Wednesday 24 September 2014

Destination Unknown



Jon & I live on different time zones. By the time he's awake I've already been up a couple of hours. This morning, having exercised, finished the washing and completed the mending pile I thought I'd log on to the Charity Retail website and research a new shopping destination as Ebbie, our 1970 VW Variant needed a run out.

Wearing: 1960s Jeff Banks W1 label blouse & vintage felt hat (both car boot sale finds), Crimplene maxi skirt (Chickadooli), Bag (Market stall, India)

As you can see by the bags, my research paid off!

1960s record box complete with keys & The Primitives Crash on 10" vinyl (1989)

I did intend to take a few photos whilst out and about but the standard of the charity shopping was so good I'm going to have to keep my new found destination under wraps. 


I commented on Patti's latest post that I wasn't that keen on tartan but I'd have been a fool to leave this beautiful hooded cape behind.


Oh, how I wish these stack heeled green leather 1970s boots fitted my huge hooves! The belt is by Otto Glanz (an accessories label I used to lust over in Rackhams back in the 1980s) and I loved the horse and cart motif on the 70s Debonair shoulder bag.


I'm rather partial to a bit of 1970s lurex. This leopard print maxi is a beauty! (Unfortunately I need to fill out a bit for it to fit, boo!)


This 1960s gents worsted wool overcoat is of the most incredible quality. Too big for Jon but as its a much sought after XL it'll soon find another home.


Check out this pure new wool English-made 1980s jumper adorned with rabbits, hedgehogs and badgers!


My Dad always used to refer to these vinyl overnight bags as "grips", RAF slang, maybe?


Should it stay or should it go? This gorgeous Modernist 1960s white leather jacket was originally from the very posh Simpson of Piccadilly.


It suits Jon a treat but India beckons.


This 1950s day dress is in super condition, as crisp and as colourful as the day the previous owner made it.



I initially thought this rhinestone-trimmed satin dress with a grey lace overlay was from the 1950s but on closer inspection the hook and eye and press stud fastenings along side seam indicate that its earlier. Isn't the colour glorious?


Not one but two hippy-tastic maxis. The cotton caftan is handmade and the tiered floral number with the green velvet bodice by Glaswegian designer Marion Donaldson.


Charity shopping rocks (but you know that already, don't you?)

See you soon!

69 comments:

  1. I certainly do know it! You found some stonking stuff today, Vix, that Marion Donaldson is gorgeous, and the pink/lace dress is divine. I have a feeling that while leather jacket might be staying with Jon, I reckon he like it! And 1970s leopard print lurex? Oh good grief - nirvana!
    Now I'm admiring your fab Jeff Banks hippy-tastic top, new skirt, and singing "there you go, way too fast..."
    Love you! xxxx

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  2. Oh my, the 50s dress is beautiful, how I would love to find something like that!

    I do see the odd Marion Donaldson on my charity shop travels, makes sense being in Glasgow though. A few weeks ago I found a Bernat Klein dress, I recognised the name and snapped it up as it was to good to be left to languish amongst the high street tat.

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  3. We certainly do know it. You're preaching to the converted! I'd love to see you and Jon rock up in your groovy car and groovier threads. I bet you turn a few heads.
    My favourites are the purple lace dress and the handmade 50's dress. What fabulous finds! xxx

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  4. That novelty sweater is going to sell 20 times over!! What a great piece. How could the designers not have been laughing when they made it? I love clothing with a sense of humor.

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  5. Hi Vix,
    You are an early bird and you seem to find the most amazing items of clothing.
    You look lovely standing next to the vintage car. Love the hippie top which is my kind of style!
    The leather jacket is very cool too.
    I have mentioned you and the fairy brooch in a blog post with links to your blog and shop. Hope you don't mind that I used one of your photos of you! ;-)
    xx

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  6. I'm not always a fan of tartan/plaid either, but that cape is glorious! I like how you're matching Ebbie today, I love that sky blue shade. It goes very nicely with that berry purple too. And Jon's jacket is definitely a keeper. But you knew that.

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  7. What a score. The early bird...

    I can totally see Helga in the tartan cloak! She has been wearing a lot of blue and green lately.

    And a loud YES for Jon to keep that jacket.

    And ps: Your smile always makes me smile xo

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  8. Wow! You have found a treasure trove of a charity shop! Well done! This is all gorgeous stuff. That jacket really does suit Jon.

    Another wonderful post! xx

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  9. I would be a terrible seller, because I would want to keep everything! And I don't blame you for keeping those shops secret either, I would too!

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  10. That jacket is a keeper, reminds me of Bodie.

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  11. That woodland jumper is amazing!

    Ben & I live in different time zones as well, he'd stay in bed all day and be up all night if he could! x

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  12. Jack pot, Vix! Everything is superb! The sweater, the leo print maxi, the wool coat, the white leather coat (does Jon love it or...?), and of course the boots! You are such a genius. Of course keep it under the hat. This beautiful floppy hat. Or under that gorgeous tartan cape. :) xxxxx

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  13. Hi my dear! Top top finds- loving the Marion Donaldson dresses and those green boots are gorgeous! Well done!! xx

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  14. Some fabulous finds, I like the white leather jacket - very cool.

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  15. My oh my, you did do well at your new 'secret' shopping destination! But first I must compliment you on the beautiful blouse you wore. How pretty and floaty.

    As for your purchases, they're all terrific. I am particularly partial to the jumper/sweater with the cherries, hedgehogs and rabbits! It's great and so cheerful. xo

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  16. Don't blame you for keeping the venue secret with such amazing pickings!

    Isn't it interesting - and I know I'm not the first to say it, I believe the first I know was one of the film company Warner Brothers - the harder you work the luckier you get!

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  17. i would keep that source a secret too!
    fantastic bounty!
    that black watch cape is my favorite. the lace dress could be 40´s but the tulle looks poly from here????
    jon in white leather - wow :-)
    xxxx

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  18. Nice bounty!!!! You have some cool items there. I like the badger jumper! The 50's dress is great!

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  19. Crikey! Did you leave them any stock!! Love it all, and the white leather jacket looks fab on Jon, what a decision to make. Love that website, OH thinks I have charity shop radar, ha ha!

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  20. I'm sure your habit of rising early contributes to your success at curating your vintage treasures. I'm a late riser myself.
    Ebbie looks nice.
    I love the contrasting complementary colour combination between your lovely 1960s Jeff Banks W1 label blouse and Crimplene maxi-skirt. The lace overlay on that vintage rhinestone trimmed satin dress is beautiful.

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

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  21. Jon looks really great in that jacket and the car suits him ;)
    That lace dress is gorgeous ...
    and you Vix - well you are the grestest of them all !
    love and hugs !

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  22. Right you are - I couldn't have left that plaid cloak behind either. Marvelous finds, including Jon's ivory jacket. I am about to head downtown myself now for a thrifting adventure, with a stop at my local afterwards for a Chardonnay. Wish you could join me! xox

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  23. Wow Vix what wonderful items you got !!! ,love all of it especially the tartan cape i love tartan ,may i ask what exercises you do as you look great on it ,xxxxx

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  24. My goodness they truly are fantastic finds, I'm in complete awe! No wonder you want to keep the destination under wraps with so many treasures, it'd be stripped bare in no time otherwise!

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  25. Some real beauteous finds there. Love that lace dress and the lurex skirt; I'm sure I have a top stashed away in the very same fabric.
    Surely Jon can get to keep the jacket? Just for a little while, at least? Could sell it on for the next trip?
    Zxx

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  26. OMG, love your outfit and that fab car!!

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  27. I would love that cape its divine Vix, as is the day dress. You have such a great eye for getting a baragin.

    X x

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  28. What great scores! Jon rocks that jacket- but he seems to look good in anything you put him in! I'm a fan of tartan so that hooded black watch number has got my heart all pitter patter!

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  29. Wow what a great run out to a new shopping destination you certainly brung home a haul. I adore the 50's day dress and Jon looks smashing in the leather jacket.

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  30. Scariest jumper I've seen in a long while

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  31. Shit yes the research paid off!
    Jon looks a treat in that jacket, but India does indeed beckon...!!!
    The leopard lurex maxi skirt is AMAZING! The cape gives me the HORN, as you would expect! It's just about warm enough for capes here, might break one out on the weekend! The 50's frock is heavenly too.......most excellent scoring!
    I am frequently up before G. I love the quiet of early mornings, but if I could sleep in I would.
    Love Helga XXX

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  32. WOA!!!!!!! You did score but first I gotta tell you how much I love this shot of you in front of the blue beast, can I call it that? You look so beautiful the print on that skirt is insane and I need to wear my necklace too! I think Jon needs to keep that jacket unless someone offers some good cash, he looks hot!
    It was so nice chatting with you honey, I was super jealous of those gals riffling through your stuff, I wish it was me. Soon soon soon!
    I love you both to bits!!!!
    XXXOOOOO

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  33. good luck tiring to pry Jon out of that jacket! You scored big time!

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  34. Love your pretty outfit and hat!

    Keep your charity sources private. In my neck of the woods - this is is known as keeping your fishing hole secret (or keeping the location of a wild blueberry patch secret).

    Ah....to go to India! Until I go I must live vicariously through your gorgeous pics.

    happy thrifting!!

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  35. Everything you found is gorgeous and that leather jacket is a keeper!!!

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  36. Those photos of the lurex on the wall of leaves, and Jon doing the GQ pose on the VW are slick mag material! (Surely that jacket belongs in his personal closet of keepers?)

    Congratulations on finding the mother lode of high-quality vintage within driving distance! What I find most amazing is the variety -- everything from 40s evening wear to maxis to an animal print sweater I'd pay too much to own.

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  37. Hi Vix You found some great finds. That "destination" paid off. I am lusting after your Primitives Crash album. We were looking for that exact one in cd. BTW let Jon keep the jacket he looks great! :-)

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  38. Oooh, you've got some great finds! The overnight bag is my favourite...and love to your Dad...I hope he is doing much, much better! I do hope Jon hangs on to his fab jacket at least a little longer! My goodness, it looks like butter!

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  39. I love your bohemian look today! Let me just say, that plaid would look great on you as it is your best colour (blue!). That hedgehog sweater kills me though :)

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  40. Sooo many fabulous goodies! I got stuck staring at your skirt trying to work out the pattern. Is it handbags or bulls with horns :-) Jon is amazing in his leather jacket, but will you always curse it because you didn't get to India?
    xo JJ

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  41. I do indeed! A fab haul. Love that Fifties frock and the green boots are lush. Jon rocks that jacket though.
    God those novelty jumpers were all over the Eighties weren't they? They are being worn with irony by youngsters now I understand! My gran knitted me one with clouds and sheep on it in 1982....I certainly wore that with irony!
    Loves ya.
    xxxxxx

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  42. Your crimplene maxi skirt has me in raptures. And I can't imagine Jon parting with the white leather jacket, cue Bond music. The cloak is a masterpiece of clothing as well. So many finds. I'm imagining how great it will feel on the road with the windows cracked open, stretching Ebbie's legs.

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  43. Absolutely beautiful finds Vix dear. My favourites are the green boots and your mauve boots as well. xo

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  44. Jon needs that jacket!!
    Love the purple dress and lurex maxi skirt.
    I'd keep quiet about the location too ... you're onto a winner there!
    M x

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  45. I may have to cultivate some new habits, you get so much done if you get up early! All those dresses are divine. A vintage lurex leopard maxi - can there be any more beautiful words in one sentence?x

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  46. Amor,
    You always rustled up the best finds. You look divine corazon.That vintage lurex skirt will go fast. I am interested in the 1950's house dress, but it looks small for mi chi chis.shame that white jacket looks chic on Jon.

    besos

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  47. You do have the best browse factor . I would be sporting one of those hippie-tastic numbers right away .

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  48. The blue skirt you're wearing looks fantastic!- Mia

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  49. fun post and great finds ... i'm swooning over the blue 50s cotton dress. it's wonderful!

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  50. beautiful finds vix. yes, i vote jon keep that jacket. he looks so good in it. but he looks good in everything as do you! xo

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  51. Great finds! It's so much fun to come home knowing you have winners in your bags. The cape is glorious. I assume it's for resale? On the off chance you're putting it online be sure to use "Outlander" as a key word. People are crazy over the series and I suspect anything even remotely Scottish is commanding big bucks.

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  52. What a haul! the tartan cape is gorgeous and the lavender lace dress, I'll have to stop or I'll just review everything (all glowing of course!)the white leather jacket look so good on Jon, but yes, India! I love your sheer blouse and beautiful print maxi too, gorgeous you! I saw The Primitive's last year, they were brilliant x x x

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  53. Don't be surprised if people start stalking you to find out where the secret treasure trove lies - that's a great haul of stuff! I think Jon should hang onto that jacket unless someone is willing to pay a ton of cash for it. He looks waaay too cool in it.

    I love the floaty blouse you're wearing - such a beautiful colour. Those green boots would look fab with that marvelous cape!

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  54. Most of the Thrift store benefits some thing or some one.
    Great place for good deals. Soon yard sale season will be over here...darn

    Coffee is on

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  55. My dad called those bags Grips too. We used to laugh when he would call them Grippers. Hopefully all your hard work will get you two back to India before your Winter sets in.

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  56. Wow, you really have found a gem of a shop! I'm not surprised you want to keep it to yourself. That leather jacket really suits Jon - I'd definitely try to keep it if you can. x

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  57. I bet you and Jon were on a chazza high! Its amazing when that happens isn't it? My favourites has to be those green boots (love stack heels) and the leopard print maxi is lush..in fact I'm gonna FB message you about it now...........
    xxx

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  58. If there is a chazza god, you are his/her favourite disciple. Motherload alert!! Still, it's not like you don't put in the hours. Definitely think Jon should keep the jacket, he looks The Man in it. Covert Chazzing. New sport for the 2016 Olympics?i reckon we're looking at a gold medal winner. The lurex maxi is great, but since India IS calling, it's great that it's practically all for selling. Keep up the good work! Xxxxxxxxx

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  59. Oooh that utra fab white jacket Jon is wearing suits him perfectly. I understand the need for holidays though. I'm in the middle of a little break myself.

    Amazing scores, but I really love your outfit. Purple and blue are so wonderful together.

    bisous
    Suzanne

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  60. That lilac dress is the highlight for me! 1940s?? I love the older stuff. What a great haul you had, you've given me the itch to head up to the charity shops this afternoon but I'm trying not to buy anymore until I've shifted a load of stuff on Ebay.

    x

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  61. Great finds Vix! I have been having quite the charity shopping block lately but you inspire me to keep on trucking, I got some nice jewellery at my village fayre today so not all bad, as always love your posts :)

    http://hayleythrills.blogspot.com

    XOXO

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  62. I really think your style gets even cooler with each new post. Love this blog. <3

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  63. Good on you for keeping mum about your new shopping mecca, if anyone deserves to find incredible stock to show amazing people how to win at this game of life, it's you. The looks on both of your faces are proof that you had an amazing day out ... now where did I put that truth serum? heehee! xoxoxoxoxo

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  64. fabulous find! congrats to you on finding such a good lot! I found a really lovely hot pink wool maxi dress at the weekend. It had long sleeves and a square neckline with embroidered trim on the cuffs and neck line. It would have been perfect for you and I felt compelled to buy it to send it to you if i didn't find anything of my own, but I did end up finding a 70s Norman Hartnell instead. If its still there next time i visit that shop I'll pick it up if you're interested. Size 14-ish

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  65. The sweater with the rabbits, hedgehogs and badgers is outrageous!! Love it! And why don't I own green ankle boots?? Why?!?!

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  66. ahhhhhhhhh!!!
    Those treasureeeeees!!!
    Beautiful, beautiful, beautifuuuul!!!
    I'm so in love with the jumper!!!
    Ok that's it, I know what I'll be up to next weekend!
    I should better start sharpening my claws for a bounty search!!!

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  67. WOAH!! You hit the shopping mother load! I can see why you don't want to share - I'm rather in love with that cape!

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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