Monday 23 March 2015

Seventies Girl - Why I'm Sticking To The Real Thing


When Dee blogged about this amazing print she found a couple of years ago several people commented that she looked a bit like me. In my dreams! 

Wearing: 1970s Dollyrockers maxi (eBay, 2010), vintage pendant (the gorgeous Em)
Image my surprise when the postman delivered her to me this morning. I might stick her in front of a mirror when I'm having a bad face day (most of last week).


This wasn't the only parcel the postman delivered. Check out my new skirt. When I say new I mean a 40 year old maxi Lucy rescued from the 10p basket in a charity shop in Pontypridd. It goes a treat with my car booted polo neck, my Swedish Hasbeens (thanks, Sarah!) and the vintage lace-up suede waistcoat Liz gave me for Xmas a couple of years ago. The whole outfit cost me 50p - bargain!

This shoot includes flares by Victoria Beckham for £235 and a chain costing £581.23!
This weekend The Guardian told of how the Seventies are "back in" and treated us to a handy How to dress like our mothers feature in the fashion pages.


While the Mums looked fabulous I can't help but be disappointed by the modern take on my favourite fashion era.


1970s - flamboyant, fabulous and full of life.


2015 - safe, mediocre and dull. Sorry Jess but the best thing about this photo is the wallpaper.

Source
The Guardian thinks we should dress like a young Jane Birkin. Yeah, you'd have to be that beautiful to turn heads in a khaki tee shirt.
Source
Lesser mortals like me prefer Yootha Joyce. Marabou, capes, neon brights and a great line in Jean Varon maxis. Glorious. She might not have had a bag named after her but she was on the cover of a Smiths single, which to a non-handbag worshipper like me, is the best achievement by far.
Just some of the real 1970s fashion you'll find on Kinky's website.
Mum's wardrobe of my childhood was fabulous. Jean Varon maxis, psychedelic catsuits, Indian block prints and clogs in every colour of the rainbow. Fabulous vintage 1970s fashion isn't that hard to find (and usually a fraction of the price of the modern equivalent). I don't need watered-down repro, I'm sticking with the real thing.


Thanks for all the well wishes. The evil cold has done one and I'm back on top form or I will be when I've caught up with the 117 blog posts I haven't read yet.

See you soon!

PS Linking to Patti & the Gang for Visible Monday.

72 comments:

  1. She sure looks like you ! And you two are gorgeous !
    H&M are also advertising that the 70 ´s are back with flower maxi´s and stuff . Why buy new ? the real deal are so much better !
    xxx

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  2. Our mothers, our mothers! I was the 70s chick, my mother was 40s and 50s. These people, they give me the pip! 'Bless This House' was the 70s and those mothers dressed in colourful, wearable clothes. Good grief!

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  3. Oh goody I am looking forward to the 70s revival(my teens were thru that era) I would wear it all again it was the best fashion era in my opinion! My most loved item was my orange and pink flourescent psychedelic patterned flares! wonder if they will make a comeback?

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  4. Yes, Vix, I think that gorgeous woman is your doppelgänger! And the skirt you nabbed for 10p is a stunner. Thanks for sharing with Visible Monday, xox.

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  5. The print certainly is spot on.

    I was in high school in the '70s. Everything from platform shoes to what I remember as crimpiline skirt and waistcoat worn with a polyester printed blouse and three inch black platform ankle strapped shoes. To school. No uniforms in Canada.

    Gunnysax maxi dresses for grad and some brides

    The thing that hits me is the body of this generations models in "our" clothes. Not as thin in the face or legs as the old pictures as me.

    But back then fast food was a rare treat and we walked miles every day, and yes in those platform shoes.

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  6. more like how I dressed in the 70's. 235pounds is like $500! Last year I spent less than that on ALL the clothes I bought. Those 3 models look like the mean popular girls from high school. No thanks! I do like Jane Birkin, don't copy, make your own look.

    Wonder what happened to my orange suede clogs?

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  7. That resemblance in that print is uncanny! Nice job on pattern matching with the dress, too.

    I don't have a problem with repro/retro, since it's not always easy to find the authentic vintage stuff at a price I like, but I still like to wear the style. (I *do* get pedantic about people using "retro" and "vintage" interchangeably because they don't mean the same thing, but that's another rant isn't it... )

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  8. Dee's print is gorgeous and so are you love! The yellow outfit is bloody marvellous, who'd guess the whole lot came in at 50p? The only thing I like in The Guardian articles are the candlewick bedspreads, they can keep the rest.
    Kinky's rails are more appealing by far. Glad to hear you are better, wish my cold would 'do one'
    x

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  9. Ha, I read that Guardian piece and immediately thought of you! And with all the Seventies repro doing the fashion rounds, it makes me very happy to know that some of us wear the real thing with pride!
    Love every single one of your Dollyrockers collection, any outfit costing 50p is a winner in my book, and Kinky's stock is always a joy to behold. Why anyone would buy shoddy fast fashion in a Seventies style (or indeed Victoria Beckham jeans for £235) when they can get original vintage for a fraction of the cost is beyond me.
    That print could definitely be you, darling! How sweet of Dee to send it to you.
    Good to know you're feeling much better - we need you fighting fit this week. Love you! xxxxx

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  10. I have a backpack with the same pink paisely that is on the dress on the top row! Have to take a picture of it for you to look at! I need to find some old pictures of my mom from the 1970's. I am certain she had some bellbottoms and maxi dresses somewhere. My mom would redo my sister's jeans and make them into bells with some kind of colorful fabric that my mom had laying around somewhere.

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  11. Can't believe people pay that sort of daft money for modern clothes.
    I'm living in terror now that everyone will be out there raiding the vintage shops and there'll be nothing left for me or that all the prices will sky rocket.
    What lovely friends you have Vix sending you such lovely things.
    Don't want Jon to feel left out so we are sending him something through the post.
    Can you message me your address please xx

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  12. Dear Vix I hope you are feeling better now , love the picture it's gorgeous and it does look similar to you and your outfit is soooo fab !. If you don't mind me asking is that the camera you use for your blog pictures? have a good week xxx

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  13. I just got back from drooling over some items in your shop. The suede jacket is gorgeous! So is the handbag.

    You do look quite like the painting. How fun that it was shipped to you and now you can look at yourself even more! LOL

    Glad you hear you are feeling better. You are the Queen of 1970's style. Everyone else needs to stand back and take lessons.

    bisous
    Suzanne
    http://www.suzannecarillo.com

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  14. Ooh, why on earth didn't they ask to dip into your wardrobe for that fashion article? Even I have brighter and better pieces than those, where's the colour! Like you say, safe and oh so dull!

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  15. The 70s were such a vibrant era and I don't think you need to change much to be on trend this season!! You always were, are and forever will be the retro queen! <3

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  16. Bahahahaha, o, the ridiculousness of it all! Gimme the real thing any day too, it's far superior. "Watered down repro" Tee hee! It's all apple pie and butter wouldn't melt in my mouth, which makes me want to HEAVE.
    Nice Yootha collage. Fecking LOVE that woman!
    That print is just gorgeous, and she does look a lot liek you! Bad face day my arse. Since when have you become maudlin and self deprecating?! Enough of that, thank you very muchly!
    Love Helga XXXXXX

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  17. I keep seeing that 70s is in too. Is it me or does someone decide it's 'in' every spring? I prefer to wear whatever I fancy xx

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  18. I'm with you on this one, Vix! If it isn't bell bottoms and psychedelic then it isn't really 70s. I should know, since I was there. That portrait is gorgeous, and it does look like you! Glad you're feeling better! :)

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  19. Hell yeah...my mum's Seventies wardrobe was bursting with colour and flounce and amazing style. She always looked fab.
    I'm a bit underwhelmed by the contemporary take on it. And those prices?! Fecking behave.
    The real thing any day I say.
    I love that print, she will be so at home with you.
    Loves ya.
    xxxxxx

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  20. Wow she totally looks like you. Couldn't agree more about the Guardian's uninspiring take on the 70's

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  21. this print does look like you! I can imagine how lovely it was when it arrived at your door.

    I must share your options about the editorial. Making seventies less loud is really taking everything away from them.

    Seventies were over the top...and that's was and is the whole beauty about them. The subtle version just won't do. If one is to revive it one better go all the way...and the best way to do that is to wear vintage clothes- the one actually from that era! I can't agree more with your conclusion!

    I do really like your look..the skirt is simply divine...and what to say about that lace vest? it's such a statement piece.

    http://modaodaradosti.blogspot.com/

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  22. When it comes to the 1970s, in the words of Carly Simon; nobody does it better. Baby, you're the best! I never liked polo necks until I saw you in that yellow one, and that waistcoat is a favourite. Yeah, you look smashing! God, I love that print so much, she's so beautiful. At school the big girls had posters like that on their bedroom walls and I really coveted them. I love the fact that you are dressed practically the same, you're practically twins :) bad face days? I know the feeling! Xxxxx

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  23. aahh I love George and Mildred they did a re run just before Christmas last year I love it for the humour and the 70s decoration and Mildred's clothes pure 70s to me bright and fun. I am so glad you like the print as I said in my message she was always meant to be with you and not me she will look fabulous on your walls and is in the right home now :-) Enjoy her. Glad your feeling better lovely, Dee xxx

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  24. I am laughing my a** off re: the price of those clothes in the magazine, and blown away that people would actually buy them!
    You are spectacular, Vix! And so glad to hear that you're feeling better. xo

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  25. I must say, any e-mail or poster with '70's style clothing has been a real disappointment for me- they are DULL and lack the joie de vivre of real thing! Love the colour of the original. Still, I am glad '70's are in! x

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  26. You look gorge. My Mum was impossibly glam in the 70s fake fur, maxi dresses, gorgeous statement jewellery. She used to work the afternoon shift in a country pub I was dead proud when she picked me up from junior school, dolled up to the nines. My 70s fave fashion icon apart from my Mum was definitely Margot from the Good Life.
    Twiggy

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  27. My Mum never bought anything new she made all her clothes and yes they were a veritable riot of colour and flounce. Everything today is a bit drab really.

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  28. You should go show those fashion mags how it's really done!

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  29. I really love the yellow outfit!
    I agree completely regarding this modern take on the '70s, it's all awful! I can barely distinguish it from the drab tat they normally sell. And why does everything need to be "neutral" nowadays? It's as if people are terrified of colour. Definitely real deal all the way for me too, not only does it make financial sense, those colours and patterns just can't be replicated.

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  30. It is impossible to find anything from the 70's in the US. You are the real deal! I do hope you feel better...

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  31. I so glaad your cold has hit the road and I lived and loved the 70's, I was a teen in the 70's, clogs, fringed leather jackets and maxi skirts, the next day mini skirts and beaded waist coats, gosh I loved the clothes of the 70's.I'm s glad we have you to keep it all alive! You do look like that painting print, very much,

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  32. Sorry you're "under the weather" - hope you soon have spring back in your step!

    Are you SURE that's not you in the picture????

    You look amazing in that yellow outfit!

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  33. enjoyed this so much! you and i should never sit together in a highstreet café - poor passing by fashion victims ;-P
    Dee´s print is a picture of you for sure! and that jewel toned tribal print dollyrockers maxi looks gorgeous on you my friend!!!!!
    xxxxx

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  34. That print is like your long lost twin Vix! I'm actually disappointed to hear the 70s is "in" does that mean I have to fight with the cool kids for polyester house dresses at the op shop! (hopefully they will opt for the watered down high street versions). So happy I have the internet back so I can read you blog again - even if it will take a while to get through the backlog xo

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  35. I think the 70s were all about colour and print, take that from them and essence will be lost. You look gorgeous in yellow (actually, as in any other colour I've seen on you). The woman on the painting does look like you, how great is that?

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  36. Wow! That painting really does look like you!

    So the 70s are 'back in' but those images look so drab, whenever I picture the 70s, it's filled with crazy colour combinations and fun, flamboyance. xx

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  37. Totally agree about "you'd have to be that beautiful to turn heads in a khaki tee shirt". Turning heads is actully not what I persue (true!) but I sure would be bored if I dressed in tee shirts.

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  38. And about that 70s real thing - there's a few of you out there, and you can tell when it's "the real thing". Your Swedish equivalent is Filippa Berg, Rodeo Magazine.

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  39. I had no idea the Birkin bag was named after Jane Birkin?! How did I not know that?!!

    Anyway, you look fabulous in all of your original '70s garb. My Mum was really into fashion in the '70s so I'm a bit gutted that she chucked it all out because I think it's only now that I'd appreciate it. I don't own much original '70s - a cape dress I wore for Halloween, and that's pretty much it. My other half has lots of '70s jackets though.

    I'm certainly on the lookout for more original pieces, but I never seem to find anything half as nice as the stuff you do!!
    Glad you're feeling better xx

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  40. I've thought of you often since LFW decreed that the 70s are fashion's 'new' season thing (again). And of course the thought runs something like: Vix does it so much better, because - oh yes - she's the real deal!
    In fact, I saw the Guardian piece and did some inner huffing, thinking, 'Oh come on. Go talk to Vix. Go shop Kinky Melon's rails, and THEN we'll be talking style.'

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  41. I love your seventies style. Must admit, it's never been my favourite fashion decade, but as with the 1960s, seeing stuff from various vintage-loving bloggers has really made me reappraise things, and all that colour is wonderful. I love the 70s-does-30s stuff. And, you're right, why buy overpriced modern stuff (probably made in a sweatshop to boot) when the real stuff is out there, and abundant?

    My 70s icon would be Margo Leadbetter. Margo NONEbetter.

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  42. That picture so looks like you!! You cannot re do the originals, totally agree with you.

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  43. That print is wonderful ... she does look very much like you.

    My mom and I were recently looking at old photos of her and she wondered aloud 'What was I wearing?!' My response was 'something fantastic!' Like you, she was onto the brightly coloured prints, rather than the flared jeans and t-shirts.

    I've said it before but I'll say it again ... You have the best wardrobe. Your clothing looks so good on you!

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  44. I have lost hope of catching up, so have stopped beating myself up about it. Glad you are feeling better. Colds can feel so miserable with a head full of snot! You look dazzling and definitely head turning, glamorous and vibrant. Yours is a different kind of beauty than Jane Birkin's but no less than hers. You would be a stunner in a plain tee shirt too but that's not true to your style. LOVE the print and yes, it really does look like you. xoxo

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  45. That print is gorgeous and does look just like you!
    I've been following all the 70s comeback fashion hype with interest ... the prices are ridiculous and the clothes not exactly inspiring compared to the real deal. M x

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  46. I have to agree the painting does look like you. Both gorgeous. I adore your yellow maxi, polo and vest. How ridiculous is the guardians take on the 70's:, agreed I'm with you.

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  47. Fab print and that photo shoot features our light shades! Well not actually ours, we got two years and years ago for £3, we spotted them in the back room of a charity shop and swooped xxx

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  48. The print is lovely, but not as stunning as you! Your radiance and your self-expression always energizes and inspires. I'm with you. The 'real thing' will always be the BEST. And no one does the 70's like you.

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  49. That print really does look like you - no matter what you say. It's vibrant and gorgeous.

    Totally agree, the current rage for the 70s look is not raging very well. My Gran took to wearing the granny dresses and loved the prints and colours, she said it reminded her of the Victorian stuff her Gran wore and had in her house. Just think Biba - very original and lively. Well done on your bargain looks again - ! x

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  50. Wow! Vix, no one can do the fabulous 70's like you! I reckon that these fancy ladies magazines should snap you up as a stylist!!

    I'm very impressed with your 50p outfit!! Fabulous and frugal!!

    Happy thrifting :)

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  51. Buy Beckham, if you want to look 70s, buy Ikea if your home should look vintage ...
    I totally stopped reading fashion magazines. I'm so tierd to read about eras, colours, prints or shapes being in or out. Writers or boutique owners trying to tell me what to wear to be fashionable(... means to not stick out of the crowd).
    fashionable fashion really turned into something total unfun.

    How awesome is this painting! She really looks like you. :)

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  52. There's nothing quite like the real thing and your 70s maxis are 100x better than anything the high street has to offer! I've got a couple of my mum's midi dresses from the 70s which I love wearing in the summer.

    That painting is fab, she really does look like you xx

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  53. You do look like your portrait, Vix! :) You do have a gorgeous face, and I think you'll stand out in a green shirt no less than Jane Birkin. Wanna bet? :) Beauty is not an "objective reality", though some faces or figures have more mass appeal than others. But even that changes over time.

    50 pennies for a fab outfit? Honestly, who else but you! xxx

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  54. Agreed on the 2015 take on 70s fashion and style these days. Too clinical, calculated, and safe, and not in an earthy minimal boho style either. Just blah. I too, shall continue to hunt down the real thing in the wild.

    LOVE that painting and your outfit, as always.

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  55. oh yes, dear lady, let's stay sticked to the real thing!, beware of imitations!
    Obviously, I'm a huge fan of Yootha, ohh, she was so damn colorful and funny!, love particularly a pair of yellow bananas printed pants she was used to wear in the series!
    And you look so fabulous!!, love your maxis, your bijouterie and your attitude!
    besos & color

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  56. Dollyrockers were also on sale in the 60's. They were sold in the department store where I worked. Mostly minis in tiny flower prints or paisley. I had a bright green one.Had to save up for it though.

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  57. Methinks certain magazine writers have confused the favorite colors of 70's interiors -- woodtones and neutrals, deep greens and citrus pops -- with those of that era's fabulous clothes, glowing and glamorous. And then there's the matter of 'not all straight hair, parted in the middle' ranks as 70s shining simplicity. (Have these people never heard of falls?)

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  58. This post was begging to be written.
    Hope Kinky has more sales during this 70s revival, but sadly think people will still be searching the celebrity culture.
    You are glorious in your originals and your realness.
    xo Jazzy Jack

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  59. I actually thought of you when mini-me dragged me to the mall the other day....70's style in every store but nothing like your fabulous real style. She did like a skirt so we went home & I made it for her!
    DeniseAngela

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  60. I forgot to complement you on that gorgeous dress with polka dots...such an amazing find..and you look stunning in it!

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  61. I love your look, I like your blog, I wait for mine, if you like we can follow gfc ??now i follow you on bloglovin and tweeter!!!kiss

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  62. Ain't nothin' like the real thing, is there? Oh that gal in the print does look like you, or vice versa. I don't remember what I wore in the 70's - most likely it was some ugly polyester thing my grandmother made me. I prefer the 60's or the 80's myself, and I would look for the real goods and not spend a fortune on some wannabe.

    Glad you've conquered the cold and are feeling chipper again.

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  63. Do I need to say I thought it was you? I used to have a coolpix camera,too before I upgraded to my first dslr. As for the seventies I would just go for the original stuff but mix it with contemporary pieces to have a more teacher appropriate profile!But I envie how you can dress as you wish!

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  64. Yep, I can definitely see the resemblance. Changing fashions interest me not one bit. A person of substance knows their own mind and isn't sucked in by that superficial, materialistic, crazy ass crap!

    Btw, made sure I got my copy of Your Home. Congrats on your feature :) xxx

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  65. I cannot imagine "dressing 70s" without the fabulous colors and prints! You are right, the 2015 take is pretty darn dull.

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  66. You're a very welcome sight - I'm in a catatonic state after moving and don't know what I'm doing anymore BUT I do know you look fabulous as always and yes, I regret not keeping my own stuff from the 70's. I don't like the way they've churned it all out again this year either. xxx

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  67. She's right ... pretty close resemblance I'd say! What a nice gift for you.
    Looking divine in your new skirt and extras! You're so good at doing your favorite era just right, with the real deal and on your practically perfect bod! The rest of us can only try. Even in the era in my real-time past, I'd have bored your boots off! But I love the current iterations for their homage ... nice for me to be able to enjoy the evolution and play one more time. Nice to think of it as a continuation of the period instead of merely a revival!

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  68. Hi Vix....funny I thought someone painted a portrait of you! Love the colorful outfits.

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  69. That is such a groovy picture and it does look like you. What a great gift! I totally agree with your comments about watered down 1970s fashion being presented to us in 2015. Your collage of some of the treasures for sale in Kinky are just what I would love to wear. Did not know that Yootha made it to a Smiths single cover.

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  70. youre so so right! ive been seeing all these little peeps of 70s around the place but i keep waiting for the real stuff. No one seems to be selling the true flare jeans, just those bell bottomy ones which dont even have a big enough bell! and there needs to be more colour! the 70s were so big for it! I do like that people are looking to the 70s instead of the tired old 50s, but id love to see it done properly. I think most brands are trying to go the Free People version of 70s - the "i just finished hanging out in desert with The Grateful Dead look"... dirty and raggy. ickk!

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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