Some people consider Jon and I a bit odd when we tell them that our perfect date is to jump into Gilbert, head for the most un-hip, run-down area in the area and raid the chazzas. I reckon the couple that shop together stay together. It'll be 22 years of unwedded bliss in a fortnight's time.
He heads straight to the menswear section whilst I rummage through the ladies wear, we'll meet at the bric-a-brac section and then carefully assess our finds before heading to the till. Just 'cos it's vintage doesn't mean we have to buy it, we're running a business not curating a museum. We know what sells and what looks good on the rails. Anything grey, black or beige has to be exceptional to make the grade. I don't want Kinky's stock to look drab or serious, it doesn't reflect what we're about.
 |
| Wearing my Stones tee as my heart's with Mick today. |
We donate regularly, know the staff by name, pick clothes up off the floor, never ask for a discount or try to get into the stockroom, we have plenty of small change to hand and always bring our own bags. I volunteered in a charity shop for 10 years and know exactly what pisses the management off. Exemplary behaviour pays dividends. Many of our regular shops put the vintage donations aside for us to have first pick.
One of our regular haunts has a new manager who has taken a shine to my dress sense. She approached me today asking if she could have my number and she'd call me if any groovy vintage stock got donated. Result!
Here's today's finds:
Everything from posh 1950s coats and cardis, groovy '70s separates, Spanish souvenir tat, 1960s hand bags, showgirl shorts, tartan and velvet, owls, sexy nightwear to a crazy shopping trolley and another guitar.
The 1960s tapestry coat had a shopping list written in Swedish in the pocket!
I'm tempted with the showgirl shorts and the tapestry shopping trolley, but maybe not worn together. No doubt the guitar will be another addition to Jon's collection (and something else for me to trip over in the bedroom).
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| Crochet bell bottoms (£5, Chelsea Girl re-issue, River island sale, 2012), 1960s brushed denim Cowgirl jacket (Sense charity shop), Mongolian lamb scarf (jumble sale), 70's Patchwork bag (Cancer UK), Stones tee shirt (Present from Jon) |
Right, off to wash, clean and polish this lot before tonight's Sewing Bee starts.
See you soon!
See you soon!
The shoes! Tell me about the shoes!
ReplyDeleteI can see that shopping trolley coming in handy at a boot sale. The little tapestry coat is really cute. What size is that? xxx
ReplyDeleteWe enjoy shopping together så there are some hope for us !
ReplyDeleteLove the outfit as always .
xxx
X-man and I love to shop together! So much fun. The red bag is great--such good picks.
ReplyDeletePoor Mick huh, what a shock it must have been.
ReplyDeleteThose ombre shorts you have found are to die for!
Every time I see you, I get so jealous of your marvelous hair, it is so Cher and so divine!
Bring on the Sewing Bee.
Gems x
Fashion, Well Done
Poor Mick huh, what a shock it must have been.
ReplyDeleteThose ombre shorts you have found are to die for!
Every time I see you, I get so jealous of your marvelous hair, it is so Cher and so divine!
Bring on the Sewing Bee.
Gems x
Fashion, Well Done
Hippies use back door. That's perfect. Of Course they love you and Jon. You are true Stars!!! And sweet and gorgeous to boot! A shopping list in Swedish? I would have died! I live for that stuff. Did you go and buy lingonberries and herring?
ReplyDeleteYou look lovely, as always, I love that you're wearing your Stones tee. Poor Mick, what an awful thing to be going through.
ReplyDeleteI'm quite fancying a few of your gorgeous finds, especially that trolley, it's gorgeous!
I enjoy seeing what other people come across in charity shops and love that you're not like some of the pushy dealers. I do notice a few of them popping in to pick up things that have been put away for them, and then haggling the price down...it's a charity shop for heaven's sake!!
I hope you're having a lovely day xx
Congrats to your 22 years of unwedded bliss Vix! Looking fab my fave Mongolian lamb scarf too.
ReplyDelete22 years ~ doing something right :))
ReplyDeleteThose pants are so dreamy on you.
I must admit I hadn't heard the news yet about the sad loss ( don't watch news much) ~ had to fly over to google to see what was up with Mick ~ very sad indeed.
Hi my dear! As usual a wonderful haul of goodies, you and Jon definitely pick great pieces and I'm just adoring the red bag and the tapestry coat! Congrats on 22 years of unwedded bliss! xx
ReplyDeleteHi my dear! As usual a wonderful haul of goodies, you and Jon definitely pick great pieces and I'm just adoring the red bag and the tapestry coat! Congrats on 22 years of unwedded bliss! xx
ReplyDeleteOh definitely keep the shopping trolley, that's brilliant! And I love it when you find stuff in the pockets (as long as it isn't manky tissues...) I found a receipt from 1977 in a coat pocket!
ReplyDeleteYep, you and Jon are the Dream Team of Chazzing, I bet all the staff love you. You find so many fabulously colourful and interesting things, why ever would you want to stock anything beige or grey?!
As always, you look wonderfully groovy, loving the bell bottoms (I'm sure I had a top in the 70s made from a very similar fabric, it might even have been from Chelsea Girl). Oh poor Mick, it's such sad news, isn't it?
Get sorting that stock then, and you can enjoy a cheeky rum or two while you're watching the telly later! xxx
Brilliant stuff! I wish I had alike shop nearby but alas vintage in Russia is a little odd. Why do we call 90s (tops) vintage now?
ReplyDeletefab outfit and 22 years! that's amazing and omg I'm way too older than your relationship
by the way did you make some sort of your perfect vintage choices? some tricks may be?
Loving that jacket your wearing so pretty.
ReplyDeleteIt goes to show good manners go a long way.
Looks like some good finds today.
P x
AMAZING haul - definitely keep the shorts and the trolley - they look fab!
ReplyDeletemy heart is with mick and her family too. what a heartbreaking story.
ReplyDeletei think that donating regularly is key. at least here in my local shops it is. you look lovely as always. x
Your hair looks fab! And you have some wonderful finds, Vix - love that shopping cart. My man and I are also together 22 years, about half of it married. It's lovely when you find a keeper. xox
ReplyDeletelove the shirt and the bells - ggot some rolling stones ticks today so your shirt sent me good karma ;)
ReplyDeletelove the shirt and the bells - ggot some rolling stones ticks today so your shirt sent me good karma ;)
ReplyDeleteI love what you wear! you too could wear just about anything and look this good!
ReplyDeletePoor Mick, what a tragedy hey?
I go so often to charity shops and behave so nicely i wish they could call me when something cool comes in, but things don't work out this way around here -
Terrific finds!
Have a great day
Arianexo
Sounds like you have lots of fun together. Hubby and I love shopping together too, so I guess you are absolutely right!
ReplyDeleteI love the cowgirl shirt, I love all that Americana!!!
Hugsxx
You did good at the chazza's! I like the tapestry coat too, what size is it exactly... Maybe me and EK can fight over it? I'm wearing a cardi not too dissimilar to that orange one today, yes I know you will think it's hideous but it's a bit parky down here and you know I don't do cold. Love your patchwork bag. Sad news indeed of L'Wren.
ReplyDeleteive more chance of finding a unicorn at the bottom of my freezer than finding decent vintage in the charity shops of Lincolnshire...doesnt mean i dont try though
ReplyDeleteThose pants with your shoes peeping out, you are a hot unwedded wench:) I think you two are so cute to watch shop together, Jon totally gets into it. I think you were gifted some great stuff to buy for your stock and I can see why you are tempted to keep those shorts, they had my eye too:) so sexy!
ReplyDeleteIt was so so nice chatting you up yesterday. You are gorgeous and I'm so happy for you and Jon and your happy unwedded bliss! Your Stones tee is a sweet reminder that we all have problems and we all deserve empathy and understanding.
XXXOOO LOVE YOU HONEY!!
fabulous finds, dear lady, and you're right about behaviour, if you bother staff, they're not going to be particularly kind to you!. So great that your fabulous style was valued by somebody wich you can make business with!!
ReplyDeletebesos
Nice scarf and trousers !
ReplyDeleteThe trick to find treasures in charity shops is to indeed donate ,no matter what , even small stuff , it'll create a flow of abundance coming back to you like a boomerang !
That I can assure you !
~ Magical greetings from La Dryada ~
Congrats on the 22 years of unwed-ed bliss! What great finds! That tapestry shopping cart is brilliant. Good charity shopping etiquette definitely pays off. XXX
ReplyDeleteTwenty two years eh? That's definitely worth celebrating. A lot of marriages don't last that long. But of course you know the key to success: enjoying doing stuff together. I love the sound of your dream date, but I'd be doing it on my own. My fave buy of the day has to be those shorts. They are fantastic. Imagine them with your new go-go boots! Poor Sir Mick and all her friends and family. Just awful...xxxxxxxxx
ReplyDeleteI'm adding my vote for keeping the shopping trolley. It's gorgeous! Fabulous finds overall. I love thrift shopping too, though in a small town the designer names are harder to find. Much if not most of my household goods and wardrobe come from thrift shops, and I also donate to them regularly.
ReplyDeleteI've been hankering for a trolley, and that tapestry one is HEAVENLY!!! I think you might consider keeping and using it, and YES with the showgirl shorts!!!!
ReplyDeleteGawd, yes, G and I adore the oppies, but he doesn't accompany me that often, as I consider it me time really. He's got a good eye when he does though!
I'm a regular at many, but there's only 2 that are remotely friendly. I find the staff change here a LOT. There's only a few with regular staff that I recognise. No idea what that's about. At my local there is one regular old biddie, but she's right old bitch! Shame!!! But good shopping etiquette is a must, unquestionably!
Rock the hell ON for another 22 years, baby!!!
Love Helga xxxXXXxxx
WOW ... what a fantastic haul ... It pays to have connections at the top ;0)
ReplyDeleteKeep the showgirl shorts ... I haven't the slightest doubt that you will look spectacular in them.
xx
Congratulations on 22 years together Vix! I'm loving your crochet bell bottoms.
ReplyDeleteI couldn't believe it when I heard the news, poor Mick and her friends/family. It's such a tradegy. xx
You are sooo beautiful! The pants look great on your pretty legs, and I love to see the sensible shoes peaking out.
ReplyDeleteIt was fun to go shopping with you (almost) and have a glimpse into your life.
Twenty two years is a long time, isn't it? It's obvious that you guys are just made for each other - you and Jon. So happy for you! Many, many more happiest years together... shopping... going to India... cooking curry... laughing... supporting each other... snuggling... and all those other fun things!
I'd love to hear your story some day. :)
I bet you make the day for all the charity shop staff. No wonder they can't wait to help you - you are such a great advert for your business.
ReplyDeleteThe owl is SOOOO cute.
ReplyDeleteI bet Kylie has a tapestry shopping trolley for when she's out and about in her hotpants ;-)
Oh and to add whilst Himself hates charity shops and the like with a passion, we do enjoy bimbling about town together parting and meeting and parting and meeting as we each head off into our various haunts, so I would say yes there is definitely something to the shopping together theory. Especially if there is a pub somewhere in the mix!
ReplyDeleteThrifty shopping one of me and my husbands favourite things to do together. We often takes trips to different towns to check out their charity shops and car boot sales.
ReplyDeleteI just wish I sold as much as I keep!
Love your finds, that shopping trolly is fantastic. xxx
Those zig zag print crochet bell bottoms are really fab and look fabulous worn by you. I like the Rolling Stones 1981 North American tour t-shirt you styled them with. I also love the look of that nightie pictured just to the left of what looks like a nice guitar. It looks a little bit like a Fender Stratocaster - it isn't one by any chance is it? It's so very sad about Mick's girlfriend L'Wren Scott. Getting back to guitars and Jon's collection, did you know that the Rolling Stones' Keith Richards has a collection of about 3,000 guitars? Your stock of vintage goodies looks wonderful.
ReplyDeletehttp://www.full-brief-panties.blogspot.com/
It's always good to be well behaved like that in shops!! Good on you!! What exciting finds!!! X
ReplyDeleteMy hubby and I love to spend time at Barnes & Noble and then Dimple record store, not always in that order. I love your scarf. You bought some great stuff and that owl is super cute!
ReplyDeleteLove your chevron pants, you wear them well. Beautiful bag and shoes. xxx
ReplyDeleteI agree, the couple that shop's together, stays together! The Phoenix and I love to op shop together when he's vertical and we've got some coin. We're like a pair of naughty kids and we always love what the other's picked out of the muck. I'm overjoyed at your tapestry shopping trolley! I haven't got a car anymore and only this very morning I bought a shopping trolley to heave our groceries etc home - I was VERY disappointed with mine due to the hideous, nylon and velcro selection available, but I guess at least it's spotty. I also agree that it pays to be polite, nice and on one's best behaviour in op shops, sometimes without even asking I get a discount just because well, maybe I just look like a I need one ;). You've got me hooked on Sewing Bee, I don't think it's aired here in Oz, although I wouldn't know as we only watch DVDs or online. Only on S1 and I LOVE the variety of personalities and how there's no stupid bitch-slapping like on Project Runway (big difference I know). Bloody gorgeous you are!!!
ReplyDeleteBirds of a feather, The Doctor and I do the same thing. Even on vacation and in different countries.
ReplyDeleteSo agree with your op shopping etiquette, as I pretty much follow the same system you have and I certainly get looked after. I have always been a believer in what you put out you get back, so good vibes to us then!!!
ReplyDeleteYou do lead a charmed life! Love that Rolling Stones T-shirt.
ReplyDeleteWow, you guys have stayin'-together power! Congratulations on your impressive 22 year anniversary of being together. You really do seem like an excellent couple and we wish we lived nearby to be able to hang out with you. The guys would bond over their shared love of guitars. (Nick knows all about you with all the Vix this and Vix thats that go on around here).
ReplyDeleteNice finds at the shops, and I love your red and black patchwork bag.
xo
22 years - congrats!
ReplyDeleteThe Stones tee is a great find. I saw them during that tour; wish I had all my old concert tees. sigh.
first of all congrats on 22 years years of togetherness and being unconventional. Your style is flawless and no wonder people take noticE!
ReplyDeleteso so loving the chevron bell bottoms!!!
ReplyDeleteand congrats on on 22 years of happiness....
Congrats on 22 years of bliss! keep the showgirl shorts!! please! you would completely rock the sequins off them (you would look totally awesome!) me and the Mr love a chazza outing too, he goes to the records and I paw everything else - I totally agree with you on correct etiquette! the Stones 'T' shirt is awesome but what a sad sad story about L'Wren x x x
ReplyDeleteGreat finds! And as always, you look fabulous. The bell bottoms are so cool and I simply love the Mongolian scarf.
ReplyDeleteYou are so right about the couple that shops together stays together. I've never been able to find a guy that I can shop with, which is probably why I'm single ;) I'm sure the chazza shop employees adore you!
ReplyDeleteThat little owl is so adorable. I'm not an owl collector or anything, but he's definitely got personality.
That was so sad about L'Wren Scott. Even though I didn't know her, whenever someone commits suicide I feel so sad that they couldn't see any other option.
Nice finds. I also donate all the clothing I no longer wear to charity. If I am no longer using it, then someone else should have good use of it.
ReplyDeleteKindred spirits...my guy heads to the records section first, I always head to fabric and patterns first...funny how we have our little routines. We always find thrift store shopping fun; you never know what you're going to find that day, and sometimes you can score real treasures! It's great to hear you're on the manager's speed dial...no surprise really. She knew a gem when she you!
ReplyDeleteYou both are a good match for each other. I think it's great that you two can shop together, I do the same with my bf, some couples cannot do that at all. I love your patterned bell bottoms so much! xx/Madison
ReplyDeleteThe showgirl shorts!! I love them! oh please please wear the showgirl shorts!!
ReplyDeleteI applaud your rant, dear Vix. This weekend I scored a vintage 'dining out ensemble' for less than US$8. Best of the lot was a pair of lined trousers! Decades ago, my home ec teacher always stressed that one should never, ever spend hard-earned dollars for unlined trousers. The poor woman would suffer shock if she saw what passes for high-end stock on the retail rack now...
ReplyDeleteThe shopping trolley appeals to me, too. At last, a Kinky Melon item in my size!
My beloved only haunts the books in chazzas, I'm the one who brings him home fab shirts. I don't mind, I go without him and he exclaims suitably over my purchases.
ReplyDeleteIt definitely pays to get friendly with the staff. The fact that they hold vintage items for you is awesome. Lucky girl.
ReplyDeleteVintagehoneybee.blogspot.com
Ooh I do like that brown fifties coat you found - and your Stones t-shirt ad the hippy sign!
ReplyDeleteAmazing finds Vix! You seem to get all the best stuff :)
ReplyDeleteI totally agree with your thoughts about picking stuff up off the floor and being nice to the shop assistants. My family often shops with me - we have different things to look for as well as acting as a scout for each other. I am in love with that red handbag with the big buckle and the multicoloured red skirt. I like where you are taking your photos - it provides a really clear image.
ReplyDeleteSo great that you shop together! Sounds like a great time. Does it end with wine? All your finds look like good ones. The "cross body bags" from the 60's are right out of today's mags!
ReplyDeleteYou will always look very tall to me, and today you look very tall and willowy in those great bells! Lovely all around.
Dan's tolerant of the girly shops and reads his Kindle or goes looking for coffee. But his combs the men's racks and comes up with some excellent buys. (He has an unerring nose for kitchen glass pieces at thrift or yard sales ... it's almost spooky.)
Congrats on 22 years of bliss. Seems like you intend to keep him around!
22 years, huh?!? Good for you...
ReplyDeleteYes, I was trying to keep up with you with this "hip thing". Having achieved THIS, I see I could use a lesson or two in make-up. You're the best. And your heart is beautiful, too.
And you are right about this: "Exemplary behaviour pays dividends." I adore your outfit here.♥
In 18 more years, I hope me and my husband are like you and Jon. The hottest blog couple on earth!
ReplyDeleteOh my Vix I LOVE! your trousers, they are awesome !!!, a great post, with best wishes xxx.
ReplyDelete