find any on your Kinky Melon travels do give me a shout :)
Have a fan dabby dosy weekend xxx
www.mancunianvintage.com
Purple in the rain - how appropriate. Those leggings are lovely and that print is gorgeous. Know what you mean about the usual cheap cr*p leggings you see about - often worn by someone who really should NOT be wearing leggings of any description! They usually resemble Humpty Dumpty with the face of a bulldog!!
ReplyDeleteVery stylish :)- love the pattern.
ReplyDeleteOMG I saw a sight the other day in leggings - think a hippo enclosure in thin black lycra.
Have a happy weekend - mine starts with wine in a while ;)
those leggings are gorgeous and gorgeous on you! perfect with that cape. you look as if you could take on the world!
ReplyDeletei wish i had been so lucky to have had the good advice your parents passed on to you. mine were awful with money - which i guess made me frugal but i'm not without money issues for sure. you are so grounded vix. i love that about you. have a fab weekend. xo
Vintage and stylish in the raain. Adore the cape and hat. Not much of leggings girl but I think you have now converted me;)
ReplyDeletePurple rain purple rain!!!!! EWWWWWWWW they look KILLER on you and with that cape! I do believe that cape is what sparked Cristi's fire to make you these, she thought they would look killer and they do! What a crappy rainy dreary day you have behind you but you always shine no matter what mother nature throws at you.
ReplyDeleteYour post yesterday was read aloud to a few friends because your story is incredible and needs to be shared. I'm sure it's difficult not having your Mum around and even harder on Mothering day. Let's talk on Sunday and share Mama stories!
ILOVEYOUMORETHANLEGGINGS!!!!
Enjoy that pizza and please tell Jon I can't stop drooling over the pink lamp!
XXXXXOOOOOOO
I'm amazed!!!Cristi's leggings are fabulous and there isn't an adjective enough superlative to express how much you look hot in them!!!
ReplyDeleteThe print is stunning and it's true that reminds of William Morris's art, the colours are very beautiful too!
I'd love to be with you and all the girls tonight, have a wonderful pizza dinner!!(Thanks to you and Jon I've just got the promise of a home made pizza for tomorrow!!)
Have a wonderful weekend!!!
Love xxxxxxxxxxxx
They are indeed lovely leggings. They sound such fantastic quality too. I always love a high waist! Your description of see through leggings with visible fat and underwear made me shudder. Ugh, it's an all too familiar sight!
ReplyDeleteMum's are so important. I realised just how important mine is to me when she got very sick at the end of last year. Thankfully her health has improved a lot but I will never forget the horrid feeling of worry and dread. I'll be thinking of you hun xxx
Love the leggings - colours go well with the cape.
ReplyDeleteLiz @ Shortbread & Ginger
Love you in your caped outfit, it is such a great colour and fit.
ReplyDeleteOh, Sunday, poor Vix. Those special days can be very poignant can't they?
'I was brought up to live within my means, save for what I wanted & pay for it in cash and if I couldn't afford it then I couldn't have it.' I could have written that line (although for me it doesn't have to be cash). That philosophy has held me in such good stead.
Homemade pizza and booze sounds fabulous, enjoy! xxxxxx
I'm sorry about your mami and how difficult it can be during this time.
ReplyDeleteThe leggings, the cape of those suede boots are fabulous on you!
Enjoy your home-made pizza and your weekend.
The leggings look great. The high quality and high rise cut (no muffin top plz!!) really make the difference. I am in love with those velvet boots-- a wish list item for me, but big feet make it difficult to find.
ReplyDeleteBecky :)
Lovely leggings and gorgeous cape! Have a nice weekend!
ReplyDeleteThose leggings are stunning, yes they do look a bit William Morris.... so beautiful and you're so stylish, even in the rain! xx
ReplyDeleteAh yes I do know the type of leggings you are on about. I admit I have a few pairs of those kind in my wardrobe, but I do wear them with longer dresses! so its only a bit of knee fat on offer?!
ReplyDeleteBut have seen the sights you so rightly describe on the school run.
I have to say I would love to make my own and have much funkier designs on my legs. I love yours they sound like they are a dream and well made. And they look awesome on you too.
Ah Vix I wished I had known you in my youth, not so good with money back then. But have got a lot better.
Hope you have a fab weekend.
P x
Wonderful leggings. Just the thing for a greay day.
ReplyDeleteHave a lovely weekend.
hurrah for printed and fabulous leggings, love them and love you're wearing them with that pretty color cape, you're gorgeous!!
ReplyDeletehave a nice weekend (whatever the weather!!)
besos
Kiss Me Kitty has a cool business. I have my eye on the metallic lips leggings.
ReplyDeleteVix, your story is an inspiration, as are your happy, whimsical outfits. Love today's purple cape and psychedelic leggings. xoxo
Grrr my comment won't stick! Try again.
ReplyDeleteFab leggings and proper quality. I can't abide those saggy crotch sliding side seam jobbies...nasty.
I'm so with you on living within your means...it makes life an awful lot simpler.
You take care lovey...and Cardiff for a meet up in the sunshine eh?
Much love,
Em
xxxxxx
Between you and Krista, I am sold on those beautes! I love the print and the personality that comes through. And you. Are. such a legend.
ReplyDeleteThat is all.
Happy International Women's Day! I too will be spending a motherless Mother's Day and not be mentioning it while out in the blogoshphere on Sunday. Your fashion creativity, beautiful wardrobe and vintage couture accomplishments on such a thrifty budget are remarkable. I love the look of your Kiss Me Kitty leggings! They are so you!
ReplyDeletehttp://www.full-brief-panties.blogspot.com
You look amazing, as if you stepped out of vintage Vogue. I love the legging of course and the gorgeous cape, and fab the printed brolly.
ReplyDeleteP.S. So happy that you got your gift. Crazy postman! haha. xx/Madison
I'm sure you celebrate your Mum everyday - not just on Greetings Card Day, Vix. I used to feel the same way about Father's Day - but he SO wouldn't have wanted me to feel sad or bad about a card-buying exercise xx
ReplyDeleteYour Kiss Me Kitty leggings look very Sixties, and we all know that's a good thing! xxx
ReplyDeletei think you should be the poster chick fo Internarional Women's Day!
ReplyDeleteYou og the whole package!
Have a great weekend!
Hugs
Reva
Well those leggings look totally great on your legs!
ReplyDelete*YAHHHH*
Did you make that cement mushroom? I am crazy over it. I made a couple a few years back. One turned out better than the other. I painted mine... one red and white one orange and blue. =D
Look at YOUR legs, sweetie, those are some gorgeous pins! What wonderful leggings they are, and they go so well with that amazing cape and hat. You really have nailed rainy day rock chic!
ReplyDeleteSounds like I've missed your last post - will look it up in a min. I'm so sorry that Mother's day is hard, will be thinking of you Sunday, do something fun to distract yourself or just have a good cuddle with your lovely man.
I love everything about this outfit -- purple, William Morris, velvet, cape, floppy hat, ring big enough to take a front tooth out with a well-aimed punch..
ReplyDeletethose are beautiful leggings! and i have a serious crush on capes, yours is delish - thank you again for your wonderful words, you helped so much - i am sorry to hear about your mum, i will hold you in my heart on sunday x
ReplyDeleteOnly YOU could make leggings with ashort top look AMAZING! That bodacious BOD!!! They are beautiful leggings, the fabric is amazing, and the design superior indeed!
ReplyDeleteAh, that incredible cape! I'm keen to get my capes out again, that's the best thing about cold weather, caping and coating up.
You are an inspiration, my darling!
Love Helga xxxXXXxxx
The leggings look great, but it is the cape that is the cherry on the cake for me!
ReplyDeleteLove the leggings. Hugs for Sunday.
ReplyDeleteVix that purple cape is beautiful. It's such a fabulous color on you. I love this.
ReplyDeleteOh yes, there's a fair few 'visions' in saggy leggings around my neck of the woods! Cristi's creations are brilliant and I agree about the print, very 'Arts & Crafts' movement. I think the key to a good fit is using 4-way stretch fabric as it moulds so much better, I guess that's why spandex type fabrics are so popular for dancers.
ReplyDeleteHope you enjoyed your pizza. Will think of you on Sunday x
Hah! I think this might be the first time I've seen you in leggings (unless I've missed a post somewhere...). I recall you always had doubts about trying them but I always knew that you would look hot as hell in leggings and I was right!
ReplyDeleteYou are my inspiration to live more frugally! I read your tips again...LOVE those leggings! gorge! All my love xx
ReplyDeleteLoving the leggings very much. I only venture out in mine if the weather is cold enough and I have something long enough to cover my butt. Sadly we live in Chavland and the majority see leggings as an item of clothing to show off their bodily horrors !! :D
ReplyDeleteI'll be cooking one of my Mum's comfort dinners for myself on Sunday as she's no longer around to share yet another silly 'consumerism' day. Be thinking about you and all the other 'Mum-less' people I know
I confess, I love leggings and wear them all the time.......under dresses and skirts, NOT, repeat, NOT as pants. Wrong wrong wrong!!!!! It gets really hot and humid here and I can't stand bare thighs. Those leggings are freaking beautiful! Love the cape
ReplyDeleteCan't decide if you were made for THEM or they were made for YOU....or if both are true!?!?!
ReplyDeleteI can't imagine myself in them, but they are SO right for you, Vix! I hope you get the commission you deserve for showing off this beautiful pair of LEGS!
What fabulous legs in those leggings! I looked at the shopping site and there are some very cool leggings to choose from. Pizza and adult beverages for us too tonight : >
ReplyDeleteSuper leggings! Very well done indeed.
ReplyDeleteI have no problem with leggings as pants provided one can style them well. On you they look divine!
Loved this Vix and thanks so much for the link to your lifestyle post. That was inspirational. I so enjoy your blog.
ReplyDeleteLove Pam in TX.xx
Perfect look. Perfect!
ReplyDeleteJust read your last post, as I wasn't on the computer yesterday. Good Golly, Miss Molly, too depressed to wear make-up? You were in a bad way!!
ReplyDeleteCongratulations for kicking the other lifestyle in the teeth and saying "don't need ya!" in, of course, the most dainty and lady-like way.
Much love,
Rosemary from www.foreveronthecatwalkoflife.blogsot.com
Looking A Ma Zing..... in those lovely leggings. So much nicer that the tat you see people out and about in.
ReplyDeleteX x
Looking just gorg as ever, off to read your other weeks posts!
ReplyDeleteHi there! The cape and leggings and hat combine into a gorgeous outfit, I really love this look on you. Have a good weekend! xxx
ReplyDeleteI've been reading your blog for a while now and I just wanted to say I admire your style and attitude!!
ReplyDeleteXOXO
I think Black Milk better watch out there's a new kitty on the block :)
ReplyDeleteIn a comment on Krista's blog earlier in the week I mentioned that I thought that Cristi has a great talent for picking fabulous fabrics for her leggings and this fabric has got to be my favourite yet. I hope her business skyrockets, with you and Krista modelling her fabulous garments it is sure to!
The outfit you've put together is perfect, I love that cape so much and no one looks as good as you do in a floppy felt.
Lot's of love,
Jennie
xXx
I love those leggings and the cape is amazing such a rich colour.
ReplyDeletePurple cape! Yay! I think you look ravishing, darling :)
ReplyDeleteYou've made me laugh and almost cry with this post Vix. Your comments about leggings are spot on. I see plenty of travellers at the airport where I work looking just as you describe. If not with a muffin top, it's an 'apron' or camel's toe. Yeeuch. Yours look great quality tho and look at your washboard stomach!
ReplyDeleteI feel as you do about tomorrow, it's been poignant seeing all the cards everywhere and not making one for her. She'll be in my thoughts even more than usual this weekend.
This comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteI'm in love with that purple cape, what a great find. And they look great with the new leggings.
ReplyDeleteAnd that is seriously good advice about living within your means. It's one of those things that seems so obvious and yet when you're a fashion-oriented person, also one of the easiest to forget. I'm grateful for blogs like this that highlight the fact that you can find great vintage pieces without breaking the bank. And that style is not about labels or even what's supposedly in at the moment.
I loved reading about your thrifty life. I wish more people would cut the umbilical cord to the things they think they need. Our brain activity is totally different when we choose a life, rather than chase after one. Sometimes I kick myself because I never really chose a "sensible" career, one that my mother would have approved of. But, like you I doubt I would have been able to keep it up for long anyway. It feels so dishonest to my inner self.
ReplyDeleteWe've been able to live mortgage free for a few years but I can't get my man to let go of the "security" of his desk job while I watch the affects take hold of his body physically.
Oh, what a beautiful cape by the way! Very elegant.
Those are the prettiest leggings I've seen in a long time, and you styled them brilliantly (as usual) with the cool cape and accessories.
ReplyDeleteoh yeah those leggins are fabulous, i wish i had your legs than i would wear stunners like that too, how amazing you styled them with that beautiful cape and the boots!
ReplyDeleteSuch awesome leggings - perfect with you cape:D
ReplyDeleteYou do look fabulous in these leggings Vix, I always love those boots too, and your cape just goes beautifully with it all. I like leggings myself, they work so well with boots and I really love boots! I find Mother's Day hard because my mum is hundreds of miles away and it makes me sad that me and the kids can't just go visit her with cards and prezzies and just spend the day with her. Hope you don't feel too sad Vix, it sounds like you and your mum were very close and that is a very special thing to have.
ReplyDeleteI'm working my way backwards through the blogs and judging by the comments your last one sounds very interesting so I'm off to have a look. xx
Those leggings are delicieux even more so on you! And the cape is beyond fab...Huggs, hope you can avoid all mention of anything hard today...xxx
ReplyDeleteI love that cape, it's amazing, the colour is delicious. The leggings are great, so gorgeous and I bet they last forever. I love Cristi's descriptions of them.... Sadly though her sizes are all wrong for me, unless the waists stretch about 4 inches on the xl. Hope you're having a great weekend!
ReplyDeleteThe tights are amazing, everything from the colour to the William Morris-esque print. And the cape is too beautiful. Just lovely with the hat. Have a lovely Sunday, Vix. Xoxo
ReplyDeletelove those fancy leggings, they are certainly top notch x
ReplyDeletelook at you sporting velvet boots in the rain! Purple is for sure your color and the cape is screaming to be owned by me. Hand it over!
ReplyDeleteThinking of you today. It's a hard time for me aswell. xx
ReplyDeleteI hope you are doing oke today.... I still have my mother but with losing my dad I know how you must feel today. Big hug!
ReplyDeleteLove you legging. But you are having the perfect body to wear a legging. I think I will look very funny in one. :)
And your cape is gorgeous. The color is amazing!
xxxx
The colour of that cape is just glorious, and the pattern on the leggings is one of the coolest I've ever seen. I'm always on the lookout for printed tights and leggings to wear with skirts and dresses.
ReplyDeleteOur "Mother's Day" is in May so I was confused by your mention of "Mothering Day" being today. Hope you had a relaxing day despite the edge of sadness.
I'm afraid that I'll be tied to employment for some years, but there's no one to blame but myself.
I bloody love those leggings and have admired many pairs on Krista's blog - indeed coloured spandex leggings in general, so much better than the ubiquitous black baggy pairs, as you say! I tried on some fab Black Milk-esque ones in Topshop, but sadly although I loved the pattern (graffiti), they didn't seem to be massively well made. I don't want to be showing my bum when the seams go in the playground.
ReplyDeleteHope today has not been too hard for you xxx
Those tights are gorgeous!!!! aqnd absolutely stunning with the cape and boots!!!
ReplyDeletesounds like you're having a wonderful weekend!!!
I feel like you do about our Father's Day in June since my Dad passed in 2011.
wow amazing leggings and they look fab on your legs x
ReplyDeleteI just tried to sew some leggings last week & they were harder than I thought! Love the fabric she used & perfect with your beautiful cape! Its great to hear that you paid off your mortgage early...we did that too in 8 years & was the best thing we did 15 years ago!
ReplyDeleteDenise
Looking fab Vix! And your new leggings are very far departed from those hideous see through leggings you see on the streets!
ReplyDeleteLovely leggings - they definitely have the look of William Morris about them. Your purple cape is gorgeous.xx
ReplyDeleteI have to frame this:
ReplyDeletetransparent horrors you see around made of fabric so thin that you can see the wearer's cellulite & dingy knickers, coupled with a muffin top wobbling over the waistband.
hahahhahahahahhaha.
You are sooooooooooo unique, my dear Vix, ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXxx
Absolutely stunning! I admire you in so many ways!
ReplyDeleteI love, love, love your retro look!! Cher, eat your heart out! Fabulous, simply fabulous! I love anything retro!
ReplyDeleteGREETINGS FROM DUBAI
MRS JACK OF ALL TRADES
http://mrsjackofalltradesdaily.blogspot.ae/
Those leggings are gorgeous and very you!!
ReplyDeleteThe rest of the outfit is fab too.
Lx
www.whatlisawrote.blogspot.co.uk
Bloody hell, I am sooooo late commenting on this, but I couldn't not, when you look so fabulous in purple! Loving the cape and the special Cristi leggings, isn't that print amazing?
ReplyDeleteYou got loads of comments and support about your previous post because your followers love you, and we appreciate your honesty and your passion for how you live now. It's real and it's true, in a world of much fakery and bullshit. Go you! xxxx
Brrrrrrrrr it looks mighty foggy and chilly Vix! But you look an absolute picture in your glorious purple cape - the length is perfect for winter - dying over the Vogue brolly too! Oh boy, leggings are the subject of so much angst on blogs and saddo "style" sites - obvs most have not worn a well-cut, comfortable pair in "nothing's gonna show through this" fabric in a to-die-for print. I love Cristi's leggings and you're so lucky to have scored a gorgeous pair for that awesome pair of pins attached to your gloriarseness!!!!!!!! Big hugs darling xoxoxoxoxoxxoox
ReplyDeleteWow Plum and Grey what a stunning combination you look beautiful. I have to say i love these colours together and not many people could wear leggings with a short top even just to show the leggings off but you pull it off nicely. We must have another bloggy meet up soon, dee xxx
ReplyDeleteOh Vix, you look amazing and I am so happy seeing you wearing the leggings with your beautiful cape-total style perfection!
ReplyDeleteI've been a little low and seeing you look so cute and then everyone's super kind compliments has really lifted my spirits.
I am also very sad that we have one more thing in common. Not having our mothers with us any more is really heartbreaking! ...and, it's so hard during the holidays. I'm just glad I don't watch TV anymore as those commercials would always get the tears flowing. Geeze, just thinking about the old ones now are doing it.;)
Woman, I have missed your blog immensely. You are still looking fabulous!
ReplyDeleteBloody hell, what have I been MISSING???
ReplyDeleteYou are incredible in this beautiful cape, and THE LEGGINGS! I have been admiring the leggings on Krista and now here's the MOST AMAZING pair on you - I MUST HAVE SOME!!!
Love you more than no-muffin-tops-please!
Sarah xxxx
Oh, I love the leggings! Krista just told me about Kiss Me Kitty, and I can't wait to order a pair. Eyeing the paisley pair. :D I dig this ensemble so much! Beauty!
ReplyDelete