Despite an appalling synthetic sequin trim and naff floppy cap I couldn't resist snapping up this hand-made Abba fancy dress costume for £2 from Age UK yesterday. Who in their right mind turns down purple crushed velvet?
I originally planned a complete re-fashion but loved the fit when I tried it on. Off came the silvery inserts, which I replaced with fabric cut from 1960s curtains (what else?) bought from a jumble sale ages ago.
It was a bit chilly for bare arms this morning so I wore it back to front with a blouse underneath.
The jury's still out on the cap.
The jury's still out on the cap.
Jon reckons I'm more Austin Powers than Abba now.
It took an age to replace those panels last night but fuelled by rum I enjoyed every minute, my sewing mojo is definitely back! The fabulous Pao sent me this amazing stash of 1960s patterns from her youth and I can't wait to get cracking on some curtain couture.
I'm almost ready for our gargantuan two days of vintage fairs, even finding time to trim and dye my hair this afternoon. I've just spotted a jumble sale advertised for tomorrow, which'll be the extent of our socialising this weekend.  |
| Crushed velvet catsuit worn with 1960s St Michael blouse (from the gorgeous Jo), 1970s Nordiska belt (20p, car boot sale), Velvet platforms (Office sale, 2011) |
I'm off to do something creative with the kilo of broccoli bought for a song off the market yesterday.
See you soon.
(Thanks, darling Curtise for providing the title inspiration!)
Much better. maybe Jon can have the cap?
ReplyDeleteFabulous transformation, you totally rock that cat suit Vix. You are my hero xxx
ReplyDeleteOh.... i love it! Looks great with the blouse under and Jon is right - Austin Powers it is! Have a great weekend . Xxx
ReplyDeleteAustin Powers with a smattering of my idol Lawrence Llewellyn Bowen? Perfect!
ReplyDeleteHappy jumbling! xxx
Looks great on you
ReplyDeletePurple Haze of an outfit. I love the blouse and belt along with your platform gray shoes! XXX
ReplyDeleteAwesome makeover...purple crushed velvet YUM!
ReplyDeleteYou look stunnilicious!
xXx
Lovely color and outfit ! so cute !
ReplyDeletexx
http://www.thetrendysurfer.com/
Oh how wonderful- I am LOVING the Austin POwers look- definitely wearing it with a frilly blouse is the way forward! Love the rework too!x
ReplyDeleteA kilo of broccoli sounds sinfully exciting!
ReplyDeleteI also think that is more Austin Powers than ABBA.
Either or you look great!
Utter genius! I love that curtain fabric you chose for the inserts!
ReplyDeletehurrah for your sewing mojo and for purple velvet!, your catsuit and blouse combo is just a dream, you look so gorgeous and cool!!, and love that fabulous shades!!
ReplyDeletebesos & purple
Ahhhhghh I love this crushed velvet catsuit, you look so HOT!!!! Your curtain panel inserts are way more you and make it look not like a costume and I quiet like the lilac blouse underneath. I'm pretty sure if I tried to sew while intoxicated the blog post would be I sewed my thumb into the hem. I think we need a vlog of you getting pissed while sewing, that would be awesome!
ReplyDeleteHave fun this weekend, even though I know it's still work and you will be tired come Sunday night.
Iloveyoumorethancrushedvelvet!
XXOO
Purple crushed velvet - fab! I like your transformation: it's not costumey anymore.
ReplyDeleteI'm looking forward to seeing your curtain couture.
OOOOOO--this looks even more FABULOUS!!--I love it with the ruffly blouse (I had a friend in HS who's date to the prom wore a purple crushed velvet tux witha lavender ruffly shirt)
ReplyDeleteHope you sell loads of stuff at the fairs!!
Yeeeeah baby. Better than a femmebot. This crushed velvet is so wonderful I'm barking. Great makeover. I've never tried seducing my seam ripper with rum. I shall. Can't wait to see what you'll create from Pao's patterns!
ReplyDeleteCrushed purple velvet is the absolute best! You look amazing. Good luck at the vintage fairs!
ReplyDeleteBecky :)
That is one of my favourites by far. The inserts suit it perfectly. I marvel at how you find these things.
ReplyDeleteI can hear the drums!!! How bloody fantasmo to find an Abba inspired/tribute outfit,and how even more fantasmo to take it and make it your own!!! It's really quite spectacular, a gal simply can't go wrong with crushed velvet! I adore the blouse, those ruffley bits are sublime! I'm getting more of a Mrs Slocombe out hooking on crack than Austin Powers, myself!!!
ReplyDeleteAin't no one can rock a catsuit like you, sweetcheeks!
You've got a frantic weekend then! It'll be a blast, darl!!! Rock the hell ON, and sell like a mofo!
Love Helga xxxXXXxxx
Hey Vix,
ReplyDeleteWow you have been a busy bee.
Velvet of any kind is hard to resist, but purple is always a treat. You look just lovely in your new getup!
P x
I think you are brilliant because you can do something creative with a kilo of broccoli! Nice job re-mixing the Abba jumpsuit. I do prefer it wrong way round with the ruffly blouse and curtain inserts. You could probably make the cap work with a completely different outfit, but I think with the jumpsuit, it may be just a little too much "hello, I am a Halloween Costume".
ReplyDeleteSell lots of stuff on the weekend!
You are my dancing queen!!! Oh Vix ! It's wonderful how you turn a costume into something completely wearable (for our standards, of course) those inserts are lovely and the crushed velvet is stunning (and sexy!). I really love the liliac shirt and the belt, you look wonderful!!
ReplyDeleteI love you more than 'the spy Who shagged me'!!!
xxxxxxxxxx
Love to know what you end up doing with all that broccoli! Great job again on the catsuit - your certainly rocking it!
ReplyDeleteWhat an incredibly productive lady you are! Not to mention imaginative, resourceful, thrifty, creative...no wonder those corporate headhunters pounced on you in your youth.
ReplyDeleteThe insert replacement makes such a difference. Add the blouse and belt and it's unrecognizable from it's seventies theme weekend beginnings. Your amazing figure helps too.
I hope you sell well at the vintage fairs, you're experts at smiling and knowing the crowd's expectations now, so it is probably getting easier.
Pristine stash of patterns there, hope you've got enough curtains to keep up with your enthusiasm.
Lucy x
To have made that monstrosity look flippin fabulous is a skill m'dear!
ReplyDeleteYou loook *groovy baby& (groan....!)
www.mancunianvintage.com
Yeah baby, I don't mind. Bit of Austin Powers or Abba. Either way Vix you look fabulous in your masterfully refashioned catsuit. Good luck with your fairs and may the jumble gods be with you. I'd love to know what you do with that brocolli.
ReplyDeleteWow! I love it. No one should turn down crushed velvet for £2! It looks quite expensive from here, not a fancy dress costume at all. I hope you kept the sequins for something else! Love that blouse too, it is very Austin Powers, but that's a very good thing! xxx
ReplyDeleteMe encanta la blusa, tiene un color precioso!!
ReplyDeleteSaludos
http://judithbysucre.blogspot.com.es
love the result! purple looks great on you!
ReplyDeleteLove it! Nothing wrong with a bit of Austin Powers, yeah baby! Not convinced by the cap, but I bet it would fly off the Kinky Melon shelf x
ReplyDeleteI totally thought Austin Powers too, but that's only because of the frilly shirt. But your SHAGADELIC BABY YEAH!
ReplyDeletevix,you always get great stuff. i love seeing what you get every week. i haven't being able to shop for ages.
ReplyDeleteyou look great . love lucyx
It's aces!
ReplyDeleteStilton and broccoli soup = YUM
How can I resist you?! Purple? Velvet (crushed)? Flares? Two quid? Perfect!
ReplyDeleteWhat a brilliant bit of reworking, Vix, the cat suit looks amazing with the new inserts and worn backwards with that beautiful blouse.
Looks like you have plenty of inspiration for dressmaking with all those fab patterns. A busy weekend coming up, but you'll do wonderfully as always and sell up a storm!
What are you going to WEAR? xxxxx
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ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteI must confess that if I saw the catsuit as you found it wouldn't really grab my attention for other than the material but if I found it the way it is after your makeover I'd love it! The blouse is also beautiful by the way.
ReplyDeleteLove the patterns, especially the cape and trousers! xxx
Hello my velvet twin! Wow you have THE GIFT of turning everything you touch into an incredible, flattering and unique outfit! Looking gorgeous dear Vix.
ReplyDeleteYup, never pass up crushed velvet. Purple is so amazing on you and that awesome belt really cinches it; pun intended. ;)
ReplyDeleteFabulous makeover. I like the first suggestion of passing the cap on to Jon, if he wants to go for the 'pimp' look. Glad you're getting some wear out of that frilly blouse! Yay!So sweet of Pao to bestow those patterns on you. I can see you whipping up a bikini out of a tea towel soon. Have lots of fun this weekend. Hope you sell tons!
ReplyDeleteCrushed velvet with curtain insets, i LOVE! The cap isn't so bad but then your hair is glorious and it would be a shame to cover that mane. All the best for the fairs, can't wait to see the results from the return if your sewing mojo x
ReplyDeleteI'm swooning over the lovely lavender ruffles of your blouse!!! I also very much love crushed velvet. The look and colour of your purple crushed velvet catsuit is fabulous. I love broccoli too. I add it into a version of pasta fagioli, have used it in twice baked potatoes, eat it with lemon and garlic and more. Your hair looks lovely. Best wishes for success and enjoyment at your two days of vintage fairs.
ReplyDeletehttp://www.full-brief-panties.blogspot.com/
So happy to see that you didn't turn down the crushed velvet, because you're making both looks shine. I can't wait to see what you do with more curtain couture.
ReplyDeleteI'm totally having visions of the 'Partridge Family' right now! LOVE this look, but I'm probably a bit biased as purple is my favourite colour :)and my mum was looking over my shoulder and she said she loves it too :)
ReplyDeleteYou are so freaking fabulous, Vix! I like the curtain material inserts much better than the sequin ones. Those patterns are great. I can't wait to see what you make with them.
ReplyDeleteI love the makeover! Before it looked good but now even better! The fabric you've added is very nice and fits perfect. Can't wait to see what you will create next! Have fun at the fairs ! xxxx
ReplyDeleteI love your catsuit and those patterns are fantastic xx
ReplyDeletePerfect and divine as always you freakin' rock star you!! Going to a jumble sale? Thats 2 months worth of socialising for me- no wonder I have so little to blog about lately!
ReplyDeletePurrrr what a fabulous cat-suit!!!! Purple perfection..... The blouse underneath is amazing and "Yeah Baby" is very "Austin Powers" just love it!!!!
ReplyDeleteI hope you have the most amazing weekend at the vintage fairs and lots of your gorgeous treasures find a home.
love V
Eeeeekkkk the most wonderful parcel came today....I was so so so so excited......then I was just so humbled by the books....thank you I will treasure them so much. The dress is just fabulous, but this little fat squirrel may have to down size a bit before she can wear it. But I just love. Thank you darling Vix, you are such a sweetheart.
Wow such a cool look <3
ReplyDeletexx
Yeah Baby!! Who else could rock this? I do like a bit of purple crushed velvet...reminds me of my yoof. That blouse is rather lush too.
ReplyDeleteHave yerself a lovely weekend and did I mention that I was all EXCITED?!!!
Loves ya,
Em
xxxxxxxx
Wowsers!! You look incredible, I love your endless creativity when it comes to shopping for, altering and wearing clothes.
ReplyDeletexx
www.whatlisawrote.blogspot.co.uk
I swoon! ABBA, David Bowie, Cher
ReplyDelete, New York Dolls ... could'nt done it better.
Clever you! I actually misread the post as Mama Mia, My Cat Made Over .." and had all sorts of visions of your cats sewing and what not xxx
ReplyDeleteMamma Mia indeed. That's so much fun.
ReplyDeleteWith those silvery inserts and sparkly bakers cap it looks like a pearly queen put her foot down. 'No! I'm not listenin' to Chas and Dave rabbit on no more. Gimme gimme gimme Abba instead.'
But you've styled it so you look like the grooviest late 60s chick.
I love all those patterns, they are fantastic, particularly the bikini one and the one underneath it. Can't wait to see the outcome. Good luck for the weekend! xxxxx
I just love this! I'm also very jealous of those 60s patterns, what a lovely present. Hope you have a fab weekend! x
ReplyDeleteSo lovley to meet you today , you look even more beautiful in the flesh , I always wear old clothes to battle with the grannys but you look as vibrant and stylish as ever , I really enjoyed myself and have done well , hope you have too , i forgot what it was like with the que jumping grannys and ellbow butting young women ,It really cheered me up as i am in limbo waiting to move and feeling a bit down at the mamouth task we have ahead makeing the house to our taste and style.
ReplyDeleteHi there!! What a vision of Royal Purpleness, you look fabulous and a grand job done! Enjoy the fairs this weekend too xxx
ReplyDeleteLike your refashion better & those patterns....wow!
ReplyDeleteDenise
I wish I had a sewing mojo to begin with! lol love your creativity you look very fancy..get it? xoxo
ReplyDeleteFabulous reworking of that catsuit :-) and a wonderful present of sewing patterns - that'll keep you busy! xxx
ReplyDeleteWow, I love it. Great change-up and decision to wear it backwards. It looks so great with that gorgeous blouse.
ReplyDeleteHere's hoping you enjoy the weekend and the broccoli!
you are a true delight. i love that you are wearing it backwards with a blouse. it's perfect! purple looks so good on you. have a beautiful weekend.!!! xo
ReplyDeleteThis is awesome!! You really look great in everything Vix.
ReplyDeleteYou certainly rock purple.
ReplyDeleteArr love it, it fits you great. Love the colour :)
ReplyDeleteLove the inserts!! In some circles back in the day, pants with wide inserts like that were called gypsy splits. I've been thinking of making some. Love the purple on you, too.
ReplyDeleteI've been attaching waistbands to upcycled maxi skirts tonight, fueled with a little pinot grigio. Wish you were here! :-)
Rrrrraaaaaaaoooooowwwwwww baby your catsuit makeover is simply divooooooon darling!!!! I LOVE the fabric leg inserts and wearing the catsuit with the frilly shirt on full show is simply WOOOOOOWWWW!!!!!! All the best of luck on the super-dooper vintage market and ooooooh I can't wait to see your jumbling finds!! xoxoxoxoox
ReplyDeleteIt so much nicer now Vix and the fit is fab. Hope you make lots of pennies at the fairs.
ReplyDeleteX x
i love how you look
ReplyDeleteThat belt is GORGEOUS. Why are you so gorgeous? Im loving your hair all over again in this post.
ReplyDeletewww.shubhisrevels.com
amazing look :*
ReplyDeleteI have always had a soft spot for purple crushed velvet. Looks great!
ReplyDeleteJust love it! You completely rock purple velvet :-) I have so much to catch up on here...
ReplyDeleteabsolutely amazing! i loooove velvet! i don´t care if other say you can wear velvet only by night or in winter, i wear it all year when i feel like;) and you did a great job on the refashioning darling!
ReplyDeletelots of love and kisses,mary
I love the catsuit with the blouse. Nice makeover on the flares with the curtain fabric! You look awesome!
ReplyDeleteHOLY ARSEBISCUIT! You look absolutely amazing, amor! I love the gorgeous colour on you and it's quite fabularse with the curtain inserts and the ruffly blouse. I love it!
ReplyDeleteHope your crazy weekend of fairs and jumbo sales was a fabularse success - can't wait to see your treasures.
Love you more than VELVET,
Sarah xxx
Oh how I adore catsuits, purple and crushed velvet! All three in one outfit is perfection! I love the blouse you wore underneath it, and think it really clever that you replaced the inserts with vintage fabric. I'm a big 1960's fashion fan so I am really loving it! Looks great - you have fantastic style!
ReplyDeleteJust adore all of your curtain re-fashioning. And, how great the catsuit is with those silver platforms, because the purple colour is rich and gorgeous on you. Look out ABBA! :) xx
ReplyDeleteVix, I think with svelte figure of yours finding vintage clothes is never a problem! Another fantastic vintage take!
ReplyDeleteGREETINGS FROM DUBAI
MRS JACK OF ALL TRADES
http://mrsjackofalltradesdaily.blogspot.ae/
You look fabulous hope you had a great weekend, dee xxx
ReplyDeleteOh yes, purple crushed stretch velvet. I had so much of it in the 70's. Wore a slinky hooded maxi to see Hendrix, yeah. With red suede platforms. You do look divine in your refashioned jumpsuit. Can't wait to see what else you come up with.
ReplyDeleteDont know about Abba or Austin Powers - I reckon Bobby Gentry would have given you a tussle to get her hands on that number! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=psOSOGQQijc
ReplyDeleteAx