Tuesday 14 October 2014

Skinny Love and Prints Charming



I know, I know, I need another vintage maxi dress like I need a hole in the head but since when does necessity come into the equation when you spot a groovy print like this one? Buy what you love when you see it (and, obviously, when you can afford it) and you'll never wake up at 3am wondering why you passed up on that perfect frock. 


 Its a two piece beach set, made from fast-drying nylon and ideal for sunset strolls along the seashore in Goa but, as I've yet to find a flight at the right price, it'll do for a wet day in Walsall. 


I'm planning on attaching the halter top to the skirt with a perspex ring - I know I've got one somewhere!


That bracelet with the brown glass stones? Some work colleagues bought it me for my 21st birthday. The Lapis ring? My Dad bought for me when I passed my Eleven Plus almost 37 years ago. My taste in jewellery hasn't changed in a lifetime.


After numerous requests here's how Jon skinnies-up his trousers. Isn't it funny that nobody bats an eyelid if a woman uses a power drill or rewires a plug but seems to think that a man who sews is a bit odd?  Get with the 21st Century people! 


  • Put trousers on the wrong side out and pin along each side of the leg, allowing some room for movement.
  • Take them off and machine sew up both sides of each leg using a long stitch setting. 
  • Turn the trousers the right way. Try them on in front of a mirror.
  • If okay then turn inside-out and sew over the first row of stitching using a shorter length stitch setting.
  • Try on again just to make sure that you're happy.
  • Trim off any excess fabric using pinking shears (if you don't have any of these then use normal scissors and zig-zag the raw edges of the fabric to prevent fraying).
  • Wear with pride.


Vintage daisy print two-piece (RetroRags, Vintage Village at Stockport) worn with a £7 fake fur jacket and a bastard massive 1970s pendant (from the gorgeous Em)
Since I last blogged we've taken Kinky on the road to Nottingham and to Stockport. Both events were fantastic but man, consecutive 5am get-ups and two 14 hour days sure have taken their toll. We're like zombies. How I used to work for a living I'll never know.


Still, onwards and upwards. There's a jumble sale to help out at & another vintage fair (HERE) to prepare before the week's out.

See you soon!

72 comments:

  1. How could you pass this one up indeed, the print is fantastic! I love that you have also wore the same silver for that long, it's such a part of your style and it is what I remember most about you when I first started reading. I do hope you and Jon take it easy this week, that weekend sounded brutal, but profitable.
    Jon is skilled at so many things, just like you sweet thing! I love and miss you! Can we talk on Thursday?
    Xxxoooooooo

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    1. Ha, I love how we are all so excited to be 1st on Vix's blog!!!!

      Loving the pretty outfit. That fur coat is truly the nicest shame I have seen in fun fur!!! X

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  3. You look amazing in that outfit ! Love that fur , tried something simular but i just look like an american football player with my broad shoulders . My lover boy is also so great with the sewing machine , if my pants needs fixing - hes the man !
    xxxxx

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  4. Love the dress its so you , i was wondering when you were going to mention goa , it would be great to be there now away from this miserable weather xxx

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  5. another beauty o a maxi and the fur short jacket compliments it so well, you have a very talented fella there, better keep him lol!!!

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  6. Both of you look gorgeous! While working a frenzy too. Has it always been this way? Or has this season been especially busy. The price of success, eh? Well, Goa can't be too far off then.

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  7. The dress is very pretty and I like it a lot. You wear it well to Vix. Also love your nail polish. Xoxo

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  8. Really a lovely ensemble, no wonder you couldn#t resist! Love the second pic, you look adorable Haha, I used to alter my regular jeans when I was a student and hat no money to buy a bunch of new skinnies! ;)

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  9. What a 'happy' dress!
    I saw that you are going to do 'Judy's' fair in Bath and was going to pop up and see you, but then realised we will be in London then ... dang!!
    M x

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  10. fab beach maxi! especially with that furry jacket!
    and your hair! shiny and smooth like silk!
    there is something about indian style jewelry - first time i saw a piece (as a kid) i was sold :-) sadly most of the bangles don´t fit over my hands anymore...
    here in the ex-communist-territory lot of the men of my generation are able to sew. it was the only way to get fashionable clothes, the shops were fare behind of the trends. and the moms/sisters/girlfriends were busy with their own clothes :-)
    take a rest! xxxxxxxx

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  11. I love that outfit - TOTALLY!!!! The maxi and coat look so right together. Husband used to take in his jeans the same way Jon has with his skinnies, although that was quite a long time ago in his 'hair-metal' days! xxx

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  12. Isn't that funky floral print wonderful? So very you, and perfect for brightening up a wet Tuesday! I love the idea of attaching the top and skirt with a ring, that will look brilliant.
    Jon is always so well dressed, and it's great that he turns his hand to sewing as readily as he does to DIY and making boom boxes! I used to wear men's trousers which I took in when I was a teenager, but. I suspect I didn't look anything like as cool as Jon does in his skinnies!
    You've had such a busy weekend, you two are bloody troopers. I know - how about a Saturday off, love? Go for a Wetherspoons lunch washed down with a Porn Star martini or several, what do you reckon? Sounds like a plan! xxxx

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  13. You're the Man, Jon!
    And how I ♥ that fake fur. Only you could wear it with such class, Vix!

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  14. I always think it's amazing to think how many things may change in our lifestyle, but yet some things never change ;) You look fabulous as always!

    Hehehe! about men sewing comment. My Dad was the one that taught my Mom to sew. I used to steal HIS vintage Singer sewing machine. XOXO

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  15. That jacket was made for that dress! I've often admired that lapis ring too (which also matches so well), but it must have looked HOWGE on your hand when you were 11! I still wear rings that I "borrowed" from my mum when I was that age too (she never got them back, haha)

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  16. You DO work for a living. You just have the best employer ever --Yourself!! Go Jon! Keep on a sewin'. All the men in my family know how to see. I call them Seamsters. A ring to connect your top to your tail will be perfect. Such a pretty print. You know, Vix, every now and then I take a tour through your old posts for inspiration. You are AMAZING!!!!

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  17. Only you, Vix, could
    a) own a BLUE faux monkey fur jacket and
    b) find exactly the BLUE funky floral print maxi with which to wear it!
    Do hope your dreams of wearing this pretty ensemble on a Goan beach come true soon.

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  18. Oh my gawd, that print is funkalicious.
    Fabulous ensemble, there's no way I'd show my midriff tho.... unlike yours it isn't up to inspection. Loving the most excellent pendant also. Isn't it hell getting up early and doing long days?... welcome to my world love, you never get used to it. Let's hope this weekend is less hectic! xxxxx

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  19. wouuuaaa, glad you haven't ignored that fabulous maxi, it's gorgeous and You Are even more Gorgeous wearing it!!, love it with your faux fur and lots of bijouterie!!
    And great to see John's 'tutorial for skinning-up', mwahaha I was actually an expert for years and never saw it better explained!
    besos, reina!!

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  20. oooh that jacket!! oooh that cute 'squeeee' smile on your face!!!

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  21. Beautiful shade of blue!

    My sons sew better than I do, they learnt in high school. They all had to take a "Home Ec" course that involved cooking and a sewing machine. They each made a pair of pyjama pants!

    I feel your pain. The older I get the harder seeing 0500 is.

    Good luck on the flight search. I'm busy trying to put together our month in Spain during the witner.

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  22. This is one of the days I hate you...lol...the outfits perfect

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  23. Look at you flashing your navel in October in the Midlands!!
    You know how much I like that jacket and now you have the most perfect-est dress to wear with it. Fab!
    Zxx

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  24. My son has been very keen to know how Jon 'skinny-ed' his trousers. Now I can show him!

    Love the new maxi outfit, buy while they are still reasonable. A blog I read from time to time says the 50s stuff has got more and more expensive and it must be so for 70s and then 80s and 90s stuff.

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  25. The man in my life is generally so practical and will basically fix everything, apart from sewing that is. I don't think he even sews on buttons. Still I suppose it does mean I don't have to fight him for access to my sewing machine. I am a great believer in having separate hobbies and interests - especially after 22 years together.

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  26. I love that wild daisy print on your maxi-skirt! Your nailpolish looks perfect. I love all your rings and bracelets. Your impish smile in the second photo is great! I hadn't realised Jon possesses excellent prowess in tailoring. His outfit looks quite dapper. Sadly I posses none of those skills and my lame attempts at using a sewing machine resulted in thread getting horribly jammed under the bobbin.
    Best wishes for good fortune at the upcoming vintage fair!

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

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  27. Love the print in that dress, it is just perfect! I couldn't pass that up either! :)

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  28. This print makes me happy! Great styling with the furry jacket and all your exotic bangles and rings, as always. I only have a few pieces of jewelry from my youth, and they don't fit, otherwise I'd still wear some of them. I do wear a few silver pendants from the olden days though. :) xxx

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  29. Absolutely love that maxi, Vix - lovely bright colours for these dull autumn days. Fab fake fur, too! x

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  30. Feck it, it totally IS necessity when it comes to a gloriarse two piece like that! I love it, and the necklace and hairy jacket fecking rock it up beautifully!
    I constantly evolve, but have always loved my silver jewellery. I envy and covet your amazing collection!
    Jon looks sexacious in his skinnies. I'm amazed anyone needs to ask how to do it. And a man who sews is quite regular to me, not that G does. G is very handy at flower arranging, however, if peeeps want to get all loopy about gender roles.Pah!
    Love Helga XXX

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  31. Couldn't say no to that one. It's a beaut. I love the print- it properly cheers up a drizzly day.
    You've both been super busy...a weekend off would be a good idea!
    See you there then.
    Loves ya bits.
    xxxxx

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  32. Oh my goodness! I tried on the exact same dress at a vintage fair in sheffield! Sadly it didn't fit on the chest otherwise it definitely would have come home with me :)

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  33. Oh yes, you had to have it. I love a fast-dry fabric too, for when we travel. Wash in the sink, wear in the morning! Thanks for the tailoring tips too, and Jon looks v. handsome. xox

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  34. Love the print on that dress, reminds me of those psychedelic flowers on Magic Roundabout! The working flat out goes with the territory of being self employed doesn't it? OH is flat out now but come new year things will probably slacken off. I'm sure you've got a big holiday planned to wind down!

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  35. every time i see a fab 70's maxi i think of you! no one wears them better vix. you and jon are such a gorgeous couple. x

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  36. Thank you for sharing the trouser instructions, my OH has a few pairs that could do with that treatment and he's now inspired to have a go. He's got hand sewing skills but hasn't used my machine, so I'll give him a quick lesson and leave him to it!

    P x

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  37. Love the print ... you definitely couldn't leave that maxi behind.
    Clever, clever Jon ... I'd get all pedantic and think I had to get all the measurements even on both sides and freak myself out and decide not to do it ... when I should borrow a slogan and "just do it". I don't think it's at all strange for a man to sew ... my Dad loved to knit ... and was pretty darn good at it :0)
    xx

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  38. Another glorious print! Glad you didn't let that maxi get away from you. The furry topper is fabulous. Especially the colour.

    Jon really is a renaissance man.

    bisous
    Suzanne

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  39. What a lovely dress set! Fast drying fabric like that is so perfect in beachy places. I love the idea of attaching them with a perspex ring - that would look fabulous!

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  40. Just wait, your incredible steal of a ticket will suddenly appear in front of your eyes when you least expect it. BAM! Then you can wear this dress where it longs to roam, not that it doesn't love Walsall.
    I always love Jon's skinnies.
    At least when you're working like dogs it's going to get you somewhere. Hurrah. I look forward to seeing how you spend your next down time.

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  41. Another blue frock - your best color in my humble opinion. Beautiful!

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  42. That outfit is fab! I love that jacket! BTW, I think Jon is totally cool for sewing, love it. I wish they would teach home ec again in schools. We would love for our son to learn basic cooking and sewing.

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  43. What a beautiful print! It is just obvious that you couldn't miss such a dress. Looks fantastic with the fur jacket and I can imagine how stunning it will look under the sun of Goa.

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  44. Absolutely LOVE that faux fur jacket - it looks fab! x

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  45. Splendid that blue shade , it even matches your booties ! And such terrific jewellery , love it all , especially the amber like bracelet ...
    Why would a man not be able to sew ? Well done Jon !
    Have a wonderful day Vix
    ~ Autumnal kisses ~

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  46. Thank you so much for being part of the Share-in-Style family.
    You are the absolute queen as I told you many times
    XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

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  47. What a great frock Vix, love the colour and those big bold beautiful flowers. Go Jon for sewing, I know a guy that made his wifes wedding frock, and I think he made himself a coat. Very artistic guy. I think we should be able to give anything a go regardless of our gender. My boys gave knitting a crack when they were young.

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  48. Fab frock and looks great with that jacket, that'll cheer up the good folk of Walsall while it's waiting for an outing in Goa xx

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  49. Love that groovy print Vix. A plastic ring sounds awesom. Could you use a childs bracelet? Happy jumbling! xxx

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  50. I swear my Mum had something just like that skirt, it is absolutely fab and has your name written all over it.

    I second Cutises plan for a Saturday off in good company with just a wee bit of alcohol, just the ticket.

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  51. You're right forget necessity, with that being said. I WANT/LOVE that fabulous faux fur jacket! Oh, and I can definitely see that halter would be great attached to the skirt. xx /Madison

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  52. You are absolutely right, that print was a must-have for you. I love it. There's a wall in town with similar flowers painted on it, which I always mean to take photos of, but it's located in an area that is more 'night time dinner and drinks' than 'daytime stroll', so the light has never been right when I've been there. How about this ... in that dream we have where you guys come to visit us here, you bring that dress and we'll go to the flower wall to take pictures?! :)

    Thanks for the how-to on Jon's pants ... he always looks so good in them. xo

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  53. No way you could pass up on that beaut, it looks fabulous hun.

    X x

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  54. I love the print, and that jacket is fab too. Jon is fantastically practical isn't he? Can turn his hand to anything. Xx

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  55. Looking as lovely as always and I hope your stalls are going well, have been following the photos on your Facebook Page - looks like it's been good so far! - Tasha xxx

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  56. A man who can sew is quite a find! ;)

    Looking fabulous, as always. I do love your jewellery. xx

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  57. Hi my dear!! That maxi is awesome and looks fabulous with your faux fur! Jons trousers look amazing as skinnies, good quality brought bang up to date!! xx

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  58. The print on that maxi is fantastic and attaching a perspex ring will look so cool! Such a great idea x

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  59. I can understand why you had to have this marvellous dress ,love the colours and the print.
    Dear Vix thank you so much for your lovely words you left on the passing of my stepdad , I was very touched xxx

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  60. Hi Vix,
    Good to see your latest purchase, a lovely maxi dress. You must have a whole room to keep all your clothes in, like a wardrobe room! ;-)
    I see we have the same taste in jewellery. Indian silver is so 70's, but never dates. Looking at your bracelet with the orange cabochons, I actually think it's carnelian stones and not glass. :-)
    The used to sell semi precious stones in a New Age shop a few years ago and recognise real stones now! The huge lapis and turqouise rings are stunning too!
    Good job sewing those trousers, Jon!
    You both have great style and it's good to visit your blog and see what you guys have been up too. Enjoy being on the road, I hope you sold lots in Nottingham and Stockport!
    xx

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  61. Yes, you had to have that ensemble because of that amazing print. It's going to look even better when you've added that hoop thingy. Oh my goodness, it's nearly Goa time. How exciting! So happy you did well in Nottingham, especially as it means now you'll be back!! I had some fab jewellery as a kid, but it all got taken in a burglary. You have the vest collection. Or best, even. I love the tutorial on skinny trousers. Takes me back to the age of about 14 when we used to do it. Good for Jon. I admire a man that just gets on with it. Xxxxxxxx

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  62. Wow, the flower power is strong with that one! Of course you had to have it. It's nice to see a man who knows his way around a sewing machine.

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  63. Gorgeous gorgeous dress! I know what you mean about the early rises, I'm up at 5.45 to run one of my girls to work in the morning just now, and it's killing me! Ungodly hour, shouldn't be allowed to be up at that time....! x

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  64. I've always loved that jacket and it looks so fab with your dress and accessories! Jon looks brilliant in the pinstripe skinnies - never seemed unusual to me that he sews. xx

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  65. Back home, up and running, and so happy to see you in your glorious print maxi. You never fail to amaze. Looks gorgeous with the faux fur jacket!

    Your were right. Traveling has a life of its own. Now that we're home we are already planning for the next trip. So much to learn and so many places on earth to explore. You provide the perfect role model in so many ways.

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  66. I do love a daisy print - they are such smile-inducing flowers. That will be a perfect Goa beach outfit.

    Thanks for the pants tutorial. My friend gave up and took his pants to a tailor. It's not that we're amazed that Jon CAN sew, it's that he DOES sew, along with all the other talents he displays!

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  67. You and Jon are so perfect. I love your dress and jewellery and I love that he sews his pants skinny <3

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  68. You and Jon are so perfect. I love your dress and jewellery and I love that he sews his pants skinny <3

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  69. Navy in all forms is a favourite! you've got two fabulous navy items here, but the coat! omg i die! Lovely lovely lovely!
    And snaps for John donning up his own trousers! My dad actually taught me a bit of sewing and when he moved recently he sewed up some curtains. Being 1 of 5 boys you'd of think he'd learnt boy-ish things, but instead my nan was clever enough to teach all of them how do knit or sew. Its not really hard to do a straight stitch, but tailoring trousers is a different game. You both look smashing!

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  70. Yup. And now it's time to break out the sewing machine. My husband's closet is full of what I call "old man pants". Boring old trousers made for the office of golf course - not a hip young dude. Time to tailor!

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  71. I LOVE this two piece!! I would wear it. I'm also loving this jacket, when I was at uni in the early 2000's my flatmate had a jacket like that and I was SO JEALOUS as I wanted one so bad (but it was 'on trend' at the time and I just didn't have the $) I should really MAKE one. I love your comments about "men sewing" shocking right? Rich loves cross-stitch and all kinds of other traditional "woman" crafts and whilst my crafty friends think its cool, I can see in other peoples eyes when I tell them that they think it weird - you know because men are only meant to like beer, cars and rugby...

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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