Thursday 23 May 2013

Welcome To The Jumble



I've spent this afternoon helping out at the monthly jumble sale and there was trouble. The lady in charge decided to raise her prices and there was a near riot.

40p an item? Bleeding daylight robbery. I'm only a pensioner, you know. 

It's cheaper to go to f*cking Primark!

...and the usual, Bet you've 'ad all the good stuff. When I look at their stained fleeces and baggy leggings I want to say Love, look at how you and I are dressed, do you really think we're going to want the same clothes? But instead I bite my tongue and smile sweetly.



What's a jumble sale? A fund-raising charity event held in community centres, schools and church halls. The doors open at a set time, you pay an admission fee (between 5p - 20p around these parts) and then you rifle through heaps of clothes, accessories, bric-a-brac, books and toys piled high on trestle tables, grabbing what you can. You hand over your finds to the helpers behind the tables who then bag it and tot up what you owe. Merchandise is seldom labelled but it's rare to pay more than £1 for a single item. It's over within an hour when the last straggler leaves, then the doors are locked, the leftovers are bagged up and sold to on a rag merchant.


Joan (on my left) is 84 and has been running the jumble sale since the 1960s. Tracey (on my right) is my jumbling buddy, we're always chucking stuff at one another, "Old and weird" in my direction, "Flouncy and blingy" in hers.


We weren't as busy as normal today. The weather is unseasonably cold and there was a terrifically violent hailstorm 15 minutes before the doors opened, which probably put a lot of the regular elderly punters off leaving their houses, but we'd shifted a fair bit of tat merchandise by closing time.


I look bloody knackered. Lugging trestle tables around, sifting through dirty knickers and stained bedding and being abused by the Black Country grannies is hard work but a fair trade off for snaffling lovelies like these. 

Dallas Simpson framed print, a pair of vintage suitcases, 1960s plaster lamp with original ribbon shade, 1967 Max Factor make-up set, a Mary Quant scarf and a ceramic swan.

Naturally, my purchases caused much hilarity amongst the other helpers. 

Bloody hell Vix, you buy some vile stuff, only you could get excited about that pile of crap.


Not so ugly now it's in place though is it, ladies? (I know you read my blog!)

The evil print is hanging from the Wall of Misery, the lamp is scrubbed and illuminating my skip-salvaged bookcase, the boxed make-up is in pride of place on my dressing table & the suitcases have stuffed with my winter clothes and stowed away on top of the wardrobe and the naff swan is on the kitchen windowsill, 

 ...and I based today's outfit around the Mary Quant scarf.

1960s St Michael Madras check nightie (Krista-licious), Velvet dirndl top, worn backwards (Maisie's Closet Vintage), Turquoise suede boots & tiger bag (Queen Helga the Great).
There were clothes, shoes, bags, music, books and vintage car parts, too but right now I need a long soak in the bath!

See you soon.

88 comments:

  1. I love your outfit, so colorful! From the pictures I can tell it was a lot of fun! I wish we had things like these here in Sicily. I loved the garage sales I went to when I lived in New York. When I was a child I even used to sell lemonade in the Bronx:)

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  2. I like to buy the weird stuff as well
    I get excited too by a pile of crap!
    Your finds are terrific snd i love your dress
    Hurray for you for surviving the black country grannies!

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  3. It sounds you take the rough with the smooth helping out at the jumbles! Dirty knickers and cross black country grannies that rough, but scoring what makes you happy that is of course the smooth!

    I love your tales of the jumbling hi jinx that you get up to. Nice to see some of your jumble buddies too! And see everything you chose and got excited about looks brilliant in your fantastic home. Look forward to seeing what else you managed to find.




    P x

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  4. Your look so colourfull and great - but you always do and you really make me wanna go to these events!
    Xxx

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  5. We are planning to hold a jumble sale to fundraise for the rangers, so I'll be bookmarking this post :) x

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  6. You look gorgeous and you found such fun stuff!!
    becky :)

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  7. You look so beautiful and so calm, blessed you be to deal with all of that crankiness!
    At least you got yourself some really lovely stuff for your home.

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  8. You look like a total eye candy in that outfit. And that velvet top looks so very fetching on you, I can't take my eyes away!I wish I lived in a place where they had jumble sales, I would totally haunt them like you do!

    Love
    www.shubhisrevels.com

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  9. I'm glad you got some good stuff after taking flak from the grannies.
    Love the lamp, Max Factor set and Mary Quant scarf . You look a picture in amongst all the jumble and god bless Joan, where would we be without good souls like her?
    Hail here too, bastard freezing isn't it?

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  10. I don't know why but your "Wall of Misery" makes me laugh out loud every time you show it. Not sure what that says about me or if I should even be admiting it.

    For some reason the image of stained fleece, baggy leggings and a jaunty Mary Quant scarf tied about the neck is setting me off as well.......

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  11. Jumble sales sound like a lot of fun. I'm very excited about your pile of "junk", all very cool items. You look gorgeous in your bright colors and I love the scarf!

    xxx
    Alexa

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  12. I love that you took us inside the jumble sale!!! You do not look tattered you look HOT!!!!!! The nightie turned dress is beautiful on you and you know if I could have crammed my boobs in it no way would it be yours :) It looks great with your velvet dirndl top.

    I think its funny that they say you gat all the good stuff and your right what the hell would they do with it anyway? I love the new addition to the wall of misery and all your finds! Enjoy your soak honey, that tub and your bathroom I find so relaxing! Wish I could have had a soak in it!!!!
    This weeks been crazy next week we speak for sure. I miss you !!!!!
    Lotsandlotsandlots of LOVE
    XXXXOOOOO

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  13. I like that bag you're carrying - and I'm glad you found yourself some good stuff. It looks wonderful cleaned up and placed along with your other tresaures!

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  14. I've always wanted to help out at a jumble sale. But I find it difficult enough getting elbowed in the face whilst trying to browse the clothing table. Haha! x

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  15. I'm so impressed you found a perfect place for everything so quickly. I don't comment enough Vix, but I read every post. Out of any blog I read, yours makes me happy. It's so full of real genuine fun. - Jill

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  16. jumble sales are a place that tests the bravery and determination of us all, some pensioners are ruthless!you look serene and beautiful in your delicious dirndl maxi combo - your goods are fabulous and I especially love your hallway of pictures x

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  17. That picture looks great on your wall of misery, and I had the picture at the bottom of the girl with the hat when I was a little girl! That Max Factor set is gorgeous, as are you in that outfit.

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  18. A big "Nyah, Nyah" (picture tongue sticking out) to the boring ladies who called your finds "Vile Stuff". It's all in what you do with it and how it's displayed, whether in your house, or on your body, and you know how to display your findings to their best advantage. I loved when you said that you and your friend toss things to each other, and you get the "old and weird". Apparently that's the criteria my friends use when judging whether I would like something they've seen somewhere too!

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  19. I envy your collection of vintage suitcases ;__;

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  20. Job well done, Vix! You've done your part with those other grand women and walked away a winner with those treasures. My heart is aflutter for the leather suitcases, so beautifully stowed in your home now. Your Mary Quant-inspired outfit is dreamy and must have added much-needed colour and cheer to the day. I hope the sun shines there soon!

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  21. Rumble in the jumble ha, thanks for the interesting commentary. And such finds, madly in love with the suitcases, and you look adorable as usual!

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  22. Who said the things you've got are crap?! I'm love the lamp! Also the pans on the table by the side of the photo of you and the two ladies.I was looking forward to a jumble sale in London but it will happen while I'm in Chelmsford so I'm missing it this time... xxx

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  23. "old and weird" that's exactly the moniker I adopt when hunting for booty in the chazzers! My friend Jemma like a bit of a jumble too, her thing is "neon and/or embellished" I love how we have specific ideas in mind for the things we look out for!

    It's hailed a lot here today too-what is going on with the weather at the moment?!

    much love xxxxxxx
    PS those suitcases!!!! well, all your haul!!! xxxxxxxxx

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  24. I adore your dress! The Max Factor stuff I would have pinched someone out for! *HAHAHA*
    I have said it before I will say it again. I WANT TO JUMBLE!!!
    They barely have those sort of things in my area. They are few and far between.

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  25. We don't have jumble sales here, but it sounds like great fun and your finds are incredible. The vintage suitcases themselves were well worth the time spent and you displayed your treasurers with perfection.

    You really know how to make a Madras check nightie shine. And I'm swooning over the turquoise boots!

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  26. Amazing that you found all those lovely things. : ) I really miss jumble sales...need a fix! Maybe a car boot sale will suffice! I love the lamp, very cheerful Xx

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  27. I remember helping my mum at playgroup jumble sales in the 1970s and my younger brother riding around on an old tricycle. He fell off and chipped his tooth - the things he would do for a free toy!

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  28. The jumble sale sounds like a riot! I love those classic lines and how you just smile sweetly, so funny!

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  29. I love it when you "quote" the folks around you! It just sets the stage so well and makes me feel like I'm there having a fabulous time with you. I love your outfit for today and am totally going to steal your idea of cool suitcases on top of the wardrobe for storage. Love you!!

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  30. you look lovely, I love the buzz of rummaging at a jumble sale! It's half term next week, so I'm taking Twiglet to a car booty - him for Dr who stuff, me for loads of vintage stuff I really don't need, but really do want ;)
    Twiggy x

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  31. Sounds fun! You got some wonderful things - I really love the Max Factor make up set.
    You look very pretty & summery in that fab dress - I'm amazed it's a nightie.x

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  32. Sounds like a brilliant day and judging by your goodies it blinking was woz :-) Adore the lamp that is lush, the make up is gorgeous the suitcases grand and that picture fabulous all fit splendid in your home. Enjoy them all. dee xxxx

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  33. Hi there- great work at the jumble, I wish we had more down our way. The ladies here look so lovely too!! Love your maxi dress, you maybe tired but you look so stylish!! Xxx

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  34. It's that old saying, "one man's trash is another man's treausre"...! SO true! Each to their own, I say, and all the better if they think whta you like is vile, that can only mean more for you! I for one, love LOVE that lamp! It's similar to some I just saw in Melbourne, but a billionth of the price! Cases always make me frisky too! I have an urge for a swan; G is rather appalled, but I am not deterred!
    Oooo, that checkered St Michale is divoon, and I'm thrilled to see you rocking the boots with it! YUMCIOUSNESS! Bugger about the hail, but you look good enough to EAT!
    Love Helga xxxXXXxxx

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  35. Yup, "we got fun n' games!" alright! :)

    We call those types of sales "rummage sales" in the States as you probably know. The can go on for days with the last day being half price on the remaining items.

    Went to an epic rummage sale last week with a girl friend. She and I were also tossing things at each other as well. When you're on you hands and knees under a table and digging in a box, who wants to bother standing up and walking over when you can just throw something and keep going, right?

    Yippee! Good finds, Vix! Super lamp! And Mary Quant is just the best. Doesn't everything truly look so much better when you clean it up and put it in place? And you really do look particularly adorable despite your hard work.

    xxx

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  36. I need to move to england and you should hire me as your booth bitch ;)

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  37. I'd love to jumble with you Vix and rummage through apparently vile stuff as the grannies put it. I love, love, love the print and lamp.

    We've got a monster jumble sale here on the Gold Coast this weekend. A whole sporting complex with lengths of trestle tables and clothes piled high on them.

    It gets crazy, crazy busy at this sale with this big city and there's hot tips to surviving. But thankfully what I'm looking for in the clothes is rather specific and niche so I usually walk away with a market trolley full. See how we go this weekend, I hope to make it along Sunday as the weekend ahead is a busy one. Have a great one yourself. X

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  38. hi vix i laughed when i read your post i love people. helping out at the jumble sale . heaven. i love your dress. lucyx

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  39. I especially loved your inner thought bubble in response to the bitter tongues of the grannies! And WHAT a haul. The Mary Quant scarf is a beauty - as are you in that outfit.

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  40. Ah, fabulous! You're so lucky having regular jumble sales where you are. You found some treasures and I'm in love with your flamingo wallpaper! xxx

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  41. This post has me laughing, Vix! I love that you are on the jumble sale team with Joan, and that you and Tracey know each other's taste well enough to lob the right stuff at each other!
    You look gorgeous in the check maxi from Krista, and the Mary Quant scarf is a wonderful bit of inspiration. Great finds, of course, the suitcases and the lamp are particular favourites. And everything has been incorporated into your lovely home with perfect ease.
    Bet you had a drink in the bath! xxxxx

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  42. We've lost the art of Jumble Sales up here - it's all Antiques Roadshow style car boots, or car boots full of stuff filched last week or car boots full of despairation :( And what a lovely venue (at least it looks really interesting from the outside).

    You look fabulous as ever Vix and your fellow Jumble ladies look full of fun - fling some flouncy bling over here too lol!!

    Enjoy your soak xx

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  43. Those are some amazing finds :-)
    And you look fabulous as always... not shattered :-) Pretty dress!

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  44. Old and Wierd, Flouncy and Blingy - you do crack me up and why you two are the best dressed there! I love this dress on you - it's very Snow White! I thought of fairy tales immediately! Love how you've accessoried your place with all those jumble finds - taking notes for redecorating. Come to think of I scored four chairs for free the other day from a new neighbour who was about to ditch them - I did think to myself as I snaffled them "now what would Vix do?" - Now I just need to do some DIY to freshen them up a bit. Any reupholstering tips? Think I've seen you do some magic on chairs before here.

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  45. You do get all the best stuff though don't you? Well, what we consider to be the best. I was eyeing up the stuff in the background. Can't believe that price rise! It'll be £1 per item soon! Disgraceful. I love the lamp and you do have a thing for swans don't you? Everything in its place looks gorgeous. You look gorgeous in the dappled light in that dress. Love the scarf, we're Quant jumble sale scarf twins. Looks like a fantastic if exhausting way to spend a morning! Xxx

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  46. My lady crush on you has no end to it. How lovely you look- and how marvelous your wall o' misery.

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  47. Vix, you are the Queen of the Jumble alright! I love the Dallas Simpson print and the ceramic swan is very like our NZ version (Crown Lyn). You look delightful in your check nightie and if I could look half as good as you wearing something BACKWARDS I'd die a happy woman.
    Way to go Girl!

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  48. Such lovely light in these photos...AFTER the storm of outraged pensioners. How often do you volunteer? I would have to say that creates good karma for your findings...

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  49. ah, nothing like going to a good jumble sale after a violent hailstorm! Refreshing! Great finds doll!

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  50. If you hadn't written that you felt knackered and that what I thought was a dress was a nighty I would never have guessed. You look fabulous. I love the hem and the ruffled trim of the short sleeves. The Velvet dirndl top worn backwards adds to what I consider a very classy look. I love it. The jumbles sound like fun and a great place to look for great bargains. To bad about the raised prices to 40p an item. You acquisitions look lovely in place. I hope you've had a wonderful bath :)

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  51. love the suitcases.beautiful. i try to get vintage suitcases as much as i can these days. they are perfect to move with....

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  52. You queen of vintage - fine poetic images with a little Austria-influences. Like the wind in your hair and it shows on the outside that you are a wise madam!

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  53. That boxed Max Factor make-up set is such a find, and defintely destined to be yours. I love the Mary Quant scarf - your outfit is perfect. You vintage beauty xxx

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  54. hello vix , saw you there but you looked as you were really concentrateing so did not disturb you , i didnt have much luck today ,but i picked up three pudding bowls for 60p, a pair of white curtains with frills ideal for one of the bedrooms for a £1, a great big leather silver belt 10p and a set of duck egg blue dressing table mats for when i eventually get that dressing table they were 50p , a grand total of £2.30, beats primark any day xx

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  55. You don't look knackered at all Vix, I actually thought how glowing you look in these pictures. I so miss jumble sales, round here is crap for them, and car boot sales. People have tried to make them happen but there's always a really poor turnout. I love all your finds, and your stories about narky old grannies, I remember the barricade they always formed at jumbles. xx

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  56. You don't look knackered at all Vix, I actually thought how glowing you look in these pictures. I so miss jumble sales, round here is crap for them, and car boot sales. People have tried to make them happen but there's always a really poor turnout. I love all your finds, and your stories about narky old grannies, I remember the barricade they always formed at jumbles. xx

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  57. It's been a very long time since I worked at a jumble sale but I still remember the abuse! God and how aggressive sweet old ladies can be, that and the haggling over pence you have to smile sweetly when all you want to say is 'it's only 20p anyway you fucking tightwad and it's for CHARITY!!!!

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  58. I have not been to a jumble sale for a while, but if anyone can handle it best, it's you! Especially, when you always find such interesting and great pieces! Looking beautiful as ever Vix! xx

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  59. Haha 40p ... I don't think even Primark could be that cheap! Some people go beyond thrifty into stingy.

    I haven't been to a good jumble in ages. My local one is good if you have kids (nearly new mothercare stuff is about 50% of stock- great for mums but not for me, I'm not *that* short LOL) but isn't really an exciting one with psycho grannies!

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  60. Great finds! I am in awe of the Mary Quant scarf and vintage Max Factor makeup set!

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  61. I would have gone for the same goodies you did! The print is particularly fantastic. Give me old and weird anytime.

    Enjoyed this description of what a jumble sale is. If they exist here I've never been to one, although I'd love to. Sounds like fun.

    Have a great weekend my friend.

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  62. this seems like a hell of a lot fun!

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  63. We call these rummage sales and they are few and far between these days--usually held in a church hall.

    you look fabulous in your Krista-liscious maxi!!

    i love how you've shown what you did with your goodies--one woman's crap is another womans new decor!!

    Have a lovely soak in the tub!!

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  64. We call these rummage sales and they are few and far between these days--usually held in a church hall.

    you look fabulous in your Krista-liscious maxi!!

    i love how you've shown what you did with your goodies--one woman's crap is another womans new decor!!

    Have a lovely soak in the tub!!

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  65. Cool to know what a jumble sale was...I had it wrong! Love how you style your dress!
    Denise

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  66. You look gorgeous as always!! love the bright colors and that makeup kit you found is so cool Enjoy your new treasures and keep those grumpy ladies in line!! lol xoxo Heather

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  67. Bless the ladies. I love jumbles and always find that the ladies love a good old chin wag and a friendly smile. After all they do it out of the goodness of their heart don't they?

    I think you new pic looks fab in its new home too x x x

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  68. I recently went to a jumble sale, we used to have them nearly every week in the small village I grew up in, then car boots sales and ebay took over. But there is nothing like fighting of the old girls to get a look at the bargains! I Couldn't get near the clothing they worked in tag team style! But I did get some tuppaware and glass jelly moulds which I will use for making candles and a vintage child's book of songs.

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  69. I think you look a million dollars in your outfit, not tired at all, just beautiful.

    I love to see you with the ladies, I bet you make a great team and have a great laugh. I think you got all the good stuff, good job we don't all live near one another, we'd be vying for the same stuff.

    That swan is so pretty and that Max Factor 1967 makeup set in immaculate condition is something else. Hope you enjoyed the weather today, wasn't it fantastic! xxxx

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  70. Cannot stop laughring:40p an item? Bleeding daylight robbery. I'm only a pensioner, you know.

    It's cheaper to go to f*cking Primark!
    Spending the weekend by the seaside in Málaga with daughter nº 2 Paloma- so sending lots of love and plenty sunshine, dearest Vix

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  71. Oh I love the other "Jumble Ladies" I bet they are so such fun and have some great stories to tell.
    Unlike the..........pola-fleece (probably dirty).....baggy tights... tatty sneaker wearing sweethearts who just have to make some snarky comment. Bless there dirty cotton socks.
    You look just beautiful in that dress Miss Vix......I hope you are having a relaxing weekend.
    Love V

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  72. How great to have a jumble sale buddy! I love jumble sales, the feeling of finding a few treasures amongst the ratty t-shirts and torn tights is unbeatable. What a great haul you got, the Mary Quant scarf is beautiful and looks wonderful on you with that outfit. Love the suitcases too.

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  73. Oh sweetie you are such a beauty in that gorgeous nightie, I love the check and that dirndl is the adorable finishing touch! Your description of the jumble sale dynamics made me laugh!

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  74. 'welcome to the jumble, we got fun and games, we got everything you want, honey, we know the names ...'

    i looked through this post again and started singin gnr's *welcome to the jungle* with a little change in the lyrics. ;)

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  75. Oh my gosh I know exactly what you mean.

    My Mother in law runs a jumble sale in aid of Diabetics and people complain at 30p an item plus you get the ones who nick stuff...that makes me really mad.

    I have helped out before and I really do despair at some people.

    ha ha I know what you mean about how some of them are dressed too... I mean you don't have to spend a lot to look nice. xx

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  76. Bloody hell you look FRICKIN GOOOOOOOORGEOUS!!! That frock is divine and is PERFECT with the exquisite Mary Quant scarf. I adore the hideous print and the swan and the lamp makes my heart flutter.

    I love that Joan has been running the jumbo sale since before I was born. I'll bet she has a story or ten.

    Old and weird sounds FUCKING PERFECT to me!

    Love you more than broken and dusty!

    Sarah xxx

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  77. Oh, I love them all - Jumble sale, yard sale, car-boot sale, garage sale.. all of them. It is truly like a treasure hunt and I love the thrill. Sometimes people have different expectation for these sales. I love the vintage luggage, Perfect for decor actually. It is always a pleasure to read your stories.. keep them coming!

    GREETINGS FROM DUBAI
    MRS JACK OF ALL TRADES (a fashion and life-style blog)
    http://mrsjackofalltradesdaily.blogspot.ae/

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  78. Gosh Vix you are a vision of loveliness...I constantly go through your old looks for inspiration and am tempted to have my own wall of something xxx

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  79. You look adorable! I'm going to try and catch up on all the great blog post I've missed! XXX

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  80. Hi Vix!!!!!!!!
    You look so friggin cute!!!
    I love a good jumble-haven't had one in a while....
    just sayin....
    ;) - Reva :)

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  81. The jumble sale sounds intense with the angry grannies and all! But worth it for such great finds. You look great in the frock, such great colours!

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  82. Your jumbles are a bargain compared to the one I went too, the cheapest thing I saw was £1! I don't think I have what it takes to tackle a jumble when it's just opened!

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  83. I love that dress on you - the colours are just lovely (something I am sure Krista would like too). Thank you for showing us the behind the scenes too. Its nice to read about the people who put in so much of their own time to these kinds of events. In NZ there are School or Church Fairs (not jumble sales) and generally there is no admission fee and things cost $1 or more. Hope you have a lovely hot bath :-)

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  84. Haha I love this post!!

    Great outfit I have been boring in jeans the last few day but I have been ill :(, need to brighten up tomorrow with a touch of colour now:)

    Such as great dress :)

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  85. Great post! I love that nobody wants what you do!

    You look absolutely gorgeous in the second photo.

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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