Friday 21 June 2013

Parcels Of Joy And Secondhand Delight


I'm one spoilt vintage biatch this week with not one but two parcels of joy arriving with the postman.

Check out my newest silver ring on my little finger!
This amazing ruffled nylon and lurex embellished cocktail dress and matching waistcoat came all the way from Arizona, courtesy of the lovely Janice. The perfect ladylike piece for calling on my friend and jumble sale organiser, Joan, this morning.


Also in the parcel was a cute kitty card, a gorgeous vintage case for my reading glasses, a sterling silver ring and the very same 1960s Barbie case that my neighbours' older daughter owned (and I coveted). This isn't for creepy dolls though, it's my new favourite handbag and the perfect size for stashing a bottle of wine.

Maxi worn with vintage kids' tee shirt and far too much bastard jewellery

Dear Jo sent me this Miss Pat quilted maxi. Not only will it keep me warm (our house is always freezing once the sun sets) but it's got a duel purpose, it's the best sewing accessory ever. The padded fabric doubles up as a pincushion and the quilting makes it the perfect knee protector when I'm scrabbling around on the floor cutting out pattern pieces. 


Did I mention second-hand? Of course I did. What blog post of mine doesn't?!

From Wednesday's car boot sale I came away with 15 vintage vinyl albums, a pair of Holkham Pottery "owl" mugs and matching cream jug, a 1970s split level table and two handmade 1960s cushions and still got change from a fiver.


 An Eighties crushed velvet leotard (perfect as a warm layer under a maxi dress), a 1970s girl guide tee shirt (child's tee shirts are nice and tight, just the way I like 'em), a Welsh Tapestry suit (destined for the Kinky Melon Autumn stock) and a 1970s Indian cheesecloth caftan. All but the suit were 20p each.


 Five pots of pansies for a quid.


Antique leather gloves, how gorgeous are the acorn embellished ones? (Shame I've got hands the size of a navvy). 1970s brocade platforms and a S Fox & Co. Paragon umbrella (the brand used by John Steed in 1960s cult TV series, The Avengers)


The reason I called on Joan earlier is because she'd had a wedding dress donated and hoped I'd be able to sell it. Now I'm as interested in weddings as I am nuclear physics but have to concede that this dress is beautiful (and a much sought after larger size, too). It was worn in 1964 at St Lawrence's in Darlaston and the couple are still happily married. Not bad going for something almost fifty years old. 


When we were in the church hall we spotted this 1970s New Home 632 lurking up the corner. Jon used my sewing machine to take in some trousers last week and has moaned ever since about how crap it is, how the feed doesn't work, that the tension's gone to pot and the light's knackered so we made a donation to the church roof fund and he came away happy. The blind hem setting should finish my current project off a treat (that's if I can make head or tail of the instruction manual).

1970s two-piece worn with candy-coloured platforms (£5, local boutique), Ted Lapidus vintage sunnies (£1.95, Acorns) and my beaded peacock bag that's been missing for months

Gilbert & Jon are ready for Glasto but I'm not. I've got four days to get my shit together, finish my sewing projects and pack my bags (as well as squeeze Liz's birthday celebrations, an 18th party and a photo shoot into the mix).

Have a great weekend.

73 comments:

  1. Wowwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww you are lucky, and so are we all to have you and your inspiration, wits, humor and kindness in the bloggosphere.
    I think those platfors are my size,hahahhahahhahahhahahahhahahha
    You are soooooooooooo gloriously wonderful.
    Have a pint on me if you go out. Wait, no a pint no. make it a halfa to begin with, hahhahhahhaha.
    XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

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  2. That sewing machine reminds me of the ones we had at school! I love the cheesecloth caftan and those gloves are gorgeous too.

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  3. What lovely gifts--that dress is just gorgepous and i love the quilted skirt!!

    And wow did you do well at the boot sale!! i get so jealous seeing all the cool stuff you get--ours are always chock-a-block with kids crap and tupperware and almost never a vintage bit in sight!!

    I can't wait to read your festival report!!

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  4. Please can we see more of that Barbie case!!! :) x

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  5. Vintage Girl Guides Tshirt = JEALOUS!

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  6. OH WHAT GREAT SWAG!!

    Hang on to the New Home sewing machine - my sewing machine fixer man reckons they are the tops.
    I inherited one :) I think Janome took them over.

    http://sewingparts.co.uk/machines/NEW-HOME-632.html

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  7. Who needs to shop new when you have lovely finds (and friends) such as this! Hope you get packed in time for your festival- I know you are going to have a blast.

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  8. Fabularse finds as always - love those owl mugs and milk jug in particular. And that wedding dress is gorgeous - not that I'm interested in weddings either!!

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  9. everything is so fabulous, your outfits, your thrift finds and all

    Have a wonderful weekend!

    Arianexxx

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  10. Gosh, that was quite a week wasn't it? I love that padded skirt, especially teamed with that girl guide t-shirt. My mum was always involved with that sort of thing, brown owl and so on, so it takes me right back. I was a brownie and a bluebird. Think I was a bit bored of it by the time it came to the guides.

    That's the problem with older houses isn't it, the fact that they get so darned cold.

    I love that cheesecloth number too, bet it looks lovely on.

    The story of that wedding dress is so romantic. I love that they have been married nearly 50 years, but like somebody else said, i can't believe they have disposed of it now, seems a shame.

    Ooh exciting re Glastonbury. xxxxxx

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  11. I love everything in this post but you know the kitten greeting card steals my heart the most! What wonderful friends you have. It must give them a thrill to see you wearing the gifts they send.

    Wishing you a great weekend.

    ps. I've just spent an hour looking for a vintage beaded bag that I know is somewhere, but where? I do not know. Good that you found yours.

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  12. ok I want to get married NOW, looks like I might have to lose some weight first. That's how lovely the dress is. So much to love here - what's going on behind the LP? (which I also love) - looks like some kind of demonic decoupage! The two piece in white and silver is just stunning. Those platforms and all those gloves you found are beautiful. I've got a Paragon brolly too, that's a lovely one. Apart from the camping you're the anti girl guide so it made me laugh to see you wear the t shirt, though it is very cool. The padded maxi is gorgeous too. It all is! I'm well jel! xxxxxxx

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  13. You look great, love the cheese cloth shirt. Have a very happy summer solstice x

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  14. Yeah you found the bag!!!!! I'm still sending you what I got you :) I rarely see you in white what a treat this is and loving the silver sparkle in the dress, I bet you are blindingly beautiful when the sun hits ya! Is it really only 4 days???? I wanna talk to you before you go, maybe Sunday if you have time and are around if not no worries. Another fabulous haul! Congrats on the new sewing machine my god you deserve it! I love that Jon was the one complaining about the old one, you just make due. That wedding dress is fairy tale pretty.

    IOVEANDMISSYOU!!!!!
    XXXXOOOO

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  15. Hi my dear-love love the Girl Guide tee and quilted maxi skirt, you look amazing!! Have a great weekend! Xxxx

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  16. Wow so much lovely stuff!

    Love the wedding dress its so beautiful. The sewing machine looks cool too and there was a pretty top in all your goodies I rather coveted too!

    Hope you mange to get yourself together for Glasto (you lucky thing) wow you do have some stuff to fit in only a few days!

    Have a great weekend!


    P x

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  17. Some fab finds there Vix. The brolly, gloves and Welsh tweed are quality. Love the groovy brocade platforms and all those things for a fiver..astounding!
    I wonder why the wedding dress got given away after all this time? Very sadly my mum died two months before their 50th anniversary, her wedding dress was long gone tho, she gave it to me to dress up in when I was a nipper.

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  18. Oh, I want a Barbie handbag and a girl guide teeshirt too. Love the brolly. We have an old one in our charity shop. I'll have to read the label now! xxx

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  19. Go, girl, go!
    Love from Mum
    xx

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  20. Beautiful wedding dress!
    Liz @ Shortbread & Ginger

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  21. dearest vix,

    i love all your loot. you are one lucky lady. btw, i love your country also. i had so much fun and the gardens your people have created are beyond words. have fun at glastonbury. so jealous. xo

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  22. I love that you are going to make Barbie carry your wine.......
    I agree with Miss Simmonds....you keep teasing with that screen....

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  23. That blind hem setting on your new machine looks pretty easy to figure out:It's color coded!

    twiddly the green knob so that the icon over the "E" in selector is at the black line

    the stitch length knob (red) is set between 1-3

    the stitch width knob(blue) is set between 3-5.

    Test on a scrape to see if it work and sew away!

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  24. Glorious packages of delight. You know I just love a maxi and quirky shirt combo. I'm desperately on the hunt to expand my wardrobe again for post baby. I'm exactly the same they're nice when they're tight.

    Yay on the new sewing machine but are you like me and just loath having to read instructions manuals. I find it so tideous.

    You certainly sound to have a busy time ahead ans then getting ready for the festival. I'm sure you'll pull it all together and have a most wonderful time. Enjoy yourself. X

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  25. I love it all! you look exquisite in the cocktail maxi - the wedding dress is divine - have fun at glasto, I will be watching it on tv as usual (yay me!)x

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  26. Yay Vix a new/old sewing machine.........what wonderful treasures will it be making??????
    Love the silver sparkles in your 70's outfit......the waistcoat is perfect.
    I am so in love with the wedding dress........I hope it gets to grace a beautiful bride again.
    Have fun packing for what will be the best fun EVER!!!!!
    Love V

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  27. Awesomeness, Vix! Where to start the love?

    Incredible, gifted dress from AZ and the quilted skirt is indeed an adorable if not useful piece. Can't believe you got all that cool, retro stuff for less than a fiver!

    I hear ya on buying something to resell that doesn't speak to you, but you were no doubt smart to pick up the vintage wedding dress. This morning I just picked up a couple of men's Reyn Spooner Hawaiian style shirts made up in prints featuring USC motifs in size gainormous. Can you say, "yawn"? BUT a similar team shirt last year and is was one of my better clothing sales of the year.

    Yippee! New sewing machine from a time when they were GOOD! You'll really enjoy the blind hem feature. It makes hemming curtains and the like a breeze! Like Thorne posted, your specialty stitches are color coded. If you can't figure the technique out on a scrap, I can send you how-to photos.

    Have a great weekend yourself.
    xxx

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  28. I knew that dress was made for your beautiful bod! Great idea making the Barbie case as a wine tote! Why didn't I think of that? Love all your cool thrifting finds. Good luck getting everything done this week. UK girl I'm loving everything about you!!! XXX

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  29. Posts like this just make me positively Emerald with Envy! How could you have possibly come away with all that fab stuff in that photo and change from a fiver???I can't wrap my head around that when just one of those things would be at least $5 at a thrift store here. Love your beaded two piece outfit and quilted skirt (excellent idea about it being a perfect sewing skirt) and congrats on the new sewing machine.

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  30. You look gorgeous! You have real talent for finding the best stuff! Love all your finds

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  31. A blind hem option!! O, what treat! Hope you can get that puppy working, it'll be amazing!
    SQUEE! Prcels of pure JOY and Delight! Such lovely treats from such lovely ladies! I have never seen a Barbie case like that, I would have been wildly coveting it too, as I was a huge Barbie fan (and I turned out ok)!
    I'm quietly squeeing over your scores, too (G is still snoozing) and rather fancying that wedding frock!!! WEIRDNESS! I do love all white though, weddings we both now can be rammed up the arse with the rough end of a pineapple!
    Crikey, you better get cracking on your Glasto prep,baby!! It's gonna be AWESOME!!
    Love Helga xxxXXXxxx

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  32. I love all of these photos! So great. x

    Melissa
    http://wildflwrchild.blogspot.com

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  33. What an amazing collection of finds - especially the sewing machine. I hope you manage the blind hem; it speeds things up so much but I'm not good at it. In my case, it's quicker to do it by hand than try to work out what to do.
    Amazing quilted skirt & I love the lurex two piece.
    Looking forward to seeing your patchwork skirt.xxx

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  34. What an amazing collection of finds - especially the sewing machine. I hope you manage the blind hem; it speeds things up so much but I'm not good at it. In my case, it's quicker to do it by hand than try to work out what to do.
    Amazing quilted skirt & I love the lurex two piece.
    Looking forward to seeing your patchwork skirt.xxx

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  35. Where do you find such amazing items. I love this white dress.

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  36. Excellent as usual. How smart of you to figure out that a wine bottle fits perfectly in a Barbie case! You're a genius at so many things!!

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  37. exquisite vintage garments looks fab on you!

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  38. That white and silver number is lovely on you. I love the idea of the padded maxi - so practical, warm and pretty. Lovely parcels of joy! Great shopping scores too especially the brocade platforms - they are extra gorgeous! I love that wedding dress. I must say I love weddings, I've never been tempted to have one myself but I love other peoples - everyone happy and decked out in their best frocks, free booze, free food, a few heart felt speeches and perhaps the odd inappropriate one and a bit of a tipsy boogie to finish off - what's not to like?! xxx

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  39. Excellent scavenging work as ever!

    I think the wedding dress will go like the absolute clappers, it seems like an Etsy number to me, for best returns. You can name your price for those vintage wedding frocks here in Australia, they are hard to come by.

    xx
    skye

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  40. I always love your posts - they always make me feel so happy! So much colour and groovy vintage things. Love that vintage wedding dress, I'm not much for weddings either but its beautiful!

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  41. Where are those weeping angels when I need them to emphasize how much I like your lurex TWO-piece? So many truly wonderful gifts. I love your new sewing machine.

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  42. Oh I love the outfit you are wearing - lurex is lovely. I am also really loving the wedding dress, and like you I am not into weddings but I love the history of this piece. The girl guide tee shirt with the quilted maxi is fabulous!!!! HOpe you have a great weekend xx

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  43. That lurex ensemble is so unique and it does indeed look ladylike with your frilly blouse. Very sweet kitten card!
    Aren't you clever using the quilted skirt as a pin cushion and knee protector. I never imagined that it would be needed in June but I'm learning that it can be cold here no matter what time of year.
    Gorgeous platforms and I love the cheesecloth blouse.
    Good luck with your new sewing machine and Glasto preparations.

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  44. What a marvelous week! I adore the Barbie case. And all the treasures. Hope the wedding dress finds a good home. xoxoxo

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  45. I have always wanted a Barbie carrying case. My cousin had one along with all the clothes she could cram in it. I admit to being a green eyed monster! Lot's to pack in till Glasto. Have fun.

    xo, Bonnie

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  46. You spread the love and the love comes back to you!
    The wedding dress and the Welsh Tapestry suit are my favorites. It's a good thing to know that the couple is still together and that this beautiful dress has lots of good loving to give up.

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  47. Gorgeous outfit yet again, I do love the beaded bag too. That wedding dress is so pretty, I'd love to see it in action as I'm sure it looks better on then off. The quilted maxi skirt suits you to a T. I hope you have a wonderful weekend & work out all of your wardrobe choices for Glasto! Xx

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  48. Lovely gifts! Not used to se you in that much White! But a beaty looks great in everything and a beaty you are!
    Xxx

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  49. Pansies all potted up for a good price!! I love instant gardens. Did you come down your stairs in the wedding dress to scare the bejezus out of your Jon!!

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  50. SO jealous of that brownies t-shirt!!!! I had one like that. (Of course I don't think I'd be able to squeeze my bazookas into it these days if I found it!)
    Great glasses case. You mentioned you'd never found one of those so yay!!!

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  51. It's quite a coincidence about your peacock bag - I had been looking for one for ages, then a couple of weeks ago I found the same one for $5 at a fair, turned around to the next stall and they had a different one (not quite as nice), then went to an op shop and they had one too. I showed a lot of restraint by only buying one!

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  52. Hello my lovely,
    Haven't been here for awhile, but I see you've been busy shopping;-)
    Adore the sewing machine especially.xx

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  53. The dress you are wearing is so great that even if I adore you I can't help but be a little jealous!!!You are such a vision with the candy coloured accessories that I want to scream like a Keith Richard's groupie!!I like all the finds too, especially the velour leotard and the Indian poncho!The presents are lovely and I always dreamed to own a Barbie case too!!
    Have a wonderful weekend
    Love xxxxxxxxxxxx

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  54. Hey Vix, I've got serious cushion envy. Really love the 60s pattern, plus the glasses case is very cute too. I like the way you've put the brownies t-shirt with the skirt, v stylish. Hope you have a brilliant time at Glasters! Sam xx

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  55. I love the Girl Guide t-shirt - fond memories of my three years in the GGs.
    I love the white top in the last picture, very elegant.
    Good Luck with the packing.

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  56. Hey there Vix,
    Here I am at comment millionty-eleven again, but I thought you might like to know that I mentioned you & your blog on a very short list of blogs that I find inspiring!
    You and your navvy hands rock. Whatever a navvy is :-)
    ~Dina

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  57. That first outfit is gorgeous I love it esp those platforms. You look mega brown too like you have been to the caribbean x

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  58. Those gloves are fabulous and I adore the umbrella. (It's dual purpose as you could use it as a weapon. ;) *hehehe*)
    OHHHH a vintage sewing machine. I hope it works fantastically.

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  59. Fabulous parcels and gorgeous finds...I had a Guide t shirt like that back in the day . Yours goes a treat with that skirt.
    I have a Barbie case too, but mine is for creepy dolls!
    Ooooh gorgeous gloves. I have the hands of a small child so I can get vintage gloves on....mouth like a navvy instead!!
    Have a terrific weekend.
    Loves ya.
    xxxxxxxx

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  60. How cool is that? A skirt and sewing accessory in one!

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  61. The detail on the front of the blouse portion of your ruffled nylon and lurex embellished 1970s two piece cocktail dress looks especially gorgeous. Best of luck learning your new sewing machine. You accomplished wonders with your old one. Have a lovely time in Glasto.

    http://www.full-brief-panties.blogspot.com/

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  62. Such fantastic pieces. While I do feel about weddings like you do THIS dress is just divine - I can see it living it up at a photo shoot (for example :)... xo

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  63. It sounds like you have a hectic few days coming up, but it will all be worth it when you get to Glasto. The sewing machine looks fab, and I love the Indian cheesecloth kaftan too, 20p? What a bargain. Xx

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  64. Make wallpapers with Pictures of you and sell them expensive!

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  65. There is so much to love in this post! My favourite parts are the rings, your quilted maxi, your bargain acquisitions, the tee-shirt, the beaded bag basically everything...So much LOVE for you Vix xxx

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  66. The cat card is so cute. Reminds me of the tattoo I have on my leg. It's based on those kitsch type cards. x

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  67. Hope you are now getting ready for Glasto! Those vintage dresses are lush and that wedding dress would be gorgeous for a wedding even 60 years later xx

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  68. Oh bugger, I am so behind on commenting, and trying desperately to catch up!
    You look beautiful in that white lurex two piece, very elegant and ladylike (apart from your navvy-esque hands, obviously!) What a lovely parcel of gifts. I like the idea of a Barbie bag for your wine - pissed Barbie!
    Love the quilted skirt from Jo, so cleverly multifunctional. And with a Girl Guide t-shirt - that's inspired!
    Great car booty, love that kaftan top and the umbrella. The wedding dress is rather a beauty, and hope the new-old sewing machine becomes your new best friend.
    Nearly time for Glastonbury.... Squeeeeee! xxxxx

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  69. Some amazing finds Vix. How ever do you do it?!

    X x

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  70. OMG that lurex two peice is just divine!!!

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  71. That wedding dress is a beauty! I found a short sixties one once but unfortunately no longer fit into it. The umbrealla is gorgeous too, it's such a shame they don't make them like that these days xxx

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  72. Oh god the white two-peice is utterly amazing and you look so healthy and tanned!! I'm amazed the sewing machine still has its instruction manual - don't you love it when you find such a treasure with all its bits and bobs intact? I love the Steed brolly-brand find and those golden fabric mules, the Girl Guide tshirt and your new padded maxi - brilliant for the cold and as a pin cushion;) xoxo

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  73. Lovely stuff. You look fantastic in this - love the lurex skirt, particularly!

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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