Monday 25 August 2014

Flea Bitten


Tights, boots, coat and a hat. It can only mean one thing, its the August Bank Holiday.
Its not unusual, this was me a year ago, at the Upton festival,  in a fake fur coat with thermal leggings hidden under my maxi.


I've been living in the UK for the best part of 48 years and if inclement weather stopped play I'd have become a hermit years ago.

Wearing: 1960s leather coat (courtesy of Sarah Jane), Vintage Welsh Tweed cap (British Heart Foundation), 1970s PVC bag (Miss Simmonds Says), Dolcis leather boots (PDSA charity shop), Vintage Liberty of London silk scarf (Bargain bin in a vintage shop, £1)

So with my hair stuffed in my cap (tweed is waterproof and a lot less hassle than carrying a brolly) and my water resistant leather coat & PVC tote I was ready to face whatever the heavens threw at me.


Today's destination was our first ever visit to the Malvern Flea and Collectors Market, an hour's drive away in the county of Worcestershire, with a start time of 7.30am. Held monthly, there's usually around 350 traders indoors and out but the torrential rain understandably put many of the outdoors stallholders off.


The variety of stuff on offer is staggering, from high end antiques, Victoriana, jewellery, taxidermy, industrial salvage, art and mid-century home wares to tables of £1 bric-a-brac and general tat.


I didn't dare ask the price of the monkey.


This chap's van was a work of art in itself.


Don't ask.


Fat Lava, stuffed owls, dead foxes, Whitefriars glass and a 1960s stereogram, everything one could ever need to furnish a home.


There were a handful of vintage clothes sellers, one lady had a clearance mountain piled high on the floor, ripe for a rummage and being largely ignored by the other shoppers. Me, I dropped to my hands and knees excitedly throwing my finds into Jon's open arms. A snooty woman with a teenage daughter remarked that she had to move as the smell of old clothes were making her feel sick. I wasn't sure if she was referring to me or the rummage pile but wasn't too bothered, it meant I could carry on unhindered.

Wearing: 1960s psychedelic mini dress (Ebay, 2011), Turquoise opaques (Darling Curtise)

Look at what I got! Its like the 1970s never ended. There's minis, midis, maxis, bags, patchwork prints, lurex, velvet, lace, gingham, waistcoats, frills, polka dots, ruffles and fabric galore (the cat was already mine).

Looks like the rest of today will be spent chained to the washing machine - no change there then!

Linking to Patti's Visible Monday and Judith's Hat Attack.

66 comments:

  1. That looks like my kind of flea market, Vix. Agree with you - hats are much better than brollies. The line about the smelly vintage made me laugh out loud.

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  2. I didn't even recognize you in the first photo, you look so different with out the long hair, and pale blue, lol, its a lovely look too! Lots of great stuff at the that market, cool stuff, like I have never saw, that lady that complained had no idea what she was missing!! But like you said, better for you!!!I'm going to the thrift store this morning, we now have two in this town of 60,000 people, things are looking up!

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  3. Same weather here, we also do have a british side here in germany, haha ;) didn't recognize you in the first pic too ;) but you look lovely, what a fab coat! I hate to say "coat" in august. brrrr.

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  4. Hello Vix,

    No Bank Holiday here but the sun is shining.......perhaps you could put Budapest on your travel list for 2015?

    For many years we lived in Herefordshire and so Malvern was but a hop, skip and jump away for us. It is a beautiful part of the country and we should have loved to have joined you at the Fair. Indeed, our hearts skipped a beat at the sight of the owl in the glass shade......taxidermy is definitely our thing!

    And, once again you seem to have gathered up a wonderful set of bargains. It is true that the brave adventurer at these flea markets who dares to go where no other shopper will gets the best deals of the day. You are a true professional and, of course, look picture perfect for the job. Love the blue tights.

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  5. That first shot you do look quite content with that Budda between your legs ~
    err umm oh my somehow that just sounded odd !
    Well anyway you look splendid.

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  6. Me & my dad where going to go today but the weather put us off.... Didn't fancy getting my jewellery wet lol
    It's lovely to see you had such a great time & that guys van is indeed Really cool XD

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  7. How funny to see Malvern in all it's drizzly glory. My grandfather lives in Worcester so I spent a lot of time traipsing the Malvern hills as a child and also visiting this market! Oh what a delight to find a pile of vintage, I truly love digging around! So many people are snooty about getting down on their hands and knees and digging in. My granny taught me from a young age, that's how you get the best bargains! XX

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  8. Yes, hats are great- except where they fly off in the wind- doesn't happen with baker boys though!
    Wow, I love your different look at the start!
    Snooty person at the clothes, great you got so much though!x

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  9. Oh Vix, Vix, Vix, you have done it again. How I wish you would hire yourself out and share how you manage to find so many good things in piles of crap! lol

    I never seem to find anything in any car boot sales or charity shops here. Well that is unless you want to wear lovely looking stretched out of shaped cheap t shirts which you have to take out a second bloody mortgage to buy!

    Anyway there are some cracking looking goodies there!

    Cxx

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  10. Yay for YOU! Wash and Wear, I say! Can't wait to see you model all that stuff.

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  11. what a great haul - I would love to attend a fair like that. Here they only have the odd antique fair where things are priced higher than the antique shops. As always, I like the blue on you!

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  12. you look so fab! i barely recognized you without your beautiful hair around your shoulders. i've grown to love the smell of old clothing and old homes. i don't know if that's a good thing or not though?!

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  13. Even on a drab, dreary day you manage to bring some colour and cheer into our lives! I too love hats.
    What a snooty cow that woman was, all the better for you - and what a great pile of stuff you found! x

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  14. Hi there! You look amazing as usual I love the cap and coat! Fabulous haul indeed well done xx

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  15. What a score!!!!! That flea market looks fun... Except for the taxidermy. That stuff scares me! I am in love with your 60s blue leather coat!

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  16. Yeah, the snooty cow meant you. Ha! As if, you are the queen of laundering vintage finery, only a discreet waft of patchouli comes from our Vix! Honestly, don't some people talk shite? Good for you, ignore the fools and find the bargains, and it looks like you did just that - a very impressive haul indeed.
    The Malvern market looks great fun - so much taxidermy, pottery and glassware! Of course you have to dress for the conditions and plough on, you wouldn't do anything in the UK otherwise, would you?
    Snap, I'm wearing bright blue tights today too! Love the frock (fab sleeves!) and that leather coat from Sarah Jane is always a joy. Tights, boots, hat and coat, before the end of August? Yep, that's about right!
    Love you! xxxxxx

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  17. Ooh that leather is a gorgeous colour! And it's reminded me of my desire for a sky-blue trench coat...

    There's some amazing folk-art stuff at that fair, never mind that van, that Archimboldo-style fruit face is bonkers! and every house needs a stuffed pelican, obv.

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  18. You are snug as a bug in a rug in that super fab 60's outfit! I love that the weather doesn't deter you guys from venturing out. You found some serious deals! The red vinyl bag and what is the rainbow rick rack thing???? Too cute! I always laugh when people talk about the smells of old clothes, have they ever got a whiff of some of that fast fashion from china, the chemical smell makes me want to VOMIT!
    Love you honey!!!!!!
    XXXOOOOOOO

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  19. Yes you are so right about our weather, looks like you found some great things best wishes Vix xxx

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  20. Your outfit looks great! Looks like you found some great stuff at the flea market.
    - Mia

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  21. Your fab hat is really giving me a nostalgic moment...not so much me wearing it, as my Mom. She had a very similar hat and wore it just like you are....with heaps of personality!!! Now for me, it's the Liberty scarf...what no paisley!!! Love it, and the bangle and the stripes on the handbag are so fun!

    And SCORE! That is one great haul...good for a serious cat sniff and rummage...and then the laundry!

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  22. I have to ask! A bird in the trunk?? I adore your cap and coat - brings me back to my teen days, in a very good way. Thanks for sharing with Visible Monday, you are the best! xox

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  23. I love the first picture of you in your coat! I know it's a different look for you but you look great.

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  24. That purse from Claire is the cutest darn thing!! I've been wondering where she's been in blogland. Miss her posts.
    Is that a pelican I see? Looks like he's a vintage fan too.

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  25. This weather!

    I put my washing out to dry firs thing... then I thought I'd wait for the rain to stop. I think I'm going to need to wash them again :-(

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  26. Wish I could look as stylish as you in the wet weather Vix, I am trying to work out some outfits for my trip where the weather is forecast to be mixed - never mind, I'll just have to try and rock the Berghaus rain jacket look.

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  27. Score !
    I cant belive that you have such great hunting grounds over there ! Felling the bad green eyed monster envy ..
    and you look so fab !
    xxx

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  28. I want that fruit face!!

    Yay, that you found such a good hoard of 70s clothes! I'm a 70s fan too, so many creative and interesting designs. I recently found an amazing 70s housecoat with belly dancers and hookahs printed all over it!

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  29. Poor Vix, I know this kind of weather is your kind of hell. Nevermind, just keep thinking of the endless summer of your beloved Goa, that'll keep you going! That coat is so totally you and it looks great. I'm glad you're getting practical use out of it too:) I seriously want all of that pottery and glassware in my home right now xxx

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  30. You look so mod and chic, I LOVE it! And my favorite color combo to boo! Glad you found your treasures! :)

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  31. You look gorgeous with your hair up in that gorgeous baker boy cap Vix, just the thing for a bank holiday downpour....and also handy when you can't be arsed to wash your hair!
    I don't mind a bit of taxidermy myself but I draw the line at that bloody pelican, it's rank. Thank the lord for snooty cows like the one you mentioned, all the more booty for the likes of us - can't wait till you show us what you scored. xxx

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  32. So refreshing to see you in something other than maxis (even though you do full justice to each maxi dress you flaunt so gorgeously!)....Loving the coat & tweed cap look!! :)

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  33. Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh so jealoussssssssssssssssss.
    XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

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  34. we wish we were there with you - sounds like lots of fun!
    and i´m with you and your english fellows: there´s no bad weather - only wrong clothes :-) love your rain outfit, a gray day need lots of colors!
    xxxxx

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  35. I was watching Kojak today - it's like the 1970's never stopped.

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  36. Wearing a hat to deal with the weather is a great idea! Loe the blue leather coat and your psychedelic mini dress.

    I can relate to the dive for vintage moment. How much fun to find a clearance mountain, and your reward is bountiful.

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  37. That flea market looks like it is filled to the brim with the stuff that dreams and nightmares are made out of. A veritable what's what of everything.

    Looks like you scored big time.

    I love the groovy scarf. You look like you ought to be up dancing with the other models on "Laugh In".

    bisous
    Suzanne

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  38. Whitefriars glass - SWOON! One snooty woman's trash is clearly you treasure. What a haul! Glad to see it all got a cat scan too. ;)

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  39. Well worth the effort of getting on all fours for a rummage!!

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  40. I love your leather coat and liberty scarf - you look fabulous. The taxidermy looked interesting, there's a place in Brighton that has become very trendy for this in an arty way - they have a website somewhere or other. I liked the monkey, he would have come home with me if I had enough pennies! Betty

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  41. Woah look at those low clouds! It certainly takes dedication to sell outdoors in that weather and a dedicated buyer like you to ignore rude bores who have obviously never heard of a washing machine. The pic of you in your beautiful dress and boots with the turquoise tights is wonderful, the look on your face says it all: yes, I got the cream. I get so very excited when you score a wonderful haul! You look spectacular in your market outfit Vix! xoxox

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  42. I love the monkey. I keep searching for taxidermy on ebay. Hubby is not amused.

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  43. Nowt sa queer as folk is there! One wonders why such a sensitive one visits stinky places. Anyhoo, since using your shared laundry info I am very impressed with the results.

    My son is a great chazza shopper and while he was here he got some half dozen shirts for a total of about thirty quid! All washed as per!

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  44. whatever the weather, you look gorgeous and cool!!!, you really cheer up any rainy day with your cute cap and pretty leather coat (such a delightful color!), love your vinyl bag and so colorful neckerchief!
    And your pics are amazing, thanks for sharing all that assorted stuff, really love to see what caught your eye!
    Fabulous finds too!, you're really talented to discover beauty where other people just look down their noses at old clothes!
    besos & beauty

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  45. Treasures! Yay!And what an idiot of a woman who doesn't know the sweet scent of bargain bounty from smelly old clothes. More for the rest of us that can appreciate such lovelies. Love that blue leather coat -gorgeous and practical. XXX

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  46. Sorry to hear your warm weather has gone. But at least you had some to go! I love that hat! And your leather jacket and dress are spiffing! Imagine you were at a bag stall and those snooties said the smell of old bags was making them sick :-D xo JJ

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  47. That blue leather coat and tweed cap suit your complexion perfectly! I'd smile at you, passing on the other side of the street, glad someone made the effort on a dank day!

    Of course, the female with teen in tow was referring to you. One wonders what she was wearing? Something with a logo or tag tastelessly displayed? Or sweats?

    Ah, vibrant patchwork fabric for those of us who have pillows to cover! But, no, no taxidermy, please. (My eldest cat sleeps snugly in a heirloom mink. Furs as furs I can appreciate.)

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  48. I didn't even recognize you at first all bundled up like that! With that dramatic backdrop of weather and those scarey looking dead animals scattered about, it looks like the set for a thriller or a horror movie! Starring the Vixen as she drops to her knees searching for the elusive golden oldie in a pile of rummage. Aha! says she, as one after another limp rag is rescued from oblivion. Whisked away by gallant Gilbert, all will be returned to glorious life with the ministrations of Mistress Vixen. And they all lived happily ever after. The end.

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  49. Your life is AWESOME, errrrr Groovy!
    What are using to get the smell out? I normally use vinegar but I bought a massive shirt to make pillows out of and I can't get rid of the smell.

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  50. So many goodies, I don't know where to look! That coat has me drooling, such a fab colour, and all that glass and pottery, ooh! Thanks for the Malvern flea market info, looks like a great place to buy stuff for the new home!

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  51. You blog is always full of color and interesting finds. Love that leather jacket and yes you look a lot different with the hat on. xo

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  52. Awwh! Love you in your cap ... and way more charming than a brolly!
    What an interesting shop the taxidermist had ( our wannabe taxidermist ...ew) had. That's a grand old tradition in western art ...dead animals. I think they were fascinated because it was the only time they could observe wild critters up close enough to paint.
    What a rude creature that woman was. Nasty old cow. Hope you had a lucrative weekend. Please send me your rain if you don't want it ... I need some right now.

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  53. Sounds very much like my kind of flea market. I don't mind a good ole on your hands and knees rummage. Thankfully I have a good man who patiently stands there waiting to be weighed down by whatever I fling his way.

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  54. That outfit is the bees knees, you are so brilliant at styling, it all comes together perfectly. I love it all, from the coat to the hat to the little jaunty scarf. Perfection and just right for a trip out to a market. Your haul looks so exciting and you deserve it for being prepared to get down on all fours and rummage like a woman possessed. Let's see what you got? Xxxxxxx

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  55. I remember going to that flea market a few years back. It was sooooo good, I remember buying some nice stuff but can't quite remember what now... Apart from a 1940s watch for £1. X

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  56. Hello you!! How wonderful you look in your rain gear - I really need to find a hat like that.

    Hehee, that gull(?) cracked me up.

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  57. I couldn't tell that was you in the thumbnail with your hair all tucked up under the cap! You look so stylish and sassy in your blue leather and tweed. I didn't know that tweed was waterproof, so thank you for that bit of info.

    I wish we had more flea markets like that around here. What an odd mix of stuff! Sounds like you hit the jackpot with the pile of clothing. I laughed when I read about the poor woman whose delicate nose was offended!!

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  58. "I wasn't sure if she was referring to me or the rummage pile"

    Ha ha - that made me chuckle!

    I love a good rummage too xx

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  59. Wow ... what an impressive haul ... you've just got to be in the right place at the right time.
    We've had lousy weather over on this side of the globe too.
    xx

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  60. I went there once with an ex boyfriend 70's man :-) Its a great place to have a look its the same as Shepton flee market here the range of items on offer is amazing but they do usually have the price to go with it you can grab a bargain but there traders and sellers trying to make a living so I find it hard to find a bargain to sell on. But you did fantastic cant wait to see them all properly. You look fabulous :) dee xxx

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  61. Oooo, I can see some goodies I'D like to grab............and some on the groovy van chaps stall too!
    Love that blue leather coat so much, it's a dream colour. I have a similar one in forest green that I haven't worn in years....it's just a little dull.
    For sure, can't let the weather get in the way of a good time. A few drinkies help one to mind rain even less!
    Huzzah for the grand scores! Silly mangy tart missed out big time wrinkling her nose like that. Tough titty for her!
    Love Helga XXX

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  62. ooohh gimme some of that weather!! I had a sky blue "pleather" coat just like that in high school!

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  63. what luck! esp after that horrid opp-shopping experience you had in the Black country! Good things come to those who wait!! and pish posh to that silly lady. I bet she has a closet at home full of terrible 80s polyester reeking of mothballs and the idea of old clothes brought back memories of all her shopping mistakes. I cant bear the cold and rain, in fact thats what its been doing for the last two weeks! But all the better for the garden! I love your blue coat too

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  64. I know you don't like cold rainy weather, but you look so cool in this outfit!! Love the hat - fantastic on you! Congratulations on such a great treasure hunt! xxx

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  65. Thank you so much for sharing your vintage tweed cap on Hat Attack. You are always a vision!

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  66. I'm both compelled by and totally freaked out by that monkey at the same time! I love the colour of your jacket and tights! Also that hat is awesome, I always think I need more hats in my life - but then never buy them!

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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