Wednesday 2 April 2014

Cape-tain Of Charity Shop Finds


My cape-tain got so much admiration around the chazzas of the Black Country that my head was in danger of exploding. When people compliment my creations without knowing I've sewn them is a massive ego boost.


In fact the whole outfit got showered in love. It does amuse me when people ask where I buy from my clothes from and when I reply a charity shop they want to know which one. I mean, its highly unlikely that they're going to find the same 45 year old dress hanging there, is it? If that was the case I probably wouldn't bother buying second hand. Forget any environmental or financial reasons, even in the days of being a high earner the main motivation behind buying vintage was simply that I'm far too vain to be seen in the same crap as anyone else.


I like my crap to be individual, hence a wardrobe stuffed with vintage, pre-loved, handmade or bought from obscure foreign markets and odd local boutiques.


My cape-tain brought me some decent luck in the chazzas.


Two fab 1970s maxi skirts,


 and a snazzy red maxi dress.


A 1960s Orkney Wool blazer for Jon


and a very cool Jaeger one.


Dunno who Justin was but his shirt rocks.


A huge king size quilt cover for cutting up and dress-making. I've no problem with using second hand bedding but the thought of sleeping in patterned sheets is as repulsive as eating from a patterned plate.


A sweet wooden post-war cruet


A vintage Agfa camera


There's some great tracks on this album including Fleetwood Mac's Albatross and Fire by The Crazy World of Arthur Brown but to be honest I only bought it because I loved the cover girl's outfit.


There's some classic singles here including Automatic Lover and I Lost My Heart To A Starship Trooper - school disco magic.


The Freedom Of The Plains by Mario Bordi


I've loved these chalk ware statues since I was a teenager but never seen one so cheap. 12" of naffness for less than £1!


Jon's description of me yesterday was spot on,


No sooner does my arthritic pain calm down then Birmingham gets hit by a Saharan dust cloud affecting those of us with crap respiratory systems (blame a chain-smoking parent and decades spent in the catering industry). I'm starting to piss myself off with my constant wheezing so I intend crack on with some therapeutic sewing before the rum gets a battering later.

1970s maxi  worn with 1960s velvet tote bag (25p, Jumble sale), leopard print platforms (£2, car boot sale)
Thanks for the anniversary wishes and your endlessly kind, funny and fabulous comments.

See you soon!

65 comments:

  1. Dressed in sunshine colours you blind us with your looks ! So great.
    Xxx

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  2. I'm so glad you modeled your cape. You look just as beautiful as i knew you would. It quite clearly has magical powers. Look at that haul! Fab!

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  3. I love the animal print platforms!

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  4. You must have been a ray of sunshine in the Black Country dust riddled chazzas. You got some fantabulous stuff, which charity shop did you say you went to ? ...Really ??
    Loving the maxi's, Jon's jackets, and the bed linen...can't wait to see what you knock up with that. What a very clever knackered old trout you are. xxxxx

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  5. Happy anniversary! Wasn't sure whether to say that yesterday as the message looked like an April fool!
    x

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  6. The cape just gets better and better and you look like Spring today!
    If you ever want to part with the chalk child let me know lol I have the beginnings of a small orphanage of them bless xx

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  7. You are a flowery vision of Vix today ~ gorgeous you are ! I don't know how I missed the last post but that flower- a- delic style was beautiful on you as well. You have def blossomed yourself into Spring.
    What isn't lovely on you really ! It's all in the attitude isn't it ~ that and your reincarnated flamenco dancer beauty :)))

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  8. So with you on the air, I have asthma and I'm on extra puffs!

    My saviour as a child was my Aunty Margaret. She had a winsome girl whose arms and lap enclosed a - long gone - fish tank. Oh, how I adored that little girl now long gone. Aunty Margaret also had a picture which I remember as 'Through the Bluebell Woods' but which my cousin says is part of a set including 'Spring' the path through a bluebell wood and 'Autumn'.

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  9. Oh oh the cape is amazing........I would have made a comment to.......you are so very clever sweet.
    Hmmmm I just love the question about which op-shop.....it's like they think they will find your style all ready to buy like in a stupid chain store....crazy.
    Jon's new Jaeger jacket is a fantastic find.yay.
    Sending blue sunny skies your way.....love v

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  10. You dazzle. And I revel in the fact you are one of a kind, but inspire me, and sooooo many! Love your charity scores too. .... love you. Happy A-nay to you and your handsome Jon!

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  11. Hi my dear!! You look absolutely amazing, I adore your cape and the dress is perfect with it too, wonderful colours throughout!! Well done on your Chazza haul too , like you I love unique and individual pieces that no one else has and paying cheap as chip prices for them too is an added bonus for me and I do love giving my money to them over a high street shop any day!! wishing you better xxx

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  12. Sunshine on a dreary day, that's what you are missus
    Twiggy x

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  13. You're radiant as ever in your yellows, Vix! I adore your style and the stories behind them. You make me never want to enter a Mall again. xox

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  14. I'm sure you added much needed sunshine to an almost but not quite sunny day. Mustn't complain! At least the wet is drying up.
    You found some treasures for sure. I hope your chest feels better. xxx

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  15. Hey you, you knackered old trout - you're bloody great! A capelet and a yellow maxi, stonking leopard print heels, and that fabulous embroidered bag, is it any wonder you got a lot of love!
    All your finds are squeal-worthy; loving the skirts and frock, the cruet set, and of course the vinyl brings back memories. I remember watching Arthur Brown on Top of the Pops, my sister and I thought he was hilarious and used to sing it all the time (I was 4!) And of course Automatic Lover and I lost my heart to a Starship Trooper are complete classics!
    Blimey, the dust is the only thing that's been remotely Saharan about today's weather, I've been chilly all day. You, my darling, are a ray of sunshine! Love you! xxxx

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  16. hope you get through this smog without too many problems , Its true what you said about the individuality of shopping in charity shops,
    but not everybody realizes , the amount of times i was asked in years of being a charity shop manager , have you got this in a size twelve etc , it always amazed me lol xxx

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  17. I can imagine you were a sensation in you sunshine yellow maxi and cape of fabulousness!!!
    You certainly found some awesome tat at the chazzas!!! I can't wait to see what the cover will become!!
    Hope you feel better soon!!!

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  18. Well, of course this outfit (or indeed, any of your outfits generally) was 'showered with love'. I mean, how entirely fabulous can one woman look?

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  19. LOL My husband's head is also very close to exploding daily. In his case it isn't necessarily from compliments.

    What a brilliant, literally brilliant sunny outfit. I'm sure you've never met a maxi you didn't like. These new ones are going to feel right at home in your closet...or shop.

    As soon as I saw the photo of the gal on the record album I was in love with her outfit too. Her child size jacket is something else. Funny how today you could be walking around in the exact same ensemble and be totally on the "edge of cutting fashion".

    bisous
    Suzanne

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  20. No bloody wonder you were shwoered with compliments, you look hot to TROT! The cape is a great success, and I just love the Summery colour theme going on, all warm and golden, right down to MEOW! platforms!
    Most excellent scores!!! Your divoon cape certainly did bring you luck, ooooodles of it!
    Bring on the duvet couture!
    Love Helga xxxXXXxxx

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  21. the sunflower goddess goes shopping :-)
    i could´t sleep in loud patterns too......
    <3

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  22. How yummy do you look in your delicious cape? You have been sew clever x

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  23. Ooooh I love your outfit!! your cape is fabulous! you are just gorgeous! I can totally see you in the awesome album cover outfit, suede and fringing are a wonderful thing! your maxi skirts are fab and your snazzy red dress is awesome and very familiar! - blooming weird Sahara pollution though x x x

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  24. Absolutely hate when everyone wears the same stuff! definitely an argument for buying vintage or combining some modern pieces with one of a kind finds! love your cape.

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  25. I was about to say, "That's not very nice, referring to everyone else's clothes as crap!" but then you classed your own stuff as crap too!!! The cape is really nice, clever you! It's very attractive and such a good idea for when it's warm but not too warm! I love the items you found in the charity shop- so pretty!!!x

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  26. I was about to say, "That's not very nice, referring to everyone else's clothes as crap!" but then you classed your own stuff as crap too!!! The cape is really nice, clever you! It's very attractive and such a good idea for when it's warm but not too warm! I love the items you found in the charity shop- so pretty!!!x

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  27. Love the dress and cape combo, it looks lovely. I saw Arthur Brown a few years ago and met him too, incredible gig and lovely, lovely man xxx

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  28. I know now why the sun doesn´t come out often in England. They have you to outshine it.
    FANTASTIC, ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh
    Pure light from withing
    XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

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  29. What a great cape you created! Love the back of it, good cut. You always put things together so well. I WANT that Tote bag, it's like a Hendrix velvet braid encrusted bolero waistcoat!

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  30. Love your bright outfit , you're so lucky to find gorgeous maxi skirts !
    Very nice handbag too ...
    Thanks for visiting my blog Vix !

    ~Enchanted greetings~

    La Dryada

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  31. I love your Cap-tain and am not surprised the whole outfit got a lot of love. You must have been a lovely sight among everyone else.

    And what excellent finds ... I especially admire the red dress.

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  32. Happy Anniversary - spouses who tell one another off and call each other names are the most stable happy couples!

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  33. Now that's what I call an impressive haul ... maybe wearing your cape gives you superpowers ;0)
    xx

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  34. I'm surprised you were not followed home you deserved all the adoration for your outfit and that cute as a button cape. Be your own dam sunshine, that's what I think this outfit screams! Paired with those shoes, always with the shoes even with that hip, you are a diva!

    I hope you and Jon had a nice celebration, you guys did so good shopping. The chalk statute I'm totally digging. If I remember correctly are you having a bloggy meet up tomorrow? If so hugs to each and everyone one of you. I love you honey! Hope to speak with you next week.
    Iloveyouhoney!
    XXXOOOOOOOO

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  35. So nice to see the cape come to life! It does look fabulous Vix! Before I forget, Happy Unwedded Bliss Anniversary! I came home from work to hubby heating up Indian take-away yesterday...oh yum! And yes, we sewers don't ever really want to hear, 'Did you make that?' Much better to hear 'My gawd, you made that? Fabulous!' after we let it slip in conversation!

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  36. Jewelry *and* Shoe envy -- I am absolutely green with it. Actually all of it looks fabulous!

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  37. I love, love, love your cape dear Vix, oh and the bag and shoes as well. You are just so unique in a fabulous way. xoxo.

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  38. You look like the sunshine, no wonder everyone complimented you, probably brightened up every nook and corner you shone past x

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  39. Behold Flora, the goddess of gardens stepping forth in golden cape, gown and bag!

    That dust irritation can be serious, as you know too well. One pictures you wearing a suitably ornamented veil -- or Japanese-style breathing mask.

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  40. OMG my mum and dad had the full set of those albums, I think there were 10 all up, starting with the 50's, they were from Readers Digest I think. I played them no stop and still remember the words to most of those songs :D which is amazing cos I can hardly remember what I did this morning! haha! Other people might prefer if I didn't remember the words of course! People probably ask cos they think they might something similar, we've got one particular pre-loved shop that has a huge selection of vintage, retro etc stuff, it's the place I generally say to people to check out before anyone else.

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  41. I love your capelit! I love visiting your blog u always lift my spirits. You're an awesome lady and role model. Happy Anniversary ...you and Jon are so adorable. ;-)

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  42. Mens jackets look good quality. The saraha was dropped here too, I found it stupidly exciting to think sand had come all this way! I am going to look at charity shops today, motivated by reading your blog I decided it's time to get in there and hunt something out myself. Betty

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  43. I love your maxi dress and the skirts! That printed sheet looks like the dress I bought that doesn't fit. I know what you mean about printed sheets and patterned plates. I like my sheets white and my dishes a solid colour.
    xo

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  44. Sooo happy to hear that you got so many compliments AND your head did not explode! :) This cape is such a merry thing! I don't even know how you manage to walk in such shoes, but you obviously do it in the most gorgeous way - you look amazing and beautiful as always!

    I am surprised that you have a taboo on patterned sheets and plates. What's with that? I wanna know! I love patterns on all those silly things! :)

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  45. I am so looking forward to seeing what you create from the bed linen. It will be fabulous of course!!

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  46. That bag! LOVE!
    And the Red maxi dress will look fantastic on you against your dark hair.
    x

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  47. Looking as incredible as ever Vix. Hope you and Jon had an amazing anniversary. Loved his note, thats something my other half would write.

    No wonder your cape got lots of love its fabulous hun.

    X x

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  48. You are utterly glorious in the maxi & cape-tain. It's no wonder people stop you in your tracks to discuss your outfits. Great finds too...love the cruet set & the red maxidress. You know I thought I'd commented on your last post, but it seems I hadn't, so happy un-anniversary to you both. Xx

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  49. Oh, I love your cape. I remember my grandmother having curtains of a similar fabric.

    The red maxi is bloody gorgeous!

    I've been hearing about the smog filled air on the news. I do hope it clears soon so you can get out and about again. It hasn't hit us down on the coast yet, but we've been warned it's on its way.

    You find such gorgeous treasures. I have one of those cameras...one of the many thigs I didn't have the heart to part with.

    Have a lovely day xx

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  50. Love the cape and an afternoon of sewing sounds like bliss to me. x

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  51. No wonder this cape got so much attention, it is amazing. And those leopard print shoes? Fabulous!

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  52. I love that capelet! That reminds me that I was going to try to fashion one myself. It seems the perfect thing for a little extra warmth in summer or in the office.

    Your yellow outfit is so bright and happy, with the leopard booties grounding it all in a bit of wild!

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  53. Bright and cheery yellow and orange - perfect!
    Liz @ Shortbread & Ginger

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  54. your cape and dress are fabulous and love their orange yellow colors, bright and summery!!, and you look so gorgeous (wish you get well soon, health problems are so disgusting!!)
    And so great that you received some compliments, it's really lovely because your style is genuine!!
    besos

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  55. When I read Jon's anniversary note to you I laughed out loud. Hee hee hee.

    I love all your colourful crap and your wonderful blog. I love all the bastard jewellery (and photo bombing cats too)!!

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  56. You always find the best things. And i love your sense of style.

    vintagehoneybee.blogspot.com

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  57. I absolutely love your cape! The compliments were well deserved x

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  58. Well aren't you just a ray of sunshine and a bouquet of flowers! I love that little cape; of course everyone else loves it too. It obviously brought you "chazzing" luck as that is a great haul of stuff!

    You know it's true love when you get referred to as a "Knackered Old Trout" on your anniversary card ;)

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  59. Love it. Just love it. You look beautiful in your own work, and it's a pretty thing! A cape just can't be anything but elegant!
    You guys who create by sewing are inspiring me. I haven't made a whole garment that wasn't a costume-thingy since 1963, so my pitiful few skills are not just dusty, but coated with the Grime of the Ages.
    Some things are coming back to me, but I'm shocked to find that patterns are pretty much as vague as they were then.
    I figure I need to learn to make what I want with the approaching onset of retired poverty ... only a decade or so away, so I better get moving!
    You're a goddess, as always.

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  60. Your outfit is so incredible I'm having spasms, especially love the vintage florals with leopard Litas, I do so love a deep frill and your curtain couture cape is stupendously gorgeous! Justin certainly did have an eye for a fab shirt, I'm panting over the camera and chalk figure and batty for your sheet. I've just realised that none of our bedsheets are patterned, although I do have a stash of vintage bedding - such a waste putting them on a bed, bit like my vintage nighties eh? Yes I often wonder why people ask which oppy I've bought something from, very odd. Hugs xoxoxoxoox

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  61. That record, it was part of a box set and why do I know this? Because my mum had it when I was a kid. I never really listened to the songs but I loved looking at the glamorous ladies on the covers!!!

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  62. Your talent is amazing and your outfit is GORGEOUS! I love the colours, prints and design of both your cape-tain and your 1970s Maxi dress. They look fabulous styled together.

    http://www.full-brief-panties.blogspot.com/

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  63. 'Blistering barnacles', as Capetain Haddock would say, 'you look bloody lovely for a knackered old trout!!' You've outdone yourself here, love! No wonder they were all over you. They all just want a bit of the magic, who can blame them? That's why they want to follow in your shopping trail, like pilgrims! Love that girl on the record! She's got style. I know those tunes, in fact I am warbling away now. Your statue is sweet. I have a couple from my nan's house which I always coveted. Love all this sewing that you are doing. I started a jumpsuit this morning :) xxxxxxxxxx

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  64. fantastic finds! i do love your outfit to bits! the sunflowers are huge! i love it, and the frock underneath is lovely too! that last photo of you is magical! xoxo

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  65. I've missed like a million blog posts including this one! But I have to say your curtain cape is freaking awesome :D I always love it when people compliment my handmade clothes as well, its quite a buzz.

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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