Sunday 12 May 2013

Named And Shamed




Unlike many vintage lovin' women I'm not generally one for naming clothing but when I unwrapped this amazing hooded maxi dress in a parcel that arrived yesterday I had to christen her Psychedelic Squirrel in honour of darling Vanessa who had owned her ever since she'd started collecting vintage and felt it was time for her to find a new home.

No idea why I look so miserable - I'm not, honest!

 How much do I love it? Despite a boozy night out, enough to switch on the sewing machine at 7am this morning and take in the side seams so I could wear it immediately - truly a sign of adoration.


She'd also included a gorgeous retro pendant and card with the prettily wrapped parcel. Thanks, Miss V!


This handmade 1960s crimplene and cotton maxi with rhinestone buttons is called Working Girl as it was my frock of choice for yesterday's Antique and Collector's Fair.


My fabulous assistant is known as Grumpy as he put his back out loading the van yesterday and is like a bear with a sore head.


This beautiful halter necked 1970s maxi dress and distressed denim waistcoat is Three Pints Of Bitter & A Vegetable Karahi, Please. It was the second parcel awaiting my return yesterday and was worn to the pub last night. Thanks, Lucy - I love them!


No wonder my dressmaking projects invariably need a tweak - when I put the dress (which fits me perfectly) on my tailor's dummy I couldn't zip it up as it's 4 inches bigger around the boobs than me - how did that happen?


I love the handmade card she'd included! 


This ones called Wish The Bastard Weather Would Improve 'cos I'm dying to wear this amazing Dollyrockers maxi I bought from Maisie's Closet Vintage yesterday but don't think sticking a thermal vest underneath it will do it any justice.


I'll let you decide on a name for these two.
I rushed outside with my camera on Thursday after I heard the trumpet and the familiar clip-clop of horse's hooves as I wanted to capture the rag and bone men for my blog. Minutes later we were visited by the police after they'd nicked the dozy cretins for breaking into our garden shed. What kind of idiots try and stage a getaway in a horse and cart?
Black Country folk, vintage to the core.

Dress (£8, Etsy, 2011), Price sticker in hair (No idea), Neon feather earrings (75p, Superdrug, last year) Orange platforms (Helga, the road trippin' goddess)

I'm overwhelmed with your response to my family home. Work starts this week when the skip arrives. I'm hoping the weather improves enough for us to car boot the more modern bits and bobs, some of the books and the kitchenware later this week.

Hope you've had/are having a great weekend.
See you soon.

Linking to Patti's Visible Monday.

78 comments:

  1. that psychedelic dress is to die for, Vix! Suits you to a tee! As for Bodgit and Scarper, well-what a pair! xxxxxx

    ReplyDelete
  2. Now I really want a hooded frock!! Love all the names you gave to these lovely dresses. Also - a horse & cart as a getaway vehicle, just wow. These guys could be candidates for "Britain's Dumbest Criminals". I hope you got all your stuff back ok?

    ReplyDelete
  3. waoh..that hooded maxi dress..especially craving for your Working Girl dress...muah

    ReplyDelete
  4. Ha ha, some people really are too stupid to be let out on their own. Those rag and bone dudes have truly been outed as dumbasses! The price sticker in your hair made me laugh. I wouldn't have noticed it if you hadn't pointed it out. As usual your vintage stock looks too delicious for words. I want that tray with the boy on it and all that vintage luggage please! xxxxx

    ReplyDelete
  5. rags and bones but no brains??

    love your bastard weather dress, hope you get to wear it soon!!

    ReplyDelete
  6. No Working Girl outfit is complete without a price sticker in the hair. Of course, all of those frocks are divine, but I'm lusting after that pendant in your first parcel of joy.
    'Bastard weather' indeed. It's been too darn cold to wear 95% of the clothes I brought!

    ReplyDelete
  7. You look fantastic as always! I'm so glad you got all your stuff back. I suppose they thought people would assume all the stuff on their cart was old rubbish.

    ReplyDelete
  8. The psycedehlia dress is amazing!
    Too many people in this World without brain..
    Xxx

    ReplyDelete
  9. You are such a lucky women to get such lovely dresses and cads.
    I'm sorry to hear about Jon's back, hope that he gets better because as I experience: back pain is a pest!
    There are idiots everywhere!!!

    ReplyDelete
  10. I love the psychellic squirrel and your miserable face - I blame the weather, for the face, not the dress. The pattern is fantastic! The dress Luce found is bloody gorgeous, can definitely see in you in that one too! The card is hilarious! I love the last outfit, it's so gorgeous, it looks cool and crisp. Now we need the stupid weather to start warming up! xxx

    ReplyDelete
  11. Oh gosh what an eventful time! Those rag and bone men sound like quite a pair.
    Your working girl outfit it totally fab and your trusty taste in all things psychedelic is very much obvious here xxx

    ReplyDelete
  12. oh my that Dolly Rockers dress is quite something!
    I don't know about anyone else but I am so damn excited about the house project I wish I was nearer by so I could help!!

    ReplyDelete
  13. The frocks and their titles are perfect descriptions of your lovely life. Vintage to the core: get-away horse and cart, lol!

    You are looking so amazing in your maxis, Vix- I swear you have inspired the world this recent resurgence of maxi trends. I've been eyeing a few to wear, and no one but you will get credit for that!

    Wishing you loads of good times. I'm so thankful you share a slice of your life with us. xo. Bella

    ReplyDelete
  14. love that Psychedelic Squirrel, the colorful print and the funny name!!, and also love your Working Girl outfit, such a pretty green color!
    that turquoise maxi is simply perfect, and its name is simply perfect too!
    nice to watch you enjoying so much fabulousness!!!, you look gorgeous!
    besos & funny names!

    ReplyDelete
  15. hello vix , we moved now moved to rushall and my husband came in to tell me we have scrap men who use a horse and cart this morning , i thought it was very vintage untill i say this post , I am really looking forward to seeing your progress on the house its beautiful, My own project is nothing like the scale of yours but i still cant wait to start, xxx

    ReplyDelete
  16. What a way to kick off your post with the psychedelic frock it's glorious and you're very lucky. Your other frocks are amazing also. I'm glad those scumbag cretins got nicked by the police, what nit wits...have I used enough words to describe them?

    ReplyDelete
  17. Can you imagine the awesome party that would happen with guests like Psychedelic Squirrel, Working Girl and Wish the Bastard Weather Would Improve! These are all such drool-worthy dresses; I am envious! I've been looking for summer dresses at the local thrift stores and come up empty handed.

    ReplyDelete
  18. That yellow and orange hued floral print maxi-dress Vanessa had squirreled away is a beauty! The coordination with the lampshade and the pillow in the first photos (with the lovely paintings in the background) is pretty enough for a magazine. The retro pendant she sent is pretty. You already know how much I love the contrast of pink and green from my post reviewing Hanes Her Way Briefs. That pink-range colour in your Working Girl crimplene and cotton maxi pairs up beautifully with the contrasting green of your top and sash in the third photo. I absolutely LOVE the three Thunderbirds necklace (7th photo). I love Navajo designs especially - the Thunderbird is found in the designs of many First Nations (indigenous) peoples from the SouthWestern United States. Wow, Vanessa is an amazing artist! I love that card. The print on your Wish The Bastard Weather Would Improve Dollyrockers maxi is pretty. It was wonderful and nostalgic taking the photo-tour of your family home. Best of luck with it. Enjoy what's left of your weekend and have a fabulous week.

    ReplyDelete
  19. Wonderful dresses for gorgeous you!
    Psychedelic Squirrel is amazing, isn't Vanessa a star for redistributing her old favourites? The halter neck from Lucy is fabulous, and we know how much you love a denim waistcoat, so that's a perfect combination to wear for a curry and beer of two!
    Which was well-deserved, after your hard day as a Working Girl (not THAT sort!) Hope the fair went well (of course it did!) and that your grumpy assistant's back is feeling better, poor thing! Love the frock accessorised by the price sticker, and the Dollyrockers you bought is a real beauty. Yes, come on weather, had enough of the wind and the rain now!
    Those arseholes, robbing your shed (and lots of other people too by the looks of the cartload they've got). Not the sharpest criminal minds, evidently!
    Good luck with the house renovations, how exciting, keep us posted. Love ya! xxxxxx

    ReplyDelete
  20. Que bonitos los pendientes!
    Saludos
    http://judithbysucre.blogspot.com.es

    ReplyDelete
  21. Fabulous dresses, and well done for getting the photo of the rag and bone cart

    ReplyDelete
  22. vix a great collection of dresses, i love the name of your new dress. clothes are like friends.love lucy

    ReplyDelete
  23. The Psychedelic Squirrel frock is fabulous, I love orange but unfortunately it doesn't always love me. It does love you though, you have the right skin tone and hair colour to make it work big time, love those funky leopard booties too. The Working Girl frock is a beauty too, pink & green is my fave colour combo at the mo, hence venturing to the Rhododendron bush in the park to take the outfit pics. I hope Jon's back is ok, sending healing vibes his way.
    Your new Dollyrockers frock is stunning and I can't wait for the next sunny day so that we can see you model it...xXx

    ReplyDelete
  24. Such a lovely thing to receive! The card, pendant, gift wrap and, of course, the dress! I also couldn't help noticing the pile of cases in one of the pictures, I'm in need of a new one and the sooner the better! xxx

    ReplyDelete
  25. Such great clothing in his post. I particularly like 'Wish the bastard weather would improve', and look forward to seeing it on you when it does actually improve. We had hail falling today that accumulated on the ground like snow.

    Here's hoping Jon's back feels better very soon. Pulled muscles suck.

    ReplyDelete
  26. So that's where the rag and bone men get their wares! Crazy!

    Some lovely parcels of fun for you there - I love the cartoon!

    ReplyDelete
  27. OOooh, SO many nice dresses- SWOOOOON!x

    ReplyDelete
  28. Aah such a great care package to receive...I envy your sewing skills and love your market stalls...Hope Jon's feeling better now and all the best restoring the house :D

    Your dresses takes my breath away xxx

    ReplyDelete
  29. Miserable? You? Nah! Sultry more like ♥ Poor Jon the extremes they go to to get out of doing stuff eh! Poor Grumpy! Actually that reminds me of the day I went into the back of someones car and this rather irate dwarf got out and came stomping up to me and yelled "Frankly I'm not happy!" And I Said "Which one are you then!!"

    ReplyDelete
  30. That hooded maxi dress is fabulous. I'm seeing vintage hooded dresses everywhere lately, and think I might need to make one. I'm glad they got nicked for breaking into your shed.

    ReplyDelete
  31. Just catching up and love the photos of your family home. My home was built in 1907, and I see a few similarities, though they reside in different counties. Beautiful, and I'm sure that you will restore it to its original grandeur over time.

    So many gorgeous maxis, and you wear them to perfection. I would love to find a hooded dress, and will be on the lookout from here on in.

    ReplyDelete
  32. Can't believe that there are still Rag and Bone men around or that they stole the contents of your shed. Loving all of your outfits as usual especially Three Pints Of Bitter & A Vegetable Karahi! Desperate for the warm weather to arrive so that I can wear my dresses too.

    ReplyDelete
  33. The Psychedelic Squirrel frock is my fave here, the pattern is divine! I never had an eye on hooded frocks but now my mind's changed!
    Have a fab week dear Vix!
    xxxx

    ReplyDelete
  34. Oh Vix I have been so excited since I read that the parcel arrived........Yay psychedelic Squirrel happiness.......oh oh Miss PS has been waiting in my collection all these years to find a wonderful home with the most gorgeous lady on the other side of the world.
    I am so happy....dancing around now.....
    Then all the other fabulous gifts to.....it's because you are just the most special person.
    Thank you.
    Love V

    ReplyDelete
  35. I love the photos of the psychedelic printed maxi, your face doesn't look miserable at all!I find the hood lovely and your wall art is the perfect frame for those stunning colours!!I love all the presents from the girls and can't wait to see you wearing all the wonderful things they sent you! I hope that you and your grumpy/fabulous assistant aren't too tired!
    Love xxxxxxxx

    ReplyDelete
  36. Four wonderful frocks. My eyes are darting all over the place.

    I love them, I'd be hard pressed to choose a favourite although I must say I'm looking forward to seeing you in the one from Maisie's closet - everything about it is amazing from the print to the colours to the shape. I know you are going to look exquisite in it. That one from Vanessa is lovely too and I want to see the blue and white one on you and and...

    I'm shocked that your burglars were the rag and bone men. Does that mean you know them or have spoken to them before? That makes the theft even worse. Plus I had this romantic idea about them being a relic of days gone by. Now I know they are common thiefs, my little pink bubble of nostalgia is well and truly burst. xxxxxx

    ReplyDelete
  37. Poor John!! Hope he feels better soon!

    You look lovely as always in all your outfits.

    Lx

    www.whatlisawrote.blogspot.co.uk

    ReplyDelete
  38. I see a lot of great stuff from the frocks to the vintage luggage and vanity bags.. Hope the weather gets better coz I can't wait to see you in that beautiful dress too. I also love the green top with the neck tie you wore there.. gorgeous!

    GREETINGS FROM DUBAI
    MRS JACK OF ALL TRADES
    http://mrsjackofalltradesdaily.blogspot.ae/

    ReplyDelete
  39. Oh no, I hope JOhn's back is back to normal soon!
    And how daft of the rag and bone pony trap! :)

    ReplyDelete
  40. Yip Miss V has the magical frock touch. You look amazing in the squirrel frock. LOVE it. And I do love the ric-rac on the second frock too. Loving the green bodice on your market frock. And I'll say it again, I can't believe you got robbed by two idiots on a horse & cart! That sounds so completely bizarre to an Aussie like me. No horse & cart action to be found here! Xx

    ReplyDelete
  41. The rag and bone guy attempting a getaway on a horse and cart, that's crazy but you know what we got rob 2 years ago and the robber left by taxi with our stuff!
    I love the rag and bone expression i did not know- In Quebec the french word for rag and bone is Guenilloux (rag)
    Love your maxis they are fabulous
    No wonder you got so many comments on your childhood house, it's amazing!

    We are freezing are behind this morning!

    Have a great day

    Ariane x

    ReplyDelete
  42. Lovely colors! I love the blue halter maxi dress. I can't believe those guys broke into your garden shed...crazy! So glad the police caught up to them!

    x
    Alexa

    ReplyDelete
  43. I've been waiting for the Rag and Bone men shot - thanks for sharing! But how sad that they're not so much entrepreneurs as they are thieves! The frock Vanessa sent you is lovely - such happy, retro colours. The last one is my absolute fave. It's so boho pretty. Xoxo

    ReplyDelete
  44. Oooh, your new hooded maxi is divine. And so's your Working Girl dress, another fabulous Vix look. I adore shots of your booth, but so sorry for Jon's injury.

    Thanks for sharing all the juicy goods with VisibleMonday xoxoxo

    ReplyDelete
  45. That hooded maxi dress was made for you! So glad the theives were caught, I've never seen a rag and bone man on a horse and cart before. They all ride around in ford transits and pick up trucks where I live x

    ReplyDelete
  46. What adventures you have! In Chicago the rag and bone men would have to be the guys in really beat up pick-up trucks that cruise the back alleys for scrap metal and then haphazardly tie it sky high. I always seem to get stuck behind them as they teeter back and forth down the road. They're not known for robbery though.

    Anyway, all those knock out maxis look like too much fun. Along with their names. Like titles for artwork. Which they are, especially when you're wearing them.

    Poor grumpy, back pain is the worst. Hope he mends soon.

    ReplyDelete
  47. Of course you get the best pressies because you are so fabulous!!!! I am dying over all of this new old stuff and I can't wait to see you in the new Dolly Rockers and that sweet blue gingham dress! Your dress for the fair was perfect and even your grumpy assistant would have me entering your booth!

    Here's to some sun on you today!!! Get warm and stay warm England!!!!
    LOVEYOUXXOOOXXOOX

    ReplyDelete
  48. Theives getting away in a wagon--ROFL!!

    So much maxi goodness to ogle!! I don't know which one is more fabulous!! Can wait to see them Vixified up!!

    Hope you get some warmer weather, too. They are calling for a FREEZE warning tonite-UGH!!

    ReplyDelete
  49. Theives getting away in a wagon--ROFL!!

    So much maxi goodness to ogle!! I don't know which one is more fabulous!! Can wait to see them Vixified up!!

    Hope you get some warmer weather, too. They are calling for a FREEZE warning tonite-UGH!!

    ReplyDelete
  50. mmmmm love those vintage suitcases!

    ReplyDelete
  51. I am in love with that dolly rockers maxi that is gorgeous it looks like vintage india to me at least that is what it makes me think of with the kind of muted colors. The tour of your childhood home was amazing wow Vix!! Good Luck with restoring it and just take your time and enjoy the process so you don't get overwhelmed. I wasn't sure from the post are you going to remodel and keep it or remodel and sell it. What a treasure though!! Love Heather

    ReplyDelete
  52. I love the tights/shoes combo peeping out of your skirt on the last picture.

    ReplyDelete
  53. That dress is lovely. The suitcases are fab too x

    ReplyDelete
  54. Great naming ceremony! And perfect parcels.
    Every time I see that photo it makes me cross.
    I say fuckwit 1 & 2!!
    xx

    ReplyDelete
  55. Oh my dear Vix! I love everything about this post! Your way with words, storytelling & fabulous style! Rag & Bone Man hilarious! XXX

    ReplyDelete
  56. I am amazed - rag & bone men & with a horse. How crazy must they be to try to break in when they are so conspicuous???
    Loved your post & I think your working girl outfit is lovely.

    ReplyDelete
  57. What a fantastic frock! Neither of you look grumpy - just intense, and a bit suffering perhaps :)
    Cannot believe the stealing story... Maybe they've heard about your blog and thought this might be their chance to get a mention... xoxo

    ReplyDelete
  58. wow darling you got really amazing frocks!!! but most of all i love the blue gingham dress! a dream!
    lots of love and kiss,mary
    http://www.maryloucinnamon.com/

    ReplyDelete
  59. That necklace goes perfectly with the dress!! LOVE the pops of orange! xoxo

    ReplyDelete
  60. Hi Vix!!!!!!!!
    I LOVE the wish the weather would get better dress. Gorgeous!!!!
    I have missed you-off to catch up :)
    Hugs
    Reva

    ReplyDelete
  61. Ooo I love your "Working Girl" outfit, I'm a huge fan of pink and green! (Of course the price tag in your hair makes that pic extra precious heehee!) I never noticed your pink flamingo wallpaper, how fab! All your new frocks are lovely and I can't wait to see how you wear them... just remembering now I found a few of my old 70s prom dresses, one was a maxi with a hood! (Yours is prettier, and as with all your different looks, is breathtaking on you!) Grr that pic still makes me so angry -- do you know what wound up happening with them? I really look forward to seeing the progress on your childhood home! I hope Jon is feeling better, back probs always pop up at the most inopportune times, and totally suck ): XXX

    ReplyDelete
  62. I love the baby blue polka dot maxi dress especially with the denim vest. Would love to see that one on you too.

    ReplyDelete
  63. That story about the rag and bone men robbing your shed would be comical if it wasn't so sad, rotten swines. As has been mentioned, the fact that they know you makes it even worse, though they shouldn't be doing it to anyone, whether they know them or not. Anyway, you're looking gorgeous as always Vix, love the pic of you smiling at the fair, I always think you have such a pretty smile. Your blogger friends have been good to you with all those beautiful dresses and I love that card from Lucy. Meant to say before, you really must have great chazzas down there if you're always coming across Irregular Choice shoes in them, I've never seen any here, now I've said that I'll probably find loads of pairs won't I (I wish!) xx

    ReplyDelete
  64. Wow now that is an amazing dress you are wearing, love the colours :) Ohh I love your polka dot dress, I am polka dot crazy, I buy ever polka dot dress I see in my size, eek I have about 6 black dresses and skirts now but none in this colour :)

    ReplyDelete
  65. Hi Vix

    With regards to your comment about the Tan Atomicals I find it better than St Moriz as I find St Moriz is a bit messy and also I find when I shower a lot of it comes off and does not last on me before going patchy.
    I think it lasts as long in my opinion. x

    ReplyDelete
  66. I cannot believe those thieving off you...terrible!

    The polka dot dress is gorgeous. x

    ReplyDelete
  67. JOINT COMMENT FROM SARAH AND HELGA

    We love you!

    The Dollyrockers frock is orgasmic!

    We love All The Things!

    Can't believe that crazy fucker robbed you and tried to get away on a horse and cart - WTF?! Was he drunk?

    Poor Jon - lovely little gentle hug from one bad back sufferer to another.

    Skype??

    We love you more than The Vegie Bar!

    Helga and Sarah xxx

    ReplyDelete
  68. Mmm, Psychedelic Squirrel is my favourite! Wish you did fairs in Hertfordshire! xxx

    ReplyDelete
  69. Hey Vix,only started following your blog recently but I have to say it's one of my favourites. All your posts put a huge smile on my face, your clothes are amazing and I love your energy which shines through your photos. Look forward to seeing more, Best wishes sam@thriftpop

    ReplyDelete
  70. you look awesome in both the dresses..but you look especially fabulous in anything neon..you must do a tutorial someday on how you diy your vintage finds to fit you so beautifully.

    ReplyDelete
  71. I love the light blue maxy, your collection of vintage suitcases and the pink flamingos wall <3 <3 <3

    ReplyDelete
  72. Ok, I hate to admit it but the junk man story made me laugh out loud. What a dummy he is!!

    ReplyDelete
  73. Quick, pass me a martini and put on the bossa nova - I'm getting that hostess vibe from that Psychedelic Squirrel dress. Are florals like that even legal?
    I love all your heart treasures and your working girl maxi. Hope Jon's back has slipped back into form.
    Horse and cart getaway? Bwa-ha-ha! That's my kind of town.

    ReplyDelete
  74. That Masie's Closet maxi is soooo perfect!!!
    Becky :)

    ReplyDelete
  75. I have a dress that I call my "Heidi on Acid" dress, because that's the only way I can truly describe it :)

    ReplyDelete
  76. Ha ha, how funny that the day you get a photo of the rag and bone man for your blog is the day he robbed you! Were you thinking "we've got a bike like that"?

    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