Thursday 21 November 2013

Boom, Boom, Boom



This is no ordinary vanity case.

This is part of a project Jon's been working on, rescuing old and unloved pieces of vintage luggage and transforming them into bad ass boomboxes.




After weeks of being dragged around the geekish, male-dominated world of Maplin, sharing the dining table with odd-looking gadgets and popping to the Post Office to pick up mysterious parcels, today an electrician has awarded his vintage boomboxes a British safety certificate, meaning that not only are they cool to look at but they won't blow your house up if you use one.


That bloke of mine is not only a stylish beast but also a blinking genius.


We've another full-on weekend of vintage selling at Bridgnorth on Saturday and Mere Green on Sunday.


Here's just a teensy selection of the groovy clobber we'll have on offer, in addition to our custom built sound machines.


And if that doesn't tempt you, just wait until you see what I'll be wearing (courtesy of fabulous parcels recently received from dear friends, Jean, Helen and Senora Allnut).

1970s satin maxi (Baklash, Nottingham), Fringed leather crop top (the divine Helga), Cobalt and jade suedette ankle boots (£5, market stall), wooden beads (supermodel Tania), African trading bead earrings (supremely talented Tamera)

I was stunned to see that the wearing of bright pink being described as "Menopausal" so I'm planning on going overboard on Saturday (at 2 weeks shy of 47 I am probably on the cusp). When I tried my outfit on earlier one of the cats ran for his life. Let's hope it doesn't have the same effect on any potential customers.

See you soon!

81 comments:

  1. Woah!
    What an amazing project! I wish I could buy on of these..

    You ravishing, by the way :)

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  2. Very cool boom boxes. (Um, is it a sort of speaker? Or something you plug your guitar into?)
    And such an added bonus that no one gets fried! He's very clever and imaginative. (I couldn't make the video work.)
    Have a great time at the vintage fairs this weekend. xxx

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  3. This is so awesome cool Vix - Yes he's a genius your BF - Mine too is pretty good at all kind of stuff, but don't have the time right now -
    I hope you guys sell a lot!

    Your dress is spectacular btw

    Arianexo

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  4. Suitcase boom box. Well that is just awesome there!

    How cool are they hope you sell loads of them. I am pretty sure you will who wouldn't want something as brilliant as that in their home!

    Good luck with the weekend fairs. Wear your pink with pride. What crap some people write. Pink = menopausal? Was it not considered a very manly shade in the 18th century? I think I should of been born earlier sometimes! lol.

    P x

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  5. Holy crap - what an amazing project! You're going to be rolling in the spondoolah when you start selling these bad boys :D

    Can't wait to see your outfit (and hair!!) xxx

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  6. Jon is a double threat - technologically proficient and a snappy dresser! I would love to find me one of those.

    I thought that comment about hot pink being "menopausal" was rather strange. I would have thought that "beige", or "taupe" would have been labelled that.

    Have a great weekend, and sell lots!

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  7. would Jon like the damned projector case I keep tripping over ?

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  8. Extremely talented that bloke of yours, Vix :-) But then we knew that already....
    And superbly stylish too, judging by Tuesday's post!

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  9. such fabulous vintage boomboxes, really cool! and you're looking gorgeous while showing us them!, so pretty in purple!
    And wish you a fabulous bright pink celebration day!, I think potential customers will run to buy your vintage pieces!! (your cats are funny indeed!)
    besos

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  10. That Jon - he's a good 'un! Keep hold of him, Vix! The boomboxes look great, and with the added bonus of a safety certificate, they're sure to sell really well. Clever man!
    And you are rocking that purple frock from Baklash, darling, loving the addition of the little leather waistcoat.
    Marvellous treasures for your stall, as always, love the midi dress and the faux fur. Can't wait to see what gifts have come your way from the lovely ladies.
    Yeah, bright colours are menopausal, apparently... Hahahaha! I think there are a few of us (including the wonderful women from the Fabulous Fashionistas documentary) who don't know about this "rule". And now we do, we'll continue to ignore it and dress as we please, making ourselves happy and proud in the process!
    Good luck with the fairs, I think the customers will flock to you, just as they always do. LOVE!!!!! xxxxxxxx

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  11. What a cleaver fella you have Vix. I have seen these more and more over the past year or so and they seem to be ever popular, lets hope you get some great sales from ten on the weekend.

    X x

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  12. what a great idea! I'm sure they will all sell out!

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  13. fun project! i really love the idea of old suitcases as a boom box.
    the purple dress looks fab on you ...

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  14. Those boom boxes are insane! I would love one. I am sure they will do very well for you.

    bisous
    Suzanne

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  15. Clever Jon!! They are all very cool, I would fing choosing only one difficult.

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  16. Fabulous idea and beautifully executed too!
    Mr B met 'Miss Baklash' earlier in the year; he was so taken with the shop he messaged me pictures!
    Mmm, menopausal pink...goes so well with my hot flush cheeks!!
    Z xx

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  17. Wow, that is amazing, Jon is very talented.

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  18. Jaysus, those boom boxes are frigging DIVOON! Gorgeous AND uber functional! Nice job, Jon, I reckon they'll be bloody successful!
    Oooo, I want to come shop with Kinky Melon!! WAH! No fair. Especially if you're going to bedazzle me with glorious menopausal COLOUR!!!!! SQUEE! Ha, poor blinded pookie.
    Love Helga xxxXXXxxx

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  19. You've certainly got some groovy gear for your fairs this weekend. Particularly like the mens pink (male menopause?) shirt and the purple print dress. I'm sure you'll sell loads especially as Jon's boom boxes are bound to have punters flocking to your stall. (I like the way he's sprayed the inside of the speakers) Do keep warm though...have you got a vest on under that dress? xxxxxxxx

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  20. The boom boxes are fantastic! Jon's a genius.

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  21. Damn straight those boom boxes are super cool. Way to go Jon you genius....love it.

    Vix I'm swooning over that vest. X

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  22. those are awesome. what a great idea.

    Vintagehoneybee.blogspot.com

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  23. Absolutely - slap on the colour, dress up bright, age is but a darn number, I have no idea why people create 'rules' because of it! It's a state of mind! You look absolutely gorgeous and OMG! Those boom boxes are magnificent!!! Jon is a bloody super-genius! I'll be sending you an email!!

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  24. Jon's handiwork is so so COOL!!!
    I'm loving you in that slinky maxi!!
    FECk on Fuschia=Menopausal. I think we -all of us over 40 fabulous gals-should have a day where we all wear F*CK-OFF FUSCHIA and proclaim our Fabuloisity.

    I think I shall ponder on this and set a date!!

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  25. Boom Boom Bingo! What great re-use of cases! Wishing you a very pink and profitable weekend!

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  26. Boom,boom ,banging! A genius idea! I love it. Worth stepping over the Maplin threshold for I think.
    You look gorgeous in menopausal pink. Glowing you are.
    xxxx

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  27. I love that rumour about pink. Soon EVERYONE will want to be menopausal. Our hot flashes will solve the energy crisis. You are smoking hot by the way in this dress and I'm sure that you could help sell those jaw-droppingly genius boom boxes if you danced to the them as well.
    That's great news about the certification. Doing paperwork is so tedious, but now he's got it, watch out world. You're safe!

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  28. What an ingenious idea ... clearly thought up by a genius. Can't wait to see your Saturday outfit.
    xx

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  29. The boom boxes are brilliant! What a smart guy you have (I have one too - isn't is marvelous?) You look insanely fabulous, hope your sales are through the ceiling. xox

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  30. Oh my Gawd yes to boomboxage!
    Also to Fuck Off Fuschia :)
    Magenta FOR ALL (you're welcome)

    I'm climacteric baby (from the latin climactricus - of a dangerous period in life) so I'll dress accordingly

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  31. They'll be flocking like bee to a honeypot (and this from a woman who hates pink!)

    I am loving the boom boxes, what a bloody brilliant idea.

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  32. Thumbs up on Jon ~ stylish, handsome and a creative genius ... he's a keeper for sure Vix :))

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  33. I'm sporting menopausal chic at the moment, I look like a rose bush and ribena have both vomitted all over me, and with a lovely brooch too - I rather like it!
    Clever Jon, flaming brilliant idea, and with safety stuff attached, they will fly out - and you are gorgeous woman! I love your hot pink maxi and fab waistcoat, I can't wait to see the Saturday outfit too! x x x

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  34. Here in the States, we have the Red Hat Society. It's un-pc to come out and say it but I believe you've got to be menopausal to be one of 'em. Don't know if it's active in Europe or not. But if you see a group of ladies in pink hats, it's supposed to mean they're pre-menopausal.

    The whole thing's got me paranoid about hats....

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  35. We love those vintage boom boxes! Jon is so clever. My hubby loves the idea and said he may have to steal it. If only he would steal his fashion sense. That's hilarious about the cat, the color must bring back some bad memories, LOL!!

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  36. That is such a clever upcycle. Menopausal pink? I like pink before I was menopausal. What I avoid is wearing too many gold accessories.

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  37. That is such a clever upcycle. Menopausal pink? I like pink before I was menopausal. What I avoid is wearing too many gold accessories.

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  38. Brilliant idea, and bravo to getting safety certified...I can totally see this idea taking off!

    Enjoy the fair...you've got lots of treasures that I would love to buy.

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  39. That's some nice upcycling!! The speakers look great:)

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  40. Oh i do love them ! Great stock . Have a great weekend!
    Xxx

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  41. Jon's boom boxes look fantastic! I know the Captain would love one. I bet they'll sell like hot cakes. I hope you have a wonderful weekend & get rid of heaps of stock. Xx

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  42. Having already seen these little master pieces in the flesh I can honestly say they will be dancing themselves out of the house they are truly fabulous and so unique Jon is very clever. Have a fabulous weekend selling again, dee xx

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  43. that is ridiculously clever.....he's amazing!! Have a great weekend and rock the pink!!!xx

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  44. You got that right ... he is a blinking genius! How ingenious. Have fun at the fair this weekend and knock 'em dead in your pink outfit.

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  45. Sheeesh I've been wearing bright pink since before I needed tampax. Old before my years LOL.
    LOVE those boom boxes. I really, really want one for house parties and so on! Would be PERFECT and far less twee than those faux-vintage-style-radio things they sell for £££ in John Lewis.

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  46. What a talented person your man is, to create something as unique and amazing as these "boom boxes" using old and unneeded stuff. Enjoy your weekend!

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  47. Feck me sidways on Sunday holy hell you are ravishing in bright colors like this and surrounded by Jon's bad ass boom box vintage cases it's all a bit much! I can't watch the video on my iPad so I'll have a look later. Way to go Jon, the guys good with his hands and head, a keeper for sure:)
    I can't wait to see what beautiful stuff you were sent. I also wish I could shop your stock in person at every one of these fairs you do. My closet would be bursting:)
    Love you!xxxxooo

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  48. I've been looking at your psych-minidress som many times, but I realize I'm too tall ...

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  49. Congrats on another successful selling weekend. Awesome merchandise!
    You outfit is GORGEOUS as always.
    Jon's invention is BRILLIANT! Just da bomb! (or "boom" if you like).
    xxx

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  50. The boom boxes are absolute GENIUS, as you said!!! They can only even more cache to your already fabulous offerings. Whew.

    The comment about pink and menopausal women is not only utterly absurd, it smacks of misogyny to me. I think my next outfit might have to protest, too. I think Jon might have to don something in a gorgeous shade of magenta as well. He'd look fabulous. Oh, and his boots are to die for.

    Good luck this weekend. Love you!!

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  51. Wow that is such a brilliant idea! They look fab too x

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  52. oh what a clever man he is! I hope they sound is good? They surely look more sturdy then those tin-sounding speakers you buy for $5 at the gift shop. they're no better then listening to your ipod on loudspeaker. Now portable speakers with grunt! yes i like!

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  53. Check you out rocking that fab dress from Baklash! It looks great, the colour works a treat.

    You two are something else. Both talented, creative and super-stylish. I know about Maplin, I've stepped inside. It's the sort of place which gets men all excited. Well done for doing things properly, this is going to be a hit new line for KM.

    I love that poncho. Good luck for the weekend. Sell, sell, sell. I'm off out at the weekend and planning to go BRIGHT too! Might as well while I'm still only 46! xxxxxxxxx

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  55. How incredible: vintage suitcase boomboxes! I love the idea.
    I can't wait to see your outfit! You show 'em who is the boss of her own life and wardrobe!

    Love you,
    Masha

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  56. The boom boxes are so clever. Hope they sell well.
    Love your purple dress. xxx

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  57. lol about the cat running! I noticed that turquoise fringe first...I love.

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  58. Wow! What a creative man you have. Those boom boxes are amazing!

    I'm in love with so many of those clothes.

    You look gorgeous in pink by the way.

    Have a brilliant weekend x

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  59. Those boomboxes are the best!! That is the coolest thing EVER!

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  60. How amazing are those?! What a talent! XAnnie

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  61. Those boomboxes are inspired! How clever. Enjoy the vintage fair. Xx

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  62. Hi there! Wow, how cool are the boomboxes, well done to Jon! xxx

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  63. Genious! They're just brilliant! Jon better patent or trademark or something his idea.
    I was more than surprised to read that remark about pink :-) You wear yours wonderfully! Have a fab weekend and can't wait to real all about it! xx

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  64. Vix these are amazing!! Show me when I pop round. Jon I bloody love them xxx

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  65. Sorry I had to miss seeing you. Probably your stall did better than mine. Still, sometimes one does things against one's better judgement.

    Did you sell the dress with the little flowers, centre on the bottom row of your photos? It looks like it might be my size? The brown and white shoes look appealing too.

    Anyway, hope to get to meet up with you sometime in our lifetimes.

    Cheers,
    Rosemary from www.foreveronthecatwalkoflife.blogspot.com

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  66. Vix, those boom boxes are brilliant, and you look awesome modeling them! That little vest is adorable, and so is your "clobber".

    Pink is menopausal? I thrifted a hot pink sweater for $4 last week because I was freezing - not because of bloody hot flashes :o Really? I find menopause so bloody bewildering anyway...

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  67. I love the boom boxes and you look ravishing...Checked what you're wearing on facebook and its awesome x

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  68. Well of course Jon's a genius. He chose you, didn't he? What? Shocking Pink menopausal???? Who said that? Let me at 'em! I'll show them Shocking PINK!!!!!

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  69. Jon's boom boxes are brilliant! What a clever idea.

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  70. That is so genius! I love that idea and the boom boxes came out looking so cool. Also drooling over your vintage haul. Wish I was in the U.K.!

    Oh and happy almost birthday. :-)

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  71. What a wonderful idea, that boom boxes are amazing!!! And how pretty are you modeling with them! Both of you are so talented!
    Have a fab day dear Vix! XX Tani

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  72. I have only one word - awesome!!!!

    http://www.myunfinishedlife.com

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  73. Oops nearly got sucked into watching all your videos there Vix, Jon's boom boxes are brilliant, they look great and I love the idea of being able to carry them about with you, could do with one of these in this house as it's hard to find a space to listen to music here. And I love all your goodies, that bottom middle dress is lovely, hope you bring your stall up north one day! xx

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  74. Please tell Jon that I think he did an amazing job and I really wish I could buy one. I need to share these with my friends!

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  75. wow that purse is pretty awesome and unique!

    styleandchocolates.blogspot.com

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  76. The vanity cases are bloody genius! What a fantastic idea, now that's a boom box I would get!
    Love the hot pink dress, it's lovely!

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  77. I love, love, love this cases, they are amazing, such a great idea, they look great!

    Pop Culture&Fashion Magic

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  78. What a superbly clever idea!!! Clever Jon! X

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Lots of love, Vix