Wednesday 31 July 2013

The Long And The Short Of It



Maxi may have been my trademark length for the past 20 years but when it's raining there's nothing worse than a sodden skirt flapping around your ankles. On Saturday I left the camp site in glorious sunshine resplendent in a floor grazing outfit only for the heavens to open hours later ending in an undignified dash back with a Tesco carrier bag on my head, my chappals oozing with mud and a wringing wet skirt tucked in my knickers - classy. A couple of people stopped me to say that only I could carry off a look like that and still look cool but I wasn't entirely convinced.


The last couple of days I haven't taken any chances, it's mini length and boots all the way. I made this psychedelic playsuit for Glasto but never photographed myself wearing it. The vintage fabric was a present from sexalicious Helga and the 1967 pattern came from the super-talented Pao.


After two days of chazzing for England Kinky Melon's stock levels are well and truly boosted - the washing machine's on the third load and the ironing pile is truly terrifying. 

Needless to say I couldn't resist snapping up a few bits for myself. Here's what I'm keeping:


It was 5 books for £1 at Forces Support. I think my literary twin must have donated the contents of their bookshelf as I'd already read 75% of the stock.


A 1960s Janice Wainwright for Simon Massey maxi (£12), a 1970s lurex unsigned midi dress in need of some new elastic in the cuff seams (£3.45), a felt hat stuffed with an Express newspaper from 1975 (£1.50) and a gorgeous 1960s vinyl bag with a very Indian looking lurex trim (£1).


At 3 for £1 it would have been madness not to snaffle some vintage vinyl.


Although Steve Hillage isn't everyone's cup of tea.




More freaky kids for the Wall Of Misery, a snip at 50p each.


Not too much for me - I'm saving my pennies for Jon's birthday next week and an exciting day out with some dear friends at the weekend.

Me-made playsuit & vinyl bag worn with 1960s suede jerkin (£1, car boot sale), stack heeled River Island boots (£2, Salvation Army) and a stack of silver jewellery (mostly from India)
If the BBC weatherman is telling the truth it looks like the sun makes a welcome return tomorrow, car boot sale and halter neck maxis at dawn (I hope)!

See you soon.

PS Updated to link to Spy Girl's 70s Flashback - even though I'm wearing 1960s gear my heart belongs to the 70s!  

68 comments:

  1. That catsuit is to die for, especially with you in it! Of course you always find the bestest stuff! (; XXX PS I love your hair like this!

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  2. What amazing keepers in your charity shop haul. I'd be happy with any single one of them. Can't wait to see that red and purple dress on you and I love the puffy sleeves on the lurex one.
    I feel your pain about soaking wet maxis. I got caught in a couple rain storms recently and had to wring out my skirt before entering my apartment building.

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  3. oh! i can just imagine the wet maxi, not funny stuff but i'm sure you looked super cool!
    Nice loot you got there as usual, if found awesome vintage lately too
    I love that green vinyl straight from the 80s!

    I love your princess Lea's hair, you only could wear this, in fact you can wear pretty well anything

    Ariane xxx

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  4. Oh such a'to die for' catsuit!!! Love love .....
    Xxx

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  5. a magnificent playsuit! I love it, your hair reminds me of lena lovich (so fab!)the lurex is yum too, I love a good haul especially LP's - I am finding some of the most randomly perfect ones at the moment x

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  6. OMG I wanna squeeze you so hard right now! I love your pom pom hair GIRL!!!! This romper is all my favorite colors too and if I spotted it in your closet I'd have begged you to let me wear it. I love that you paired it with those sexy ass boots and your new killer bag. You are keeping that right! You really scored as you have the best eye for stuff I adore the purple and red maxi and the lurex is studio 54 ready!

    I hope we can have a chat if you are around tomorrow! Jon's birthday, how I wish Chris and I were there to help you and the gang celebrate!
    LOVE YOU!!
    XXXOOOO

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  7. Me encanta el chaleco!!
    Besos
    http://judithbysucre.blogspot.com.es

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  8. Really suits you, Vix;love!:-)

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  9. That lurex frock is GORGEOUS!!!!

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  10. Love the catsuit and jerkin - gorgeous! Must take a closer look at clothes in my local charity shop - usually I'm too busy looking at china!
    Liz @ Shortbread & Ginger

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  11. That catsuit looks like it was cage-dancing in white go-go boots on Shin-dig or Hulla-ba-loo!! I love it with the vest!!

    I am so jealous of all the fantastic stuff you find ---Our chazza's are a wasteland these days dull of walmart dreck.

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  12. Ah yes! When I was considering my outfit for today's 52 Pick-me-up intro, I kept thinking: "What would Vix wear?"
    I encourage you to post as often as you like this week! Sixties, seventies, it's all mellow, man...

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  13. Amazing mini, I can't wait to get my sewing machine and get back on my sewing! I love the maxi you're keeping, amazing colours! xxx

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  14. Me too I cant wait to get my sewing machine sorted out after the wedding , I want to make bespoke individual clothes too xxx

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  15. Love your hair doodles, we buy them all time at our local wig shops. It would have been rude to pass up green vinyl! I loved colored vinyl, it looks so freaking cool. I don't know who Janice Wainwright is but do know that red and purple should be worn together more often.

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  16. Superb look for rain and shine... Very jealous of your Janice Wainwright for Simon Massey dress. A gem! You know what I think of the creepy kids though... They should pay you for taking them off their hands! xo

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  17. Digging the Princess Leia top knots! Fabulous minidress Vix and what amazing legs you have! I love that silver lurex dress.

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  18. Oooh I dunno, gorgeous...I don't mind a bit of Steve Hillage. My mate's big brother used to play this LP all the time. Don't you love the Virgin label? I had a poster of it for years and my granny was convinced it was mucky in some way!
    Great haul...I would expect nothing less.
    The sun is coming back tomorrow and for the weekend.
    Oh and by the way...I CAN'T FECKING WAIT!!
    xxxxx

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  19. Your legs look super long in those boots! Have fun at the boot sale! xxx

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  20. Oooo you rock that look, love your hair!!
    Twiggy x

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  21. CUTE playsuit and a nice job on it as well! GROOVY fabric!
    Totally fun loot, too! I can't believe the incredible luck you have in finding boots!
    Happy ironing! ;)

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  22. I hope the sun comes back...

    Curtise has turned me onto maxidresses - I am converted, but the rain has Stopped Play, for the same reasons as you.

    The top book - The Reluctant Fundamentalist is so, so good. His new one was just as mindblowing too...

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  23. Ooh, a psychedelic Princess Leia look, how fabulous! Love your homemade playsuit, it looks just wonderful with a trusty jerkin and knee boots. It's a bugger knowing what to wear at the moment, I got utterly drenched to the skin just bringing the washing in out of a sudden downpour! You do paint a funny picture of yourself with your wet skirt in your knickers and a bag n your head - now THAT'S sexy, love!
    I knew it wouldn't take you long to restock, and you found some delicious things for yourself. Love the Janice Wainwright (I sold my JW maxi skirt, it was made for someone thinner and a foot taller than me, or with much higher heels) and the lurex frock is a beauty. Great bag too.How brilliant to find the 1975 Express still in the hat!
    Hope the weather does pick up, I've got used to the sunshine and am not liking this rain! xxxx

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  24. you find the most amazing things! the Janice Wainwright dress looks like it's right off some runway (can't wait to see it on you). Ahh, Richie Havens, how I love his stuff. And 5 books for a pound is irresistible. xoxo

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  25. I adore that playsuit! wow! that material.... you could be one of those saucy 6th formers from Carry On Camping. Really love that vinyl, they would go down well at Counter Culture. The new Big Eye additions to The Wall Of Misery are rather fantastic. Also love that bag!! and oooh that dress- wonderful colours!
    Model it soon! xxxx

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  26. I utterly adore that play suit and the print, the whole combination with boots is divine and I do always love when you wear your hair that funky way.

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  27. I agree with the people who told you that only YOU could carry off that look! Fabulous, as usual. Hey, I really liked that purple and red dress. Will you be modeling it soon? Please!

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  28. Just love, love, love that vest! And of course the bling... I surely have bangle-envy.

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  29. Your posts are always a great surprise, at first I was astonished by your amazing playsuit and hairstyle, those colours of Helga's fabric are fabulous and you are so beautiful in this mini outfit! Today's finds are epic too!! I love the maxi and the lurex dresses and the wonderful hat and bag!! The books were a good bargain, I'd love to Find more second hand books, but here is not so common to find good books, usually the best ones cost double the price.... And obviously I adore the latest big eyed kids for your beautiful personal gallery..i'd love to visit the wall of misery, it is second only to the Louvre for me!
    Lots of love xxxxxxxx

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  30. Love the mini n boots look on you!

    Those wall of misery kids are especially creepy. Even compared to other examples from the genre. Spooky!

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  31. your catsuit print is just fabulous, love your jerkin and booties and love insanely your hairstyle and glorious makeup!, you look gorgeous!! wish you lots of sunny days, dear lady!!
    besos

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  32. That playsuit is awesome! Urgh, wet maxis are horrid!! Good call on the mini!x

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  33. Fecking rock the hell ON! Nice job on that playsuit, it's awesomeTASTIC!! The fabric is so gorgeously lurid and suits being a playsuit SO well!!!
    Yeah, there's a lot to be said for not having fabric flapping about ones ankles, especially if it's wet! Cycling plays havoc with maxis too, which is why I don't wear them as often as I might like! This is such a super cute look!
    I'm rather besotted with the new maxi and the vinyl handbag! Not to mention the lurid lurex! Which reminds me, I have plans for that fab lurex number you sent me, must crack on with that!
    I do hope you get some more gloriarse sunshine, my lovely!
    Love Helga xxxXXXxxx

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  34. Loving the Bjork buns (I know about your aversion to Star Wars, so I won't pass on the little dude's comments about Princess Leia), and I'm a short skirt chick so that little playsuit is definitely my cup of tea too.

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  35. Tis true. We do not often see your beautiful legs but when we do it is a treat! Richie Havens. The spirit of Woodstock. I love your wall of misery. It is truly and perfectly upsetting.

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  36. I love the way you look just as at home in something short as you do in a maxi. And you have KILLER legs!!! I love the playsuit, the fabric is gorgeous. I hope the sun comes back with a vengeance! Xx

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  37. I love your paisley print playsuit! And green vinyl - classic! You look smashing in the short playsuit and boots.

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  38. You look great in a mini length! I love the shorts outfit. And what a great find those big eyed children pieces are.

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  39. that's a serious haul! Love your funky minidress x

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  40. Love your hairstyle here! You look as cool and sexy in this length as in maxi.

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  41. Those Golding prints sell for heaps over here!! I have a couple myself, they remind me of my childhood because I had a set on my bedroom wall. I hope your rainy weather doesn't stick around to long.

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  42. Woo hoo those legs baby!!! I've got to say I'm a favourite of the buns ;) your starting to turn me into psychedelic colours he he xxx

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  43. Your catsuit rocks and I love those hair bun thingees (I don't know what to call them). I bet you DID look fab running about in the rain - I shall have to check out Kinky Melons and see what treasures you have!

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  44. Ooh Vix, I like it! Are playsuits easy to make? Not that I'll ever get round to doing one - it took a week and much gnashing of teeth to finish a simple dress :(

    ps - how full is the Wall of Misery now?

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  45. The hairdo is pure perfection-I just LOVE your hair! :)

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  46. Is there any chance that you'll ever take order for clothes that you make? I for one would snap everything up xxx

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  47. You look insanely cool in this get up!! You really rock a maxi length but I love you in short outfits too, that playsuit is super cute!

    Great book haul too.

    Lx

    http://the-sportista.blogspot.co.uk/

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  48. Looking cool / hot! Love your hair! M x

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  49. I like the lurex dress, I have blouses similar, very itchy mind you xxx

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  50. WOW-Love the mini paysuit, so cute on you and divine fabric!! Dang that Summer rain, have to put up with it all year, hope it's back to maxi halter warmness soon...but at least you can wear your boots and put that outfit into over the top perfection!:) Bet ya turned every head on the street!

    And, you find the best stuff! Always loved colored vinyl records and those pictured one too. You are going to have a house full of those poor little children on your walls...but you are their best Auntie Mame for saving them!;) Loved the photo shoot when you had the young girls in front of them, such a fun contrast!:)

    And, of course, must add nice buns Hon!:)

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  51. Looking wonderful as always Vix! Love it all head to toe xx

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  52. Ooh, please let me know if you're ever selling that Janice Wainwright xxx

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  53. Two buns!! As soon as I saw that pic I thought Princess Leia. Curtise and I are playing snap this week. Although now I'm playing with you too. I tuck my skirt into my knickers. Usually at a wedding when I need to dance. Classy indeed. Good job it's never a repeat gig.

    You've done well on the shopping front. I never had any concerns, I mean this is you Vix! Queen of second hand shopping. That pile of books looks so tempting. I really enjoyed A suitable boy by Vikram Seth. Love the midi lurex dress too. Bet that looks great on.

    It's scorchio here, bet you are in seventh heaven! xxxx

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  54. The playsuit rocks with the boots and jerkin - love the fabric! You are one of the few women I know in her 40's who could wear braided hair buns and not look ridiculous (Krista and Sarah could probably get away with it too). I've realized I'll never be a maxi-dress convert because when I do wear a long skirt, I'm always stepping it when I get on the bus and getting it caught in chair legs at work and ripping the hem. Yay for short skirts!

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  55. Oh Vix the play-suit is fabulous.......wow you do look great in them. Now a play-suit is short and jump-suit long??????? That's how I always thought it went.
    We saw a print today in Sallies...........I pulled Warren over and we together said 'Vix' it was a child of Misery.....tee hee.
    How exciting a new load of treasure for market.......yes I very much remember the washing machine on 24/7 and a ironing pile.....that was known as the 'mountain'....eeekkk.
    Have a truly wonderful weekend.love V

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  56. Love the suede jerkin!

    PS I LOVED 'The outcast' - it was one of those finish-at-3am jobs. brilliant book.

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  57. oh, I love the keeping bits, and vintage vinyl especially. You look fab and ADORE the hair! :-) Happy weekend. x /Madison

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  58. Boots-perfection! Leg-perfection! Lurex-perfection! Woman-perfection! Are you for sale?

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  59. Wowzers look at those incredible brown pins of yours, shown off to perfection dear Vix in your funky playsuit. Can I also say how much I adore your hair like that, you look amazing!

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  60. You make me wish I had long hair. Your double knobs are fantastic! And no one rocks a '60s mini like you do. I agree, a wet maxi takes some of the joy out of the experience.

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  61. OMG amazing boots...love them x

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  62. The green vinyl is incredible and Richie Heavens is a plus any time!
    The Wainwright dress color combination are right out of my alley.

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  63. You can't beat a bit of Steve Hillage for chilling out to xxx

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  64. ooo viX went to listen to steve's music and i can't wait to give a listen to my husband jeremy, being a prog musician!
    are those buns your own hair?
    love you as always xoxoxox

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Lots of love, Vix