What kind of job allows you to dress in lurex, catsuits, platform boots and feather boas? Mine!
These two outfits were my choice of work attire for a weekend of vintage selling.
Mind you, I'd be a pretty shitty seller if I didn't dress in head-to-toe vintage.
I don't hate clothing rules just because I'm a cantankerous old cow, its simply a revolt after a past spent in uniforms and adhering to corporate dress codes. Back in the bad old days I'd quietly refuse to conform by painting my toenails blue, going underwear-free and sticking a bejewelled ring through my belly button. My house was painted all shades of psychedelic craziness (so mad, in fact, that it once appeared on a local TV show) to make up for a 100 hour week of pinstripes, flesh coloured tights and a ugly blazer.
 |
| Underneath all that corporate polyester was a new tattoo itching like a bastard |
These days I decorate my walls in subtle shades of ointment pink, old wedding dress white and wet cement and instead decorate my body in lime green, shocking pink and silvery turquoise and man, does it feel good!
 |
| 1970s paisley catsuit (£10, Stourbridge vintage fair), navy feather boa (20p, car boot sale), recycled wrapper bangle (Mrs Allnut) and Sinful Nail Paint (fabulous Em) |
Like some of Friday's commenters noted many women feel safer in sticking to style guidelines and, if that makes them truly happy, then bully for them.
 |
| Vintage lurex maxi (£1.99, charity shop) worn with 1960s psychedelic blouse (from Jo), denim waistcoat (from Lucy, formerly of Lucewoman) and Bollywood H-Bomb Helen brooch (handmade by Tania) |
But, if you don't have to abide by a dress code, why not come on over to the sod-the-rules dark side and join me? It's bloody marvellous over here!
Joining Patti and the gang for Visible Monday then I'm off to bed 'cos I'm knackered. I promise to catch up with all my blog reading in the morning.
I'm no. 1!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
ReplyDeleteYou look like you should be hitting Studio 54 in that amazing catsuit Vix. It sure beats my shitty Gatwick uniform.
ReplyDeleteSleep well. xxxxx
Ahh Vix I want your job!
ReplyDeleteAnd don't talk to me about endless days of pinstripes!! You've pretty much described my working week. Groan!
Love your blue feather boa and groovy blue and white catsuit!
Sorry, had to get in with that before anyone else did!!! I don't think I've ever been your first commenter!!!
ReplyDeleteLove the catsuit- very cool (and seems to give you a great chest boost!!)
Yes, I agree re the work thing. I'm lucky that my uniform years were not hugely long, but they were enough- 4 years in a green overall and baseball cap at the chippie, 2 years in a nasty Thistle Hotel blazer, top, skirt and scarf (in red, pea green and navy!) and then 2 years of white airtex top and electric blue joggers at the Gym job but then I've always been able to wear whatever for my jobs (except jeans and I don't really like those anyway!)
I like the fact that I'm told at school that I dress 'quirky' - but I wish they could see your attire!x
See- 2 more jumped in!
ReplyDeleteYou're a complete original, Vix, and a gorgeous one too. I cannot imagine you back in pinstripes for all the tea in Britain. Thanks for sharing with Visible Monday, xox
ReplyDeleteThat catsuit is STUNNING! I try and avoid the corporate look and add a vintage flair to my day-to-day work wear look.
ReplyDeleteI wish I had the balls to rock up in that catsuit! :p xxx
I work part time and have to wear the exciting nurses uniform. Luckily I can pick my colours and am no longer tied to the white dress, just the uber attractive white hose. My other shifts are at the health authority headquarters. So business casual goes there.
ReplyDeleteMy days off? Whatever colour nailpolish comes to hand first and whatever I feel like.
I like makeup, I like a dress and heels and I don't care if I'm over dressed for a trip to the supermarket.
I'm getting braver but am not quite at your level yet.
Oh, and the dark hair is much better than the blonde.
You look AMAZING in the cat suit ... you really do.
ReplyDeleteAs for the corporate Vix ... if I wasn't looking at the evidence on my computer screen I simply wouldn't believe she ever existed.
xx
You do crack me up! And you're a damn good recruit for the dark side! Mind you, if I ever worked 100 hours in a week (I just did the math) I'd be ready to sell my soul to get out of there. At least you got out of there with your soul in tact.
ReplyDeleteFabulous catsuit and boa!
I love your style! Your seriously blessed you have a job that allows you to be so free! :D
ReplyDeletexx Sally-Jean
http://www.antiquesncoffee.com
you are a gem!
ReplyDeleteBeing true to one's self is the key Vix! Keep shining beautiful woman!
ReplyDeleteI think I'll wear my boa out on the farm wiv me wellies, I reckon I'll look blardy hot!! :D Love the catsuit, wish I had the figure to wear one :D
ReplyDeleteIt's fun to see corporate Vix but we love don't give a shit Vix soooo much better. Who? I say, who decided that workers needed to dress conservatively? Life is difficult enough without having to be required to dress like dirt!
ReplyDeleteI want to the store today wearing a daisy headband, I got a couple of sideways stares. It's spring, people!
ReplyDeleteThat cat suit!!!!!!!
ReplyDeleteI die.
As Austin Powers would say, "You look shag-a-dellic baby!"
My new vintage mission is to find a catsuit as groovy as yours. I have a feeling that is going to be tough.
I cannot believe the transformation when you changed your hair colour. Your eyes stand out so much more. You were meant to be a dark wild raven draped in silver and wrapped in feathers.
bisous
Suzanne
Gorgeous outfits for a weekend!! (and week too, for that matter) The blue and white jumpsuit is magnificent...loving those colors together like that. (Check out Veshoevious for beautiful blue and white done her way) The boa is perfect, of course. And how can you go wrong with lurex and a vintage denim vest, I mean really!! The "vintage" photo of you is mind boggling to those of us who know you as Vintage Vix. I'm so glad you had your epiphany. You were cute then but gorgeous now. No comparison. I know who I'd want to hang out with, that's for sure.
ReplyDeleteGet some rest!! It's on my agenda as well. Love you!!!!!!!!!!!
I would hate to be corporate. I was lucky that in teaching there weren't too many rules about what we wore and now I could even spend the day naked if I wished. But clothes are more fun.
ReplyDeleteYou look awesome as always. Your previous self looked adorable but now you are your true sassy self.
Beneath that blazer ~ Demure by day ~ devilish by dark ;)
ReplyDeleteLove that blue paisley pant suit AND the boa .
No-one would ever know it was the same person, stifled inside that suit. I can't imagine you wearing anything but bright and outstanding vintage.
ReplyDeleteYou always look gorgeous and I love your home.
Have a perfect week xx
Looove your style! I'm so boring and would like to embrace more vintage and color.
ReplyDeletethat catsuit is phenomenal, wowee!
ReplyDeleteIt's tricky to balance personal style with workplace expectations, not all of us are fortunately enough to have total freedom!!! x
Your sod-the-rules light side sounds a heck of a lot better than the dress code dark side to me. I've never worn Lurex and am unsure what it feels like, but I've a feeling it feels delightful and know it looks delightful. Maybe I'll own some Lurex outfit pieces some day. Every one of your outfits (with the exception of your corporate polyester outfit) is gorgeous. as are the frocks on your rail. Those speakers on the side of the suitcase turned my head. I love your yellow nail polish. Let the numnuts blindered grey flannel "dress code" arses wander off into the Great Nothing and please do carry on brilliantly as you have been.
ReplyDeleteI hope you have happy post-knackered dreams and a marvelous Monday.
http://www.full-brief-panties.blogspot.com/
As i have said before - vote Vix for president and dress just like you will !
ReplyDeleteF**k age rules and be yourself .
Xxxx
Amen.
ReplyDeleteRules suck.
You know it surprises me how many vintage clothing sellers I see at markets, fairs etc who don't wear vintage when selling their wears.
The day when I received an email from you I saw you in my dream! I mean, the night before I received your email. I saw this very face - just like on your old photo. You were blond, with soft, roundish features, and very sweet!
ReplyDeleteI am sorry that you spent so much time in the clothes you hated. But I would loooove to watch that TV program which featured your home with all the crazy walls! :) Your home is so unique still - in a different way, I guess. And you... you are just you as we all know and adore you. I am crazy about that catsuit! You look gorgeous! And oh yes, your work guide is just the best! :)
I always experience a curious dissonance when you post photos of blonde, corporate, pre-hip replacement Vix. It's you. I can see it's you. I KNOW it's you. And that person is part of the person you are now. Yet, you look so different to the Vix I know and love that it's hard to put the two images together somehow! I laughed at the itchy new tattoo under the business suit!
ReplyDeleteHow much better to allow the love of colour and vibrancy and style to play out in your clothing? I can't imagine you any other way! That catsuit is extraordinary, so fabulous, and a job that allows you to wear a feather boa to work is definitely the job for you! On a side note, I am always interested in what vintage sellers wear, I find it rather off-putting if they aren't wearing vintage. Why not? Aren't they an advert for their business? You and Jon are wonderful ambassadors for vintage style and Kinky Melon.
Love that turquoise lurex skirt with the pretty pink blouse, rocked up with a bit of denim.
As always, you speak the truth, darling! I'll join you for a drink or several on the dark side! xxxxx
Hi there!! I hope the vintage fairs were a great success you look amazing as usual and certainly look so chic and unique in your vintage finery!! xxx
ReplyDeleteYour post makes me laugh. My daughter has a part-time job at Waitrose and I never knew it was possible to hate clothes as much as she does.
ReplyDeleteYeah, baby! I want to walk on the dark side with you. It IS more fun. You look out of this world in that catsuit and so slim you look about six feet tall. Gorgeous! And i love that shimmery, sparkly lurex skirt, such a great colour. Your job suits you down to the ground because you're a believer. When I see vintage sellers not in vintage I think they are just selling a commodity. It could be gas storage heaters if there was money in it. I much prefer a believer, because they engage you and you have a nice chat, which is part of the whole experience of belonging. What was the show you were on, was it Our House? That would be so much fun to see. Xxxxxxxx
ReplyDeleteYou created your new life, I bet you still work just as hard but doing what you love and wearing what you want.
ReplyDeleteI washed the bright 50s kitchen curtains, the gunk that came out!! I'm going to think about the next step to my new colourful wardrobe!
You and Jon are the perfect adverts for your business and for life in general.
ReplyDeleteI always try and wear vintage when doing a fair and buck the trend in my day job, surrounded by 'beige engineers'(!), by trying not to do bland, always wearing my silver jewellery, my Spectra DMs and a combo that makes me feel good. M x
in the old photo you look much older then now!
ReplyDeleteit´s in your eyes. and the smile is some kind of frozen. ok - you know this already.
I am totally thrilled how beautiful you look in the current photos. warm, radiant, happy.
that catsuit is unbelievable gorgeous! psychedelic delftware :-)
xxxx
Well , well , you've come a long way !
ReplyDeleteSo glad you've found your true self ...
Long life to the current Vix !!
Your blue and white boa outfit suits you perfectly ... fabulous !
And oh , love your multicoloured lamp ...
Have a wondeful day
~ La Dryada ~
So few people have jobs where they can dress in whatever they want. And you are one of the lucky ones. On that corporate photo you look so different, nobody can guess the real Vix under that uniform. The catsuit-boa look is fantastic!
ReplyDeletewouua, your catsuit and feathers boa is a dreamy outfit, love it!!, and also love that lurex maxi, shiny and cool!!
ReplyDeleteand you're right (as usual!), I've never feel concerned about any dress code, even working at an office or at a reception desk. I think I'm lucky!
besos
Can I put in a good word for pinstripes ? One of my favourite vintage outfits was a 1940s black pinstripe suit with wide enough shoulders for me and a straight skirt with kick pleats - I used to rip pencils because of my long stride . I wore it with hot pink or scarlet , gold jewellery , a 6" wide belt and silk stockings . Oh and I was a postgrad student at the time , not at work . I thought I could carry on dressing like that if I became a lawyer but actually they were too boring for that ! Now I'm an artist and miss the silk stockings and heels but at least I can wear any colour I like .
ReplyDeleteYou look very lovely in your attire. I like your speakers, very nice.
ReplyDeleteThank you. Love love, Andrew. Bye.
Your true colors are worn in a palette of joy- im in your dark side!
ReplyDeleteUr very fortunate, Vix!
ReplyDeleteLovin' the catsuit bte:)
X
polyester 6 days a week and i sooooo hate it , for me there is never any escape on the horizon
ReplyDeleteyou look amazing!!! I love your style and house!!! w o w !! You have a very nice blog I `m here first time so .. tell me how about follow each other?? Let me know if you atart and I will follow back :)
ReplyDeletehave a nice day sweety!
xoxo from Spain
www.thegrisgirl.blogspot.com.es
I about died when I saw you in this catsuit, you are so gorgeous I kinda hate you a lil bit right now:). I have a hard time looking at the blonde in a blazer and seeing my Vix but I can only image the girl inside trying to get out anyway she could.
ReplyDeleteI too love that I have no dress code sure I could sit around in my pj 'so all day but what a waste that would be! Instead we both choose bold over blause. I love your style Vix but I love your attitude most!
Missyouxxxxxxxxxxx
I LOVE your catsuit, and your hair in that style (is it a wee bun piece or a doughnut?) I think some of the ladies at my church would turn pale if I slinked in dressed like that, which very nearly makes me want to do it. haha. I am happy enough being on the fringes of odd anyway. A couple of weeks ago someone asked about my 1960s charity shop dress and when I told her where it was from and that it was vintage 1960's she lent in and whispered don't worry dear you cant tell, modern fashion is just as crazy. Haha. Have a great week.
ReplyDeleteV
xxx
Once again, I wholeheartedly agree! :)
ReplyDeleteWow!!! you look great Vix, and once again a great post, I'm in love with your house, have a good week xxx.
ReplyDeleteOh, I can just IMAGINE the gawking and the comments if I ever showed up for work in a catsuit and feather boa! I would likely get sent home to change. You look friggin' hot as hell in that outfit, I am emerald with envy.
ReplyDeleteI am lucky that I can pretty much wear what I want to work, within limits and I've never had to wear a uniform. People have told me that it's freeing to not have to make a decision about what to wear to work when you wear a uniform, but I think I would feel like my personality was being erased.
Great outfits Vix, I'm loving the catsuit! x
ReplyDeleteoh Vixy! what a magnificent transformation! its like the reverse of all those silly make over shows and i love the new you! (crowd cheers)
ReplyDeleteFab jumpsuit and i love your bedroom decor!
I like to mix it up at work sometimes and wear completely odd things to my offic-y job but i think I've done it so much now everyone just sighs and says 'oh there goes that crazy bird Catherine!" haha
Loving your work-wear Vix, especially that cat-suit xx
ReplyDeleteI've ever had to wear a uniform but I've always had to dress conservatively for work. I pushed it as far as I could and get away with it.
ReplyDeleteThat jumpsuit and boa are a amazing!! If I had shown up at work in a boa they would've fr E asked out.
That lurex maxi is stunning!!
,
You are a treat for the eyes. I luuuurrvve that lurex maxi!! It's positively delicious.
ReplyDeleteHoly cow! I so did not recognize that corporate blonde in the photo! You are much more Vix as a raven haired, glamourpuss.
Proof positive there is no ONE perfect hair color. You look divine as a blonde or a brunette! I can't believe you haven't been a red-head yet. Have you?
ReplyDeleteI totally get the wonderfulness of being able to name your own dress code and stick to it or not! Besides the fact that vintage suits you like a perfect perfume, of course you should doll it up in vintage to market the dresses!
I love that I can dress up or down at the restaurant, and I like to take it up rather than down most of the time. My goal is to look like I don't "come from around these here parts." Which I don't. Amen. Dan and I both are refugees from a corporate life, so I can identify.
Was just over at Veshoevius' Delft blue dress post ... you two are beautiful bookends in blue prints. Love, love, love you in this color!
Ooooh, I am so totally envious and it's not just the jewelry. I had to wear a long sleeved jersey under a fun polka-dot dress today because we're not allowed to show our shoulders. I'm going to flirt with trouble tomorrow by wearing bright red high-heeled snake-patterned pumps... I do absolutely refuse to wear pin stripes.
ReplyDeleteBlue lurex---yesssss <3
ReplyDeleteHey Vix you look great in that outfit. Btw I thought u were a natural brunette, it suits you. I wish I could wear whatever I wanted as well to work. You have my dream job! You are an inspiration all the time. ;-)
ReplyDeleteHow gorgeous is that catsuit? What a marvellous print too! Lucky you can wear anything to work, and still look fab. x
ReplyDeleteYah! I can't wear too many catsuits in my job (may be pushing things TOO far) but I out and out refuse to wear a suit, I think I had one in my first year of work - back then I thought I had to dress a "certain way" to be taken seriously...but those days are WAY over. Bring on the vintage frocks and skulls! Also your lurex skirt is amazing - SO SPARKLY!
ReplyDeleteYah! I can't wear too many catsuits in my job (may be pushing things TOO far) but I out and out refuse to wear a suit, I think I had one in my first year of work - back then I thought I had to dress a "certain way" to be taken seriously...but those days are WAY over. Bring on the vintage frocks and skulls! Also your lurex skirt is amazing - SO SPARKLY!
ReplyDeleteSince leaving school 100 years ago I vowed to never work anywhere where I had to wear a uniform and I haven't. I figure as long as you are clean and tidy and not flashing too much flesh you should be good to go. I dress for me and no one else and it feels great. I think you are an inspiration to many and good for you love!
ReplyDeleteI am so envious of your work wear. I have to wear the most boring snot green blouse, black trousers and cardigan to work and shudder every time I catch sight of myself. Like you I rebel my oppression in small ways, and usually try and wear lots of flowers, brooches and mad necklaces to brighten myself up a bit. XXX
ReplyDeleteYou look amazing in that catsuit and boa! Has to be the best work outfit ever! :)
ReplyDeleteHi Vix -
ReplyDeleteNice to be back and being able to comment your fabulous style -As you probably know i had an accident, fell and had a concussion but feeling lots better now -
Amen to you ! and what i went through lately i definitively will be myself in all aspect of my life and do and wear what i want-
Arianexo
The jumpsuit is a stunner!My mom used to have something similar in some loud colors, I even have pictures (when I was small) with her wearing it and coincidentally she had hairstyle like yours!
ReplyDeleteMrs Jack Of All Trades
www.mjoat.com
You are always inspiring in your work wear! Thankfully you chose the right career and are choosing happiness over conformity. You express yourself beautifully in every way!
ReplyDeleteOintment pink may be the best name for a colour ever, I tried root-beer once and thought it tasted like germolene! your work wear guide is bloody wonderful, you are a lurex and cat suit dream, the cat-suit/boa look is sexy as feck! the dark side of the rules is a wonderful place, black polyester work trousers make me twitch x x x
ReplyDeleteHave you got any pictures of your psychedelic house I'd love to see them.
ReplyDeleteLooking fab, as always. I always say, if you want a part you have to look it and you look fab in your vintage wares. What better advertising do you want?
ReplyDeletexx
Wow, you just don't look like "you" in the blond photo. I've worn unis a few times in past lives and they were truly degrading (the cheap polyester didn't help). You are a stunner in that cat suit; you go, girl! Xo
ReplyDeleteYou don't even look like yourself in those corporate rags. I type this as I sit at my desk job, feeling as if I have sold my soul to the devil, doing so. Someday I will be free. It will be sundresses and sandals all of the time. Mark my words, it's comming. ;)
ReplyDeleteVintagehoneybee.blogspot.com
Oh I do love your catsuit! Very nice indeed. The corporate clothes don't suit your style but you do look very cute in that picture.
ReplyDeleteIt's interesting that your home and wardrobe choices have swapped roles, indeed you look and sound so much happier about the changes that you've made in your life! You're an inspiration, a walking advertisement to take life by the short and curlies and make it work for you - work to live, not live to work! You are spectacular in your incredible catsuit darlin'!!!! xoxoxoox
ReplyDeleteSometimes I try to imagine how crazy I would dress if I weren't a teacher in a local school.
ReplyDeleteOMG, that CATSUIT!!!!!
ReplyDeleteSwoon..........it's hot, and you are hotter than hot in it.
Amen, sister. COLOUR COLOUR COLOUR!!!! Actually, colour is the new black.
Love Helga xxxXXXxxx