Saturday 21 September 2013

London Kills Me


Back in the bad old days of corporate whoredom I had to travel to the capital a lot and hated it. A city full of miserable tossers who wouldn't give you the time of day, barging you out of their way on the tube, slamming doors in your face and looking at you like you were a raving nutter if you dared strike up a conversation with them.

But, with the lovely Suzanne jetting in from New York for a week I couldn't miss the chance to meet her and, when La Dama and Lakota said they'd come too, I was searching the internet like a woman demented looking for the cheapest train fare going so I could meet these wonderful women I've known virtually for years. Finally I snaffled a £20 return and off I went.



The day started off brilliantly,  a couple of ladies on the train loved my outfit so much they moved seats so they could sit and look at me and we had a riot for the 2 and a half hour journey down there.


After we met up at Euston station there was much squealing & hugging & kissing. Lakota took charge. (I honestly don't think we'd have got further than the pub across the road from Euston Station if she hadn't.) 


Armed with a map and a list of cool stuff she got us safely to Whitechapel where we puzzled over maps and posed in alleyways where Jack the Ripper stalked his prey.


We wandered to Brick Lane, oohed and ahhed over architecture, graffiti, random art, shop windows and a cute poodle called Louis. 


We were cat-called, photographed and photographed some more. Traffic stopped, crowds gathered, people came out of shops to say hello, it was like Chesterfield market on acid. 


We plonked ourselves outside a crêperie in Spitalfields, posed for more photos and got complimented by all and sundry. Credit to the staff, we must have sat at the prime table for half-an-hour before even looking at a menu.


The obligatory exchange of gifts amidst much squealing.

Photo by Dora

Didn't I do well?


After lunch we posed like prostis, before hitting the famed vintage emporiums of Brick Lane.

Photo of me by Lakota

I'm not buying any shit, I'd told Dora in an email last week, but we all know I'm a total tart and at £10 there's no way this velvet psychedelic number wasn't coming home with me. (Where did this vicious rumour about vintage clothes being ridiculously overpriced in London come from? I know vintage dealers locally who charge 5 times more).

Photo by Dora

Dora bought bad ass steampunk sunglasses and a 1970s gypsy skirt, Suzanne found a cheongsam in a £1 bin,

Photo by Dora

 Dora bought bad ass steampunk sunglasses and a 1970s gypsy skirt, Suzanne found a cheongsam in a £1 bin, but Lakota turned down this amazing 1980s party dress 'cos it showed her gusset (as if that should have stopped her).



In no time at all it was time to catch the train back to the Midlands and to say our goodbyes. What can I say? Suzanne is feisty and fabulous, Lakota is gorgeous, witty and a brilliant tour guide and La Dama is a work of art and a joy to be with. I can't wait till we meet again.


The journey home was just as much fun even the train staff ask us to pose for photos, I had a laugh with the pinstriped businessmen sitting opposite who kindly shared their samosas and I exchanged email addresses with the chick I sat next to. I've definitely changed my preconceptions of London (well, the East part, at least). I can't wait to go back.

Photo by Dora
I've a house that looks like a charity shop exploded, four dinner party guests arriving in a matter of hours, nothing in the fridge and I'm still in my kimono. Time to get my arse into gear!

Have a fab weekend.

76 comments:

  1. Such a fun post. I love the way you were photographed at every turn.
    Bet some of the pseudo celebs walking past were well jel!

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  2. What a vibrant bunch of women you all are and what a grand get together!

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  3. What a vibrant bunch of women you all are and what a grand get together!

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  4. What a fabularse day! Having experienced The Vix Effect at first hand, I am not at all surprised that fellow passengers, shoppers and staff all vied to take your photo and chat! And when in the company of three other gorgeous women, The Effect was obviously quadrupled. Wow, what a powerful force!
    Love your dress (sleeves,sleeves!), Dora looks stunning, Lakota is a supermodel, and Suzanne looks amazing in leopard print. How great to see you all together. I really enjoyed the Brick Lane experience when I went, and like you, thought much of the vintage on offer was no more expensive than elsewhere.
    Ooh, that velvet skirt looks great, can't wait to see that one being modelled by your gorgeous self.
    Blogger meet ups. Fun fun fun. And another one coming soon, yippee! xxxxx

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  5. Sounds like you all had an amazing day! Glad to hear you managed to snaffle some bargains while meeting up with those lovely people :)

    Hope you get your bum in gear soon ;) xxx

    www.mancunianvintage.com

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  6. What a grand day! look at you all having the times of your lives at the vintage booths. Your velvet skirt is a stunner, can't wait to see it in full bloom. xox

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  7. What a great day! Loved the pics.

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  8. Looks like you lovely bloggers took London by storm. I know Lakota's blog but will check the others. Spitalfields/Brick Lane can turn up some great stuff at reasonable prices. The orange and purple print on that velvet skirt is luscious, I'd have snapped it up just for the fabric. I've booked my ticket and will be in London Nov. 21 to Jan. 14. Hope to see you at some point--London or elsewhere!

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  9. These bloggy get-togethers just seem to get better and better. A wonderful time was obviously had by all. My first thought when I saw you at that creperie was, wow, that looks upmarket! I love the sound of all your extra curricular activity too. Those train journeys sound joyful. I bet those regular travellers remember that day for ages. How wonderful that the train staff wanted photos. Honestly Vix, you should be available on the NHS. The perfect antidote to depression.

    Lovely to meet these gorgeous colourful London-based ladies and what a great tour you did. Long may bloggy get-togethers continue! xxxxxx

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  10. Geniales fotografías!!!
    Besos y buen fin de semana
    http://judithbysucre.blogspot.com.es

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  11. London can be so wonderful! I never thought I'd enjoy living here so much but I do. True, it's full of tossers at times but that's made *me* concious of whether I'm being a tosser or not so it's made me a nicer person! I find 40-50's clothing stupidly expensive in London but other eras actually pretty resonable and I've got some lovely bargains down Brick Lane! As always you look wonderful - I'd love it if I bumped into you on the train!

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  12. You all look amazing! Sounds like a fabulous day out.
    Liz @ Shortbread & Ginger

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  13. What an amazing time you've all had.

    I have vintage clothing envy over here!

    You all look amazing by the way xx

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  14. What fun indeed !!!
    A great bunch of gals together showing London some fun .
    Super gathering !!

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  15. Oh my oh my oh my this all so friggin cool! What a day! The jack ripper alley what a first stop, and yeah for Lakota taking charge. Someone has too! I would have stopped whatever I was doing and asked to come along. I bet you left a trail of rainbows and smiles. All four of you are just so unique and beautiful in your own way! Here's to another successful blogger meet up, this one is in technicolor!
    Love you and have a wonderful dinner with the gang. Hugs to them all!
    Xxxxxxooooo

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  16. Amorcito,
    I had the best time ever you putas cheered me right up.loved every minute I got to spend with each of you prostis was special.Ah man ...we forgot to buy some of those yummy desserts. I confirmed that You are a true celebrity Goddess . Loved all mi goodies.

    Besones

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  17. Looks like you had a ball! Glad East London treated you well, it's always so fun to see you having meet up shopping days. When I see the photos I feel like I was there in spirit!

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  18. I was in London yesterday at the Palace

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  19. I love London, but you have to be able to relax and wander. Plus, I grew up in tiny, new world towns, so London is always a treat for me!

    Looks like you had a fabulous time. I've missed seeing Lakota's blog - either she's taking a break or my reader isn't finding her. I'll have to check out those blogs now, too!

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  20. Your blog meet up posts are always among my faves- but this one, I swear is one of the best- maybe because there is so much kindred spirit up there. La Dama and Lakota are brilliant and I adore Suzanne, and seeing all of you meeting and greeting just spins me with joy. I would love to be a fly on the wall when you guys were shopping. How gorgeous each of you look! Thank you for sharing the pictures. This is a love fest!

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  21. Total Fabulousness!

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  22. Hurrah! I am pleased to hear that you Vixated folk. I do love London and like a bit of schlepping about Brick Lane which I always find quite reasonable. Certainly cheaper than other cities for vintage. You all look fab, no wonder you drew admirers.
    See you very soon, petal.xxxxxx

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  23. I love it! so much fun and you are all a beautiful glamorous bunch! the Jack the Ripper alleyways would have freaked me! the vintage shops, bliss x x the blogger meetups are so cool x x

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  24. I love everything single thing about this post and it goes without saying that I very much wish I could have been there too! xo

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  25. Fun adventure filled days with lots of flurry and laughs are the best. Glad you had a great time.

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  26. Ah, love the skirt you found.
    Nice to see Lakota there. I hope she'll be blogging again soon! Glad you had a lovely time. xxx

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  27. East London is definitely the best part of town ;) Glad you had a great time, you all look fabulous! Next time you're in town let me know - it would be lovely to meet you! x

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  28. What a fab day out. I've only been to the very well known vintage shops in London and the prices are high there.

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  29. Fun-loving Vix makes friends anyway & everywhere!

    X

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  30. I think the whole bloggosphere is jealous. I can imagen the squealing & hugging & kissing, ahhhhhhhhhhhhhh
    I only wish I could have been with you too, ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh
    XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

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  31. Firstly, don't tell me you went to London without a coat..or did you have one in your bag? I worry about you getting cold. So it's Brick Lane then for reasonably priced vintage? Must get myself up there. Glad to hear you have revised your opinion of London and had such a brilliant day...and there's more to come VERY soon!
    xxx

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  32. Your day sounds fabulous. How did you get such cheap train tickets? The cheapest we found to Blackpool was £90 each return!!!! Ridiculous prices!

    I love your photos too. Its amazing how you exchanged email addresses with a total stranger on a train x

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  33. All of you look amazing, so happy and having so much fun together. Your dress is just fabulous - is it cotton? the sleeves, Oh the sleeves are just divine.

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  34. What a fun day!

    Everyone looked fab. No wonder you were all stopping traffic.

    bisous
    Suzanne

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  35. What an awesome day! Of course the lot of you were eaten up by Londoners who couldn't get enough. What a breath of fresh air you are. This kind of reception would be difficult to achieve if you were still in "corporate whore" mode. (love your writing, Vix!) The world didn't sparkle then but it soitanly does now that you've thrown off those wretched shackles. You're all SCHTARS!

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  36. London Kills Me was a movie, wasn't it?

    Great meet up! Boo Hoo, I live too far away from everybody!

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  37. Great post, looks like you had fun..! Just got cravings for cakes and a desire to shop some cool charity clothes - which is best found in the UK!:) I am Danish, but lived in Oxford for 7 months, so I know all about charity shops now:)

    http://carrymystyle.com

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  38. Yah for blogger meet ups - I can see why people wanted to take pictures. I'm glad your day out made you see London in a better light :D Perhaps we can have a meet up there too next year!

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  39. those are some fancy hot chicks you got to hang with!

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  40. You ladies are hot as hell!!!!!!!!!!! So jealous!

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  41. What a fab day! I hope to meet up with some fellow bloggers one day! If I ever get to London ill surely be spending a lot of time visiting others. The velvet skirt is amazing and that poster "Australia says stop the boats" id like to know more as why its there?

    And just to mention not all Australians are against LEGAL refugee seekers, only our backwards sexist new PM (ugh the hate is bubbling up) who thinks he can stop the boats by threatening Indonesia sovereignty arggh the anger!

    anyway.... lovely to see your out and about only a few days after your hospital visit. take care! xxoo

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  42. This one ticks all my boxes baby. Blogger meet-up - check. Vibrant city - check. Train travel - check. Fabulous outfits - check. Marathon shopping - check. Meringues - check. Velvet psychedelia - check. House that looks like a charity shop exploded - sounds just like mine!

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  43. HA, so cool to see you with your chicks in London! I love Brick Lane, hope you checked out bejond retro, they really have so cool stuff! have been three times to brick lane since 2006, and hope to go back to london one day. and it would be great to meet you there, too! didn't know people are unfriendly in london, but I guess the business world is awful in any city ;)

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  44. Y'know, London is still probably just the same, but you are so frigging ON FIRE you just blasted away the rough edges and found the good shit that was lurking there all the time!
    What a jolly great laugh of a time. I'd so love to have been there, rolling about with you. Those chicks are so B:LOODY lucky to spend some time with your gloriarse self!!! I'd rather like to grope La Dama, I must say!
    Love the new scores, and I bet you monstered the dinner party!
    Love you MADLY.
    Your devoted Helga xxxXXXxxx

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  45. Hello Vix

    I'm glad Lakota is okay, I worried when she stopped blogging. Tell her to start again, I'm her (and yours) adoring fan.

    Respect!

    V

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  46. I love reading about these blogger meet ups Vix, it's crazy seeing you all together in real life. Sounds like you had a really fantastic time from beginning to end and you all look so gorgeous. Love it that even in a city like London you all stand out from the crowd and make friends with all the locals. I'm off to catch up with all your posts I've missed, I've been a lazy blogger. xx

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  47. Wow!! Ladies you look fab, Vix I think London is on the cards for me and you, would have to visit my lady Vivienne Westwood tho haha, pics look amazing Goooo ladies ;) xxx

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  48. Looks like you had a fantastic time. I'm glad you can't wait to come back because next time we can meet up!!

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  49. Hi my dear!! Ditto what TNMA just said, would be lovely to meet you if you come London way again!! So pleased you had a wonderful time, you all looked fabulous and it certainly looked liked you all left a stylish impression on East London, hehe!! xx

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  50. Will try and leave another comment as yesterday my comments kept getting un posted for some reason, anyhow I originally said... You looked great, and what an excellent day out. It's a shame brick lane is no longer bricked anymore, great shops along there tho, I go when I visit my daughter.and finally I said I hope you now relaxing with a rum drink x

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  51. You day sounded so hectic but fun. I remember London back when I was stationed in England in the late 70's. To me as a young woman its was exciting and vibrant. So much fun. The markets and clubs......And the people.

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  52. Oh what a great day! I like that you all had so much attention, and rightly so. Glad there were bargains to be had in London..

    I love London. I get to go for work (thankfully I am not a corporate slave, more like civil service..) and try to pack in a bit of sightseeing/the odd jaunt around meetings xx

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  53. La Vie Boheme meets London! I must figure out teleportation so I can drop in on you guys next time. So happy London gave you ladies the love you deserve! Everyone looked great.

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  54. If the train had been full and I'd seen you, I would have sat in someone's lap to chat you up and photograph you.

    "Corporate whoredom" is keeping me giggling.

    Love ya,
    Lynne

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  55. Vix, you are so FUNNY! When I read "Chesterfield market on acid", I immediately had a flashback from a trip I had in the 70's. Just kidding! (not really!!). :-D! You are so CUTE and BEAUTIFUL and full of gorgeousness at the same time! I would love to meet you in London someday! If I could only find someone to open and close the chicken coop while I am gone. :-) I would have sat next to you too on the train and told you how amazing you looked! xoxoxox

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  56. So glad you had a good London experience. I haven't been there for about a decade, but I found people to be pretty friendly. Obviously, you charmed them with your Vix-ness, from the moment you got on the train.

    I love that each of the bloggers in this meet up have their own distinct style, and you can all enjoy thrifting and gabbing and eating together! What a marvelous day! The velvet skirt is truly brilliant - the colours are SQUEE worthy.

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  57. It looks and sounds like a wonderful excursion in all respects. The crepes and bakery items look yummy and all of you looked fabulous. The traffic stopping, cat-calls and people coming out to greet you is a nice contrast to the miserable tossers you had encountered in your corporate days.
    I hope your weekend (and the start of your autumn) has been going well.

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

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  58. A gathering of the truly fabulous! Looks like so much fun, with gifts, shopping and glorious finds. Hopefully we'll be following you to London again, now that you've had such a great time.

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  59. Oh, this looks like so much fun. Lakota is so much taller than I'd pictured her and Dora is her inimitable self.

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  60. Hey Vix

    Wow looks like you ladies had so much fun and definitely brightened up dreary London! Yeah I am a bit of a London hater myself.

    And of course you wonderful girls would cause a stir where ever you go.

    I would totally recommend Dancing thru the dark it really is a good film and Educating Rita is a really good watch too I prefered it to Shirley Valentine. Let us know what you think of them if you ever get to see them!

    P x

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  61. What a cool adventure you had in London! So happy for you and happy that everybody you have met loved you and your fabulous outfits, i guess you put a little sunshine in their life and plus they more use to it with all the bloggers out there - I make people smile too in town with my colorful, coucou outfits!
    Nice that you met all those fab Ladies!

    Wish i was there!

    Ariane xo

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  62. good to see you back again: healthy and having fun!
    you girls rock the big city!

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  63. I can imagine you all created a SENSATION in London!!! You all looked AMAZING!! What a fantastic time !!!

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  64. ooooh jealous! You girls look like you had a great time. Brick Lane looks as Nathan Barley as ever. That skirt just had to come back with you, it's fantastic! I really love that dress, it just seems to make you float. I love London, there's always something great to find. I wish I could've met Suzanne, she looks really cool and every bit the NY punk. Hoping I can still meet Dora soon! xxxx

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  65. hi vix. i found london to be utterly gorgeous and i met the nicest locals. everywhere i went people were so gracious. i'm so happy for that!

    your time with the girls looks so wonderful.

    x

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  66. You were very near to where I work! I must give the vintage stores on Brick Lane another rummage!

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  67. What a lovely day, I WISH I could find a £20 to London ticket - more like £200 from me :(

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  68. One day I am going to join you!! You all look fab and look as though you had a blast ...
    We were at Brick Lane just over a month ago and I managed to find a very reasonable little leather case. M x

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  69. Oooh! I do love a good ol' blogger meet up. Looks like you had a fab-a-roo time!

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  70. Looks like the most fantastic day. Some very stylish friends and Brick Lane is amazing!

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  71. No, nope, I'm not jealous at all, she lies!! Sounds like an awesome day, nothing like a grand blogger meet-up is there?!

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  72. Aah my tropical banana - it was so good to meet you. I did some baking yesterday - luckily not wearing 'that' apron, cos my mother in law popped round! I have been stalking more sequins and 80s stuff on eBay - lets see what I look like when we meet up next!
    Have a fab time on Saturday and do give my love to everyone
    xxx
    ps. I got round to posting at last!

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  73. Too much fun!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I'm so glad you shared a good time with us all.

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  74. I missed you all the second I stepped away to walk back to the hotel! I enjoyed myself so much, that my walk back to the hotel was the longest ever. What a magical day with such magical women, every single part was fantastic & I hope we can do it again sometime soon! (I'll have to figure how to get my ass back to the UK first!) I'm trying to write my blog post -- I swear got bombarded with one thing after another when I returned -- but I think part of me doesn't want to write it as it makes it all kind of final ): I hope all that walking didn't hurt your hip I was so worried! Love you & apparently so does London & all you grace your fabulousness with! XXX

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    www.gofastek.com

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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