Tuesday 21 May 2013

Ageing Disgracefully?



Yesterday I went into town wearing this cropped top, 1960s mini skirt, platform shoes and a ton of jewellery. My hair was parted down the centre and hung down to my waist, I wore false eyelashes and painted my nails & lips in Barry M neons. 


I was honked at by passing cars, asked out to dinner by a stranger, got a discount from the braid man on the market and another trader slipped a few extra tomatoes into my bag. In fact the reaction was no different at 46 than it was when I dressed the same 20 years ago. Us older birds are constantly advised to "tone it down" but, if we're happy, why the feck should we? If I'm lucky to still be alive and kicking at 70 I can't see myself fading gracefully into the background.


Its more fun dressing like a floozy at over 40, with my bionic hip replacement I can run away from amorous admirers, as a 20-something cripple I could only limp.


 Anyway, lets talk about shopping. Who says you can't get reasonably priced vintage stuff in charity shops these days? Not me. 

This is what I brought home after my day out with Liz on Friday.

1980s era French Connection shirt, 1970s Berketex pleated midi dress, 1960s oversized vinyl handbag, 1970s Cape sleeved maxi dress, 1970s Astraka fake fur coat, 1960s Daisy trim mini, 1950s leather winkle pickers, 1980s fringed leather waistcoat with rose appliqué , 1950s raw silk shift dress, 1960s leather and suede shoulder bag. 

I snaffled this trio of insane West German 1980s leotards yesterday.




...and most of it's all destined for Kinky Melon.


But before you congratulate me on my restraint I have added a few new items to my wardrobe as the lovely raven-haired Lucy sent me a delectable parcel of joy. Along with the skirt I'm wearing were two pretty vintage scarves and a sexy slip and what looks like it's going to be my 2013 festival bag of choice. 

1960s suede mini (Lucy Nation), cropped Aztec top (£3, off the market), Suedette platforms (£1, car boot sale), 1930s Lucite choker (Inherited), Ultraviolet opaques (Xmas, 2011)
I'm back over at the family home again today, waiting for Banardo's to collect some furniture and for the skip to be emptied and I'll probably playing with my brother's rediscovered stash of 1970s action figures. I'm determined to find Starsky's missing moccasin and Hutch's bell-bottomed jeans before the week's out.


Thanks for the lovely comments, message and emails following my last post, it means a lot. There's been some terrifically shitty times over the past few years and your friendship and support have kept me sane.

See you soon.


89 comments:

  1. Yeah - let us older birds bloom! Dress your age? Such ugly Words!
    You are so fab and i love you ..
    Xxx

    ReplyDelete
  2. Holy arsebiscuit you look frickin magnificent and you know how I feel about 'age appropriate' anything - FUCK NO! In fact, I wore the shortest and most inappropriate school uniform to Tenacious D last Friday night and showed off WAY more than anybody needed to see - YAY!!!

    The daisy trimmed mini is GORGEOUS - can't wait to see you in it! The lovely goodies from Lucy are fantastic - the suede mini and the super gorgeous handbag are my faves. And I hope you find his bell bottoms!

    Love you more than being hit on by age inappropriate strangers!

    Sarah xxx

    ReplyDelete
  3. Wahoo your brother had a covetable collection of dudes!Lucky guy! I can imagine the hours of fun he had with those...

    You are growing 'old' FABULOUSLY!!

    x

    ReplyDelete
  4. Those leotards are insane! Would you consider selling one? I could definitely rock something like that at Burning Man, woweeee!

    ReplyDelete
  5. vix. you look great as usual. i would be so happy to see you come shopping in my shop. it must make their day to see you coming along.
    i love your outfit. sadly as i am too big i can't wear those beautiful clothes. but it is a treat to see others be peacocks.
    you hit the jackpot on your shopping day out.
    love lucyx

    ReplyDelete
  6. Hi there! You look amazing-keep it up, you always look so stylish and unique!! Love your chazza haul and all those dolls are so cute, they definitely bring back some memories! xxx

    ReplyDelete
  7. Tone it down? What hog wash! You are a living example of why not to tone it down and dress the way you want as you look fabulous, always!
    My brother had some similar 1970s action figures :-)

    ReplyDelete
  8. Wow - those leotards! Vintage scarf looks very interesting!
    Liz @ Shortbread & Ginger

    ReplyDelete
  9. I am so glad to see that you don´t tone down with age. What age has to do with anything anyway, and what are peole so worried about???
    You go girls, yeahhhhhhhhhhhhhh
    XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

    ReplyDelete
  10. So right, I don't do "fade out" or "exit stage left." You will forever be the star of the show, look at the mini from Lucy and the cropped top and all the rest.
    I like that Barbie? Ken? in the poncho with the white go-go boots. Wonder what other treasures you'll turn up.
    Great thrifting scores.

    ReplyDelete
  11. You will never be a lady who fades into the background you are to beautiful inside and out for that. I am not surprised you got attention yesterday you looked gorgeous. Loving your finds but those leotards have to be the best thing for ages they have made me want to dress up in ankle leggings and start dancing around the room Singing Fame :-) dee xxx

    ReplyDelete
  12. Oh Vix, you're a complete joy to behold! You look great! I wish more people were able to make an effort regardless of their style.
    I loved Starsky and Hutch!!! Did he have the 6 Million Dollar Man too?

    ReplyDelete
  13. Good for you! Wear what makes you happy, that's my motto.

    ReplyDelete
  14. You look gorgeous. Why on earth would you change? I wish I still had my ghostbusters action figures. That daisy trim mini dress is BEAUTIFUL. Xx

    ReplyDelete
  15. You're an inspiration Vix - I'll bet most of the claptrap originates from women if the the sea of bitchiness I surf on is anything to go by. Reading blogs and comments has restored my faith in women really :)

    Watched a fantastic Stylelikeu interview where the interviewee (bloke) said that we make most of our decisions out of fear (will we look fat, what will they think) rather than based on what makes our hearts sing. Really struck home with me.

    http://stylelikeu.com/closets/timothy-john/

    Keep on making hearts sing xxx

    ReplyDelete
  16. The more I read your blog, the more I am convinced that I too can wear my more eccentric wear to my very corperate office job. If only just to freak out those up-tight people a bit. Keep it up!!

    ReplyDelete
  17. I used to have a skirt like that! when I was 15, sob sob. Everything you bought with Liz is amazing! The fringed waistcoat! the raw silk dress! How much are you selling the leotards for as my friend Paul would love them. I hope I grow old(er) disgracefully too. It looks like you're having a hell of a lot of fun. Those action figures really crack me up! xxx

    ReplyDelete
  18. I think it's great how you just wear what makes you happy, you've got a great figure so why not wear a crop top and a mini?! x

    ReplyDelete
  19. You look fantastic, I would be surprised if people didn't react this way!
    I'll keep my eyes on Kinky Melon because I've spotted over five items I'd love to own! xxx

    ReplyDelete
  20. what other way is there to age if not disgracefully?

    ReplyDelete
  21. Damn straight grow old disgracefully! Love it!
    Who decides on these rules that once you hit a certain age it's all floor length and button ups. No way.
    xx

    ReplyDelete
  22. fadding away is a bad idea, anyway ;)

    ReplyDelete
  23. You sure know how to rock a mini skirt & crop top like no ones business. I'd be honking at the sight of you too! Xx

    ReplyDelete
  24. Aging disgracefully never look so darn good!
    If you like it and you feel good on it wear it!
    Its better to look great and feel comfortable than to look like a fool with pajamas going to the supermarket like I see so many women of all ages here in the South Florida.
    What a collection of goodies and your parcel skirt and that red bag are just amazing.

    ReplyDelete
  25. Screw ageing gracefully where's the fun in that...I'd rather wear and see people wearing bright purple tights and crop tops and leather skirts and all kinds of non-appropriate clothing...You are my idol xxx

    ReplyDelete
  26. Totally agree! people need to smile more often, have some fun and live life like there is no tomorrow - there might not be. Love all your goodies, you have a great eye for bargains. Shine on you crazy diamond! Minerva x

    ReplyDelete
  27. I think you look fabulous - and so do the people where you live, clearly!

    What a fab charity shop haul - love the look of that Berketex pleated midi :)

    Hope the house stuff is going well, have fun playing the action figures ;)

    xxx

    www.mancunianvintage.com

    ReplyDelete
  28. Yeah baby! Totally awesome and Vixalicious! I'm with you all th eway and hate being told to wear beige/cut m'hair/go grey/be invisible. Bollocks to all that! Terrific finds love...that daisy trim mini is gorgeous.
    So are you.
    Loves ya!
    xxxxxxxxxx

    ReplyDelete
  29. You're gorgeous and inspiring and there's nothing more I could add to what others have said. X

    ReplyDelete
  30. dress your age.....say what? How about dress the age you want to be. If it looks good on you, wear it.

    ReplyDelete
  31. You look awesome! Always! Wish I could still wear a cropped top! Believe me, if I could, I would and I'm nearly 43.
    Are those 'Planet of the Apes' figures? How cool are they?
    Did your hip wearing out have anything to do with your hypermobility? xxx

    ReplyDelete
  32. Only Germans could wear leotards like that! Or perhaps belgians...in fact I challenge YOU to wear the left one or the middle one in a reasonable way. Go on, I *know* you can do it!!

    ReplyDelete
  33. Blimey, your brother had quite a collection of Action Men. Mine had the one and I mean one, with 'eagle eyes and realistic hair' tee hee!
    Your chazza finds are stunning, you too of course. This morning at work we saw a middle-aged woman with fantastic legs and a very short skirt, there were lots of bitchy comments most of them from my male colleagues it has to be said.

    ReplyDelete
  34. I think the saddest expression I ever heard is "a look that is appropriate for my age". Why would one look suit all at any age? I often think. And you rock your look well age has nowt to do with it! Confidence does though. Maybe its the best thing we can wear at any age.

    Oo hope you find the trews for Starsky looks a tad drafty for him there.

    P x

    ReplyDelete
  35. I can always count on you for inspiration. You look smashing from head to toe and there is not reason that we should dress other than what makes us happy. I can't think of a better way to navigate life!

    The West German leotards are quite the colorful find!

    ReplyDelete

  36. Fab look and why the heck not??
    It is a confidence thing but also knowing what you look good in. And that shouldn't be age determined, but an individual choice. I'd only like to add to the other wise comments on your post that by our 40s (and I'm also 46) kinda hope to think we've cracked the 'what suits me' problem and just choose fabulous stuff all the time!
    Claire

    ReplyDelete
  37. You look great, ha you are my inspiration to be more bold. I really need to Work on this I worry to much what others think! And often time it squelches who I am! It is a beautiful thing to see someone as confident and lovely as you are. Don't ever change! Love Heather xoxo

    ReplyDelete
  38. I don't think I could take it if you started 'turning it down'... Turn it up - every year! xoxo

    ReplyDelete
  39. You have the figure and the looks ,like they say if youve got it flaunt it , and my god youve certinaly got it xxx

    ReplyDelete
  40. You mean you're not cutting your hair, wearing pearls and a greige wrap dress with discreet make up, Vix? Really? At your age, that would be far more appropriate... HAHAHAHAHA! As fucking if!
    You look hotter than hot, I'm planning on hitting on you myself so I'm not surprised most of Walsall wants to do the same! Gorgeous goodies from Lucy, that skirt is fab.

    You did well in the chazzas, been myself this morning to perk myself up and found lots, so I agree - the good stuff is there is you look hard enough. Love that Astraka coat, and those leotards are wonderful - PLEASE do a tribute post to Jane Fonda, Jamie Lee Curtis in Perfect and Olivia Newton-John's Physical video. Go on, you know you want to!
    Love ya! xxxxxx

    ReplyDelete
  41. Hey girl, you are looking great in your suede mini and I love those pink tights. You really know how to put clothes together!
    I agree, enjoy life while you can!
    Minerva and I met a wild woman the other day at the antiques shop. She was 70, but looked 50. I have never met anyone so full of life and young at heart!
    xx

    ReplyDelete
  42. You look frickin fabulous!! When I was young and naive my aunts taught me that an over 35 women have to cut their hair and dress appropriately...no way!!Many girls in their 20's haven't your perfect legs and body so if we feel fine with a mini skirt why we shouldn't wear it!You are so gorgeous that you are out from any rule or parameter, so just keep on being yourself, is the most inspiring thing for us!
    I LOVE those camp action figures!! Especially the fuchsia pirate, silver suit man and the black sado masked ones!!
    Love xxxxxxxxx

    ReplyDelete
  43. Like your dear dad, Vix, you live your live fearlessly! Rock ON, girl, rock on!

    Linda

    ReplyDelete
  44. Vix you're always so upbeat and positive, I'm glad the blogging community is kind to you! (But why wouldn't they be? You are fantastic). I hope to also be wearing mini skirts (maybe not crop tops as I get chilly...) until the day I die x

    ReplyDelete
  45. The disadvantage of reading blogs backwards is I'm always clueless but I love you and your purple tights and sassy midriff. I do so want to come play at your house. I miss my Barbies from the 60s. They had real glamour and killer eyeliner.

    ReplyDelete
  46. Why be boring and invisible when you can look as FABULOUS as you do??
    Who cares if the "middle-aged lady" taste police have the vapors?
    Why not have FUN???

    You got some great stuff!! Those leotards make me wanna put on some sweatbands and Aerobisize!!

    ReplyDelete
  47. you are such an amazing chicka. We all love u long time!
    xoxoxo
    reva

    ReplyDelete
  48. I'm mad at myself. Took off a "too short" blouse the other day and thought that "I cant wear that". MUST learn from you blog-Ladies. That red dress / skirt under the nice scarf and purse ... What?

    ReplyDelete
  49. we have no reason to tone down, never! i rather die! you look fantastic in that outfit, kick ass abs you got there Vix! Good for you to show them off, now wonder you got discoutns and freebees!

    I'm as colorful as you today!
    Worth a pic i think!

    Ariane xxx

    ReplyDelete
  50. That skirt is banging sister! I love that you made it totally you with those loud ass tights and sexy ass heels! Lucy really hooked you up! Your sexy tummy looks as good as the 20 year old you hot dam sister! Your recent finds are another great stash to the shop. I'm eyeing that blue dress how cute is it!!! Desiree should have already emailed you for prices on all three of those leotards.
    I wish I could be there with you to have to play at your Dad's house. It's a time capsule of discovery!
    I love you honey!!!!
    XXOOXX

    ReplyDelete
  51. You know I'm with you on having no "rulebook", and as proven you look amazing -- amazing for any age! That pic of the action figures still cracks me up! Of course you always find the best goodies at the charity shops! I hope the clearing out goes well & you find at the very least Hutch's pants! XXX PS I just remembered -- DUH -- that I have a piece of info to pass on to you that I found in a psychology journal, that may be helpful for your father. Will email shortly...

    ReplyDelete
  52. you are a hottie-patottie, and an inspiration to all ages. Stay sizzling!

    ReplyDelete
  53. I intend to grow old very disgracefully.
    Those leotards are hurting my eyes!

    ReplyDelete
  54. Love those tights you look fabulous!!

    Plz check out my fashion blog at www.fashion1psychology.com
    Thx

    ReplyDelete
  55. You look blardy gorgeous, carry on flaunting it. I'm 43 and recently dyed my hair a erm violent shade of red. I went into school where I work and got fab comments from all - sometimes you've just got be brave and go for it !!
    Twiggy x

    PS Thanks for the kind comments about the Tardis cake, my hubby is a clever chap!!

    ReplyDelete
  56. You are incredible!!! I have been reading your blog for a few days in a row, the past posts and let me tell you: I LOVE LOVE LOVE your style and life sensibility! You are such an inspiration!
    Thank you for being here!!

    Maria

    ReplyDelete
  57. Just loving the idea of growing old disgracefully, why should we fade away as we get older. I say we should get louder as we experience more life and a lot more to say.

    Loving the outfit and the chazza finds are brilliant xx

    ReplyDelete
  58. Those goodies from Lucy are gorgeous Vix, I love that bag, and I'm not surprised you get chatted up regularly, you look fab! I imagine you being very friendly and chatty when you're out and about too and people respond to that as well. You remind me of a quote I read by Raquel Welch, she was saying something along the lines that people were telling her she was finished when she hit forty and she was like "what?! I'm just getting started!" and that's so true. xx

    ReplyDelete
  59. Hey lady, you look mighty fine! Those tights are great with that skirt. If I had a figure like yours I'd be mighty proud too. I would hate to see you start 'dressing your age' whatever that is. Bleugh! Those 80's leotards are insane. I'd love to see how you'd style them! xxxxxxx

    ReplyDelete
  60. Glad you're not fading into the background - you're an inspiration to us all. I love your suede mini skirt - lovely present to get.
    Your Dad's story is fascinating. I hope you manage to jog his memory.xx

    ReplyDelete
  61. I LOVE Curtise's idea of what to do with those wacky leotards! You look sooo much hotter than any 20 year old in your scalloped mini and crop-top. You've got the maturity AND the rocking body which makes you a double threat ;)
    I have found that I'm more inclined to wear shorter skirts and show off my body more now that I'm 50 than I ever did in my 20's - wonder what that's about?

    ReplyDelete
  62. Swit swoo!! Looking good as always, Vix :) Those leotards are AMAZING. I want all three! xx

    ReplyDelete
  63. I love everything!!! You look fantastic!! The mini and crop top are killer and you look gorgeous!
    Such a great thrift haul!!!
    Becky :)

    ReplyDelete
  64. Too right, I love your outlook on life I mean why should over 40's atart dressing in M&S and BHS lol.

    You made me laugh so much when you said the man slipped you extra tomatoes ha ha

    I had two 18 yr old boys call me sexy the other day lol.,,I had to laugh I could be old enough to be their mother ha ha xx

    ReplyDelete
  65. Hm, I wore crop tops a lot in my 20s...and the old belly is still flat. Might have to give it another whirl!

    Love the middle leotard.

    ReplyDelete
  66. If you've got it, flaunt it, and I bet you'll never lose it! Love that skirt!

    ReplyDelete
  67. You look fantastic and a few extra tomatoes never hurts! I love the suede mini. Good luck with the search for the moccasin and bell bottoms.

    ReplyDelete
  68. Oh dear lord, if you look this good in a mini and crop, freaking go for it. And it all depends on how you carry yourself. You know how someone can look completely awkward because that's what they are feeling...well if you love it chances are that's what others will think also. Nice pop of colour on the lids also, bravo!

    ReplyDelete
  69. I'm not surprised you brought mayhem to the streets of Walsall, you look delicious. I'd ask you out to dinner. That tiny little waist and flat tummy is to die for.

    I love the idea of you running from amorous pensioners et al using your bionic hip to propel you forth. SuperVix.

    Those leotards take me straight back to watching Olga Korbut and Nadia Comaneci as a kid, sticking their little bums out as they landed on the mat and those action men are just the business. Enjoy! xxxxxx

    ReplyDelete
  70. Wow its because you look so amazing.....look at your fabulous legs. They all would have thought you were in your 20's you look so good.
    The parcel from the gorgeous Lucy is filled with yummy treats....the skirt looks so good on you.
    Hmmmm I think I might have to keep an eye on "Kinky Melons"....some of those finds a very cool....oopps look out paypal......naughty.
    love V

    ReplyDelete
  71. dear lady, I hate so much all that 'tone it down' shitty advices!, and you always rock my world, love your mini skirt and purple tights and all your jewelry and colorful nails!
    I'm going to stay wearing miniskirts as long as my legs stay taking me everywhere!
    besos & purple legs forever!

    ReplyDelete
  72. You're a marvel Vix, such a beautiful breath of fresh air and looking HOT HOT HOT! I used to have a suede skirt just like that, wondering what happened to it. Bet you were flirting with half the town!

    ReplyDelete
  73. I think I'm over the whole "age" thing! Indeed, who bloody well cares?! We're people, not bloody numbers...or elephant heads, for that matter! You look hot and funky and like someone I'd want to know!
    I saw a groovy skirt like that on former Hole bassplayer Melissa Auf de Mer some years back, and loved it as much as I love you in yours! I like the idea of just unsnapping that puppy and flinging it to the wind!!!
    Your hair is looking so damned FINE! Sleek and seductive, o YEAH!
    YAY for great scores! They'll be snapped up before you can say jackrabbiting!
    Love Helga xxxXXXxxx

    ReplyDelete
  74. I couldn't agree with you more! Fabulous knows no age :)

    ReplyDelete
  75. Vixcita,
    You should never look age appropriate, the older I get the more wild I get with what I wear. Love you in your mini prosti skirt.Bet your whole town always wait for you to show up.oh and I cant wait to go charity shopping/boot saleing. Those bathing suits are so rad.

    Besotes

    ReplyDelete
  76. You look fabulous and I'm sure you'll look just as fabulous when you're 70. I hate the idea of 'age-appropriate' dressing. I got so enraged when the local newspaper here had an article about whether a 40 something woman was too old to wear shorts. There's no such thing as 'too old' to wear anything.

    ReplyDelete
  77. Vix you look amazing as always and i love that pretty skirt! I'm on the hunt for one like this since ages and remember you have one like that on violet too ?! If it would me my size i would directly come and steal it!!!
    Oh and dressing your age is just something for boring people...
    Keep on rockin' no matter what age!
    xxxx Tani

    ReplyDelete
  78. life is too short to wear boring clothes or wear boring make up..

    you look awesome coz u feel awesome and dress as u wish :)

    http://www.myunfinishedlife.com

    ReplyDelete
  79. Free tomatoes AND an offer of dinner? You rock! I got told I didn't look old enough to have kids recently, which worked for me (although I'm assuming I looked older than 14) - I had my legs out!
    xx

    ReplyDelete
  80. Why hide away when you can flaunt it like that! Those action figures are fab - I've been sorting out my long forgotten stash of Barbie's this week, which has been quite an emotional fair xxx

    ReplyDelete
  81. I always enjoy looking at your refreshingly different outfits. You're a cool doll! :-)
    Greetings from Austria!

    ReplyDelete
  82. This comment has been removed by the author.

    ReplyDelete
  83. Sod age-appropriate, if it looks good, wear it! How are you finding the clearing, there must be so many memories! Those leotards would certainly turn some heads at my ballet class! Really enjoyed hearing about your dad's adventures, I think I can see where you get your taste for travel from. I really hope you make it to Everest for him x

    ReplyDelete
  84. oh darling i absolutely agree, why should anybody tone down because of age? that is so stupid, we only have one life and should do what we want! and you look hotter than many teenage girls! i loooove this sexy look! oh i wish my hair would be as long as yours!
    have a wonderful weekend!
    kiss,mary

    ReplyDelete
  85. Excellent finds, I love your skirt! :)

    ReplyDelete
  86. Love that suede skirt--and it looks great on you especially with those tights.

    And tone it down? Whatever for?

    ReplyDelete
  87. You look fab Vix! I'm sure this whole 'tone it down as you age' thing is just another way to control woman and make us feel worthless, I intend to wear bright colours for as long as I'm on this earth!

    ReplyDelete
  88. Vix, you look FAB!!! You're an inspiration and a delight to read.

    I hope the chazza gods continue to shower you with stylish finds.

    Happy thrifting!

    ReplyDelete

Thanks for reading and for leaving a message. Please don't be anonymous, I'd love it if you left a name (or a nom de plume).

Lots of love, Vix