Bloody hell, where have the last seven days gone?
Last Thursday we headed off to the Upton Festival for the Bank Holiday weekend, experienced almost every type of weather known to man, met Pat Sharpe, watched (and danced to) the most bizarre line-up from Chesney Hawkes, The Wurzels, Toyah Willcox, Neville Staple, Bucks Fizz and Bad Manners and flogged vintage clothes galore to some fantastic people including the lead singer of the Brotherhood Of Man and her mad mates.
There's very few photos 'cos we were hard at it from 10am to well after midnight each night, not just trading but because we were on wee watch. Camping in the main arena meant poor old Gilbert was a prime target for surreptitious pissing. Our stall was a draw for vintage clothes, impromptu hairdressing (mostly for the under 10's who all wanted twin buns like mine) and drunken chats with revellers who seemed to find us fascinating.
So we can go out and play this Friday night we decided to get everything sorted for Saturday's Antiques & Collectors fair once we'd got home on Monday evening.
 |
| This is how the dining room (aka the room of doom) looks right now. That sunflower & stripe 1950s Horrockses blouse is a beauty, isn't it? |
After taming our tremendously overgrown garden, tending to a starving stray cat who turned up on the doorstep (I'm going to adopt him if he comes back) and catching up with 96 unread blog posts, yesterday afternoon and today were spent putting up trestle tables, sorting through bags of donations and helping to get everything ready for the monthly jumble sale.
Not all work though, we managed to find ourselves some groovy vintage bits and pieces whilst we were at it.
There's more but it's either in the washing machine or hanging up outside. (Poor bugger, it's been on constantly since we got back, all my unsold stock gets rewashed after a festival.)
Here's some household bits I'm keeping - Foreign-made pink china poodles, a plant stand in dire need of a makeover, a pretty vintage towel, a 1950s bevelled mirror, a vinyl pouffe and two pairs of groovy 1970s curtains.
 |
| Carol Classics of New Zealand maxi (Courtesy of the fabulous Op Shop Mama), Yellow corsage (99p, Scope) |
This morning was the first time in 13 days I've managed to squeeze in an exercise session, for underachievers we seem to be working rather too hard!
No rest for the wicked though, it's the actual jumble sale tomorrow and Joan's put up her prices - 70p for a dress, 40p for a top, 50p for trousers and £1 for a pair of curtains. I predict a riot or at least a stack of abuse from the disgruntled Black Country Grannies!
Thanks for the amazing feedback on my last post. I hope I've managed to visit anyone who was kind enough to leave a comment.
See you soon.
Oh wow, you guys have certainly been busy, no underachievers at your gaff! Sounds like you had a wonderful time at the festival - you always attract the characters! I definitely predict a riot at the jumble - there's grumbling at my local ones if anythings' over 30p! Great finds - will the curtains be couture?
ReplyDeleteWow!! I'm missing you guys it seems ages. As a rule next year we are planning festivals and the great outdoors, I've got to say Vix you inspire and thank you for being my fabulousooo friend. Glad you had a great time xxx
ReplyDeleteYou've been busy Kinky Melonizing the festival goers of Britain!! It's awesome you do so well!!
ReplyDeletelove the brown maxi--just gorgeous!!
i'm anxious to see what you make out of the curtains you just got. cuz you KNOW there is some curtain couture coming!!
You are a busy woman! But you do what you love dont you?
ReplyDeletePoor Cat ...
Xxx
Holy shit, I'm exhausted from reading about your weekend! Everyone went away with a bit of Kinky Melon. Pissing on Gilbert am I hearing you right?!?!? WTF?!?!? I can only imagine the constant stream of people just wanting to hang around you and Jon! It sounds like you sold lots too and that is really awesome, look out India! You two are pretty friggin fabulous, I mean we all know it ;) I can't wait to hear about it soon, you two and becoming vintage royalty!
ReplyDeleteThis dress has the most beautiful print on it and fits you perfectly, for a gal who has not worked out in 13 days you look HOT!!! Life is your work out sometimes!
LoveYOU and speak soon!
XXXXO
You are a legend Vix! All that sorting, selling, washing and exercise too, don't know how you have the energy to go out and party too. Glad you nabbed yourselves some bargains too and more tomorrow no doubt. I'll always take a 70p dress off Joan if she's having trouble shifting them at that price. I saw a 60's shift yesterday for a staggering £45! Btw you look hot in that gorgeous frock. x
ReplyDeleteThat jumble is so up my alley. I found charity shopr veery expensive in some places.
ReplyDeleteI love your new hair, and lovely yellow dress, Vix how Amy Winehouse of you.
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
Look at you looking blimmin' scrumptious in that frock which looks made to measure. I think you might need to post your exercise regime so we can all be hotties like you.
ReplyDeleteBrotherhood of Man. My sisters and I loved that song Angelo when we were kids. 'Long ago, high on a mountain in Mexico!' So poignant. Not surprised all the revellers were fascinated by you. Everyone is. Surely you know that by now? Have you forgotten The Triumph of Chesterfield?
I am mainly coveting that towel, and looking forward to seeing what the curtain is transformed into. Get tha sewing machine out lass! xxxxx
Goodness Vix, I need a lie down! you look gorgeous in your maxi, the back of the frock is amazing, so well made, I love the impromptu hairdressers and horrified over peeing on Gilbert, Joan needs to sort out our table/jumble sales by us x
ReplyDeleteWow you and Jon are amazing..........what a busy time.
ReplyDeleteOh oh I was so pleased you told us what the label was from the fantastic maxi Op-Shop Mama sent......I have had one the same...yay.....that doesn't happen very often........you look gorgeous in her.
Basil is growling at the thought of someone peeing on Gilbert his UK friend........bloody naughty........go peep on a late model BMW....not a funky VW camper.
I hope pussy-cat comes back.....he will be one lucky fur ball to have a great new home with you.
Sorry I missed your last post we are so busy with secret squirrel things.
Have fun at the Jumble Sale......watch the crabby Grannies.
Love V
It's fantastic hear that you had festival success. I hope poor Gilbert is feeling ok after bing violated ad used as a toilet stop.
ReplyDeleteThe dress is gorgeous on you, Op Shop Mama you did well.
I love your finds Vix, especially the curtains
Oh how I love reading your blog Vix, it always makes me smile and I am loving that dress you're wearing x
ReplyDeletehave fun with the grannies it always amazes me when they complain about the prices , I had some good buys from rushall , it was not to bad as there was not to many people there but I love there system , I think all jumbles should adopt it lol xxx
ReplyDeleteI can't believe someone would complain about paying 70p for a dress - I would obviously be a terrible Black County Granny! Your dress is lovely, as is your towering hair bun (I love that the little girls wanted "double-buns" like yours!).
ReplyDeleteYou two work so hard to keep everything running smoothly in the Kinky Melon booth; I hope it's been a profitable summer, as you've certainly hit up a ton of festivals.
Glad to hear you had such a wonderful weekend. I had no idea Brotherhood of Man were still doing the rounds! Love The Wurzels (well I would, coming from Brizzle - that's Bristol for them wot's not from these 'yer parts!!) I remember them when they were 'Adge Cutler and The Wurzels' - my uncle had several of their LPs, which, as a small child, I thought was very sophisticated!!
ReplyDeleteLoooove that towel you got today, and I can see those amazing curtains being sewn up into some thing fabulous in the curtain couture range by you sometime very soon.
You and Jon ARE fascinating, luv!
ReplyDeletexxx
The dress looks even more beautiful on, than hanging on the wall! So lovely. I want one! Good luck with the marauding grannies! xxx
ReplyDeleteChortle chortle, Bucks Fizz!!! Ooo, how's Toyah looking these days?!
ReplyDeleteIt all sounds rather gloriarse, despite being busy as all hell!
You ARE fascinating, angelcakes, of COURSE the drunken revellers want to bask in your aura!!!
You look mega foxy in that frock, haven't heard of that label before!! The browns and golds compliment your skin beautifully.
Most excellent scores! the green gloves are very appealing, and I'm always on the lookout for a plant stand like that!I reckon you'll Vixify that splendidly!
Ah, the comedown after such a mad time will be hellish, but you've got the jumble to get through yet!!! Joan is gutsy upping the prices like that, there may be tears before bedtime!
Love Helga xxxXXXxxx
Oh it's great to be back and getting my Vix fix! But now I need a nap after reading/ seeing all you've been up to. And looking scrumptious in every maxi you put on too.
ReplyDeleteFirstly you look lovely in your dress, secondly I hope the stray comes back and you can adopt her, thirdly you seem to be working so hard, I hope you have found time to have fun. Well done with the kinky melon stall, and poor Gilbert, you should make him a sign...my name is Gilbert , I'm not a toilet, so if you want a wee, please feel free, to pee on anywhere else but me!......sorry for the bad rhyming we have just sat out by the lorry campfire having a BBQ and wine. ..perhaps too much wine lol!
ReplyDeleteI like the selling and buying of all these wonderful treasures!! looks like you have had another really great summer!! enjoy the rest of it xoxo Heather
ReplyDeletep.s. gorgeous dress!!
Que bonito vestido!!!
ReplyDeleteBesos
http://judithbysucre.blogspot.com.es
I've certainly missed your blog posts, so it's good too see you back and looking as glamorous as ever. Is Upton a jazz festival, or is that something else? Xx
ReplyDeleteWelcome home, darling, I sure have missed you!
ReplyDeleteBloody hell, hanging out with The Brotherhood of Man and Pat Sharpe, and grooving to The Wurzels? How bonkers is that? Sounds like a hilarious 1970-80s line-up, I would have loved it! Wee Watch? Bloody hell, cheeky bastards, go and piss elsewhere.
Your stall always looks fabulous, as do you, both double-bunning and with just the one! What a great dress from Linda, it fits perfectly.
Fab pre-jumble finds, the prices are still pretty good but I'm sure there will be complaints... You know those grannies. Can't wait to see you rocking those hot pants and working your magic on the plant stand.
You're right, you are the hardest working under-achiever in show business. And I bloody love ya! xxxxxx
You sound so super busy but it all sounds like bundles of fun too.
ReplyDeleteI sooooo wish I could scour through your amazing booth. SO SO SO many treasures to be found.
You and Jon both look Fab!
Bucks Fizz?? There was a life after Eurovision for them? haha You look smashing in the dress - i really want to make a maxi dress, and name it after you, but ive got to find the right fabric....
ReplyDeleteAnd how naughty are those people for piddling on Gilbert! next time you'll need to set up some kind of splash mechanism so it flicks back onto their shoes! haha!
Excellent! I did think it was a mental line up when I had a look. You have been packing it in, love. Makes me knackered just reading it.
ReplyDeleteNaughty buggers for pissing up against Gilbert...honestly, some people.
And yes that Horrockses blouse is a beauty. So are you.
Loves ya.
xxxxxxxx
Fancy peeing on poor old Gilbert! Cheeky gits!
ReplyDeleteSounds like its been crazy busy.
x x
Oh god, weeing behind van, that probably would have been me back in my festival going days!
ReplyDeleteI feel tired just reading an account of your pace of life! How do you do it?! I would love to have a fraction of your energy and motivation. I know what you mean about unread blog posts, I have countless. I really like the way you've got your hair in these pics. That high bun makes you look like a sultry 70s Spanish señorita (how's that for alliteration) xxx
ReplyDeleteGlad to see you are still living the life.
ReplyDeleteMarvelous travelogue! I love the pics of you and Jon. You work your ass off as an "under-achiever!" : >
ReplyDeleteYou look gorgeous - I do love that dress!
ReplyDeleteGood luck at the jumble sale tomorrow.
Hopefully you'll get to put your feet up soon : )
Good to know you've imparted your fabulous sense of style to the pre-teen population too!
ReplyDeleteYou and Jon have the stamina of oxen on steroids. Those are some long selling days. The only reason I knew the label Colin Glascoe was from our shopping expedition!
ReplyDeleteThat's a great red dog-ear collar blouse and the knit (?) bag with flowers looks interesting. A girl can never have too many gloves (I wear through at least one pair each autumn).
I adore the vinyl pouffe and those groovy curtains.
Oh my goodness ... it's beyond me how you can look so calm, cool and collected with so much going on! It all sounds like a dream job come true, albeit a lot or work at time.
ReplyDeleteI love the colour combo of the brown and gold dress on you. xo
OMG I can't believe how good that dress looks on you! Looks made to measure!
ReplyDeleteAlso: vinyl pouffe, towel, curtains, mirror = AWESOME!
Def doing a lot of achieving - the kind of achieving I like! x
Ooooh I love your hair like this. With either twin buns or the one bun on top.
ReplyDeleteYour New Zealand maxi is a beauty; I love the colors on you, with the stunning hair. With all that you are selling, you should be traveling soon!
ReplyDeleteI will think of you tomorrow as I set up shop in a hair salon, per request. You have been an inspiration!
Argh I wish you could style my hair in double buns! I find them impossible to get even! Also on the off chance that that sunflower dress is a size medium (almost 0% chance), would you consider selling it to me? xx
ReplyDeleteUnderachievers! Ha ha! You have obviously put a lot of effort into having the very best retro boutique in the Northern Hemisphere! I imagine there may be some stiff competition down under, though, based on what Helga, Sarah, and Desiree seem to find.
ReplyDelete... and yet so stylish. Love to see your finds on image maps. The pink shirt appears to be very huge. Is it?
ReplyDeleteUnderachiever my ass (and its quite sizable!) Sounds like you guys achieve quite a lot, I'm tired just reading it all! But then again when you do what you love it doesn't seem like work. You look kickass for not working out for nearly two weeks, but I have a feeling you don't really need to work out except for the health benefits for your hip... you seem to me one of those naturally limber in shape Sagittarians, like I used to be (I'm getting better & still quite limber in spite of my back injury!) Love all the goodies, I think you will have to make a list of people in your will for certain collections! Hope I can swing seeing you as I arrive in less than 2.5 weeks EEP! Not ready! But very excited! XXX
ReplyDeleteIt seems like life has been a whirl of busy for you guys. I bet you can't wait to let off some steam at the weekend!
ReplyDeleteHad to laugh at the wee watch maybe you can spray some of that stuff you use to put off dogs? it might work! lol.
Hope you don't get to much grief from them feisty old gals.
P x
dear lady, your twin buns rock!, and it seems that you have had a fabulous festival time, enjoying music and a lot of funny people!, your vintage boutique looks delightful!
ReplyDeleteMaxi dresses look fabulous on you!!, gorgeous!!
besos
You are a busy bunny!! Looks fun though. And definitely a very bizarre line up.
ReplyDeleteLove the vinyl pouffe!!
xx
Sounds like you had such a good time! It's incredible the people we meet when we're open to it (and don't look like every person around Oxford Circus)! I recently met a man called Joseph who built a house in the middle of some vegetation in Hackney "because Africa's too far". He's such a funny and interesting man!
ReplyDeleteI love your poodles, they remind me of my great-auntie's house! xxx
it has been so long since i visited your blog..the feed got missing from bloglovin! and i missed your so much!
ReplyDeletelove the hair and make-up!!
wonderful items, you are always doing such fun stuff
ReplyDeleteI really missed you!!!I'm glad to follow your fabulous boutique on the road and your great finds through your blog! So glad to see this post, you look so divine in that maxi that even if I don't like brown, it suddenly looks so appealing to me!! The print is gorgeous!!The weather was crazy here too!!! I love everything you bought, the poodles are wonderful and the pink checked jacket is awesome too!!
ReplyDeleteAll my love xxxxxx
The weather was horrendous on Saturday wasn't it, I got soaked just trying to get over to East London! I think I'm going to have to make a trip up to visit you at your next fair - your stock always looks great! x
ReplyDeleteI love how busy you are doing something you love :)
ReplyDeleteVix, those pink china poodles so bring back memories of my aunt who had many cabinets full of them. When I saw the poodles I actually smelled her house in my mind. That was 38 years ago too. You look beautiful in that brown dress and I dig your bun. xo
ReplyDeleteget a job, you lazy hippies! HAHAHA
ReplyDeleteWorking way too hard my dear!
ReplyDeleteLike you say for an underachiever
BTW i completly support you, even tough i forgot to leave a comment
It's important you stay true to yourself, like me, i completly stay true to myself, vive la difference!
You still looking fabulous!!
I'm completly in love with the
pink poodle family - such a rare find in such good condition!
Take care
Ariane xo
Sweetheart you look so amazing with your hair luck that, a stunning latin lovely. That first shot is one of my favourite ever photos of you, breath takingly beautiful in that gorgeous dress! You're really something to be able to work so hard all day and still look so incredible. Hope you sold lots and lots!
ReplyDeleteAmazing! I'm exhausted as well reading about your adventures, but it sounds like you had a great time!
ReplyDeleteGreat clothes and dress you are wearing. Love the oranges and yellows!
looks fabulous! We were at an Air show all wkend it was great, rained a bit on Sat but still great fun!
ReplyDeleteblimey, that 70s tastic brown and yellow dress looks gorgeous with your endless tan. oooh you found some great stuff, I love the poodles, that beaded bag (been eyeing one similar in Counter Culture)and I always love an old pouffe. That little checked jacket is very sweet too. Another successful festival, not sure Gilbert had as good a time as you. It sounds like a laugh though. And almost ready to do it all again, for one day. xxxxx
ReplyDeleteyou've been so busy! In fact you've probably burned more calories than a workout each day ;) x
ReplyDeleteSuper snazzy. I am loving it here.
ReplyDeletethat dress looks so tasty on you! AND I need those green gloves with the gathered wrists. I NEEEEEED them!!!!
ReplyDeleteWow - I would LOVE to check out all your vintage wares, looks amazing. Rich and I are talking about a trip to the UK next year - hopefully it coincides with at least one festival. You look stunning in that frock - how fabulous its from nz :)
ReplyDeleteI'm still trying to catch up from the holiday weekend, but you look like you had more fun! Gosh, you're quite the busy woman and so fab and marvellous through it all. Yes, adopt the cat as well! :-) Happy (restful) weekend! xx
ReplyDeleteHehe, so the jumble sale prices have gone up-it's amazing how regulars notice this but in the great scheme of it they miss the point they are still getting awesome bargains!! Sounds like you've had an awesome week, well done and I'm really loving the brown floral maxi on you-it's very flattering and pretty. Have a good weekend xxx
ReplyDeletewe should never forget: selling vintage means hard work!
ReplyDeletegood luck on the antique fair!
... love the green gloves. need to find some as well.
Good luck with those Granny's (though I'm sure you'll triumph with a bag of bargains again!)
ReplyDeleteYou look STUNNING in that brown and gold maxi! Love the floral print - don't often see you in rich chocolate brown but the shade does look fab on you.
I love that dress! The print is amazing and the colors are so pretty. Hope you're keeping that one! A whirlwind indeed. I guess when it's something you love it doesn't seem like work as much. Have a great weekend. :-)
ReplyDeleteThat festival sounds like my hubby's idea of heaven Vix, I can just imagine him getting down with the Wurzels and Bad Manners. It sounds l ike you and Jon had a great time too, I love the idea of you having to be an impromptu hairdresser for ten year old Vix wannabees. Shame on anyone wanting to wee on Gilbert though! xx
ReplyDeleteLooking fantastic as ever, Vix! Love your hair like that!
ReplyDeleteThose pink poodles are wonderful too! it looks like you and Jon had a great time at the festival! xxxxx
Looking fabulous as always. Glad you're living it up!
ReplyDeleteI love your blog!
ReplyDeleteAlso if you've still got that horrockses blouse for sale, let me know!
Fay x
Hi!
ReplyDeleteI love your blog!
If you still have that horrockses blouse for sale- let me know! ;)
Shugirl@rock.com
Fay x
Urgh - people peeing on Gilbert?! How grim.
ReplyDeleteWhat a great line-up though, a lot of 1970s/8os reminiscing there!
Good luck at the jumble tomorrow! xxx
Goodness me, Gilbert being wee-d on? Some people have no manners. I wish I could have met or seen Pat Sharpe and Chesney Hawes - although, I would probably be the tongue-tied one at the back...
ReplyDeleteI noted your double buns, but was actually coveting the tan boots peeping out! And that poodle china, I am in heaven! Xx
Wow, you have been busy! Bucks Fizz....ah the memories, oh and Brotherhood of Man, Toyah Wilcox, I am swooning with envy. How dare anyone wee near Gilbert - but it sounds like your stall was a magnet for all things interesting. I have just been catching up on your posts and the previous one, on underachieving is just awesome! Being marooned on a desert island sounds like something to enjoy :-)
ReplyDeleteOooh you are bloody GORGEOUS in that beautiful NZ maxi! LOVE the twin buns (I NEED SOME) and I hope you have grand plans for some new curtain couture with those fab bright 70s curtains!
ReplyDeleteWhy do people wee on your car?!!
Love you more than jumbo sales!
Sarah xxx