Wednesday 1 May 2013

Fabulous Finds At The Wednesday Car Boot Sale


It might be May 1st but it was 80 denier opaques, a fake fur and boots at dawn - a dry Wednesday morning means only one thing in this house - a trawl around the car boot sale.

1950s Sheraton fake fur coat (£5, Age UK), 1960s Dolcis grey leather boots (£3.95, PDSA), Daisy clip-on earrings (Circus queen, Desiree)

I was so excited to get booting I made a new dress in honour of the occasion last night. 


I knew Clare's Yootha brooch would bring me luck.


By the time we'd covered the field the sun was up and Gilbert's thermometer was hitting the heady heights of 15 degrees. Off came the fake fur and the knee-high boots and on went my latest finds.


Spot the difference? Now with added heart shaped Italian-made sunglasses (£1), 


1960s vinyl vanity case complete with travel badges (£2)


.....and the boots I've been lusting after for 2 years (£3)...and before you say you've got big feet and never get shoes to fit, I'm a Euro 40 and nearly always find great second-hand footwear in my size.


A sneak peep at some of today's finds - a bundle of cheery plus size 1980s dresses, now in the washing machine.


Lurex evening bags, both made in England.


1970s Bally leather boots, unworn and in the original box.


Some incredible vintage hats, the 1960s leopard print one is particularly amazing. 

...and a pair of beautiful beaded velvet waistcoats.

There's more but I need to go and tackle the borders before the bindweed takes over.

Mini dress made from a 1970 Jiffy pattern (courtesy of Pao) using a length of 1960s brushed cotton (£1.99, British Heart Foundation) and embellished with 1960s lurex daisy braid (10p for 5 metres, car boot sale)

Wednesday means the bar opens after three booze-free days. We can't go mad though as there's another boot sale in the morning.

See you soon.

88 comments:

  1. Aaah what beautiful finds..you're one of my greatest inspirations especially to dress fun in the cold xxx

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  2. Bloody bastard massive awesomeness in that lot! The leopard hat and the velvet vests are particularly delightful and do NOT even get me started on the vanity case, your FRICKIN FABULARSE BOOTS and the heart glasses.

    And of COURSE you whipped up a new dress... do you know what I did? I stapled the hem of my trousers. That's what a fabulous sewist I am!

    You are frickin BEAUTIFUL, amor, as always. You fucking rock star.

    Love you more than leopard print (no, really!)

    Sarah xxx

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  3. I do love your car booting outfit....your frock is gorgeous! The vanity case is so cool, & those Bally boots are an amazing find! Xx

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  4. You have the best boots - I never find anything that great here. The vests you found have me inspired for a sewing project!

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  5. Look at another killer dress made by your fair hands. I love the ribbon you added in the front. I'll say Clare's pin brought you luck for sure! I'm loving you heart sunnies and those leopard Litas are sexy! The beaded vests and hats will fly out of the show as I'm sure all those plus size dreesses. I have to come back for another visit just so I can go car booting with you!

    Happy the sun came out and kissed you! Lots of love!
    Xxxxxxooooooo

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  6. I love how you 'whipped up' a dress. It would take me at least a month to make and then it would probably be unwearable! Fab finds ... and those shoes are amazing!
    M x

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  7. lovely finds!!! You're the queen of car boot sales, I swear I've never seen so many great things on the car boot sales like you do!
    Well done on the dress, it looks lovely and I love it with the leopard JC lookalike booties and the coat!!! You know I'm a sucker for leopard print :D

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  8. I gotta gets me to a car boot sale near me!

    AMAZING finds - particularly love the leopard print boots, the Bally boots (swoon!) and those amazing hats and bags!

    www.mancunianvintage.com

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  9. Hurrah for the car boot season and your continued success! You look spectacular, coat on or off, grey boots or leopard print, sunglasses or not!
    Love the fabric of your new frock and the flash of your amazing legs, and that leopard print coat was SUCH a bargain.
    Great finds, of course. Can't resist vintage luggage, the handbags look fabulous, those Bally boots are gorgeous, and I am drooling over the hat collection. And two waistcoats - someone obviously couldn't decide which to get so bought both, and now you've done the same, I like that!
    Enjoy your evening - what time does the bar open?! Good luck for tomorrow. xxxx

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  10. bally boots, new in box? holy cow.
    amazing. freaking amazing!

    you look so fab today - love this look on you. i could never walk more than 3 ft in those boots though. i'd just fall right over.

    xo

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  11. I love how you just say offhand 'I made a new dress for the occasion'! Some lovely stuff there, what a tease you are only giving us a sneak peek of the dresses! xx

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  12. Gordon Bennett! You mean you just whipped up that dress in one day! Very jealous of your excellent sewing skills. AGAIN. Love the leppy boots and the vanity case with all its travel badges. xx

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  13. I'm, "I love this one or oh no I like this one better" after every photo.
    You made a dress overnight!!
    I bow to you and to your sewing skills!
    The dress and your van match so well.

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  14. damn, did you buy everything? You must have the shoe mojo, because the only second hand shoes I ever find are either tiny or beat-to-hell-why-are-they-even-for-sale ones.

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  15. NEVER too much leopard goodness!! Love the coat, the booties, THE MINI!!!

    You certainly got a lot of wonderous goodies!! I'm waiting to see the plus size dresses on Kinky Melon!!

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  16. wouu, love your selfmade floral dress, and love how you've styled for two different weather conditions, always adding some leopard touch!, that über-elevated shoes are really fabulous!!
    And so many amazing pieces!!, you're a jumble sales Queen!
    besos

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  17. Your amazing car boot sale finds always make me soooo jealous! I can't believe you got the leopard boots for $3!! I'm a european 41 or 42 and the only shoes in my size I find secondhand are cheap vinyl ones. I have better luck with the men's shoes. Love the little velvet waistcoats!

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  18. I love those vintage bags - they'd look perfect with some vintage compacts with them!

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  19. Looks like you had a blast :)

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  20. Those shoes!!! Love them.
    And good work on the dress, looks gorgeous on you.
    x

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  21. Too many things to be envious of!

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  22. ZAP! ZOWIE! POW! I'm speechless!

    First, what a fun outfit you chose for the day! And you just whipped out that dynamite little mini the night before? Get ON with your bad self! You've got your sewing mojo risin' for sure!

    Flippin' fabulous haul! Those vintage boots were a unbelievably fabulous find! Can you image them being purchased new and probably never seeing the light of day again for over 40 years? And great finds in the rest of the lot. Kinky Melon will be rockin' it at the next vintage fair for sure!

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  23. The whole outfit looks amazing and I love your hair in a bun! Exciting to find so many vintage items. Can't wait to see the 80's dresses. XXX

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  24. I think I might have "spot envy".

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  25. Wow! Youo are just like a magnet for great stuff! Love those 'big cat' boots. And the Hendrix velvet waistcoats! Minerva x

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  26. Love the vanity case, particularly as I'm a Portsmouth girl. I have a similar blue case xxx

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  27. You did well on your finds today. Those unworn boots, wow I cant beleive in all that time no one has worn them.

    Those velvet waistcoats are a marvel of design too. And I am loving those hats!

    Love your new boots too they are so you and you look fantastic in them.

    Have a drink for me!


    P x

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  28. I love the dress you've made, I hope I can reach the level of get it done in one night!
    And oh my god the waistcoats! Are they for Kinky Melon or your wardrobe?
    Lots of amazing finds! xxx

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  29. I love the dress you've made, I hope I can reach the level of get it done in one night!
    And oh my god the waistcoats! Are they for Kinky Melon or your wardrobe?
    Lots of amazing finds! xxx

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  30. Great finds and that's a killer outfit as always :-)

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  31. Super cute finds! Love those knee boots.

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  32. Love your new dress; it really suits you.
    And more great finds. How do you do it? How odd that those lovely boots are unworn and still in the box. I always wonder what happenned when I find things like that. Interesting story or maybe not..x

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  33. Fabulous finds. I love the waistcoats.
    Love from Mum
    xx

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  34. arrrghhh, jealous over your dress finds and those amazing hats! Brilliant! YOu look stunning - another triumph of sewing! I bloody love it. Such a nice shape. Can't believe you didn't put that willy on your blog! Imagine the search results!! Love those leopard shoes, I'd fall over but I can live my shoe lust through you. Have another amazing car booty day tomorrow... even sunnier apparently! xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

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  35. Wowzers dear Vix you've found the most amazing bargains! Those leopard boots, those boots aaaaah! You look so gorgeous. Let's dress up in our Edwardian blouses AND those amazing fur finds - you wear the boots and that sassy faux coat and I'll wear my granny's leopard ponyskin!

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  36. mmmmm, hats!!!! WHat lovely finds especially the unworn boots! Though Vix, I really really can't find vintage shoes in my size- I am Euro 42-43!!!!x

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  37. Another fabulous dress that I'd kill to wear! Your hands can do magic and your creativity is endless, the fabrics you choose are always perfect! I love the suitcase, the Yellow Italian sunglasses and the fabulous Leopard coat!
    Can't wait to see the rest of your amazing finds, those hats are wonderful!!
    I love you more than Litas!
    xxxxxxxx

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  38. oh vix. i am having such bad luck lately. i went to the flea on sunday and got note books thats all!!!!
    at least i am enjoying all your finds.
    you did so well.
    i love both outfits. and those leopard skin boots . wow!!
    i have a rule if i really want something i think about it, you know like meditate on it and i always find it at the markets . sometimes it takes a few weeks to find but it always turns up.
    i have supernatural powers where second hand are concerned. lol !!!!
    thanks for sharing lucyx

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  39. Oh I wish there were car boot sales here during the week in particular on a Thursday my child free day. The standard car boot sale day here is Sunday, it's just how it is. But you dear Vix do mid week car booting in spectacular style. Your leopard print boots are nothing short of amazing.

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  40. Good god I am in awe of you even staying upright in those boots!

    Should you wake up tomorrow morning and find those bags gone that will have been me *goes off whistling*

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  41. Great coat, and jewellery. Looked like a fun morning!

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  42. You look fab, of course, but I am boggled at how you stand in those heels much less go car booting! Of course, if I knew I'd find those hats and boots and goodies, it might be worth the risk.

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  43. those waistcoats are incredible!!

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  44. That's a helluva dress you whipped up there darling...perfect with those luscious boots. Amazing finds'specially those Bally boots and the leopard print hat.
    Sunshine at last!!xxxxxxxxxxxxx

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  45. Lovely and vibrant outfit worn both ways, Vix! What a fab job on making the dress. I love the 80's dresses, especially the white and orange pattern. All of these are awesome finds!

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  46. Great car booty outfit, you look all sexy principal boy in your little mini with those long legs. I love that coat...and now you've got matching shoes! Oh and don't forget the great heart shaped glasses, they look so cute with your up do.

    You've got me all excited about the weekend car boot here. Glad Yootha came up with the goods for you. I wore my he-man brooch from lovely Clare today.

    By my reckoning, you should be nicely squiffy by now. I'll drink to that! xxxx

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  47. I love your new frock. I think I've lost my sewjo again, but I'm not stressing, it'll come back when it wants. Both pairs of boots, and actually all of your finds are pretty fab. Xx

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  48. FECK I want that coat!!!
    (Have plans to make my WON bastard animal coat, dammit!)
    Crikey, I love that vanity case, the travel badges are SUCH a sweet touch!!! And you are having some great luck scoring faux (or are they real?!) Lita's!!! Leopard JOY!
    So pleased to see you've picked up a pile of awesome goodies!
    the new frock is fabuLARSE! Fantasmo fabric, once again!
    Go, Vix, GO!
    Love Helga xxxXXXxxx

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  49. You look amazing and you found great stuff, so jealous! you car boots are so out of this world, i just can not believe what you find!

    Love and hugs

    Ariane xxx

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  50. THOSE. SHOES. ARE. AMAZING. I am positively bubbling with envy!! Sadly I am a UK 9 (Euro 43) so my only shoe options are; boy shoes, plus-sized women's clothing shop shoes (apparently bigger gals have bigger feet) or shoes for transvestites. On the plus side, lack of shoes for me means no spending money on shoes- I'm pretty sure it's the main reason I managed to save all the pounds we needed to buy our house. xxx

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  51. Great score on the Bally boots and I love it that you found the boots you've been coveting for years for just a few pounds. I'm a size 41, sometimes 40, and I have pretty good luck finding my size when thrifting, but there are so many gorg shoes and boots I have to pass up, normally in sizes 38-9, wah. The pics of you in front of your van are groovy. I am still loving that faux fur coat too! Xoxo

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  52. you look amazing Vix, fabulous finds too! Your leopard platforms are awesome x

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  53. Your a regular sewing maniac these days. Of course the beginning of car boot season needs a new dress. LOVE those waistcoats and those hats. Good luck at tomorrow's!

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  54. as always - love the outfit!

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  55. Bally boots - woo-hoo! Love your new dress too xoxoxo

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  56. Euro 40-- is that a US 9? Maybe that's why I never find any good shoes!! Maybe everyone's a size 9, too!! Seriously, I just don't come across sweet platforms like that at all around here, lots of other goodies, but not those.
    The little velvet beaded vests are amazing and the vanity case is sweeet!
    Becky :)

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  57. Wow, wow, wow! Such amazing things, and I mean what you're wearing! Love the coat and the booties, as well as the other boots. And your hair looks gorgeous like that.

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  58. I so love that top photo. You look great with your hair like that, and the coat ... amazing. If things remaining cold means you get to wear such a beaut, than so be it.

    You sure did find some wonderful things. I particularly like the gold purses.

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  59. I love that leopard coat and your new dress is fabulous. You always find the best things at car boot sales. The leopard print boots are a great find, and it just shows you that if you're patient you'll find what you want secondhand at a fraction of the price of buying it new.

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  60. i'm totally in love with this lool. the orange top and the leapard coat look amazing together ...
    great finds aswell.

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  61. I'm so jealous of your sewing abilities the opportunities are endless! I'm the same size shoe as you and I tend to do well on the second hand shoe hunt not so much though for cute vintage heels though!! What a haul you scored! xxx

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  62. You look absolutely georgeous today!And you made us all jealous with your beautiful finds.Now how do you feel?I so love the dress you made and how you made good use of so cheap materials.I also started to pile up on cheap fabric I find in the local market and hopefully will turn them into something nice and wearable.Cheers and have a good boot sale tomorrow!

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  63. How I wish we had car boot sales in Denver. A great outfit for the occasion and your newly created dress looks fabulous under the leopard coat. The new boots are quite the find!

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  64. The grey hat is amazinggggg!!
    I saw one similar at a jumble sale and almost bought it, but decided to think about it for like a minute or so and when I came back, it was gone!!! silly me! lol. I should have known better! x

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  65. everything on this page is delicious and lustworthy!

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  66. Great post, love your subglasses :)

    I turn 40 on Sunday and its my husband first Sunday off in ages. He said where do you want me to take you London, to see a show? NO I said I want to go to a Car boot sale lol.,,, still not made my mind up yet but so want to go to a boot sale. not been since last year :)

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  67. What an amazing haul and you finally get to show off that tan.

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  68. Love your look!
    www.rsrue.blogspot.com

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  69. Brilliant! You had me at Bally boots in original box! :-) How fantastic. Love the fab frock and the vanity case is such a great piece! xx Happy weekend dear!

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  70. You always look just fabulous in the leopard jacket. Perfect beside Gilbert. Oh I want to go to a car-boot sale so bad.......and especially when you find the amazing things you have. The boots are divine!!!!! Bally too!!!!!!
    I hope you have the most super weekend!!!!
    love V

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  71. I have said it before and I will say it again I soooo want to come to your carboot sales you seem to find some amazing stuff. Down here its just the usual baby and childrens stuff good if you have a young family. Although saying that I did go to Cheddar carboot sale last sunday and picked up a fab 50's bin :-) Looking gorgeous as always enjoy the lovely weather, dee xxxx

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  72. There are so many lovely items but in particular I am drawn to the leopard print litas, your heart shaped sunglasses and the pretty bags; I love the one that looks a little bit like a shell

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  73. I love both the outfits ans that suitcase! :D

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  74. wow you found some great stuff!! ha we have the same shoe size!!! your dress turned out really cute! Have a great weekend ~Love Heather

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  75. Vix, you look AMAAAAAAZING!! I love that entire outfit. And you -- only you -- are rockin those shoes!!

    xoxo
    Lynn

    PS -- Oh yes, I love your hair like that!

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  76. OMG those boots & that leopard hat!

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  77. Fab finds! I love the look of the vanity case and I am forever enchanted with original heart shaped sunnies xxx

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  78. Oh my gosh some fab things in that little lot. Those leopard print shoes/boots are amazing x

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  79. oooh vix that must be my new favorite look of yours, you look fabulous and sexy! i love your hairdo, and the dress is absolutely amazing!! great job here!! oh and your finds are great, i love especially the hats and the waistcoats!
    hope you are having a wonderful weekend!
    lots of love and kisses,mary

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  80. I need you here, Vix! I had been lusting for a certain pair of shoes for months and bought them at 75% off retail, which I thought was a huuuge bargain, until I read of your massive score. Next time, I'll think of you before I lay down my cash, even at a huge discount.
    Your mini dress is absolutely swinging.

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  81. Damn we have the same shoe size and I always have problems finding shoes in my size in charity shops! i'll need to come visit yours :)

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  82. Oh my. So much eye candy, I can't focus. First off, you and Gilbert, a match made in Heaven. Love the fancy trim on your orange print dress you whipped up for the boot sale shopping extravaganza. You've been sewing like mad lately and everything is so groovy on you. Then the stash, hats and boots, vests and dresses. overload here.

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  83. Those are such great shoes on you- I got a pair only I couldn't walk in them. Gave them away- hoping they'd get some good use.

    The Bally boots have got me salivating. You have the best eye for spotting great vintage!

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  84. Top-to-toe, I love everything Vix! The shoes, oh I wish I could be so lucky with second-hand shoes for my size 41 feet, most of the shoes in my size look like snowboards, or the fab ones are for toddlers! Well done for whipping up such a spectacular frock for the occasion and oh it's so lovely to see your leopard coat and Clare's Yootha brooch:) xoxox

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  85. I really love the shoe with the tiger prints on them and just think that it will be the best for a disco night.


    Barker Marine

    Men Shoes UK

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  86. All I got is WOW, Vix. I think you should rename your blog Vintage Genius :P

    It's on my bucket list to go to a car boot sale, but I don't think that will happen this year :(

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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