Tomorrow we'll be taking a van load of Kinky Melon stock over to Stourbridge for Kiki & Honey's Mad March Fair. Much as I adore selling vintage to the general public if I had a quid for the number of times I had the following conversations I wouldn't be leaving the pub early tonight for an early start in the morning.
Its okay for you, I never go anywhere to dress like that. How do you think I spend my time? I might dress like I'm on tour with the Rolling Stones circa 1969 but actually it's a pretty ordinary life. This was what I wore yesterday to visit Dad in his nursing home and to pop to the hardware shop for coat hangers and a new bucket. Dress for the life you'd like rather than the one you live.
 |
| Snapped by a street photographer whilst shopping. |
I can't deal with people looking at me. So you own a cloak of invisibility? I've got news for you, people look all the time. It doesn't matter if you're bare faced in a wolf fleece and jeans, in top-to-toe high street or in full-on psychedelia, you are always on show. Better to be looked at and remembered than glanced at and forgotten.
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| Contemporary + customised 1960s + Indian tribal jewellery + jumble sale finds = my own style |
I've got nothing to wear it with. The rest of your wardrobe, silly! Unless you're taking part in a re-enactment you don't need to wear a historically accurate outfit - in my opinion slavishly following a vintage look is no better than being a modern day fashion victim. Mix it up, clothes and accessories from any period that takes your fancy (including the 21st Century).
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| 47 year old in a micro mini and go go boots, quick, call Trinny & Susannah! |
I'm too old for vintage. Listen love, there's no limit, its not like the labels in children's clothes which state the age they're suitable for. If it fits and you like it then bloody well wear it. Stop being brainwashed by moronic "style" experts and newspapers trying to boost their ratings by being controversial about age.
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| Crop tops - wore them in the 1980s, still wear 'em now. |
I remember it the first time round. And? Unless you're talking about a baby grow or a school uniform what's the problem?
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| Even my charity shop Ossie Clark maxi went in the washing machine |
I haven't got the time to look after vintage. Almost everything I own gets chucked in the machine on 30 degrees or hand-washed with a dollop of baby shampoo. Unless you're talking about museum pieces you don't need to be precious. Its already lasted over 30 years, its a damn sight tougher than most of the crap manufactured today.
I've tried it on, I love it but my boyfriend/husband/partner doesn't like it. Simple, buy the dress, dump the mate.
Bit feisty today, aren't I? Blame the arthritis, when I need help getting my boots on I'm inclined to get a bit lippy. No wonder I was the boss from hell pre-hip replacement. I'll be my usual smiley self once I've dosed up on painkillers.
Look what arrived in the post from the lovely Jo, me as art!
Have a brilliant weekend. I'm off down posh Wetherspoons for Liz & Adrian's joint birthday tea.
See you soon!
Have a brilliant weekend. I'm off down posh Wetherspoons for Liz & Adrian's joint birthday tea.
See you soon!
Great post! And have to agree 100% with everything said.
ReplyDeleteThat crop top outfit is FANTASTIC!
x
Haha! You've certainly got an answer for every excuse Vix. Hope you feel better soon and good luck at the fair this weekend.
ReplyDeleteThe painting of you is wonderful! xxx
Word sister !
ReplyDeleteThere is no limit ... no rules - just do it .
love you !
You are a treat to look at. Pink and green (and turquoise and anything bright) is the new black!
ReplyDeleteI met a lady earlier in the week who was gushing about my outfit and said how much she loves the vintage look and added that it was okay for me as I was younger than her. I've never understood that sort of take on clothing.
ReplyDeleteFab picture by Jo and I hope the painkillers kick in soon xxx
Gotta be quick quick quick as I am almost out the door but I have to say I LOVE YOU!
ReplyDeleteYou've just written everything that I think, and said it so brilliantly! One look at you, in any of those fabulous outfits in this post, and surely even a moron would get it.
You just rock rock rock!
Now,met yourselves down posh Wetherspoons and have a great night. Good luck at the fair, love ya! xxxxx
Very, very well-said, Vix!
ReplyDeleteX
the interesting thing is - i had a atelier for 8 years were i made clothes to sell them. (you already know my style.) AND I HEARD THE SAME F.... EXCUSES THEY SAY TO YOU. just without the word vintage.
ReplyDeletei had a friend who used to say - she is a bad girl - "they don´t need clothes, they need a doctor" :-P
and i started to ignore this folks. is healthier.
send you some healing rays!!!!!!!
xxxx
LOVED this! I want to make a text graphic that states, dress for the life you'd rather than the one you live.
ReplyDeleteYou are so inspirational.
I was already obsessed about choosing to be remembered than forgotten. It's an easy way to create brand recognition which is of course you ( but I'm sure you Ms. Smarty Pants already know that ; ) )
That sucks that you are in such pain. I hope all the painkillers and some good drinks will numb it all.
That painting is gorgeous. They did a great job.
Where are you going to hang it? On your wall of all the other glam gals?
bisous
Suzanne
Snorting with laughter. I love it when you're 'on one' as they say over here. Of course you are right. Life is duller than a dull thing a lot of the time, full of boring chores. But dressing up makes things better, if for no other reason than it makes people chat to you, which instantly livens up the process of errand running. I love the crop top fringed ensemble, the gingham shepherdess dress and the patchwork skirt insanely. No lip service from you, you gorgeous Vixen! Xxxxxxxxx
ReplyDeleteCharlotte (youngest) gasped over your two piece with the crop top 'oooh gorgeous' she's bloody right, you are! It's true, people look no matter what you have on, best make it fabulous and be yourself - hope your pain has gone and you are having a bloody brilliant night and good luck tomorrow! Jo's painting is brilliant! x x x
ReplyDeleteBlimey I bet the old boys at the nursing home nearly had a coronary when you turned up in your fab psychedelic hot pants suit. You are dead right of course, today I ran into an ex, sans make-up...bugger! That'll learn me, as they say. Love it when you're stroppy. Best of luck with your sales at the weekend.
ReplyDeletexxx
Jump start my heart Vix you are on fire and so friggin RIGHT! The outfit you wore to see your dad has me whining because I adore it on you! You look hotter than Texas in the summertime in all of these pictures.
ReplyDeleteAll this advice seems like common sense to us but to a lot of people they just don't get it. Dress for the life you want and it will be yours! Since I have spent so much time at cancer clinic lately I find myself wondering why they are so stale and bland. The kids ward is all about color and fun. Stimulation for the mind body and spirit. We need this to thrive but for some reason we seem to tone it down as we age...WTF???? I SAY CRANK IT UP!
You always inspire me to do just that:) I love you girl!
XXXOOOOOOO
Good luck tomorrow!
Oh and I do hope that hip behaves itself and you feel better. Pop those pills, you never do! The Painting is so cool too! Jo is very talented!
ReplyDeleteXXOO
You are a fantastic and gorgeous woman, Vix! What a great post - just love it and can't stop smiling looking at these incredibly bright, creative, vibrant, full of life and your crazy feisty personality outfits. You are such a pretty goddess! Love that shot of you by the street photographer as well.
ReplyDeleteSo sorry that you are in pain. Take a good care of yourself, dear!
You are one of a kind, no doubt! But it would be so wonderful to get outside and see the streets full of such vibrant, artistic and free people as you are! I am sure that you are changing the world, one post at a time.
Lots of love and hugses!
my goodness you look so good in all these outfits. they suit you to a t. you are stunning i say!!!
ReplyDeleteAbsolutely LOVE LOVE LOVE that post! I also throw everything I buy into the washing mashine, expensive silk blouses included. clothes should please us - not we should worship them! Torally agree to the slve thing, I would agree that it is as dumb to follow vintage only rules as being a fashion victim with mondern pieces only. there are no rules and no bounderies - they are all (wo)man-made.
ReplyDeleteNot that I'm influenced by you my dear Vix - but - I have bought a splendid 1940s yellow dress. I've done the repairs and ordered a belt from Amazon. Bring on the sun!
ReplyDeletethank you! this post made my day ...
ReplyDeletehave fun on the mad march fair!
I'm loving all the vibrant pink in your outfits and also loving your no-nonsense fashion advice! Kudos on being in such amazing shape! I also love your micro mini in addition to all that gorgeous pink! Your frocks are beautiful.
ReplyDeletehttp://www.full-brief-panties.blogspot.com/
I'm a bit late to the party-blame it on my pacific coast time zone- but this is an awesome and fantabulous post. Love it! I'm sorry you are in pain and I hope you can get it cleared up and enjoy your day. Well actually by the time I am writing this, your day is now evening so I should say I hope you 'enjoyed' your day.
ReplyDeleteLike everyone else here, I love the point you make about not waiting for some sort of magically right moment to wear the clothes you want to wear. I also love your point about ditching a guy who doesn't love you for who and what you are. Both of those points have been very significant issues in my life.
Thanks for a great post!
Ahhh haaa yep totally agree. I've been getting a lot of comments lately and approaches about what I'm wearing. Firstly it's recent,y been commented and how I was look nice, how it looks like I made an effort. I was told how that was no to see because so many people just don't really seem to market the effort or care, I paid thanks to the compliment and simple said that it makes me feel good and makes me feel make and that's why I do it.
ReplyDeleteSecondly because I wear what I wear and make the effort I've had people mostly school mums when dropping Cohen off asking where I get my clothes and what I do. Which has then got me talking about my business, so I've ended up with new customers. So it pays to always make an effort no matter what you wear.
You're always fabulous and always gorgeous Vix and I'm utterly swooning over the patchwork skirt. Adore!
Buy the dress, dump the mate. More words of wisdom from Vix the Wise. I love when you're on a tear. Though I do wish your hip would be nicer to you. I know what you mean about people staring. Yesterday while I was having tea with Spygirl Anne, there was a girl at the next table who would not stop staring at us so I asked HER to take our photo. She just about peed her pants with excitement.
ReplyDeleteI couldn't have said it better! I'm just so jealous of all your clothes, esp. the go go boot! :)
ReplyDeleteEvery word you say is true Vix.
ReplyDeleteIf it fits and you like it then bloody well wear it = couldn't agree more!
Hope your pain has subsided and you have a great weekend. x
Have a great weekend and hope you have the pain under control before you have to greet the general public. xx
ReplyDeleteOh Vix you are such a wonderful person ,everything you have said in this post is so right !, you always look great, that why i love your blog,
ReplyDeletegood luck for Saturday have a great weekend, with Best wishes and love xxx
Love the gingham dress and the red and black boots , you always look amazing , i think everybody should create there own style and not follow fashion , hope the pain killers work for you , have a busy weekend sales wise xxx
ReplyDeleteYou know, maybe you should do a massive backdrop to your stall setting out Vix's philosophy on fashion and life to save you hving all those tedious conversations. Like krista said, it's so natural for most of your blog readers not to give a toss so it must be so frustrating to hear people spouting that rubbish week in week out.
ReplyDeleteI can't think of a better night out than a meal at wetherspoons and some high voltage pain killers, followed by the sleep of the dead preferably! Xxx
Fabulous you! Hope Liz & Adrian have a wonderful time xx
ReplyDeleteOh that gingham dress!!!! Yes,I agree, wear what you want. When I go to music camp, people are always surprised at the flamboyant way I dress (I'm always more so on holiday) when everyone else is wearing old jeans and fleeces!!
ReplyDeleteOh Vix, I found a dress in the charity shop today and I'd love your opinion on whether it us vintage. I think it is handmade x
Queeeeen!! <3
ReplyDeleteThe painting of you is lovely.
ReplyDeleteI adore each and every outfit in this post and you have a figure to die for.
Have a wonderful weekend xx
Oh Vix, you are not only my style guru but also my life guru! So much truth! So much wisdom! Sorry your hip is playing up but if it is any consolation, you are also inspiring my mum who is booked in to get a hip replacement soon. If you can look fab and be so positive then so can she. XXX
ReplyDeleteThe one excuse that's excusable?
ReplyDeleteYou're wearing those fabulous green boots and I think you'd notice if I nabbed them outta your wardrobe!
Ex 2...don't think I could squeeze myself into that red gingham dress! (And, again, I think you might notice if it went 'missing'!!)
Have a great day at Stourbridge.
Z xx
Bonitas fotografías!!
ReplyDeleteBesos
SAY IT HOW IT IS!!!!! Love this post Vix :D x
ReplyDeleteSAY IT HOW IT IS!!!!! Love this post Vix :D x
ReplyDeleteOh you are a feisty one, and also a very wise one. This is all great and very liberating advice. There is no reason at all to live by rules that really don't matter in the scheme of things.
ReplyDeleteSorry to hear you've been in pain though, and hope you have a good and worthwhile time at the March Fair.
Sympathy re. the hip thing....but you've shown me how to be "cool" in spite of it.
ReplyDeleteDid you say anything about size? I really think you carry this off SO beautifully 'cause you are so slender. What do you say about THAT???? (I know. I know. Bust your butt and get in shape!) :)
Wonderful! I am thinking about the elder gents at your father's care home, and how they must live for your visits. Your hair looks wondrous too, you're such a fox. xox
ReplyDeleteSweetness ... YOU ARE ART ~ lovely !
ReplyDeleteMust be the Spring barometric pressure as my splondilosis in my neck is killing me as well this week , still I get right up on my horse and ride like the wind ~ whilst dreaming I am lady Godiva ;)
You have earned the right to be lippy Vix. You're fucking fabulous. Period. I'm feeling rather feisty myself and agree on every. single. point here. "Baby gro or school uniform"? A-frickin-men sista!! Where the HELL do people come up with those ludicrous, usually anti-ageing-women "rules"? Fuck you've got me fired up now. I fucking love you!!! xoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoox
ReplyDeleteNew-ish follower here - what a great post - thanks for you and the inspiration!
ReplyDeleteMany people worry too much on what others would think about them. So they wear something they are expected to wear rather than what they really like. It is safer. And that's why you are inspiration for so many women, Vix, because you give no damn about what others would think of you. Great post, love it!
ReplyDeleteI love this post! It's an 'Amen' from me, you love are an inspiration!
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteGreat blog! Everything you said struck a responsive chord in me, but especially the part about dressing for the life you like rather than the life you have. I'm a school teacher in a small Texas town where jeans and tees are standard, and I dress like I live in London or Paris and love doing it! Get lots of compliments, too, as a matter of fact. Thanks for saying it so well.
ReplyDeleteEach & every point is spot on! Life is too short to dress like the masses. I couldn't really afford to anyway. No doubt many a shoppers wardrobe has sprung to life due to your influence & inspiration. Xx
ReplyDeleteAah truer words have not been spoken..Let me add to the list..It goes with your ethnicity, I'd just look like a fool in so much colour! Really? Racist much?!
ReplyDeleteHope you feel better soon Vix x
Absolutely beautiful portrat of you and very nice post yet again -- I love feisty Vix!I agree that it is better to be looked at and remembered than glanced at and forgotten! I hope you feel better soon!
ReplyDeleteLove always,
Masha
You rock and rule Vix! We need more people like u where I live. Everything u said made sense. I don't like a lot of attention but you're right they r looking so bring it on. This was one of my favs..you are so inspiring. ;-) xxoo
ReplyDeleteWell, even I have managed to find and wear vintage dresses and I have a few (self imposed) restrictions, my religion calls for modesty, I am a plus size lady, and I have a small budget, but my little dress collection is growing. I wash mine in the machine too and have had no problems.
ReplyDeleteI hope your pain meds kicked in quickly and you have a great weekend.
Love
V
xxx
Grumpy , lippy , doesn't matter Vix , you're damn right on the whole thing !You're an example to all of us , shining with inspiration ...
ReplyDeleteThey should let people live their dreams instead of imposing their bloody fashion nonsense , and all of their dreadful rules ...
What makes me especially sigh , is the long hair rule => once you get 40 , you should have them cut , pfff !
Last night , I dreamt I was wearing a jeans :haha , never ever !!
Love this post and your fantastic outfits , the pink floral one and the turquoise/pink dress being my favourites ...
Hope you're feeling better today ...
~ Love from La Dryada ~
I don't usually comment on blogs and do not have a blog myself but just had to say I love reading yours and think you are brilliant and so inspiring. I am from Walsall too (though i left years ago and now live on the Cornish coast)and went to QM- loved the school photo you posted the other day and had fun recognising some of the teachers-oooh Mr Matick (can't remember how to spell it but most girls in my year had a huge crush on him!-anyway really just to say I think you are wonderful and I love the way you look and what you have to say and so look forward to new posts. You really are the most fabulous ambassador for vintage living. Thank you. Will go now before I start sounding like the most awful stalker! X
ReplyDeleteGreat advice. That yellow maxi dress is stunning.
ReplyDeleteGreat post Vix. Love the painting.
ReplyDeleteX x
Great post Vix. Love the painting.
ReplyDeleteX x
Great post Vix. Love the painting.
ReplyDeleteX x
Other people are sometimes threatened by a free spirit such as yourself. All you can do is lead by example and keep on being the fabulous thing that you are :)
ReplyDeleteThat painting is AWESOME!
Hope your arthritis is feeling better and you had a successful day at the fair. You are such a unique person to be able to walk to the beat of your own drummer - and a wonderful inspiration to all those struggling with doing so. :)
ReplyDelete"if a man does not keep pace with his companions, perhaps it is because he hears a different drummer. Let him step to the music which he hears, however measured or far away." -
Henry David Thoreau
you're brilliant and love to read your posts about vintage!, because all that excuses are same stupid crap I hear by myself everyday, about colorful clothes or about whatever is funny and unexpected! And it's so sad to hear from a lovely woman that 'my husband/partner doesn't like it, then I don't wear' WTF, that's control and abuse!!
ReplyDeleteOf course, you look so gorgeous and love your printed pink catsuit, really you Rock!!, I agree with you: let's dress up like stars for our own lives, not like extras!!
besos & glam
Vix you do inspire me! I would so wear that paisley dress to my job (and I work at a bank, you know how bankers can be). I am having no luck hunting down pink tights here and I want a pair -- which I would wear to work.
ReplyDeleteI find that when you dress originally, you meet more people. I wore my cosmic planet tights again last week and some man came right up to me after looking at my legs and said "Hi! What is your name?" He wouldn't have noticed me or approached me (with a smile) if I looked like everyone else. I absolutely believe that my professional life is positively affected by my not being afraid to stand out. I honestly have you to thank in part for that.
So freak-away!
Absolutely all of the above and one more 'it isn't available in my size' - cut the label out then it will be - I wear clothing in many sizes and either alter it or adapt it or stick a belt round it. I cut the size labels out in rebellion. At age 55 I no longer care whether anyone thinks I look ok or not as long as I like what I see in the mirror!
ReplyDeleteAgree 100% Now that my foreseeable future will not involve being in a conservative office I have more freedom to fly my freak flag. Now I just have to acquire the plumage!!!
ReplyDeleteEvery outfit you are wearing is fantastic. I still am in awe of the lime green boots!!
Well said!!!
ReplyDeleteGlad the painting arrived safe and sound ... hope you enjoy it :0)
xx
I love your clothing. You are such a doll. I wish I could find clothing like that here. The purse is fabulous as well. Im so going to try putting my hair up in a bun one of these days
ReplyDeleteVix you are pretty much the best - this post shows pretty much all the reasons why I think you're so awesome xoox
ReplyDeletei wholeheartedly agree about the dump the mate part! lol! and let's face it people are so narrow-minded that it's hard to change the way they think. i wish i could go shopping with you!
ReplyDeletelady, you need to write a book! i often make silly little arguments for myself not to buy things. my own often muttered one is - i cant be bothered to mend/ modify/ correct it! i love your positivity, drive and mentality about your life! i wonder how much longer people would live or if nursing homes would still exist if older people stopped giving in so easily to their age. we'll always have those age related illnesses, though i think the mental degeneration type things like dimensia would drop considerably. i dunno perhaps i am wrong, but i dont ever intend on becoming a cardi wearing perm setting nanna - and i hope you never do either!
ReplyDeleteY'know a lot of the people who come out with that guff are often the first to join in with the badmouthing once your back is turned. I don't think any of us want to be the poster child for freaky dressing or the permission to dress as you please slip monitor.
ReplyDeleteLove you xx
Great post, Vix - and fab photos, too! x
ReplyDeleteFantastic post Vix. You've got it spot on.
ReplyDeleteI do hope your arthritis eases off quickly, it is tedious being in constant pain.
Love the artwork, Jo is very talented.
Oh, and loved the Pondicherry post too.
Annie xxx
Fecking ROCK THE HELL ON!!!
ReplyDeleteAh, it's got to sink in to a few lovelies and encourage them to cast off the fetters of bollocks and frock up!!!
Each and every outfit makes me dribble and froth at the mouth!!! You are a STAR! Feel free to have a grumpy rant any day, but DO get those drugs down your gullet so you can be in less pain whilst you do! FOX!
Love Helga xxxXXXxxx
Actually one of the reasons I stopped wearing vintage is because they weren't holding up to the washings. I ruined gown after gown, blouse after blouse from hand washing in "delicate wash" detergent. I don't know what I was doing wrong but I was sick of destroying my clothes! Ok, let's face it. It's not just vintage that got ruined. I just have the WORST luck with laundry.
ReplyDeleteLove the outfit you wore to visit your dad, esp the boots. Great posts Vix! xoxo
ReplyDeleteLove the outfit you wore to visit your dad esp the boots. Great post Vix! xoxo
ReplyDeleteIt's funny how some people put themselves in a box before they even buy the clothing. You're living it right--wearing and dressing as you love for every occasion, and giving wisdom to others. I love the artwork as well! xx
ReplyDeleteThis is brilliant - I love your 'dump him mate' answer! When are you coming to London again? x
ReplyDeleteFantastic post Vix! Sorry to hear that you've been in pain, I hope you dosed up on painkillers over the weekend and are feeling better x
ReplyDelete"Better to be looked at and remembered than glanced at and forgotten" - YES, Vix doll, you are so right. I love your snappy comebacks for all the excuses people come up with why they can't wear vintage, and this post was a great opportunity to revisit some of my fave Vix style moments (the mini with fringe vest and green boots!!!!)
ReplyDeleteThat floral Modest dressesis so Gorgeous.
ReplyDeleteMy husband doesn't always like what I wear but would never voice his opinion on it. He just smiles and shakes his head. I keep him happy by dressing sexy for date nights and dress quirky when I want to. I love your style and am glad you don't care what anyone thinks.
ReplyDeleteVintagehoneybee.blogspot.com
"I've tried it on, I love it but my boyfriend/husband/partner doesn't like it. Simple, buy the dress, dump the mate." Hahaha! I love you!
ReplyDeleteVintage and clothing in general is meant to be enjoyed along with life =D
I've tried it on, I love it but my boyfriend/husband/partner doesn't like it. Simple, buy the dress, dump the mate.
ReplyDeleteThat's gotta be my favourite. Keep smiling!! Love your blog!! xoxo