Wednesday 26 February 2014

Cat Fight



When it comes to wearing animal print I don't hold with any of that toning it down nonsense.


Its highly camp, over-the-top & ridiculous and it turns heads so, if you've already got everyone's attention, why not make staring worth their while?


 Last week Hey Homewrecker! Linda sent me a marvellous parcel of joy, each item worthy of a post in its own right. Friday's post featured the nightie and today this '70s tiger print C&A frock gets an outing. Buoyed up by last night's British Sewing Bee I hacked 6 inches off the hem before I left the house this morning, midi length makes me look like a midget.

Pony print bangle (Ilaria), Fruit wrapper (Senora Allnut) and the rest from charity shops
Several of my blogging friends have recently discussed essentials they can't live without - from grey tee shirts and pencil skirts to skinny jeans & blazers. Nothing as grown-up for me, just a shed load of cheap bangles.


I didn't realise how far my addiction had spiralled out of control until I emptied out my bangle chest and managed to fill an entire bucket with the bastard things.


This is where they usually reside, in the larger of the two chests. These used to sit on Mum's dressing table we were children and I vividly remember my brother and I rummaging through them and discovering our baby teeth in an envelope, forever ruining tales of the tooth fairy. 


Look how organised I am - three drawers - one for plastic, one for silver and the other for wood and brass.


This is the larger of the two after Vixification - trimmed with pompom braid (bought at cost price from my number one fan on the market), decoupaged with Bollywood posters and with the missing drawer pull replaced with a brass button from a vintage blazer.


A Bollywood-inspired bangle bureau!

Tiger print dress worn with 1950s fake leopard coat (£5, Age UK), 1950s rose bag (20p, car boot sale, 2006), crochet corsage (handmade by Sarah Misfit), 1960s velvet & rhinestone choker (£2.50, vintage fair)

Today's been a whirlwind of chazzing, spring-cleaning Ebbie (she's the 1971 VW Type 4, 411LE Variant behind me) and running errands. Jon's got himself a vintage sewing machine in absolutely mint condition. If you're very lucky I might be able to capture him at work altering his trousers.

See you soon.  

67 comments:

  1. Completely lusting over your big silver cuffs!! Those are on my WANT lists!

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  2. You are so good at pimping things! Love the pom poms! Not grey t shirt, pencil skirt or blazer here. I dont want a few staple items of dull when I can have a double wadrobe packed with colour!

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  3. I love your pumped out bangle bureau!!! My bangle hoard is in 3 large boxes in the closet.
    You are looking quite dab in your bodacious animal prints!

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  4. I love your pumped out bangle bureau!!! My bangle hoard is in 3 large boxes in the closet.
    You are looking quite dab in your bodacious animal prints!

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  5. You just aren't a grey t-shirt, pencil skirt and blazer type of girl, love! Each to their own. But you sure do rock the leopard print! Loving that frock (gorgeous sleeves!) and with an extra layer of leopard fur on top, it's even more fabulous.
    Tell me about the bangle addiction... I have a fair few myself. But you know, they are cheap as chips, mostly secondhand, so what's the problem? And if you have lovely storage like your mum's little sets of drawers to pimp up and keep them in, then why ever not buy as many as you like?
    Those boots are just marvellous, and I am very keen to see Jon in action. On the sewing machine, I mean -keep it clean!
    That bag always reminds me of our day out in Chesterfield - happy times, which need repeating soon, I reckon!
    Love ya! xxxxx

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  6. Buckets o' bangles and ball fringe on bureaus. Oh Vix, let 'em stare. It's about time people finally saw someone worth looking at. Oy. Everywhere I go it's earth tones and neutrals and blah blah blah. I love waking up to a Vix post. Can't wait to see what Jon stitches up!

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  7. I will never never get tired of your outfits, you are such a delight and joy in blogland! So happy to see a new post and this one makes burst with Joy!, i need it friend, so sick of the awfull cold we are stuck with these days -

    Keep it crazy Vix we love it!

    Arianexo

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  8. Get you with your mammoth bangle collection! Love the leopard print amd cant wait to see Jon sewing! :)

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  9. Ooh I adore those chests. What lovely memories. I keep my daughters teeth under lock and key for that very reason. Although she has teeny letters from her tooth fairy as 'proof' of her existance! Your rose bag is also divine. What a great price. xxx

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  10. meow!
    cool combi - cats with my favorite green!!!!
    ...and i was thinking i had to much bangles....

    i dont know why they sell gray-ish t-shirts and dull blazers as fashion.... rolls eyes.

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  11. Ah, a girl after my own heart with the bangle thing(gr8 minds ...:)!

    X

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  12. Lovely lady you are!
    and if you liked the cow print then you should check out Masaba Gupta..and Anupriya DG of Howrah Bridge(this one is a friend and blogger, you can check her designs out, she blogs on chappals vs stilletos.)

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  13. A girl can't have too many bangles!! I can't resist picking up a bangle or two when I'm thrift shopping!

    And please tell me you are watching season two of British Sewing Bee. I watched the first season this past summer on youtube and loved it!! I would love to see another one!

    You look fab in animal print on animal print!!!

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  14. Meow ... grrrreat !
    love all your cuffs and bangles ! Wish i could wear them , sadly they often are to small - ive got to big hands !
    Xxx

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  15. I think there's room for ONE more bastard bangle in your bucket!

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  16. I want that dress, that coat and that bag. I want them ALL!
    Good job I don't live near you or if I saw you in the street I might have to mug you for your coat and bag - I wouldn't strip you of the dress in the street lol!

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  17. Loving Ebbie ~ and of course you are always
    a purr-fectly bedaazzling cat's meow !

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  18. You're a head-tuner no matter what you wear.

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  19. I must admit that I am not a fan of most animal print but that's on me. I can appreciate Vix looking foxy in tiger!!! That dress is a great shape and the combination of items is super!!!! Wow, your bangle collection is um- HUGE!!!! I will stop feeling guilty about my bracelet collection!!!x

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  20. I do love a bit of fake fur. I have a brown fake fur coat thats going on 18 years now - it's tatty but I love it. I love your zebra bangle. I agree with dismissing the less is more theory, if you're going to do it, then do it big. My own personal 'can't do without' are silk scarves. Spending too much time with my granny during childhood shaped me into a headscarf henrietta and I can never be without one! If I was as skinny as you they would double up as bandeau and backless evening tops as well as good old reliable head and neck gear! Betty

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  21. Now that you've shown me yours I guess I'll show you mine...bangles that is!! :-) I'm inspired to do a shoot now.

    I love the bureau!!!!!! As far as animal print, the more the merrier, right? I especially love the print of the bag with the dress/coat. XXXXXXOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!

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  22. Wow bangles galore! I thought I had a few but you have loads, love them.

    Adoring the outfit Vix, like you say make the most of people looking I say.

    X x

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  23. Holy shizzer, what a fine bastard collection of bangleness!!! The bangle bureau is sleek and rather FABULARSE!!!! Glamorous to the hilt!!!
    Ah, yes, you wear animal print like a superstar!!!! More is more, is MORE! That's a frigging awesome frock, and super sexy. Love this look, the boots are genius with it!!! PHWOAR! Blinded by gloriarse!
    Love Helga xxxXXXxxx

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  24. you are too clever.....loving the pom-pom drawers!!x

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  25. There is simply no such thing as too much animal print ... or too many bangles ... the more the merrier I say.
    xx

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  26. love your outfit, the bangle madness and of cause the little cabin!

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  27. Yup, when I wear bangles (only happens occasionally) I think of you as the inspiration!
    I'm loving the pattern mix - so improbable and yet works so well :)
    Huggles x

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  28. I love your Vixified Bangle Bureau. And here I thought I had a lot of bracelets!

    Also really digging your leopard print look. That's a great dress your friend sent you.

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  29. Vix, you look fantastic - I love everything about your outfit and the whole post! Colorful bangles (and a pink bucket full of them - fun!) go so wonderful with your personality and the dress! It is such a gorgeous dress too (sleeves are adorable!). You bring a smile to my face every time I visit your blog! Thank you for being such a fun YOU! :)

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  30. Oh I see what you did there, you were being ironic about those sensible shoes in the last post. (Keep up Fi..I am a worry!) I should have known you wouldn't go out in flatties. Can't say I go a bundle on animal print usually but this tiger print dress is a bit tidy, you look hot to trot Mrs. Your pimped up bangle drawers are brilliant, pom-poms instantly improve anything in my opinion. Oh yes please, lets do have a pic of Jon slaving away on his aged Singer xxxxxx

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  31. You wear animal print soooo well.
    I am in love with your colorful footwear. Holy Shizz that's a lot of bangles. I thought I had a lot but your collection has changed my mind. *HAHAHA* Love that pom pom trim!

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  32. The bangles are deliriously gorgeous, Vix. As is the bangle-holder case, love it. My hairdresser and I were chatting about big hair today, and it applies to style too "Go big or go home," she said! You're a dish, xox.

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  33. Ok so you had me laughing at the no holding back, like the link to Homewreckers blog... but a man who knows how to alter his own trousers on a sewing machine?!! You are a lucky lady Vix. :)

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  34. No way there it is~ HOT this dress and those boot are even better in the light of day! I really love that bag and all the yellow bits mixed in with wild on wild just like you! I also think I'm in love with what you did to your bangle box, fecking pom pom it all babe!!! Those shoes are so WILD on your feet and I know you will put miles and miles of memories onto them. Who could ever wear those quite like you!

    You are sunshine honey!
    Loveyouandlovedfinallycatchinupproper!
    XXXOOOXXXOOO

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  35. I definitely need more accessories which is tricky as I am in a decluttering phase. Bangles seem a god place to start though - I can't change bags too often, too stressful.

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  36. Oh my! And I thought that I have too many bangles! What an impressive collection, Vix!

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  37. Oh my! Look at all that arm candy! I don't feel bad at all now about my collection. Should my husband mention anything about me having too much I'm going to show him your blog and tell him that in fact I "hardly have any!"

    You are giving Mrs. Robinson a run for her money with the leopard on leopard. Mind you, hers was her coat and her underwear. Did you know that she was only 37 when she played the "cougar" Mrs. Robinson?

    Every time I see you in that coat I'm so jealous. Promise if you ever ever find another one like it in small or extra small you'll save it for me and I'll send you the $. It is just too perfect.

    The pompom fringe and vintage button idea is brilliant. You are giving me all kinds of ideas.

    Seriously…your guy can sew??? That is a keeper.

    bisous
    Suzanne
    PS thanks for the shout out and also for your hilarious comment on my blog.

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  38. You can rock everything! You are so cute! I really want to see that man of yours "captured" behind his sewing machine. Make it happen!! ;-)

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  39. I love seeing how fellow collectors store their stuff. Your drawers are fabulous....just fit for the job of holding all those bangles. And those shoes are awesome! Xx

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  40. What an amazing collection of bangles. The bangle chest looks resplendent in its Bollywood style too!

    Loving the animal print on you it looks fab. I love your view on life you live it to the utmost.


    P x

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  41. I love leopard print! I was often found wandering around with a leopard fake fur jacket, leopard print umbrella and with a furry leopard coin purse, a skirt which barely covered my bum and patent Doc martens! Oh and oodles of black kohl eyeliner, I was a huge Manic Street Preachers fan!

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  42. Oh I love that frock! double leopard is gorgeous (I want a leopard frock and have done for years! love 'em!)and I love pom poms too! the world feels a happier place for them, your bracelet candy drawers are awesome! x x x

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  43. Ooh, I love a bit of leopard print. I have a favourite furry faux leopard skirt, but I find myself stroking it all the time when I wear it!
    Your bangle bureau is fab - I have a 'ring trug' for all my finger bling!
    M x

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  44. I just love your style Vix! A girl can definitely never have too many bangles x

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  45. LOVE those shoes you have on!
    And the little chests are fab at storing your beautiful collection.
    x

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  46. Love the drawers now that you've spruced them up!

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  47. Ever the foxy minx! You look gorgeous!

    I'm in love with your 50s rose bag!

    You've done a great job on the drawers, they're perfect xx

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  48. Wow, Babe, that is one serious Bangle habit you have! I have tried to love them, but when you spend your days at a keyboard, they make an awful racket and generally get in the way, so I'm a fan of leather cuffs that fit snug and don't make noise.

    Love the animal print and roses combination. I've never got on the Animal print train, not sure why. I definitely want to see a photo of Jon channeling his inner seamstress.

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  49. Best ensemble ever.
    And Bollywood bangles box.
    Top notch Vixivication alert.

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  50. Love the re-done bangle drawers. I miss crafting! Gotta get back to it!

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  51. Love it!! makes all the difference losing those inches off the hem! xx

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  52. Never mind the cat print, you look a total fox in that dress, slim as a willo-the-wisp and god aren't those booties amazing? I just love them! Don't ever tone it down Vix, you are the cheerleader AND poster girl for colourful vintage style. I enjoyed the sneak peek at your drawers too! Pom-poms rule. That bag is a perennial favourite, you could have sold it a hundred times over. So Jon's going to be putting us all to shame now is he? I think I need to get sewing! Xxxxxxxx

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  53. Meow! I've still got my BFF on the look out for a animal print coat. Two sets of eyes are better than one.

    Great idea on the drawers! And why wouldn't you have the bangles all sorted? It's hard to find stuff when it's all jumbled up.

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  54. Absolutely love your 'vixified' drawers - that pompom braid is fab! x

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  55. I have recently discovered your blog and I love it. The vintage pieces, the gorgeous colours, and fantasising that I too am on the beach in Goa. You're an amazing vibrant lady. Only one problem: every other blog I now read looks SO DULL!!! :) Lucy x

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  56. Loving the Vixification pieces. Animal prints = yes, the bolder the better! The tiger print looks great!xx

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  57. Way to go girl! Yes, stop 'em dead and let 'em stare. What is it with this grey tee shirt nonsense? Who thinks that is an item of clothing that needs applause?! I have a serious bangle addiction myself, so it might be interesting sometime to compare numbers.

    Cheers,
    Rosemary from www.foreveronthecatwalkoflife.blogspot.com

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  58. Fantastic! I really love how you decorated the little chest of drawers too, I'd like to find some to store my accessories in - much easier to see what you've got in trays. xx

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  59. Vixification! A new word for the urban dictionary and one that I will use in the future. Brilliant!

    Your animal print ensemble will follow me in my thoughts throughout the day. A wonderful visualization to have to spark my creativity. Along with images of your bangle collection!

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  60. oh Vixy! i love this outfit! the jungle green tights and the leopard skin - how fabulous. you pull it off so well!

    I love bangles and have a few of them - but once i get to work i have to take them off! it very hard to use a mouse and type fast with a bangle. and even if i remember to put it on, i never manage to do so for important fashion type things like meetings or lunch breaks!

    Your crafty streak continues! i love it!

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  61. great titel! and i love the mix of wild cat prints, especially paired with this bag! you look stunning!

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  62. Awesome job pimping out your jewelry chest!! And animal prints, I'm not a fan, but if I were I'd wear them like you. Go big or go home!

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  63. I love that your essentials are bangles. I've missed wearing my bangles and bracelets during the big move, but I still wear my trusty rings. I feel naked without them. My eyes are doing crazy cartwheels, my heart is joyful at the double leopard-print with those INCREDIBLE shooooooooooooz!!!!! I adore all the pimped up bits and bobs you've been working on, you're amazing!!! xoxoxox

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  64. Oh my goodness you are rocking in your animal prints - roar. I just love the dress and the coat together. The jewellry chest is the best - how cool to have something with a history and add your own touches to it. The bobble braid is so cute.

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  65. I am in awe of your bangle collection! And your growing collection of bollywood furniture! Love the animal on animal print xxx

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Lots of love, Vix