Wednesday 16 October 2013

True Colours, Charity Shop Finds & Suitcase Secrets




Like many women whose sartorial choices lean towards the vividly bright, I've become used to comments from total strangers. There's something in those oft-heard phrases - You're not afraid of colour, are you? or I wish I was brave enough to dress like that. Colourful clothing really does break down barriers and you'll never go unnoticed, so, if you're the kind of person who doesn't enjoy being singled out for attention or being involved in random conversations wherever you go it's probably safer to stick to beige.



Colour is a mood enhancer. It doesn't matter how crap a day you're having, stick on some clashing shades, a splash of neon lipstick or a psychedelic print and, if you don't feel better, demand a refund.


Be warned though, the day you eschew hot pink, cobalt blue, mustard, turquoise and emerald green you risk the wrath of your mates complaining that muted colours aren't really you (as some of last Friday's blog comments revealed).

Talking of that blog post I neglected to share the other treasures from last week's suitcase of forgotten 1970s fashion so here they are:


Clockwise from top left: Irving Sellars gents wool suit complete with bell bottom pants, black leather pea coat, Hildebrand for Liberty, London midi dress, Gents Norfolk-style blazer, Jumbo cord trench coat, Detail from Liberty dress, Mr Christopher wool windowpane check blazer, Aphrodite, London deco-inspired aubergine wool coat, Tan leather jacket

If I hadn't enough stock already, yesterday I thought I'd test out my new bag (made from a granny-ish tapestry seat cover bought at last weekend's jumble sale) and take it out chazzing*.

*Charity shopping

Wearing: Hindi print tee shirt (Street market, Kerala, 2012), Vintage satin maxi (the divine Helga), 1970s suede belt, leopard print almost-Litas, American Eagle hat (all bought second-hand)

..And test it out I did. Thankfully we'd packed extra bags or my stitching skills would have been seriously challenged!


Clockwise from top left: Welsh tapestry bag, Saw Ohn Nyun by Sir Gerald Kelly (Yes, I've one already!), 1960s leather coat, 1950s bouclé coat, Insane 1980s mouse jumper, 1970s cardi, 1960s pink suede Mary Janes, 1980s Concept Man sweater, 1970s John Collier safari jacket, 1960s patent & suede Mary Janes, Taunton Vale canister, St Michael 1970s wool jacket, 1970s Danish dagger collar shirt, 1950s St Michael botany wool bed jacket
Most of which will be making it's way to the Kinky Melon stall at Castle Hall, Bridgnorth on Saturday.

Red wool trousers (made by me with jumble sale fabric & a 1972 Simplicity pattern), 1960s St Michael psychedelic blouse (the lovely Jo), blue suedette fake Litas (£5, off the market)
I'm wearing red in celebration of us qualifying for the World Cup, 2014. Every 4 years I become a football bore, filling in wall-charts and discussing tactics with any poor sod within ear shot. The obsession may have started back in 1968 when, on a family holiday to Wales, I managed to escape from our hotel room in Tenby, toddle down the corridor and get myself rescued by Geoff Hurst, the man responsible for scoring the goal that won England the World Cup in 1966, who was staying with his family in the room directly opposite.

Don't worry, I'll try to keep the football chat to a minimum next Summer!

See you soon.

75 comments:

  1. Fab finds, as ever. I love the mouse jumper, of course!

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  2. I love the T-shirt that you're wearing in the 4th picture - the indian one. It's so cool!

    Kamile

    http://ayoungdreamcatcher.blogspot.com/

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  3. I love this silhouette and the colours together! The wool pants are one of my favs of all your clothes. I wore mine last week when away - boring white cotton though - well it was a balmy 32'C out in the shade - would love some in a coloured wool. xx

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  4. People in my hometown the just call it, your style, lol.
    I was thinking of you on my way home this morning hiding away from the sun and thinking: Vix would love it.
    I keep away from the sun like a vampires, but still I am brown.hahahhahahahha.
    I love the shot where you are wearing the granny bag, wowwwwwww mind blowing clash of patterns, yeahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh
    Love, love, love my queen

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  5. Oh my goodness I have GOT to come chazza shopping with you soon - you find the most amazing stuff and look fab to boot.

    xxx

    PS What size are the maroon shoes with the black toe cap.... LOVE THEM!

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  6. haha - my friends thinks that someone died when i wear all black once or twice a year ;-)

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  7. It's true, colour and pattern seems to be the thing that people respond to, but I would also say that in your case, it's the aura of good cheer and friendliness as well! That Vix Effect, it's pure magic!
    Looking gorgeous in pink and red, darling, very sophisticated for a wet Wednesday in Walsall! (It's pouring here anyway.)
    What a load of fab stuff for Kinky Melon's rails. Loving those 60s shoes. And your me-made bag is perfect for filling with goodies, even if you did need extra!
    Your Geoff Hurst story is hilarious - who'd have thought? Yes, we watched the football last night too. I think you must be the most glamorous footie fan ever - you knock spots off Victoria Beckham, love! xxxxx

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  8. Amazing finds, and I am quite in love with that blouse of yours x

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  9. But why did you need rescuing by Englands greatest football hero?
    Tell us more.

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  10. You get more and more interesting! Rescued by Geoff Hurst?? We definitely need the full story on this one.

    Love the tapestry bag - not that I'm tapestry obsessed at the moment or anything...

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  11. I do not understand why people are afraid of colours when they so clearly have a positive effect on how you feel . You look so great !
    Xxx

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  12. I do love those red trews, darling. I have just nabbed a pair of red skinny jeans in a chazza and I'm gonna love 'em with my big rigger boots! Red n' pink eh? I know an old biffer who could give yo some mixing pink with other colours.
    Loads of fab stuff and I love the idea of you being stopped in your bid for freedom by Geoff Hurst!
    Loves ya.
    xxxxxxx

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  13. What a great story. You always have the best ones.

    Vintagehoneybee.blogspot.com

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  14. you got rescued by Geoff Hurst? oooh I want to know more too! your colour lovliness is perfect, the pants are divine, and Kinky Melon is full of gorgeous treasure, fab coats and sweet Mary Jane's - I didn't know you like football, I didn't even know we had qualified x x

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  15. Put me in the majority that needs to hear more of the rescue story! Weren't you just a babe in diapers in 1968? : > I adore your aubergine wool coat and the pink mary janes -- together perhaps? Great finds all around. xox

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  16. I've noticed around here when I wear something colorful and a flower headband the only people that talk to me are Mexican women and church ladies. Love your shopping outfit and what a haul!

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  17. Wow ... I love all your fabulous finds. It's a little off the subject ... but I adore that floor rug as well. Was that a charity find too??
    xx

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  18. Your red trousers are fantastic on you. (I'm sure you know that we call them 'pants' here but I have to be careful with the wording for fine friends living overseas!) Both the suitcase haul and the thrift store one are chock full of excellent things.

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  19. You are such a vibrant colorful woman regardless of what you're wearing- I'm so thankful you took up blogging so I,across an ocean can feel your warmth and enjoy your character! What a charmer.

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  20. Rescued by Geoff Hurst!!! Absolutely brilliant!!! And would never have guessed I shared a sporting link with you as well as vintage fashion (I work for Eurosport TV).

    Love the pink and red combo today.

    Thanks for stopping by on my little ole blog the other week Vix- I was super chuffed that you'd taken the time.

    Your blogs have really encouraged me not to give a stuff what other people think of what I wear and today I'm wearing bright pink tights a la you instead of boring brown.

    Leaving now before I sound like a weirdo stalker.

    :)

    Got any cool umbrellas? This weather is shite here in London and I've not managed to ever find a decent vintage one that isn't ridiculously priced.

    Lou (itssecondhanddarling.tumblr.com)

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  21. I need my colours too, they definitely cheer me up. I couldn't live in black (or any other neutral on its own, for that matter).
    I love your style, it's marvelous to see a person expressing such joy through clothes & accessories!

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  22. So much to love in this post, Vix: you in your glorious bedroom, your fabulous finds, the tapestry bag you made and that great story about Geof Hurst. xx

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  23. I can see me quite comfy causal in the pink suede shoes that pink and blue striped cardi and my denim bellbottoms paired with my big fringed peace symbol purse . Love it , and you of course !

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  24. Great to see you in those red flares, looking amazing! 2 gorgeous outfits. Your bedroom is a stunner too, just like you.

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  25. First--what awesome goodies came out of that suitcase!! and the goodies you got chazza-ing!1 We never have vintage stuff like that locally!!

    You look amazing in your red trousers and pink shirt!! And I am totally in love with the second outfit--everything about it is just fabulous!!

    Male co-worker noticed the new specs today--and was rather taken aback that I would wear PurPLE glasses. Goes with my exploded bag of skittles wardrobe!

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  26. Love that pink and red - colours really can boost the mood! but I have to admit sometimes I need my big, grey sweater to cuddle in when I'm on a bad mood.

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  27. Just seeing the colours in your photographs cheered me up!
    Liz @ Shortbread & Ginger

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  28. i loved you in the muted colors but vivid colors really do suit you. i feel much better in neutrals and i wonder why that is. neutrals have always been associated with boring so that explains it. :)

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  29. You def needed bright colours today to lift spirits, and too be seen in the mist! Looking as lovely as ever.

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  30. As I get older a Burka starts to look most attractive, maybe its because i like the black cloak of invisibility i have to wear every day so much

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  31. Brill finds, I love the red trousers you are wearing, well done you !!
    twiggy x

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  32. I do like random chats and I vouch for the uplifting powers of a bright lipstick, even though I like to go unnoticed a lot of the time, but I'm sure Curtise is right that it's your whole aura that attracts people to you as well as your outfits Vix. I love your tapestry cushion bag and you have had some really great finds recently, both in the suitcase and in the chazzas. I love the Welsh tapestry bag, the deep red coat and the picture, there's so many lovely things there. It shows how much I know about sport that I thought Geoff Hurst was a cricketer, and the 70s was when I knew the most about footy too, thanks to my dad and brother. Would love to hear the story of why you needed rescued though! xx

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  33. HAHA I think you would give your blog readers a heart attack if you wore all beige!! You might even make paper headlines!! Might be a funny idea for April Fools Day though!! I agree color really does brighten up the mood regardless of the day you are having!! I think I will go paint my toenails blue :) You look beautiful ~Love Heather

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  34. Wow, that's one good day's chazzing, Vix - well done. Loving your red and pink combo - it's unusual to see you in trousers, but they're fab! x

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  35. Colour doesn't it lift the spirits it what? I love it and quite honestly I feel really blah without it. Colour truly makes me happy. I absolutely adore both of your outfits, quite easily two outfits I'd absolutely wear myself.

    I don't mind the football talk at all. My Ben has played football since he was a young kid, and played in state representative levels. He's a very talented goal keeper and his old coach used be Frank Haffey who played for Celtic. A lovely supportive man of Ben's skills and talent.

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  36. Something tells me that you and I hear a lot of the same thing when we are out and about. I think I would have never made it here in Oregon unless I embraced color it saves me almost everyday. I think this is a mad color combo red and lavender you look sexy and in my room no less! Sorry I know it's not my room but Chris and I felt so at home in there!

    The coats you got are all so fresh I love that burgundy one and the black trench, they will surely be snapped up soon. The second outfit is an ode to Janis Joplin and with your handmade tapestry bag it really is one of my most favorite outfits ever! That football story is INSANE and no wonder you are a bit enamored!
    LOTSOFLOVEXXXXOOOOOOOO

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  37. I get the same words as you, plus i get checked out at work but in the good sense - They like it
    I'm sunshine in the sea of beige

    I get looks in the streets, subway, buses, but i don't care - I look better than all of them!

    So do you!

    Arianexo

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  38. Get you being rescued by Geoff Hurst eh? Glad he did other wise we wouldn't be able to enjoy the fabulous style you share with us.

    Loving the colour and I totally agree, it always guaranteed to make you feel so much better.

    X x

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  39. The other day when I was in Boots the cashier remarked "looking bright today". I told her that I like to brighten up the corporate world a bit! I love your red trousers! I've got a 70s pattern that I've been meaning to make up - perhaps it's the same one x

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  40. Yay for colour and plenty of it!! I am not ready for beige and powder blue and not sure if I ever will be!

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  41. Straight out of Vogue Living, 1974, these pix are!!! GloriARSE! Friggign love your bedroom.Such divoon detail. And that BLOUSE!!! Scrumptious!
    Ooo, the contents of that suitcase revealed! So Jon did very well, then?! Most excellent!
    Yay for some successful chazzing; I'm determined to have some success tomorrow, myself. After a week of yet another cold I am in need of some chazza therapy! Love the shoes, and can't believe you've scored another one of those amazing prints. The Welsh tapestry bag is quite gorgeous, as is the boucle coat! I really wnat one is red or pink one of these days-chazza wish listing, that is!
    You are a Goddess, my darling, football mania or otherwise!!!
    Love Helga xxxXXXxxx

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  42. That room is flipping awesome. I am sure I scanned the hole dang picture just so I could take it all in. *lol*
    Love both of your outfits in this post. And what fabulous 70s finds.

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  43. I love those red trousers, even more fab that you made them yourself, I fully embrace brightness, there are much worse things to be afraid of than a bit of colour!

    Charlotte Adele

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  44. The contents of the suitcase and your chazza haul will surely bring the punters flocking this weekend. Those coats will be popular if what we hear about the coming winter is to be believed. Love the boucle coat and the Welsh tapestry bag and you look simply splendid in pink and red, what a fantastic combo. I'm getting braver about colour as I get older, I don't want to blend into the background like an old lady. I wore my Brum tartan skirt today and got complimented twice.
    Great story about Geoff Hurst.
    xxxxxxx

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  45. oog i love your trousers! and those shoes that your found are cute - but do you still sell things on the Kinky Melon website? how can us not English living people get in on the action?

    My BF is obsessed with football, and finally we have the A-league which is actually pretty good! It should better considering the amount of Italians and so on we have here, but in the mean time they import the pros who are on their way to retirement - but the fans like to see them. We are more worried about NRL and AFL and need to be propping up the number of fans here before we can even THINK about winning a world cup, but we'll get there! We'll beat England at the World cup if we cant have the Ashes!

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  46. You look gorgeous in the pink & red outfit. And your chazzing outfit is da bomb! Hippietastic! Super job on the bag.

    What a haul you made! Best of luck on your upcoming show!

    xxx

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  47. Arghhhh those pink 60s mary janes! The absolute shoes of my dreams!! If there is any chance they are a wee size 36 I would happily take them off your hands. If you fancy selling them to me I would do terrible, terrible things for them!

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  48. Bonita blusa!!!
    Besos
    http://judithbysucre.blogspot.com.es

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  49. Lots of treasure here! Although I'm not much of a football fan I do like to take an interest in the Word cup too :) x

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  50. I really like the way you create new out of old but done with a salute to the past. And the red is a great color on you.

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  51. You look like the cool girl who I wanted to be in junior high school in that first photo. Lavender, red and blue make a luscious combination. I'm glad that blouse found the perfect home in your wardrobe.
    That suitcase has revealed some great treasures. Love the black cord trench, aubergine wrap coat and Liberty dress!

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  52. Yummy red trousers you've got there! I'll admit it. I'm not afraid of colors, I just don't like them. Strange that I like all colors of shoes and accessories but when it comes down to the base pieces, skirts, dresses, blouses- red is usually as bold as I go. I've always been like that, every since I was a little girl - my mom couldn't PAY me to wear pink!

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  53. Vix, I love seeing your treasures, your clothes, but I LOVE LOVE getting peeks into your house! It's amazing! I am sure, one of a kind!! I love it!

    XOXO
    Lynn

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  54. Loving the trousers.
    I was born in 1966 too although can't boast about meeting a legend like you.

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  55. I get comments like that too. I actually find it quite amusing that people take the time to comment on the fact the I'm wearing Colour. I was in Top Shop recently, and the sales clerk was mesmerized with my outfit. She was dressed head to toe in black, including her lipstick. And she was young. And she wasn't *brave* enough to wear colour. Hello, it's clothing, not bungee jumping. Love your trousers!!! I love lavender with red, and the blue is a delightful accent!

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  56. I've never understood it when people say that they cannot wear colour! I love and wear bold colour all the time. Those trousers on you fit like a glove, LOVE them! :-) xx/Madison

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  57. I love the pink and red combination, but the second outfit is one of my favourite ever! The skirt is beautiful, but it could easily turn any outfit into something serious because of the colours, but you did such an inspiring mix with the amazing accessories and the shirt, bravo! I'm really moody about colours or not ordinary outfits, but I understand that I'm quite noticeable anyway! I miss to live in a bigger city, it was awesome(but sometimes annoying)that every few steps people commented on me or on my clothes!Going around with kids save me from that!
    One of the best ever was 'Who are you? Jim Morrison's sista?' and the funny fact is that few days ago a man said that my daughters were dressed like 'The Doors'!
    Love xxxxxx

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  58. You look lush in those red trousers and the wiggly hair is fab.
    The cushion/bag is inspired and sooo much more tasteful as a bag! xxx

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  59. Pink and red is such a happy colour combo. I don't understand why people see it as "brave" to wear bright colours, but I guess because it makes you highly visible, that is scary for some people. The pink suede mary janes are quite adorable (I would wear those quite happily with my red pants, or my kelly green ones).
    Good luck selling lots of stuff on the weekend!

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  60. Hi there! Those red trousers look amazing, this is a really great outfit! Love all your finds, your tapestry bag looks gorgeous too, I love it! Xx

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  61. Have missed seeing your wonderful finds. You look FAB as always. You're so right that color is a mood lifter not just for the wearer but for the watcher as well.

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  62. Oh darn, oh darn, oh darn, oh darn!!! I could have come to see you in Bridgnorth (lovely place) on Saturday, except I am already committed to go elsewhere. Hope it is a great day for you. Maybe we can meet up there some other time?

    Cheers,
    Rosemary from www.foreveronthecatwalkoflife.blogspot.com

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  63. Oh no, you can't go to Bridgnorth this weekend! My mum lives just by there, but is coming to visit me this weekend! Godammit.

    The pink and red of your outfit just sing. Aren't people funny with their comments? I don't mind the odd one, until it moves into more passive aggressive stuff. Because, there's nothing actually stopping people wearing bright clothes... Xxx

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  64. Ah you have to wear what makes you happy Vix, and yes although you do carry off the louder colours marvellously, I still say you looked chic and fabulous in the piccies on Friday! Go with what you love! Not that I need tell you that!
    Love your boudoir (!!), it's lovely seeing someone having more than just a normal boring duvan! My bed isn't vintage, but it's unusual (mahogany Tudor panelled style) and I think it's important to have a good boudoir, a place to unwind - and a bed should definitely represent it's inhabitants :)

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  65. I have to make sure certain colours don't clash wiv me eyeballs, espesh after a hard night. lol You carry the colours off with such style, good on ya for brightening peoples days, even if some of 'em don't appreciate it ♥

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  66. You look gorgeous, but I'm afraid I find you upstaged by your decor!!! I'm also a decor freak (thrifted of course) and your home looks fabulous.

    I have a rather conservative long-distance friend who finally visited my home last year. Her comment was, "Oh, now your clothes make sense!" I love how your decor is perfectly attuned to your aesthetic. Love you so much!! XXXOOO

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  67. Love the trousers & I am glad you translate now with a * :)
    & to answer your question about the longevity of my Vendetta polish....is a def No. I have had no luck with the Chanel polish as it chips in 2 days with my working hands. It is usually gifted to me & that's why I hardly wear it but I am liking the Avon Pro polish @ $2.99 totally worth it & I get 5 days of wear.

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  68. Colour is the BEST! Why wear black, white or grey when you could wear pink or green or orange!

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  69. Have I missed it or can you give us a low down of the fab vintage items in the first room X

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  70. hurrah for another splash out of fabulousness!, you're gorgeous and love your red pants!!, they suits you so nicely!!
    and I'm glad you're kicking beige away once more!!, because a colorful way of life just makes our walks more interesting!
    besos

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  71. I love you in that outfit with the red trousers and pink blouse, you look like a model. So wonderful to have such a tiny waist. I agree colour does break down barriers in a really positive way. I love random conversations.

    I can't believe how much fantastic stuff there was lurking in that 1970s suitcase. Bonanza!

    Get you with your footie tales. If you hadn't been nabbed by an international rock god, you could have been a WAG!!!!!! :) xxxxxx

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  72. Neon and psychedelic makes anyone happy. Throw in some animal
    Print and we are heading to nirvana.

    Love love love the blouse x

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  73. WOW Vix you look wonderful as always! Those trousers are a delight, I have just rediscovered flares and now they are all I can think about! Can you make me a pair???!!! xxxxxxxxxxxx

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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