Sunday 1 September 2013

Grown-up Style? Are You Having A Laugh?


Each time I hear those words I die a little inside.

Me in 1978 dressing up in my Great-Grandma's wedding dress
As kids we stomp around the house in our mothers' heels, fantasise about becoming a grown-up & owning a wardrobe crammed with jewel-coloured evening dresses we'd wear every day. We dream about having Rapunzel-length hair, swooshing around in floor-length capes and wearing rings on every finger. We raid our Mum's dressing tables, daub our cheeks with circles of blusher, apply shimmery blue eye shadow and coral lipstick and feel beautiful. We aspire to look like our dolls or the fairies and mermaids illustrating our story books.   

35 years later - same garden, same gazebo, same woman!
So we grow up and what happens? We lose our way, forget our dreams and follow the advice trotted out in magazines, by "style experts" and fashion bloggers.


We play it safe, keep it simple, embrace capsule wardrobes and minimalism. We belittle women with look-at-me clothing, vivid make-up and impossibly high heels (when secretly we envy them). We think pared-down style is the key to sartorial success - maybe a hint of leopard print or the faint glimmer of a sparkle at the earlobe, when in reality, unless we have the looks of a film star, we simply get overlooked.

Yesterday I was inspired by a BBC4 documentary on flamenco and a picture of Sharmila Tagore. The dress was from Liz's blog sale, I hacked the sleeves with the nail scissors before I left the house.

Why does grown-up style have to be such a joyless experience? 


Capsule wardrobes, restraint and minimalism be damned. My second-hand wardrobe is crammed full with endless possibilities. Shall I be 1960s Cher ? Helen in DonFrida Kahlo does Glasto?

Lulu the mannequin (Out There Interiors) wearing a 1930s satin & marabou bed jacket (my last car boot sale, 3 weeks ago) 1960s felted wool hat (Charity shopped in 2011) and a necklace hand-made by the beautiful Edie Pop
I don't want fuss-free dressing, I want to take my time, dance around the bedroom in my knickers and try on a hundred dresses before leaving the house. I want to paint my face in the colours of the rainbow. I want to go to work dressed like a Flamenco dancer and do my shopping in a ball gown. I want to wear chandelier earrings, a statement necklace, bangles up to my elbows and rings on all of my fingers and toes.


I might be grown-up but I haven't given up.

Frida necklace by the awesome Tamera.

People will judge you regardless of the cut of your clothes or the subtlety of your eye shadow so why not forget about toning it down and live it up instead? Yes, you'll be looked at but hell, at least you won't be forgotten.

See you soon.

Linking to the always inspirational Judith and this month's Hat Attack

93 comments:

  1. This comment has been removed by the author.

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  2. Vix, I couldn't agree with you more whole-heartedly! I've recently realised that I am meant to be a grown-up by now but since I don't feel any different than I did when I was younger, I feel even more conviction to wear what I want and when I want and - as always - your blog has spurred me on! Hurrah for "inappropriate" clothing!

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  3. Could I make this two for two and be the first commenting on your post and Helga's this morning.?

    I couldn't agree more with this post. I love your outlook on fashion, style and beauty. I have only ever dreamed to be me. When people ask who in the world would you most like to be. The answer has always been me. I mightlust over others wardrobes such as yours and dream of reaching those busting at the seams heights and options to choose from. But I know that vintage and thrift take time to come by, time I'm willing to take and endure to be me, and have pieces that truly make me happy.

    I just love the now and then pictures of you in the garden. You're just beautiful Vix and a complete inspiration. Big love to you.

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  4. Damn not first but close. Have a wonderful day. X

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  5. you always look fantastic , you are an icon for woman who want to create there own style , I have never followed fashion always liked to wear what I like , I cant wait to have my sewing machine back from repair to create my own style like you as you have inspired me to do so, Eileen xxx

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  6. Thank you lord for giving us such briliant women like Vix !
    And thank you Vix for spelling it out for us !
    Love you and i´l try to be true to my self and not to the glossy fashion mags .
    xxx

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  7. Spot on as ever! I've been a bit lazy recently about my outfits but as usual, you've inspired me to snap out of it. I couldn't agree more with everything you said.

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  8. Ain't that the truth?! Couldn't agree with you more and I actually get a bit pissed off with people making comments at sisters who dress it up...but then I pity them for they are in griege fleece. Life is so short, there has to be some colour and sparkle and flamboyance. Love you.xxxx

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  9. But I want to have a grown up style if it means green eyeshadow, pink lips, a bun on your head, colorful dresses etc.

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  10. Oh dear.. dear Vix.. you are not only a woman after my own heart... but one who's style and vibrant lifestyle I have admired for years.

    You have written so eloquently what I am beginning to believe... a little more every day.

    "forget about toning it down and live it up instead"... wise, wise words.. I will store in my heart.

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  11. Oh my goodness, this is the first time I've been able to leave a comment without 60 odd commenters getting in there first! I really enjoy your blog and your style Vix, I find it very life-enhancing and inspiring & it always gives me a lift every time you post. But must confess you are a bad influence as you make me want to spend spend spend (charity shopping) and I have extreme jumble envy of your amazing finds, (prices for authentic vintage get whacked way up insanely high here in London.)

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  12. Amen to every thought!
    Thank you for being a shining star in this weird world of suffocating minimalism.
    I have discovered your blog fairly recently and have been reading archived posts and can't get enough!! Loved every single post!
    LOVE LOVE LOVE!!! You are the BEST!

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  13. Brava! I totally agree. Sometimes people at work say things like ' why bother dressing up, to go to the office'? Well, if we don't dress up on our every day lives, when are we going to? I find the idea of saving certain things for special occasions silly - every day on this earth is a special occasion, we ought to enjoy it as much as possible. I'm all for sartorial hedonism!

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  14. Brava! I totally agree. Sometimes people at work say things like ' why bother dressing up, to go to the office'? Well, if we don't dress up on our every day lives, when are we going to? I find the idea of saving certain things for special occasions silly - every day on this earth is a special occasion, we ought to enjoy it as much as possible. I'm all for sartorial hedonism!

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  15. Amen to that!
    I love seeing the then and now gazebo photos! I agree that many lose their way (I did in my 20s and 30s when I had a Chanel-wearing boss who made it clear that my vintage clothes wouldn't cut it in my profession).
    Your words remind me of the Mr. Benn video I posted a while back. Each day is an opportunity for a new outfit and a new adventure.xx

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  16. Oh yes yes yes! I love a feisty Vix! It's so true that the notion of "grown up" style seems to be very straight and conservative. I don't consider what I wear remotely weird or outrageous, but it is also true that if you step out of the neutral-wearing norm, you do get some attention. But I have learnt to embrace it and enjoy it, I love colour and print and dresses and a bit of pzazz, and if people look, well, let them!
    You are, as ever, a complete inspiration, my darling. I love your determination to be yourself and make the most of life. I adore seeing young Vix in her great granny's wedding dress in 1978. I am touched to see you in the same gazebo looking more beautiful than ever. I think each and every outfit is wonderful, and your wardrobe is the most appealing and delightful sight.
    I think you're bloody brilliant, and I'm proud to call you my friend! xxxxxxx

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  17. Where's the fun in having a minimalistic capsule wardrobe? Love having a rummage through the wardrobe and digging out something fab.

    LOVE that pic of you in Asda!

    www.mancunianvintage.com

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  18. Brava indeed Vix! I can't add anything to that, but I love every word of it. Your words remind me of Dolly Parton, and in my book, that's a good thing. Dressing up is the best. Give me colour, drama and fun over pared down good taste any time.

    I love your Spanish senorita look, it's a bit of a favourite of mine and you wear it so well. I love seeing people all dressed up and of course I look, because that's what they deserve, to be looked at and admired.

    Is that your nan's house in the first picture with the amazing lawn? Did she take the photo of you in her mum's wedding dress? That is so so sweet to see you aged 11/12. xxxx

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  19. Hello - thank you for another perfectly inspirational post : )

    You look bloody gorgeous, as always.

    I particularly adore the photogrpah of you shopping - your outfit is just stunning.

    Enjoy your day xx

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  20. Wonderful post Vix! Luuuurve your flamenco look! I saw the same documentary and the featured the town that I lived in and lots of people I knew (and some teachers and dancers I studied with) - was sooo excited!
    Minimalism? Pah! You tell 'em! Went out shopping in kitten heels and a tutu today and you'd have thought by the way some women looked at me that I was an alien who'd dropped in from outer space. What's wrong with dressing up??? Thank God for women like you!

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  21. I just love that photograph of you in your grandmothers wedding dress. There's something so ethereal about it. It reminds me of Picnic At Hanging Rock. I love that you have the same gazebo still. I do think the tables are slowly turning on the whole age appropriate wardrobe nonsense. In no small part down to bloggers like your good self. I think it's more about attitude. People of all ages seem to look as dull as dishwater these days because they just dont have any imagination. Long live dressing up! Xx

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  22. Feking AMEN, HALLELUJAH, CAPICHE, BLOODY OATH!!!
    Splendid post, my darling! You are truly scrumptious and wonderfully eloquent! SO many women are caught up in this endless bullshit! Hurrah that we are free and gutsy enough to be ourselves in all our technicolour glory!!!
    Love that flamenco-ey frock, it's to DIE for!
    Love Helga xxxXXXxxx

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  23. The most profound thing I heard all year was Timothy John saying (and I paraphrase) "People make decisions out of fear rather than out of joy ... will this make me look fat? ... will people laugh? rather than - wow I could wear this, and wear that and it'll be a blast!"

    Now, I won't wear anything that doesn't make my heart sing. It is the most fantastic way of wardrobe-taming :) Who on earth would want fuss-free? Perfection takes time lol!

    You look spectacular as always Vix xx

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  24. Thank you for such a wonderful post Vix. It was truly enjoyable to read and I couldn't agree more with you. Why does grown-up style have to be such a joyless experience? And why must we have 'clutter' free wardrobes? I felt I could relate to you when you said you could choose who to be on whatever day you like, 60s Cher or Frida Khalo does Glasto. I find that I do that myself when I search through my wardrobe and it is so enjoyable for me. And it is only the truth when you say that yes, you will be looked at, and juddged, but who isn't? At least you will be remembered. And that is how I hope to continue to live my adult as well. xxx

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  25. Very timely - just yesterday I was whinging to friends about how I was mercilessly judged by some "grown up" women for being a dumb bunny sex toy due to my long hair and heels, and scandalous knee length silk dress. They used the words "bimbo", "anti-feminist" and the hilarious phrase "young and starry eyed" (I'm all of 2 years younger than them at 41.5, and I don't think I've been young and starry eyed since 1991).

    Of course there was all kinds of sub textual shite going on in that situation, but the clothes and shoes and hair are an easy target. The joke's on them because I'm a credible grown-up with many fascinating irons in the fire, and I still get to have nice shoes!

    PS. you're looking as sexy as ever, and I'm not judging, I'm loving it!



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  26. Well said as always, Vix, well said!

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  27. brilliant, Vix! I often say I have to grow old, but growing *up* is optional. For some women, less is truly more but for others, more *is* more. xox

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  28. Amen Vix amen!!

    I freakin' adore every outfit you are wearing in this post!!! I wish I could get away with a wardrobe like that for work. I push them as it is with my colorful stuff and pattern mixing!! The pink hair sends them over the edge!

    I refuse to grow up!!

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  29. Dressing should be FUN! MUST KEEP THE CREATIVITY GOING!!! XOXO

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  30. Love this post! I'm working on a post along these lines as I feel the same way! Dress how you want to dress and fashion rules be damned! Love your style Vix...very vibrant and inspiring esp. for Spring :)

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  31. Oh beauty,I am so on the same page about dressing, aging,so many of the things that you say.I loooove dressing up every day,high heels,wild dresses,colorful hair and always tattoos. lots and lots of them.I do not read fashion mags( hate them) and I have no guilt or remorse about aging. It is women like you and and other rad blog sisters that are paving the way for the next generations to rock out their whole lives through !I adore your blog and you are gorgeous inside and out! XO a million

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  32. Trying on 100 dresses! I remember those days...I would toss each frock on the chair the the pile would topple on the floor when I was finished. Lately though, I have been trying to put outfits together as quickly as possible. I don't believe this is so beneficial though. There is something to trying on a ton of clothes before deciding on the perfect outfit. That shot in the ballgown is absolutely spectacular. I want to go to the store in a ballgown. xoxxo

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  33. I envy your freedom to wear what you want when you want.

    I have to wear a uniform to work. I stand out because I'm one of the few in my hospital that wears a dress! I've a few vintage uniforms that I crack out a couple of times a year to the amazement of the patients (I comply with the dress code!). I shop on-line and have appeared in UK uniforms much to the amazement of the Residents and Fellows.

    My tiny bit of rebellion in a very narrow workplace.

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  34. You are such a beautiful woman, in each a every outfit, and in how you express yourself with the written word. I am in love with the 30's satin & marabou bed jacket!

    Thank you for linking up with Hat Attack in your gorgeous hair flower.

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  35. Wonderful post! And how wonderful it is that there are such women like you, Vix, who are brave enough to follow their child's dreams and dress up not considering someone's opinion.

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  36. Ooooooh that pic of your lush wardrobe is a girl's dream come true ... that's "girl" as in female of ANY age. The pic of you in your g-grandmother's gown is incredibly special and the fact you live in her house, frolic daily in her garden and create your own reality in this world is magical. May you cast your rainbow spell far and wide, touching the lives of those desperate to break out of a sad, greige world. xoxoxoxoxoxoxooxoxoxoxoxoxoxox

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  37. I think you shopping in your dress in the supermarket is my most favourite photo of you, it sums you up perfectly, elegant and stylist whatever you are doing!

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  38. Be damned with beige and matching your shoes to your earing's!!

    Life is for enjoying and as you get older I think your confidence to be your self grows and so why not wear what we want when we want. Your are completely right that we are judged no matter what we wear, so be judged in something you feel confident and yourself in, so you can say 'screw you' if they don't like it x

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  39. What fun! Vix, I love the photo of your closet. Thank you for sharing it! I see in your closet what my little granddaughters see in mine. Especially the eight year old. She encourages me - as she loves all the funky, colorful, swishy, unusual things I have. She's constantly in there trying things on and playing dress up. And so do I - everyday! Five years ago I was dressing in corporate black polyester blends - trying to blend in and spiraling in depression and misery.

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  40. I hate to use the "inner child" cliché, but I've found it illuminating to think back to what I loved doing when I was young, and try to incorporate it into my adult life.

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  41. Fabulous! I can't be arsed to dress up or even dress nicely and I certainly don't read fashion magazines or style blogs! But my boudour, like yours, is a little girls dream! Lets play princesses! xxx

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  42. You're the best Vix! I would love to rummage through your closet one day to play dressup, haha. You look stunning, especially loving the green, leopard, jewelled concoction! xx/Madison

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  43. You threw me back to the days when I raided our cellar and went dancing in the woods in 50s dresses... You are so right! We should never forget our dreams and let ourselves be fitted into a mould. xo

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  44. Hi my dear!! You have a wardrobe to die for and dressing up in endlessly different styles and eras is a given for you- I couldn't imagine you any other way!! Lovely photos, wishing you a great week ahead! xxx

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  45. you are just fabulous and absolutely right, I had a dream about flamenco dresses last night, yours is delicious. Your wardrobe is dreamy and inspirational, perfect for dressing up. I'm currently after a dirndl (full on stuff), poor Mr Foxy is a little perturbed but dressing up and being inspired makes any day much more fun, which is the point of living, I would much rather be having fun - the gazebo shot's are beautiful, past and present x

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  46. oh Vix can i please be you when i grow up? i've never understood why people become so dowdy when they grow up! As i kid i use to flick through the look-books at hairdressers and i never understood why older people cut their hair very short. Why? let it be long! is that just what old people did? fuss free hair or just meh hair...
    Such a super duper post, ill will remember it when i am much older and suddenly find myself in the comfy pants and slippers sections of kmart!

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  47. Grow up? Pssh!

    You are fabulous! Love the Sharmila reference, she was quite the hottie!

    Love love love your maxi dresses x

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  48. Thank you Vix for your posts, they always put me in the right mood and you make me feel less lonely in my own research for a creative path to self expression! I adore the photo with your mom's wedding dress, it really awaken all my childhood memories and all the things you wrote reminded me of how much I dreamed to be the women I wanted.Your wardrobe is dreamy and I wonder why the most of people wear ugly and sad clothes instead of rocking a 'Frida goes Glasto' outfit! I love the withe dress you are wearing in these photos, especially with the shorter sleeves and your accessories you created an amazing look!
    ILoveyou!!!
    xxxxxx

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  49. My brain is spun this morning what a weekend. This post has brought me back to a pretty happy place. Your wisdom always reminds me of why I love you! The picture of you in your granny's dress is precious but the you today is more colorful for her life experiences.

    I hope I continue to be free and playful in how I dress and once I can't anymore please kill me:). You have made a wonderful life that lets you be you and it shows in your smile. I miss you girl. I love you bunches!
    Xxoo

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  50. My brain is spun this morning what a weekend. This post has brought me back to a pretty happy place. Your wisdom always reminds me of why I love you! The picture of you in your granny's dress is precious but the you today is more colorful for her life experiences.

    I hope I continue to be free and playful in how I dress and once I can't anymore please kill me:). You have made a wonderful life that lets you be you and it shows in your smile. I miss you girl. I love you bunches!
    Xxoo

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  51. Way to go, Vix! I never understood minimalism myself. I'm strictly into maximalism. My only concern is where am I going to put all the stuff. I'm not good at throwing things out, as I never get tired of them. I'm really friendly and indulgent with my clothes. They can live with me forever!

    Much love,
    Rose from www.foreveronthecatwalkoflife.blogspot.com

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  52. I really like this post, so true on so many levels!!

    Lxx

    the-sportista.blogspot.co.uk

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  53. thanks vix for being yourself!
    work life is the point that makes people grown-up. most jobs/employers want their people look professional and professional means: suit and blouse, probably in the colours dark blue, brown, beige, black and white. hurray.
    in my old job i was lucky to be able to wear my vintage style to work. i just shocked co-workers with to many rolls and pin curls on my head but they got used to see my fly by in a 50s petticoat dress. actually some of them where happy to see me - talking about me and my style was quite entertaining to them ;)
    hopefully my future jobs won't turn me into an grown-up. i would die having to wear a uniform or a suit on every single workday.

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  54. Oh, I do LOVE when you are on a roll about something, because it's always thought-provoking and true, and SOF**CKINGAWESOME!! I had a brief period of time in my late 20's when I was buying stupidly expensive "professional" clothing, thinking that was what I was supposed to do after spending years of working in record stores dressed in my 80's punk/new wave outfits. I rarely wore the clothes and never felt like "me". Thank God I gave that up.

    Unfortunately, I can't go to work dressed like a flamenco dancer, but I can be one in my head and project "fierce" in my crinoline and cons! The outfit you wore in the grocery store with the leopard coat will always be my most favourite look of yours! Here's to never being invisible, and making a statement whereever we go, just by being ourselves!

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  55. Yea Vix! I've been "dressing up" or rather, dressing like I want, every time I go to the hospital / rehab facility / senior home to visit Mom. If nothing else it perks her up as the first thing she says is "Let me she what you're wearing." That's usually followed by a bit of criticism on how it's not matching... Makes me feel right at home again.

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  56. Oh great. I had a minimalist Armani suit (worn with trainers of course) all picked out to meet you. Scrap that idea -- hahaha! Gosh if I ever showed up anywhere looking like that somebody please euthanize me, it would be obvious that all the joy had gone out of my life! I love the pic of you playing dress-up as a young woman, something very poignant about it (days gone past? wearing your gr grandmum's wedding dress? young woman about to come into her own? can't place it...) I do hate that we have to defend our clothing choices at any age. (Yes even kids go through it, sometimes worse as they don't yet have the defense mechanisms in place to tell someone to just Fuck OFF!) Men don't get that same judgement, and the worst part is that its usually coming from other women -- our "sisters" can be our worst enemies. Thankfully I learned young that I was at heart a rock n' roll rebel & while I play around with my wardrobe, I tend to stick with that as its at my very core & no matter what I do, there will always be a little rock n' roll thrown in! Still ADORE that pic of you in the supermarket, how glamourous! XXX PS I'm so excited I'm having crazy dreams every night, you witchy woman invading my dreams! (Always a good thing!)

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  57. Those are great 'now and then' photos; you looked lovely in your Great-Grandma's wedding dress. Totally agree with your post - it reminds me of Quentin Crisp's excellent attitude to flamboyance and clothing. xxx

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  58. Amen, Amen, Amen!
    A girlfriend asked if I had read a certain article in a women's mag last week. "Heavens no!" I squealed.
    I stopped reading those in my 20's! WE will never be what they want us to be....ever! And, I don't ever WANT to be what they want me to be!
    THanks for the wonderful and inspiring post!
    xo
    d

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  59. Love this post and you are so right. That 1st dress is a beauty x

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  60. Is that your house in the background ? Do you live in your grandparents house then ?

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  61. You ma lady are flippin fabulous and so right!

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  62. Another fab post, Vix. I remember Cher once being asked why she always went out in her underwear, to which she replied "It's not that I don't know how to dress properly, it's just that I choose not to". A great philosophy. You and she are definitely soul sisters!
    Annie xxx

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  63. It takes a free spirit to dress freely. There are many fighten women worring about looking correct rather than themselves.
    Thank goodnes it is not our case, yupyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyy
    XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXx

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  64. I just love this Vix, I couldn't agree more! x

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  65. what the heck is a capsule wardrobe? I really don't know, probably for the best

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  66. Oh I just hate the words 'Grown up' what is that meant to mean anyway?????? Any one I meet who is in the world as a grown up always seem so sad and lost.
    I think of it as just another box to put you in so you can go slowly mad and feel your soul fading away.
    Vix you are such an amazing lady and I think I would very much love to meet you and Jon one day.
    Warren and I use the motto a life less ordinary....we live by that, and that's how I see you and Jon.
    Happiness to you
    Love V

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  67. Definitely agree! I never want to grow up. I saw an elderly lady out today with her shopping trolley wearing a full on sequin dress. I really wish/hope I could sparkle like that.

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  68. Amen to that!

    Mind you I have to say I was forever trying on my mother's heels, I couldn't walk in them then and I still can't walk in heels now lol.

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  69. If I could find clothes like yours here that fit me, they would definitely be in my wardrobe. Now that is something I wouldn't have said before fortuitously meeting you online. Youve been such an inspiration and I think of you now whenever I'm shopping. "Hmmm, what would Vix think of this?"

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  70. I feel like this could have had a sub-title : just wear what what you bloody want. Get inspiration from wherever you feel.

    I may well see a woman in a jeans-and-fleece combo, it isn't my style, I don't want to look like that, I don't neccessarily think it is the most flattering look on anyone. But I won't say anything. Then,I get comments from women -usually work colleagues - wearing this sort of stuff -oh, you do like to dress up / well if I was that slim / I have never been elegant / do you ever not wear scarves?

    It's a bit tiring. That is all.

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  71. I love that photo of you in the 50s dress shopping. Such fun.

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  72. Your supermarket outfit is AMAZING!! I love that you still have the same gazebo.
    I think a lot of us are severely restricted by uniforms and strict dress codes at work, but they can't control what we wear out of work.

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  73. Great post Vix. I wonder why society does look down it's nose at women who are colourfully dressed? It has to be a class thing I suppose but when did it all start? Sartorially speaking I'm never going to set the world on fire but I find I'm braver in my choices now. Met a 91yr old lady tonight at work wearing short wellies with a glittery bow and an acid yellow & orange print cardi.When I complimented her on her outfit she told me she still feels 30 inside............ So dress bold and feel young!
    X

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  74. Well said. And a green dress, leopard coat and gloves? LOVE!!!

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  75. and because you do all these things is why we love you so much!! If I thought I could get away with stilettos and horses I might actually try hahaha!! But I love this chapter of my life so much and being around the horses and my fashion is rather cowgirl dusty with dirt but thankfully I get to watch you and Krista dress up and look amazing :) xoxo Heather

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  76. This is why I love your blog! Really enjoyed this post. Looking like a movie star in the coat & green dress. How wonderful that you still have the gazebo. Great, great post! XXX

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  77. I vote for you!!! The best words of wisdom ever, I am all for dressing to please yourself!!

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  78. Yeah! I couldn't agree more!! You look fab in all the pictures :D

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  79. Love the photo's of you as a girl dressing up and as a woman still going for it! It is a wonderful contrast. I have to admit confidence can have a lot to do with how I dress but I have been changing over the past few years!

    The saddest thing I ever heard on a blog was someone going on about dressing for their age. Why and what's that? A suit of invisability maybe?


    P x

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  80. I agree with you 100%
    Please don't give up!
    You are sensational!

    Ariane xo

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  81. You just said it all Vix! Live & love life being just you Xx

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  82. I love how you cut the sleeves off the maxi!!!

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  83. As Oscar Wilde said
    "there is only one thing worse than being talked about and that's not being talked about"

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  84. Well said! I'm working on it.

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  85. Still adore you in your 'ballgown at Asda' outfit. Just gorgeous.
    M x

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  86. You said it MaMa! You inspired me from the beginning amor. that pic of you in your grandmothers wedding dress is so special.love you in polka dot gypsy Spanish dress.Look at that grand closet, would love to rummage.

    besos

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  87. oh, and of course as a little girl I dressed up to look like a princess - but now that I'm a "young" adult I still play dress up, only now I dress up to look like women like you! My new aspiration and inspiration.

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  88. Hos absolutely fabulous that you still have that gazebo! And the pic of you as a girl in it. I agree with your words - we do not need to be invisible, overlooked, blended in. Be ourselves! (and if we are mermaids, faerie folk or witches, or domestic goddesses, then so be it) My Father always told me that it did not matter what we were, as long as we gave it our best shot. I LOVE that green silk dress and leopard coat - WANT! xxxxx

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  89. Love all of this! So glad you continue to play dress up!

    Thanks for linking up with 52 Pick-me-up.

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  90. You know I agree with you 100%! I fucking hate the stupid rules! You are magnificent and beautiful and glorious! The polka dot frock is gorgeous - and the gazebo is a DREAM! I want one so badlY!!

    Love you more than prancing and frocking and singing and too much eye shadow and glitter hair spray and fabulousness!

    Sarah xxx

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  91. For your knowledge, still interested of the bedjacket ...

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Lots of love, Vix