Thursday 28 November 2013

Women's Stuff



I was all set to walk into town today when the postman called with a bastard massive birthday parcel from Queen of Kiwiland, Helga. Off went my fake fur jacket, on went this luscious green crochet poncho and out I went.


I got so many elderly ladies stopping and asking if I'd made it myself I was tempted to start lying & telling them I had, but as I can't even get to grips with a simple chain, I thought I'd better be honest and not bask in someone else's glory.


Remember me mentioning a bizarre ebay buy we'd been to pick up on Monday morning? Well, this is it, a pair of 1950s shop display stands. 


I've always had a bit of a thing for old skool advertising, I can lose hours looking for vintage shop fittings on ebay and pouring over old adverts in magazines. 


Both Modess and Lilia were on sale from the mid-1920s.


Here's some girls-about-town checking out the Lilia stand.


I'd planned to use the stands for displaying stock at vintage fairs and within our soon-to-open shop space in Blighty Bazaar,


I've had fun doing a trial run in the lounge for Sunday's fair.


But I couldn't resist snaffling the other for our bathroom.


I scrubbed away the surface rust with a bit of wire wool and that was it. Painting would have ruined it, I like vintage to look vintage.


Usually this kind of stuff can go for loads of money and I assumed I'd be outbid but no, I was the only bidder. Maybe people were put off by the sanitary towel advertising, silly buggers. Half the populate menstruate, hardly taboo, is it?

1970s poncho worn with psychedelic Jeannie Jersey maxi skirt (Georgia-May's Vintage), 1970s St Michael cotton and lurex top (darling Curtise) and a heap of junk jewellery 

The other day one of my vintage trading friends bought a vintage piece of airline uniform for his wife from eBay and the seller, assuming he was buying it for some pervy purpose, send him a bonus gift - her thong (fortunately a clean one). He's passed it on to me to use as a sort of relay baton, the holder has to do something inventive with it and pass it on to another member of the vintage selling crew.


Have you spotted it?

I've an exciting blogger meet-up planned for tomorrow. Watch out if you're in the Black Country and standing in the way of something good in a charity shop, you may get trampled to death.

See you soon!

63 comments:

  1. Your choker??
    Happy bday Vix!! Is today the day, or did. I miss it? Many many happy returns. Xoxo

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  2. I totally can't see it anywhere!

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  3. Wow, first ever! Usually I jump in around comment 68. :)

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  4. Haha love it! Great purchases and what an amazing crochet poncho.

    Enjoy using the thong....! :s

    xxx

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  5. oh wow - what a post :-D
    in the 80´s i wore my stockings in the hair - but you topping it. hehe!

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  6. Finally some great use for the horror that a thong is !
    Love your pretty greem outfit and you look so smashing !
    Xxx

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  7. Great finds on Ebay... and even better present from Helga! I have a hideous poncho in green, neon yellow white and silver that I thrifted in America. We should wear our green ponchos when we meet and be twinsies!
    When is/ was your birthday? Happy Birthday!

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  8. Great finds on Ebay... and even better present from Helga! I have a hideous poncho in green, neon yellow white and silver that I thrifted in America. We should wear our green ponchos when we meet and be twinsies!
    When is/ was your birthday? Happy Birthday!

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  9. I love old advertising and display stands too. It's a good thing someone saved these racks. It pains me to think of all the great stuff that got thrown out.
    What a fabulous poncho from Helga. Looks nice and cosy.
    I bet we'll see a thong-as-chocker trend in a few month's time.
    Can't wait to see you tomorrow!

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  10. Alright youth? I know you're not 47 for days yet, so I shall save the well-wishing.
    Gawd what a beaut of a poncho! I love it. Queen H has the best taste! No wonder you put it straight on. It looks great with your psychedelic skirt.
    Ha ha! Love the thong challenge! What a heinous invention they were. I see it in all its bright pink glory. I would never have thought to bid on those items, but of course you bring them to life and make them look like something desirable. Clever nearly birthday girl! xxxxxxx

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  11. I always enjoy your posts, such a romp and your terms from your neck of the woods. Delightful!

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  12. I was thinking the thong is around your neck? Awesome poncho from the queen! I do like your bathroom, very cool stands you scored too.

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  13. Is the thong your choker? Ha ha ha!

    ooo a birthday in the offing hope you have a great day.

    Love your new/old stands. the one in your bathroom looks resplendent holding the towels. Rather apt really.

    P x

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  14. My first STs were great thick Dr White's, held up by a big elastic 'belt' - so uncomfortable!

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  15. I'm thinking it's around your neck.....!!! Brilliant! I was initially confused though, I was looking for a rubber thong....as they call a jandal in Australia!!!
    YAY, that parcel took a bastard massive nearly 3 weeks to get to you But at least it's closer to your birthday, timing is so tricky!!!
    You look lush, that green is divoon on you!
    LOVE those display stands!!! A perfect towel rack and a perfect manly goods display stand. Indeed, menstruation is hardly anything to bats ones eyes over these days!!! Most blokes wouldn't recognise the brand names anyway!
    Love you MADLY! Helga xxxXXXxxx

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  16. Oh that Helgalicious gives good parcels, doesn't she?! Fab poncho, perfect with both your skirt and your eyeshadow!
    The display stands are brilliant, I love vintage advertising too. Do you really think no one bid on them because they were for tampons and sanitary towels? That's hilarious - but all the better for you! The Lilia stand looks wonderful in your bathroom.
    As for the cheeky thong - far better round your neck than up your bumcrack like cheese wire, I reckon!
    Have a great day tomorrow, I so wish I could have made it (bloody work...), hope you find some mega bargains and enjoy a Porn Star or several!
    Love youuuuuuuu! xxxxxx

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  17. Hi there! your green poncho rocks, it looks fabulous and lovely of Helga!! Love those stands too, they definitely look the part for selling your wares! xxx

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  18. I thought it was your choker too Vix, love the stands and the little play on words with the one that's in your bathroom now. The one for your stall looks great with everything hanging off it, it'll look the part alright when you're all set up for business. And the poncho Helga sent you is perfect on you, she picked just the right time of year to send it too. Have fun at your blogger meet! xx

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  19. Have you twisted it into a necklace??? The shops stands are such a good idea!!! And who, except vintage officials would know one housed tampons? I've not heard of that brand!!! X

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  20. Your stall looks fantastic- I love the re-use- you're Queen of the Dream.

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  21. I'm going with choker too, how hilarious and inventive! Helga has spoiled you deservedly with that poncho, it's so you! I'm wearing one today! The color looks so nice against the gray. I think your new old displays are cool and fit your stuff just perfectly! The one in the bathroom is right at home. Call me I'm around and would love a chat!
    Xxoo love you!

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  22. Only you could put a thong around your neck and make it work! You look fantastic soon to be Birthday Girl.
    Fab Helga poncho and love the ebay finds.
    Loves ya.
    xxxxxxxx

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  23. What a fabulous poncho! Please tell me I am not the only person who loves to read out old advertising in my best 1950's BBC vowels, it just has to be done the minute I see an old advert.

    Have a fantabulous birthday, with something cheeky in a hipflask, and that's an order

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  24. Happy Birthday, Vix. Thong-as-choker bound to be a hit. xxx

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  25. Oh I do love a good poncho ... and this one's a beauty.
    I love old advertising signs too ... problem is everyone else does as well ... and it's nigh on impossible to find any I can afford.
    It's fabulous how you've used it for towels ... and by the way ... can I just say how much I love your bathroom. Your house always looks so interesting.
    xx

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  26. Muy bonito el poncho!!
    Besos

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  27. awesome poncho from Helga! it looks fab on you! the stands are excellent, I'm chuffed you got them at a great price, I like the towels on the towel stand, and I love 'sanitary napkin' I just missed out on those belt contraptions - is the thong your choker? I was looking for ages hehe - have an amazing blogger meet up, I hope you all find awesome treasure x x x

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  28. That stand looks really great in your bathroom! Good find. Hey, and congrats on setting up a B&M shop! You're such a busy gal!

    You looks fantastic from head to toe, thong choker included! I LOVE that poncho and it looks awesome how you styled it. I have a thing for those old, crocheted ponchos and afghans too; they're kinda kitschy in a good way. I even bought a vintage pattern and yarn to makes some. Which reminds me that this would be good a good tie to start one. I haven't crocheted since college so it should be interesting.

    Happy Birthday, darlin'! You look amazing and I love and adore you lots!

    xxxxxxx

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  29. Your new poncho is incredible! I might be tempted to say I'd made it too, then someone would certainly ask me a technical detail, and I'd have no retort. Your vintage stands are awesome - I remember those Modess ads and wondering why the women were all dressed up so fancy. Have a lovely Friday xox

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  30. By Jove, is that a thong around your neck?! What a character you are. A splendid lovely character with such a fun outlook on life. How I wish I was one of the attendees at your blogger meet up tomorrow. Have fun (as if I have to say that!)

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  31. The poncho is fabulous, I just love the colours and I really like the vintage shop fittings you picked up too. Hope you have a great weekend! x

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  32. DIVOON poncho from Helga and just in time for the winter proper. What fab vintage ST stands, hope you managed to get them at a bargain price being the only bidder, Lilia looks great storing towels in your bathroom. Know you will have a brilliant time today and can't wait to see your haul from Second To None etc. Enjoy those cocktails.

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  33. You look amazing in your wonderful poncho and I adore the photoshoot in your garden, your outfit matches all the different kinds of green of the leaves!! The stands are beautiful, I really like that you use them for your boutique and your home!
    Have a wonderful meet up day!!
    Love xxxxx

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  34. fabulous crochet poncho, and you're looking gorgeous wearing it, and it matches your eye shadow, doubled fabulousness!!
    and so cute stands, old advertisings are so lovely!, there's something humorous about that 'blissful comfort' stuff you're going to display!, I think it's funny to use some old advertisings for a new purpose, even though they're sanitary towels stands!
    besos & nice weekend!

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  35. Is it around your neck? Love those stands glad you kept one to it looks fabulous in the bathroom. Love the poncho you look fab as always. Have a great day tomorrow and happy birthday for when it comes, dee xx

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  36. I Love that you are the kind of person who immediately dress in what feels most fun at the moment (=tht day - the contents in a packet from Helga)

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  37. the display stands are great. especially the one in the bath room is fun. it's perfect next to the tub.

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  38. First happy birthday to the most stylish girl on the planet
    The thing is around your neck, isn't it?
    Love your display shelves, great find and i like your sense of humor, it'good to provoke, you have to shake things up sometimes!

    Lovely poncho, i have 2 that i don't wear - silly me!

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  39. Happy Birthday!

    It's around your neck right? I've never worn a thong like that before!

    I just love how you've decorated your house. That stand fits perfectly in your bathroom. Each room is like a mini gallery/museum.

    bisous
    Suzanne

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  40. I figured the thong was your choker (before reading any of the other comments, just so you know) - excellent styling!

    I used to love the old Modess ads in Life Magazine, etc - the women always looked so glamourous! I'm sure the display rack will stop browsers in their tracks.

    Birthday packages in the mail are the best, especially when they have come from another blogger! In case I forget on the actual day (which I'm not certain of anyway...), have a glorious, Vix-alicious birthday.

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  41. A pink choker!
    Love your crochet poncho and those shelves are brilliant! I love either vintage furniture/fixtures or ultra modern, with very, very little in between. xx

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  42. Oh my goodness, the poncho is heavenly. I love the irony of using the Modess stand to display man stuff. Confess I thought the choker was just part of your usual get up, had to think "what is a thong?" Hope you have a great weekend xx

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  43. The choker I'm guessing - but only thought so because you hinted. What are the gold records above your tub?
    Your bathroom is so cozy. I have a claw foot in my house too, it was one of the reasons I bought my house.

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  44. Happy belated? birthday.

    I LOVE the poncho - and of course your thong choker ;) You're so damn kinky (Melon). No wonder those chazza ladies put the over knee boots to one side for you!

    Thos display stands are gorgeous. Glad you kept one at home, it fits your bathroom perfectly.

    Have a fab weekend xx

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  45. What a sublime outfit....that green poncho is amazing. Helga has the BEST taste. I think the G-banger is around your neck. I love the old stands too. Looks fab. Xx

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  46. I just bought a hand crocheted poncho at a thrift store today!!! Hurray!! Happy Birthday?!! Today or what? Anyway, wishing you many more. :-) You look fabulous in green, BTW. I love looking at old ads as well. To think advertising is a relatively recent business. Before it was snake oil and a traveling peddler.

    Gorgeous bracelets. XXXXXOOOOO

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  47. Another wonderful post. Love the poncho. Green really is your colour.
    I so wish I could find a good seamstress as I would love to have a coat made to a pattern from years ago. I know what shape I want just have to find the pattern now. I can never find clothes to suit me from the tat in the shops. You have inspired me to either get some made or have a go myself (eeek what am I letting myself in for)
    Anyway kind regards from a fellow midlander of the carrot crunching kind (south of you to be precise) x

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  48. Oh my! i wonder how far around the world that thong will go to go!! I love the poncho - i cant crochet for the life of me so i definitely wouldn't lie either if a nanna asked me. And yes, god why is everyone so secretive about tampons and especially vaginas! we ladies all have one! Last year, an add about pantie liners caused outrage here because the girl in the add said 'all vagina's have some form of discharge.' gross i know, but i cant imagine the people complaining probably need those pantie liners more then anyone - if anything to stop their knickers from getting in a knot! rant over!

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  49. Thong spotting, crocheted ponchos and vintage tampons. Oh how I love my little visits with Vix!!!

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  50. Brilliant! If I was there I would try on all of those fabulous hats! The stand is very cool. Hope you enjoy your blogger meet-up lovely.x

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  51. Love your poncho and your hair is amazing!!!!



    http://elogiosamislocuras.blogspot.com

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  52. Using a feminine hygiene display stand to show off your wares is pure genius.

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  53. Your bathroom is gorgeous and the Lilia stand looks like it was made for it! lol bespoke bathroom furniture, who'd have thought :-) Looks great and the stand for all your goodies at the show looks superb too!
    Loving the crochet poncho, bet it's really warming and in this weather you need it!! Looking great as always Vix! xx

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  54. It would be a dream to visit and joing all my gorgeous bloggers one day, ahhhhhhhhhhhh
    How are Goa preparations going?
    We have already sold our house, still living here thoug untill we officially buy our next one next week 100 metres from the Mediterranean, ahhhhhhhhhhhhh
    Still, we are in a pretty mess ( papers, money, clothes, ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh

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  55. Cool towel storage! I'm glad you didn't paint it! xxx

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  56. Helga knows just what suits you sweetie, you look gorgeous in that green poncho and with the perfect dress and striking green eye make up to highlight it! I'm loving the look of your bathroom too, with the gorgeous roll top bath. I get the impression from some comments it was your birthday? Happy birthday if so beautiful lady!

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  57. love the poncho!!!! you look cool!!

    yeah strange why people get put off by sanitary ad....after all all women use it!!


    http://www.myunfinishedlife.com

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  58. good re-use of the stand, it looks like it was made to hold those towels.
    um, no comment on the thong re-do.

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  59. Ok I have no idea where the thong is!! But I think its kind of hilarious the seller assumed your friend would want such a "bonus". I've never seen sale racks like those before, maybe it wasn't a "thing" in nz? But they look really cool, I love that one in your bathroom. So useful!

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  60. It's your choker isn't it? Heheeee! I live vicariously through your home-decorating posts Vix. This one is exceptional. Your use of the maxi-pad shelving ... bloody amazing (oh god I'm so funny). The Phoenix spotted (groan) the dealer boots immediately ... UK size 9-10 by any chance? I'm not surprised you got plenty of poncho love, especially with the fecktacular green maxi darling!!!!!! xoxoxo

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  61. A very festive poncho! I love how you paired it with the psychedelic maxi! But then, you have the ability to make any ensemble shine.

    I have the identical bath tub in my home and I treasure it daily.

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  62. I love how you've incorporated those vintage "unmentionables" display pieces into your home and faire set-up!1 Surely will get the old black country grannies a-twitter!!

    You look stunning in that crochet poncho and maxi!!

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  63. That sanitary pad advert brought back some painful memories of junior high school! I love what you did with the stand for your bathroom - it's perfect. Your beautiful poncho makes me wish I'd let my grandmother teach me how to crochet; it looks awesome with your beautiful smile and green eye shadow.

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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