Saturday 2 November 2013

Five Do Nottingham - We Came, We Scored, We Shopped




If I were a professional blogger I'd have taken my fancy pants camera to Nottingham, put some thought into my photos and invested in a remote to take some decent group shots. I'd have made a note of all the places we went to and been able to share the name of the pubs we spent a significant part of the day in.


But, no any attempts at being professional went out of the window after I quit my corporate life back in 2000. I took the tatty little point and shoot found by the bins at Glasto as I couldn't be arsed lugging the other one around and was too busy cackling like a demented witch, gossipping and shopping to think about much else. As is the norm we relied on random strangers to take the group shots hence the blurry quality and unflattering angles.


After Tania, our gorgeous hostess, collected Annie and I from the station, we hot-footed it to Hopkinsons to join Curtise and Serena for coffee and a rummage.


Within 10 minutes Tania and Serena had found me a 1970s slinky pink beach dress with handy integral bra - ideal for Goa. See it over at Tania's HERE.


Like the magpie she is, Curtise pounced on the lurex.


Tania fell in love with this incredible yellow lamé cocktail dress by Global.


After all that excitement off we went to one the city's many Wetherspoons for pitchers of restorative cocktails (Porn Star Martinis and Mojitos). Obviously, with it being Wetherspoons, we pulled some blokes made some new friends along the way who kindly offered to take photos. 

Didn't I do well for presents? Clockwise from top left: Beach reading, leather barrette and block printed maxi skirt (Tania), Flamenco coasters (Tania), Gorgeous maxi (Curtise), handmade soap and card (Serena), Vintage Spanish souvenir tat (Tania), Holiday reading and fair trade journal (Annie), Amazing vintage fabric (Curtise)


After checking out a few city centre chazzas we popped into Baklash, selling vintage to the good people of Nottingham for over thirty years. 


After admiring the wares on the ground floor we headed to the bargain basement and were knocked sideways by the fab frocks & the incredible prices. When the smiley sales assistant came over and told us that everything was now £5 (or a bagful for a tenner) we were dumbstruck.


Eve, the owner is the blonde on the right. 
It wasn't until I woke up this morning that I realised that I knew her. 

Back in 1987, after spotting a wanted ad in the local paper for vintage clothing, I called the number listed. I was a teenager then, living at home with my parents and had already amassed a massive collection of period clothing which was in danger of taking over the house. The lady came over, bought everything I had and gave me more money than I'd ever seen in my life (it went straight into a brand-new savings account which eventually enabled me leave home and fund my first ever trip abroad.) We got along like a house on fire and she invited me to come and be her guest at home in Nottingham as she was throwing a party.
Back then she wore Chinese workman suits, had a peroxide blonde bob and to teenage me the epitome of cool. I'll never forget the glamour of her Art Deco dressing table and the original Guinness memorabilia on display. Eve was the first person I ever sold vintage clothing to 31 years ago.

After a cheeky pint in a fabulously dingey old boozer we made our way back to the station and said our goodbyes. Curtise caught her train with 15 seconds to spare, she's so rock and roll.

Fabulous company, cheap beer and frocks aplenty - what a day!

Check out all my Nottingham purchases (and my fabulous frock from Curtise).
The question is - what on earth do I wear for tomorrow's vintage fair?

See you soon.

65 comments:

  1. What a fabulous story about the owner of Baklash! And the prices! OMG...like being a kid in a candy store!

    It looks like you had a roaring great day, and I'm happy you shared. A couple of bloggers I've not yet met, so looking forward to popping by their blogs!

    Can't help you with what to wear. All your dresses are gorgeous!

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  2. Great story about the shop owner -- I was musing on similar roundabout stories on my blog a few days ago...

    I hope Curtise bought that fab looking jacket she looks so happy about :)

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  3. What fun !!! Did you jump a bit on the bed while you were up there looking lovely ??
    I had a boyfriend in grade school that lived in Nottingham ( well I had a crush on him ,all in my head , he never knew) I use to go quite a ways sometimes and spend weekends with my friend and her family there in Nottingham just to peek in on hime. His name was Graham, and now I truly can't even remember my friends name (must ask mum) .lol
    My dad had work in the U.K. for years when I was young , so we lived there for a while ( loved it ,in my heart evermore ... the U.K. not Graham :)

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  4. It makes sense that your and Eve's paths crossed again. I wonder if she remembered you.
    Sounds like a rollicking day and so many treasures!

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  5. What a fabulous bunch, ahhhhhhhhhhhhh
    I am soooooooooooooooooo jealousssssssssssssssssssssssss
    XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

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  6. Blurry random photos are sign of a proper good day out, I reckon! Professionalism? Overrated - Porn Stars and Mojitos and endless chat and laughing are much more fun!
    I LOVED it, didn't Tania and Nottingham do us proud? I have been trying on all my goodies, I'm wearing the frock you gave me (snap!) and grinning madly at another great blogger meet up, with frisky blokes taking our photos, fabulous bargains, and an amazing story of shared vintage love and lives reconnecting.
    I love that last-but-one pic of Tan and Serena, there should be a caption for that one!
    Bloody hell, my heart didn't slow down for 10 minutes after I caught that train by the skin of my teeth... what is it with me and trains? I'm not rock and roll - I'm an idiot who doesn't look at the platform information!
    So happy that the frock fits (feel free to chop the sleeves off if you want!) and I am admiring your purchases all over again - demon shoppers, aren't we?!
    Heavenly to catch up with you again, my love - X Factor date later too, hurray! xxxxxx

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  7. You all look very glam and colourful. The dress from Curtise is wonderfull. You have to wear that one.
    But I'm very troubled by the human teeth necklaces. Very.
    xxx

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  8. What a haul and what a great story. I'm so jealous of all these cheap vintage shops.

    Any more purple frocks and I shall start sulking! I think you should wear the purple lurex one tomorrow though. x

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  9. That grey tin with the roses on, we had the very same tin when I was small! One of the roses is called Ena Harkness, I'll swear. I'd have bought that if i'd seen it, just for the memories.
    Looks like you had a great time anyway, and a lovely haul of 'new to you' frocks!

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  10. That grey tin with the roses on, we had the very same tin when I was small! One of the roses is called Ena Harkness, I'll swear. I'd have bought that if i'd seen it, just for the memories.
    Looks like you had a great time anyway, and a lovely haul of 'new to you' frocks!

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  11. When I read these catch up posts where you all go shopping together and have drinks, I just long to join you all for the fun. Yet again you all look to of ad a wonderful time. I love the pic of Curtise she looks absolutely radiant in that picture. You did very well with your lovely gifts.

    Are you going go pop back and see Eve again? That was fabolous story.

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  12. We don't need pro shots to see and feel the fun you all had. And how cool that you met someone from your early vintage-selling days? I had a moment like that in a Toronto vintage boutique with a familiar women, who, I realized the next day, sold me a lamp and table for my empty apartment when I moved to TO five years earlier. I think it's so cool when people circle back into your life, however fleetingly. I bet she remembered you the next day too! Lovely gifts and frocks. Xoxo

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  13. wouauau, you're a so fabulous bunch of ladies, chatting and thrifting and drinking, and rocking!!
    love to see you having so much fun and purchasing awesome dresses!!, that last pic is driving me crazy!! too much fabulousness!!!
    besos

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  14. Seven new frocks in a day, that's legendary. Move over Robin Hood, you're history.

    It was a great day out. I just loved the way Serena asked 'so what do you do on a day out?', we listed it and it all came to pass! Reviving coffee, browse shops, buy stuff, lunch, cocktails, blokes in Wethys, photos, laughter, laughter, laughter, buy more stuff. We did the lot.

    The story of you and Eve is something else, I can't wait for Chapter 2.

    That photo of me and Serena. Q says I look demented and rather like Hilda Ogden. Amazing, because that was EXACTLY the look I was going for! xxxxxxx

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  15. Wow! Some great finds! You always get the nicest things!

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  16. I am so envious not only is this such a fun group of gals but the shopping! Are you friggin kidding me?!?! Yeah let me stuff a bag full of frocks! What a killer day! I wish I was loaded and could just fly out for these dammit! I really love the maxi from Curtise and Tania in the gorgeous yellow number!

    The story of Eve is wonderfully weird and I think so dam awesome! What a trip!
    Loveyouhoney
    Xxxxooooo wish I was there!

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  17. love a blogger meet up! such amazing stores you find and of course drinking the finest cocktails, I'll have a porn star too! the lilac lurex frock is making me drool, you are going to look gorgeous in them all!! great pics of you all, another fun filled awesome adventure, dang I love the fun you have x x x

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  18. what a wonderful story about the shop owner!!
    Y'all look amazing and wowzer at all the goodies you quaffed!!

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  19. Looks like you had a brilliant day Vix, and I love all the colours and prints in this post - so pretty!

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  20. I am so jealous of your blogger meet ups ... they look like such terrific fun.
    I am also jealous of the shops you have over there ... the only thing I have even slightly resembling these is a Salvation Army Charity shop .... and I can guarantee you ... There won't be anything like the fabulous finds you came up with.
    Can't wait for your next day out ... so I can be green with envy again ;0)
    xx

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  21. You always have fun when you have a girls day out. Fantastic shopping buddies and shops and of course light refreshments!! Such lovely gifts too.

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  22. ARGH!!! THE AGONY AND THE ECSTASY!!!
    I love seeing you bints together, having a rollicking good time and buying up allt he gloriarse tat in town! I've always wanted to go to Nottingham....I love EVERYTHING you saw and bought!!!
    And fancy, bumping into Eve like that after all this time! Serendipity, i think they call it!
    Love Helga xxxXXXxxx

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  23. What a fabulous day out with a beautiful bunch of women and such loot!! I love the dress Curtise gave you and the Spanish coasters are muy bonitas!!

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  24. Absolutely loved this post, love you!

    X

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  25. Looks a great day out with the girls, just as it should be done!

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  26. I'm still dribbling over the wonderful blogger gifts you guys gave me and the fabulous haul of treasures I picked up yesterday. But even better, I'm still basking in the glow of a truly fabulous day out with the most amazing bunch of women. Can't wait to see you all again!

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  27. Oh, and yes, Curtise is totally rock and roll. Love her!

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  28. What an amazing day! I think next time you should take a video camera. In fact, this would make a great TV series - porn stars, wild women, long lost acquaintances and last minute train boarding. I'm on the edge of my seat!

    I've got to look up porn star martini now...

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  29. Another fabulous blogger meetup - I am so jealous! Can't believe you got all those gorgeous frocks for a tenner! Your new beach dress will be just perfect for your next trip to India.

    That is such a cool coincidence about running into Eve again - it's too bad you didn't realize it at the time, as I'm sure she would have been interested to know how she enabled you to leave home and travel.

    A marvelous day all round - thanks for sharing!

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  30. It looks like you had a fab day in good ol Notts :)

    Sal xx

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  31. Wow! looks like you made out like a house on fire. What a fun day…next time I'm out that way I'm looking you up.

    That pink gown is to die for! Couldn't you be the next Bond woman in that number?

    Crazy story about the shop owner and you. Amazing really. Kismet.

    bisous
    Suzanne

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  32. Oooooh, I wish we had fun shops like those around here!

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  33. So many brilliant women here! The thing I like most, apart from your collective brilliance, is seeing Curtise's big smile. Awesome! It's hard to do high beams like that in selfies without looking plastic (speaking of myself) but these are great. Vix, a real pro would have asked for sponsorship from the pub in exchange for free booze for life. If he knew who you were, s/he may have granted it!

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  34. WTF a bagful for a tenner?!!! Far out that's awesome!! Love your scores and the story.. maybe some of the clothes you'd sold to her were in that bargain basement???!!! How cool.
    x

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  35. GASP! What a fabulous day! I. DIE.

    xxx

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  36. Sweet Jebus! What an amazing day and dresses! Im so glad you enjoyed yourself and even if you didnt take special profesh photos, it doesnt matter - we all wish we were there!

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  37. Wow - what a fabulous outing!
    I do love a good bargain, and you seem to have bagged plenty - such great finds :)

    Have a wonderful day xx

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  38. Wow! What are the odds of bumping into the first person you ever sold vintage clothing to? It sounds like you ladies had a wonderful time and that maxi dress is so beautiful, as are the others hanging above your bed. I love the purple ones! xx

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  39. the story with the shop owner is just gorgeous!
    and your new dresses like a rainbow - love the beachdress, very pretty color!

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  40. What a fun outing this sounds like it was. I love a good peek into your world like this. Neat that you ran into the woman who you first sold vintage clothes to!

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  41. Love hearing about your trips out and meet ups.You may not have the flashiest camera but it certainly manages to capture those fabulous outfits.

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  42. Fabulous my lovelies. How much do I adore seeing you all together? Tan did buy that frock didn't she? She bloody better have!
    Lovely story about the shop owner..the vintage world is fab.
    So are you.
    Loves ya.
    xxxxxxx

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  43. Fabulous my lovelies. How much do I adore seeing you all together? Tan did buy that frock didn't she? She bloody better have!
    Lovely story about the shop owner..the vintage world is fab.
    So are you.
    Loves ya.
    xxxxxxx

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  44. I love it when you and your blogging pals get together. A mojito and shopping - count me in! And what a great story about Eve the shop lady.
    It seems that 2000 was the start of something big for the both of us. You left the corporate world and I made the move to San Diego from Honolulu that January. Managed to get myself a transfer with the hotel I worked at. I'm happy I made the move!

    xo, Bonnie


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  45. Dear Vix, you have the most fabulous stories about your life, whether present time or from the past! I love your presents too!

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  46. Just found your blog, it's great! I love Nottingham for the vintage shops, check out my blog?

    http://mollymunslow.blogspot.co.uk/

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  47. OH man, I was in Nottingham a couple of weekends ago! Had I known there was this fab shop....? (mind you, I did manage to go in and out of a vintage fair there i 10mins with 3 dresses but not £5 each though!)x
    Looks like you had fun! x

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  48. Your bloggy meet-ups are the best! I love seeing you gorgeous ladies together. Yay for new frocks & wonderful company. Xx

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  49. Tania looks amazing in that lame cocktail dress. I hope she bought it. It looks like you all had a great time. I love your bedspread.

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  50. What a small world! You were meant to run into her again. I love the last photo in your blog. That bedroom looks cozy, I just want to move in for a while you have so much fun!

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  51. Hi there! What a fabulous story about Eve, that is so awesome! Great get together and you all looked lovely too! xx

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  52. Cackling like a demented witch is a sign of a bloody good time in my book, looks like you all had so much fun. No wonder...you were in vintage heaven, £10 for a bagful!!
    Love your gifted maxi skirt and frock and also that racy frock you are sporting over at Tania's.
    Glad you managed to keep the Wethy's tradition going, Porn Star cocktails and random blokes has gotta be done.
    xxxxxxx

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  53. Fill a bag for a tenner?! Words to gladden the heart of any shopper - and I see that you took full advantage! That pink floral maxi you're wearing is fab - I so love deep cuffs and bell sleeves like those xxx

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  54. Looks like vintage heaven in a (ten quid) full bag. What a haul. And what a bevy of blogging beauties.

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  55. I love the flashback- and the image of a teenage you amassing a great collection of vintage clothing. How we change and yet stay the same!

    It's so good to see your blogger meets, and especially the vibrant Curtise over here on your blog- she is a minty treasure!

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  56. It's a small world hey? meeting someone after 30 years -
    Fabulous day you had amazing gals
    Thrift shopping, gossip, drinks, food what can be better i tell you?

    Ariane xo

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  57. What a fab day you all had! x

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  58. Looks like another fantastic day out Vix, Baklash sounds like my kind of shop! That's crazy that you met the owner in your past as well. I agree professionalism is overrated too, love a bit of DIY ethic, feels much more enthusiastic and genuine. And you all looked fab as usual, you'll be legends in Wetherspoons all over the land soon! xx

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  59. Fantastic - I love seeing what you all get up to and everyone looks fab! xx

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  60. Looks like a fab day out, Vix - glad you had fun. Had to laugh at your comment about Wetherspoons - it reminded me of a remark made by a taxi driver friend of mine describing our local Wetherspoons on a Friday night - 'like a holding tank for the Jeremy Kyle Show'!!

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  61. What a fantastic time! I love reading about your meet ups! And love the goodies, as well as that fab story about remembering that it was the same woman you sold to so many years ago. Sometimes it really does seem a small world! XXX

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  62. Awww...I want to come and party too!! I LOVE your photos more than those fancy professional bloggers Vix - they always intimidate me, you are so down to earth and honest! How cool to run into your first ever "vintage" customer after all this time. Do you think you'll stay in touch? Thanks for sharing your adventures:)

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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