It's an unnaturally cold day with rainfall of biblical proportions & no chance of giving my latest Dollyrockers dress an outing so this one will have to do. Featured on my blog many times, its been to festivals, dinner parties and on wild nights out. The last time I wore it was on holiday in the Lake District with Krista when it joined us at an Ambleside pub, a North Indian feast and nearly burst it's seams as we laughed along to Withnail and I for the hundredth time.
I love owning garments with happy memories entwined into the fabric.
 |
| Dollyrockers Maxi (Second To None, Walsall, 2010), Green suede platforms (£5, local market), Barry M Spring Green nails |
I love vintage Dollyrockers as the designs are guaranteed to fit a short-arsed, boob-less wonder like me but label snob I ain't, designer brands emblazoned across garments leave me cold, It bags and fancy heels don't appeal and don't even get me started on my hatred for posh wellies with visible logos, I'd rather risk trench foot at Glastonbury than be seen at a festival in anything so crass.
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I knew Jon was the man for me on our first date when I spotted the holes in his clothes where he'd hacked off the maker's outer labels. Even a humble Levi tag makes him see red.
That being said I am an utter whore for a groovy vintage label when it's discretely tucked away on the inside.
I snaffled this late 1960s midi dress from Sue Ryder last Thursday solely because the tag inside make me weak at the knees (although the combination of aubergine velvet and ankle-grazing plaited belt are pretty special).
...and this 1960s shirt Jon recently found in Sense makes me inexplicably happy,
but if I was given an endless supply of cash to splash on whatever I wanted I'd still only shop second-hand.
With not a cat in hell's chance of a car boot sale this week & no vintage fairs booked for the weekend I'm knuckling down & updating the Kinky Melon on-line shop. I can't stand much more of this weather so I'm hoping to sell like a demon to afford a flight to somewhere sunny.
See you soon!
See you soon!
That is a great maxi - wish I had flatter boobs! xx
ReplyDeleteThis maxi makes me weak at the knees...I think you should definitely consider coming to the sunny beaches of Australia (hint hint) x
ReplyDeleteI love the maxi and I wish to collect more beautiful vintage clothes as the one you are wearing, here I can't find these famous brands, probabily in Italy none or only few girls worn Dollyrockers. Every time I see one of your find I'm amazed at how these dresses look wonderful and the prints are breathtaking.The velvet number is spectacular too!! I love to buy fashion label only when I find them at the Charity shop or in a outlet (on sale) it makes me happy to score good quality clothes for few eurous! This colour really suits you well and (I'm sure you wrote this before, but I forgot the name) I love your signature lipstick especially with purple!!
ReplyDeleteI love you more than Biba!!!
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Love that dress and agree with you about labels! Non stop rain here too - where is summer???
ReplyDeleteLiz @ Shortbread & Ginger
I get all weepy when you wear this dress because its not mine! I think this is one of your prettiest dresses you are just stunning in it! The sleeves, the colors it's all perfectly FAB! I'm just going to stare at you for a while now :) I am loving the thought of Jon tearing out that Levis label while others covet really crap labels on the outside.
ReplyDeleteI find myself missing you both today and our walks in the Lake District. What fun we had!
Love you bunches!!!!
XXOO
Love the beatifull colour on that fab dress! its a perfect spring colour
ReplyDeleteI shop second hand because its fun.. and i dont really care about labels and designers .I shop stuff that atracts me - who ever made them !
xxx
Purple is my favourite colour, it's a wonderful dress
ReplyDeleteWhat a lovely shade of purple, and how precious are those memories which are woven into that gorgeous dress. You remind me of an illustration from my ladybird Kings and Queens book with that empire line and wide sleeved look: rather regal and beautiful.
ReplyDeleteShort-arsed, boobless wonder? I'll trade you. Obviously you won't get any taller, but you will get gurt bazonkers (that's west country speak for big boobs).
Ooh exciting. I would love to buy something from Kinky Melon, please put my dream dress up. I can't describe it because I don't know what it is yet. Hope that helps. xxxxxxx
I think you are weak at the knees not for labels but the memories evoked by the vintage labels. And your frocks always rock- again because you seem drawn to either garments rich with history or perfect for making some history of your own. Glad to see that Kinky Melon is taking over the world. What I would give to shop your rails with your Dollyrocking your frockin' right next to me. Maybe someday.
ReplyDeleteWhat a pretty dress! Going through old photos I'm starting to take note of all the dresses and tops I can no longer fit into as I can't get them past my armpits! I never used to have this problem and am wondering if any of my maxis still fit!
ReplyDeletexxx
Yeah the weather is pretty crap here too. In fact I am thinking about putting the heating on. Shame on the seasons its May for Christ sake.
ReplyDeleteCan't say labels have ever been a concern of mine either. I usually like an item of clothing because of its appeal rather than label. Though I do own some willies they are mad in design and not designer. But very good at dealing with muddy walks.
I love that dress in the last photo. Ooo druid priestess anyone??? Utterly gorgeous.
P x
Crap I meant to say Wellies. Not Willies, I own none of those and not sure about their use on muddy walks. Might be a whole blog post on its own!
ReplyDeleteWell that typo made me laugh! lol.
P x
That dress is sooo flattering on you. Beautiful! xxx
ReplyDeleteYou take my breath away in that outfit! Totally dreamy! How wonderful that it's also a trigger of so many wonderful memories.
ReplyDeleteI agree with your completely and wholeheartedly in your stance on designer merchandise, especially the outwardly branded stuff. And expensive designer handbags? I really don't get it. Most are so totally BORING! And Coach bags? Everyone and her sister here wants one but I wouldn't carry one even if it was given to me.
I also agree that, given unlimited funds, I would still shop secondhand and sew my own clothes using found materials. I might, however, have an extra dresser or two. ;)
Been pricing and packing for a big flea market happening this Sunday. I'll be cyber selling along with you until then. Do well and take care.
xxx
I'm with you - unlimited funds and I'd still go popping random tags at the oppies.. I love treasure hunting!
ReplyDeleteGreat purple dress. Beauty.
x
Love the purple maxi - purple is my favourite colour & it really suits you.
ReplyDeleteIf I had more funds I'd still be making my own & refashioning old stuff - I enjoy it. I do like lovely new shoes though.
It is unnaturally cold isn't it? They're predicting snow here tonight! You look gorgeous in that dress Vix, I like anything that holds memories, I have old empty perfume bottles I like to sniff sometimes because the scent instantly takes me back. I'm a lanky boobless wonder but it is handy when I can take off the padded bra and things I couldn't get into before suddenly fit. Can't pretend my head isn't turned by something new now and again, after my last post, but I still agree with Denise Royle, if I get it out of the catalogue it's freeee. xx
ReplyDeleteBoth dresses you posted are gorgeous! The brown one looks a bit like one I was watching on ebay but got out-bided... Oh well! xxx
ReplyDeleteYou look divine in this maxi dress and as you said: is wonderful to wear something that is associate with good times and good memories!
ReplyDeleteIt also appears that you have a list of some new good memories to be create in the near future with all of your upcoming events.
Muy bonito el color del vestido!
ReplyDeleteSaludos
http://judithbysucre.blogspot.com.es
I agree with Krista about this being one of your prettiest dresses - I never get tired of seeing it on you! Love the "Party Goer" shirt. I'm with you on the labels issue; if they are vintage and cool like the one on the shirt, I love them, but I'm so sick of seeing people who are walking billboards.
ReplyDeleteYou look fab in your maxi, as per always. I get the same label-thrill when I go thrifting and vintage shopping. I esp love the 70's labels, the funky ones. LOL about Jon - my husband will not wear a label on the outside either, says he's not going to be a "walking ad!" xoxoxo
ReplyDeleteYou can't beat a groovy vintage label :) That maxi dress is fabulous-love the colour :)
ReplyDeleteRachelle x
http://inspiredbytheretired.blogspot.co.uk/
That Dollyrockers frock is so pretty and it fits you to perfection. I've got the dress twin of that 'New Generation' frock but mine is made from a slinky polyester in Cadbury purple. I love that 'Party Goer' shirt too, I'm a big fan of batik and I have a shirt on the Frocktasia rail which is very similar but the colour combo of your one is much nicer. No market for me neither this weekend, next one is on the 25th, this market stuff is like a crack habit, having serious withdrawal symptoms after every one ;)
ReplyDeleteDespite the dreich weather, you look splendid my dear but I'll keep my fingers crossed that you make the money you need to go find a place in the sun for a bit...xXx
Oooh! That dress has everything I love: purple, medieval looking sleeves, border print, paisleys. Has to be up there in the top 5 fave frocks of yours. And what a bonus that it holds so many memorable occasions for you.
ReplyDeleteLooking forward to seeing you in that aubergine velvet number. Those vintage labels are very loveable!
That dress is to die for! I agree with you too, why wear someone else's initials on your things and worse, pay them for it? Wear your own look, do not help designers to see theirs. x
ReplyDeleteIf it carries on like this I think I may be joining you in wanting to head off somewhere that offers actual, visible sun and no requirement for multiple layers (once my exams are done). In the meantime, you have illuminated the day somewhat in your memory-laden beauty of a dress.
ReplyDeleteThe weather genuinely sucks at the moment doesn't it?!
ReplyDeleteWhy give us one tantalisingly hot summer's day and ten land us with this lot? Not far.
Still, love the dress - have fun updating the shop!
www.mancunianvintage.com
Vintage labels are by far the most enchanting! You must have seen so many in your years of sourcing and buying vintage. I really don’t know much about Dollyrockers to be honest, but it’s certainly a name to remember xxx
ReplyDeletedear vix,
ReplyDeletei love a vintage label. they just don't make labels like they used to.
those vintage levi tags tell quite a story though. son #2 is a vintage levi dealer and wow, the stories those tags tell.
love your beautiful dress, you look gorgeous today.
please tell england to stop raining as i'll be in london on monday and would prefer a little sunshine. :)
I love that you attracted Jon's attention with your musical prowess! I love that dress, it's utterly perfect, the pattern and the shape and the colour are so of their time but still in wonderful condition... I bet it's cotton too. Even better! I love the effort put into old labels but like you I'm not one for big shouty labels on clothes (I do mourn the passing of a Moschino bucket bag with gold metal lettering however). I love the new brown velvet dress, wow! and that shirt is fantastic! xxxx
ReplyDeleteOh this weather is grim, isn't it? My hands were freezing, but I refuse to wear gloves in May, though I may relent if we get snow!
ReplyDeleteSo your beautiful Dollyrockers frock is a sight for sore eyes, such a gorgeous colour and print. I too love items that have all sorts of happy memories and associations, you feel good just putting them on!
Vintage labels are so much more stylish, aren't they? Party Goer and New Generation - fab! Weren't the New Generation a dance group on telly in the 60s? Love that aubergine velvet, so slinky! Labels and logos plastered all over stuff are repellant, so tacky no matter how expensive the brand. No no no. Just no!
So, get Kinky Melon stocked up to the eyeballs, sell like a demon, and head off for some sun, there's a plan!
Love ya! xxxxx
I can't believe the weather, it's atrocious isn't it?
ReplyDeleteThat lilac maxi is such a beautiful colour, I can see why you love it so much. I have to admit, I do and always have liked a label, but 99% of the time I would always get them 2nd hand anyway, I think designer labels are a bit like cars, they lose value as soon as you leave the shop so only buy 2nd hand or madly discounted. Xx
I can't believe the weather, it's atrocious isn't it?
ReplyDeleteThat lilac maxi is such a beautiful colour, I can see why you love it so much. I have to admit, I do and always have liked a label, but 99% of the time I would always get them 2nd hand anyway, I think designer labels are a bit like cars, they lose value as soon as you leave the shop so only buy 2nd hand or madly discounted. Xx
I love that maxi...I could eat it. I'm with you on labels (funny that!)I can't abide stuff with designer logos over it and the brand name on the front like a free fecking advert. Jack Wills is plastered all over teenagers here in Winch. Can't stand it. But I do love a groovy label especially with a terrific name to accompany it. They are mini work sof art.
ReplyDeleteThe weather is shit but you are lovely.
Loves ya.
xxxxxx
That is such a pretty, pretty dress... loving you in lilac!
ReplyDeleteThis weather is absolute pants - escaping somewhere sunny is definitely a good plan... do we feel a Goan trip upcoming? :-)
I wish I could find dresses to flatter a short arse like me. You always look amazing.
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful dress, you know I share a fondness for Dollyrockers (though I don't look half as good as you do)! The weather's crap isn't it? I've had to put the heating back on! Like you, I'd still shop second hand, but there might be the chance of a few Ossies!
ReplyDeleteI'm totally with you on it bags, designer labels and brazen logos. I suppose that makes me an inverted snob but I can live with it. The fashion world is full of that kind of stuff and millions of drones who follow it so it's no surprise that secondhand and vintage is the way forward for those of us who want something different. If I had an endless supply of money I'd be constantly buying every dress on Etsy and Ebay that fitted me. Groovy vintage labels would be an added bonus xxx
ReplyDeletePretty dress, you look beautiful ;) xx
ReplyDeleteI've read that the average American woman spends $300 on her purse. Just can't see that for myself -- I used to care about labels but then just realized how dumb that was. Your abundant display of gorgeous jewelry has helped me move being my metal snobbery too....
ReplyDeletevix, that is a lovely dress and you wear it well. i so agree with about labels. i'll look forward to what you put up on your shop. i'm having little luck at the moment finding new bits. every saturday and sunday is raining, this mad weather !! lucyx
ReplyDeleteYou look AMAZING in that gorgeous purple dream, mi amor! Can't wait to see you in the velvet one and we hate labels too - and we were just yesterday discussing the current trend of gumboots as everyday footwear. WHY!?
ReplyDeleteThe pic of Jon is gorgeous! Wish we had a time machine so we could go back 25 years and pinch his glorious arse!
Love you more than Dollies and Rockers!
Sarah and Helga xxx
Yes, about the labels! I don't understand it: people pay a lot of money to wear a certain logo but then the label doesn't pay people for their advertising. I do love the feeling of thrifting an item that happens to have a big-timey label - I feel like I've beat the system.
ReplyDeleteYour are mad gorgeous in this dress. Especially with those green nails. I hope the sun comes out soon!
You shine in purple & it really is a pretty dress! My other half detests labels unlike his wife ;)
ReplyDeleteyou're a vision in your vintage purple!
ReplyDeleteYour Dollyrockers maxi is beautiful. I love the colour and those wonderfully puffy sleeves.
ReplyDeleteYou look radiant in purple. I love garments with memories, it makes wearing feel so special. Wishing you good weather and loads of selling like a rockstar!! xx/Madison
ReplyDeletelove to look at old lables ... jon found a lovely shirt for you!
ReplyDeleteoh, and i went to look ar your online shop. well done. i really like what i see.
Will the labels of today end up as collected, respected and loved? I doubt it, if nothing else the quality is just not there. My sister in law is an absolute label freak and wouldn't be seen dead in second hand but you wouldn't believe the amount of stuff she has to return or take to my Mum to fix because it is so badly made you wear it once and it starts to fall apart!
ReplyDeleteGorgeous dress, purple is my favourite colour. Closely followed by green, so I love the suede shoes too!
ReplyDeleteAugh that biblical rain has reached us in the North this morning - so miserable, but at least I'm only at work. Jon sounds like my Dad - he would rather have an item of clothing with a hole in where he's hacked out a label than have the label itself - he hates being a 'walking advertisement'! :)
ReplyDeletegah! despicable weather we are having, its forcing me to sort out my ebay stuff so not all bad - you look beautiful as ever in your magnificent frock x
ReplyDeleteOh I love that a beautiful dress like that has been threaded with such happy memories for you......it must have had some wonderful journeys with it already.
ReplyDeleteOld labels are amazing, I saw so many fabulous ones when we had the shops.......I got to the stage were I could guess a vintage dresses make by the cut and fabric. Ahhh so many great designs.
If I win lotto, I would be start to the op-shops, vintage shops, antique emporiums and go crazy. Then I would send out parcels to all my favorite vintage lovers....yay....that would be happiness.
love V
I always wish frocks could talk and tell of ADVENTURES!! Weather is unspeakable - it was raining inside the train this week (wind forcing it through tiny gaps) - gah.
ReplyDeleteAubergine velvet (fluttering heart) xx
www.monkeypaints.typepad.com/utterly
That dress is just perfection on you - colour, pattern, cut, everything!!
ReplyDeleteI'm not a huge fan of designer brands either although every now and again something will come along that I love - luckily I usually can't afford it though!!
Lx
www.whatlisawrote.blogspot.co.uk
I'm the same way, I hate displaying brand on the outside of my clothes. Love admiring the groovy typography on vintage labels, though! When they're INSIDE where they belong. Love the purple dress :)
ReplyDeleteVix, you are a vision in that color!! It really suits you! I must admit, I love labels and tags, but that does not make me love some of the things that go on behind the scenes when it comes to the clothes that we enjoy without really thinking about it sometimes! And I don't love the labels and tags for the prestige of it, but just the novelty of what each one looks like. I have a ziplock bag full of dress labels that will someday be a project of some kind! Love the old photo!!
ReplyDeletexoxo
Lynn Dylan
It does not matter that your dresses are featured on your blog many times, I want to see them many times! It feels good to write here that I once bought a D & G blouse in a market in Rome by an older lady where I cut off the label because it interfered with the garment (the fabric was transparent so the label was seen). My friends thought that I was an idiot when I grabbed the scissors.
ReplyDeleteHi my dear! Really loving your Dollyrockers maxi, they made some gorgeous dresses back in the day! I love shopping 2nd hand too, it's the thrill of not knowing what you could come home with! Be gone with this horrendous weather we're having too, it's playing havoc with our bootys down here too, grr!!
ReplyDeleteI love the purple dollyrocker--gorgeous!!
ReplyDeleteLove that jon cut out the labels--i never got the appeal of wearing some brand logo on the outside!
I cqan't wait to see how you Vixify that stunning aubergine maxi!
You are so pretty in purple!
ReplyDeleteI hate anything with a visible logo. When there is something I have to have but there is a logo, I whip out my trusty seam ripper and bye bye label :)
Vix you always amaze me with your fab vintage frocks! A pity i don't find such treasures here. You're looking like a goddess in this violet dream!
ReplyDeletexxxx Tani
It may be bloody freezing again outside, but you still know how to dress like a hippy princess whatever the weather sweetheart, looking so gorgeous in that lovely romantic dress! I'm with you on preferring to wear clothes with a history, and isn't Withnail and I the best!
ReplyDeleteI forgot to add - lose yourself for hours in
ReplyDeletevintage fashion guild label resource
:))
utterly
That velvet maxi!!!! Love!
ReplyDeleteBecky :)
That frock is SO pretty, did you have you thermals on under it?
ReplyDeleteI'm with you on designer labels.... and personalised number plates, the epitome of naffness.
It's a beautiful dress. I love the colour. That top picture of you is gorgeous.
ReplyDeleteI would love to only wear vintage but alas find it very difficult to find things to fit me. But I'd do keep on looking and find I have much better luck with accessories.
I am off to the thrift store tomorrow morning so am anxious to know what treasures await!
I am fainting about your dress and I am studying it carefully because I intend to reproduce it for moi when I finally get my sewing machine up and plugged in. I hope you don't mind. I will give you full credit for any compliments I may receive. I know what you mean. I spent several days with nail polish remover trying to erase the designer label on a pair of sunglasses. Your Jon is one smart cookie. I cuts out labels and he chose YOU!!!
ReplyDeleteI can see why this dress holds so many memories. The color, the fit, the style! It looks beautiful on you, especially next to the blue flowers in the last photo. And I'm swooning over the aubergine velvet number! Great find.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful dress and its sucha beautiful colour x
ReplyDeleteThat dress looks fabulous on you. I am a short-arsed and boob-less non-label snob too. I love vintage labels though. That 'Party Goer' one is fantastic.
ReplyDeletelove your fabulous purple dress of happiness, that's a really pretty dress!, and love that labels funkiness, "party goer" is the best one I've ever seen!
ReplyDeleteAnd I would love to find that vintage label that fits my well endowed 20 size figure!!!
thanks for your great attitude!
besos
What a beauty of a dress that is, especially matched with those shoes and your make-up (I love that you've colour coordinated your eyeshadow with your nail polish.) My favourite items are always ones that I've had for a long time and had good memories whilst wearing them.
ReplyDeleteI am so with you on only ever buying secondhand and only vintage. I can't stand going into the main stream shops I walk in and straight out again. I bought a new whistling kettle off ebay last week and it arrived yesterday Dylan my little one picked it and said is this secondhand 2 and I said no its brand new and he said OMG Mum are you feeling alright :-) Made me chuckle. dee xxx
ReplyDeleteLoving your maxi, you look great :) I keep trying to find some but must be looking in the wrong places haha...
ReplyDeleteYou look great love the purple color!1
ReplyDeletePLz Check out my Fahion Blog at www.fashion1psychology.com. Thax
Such a pretty dress.
ReplyDeleteLoud shirt day ahoy! (You'll have to ask Mr B about that one!).
Z xx
you look divine!
ReplyDeleteWin Something Awesome Of Your Choice From Oasap
Yes, another birthday giveaway!
Enter it and make me happy.
That is a gorgeous dress!!! Love it :) Did you just say you are short?? no way you don't look short Blogging must make you look taller :D I am boobless though so I can relate to that I love those dolly rocker dresses ...this one in purple is just stunning ~Love Heather
ReplyDeleteYou always look stunning Vix, but I really think purple is your colour! I agree so much with labels/logos on clothing. Especially sports gear, people spend so much on a nike t-shirt (for example) I always feel like they are paying to be a human billboard! So weird!
ReplyDelete