Monday 7 July 2014

...And at the end of the day, your hair should be messy, your feet dirty and your eyes sparkling



So Shanti said and, judging by the state of me, the weekend was a success.


After just two days to recover from Glasto, Thursday saw us back on the road, this time taking some of our vintage wares to the VW lovers of Camperjam at Weston Park in Shropshire.


Despite having a dummy run in the garden a fortnight ago, the new pop-up shop took an absolute age to set up. After spending a couple of hours puzzling it out we had to build our rails, hang up the stock and then pitch Gilbert's awning and get our own space in order.

Wearing: Vintage St Michael cheesecloth shirt (Salvation Army) and Levis 1950s Pantella shorts (Flea market, India)

After a quick catch- up with some of our fellow traders, we managed a few beers and a vegeburger before collapsing into bed knackered.

Wearing: 1970s House of Lavinia maxi (Salvation Army), House of Harrie Hattie floral crown

Kinky Melon opened for business on Friday. The rain lashed down & the skies were grey but I threw on a backless vintage maxi, donned my floral crown, kicked off my shoes, cracked open the cider and danced until late into the night drawing in the sodden festival goers.


At 9am on Saturday the rain had all gone and the sun was beating down.  

Wearing: Clash tee (PDSA , years ago) with Levis shorts and 1960s hessian pumps

We were so busy we didn't crack open the cider until well after 2pm.

Wearing: 1970s Hawaiian maxi (eBay, 2011)

We were visited by repeat customers from last year's festival, still delighted with their 2013 Kinky purchases; a couple of friends from our schooldays and even a chap who remembered me from a local nightclub which closed down in 1989 - talk about once seen never forgotten!


By the time Sunday afternoon rolled around I was finally able to leave the pitch and go for a bit of a wander. We hadn't ventured further than the portaloos since Thursday night.


Loving the AstroTurf makeover!


We've been going to Camperjam since the very beginning and have seen it grow from a row of VW campers in a field with a beer tent and an autojumble to a proper festival with bands, hundreds of traders, 5000 punters and tickets that sell out months in advance.



Seeing our air cooled vintage campervan, Gilbert, peeking out behind our pitch works in our favour when it comes to capturing the attention of prospective customers - we're part of the gang.

Wearing: 1960s safari shirt, hessian pumps and skinny shorts (cut down from jeans)

The awning doubled as an extra changing room when the queue for our shop one grew too long.






I treated us to a new old 1950s flask from this fab stall, a much sought after replacement to the one Jon smashed last year and a bargain at £3.50. (Its the pink one on the top shelf.)

Wearing: 1970s Swedish-made patchwork maxi skirt (eBay, 2012), charity shopped denim waistcoat, fringed 1960s go-go top (Psychotic Monkey)

Gilbert was a whole lot emptier when we packed up last night. Once we've unpacked and caught up on the washing we'll be mostly spending this week on a mission to find some more stock ready for Vintage Village at Stockport at the weekend. No rest for the wicked.

See you soon!

Linking to Sacramento's Share in Style: DENIM!

72 comments:

  1. You two are so busy, and having so much fun. Fabulous life style you have going on. Glad you are getting sunshine and emptying Gilbert of stock. Happy hunting for new stuff.

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  2. how fab that the folks at camperjam had so much love for your gorgeous stock!
    the inside of your shop tent looks really elegant and fancy with the carpet, colorful fabrics and neat presentation. and you both are the best advertising of cause!!!
    good luck with finding new stock this week!
    love your festival reports!!!!
    xxxx

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  3. Your new pop up shop is so fabulous! Rails and changing rooms even! I still hanker for days driving around in a v-dub van. My friend used to have a terrible one that broke down all the time, but she was quite the mechanic and knew how to fix it. We used to drive it to all the different Sydney beaches on Saturdays and go for a surf and then sit in the back eating fish and chips and beer that we got some older boys to buy for us! Ahh I'd love to go back to that now! But with added vintage boutiques thrown in!

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  4. Hooray for Camperjam! Isn't it great to see so many VW enthusiasts out and enjoying the festival vibe?! I'm so happy you guys were so busy, it would have been exhausting for sure, but wow you had people queuing to try stuff on, fan-bloody-tastic!!! It just proves that getting your own shop up and running, plus blasting the summer festival circuit was the absolute best idea ever! xoxoxoxo

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  5. Looks like a blast but totally exhausting. You and John must have amazing stamina. V xxx

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  6. Next to Gilbert (of course), I love that pink/tan striped concession-er! Glad to hear Gilbert was much lighter going home.

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  7. Aw... I miss owning a dub!

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  8. What a cute denim jacket. Love the green dress too xoxo.

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  9. Looks like you had loads of fun - that's the way to work!

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  10. Looks like a marvellous time. I love how you both are keep opening up shop. What a busy weekend for you, but you always look amazing too! x/Madison

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  11. It might've been a bitch to set up, but that top photo...looks so inviting!
    What is it about V-dubs that makes us love 'em so much? Little beauties.
    Zxx

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  12. You've been busy! Camperjam looks great - friendly and relaxed and fun. And of course you, Jon, Gilbert, and the Kinky Melon pitch all look fabulous - all the better for a bit of sunshine. Love that backless maxi, the Hawaiian number, and of course the patchwork skirt; you showcase your vintage stock beautifully (forget Dawn O'Porter!)
    Now, surely you deserve a little rest before the stock hunting continues? Go on, put your feet up, just for a bit! Love you! xxxx

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  13. The new pop-up shop is extremely inviting, especially that changing room! You and Jon are your own best advertisements, of course, but it does appear that Gilbert had a part in the success of this venue. Vintage VWs and Kinky Melon is an amazing combo!

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  14. Wow! You have been busy!

    Camperjam looks like a great place to visit. I love yout stall and your and Jon's outfits (especially the Clash tee).

    The astro-turf is certainly unforgettable!

    Have a wonderful week xx

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  15. I love your gilbert campervan, love campervans, would love to go there, looks like you had a great setting for your wares. Hope you get some rest before your next venue - Betty

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  16. Camperjam looks great , lovely and relaxed in an old school festie way. I like a do that's built up around classic motors.
    Kinky looks fab, that's a proper, inviting vintage stall, no wonder you were busy.
    Loves ya.
    xxxxxxx

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  17. Now that's what I call a happy camper! You guys are just beaming. Can't tell the difference from your 'just fun' times and the 'working days.' Glasto or Camperjam it's all in a day's work for the Vixon & Co. Way to go.

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  18. Here's to another killer Camperjam! I love that folks came back to see you from last year and no doubt will be there next time as well. I know this is hard work but man it also looks as equally fun. The shop is bursting with so much wonderfully picked treats, it looks like a a place you could spend some real time. I can see you dancing, and looking gorgeous in all that color and no shoes. I'm tickled to hear you had a line, fuck yeah!
    Can't wait yo talk this week.
    Love you!!xxxxxxxxx

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  19. Sounds like it was another fab festival. I love each & every outfit you're both donning. Xx

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  20. Good times and sparking eyes, for real! I love it how VW owners are passionate about their vehicles - I wish I still had my 1966 Beetle. You and Jon look splendid, as ever. xox

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  21. Is Gilbert a Volkswagon van then? I thought he was a different shape...
    I'm working my way through 'George Clarks Amazing Spaces' and have serious camper van lust at the moment!
    Always nice to see the patchwork skirt get an outing. Hope you're putting your feet up today. xxx

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  22. I love how your style is consistent wherever you go! Looking wonderful and happy working your little hearts out :-) xx

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  23. Happy for you 2 that business is good!
    All the efforts you put into this business, you deserve all that is good!
    You are both radiant !

    Hugs

    Arianexo

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  24. Looks as though you had a great time, albeit hard work. M x

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  25. Hi Vix! I well know from doing art shows how much work these festivals can be. The tents and displays especially. Glad to hear you went home with a lighter load!

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  26. Your pitch looks fabulous - you sure can pack a lot into Gilbert.
    That green and white maxi is gorgeous! x

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  27. Camperjam looks fab, I love a vintage motor and the smell of the interiors. Your montage is great, the lime green one looks like an old citroen van? You two as always look amazing, such a brilliant advertisement for your wares. Good luck stock hunting this week and enjoy your rest.
    xx

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  28. Looks like a great success!

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  29. Looks like you did very well, wish I was able to come see all you great fashions! I esp. love that patchwork skirt you were wearing! :)

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  30. You guys have the best job ever! So great to see Kinky Melon doing well at all these fun and interesting festivals. My cousin just got his refurbished (or whatever you call bringing an old car up to its former glory) VW Bug on the road this very week. If he'd been on that side of the ocean, I'm sure you guys would have met!

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  31. Busy busy busy! Looks like you are doing well. I'm so happy. You have really chosen the perfect business for yourselves.

    Good luck on restocking. What fun!

    bisous
    Suzanne

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  32. Looks so amazing and wish that we could wisit the same festival ss you do ! My good what amazing shoping !
    im opening a cider in the swedish summer night and rise my glass for you- happy thoughts and love !

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  33. I love seeing the photos from your festival adventures. You work your proverbial arses off but the rewards are sweet and you obviously love what you do (as do your customers).

    Look at all those VW's! I like the astroturf-covered one (talk about "Green" transportation). The green and white maxi dress is divine.

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  34. Dear Vix!!! Looks so so much fun!!!Glad you had a lovely time and so nice to see all those VWs!x

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  35. It looks such fun, I'm glad you had a successful time. x x

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  36. Oh Vix....how I envy you this carefree life! Moving from one place to the next in campers, spending nights in the tents, having glorious days setting up shop & making loyal customers and curating such vintage treasures for the next pop-up again - sigh! Wish I could be such a free spirit too!! <3

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  37. Sounds like a resounding success :-) Well done you two!
    Not surprised that bloke remembered you from back in 1989... you are so unique and memorable - in a good way!

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  38. Holy crap this look amazing!

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  39. Shop looks awesome! So colorful! Where I live we have Bug Jam - you'd love it! xx

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  40. Camperjam looks fecking awesome! I would have been all over Kinky Melon though! of course I would! I'm chuffed you were so busy, good for business, but I'm also chuffed you got to have a wander round, the astro-turf VW makeover is fab! the flask is gorgeous, Dave keeps breaking our flasks haha! hope you get lots of new stock and a chance to chill - let's have some sunshine! x x x

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  41. You look fecking AWESOME! Grueling long days of hard work clearly suit you. Looooove the Kinky Melon pitch....everything looks so tempting!!!

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  42. Oh yes - hard work, but sparkly eyes, that's the best at the end of such busy days. You do look happy and sparkly - both of you! I adore the green dress, and your vest always looks so hot and spicy on you! Your shop is the most colorful ever. How you can even separate with all this beauty? :)

    I know you've been awfully busy lately, but I think you would appreciate this... only please don't feel that you have to read or comment - I have no expectations, honestly! :) I simply didn't want you to miss it. Just go to the very end of the post, you'll understand why. :)
    http://inthewriterscloset.blogspot.com/2014/06/friendship-story.html

    Much love and hugs xxxxx

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  43. How jolly splendid! You most certainly have been having wild times in the sun! I am slightly appalled that you weren't able to get into the cider until 2pm, but it was for a good reason, so I'll let you away with that!
    Both frocks are frigging GLORIARSE!
    Love Helga xxxXXXxxx

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  44. It doesn't look like work ... It looks like fun. If I got on the cider before closing time I'd start selling the stock at half price or 10 for the price of 1 or something similar ... and it would seem like such a good idea at the time ;0)
    xx

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  45. Camperjam looks like loads of fun and much more my pace! I have a fantasy of owning a VS camper van but for now I don't have the stamina to travel in it. I hope to some day. I love your green maxi!It might be one of my all time favourites.
    Dirty feet, messy hair and sparkling eyes was how I used to finish after a day in my garden.
    xoxoxoxo

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  46. Oops-I meant to say that your pop up looks fantastic so the hard work was worth it!
    xoxo

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  47. Oh what I wouldn't give to visit the Kinky Melon Boutique. I'm looking hard at the photos trying to see what is hanging in there. One of theses days, Vix, I just may show up! Jon is rocking those vintage tees. Love your patchwork!!!!!

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  48. Camperjam looks like so much fun! I may have mentioned this before, but I grew up in camper V dubs---we had a red one and then a yellow one and we camped all across the US in them and even lived in one for awhile.

    Good job getting yourself back together after Glasto---gotta hand it to you, that's a dizzy turnaround!

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  49. Who could forget you, Vix? Once seen never forgotten! Your Camperjam ensembles are perfect examples of why you make a lasting impression. You are a treasure!

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  50. It's all go at VV&J's innit? Having such a good time - I wish I could remember the song that came from, 70s it was.

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  51. Look at all those V Dubs! The store looks great and glad to see you were doing a roaring trade!

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  52. Oh it looks super fun! I love hearing about your travels to festivals. I really love that grassy camper van! XX

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  53. Everyone of your post should be a book, ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh
    Thank you so much for being part of the Share-in-Style family.
    XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

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  54. Fantastiiiiiiiic!!!
    We love your blog, and this post was a great trip!!!
    Looking forward to the next one!!!

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  55. I came to visit yesterday but didn't comment, its a bit hard right now, but you were so kind to come see me I came back, you look great in our retro this weekend, and i love that astro turf VW, how cool is that!Keep up the great work, it must be you passion because its a lot of hard work!

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  56. Hair messy, feet dirty, eyes sparkling: I love that! I suppose we had a bit of that fun and frivolity ourselves this past week. We drove up to Michigan to visit family and friends, and between dancing late into the night at a wedding, dinners over drinks and catch-up with friends, and dancing out on the dock during the 4th of July festivities, I think we were successful in living by that quote!

    It's so great how you've watched Camperjam grow over the years. I think I'd have such fun at something like that! My husband and I are always looking for weekend adventures, and I think we'd love doing something like this together!

    <3 Liz
    www.withwonderandwhimsy.com

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  57. Having to restock? What a hard life you lead!
    😛

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  58. Having to restock? What a hard life you lead!
    😛

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  59. Wow, I don't know how you two do it. Thank goodness you love the festivals you attend to sell at. Cheers!

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  60. The title of this post is so true! Looks like an amazing weekend.

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  61. Fab outfit of denim waistcoat and patchwork long skirt. I'm pretty sure I had a very similar outfit in the early 70s . . . where is it now I wonder (and would it still fit me? unfortunately no . . . )

    Louisa
    https://styleover60.wordpress.com/

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  62. you lead such a beautiful, colorful life! x

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  63. Your stall looks great Vix, as do you! x

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  64. Oh yes, yes, yes :)

    Festivals are for fun :)

    Off to a folk one this coming weekend - can't wait :) The 2 more next month :)

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  65. You are sooo busy , what a lovely way to live, love the camper vans ,best wishes x

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  66. I absolutely love seeing your festival posts (so glad you got to Glastonbury this year, it would be sacrilege for you guys not to go!) Ours are so expensive, so commercial & most don't allow you bringing in your own food or drink (not even water) so I never bother. I'm glad you did well selling! XXX

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  67. You busy little bee! I LOVE your booth set up and I know the patrons do too. I wish we had fun festivals around here!

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  68. Your stuff looks amazing and the two of you are glorious together. :-)

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  69. The look on your face says it all Vix - pure joy! So lovely to see xoxo

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  70. You look so, so happy in these photos!

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Lots of love, Vix