Its been a while since we last had a girls' day out so I was beyond excited to host a get together in Walsall this weekend.
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| Itching to get into Second To None |
After picking up Fiona from her hotel and meeting Emma, Annie, Curtise & Lyndsey at the train station, we staged an invasion of Costa coffee, throwing the waiting staff into confusion. As soon as Gisela, Tania & her friend Vanessa arrived we marched up to Second To None where June was ready and waiting (I'd tipped her off last week).
We cracked open the cans of vodka & orange and gin & tonic I'd bought from Asda on my walk into town. (I do like to offer my friends the full-on Walsall experience). No corner of the shop was left unexplored, rails were rummaged, cabinets ransacked and even the stepladders were brought out to get to the top shelf.
Once our knees were buckling under the weight of all the vintage swag we climbed the stairs, stripped off and tried all the glorious clobber on. How insane is the print on the shirt Em's got on?
Tania looked fab in this folksy maxi.
Bra out, can in hand, classy to the last.
Is this dress a bit too Jane Austin? Curtise asked, to a resounding No, buy it, you daft bat from the rest of us.
Em's Mum had just treated her to the amazing emerald green wool coat she wore to meet us so she couldn't justify buying this stunner of a 1960s faux fur.
Fiona looked amazing in this block printed 1970s maxi as did Curtise in the chrysanthemum cape dress. Did they buy? You'll have to visit their blogs to find out!
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| Tania & Vanessa lead the way with Emma and Gisela behind |
Purchases made we said goodbye to June and her husband, Dave and headed off for lunch. Lyndsey had to run back to Second To None, in a heightened state of excitement she'd left her cape behind.
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| Emma, Fiona and Gisela |
Fascinating fact: This early 19th Century pub is actually called The Prince Belucher, named after the Prussian general who fought alongside Wellington at the Battle of Waterloo. I've no idea where the "Belucher" bit of the sign went.
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| Curtise, Gisela & Lyndsey |
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| Fiona, Annie & Emma |
We had lunch in posh Wetherspoons (Walsall has two within a few yards of one another). St Matthew's Hall was built 300 years ago and was originally the site of town's first library.
I took the gang to admire the array of goodies in The Chocolate Box, hilariously a sweet shop with a dental surgery upstairs. Its been in business for over 70 years and stocks proper old fashioned confectionery like Teddy Gray's Herbal Tablets, the pride of the Black Country.
We then went for a whistle stop rummage of the chazzas. Fiona relived her college years playing with this vintage typewriter in the YMCA.
The rails in the British Heart Foundation got a battering.
Call ourselves vintage bloggers? Only £1.99 and still nobody wanted this OBD*.
*Obligatory blogger deer
We visited the Asian trimmings stall where we all cooed and sighed over elephant braiding, lurex pom-poms, velvet buttons and sequined paisley appliqués.
Once the girls discovered how cheap everything was they were almost rendered speechless.
We waved Lyndsey & Vanessa off then headed to rough Wetherspoons (despite being a former Art Deco cinema its the less salubrious of the two) for a swift farewell drink before the rest of the gang caught their homeward bound trains.
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| Fringed waistcoat worn with a 1970s mini (courtesy of the divine Desiree) and a 1960s felted hat (from the lovely Zoe) |
What did I buy? This child's fitting 1960s suede waistcoat.
There's also a psychedelic 1960s bikini to show you but its currently drying alongside the killer swimsuit I got from Thursday's jumble sale.
As they got so much love last week I thought I'd give you another flash of my inherited 1960s boots. Go-Go well (ha!) with the patent vanity case I got from Friday's jumble sale for 20p, don't they?
I'm linking to Patti & the gang for Visible Monday.
I'm linking to Patti & the gang for Visible Monday.
What a fab day off. Amazing vintage clothes, copious booze and the best company. I can't wait till the next time.
Looks like you all had a great day, anything left in Walsall now? Love the purple and mustard together, what a combination!
ReplyDeleteI want to go to this shop so much! I was in the West Midlands this weekend (Malvern) and was very tempted to try and engineer a trip there but familial obligations won out. Your new waistcoat reminds me of a brown suede version I bought for 20p at a jumble sale when I was at primary school :) Not sure what happened to that.
ReplyDeleteI love your blogger meet ups! How fun and gorgeous you all look! So glad you ladies are generous to share the adventure with is! Will check out their posts later in the day. Love this sweet small world- saw a commercial for some doc (I think) on your town and I got to play smarty pants to the dude- how did you know all that? He asked impressed. My buddy Vix lives there, I shared - and she posts pictures. Love to you gorgeous woman!
ReplyDeleteWhat a day for you guys, very "sex in the vintage village" lol.xx
ReplyDeleteAs always i wish i had been there !
ReplyDeleteXxxx
What a terrific day eh? Someone must have a pic of you in Tits Go North bikini surely? Sadly not me tho. Pennypincher is spot on, the mustard and purple is a winning combo. So lovely to see you again.
ReplyDeletexx
i was drooling already over at curtise´s....
ReplyDeleteperfect day!!!!
nice to see you in a mini. gogo-girl on the run - wonderful! xxxxxx
What a wonderful time you all had ,so much fun you all had . Best wishes x
ReplyDeleteYou look as stunning as ever, Vix! X
ReplyDeleteI'll just repeat the comment I left at Curtise's :)
ReplyDeleteLooks like tremendous fun. Love your waistcoat! x
ReplyDeleteYou look fantastic! Love the vest and boots! What a great day that must of been :)
ReplyDeleteFeck me, I'm exhausted from all the excitement of Second to None and all you gorgeous gals! I love what you bought honey, that purple jerkin, hotness and please tell me Tania bought the maxitastic dress! I knew Curtise would look amazing in what she bought and all the other gals too, what a fun day! I love that you brought booze, my kinda party! With all 9 of you in there is must have been packed!
ReplyDeleteI was just telling Cristi, better get on board because I wanna go back in the Spring.
Loveyou!!!!!!
XOXOXOOX
Hope Jon did amazing without you!
Oh didn't we have a good day? I laughed and laughed, and the fun continues, looking at yours and Tania's photos. Never mind OBDs, there are some ODBs here - Obligatory Deranged Blogger, except as usual it's only me pulling a face like a madwoman! But hey, it sums up the day - booze, shopping frenzy, and tons of hilarity. Look at Tania flashing her bra, she's brazen! Speaking of which, I do have a photo of you in the Tits Go North bikini, I'll email it to you!
ReplyDeleteI love the waistcoat you bought, look how fab it is with that cute mini. And yes, your mum's boots and the patent vanity case are a match made in heaven. Gorgeous!
Right - where to next?
Love you! xxxxx
I absolutely adore your outfit, and pretty much everything you guys tired on! But what really makes me drool is that stall with all the trimmings! If I could teleport I would be there right now! :)
ReplyDeleteSo much fun!!! I like your fun purple jerkin, v stylish! Hope you have another one soon!!! X
ReplyDeleteReally you guys must've bought the shop out. 9 of you, whoa, that's something to behold. No one would be messin' with women on a mission. So much fun. And your purple and yellow is too. I can't help having a big ole grin.
ReplyDeleteHard to say No to any of the beautiful treasures you all found. You looks smashing, and thanks for sharing the look with Vis Monday, xox.
ReplyDeleteWhat fun! I am so enjoying all the blog posts about your get-together, Vix.
ReplyDeleteThose boots are superb - I'm have serious envy.
For goodness sake at 55 I have never had a chazza fest with the girls let alone with alcohol thrown in .. I have only ever done the weather spoons bit BTW uni kids call it Spoons ... Cool? I am so going to do this and seek out my very own obd.
ReplyDeleteJust brilliant fun! Your generous provision of booze in Second to None set us up superbly for the rummaging!
ReplyDeleteI love that waistcoat. It's a perfect partner for that dress and boots combo.
We all did so well, didn't we? And it was lovely to meet up with every-one. Here's to next time!
Annie xxx
You're right, we've been a bit restrained on the meet ups this year, so it was VERY exciting to get together at last. Love your account of the day, so funny. Yep, that's me, boobs out, gin on the go, talking rubbish generally. I recommend it to anyone! Em looked great in that shirt and that fur coat. She showed remarkable restraint. I blame her 4 o'clock start. Haha! 'Buy it you daft bat' we're charming aren't we? Fiona looked so gorgeous in her Indian dress and Eliza Bennet aint too shabby neither. The demented expressions and wild hair crack me up. Anyway, back to life, back to reality, you look a dream boat in that purple and yellow outfit. Really lovely. Xxxxxxx
ReplyDeleteLooks like a great day out to me, all that vintage swag *drool*. X
ReplyDeleteI saw the stuffed carrier bags - lots of lovely loot.
ReplyDeleteI love cans of drink - so convenient!
looks like this day was perfect! I wish I could be next you gals!
ReplyDeleteWhat a carousel of prints and colors! Lovely to see you all spending such a happy day together. That chrysanthemum dress of Curtise is so awesome, I am glad to learn she bought it. Your purple, black and golden outfit is a perfection, dear Vix! xxxxx
ReplyDeleteI felt like I was right there with you!
ReplyDeleteFeck me I love that vanity case!!!
ReplyDeleteAnd feck me harder, I love a blogger meet up! Argh, how frigging DIVOON! I love to shop whilst boozed, dammit.
I am not into OBD, but appreciate why peeps are....
I a, as always, full of envy at the groping and squealing I missed!
Rowr!
Love Helga XXX
I wanna go too ;0)
ReplyDeletexx
Looks like a real scream. Especially when you can take you own bar into the vintage shop! Me likey : )
ReplyDeleteAnd your Go Go boots do really Go Go with your bag! Ha ha ; )
bisous
Suzanne
What a great day! I really love the outfit you bought - purple fringe leather! Goes great with the tights.
ReplyDeleteI mentioned to Curtise that this outing is on my bucket list! And that was before I knew there would be the possibility of velvet buttons! Weeee! I was trying to do the math when reading Curtise's blog...here, you've made no secret about gin before noon...hahaha...which might just be a tad too early for me, LOL. Ach, who am I kidding, I can barely drink after 5:00pm...
ReplyDeleteI'm loving all the photos from your girl's day out in Walsall and checking out the interesting blogs written by your wonderful group of friends. The candid nature of the photos, and your accompanying accounts and descriptions gives a fun feeling of what it must have been like to be there. The vintage fashion finds are beautiful! Your friends all have great taste. Emma's colourful blouse, Tania's lovely maxi with its puffed shoulders, red lacing and pretty print, That gorgeous magenta crochet top, Curtise's Jane Austin maxi-dress, Fiona's 1970's maxi and your beautiful 1970s mini courtesy of Desiree all look beautiful! Your girls' day out in Walsall looks like it was a real blast!
ReplyDeletehttp://www.full-brief-panties.blogspot.com/
Did Em buy that shirt? It reminds me of the Huck-a-Poo shirts from the 70's that you'd wear with Puka beads. How cool!!!
ReplyDeleteWhat fun this must have been! Good for you. That's the kind of day that leaves you smiling as you drift off to sleep when night falls. I love your purple vest. xo
ReplyDeleteThat's my kind of day! what a blast! You look great in that outfit with the purple fringe waistcoat. :-)
ReplyDeleteWe need a shimmy gif of you in your jerkin.
ReplyDeleteWhat an incredible day out on the town! It looks like your group is wearing camouflage wear, there is such a stupendous riot of pattern, colour, smiles and vintage every which way.
I'm glad you got everyone off to a good start by getting slightly sloshed.
Really, you need your own reality TV show, Vix.
Another fabulous day out in sunny Walsall. Vintage clothing bonanza followd by Wetherspoons sounds perfect to me. Love the look of the pom pom stall too. I'd buy everything. Please tell me Emma bought that shirt, it's frickin awesome! xxx
ReplyDeleteHi there!! Wow how fabulous, you all look so lovely and it sounded such an awesome day too!! xx
ReplyDeleteNine charity shoppers!! That would have to be one hell of a fun day out. Love the Asian trim stall, I spotted the pom poms!!! yummmmmmo!!!!
ReplyDeleteJust trying to figure out how I can get from Somerset to Walsall hehe! Looks like so much fun! M x
ReplyDeleteWhat a great day out! It is always more fun to go shopping with friends. Love the look with the waistcoat, boots and the hat, you look fabulous!
ReplyDeleteYou certainly know how to throw a good party! Cans of booze and loads of vintage shopping - count me in.
ReplyDeleteWhat a good-looking gaggle of dames. Can you please find out from Emma what the brand is of her fab green cross-strap shoes? I'd love to find a pair.
Love all the fabric covered buttons, especially the velvet-looking ones. There's a craft project in there somewhere. Curtise does look gorgeous in the chrysanthemum dress.
Wish I could have been there too! Looks like a great day - and you guys have so many wonderful shops there. Love the photos. Magical ladies. x
ReplyDeleteI missed the velvet buttons, how did I miss the velvet buttons! :(
ReplyDeleteWhat an ace day. I finally made it to Second to None.
After seeing these photos I seriously need a hair cut.
Well, that was a cracking day...I've not laughed so much in ages and it wasn't just down to the mid morning voddy or the sad shandy!
ReplyDeleteI love all things Walsall and it's even better when we all get together. The best company.
Yet again I let the side down and didn't take enough group shots. Will do better next time!
Didn't we all do well?
That outfit is gorgeous and your boots and bag go a treat with it.
Can't wait to do it all again.
Loves ya.
xxxxxx
Well, that was a cracking day...I've not laughed so much in ages and it wasn't just down to the mid morning voddy or the sad shandy!
ReplyDeleteI love all things Walsall and it's even better when we all get together. The best company.
Yet again I let the side down and didn't take enough group shots. Will do better next time!
Didn't we all do well?
That outfit is gorgeous and your boots and bag go a treat with it.
Can't wait to do it all again.
Loves ya.
xxxxxx
I loved it so much I had do have two goes.....
ReplyDeleteWoo! Looks like a blast!! Loving your purple fringe vest!
ReplyDeleteYou gorgeous ladies had an amazing day out! I'm so in love with your inherited boots, and they do look fab with your new bag. xx
ReplyDeleteIt looks like a great day was had by all. That fringed waistcoat is adorable! xxx
ReplyDeletei love to see you in short skirt and boots again .... these are my all time favourite outfits ... AWESOME!
ReplyDeleteLooks like you had a good day , I keep meaning to visit second to none , i will get around to it some day xxx
ReplyDeleteThis post was such a treat to read!! Looks like you had a blast. (Though I thought you were joking about the cans of booze until I saw a photo of one). My favourite dresses were the folksy maxi and the chrysanthemum cape dress, I can't wait to see if they were purchased. Your outfit at the end is fabulous, how amazing are those boots? Super duper! x
ReplyDeleteFabulous photos, Vix. Leave it to the Queen of All Things Fun and Fabulous to fix everybody up with a little gin in a tin.
ReplyDeleteSo much fun in this post! You really know how to throw a party, Vix. Just one of your many talents.
ReplyDeleteYou are beautifully mysterious, peering forth beneath your wide brimmed hat. Love the color combo, the patent vanity case, and the BOOTS.
The patent vanity pairs perfectly with your heirloom boots, Vix. The yellow mini is sooo sweet, but it speaks above a whisper when you wear it with those sweat pea purple tights and jerkin: very sassy!
ReplyDeleteWalsall continues to rise on my list of Dream Destinations. It passed Venice years ago. (Are there chazzas in Venice, one asks.) I'm green with envy at your outing, specifically as green as that wonderful coat.
Fantastic Vix - you all seem to have the best time! Wish I live closer. Your outfit is gorgeous - Purple suede is amazing and the boots! xx
ReplyDeleteim so in love with your out fit there! My most favourite of yours by far. Not that i dont love all your outfits!
ReplyDeleteWhat a marvellous day you all had, and Emma green coat is the best shade of green. So good to see you cracking open the tinnies with the vintage shopping. Truly the best way to shop!
What a glorious day full of great treasures. Love the vanity case as purse.
ReplyDeleteYou ladies look simply stunning, and that purple fringed vest is like something from my 1960's vintage dreams - love how you've worn it with the patent black accessories!
ReplyDeleteI love these documented chazzing tours you guys get to make! There's so much to look at and try on! And you're all so adorable and clearly having the best time, every time!
ReplyDeleteDon't think you can wear/show your 60s patent boots ... remarkable condition for that soft style of leather! You look grand in them. I never thought about the reflective qualities of black patent, but what a lovely dark watercolor the reflected fall leaves make!
Excellent!
Looks like a great day!! Wish I was there too, those clothes you guys found are absolutely amazing!
ReplyDeleteI can think of no better bloggers day out then a tour of your home turf. Those black boots are utterly amazing! Xx
ReplyDeleteI think you look so great in purple Vix! This looks like the most fun day, it involves all my favourite things - vintage, sewing supplies, sweeties!! Looks like Rich and I have set down a more certain date for our Europe 2015 trip - I hope to meet you and Curtise for vintage and sewing supplies and sweeties!
ReplyDeleteWhat can I say? You always thrill with your hat wearing talents. I'm honored with your contribution to Hat Attack!
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