Monday 11 May 2015

Blue Monday


What a weekend! Another one of back-to-back fairs. We were so busy I didn't get my camera out once. After the shattering disappointment of Friday's election results the good people of Stockport & Leamington Spa went some way to restoring my faith in humanity. Whilst the majority of Brits don't seem to share my political views at least there's a sizable amount of lovely folk who appreciate my taste in vintage clothes.


Is today the start of the week or the end of the weekend? God alone knows. I woke at 8am, three hours later than the last few mornings, showered, dressed and ate buttered toast in front of The Wright Stuff, finally opening The Guardian which had remained wrapped in cellophane since we'd bought it on Saturday morning. Without speaking we grabbed some bags, locked the house up and started walking down the road. What's on the list, where's first? Jon asked. I don't even know why we're going into town, I replied. Our brains are fried after spending 26 hours out of the last 48 working.


Our minds may have gone but the charity shop radar is still finely tuned. Today's finds include this velvet trimmed 1970s dress and two pairs of amazing 1980s elbow length evening gloves by the Queen's glove maker, Cornelia James.


Jon loves Converse All Stars but refuses to buy them new after the company sold out to Nike in 2003. His run of luck in finding them second hand continued today. These black ones were £4.99 from the British Heart Foundation.


I wasn't too busy working yesterday to snap up these three psychedelic beauties from Retro Fit at Stockport yesterday (thanks to Lyndsey Boomerang tipping me off!) I'm wearing the skirt on the left today. 

Wearing: Prova maxi with 1970s suede waistcoat (part of a suit bought from eBay in 2010), Indian sandals & vintage basket (jumble sale finds), Jaipuri leather bag and 1970s sunglasses (car boot sale)  
 No Wetherspoons all-dayer for us today, Jon's bought a 12 pack of India Pale Ale from Lidl and he's roasting veg and Haloumi instead. We're trading in Bristol & London this weekend and need to save our pennies for a hotel. 

See you soon.

60 comments:

  1. imagine, the Queen's glove maker, wow, they must be popular, I love the dots.
    Lovely outfit today, that skirt is beautiful, sounds like you will be in need of a vacation,

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  2. Love your style today - that red suede vest sure looks great with that skirt. London, hopefully they make it worth buying that hotel. Enjoy your pale ale!

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  3. That maxi is lovely, very 1960's!

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  4. I agree with Cheapchick, that your red suede waistcoat is smokin'hot with the new maxi and luckily it's warm enough to bare the arms. As usual great chazza finds, £4.99 must almost be the most you've ever paid for something?
    xx

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  5. Jon scored great with his Chucks! And you are a total babe, as per usual. xox

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  6. Lovely shots of you infront of that fab blue. I'm not too keen on blue at the moment for obvious reasons.
    Anyway, too much gorgeousness here to feel too glum. Feck...those gloves are amazing and I love the maxis. You rock it with your waistcoat. Fab.
    Loves ya.
    xxxxx

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  7. How I love your maxi skirts! They are truly prettty!!! You look really nice with that and the waistcoat! Hurrah!!! The halloumi sounds fab! We ate that EXACT dinner last Tuesday!!!! Last night it was fried asparagus, peppers, pak Choi, tomatoes and broccoli with feta!!x

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  8. I like your new red maxi - isn't it great that the 70s are so coming back this year! (2nd time around for me and I love it all!) HOpe you get a chance to enjoy yourselves in London and it won't all be work work work - I imagine you would enjoy Portobello Road market! Betty

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  9. I really love the red against the blue background. I like the whole outfit and that massive wonderful shopping tote.

    Just hearing how much work you've squeezed in makes me tired : )

    bisous
    Suzanne

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  10. I was gutted too with the election results , I still can't understand how the result was like it was after so many people are really unhappy with this government. Glad you have been really busy our nik likes converse we bought her some for of her christmas presents , i love that new British Heart foundation shop xxx

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  11. I'm crazy about maxi skirt so you can imagine how much I love this look. The vest is fantastic too...and I like both bags.

    I'm glad your belief in humanity was at least partly restored by the shared love for vintage clothes:)

    I remember reading about the election ... Rosalind's blog if I'm not mistaken...Blogs are as close to reporting I get, I don't actually watch the news and I don't believe the press much.

    I guess I like my news second hand. ...haha...and speaking of second hand, I like the converse Jon got. I refuse to buy them full price out of principle, because they're made from denim and rubber and cost like leather shoes...that's just crazy!

    Anyhow, I have one pair of sneakers that looks a bit like converse, but I bought it in some outlet for four pounds or something like that. recently I had to sew them because they were falling apart, but I did wear them out good...interesting how easy it is to sew through rubber...I was quite surprised.

    p.s. those two pairs of polka dot gloves got me hypnotized.

    Have a great week dear

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  12. I didn't even know Converse sold out. At least Jon got the pleasure of scoring a pair by thrift. Your finds are amazing. After working so hard everything must look paisley. You look ravishing. I hope you get "mellow" on the drinks and can put your feet up long enough to recover for your coming weekend. Cheers!

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  13. I love all your new skirts, but that one on the right is my favorite by far! :)

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  14. Love the blue backdrop. It sets off all those beautiful skirts nicely. It's pretty much the same colour as the stripes on the Cornishware mug I'm drinking out of at the moment. Let's reclaim the colour from the Tories xxx

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  15. Mm, roast veg and halloumi, I could eat that right now!!

    Smashing skirt on you, that's my fave out of the ones you picked up. What a find those '80s gloves are too, they are really pretty.

    We live in a Labour seat (ex-mining community) and hell will freeze over before anyone here will vote Conservative. Bit worried about the rise of UKIP though - if there was proportional representation they would have got so many seats across the UK.

    Anyway, these sunny pictures have cheered up my politics induced gloom somewhat xx

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  16. Ha, you and me both, trying to raise some (red) cheer on a blue day! You look gorgeous despite the post-election gloom, and your new finds, including that skirt, are fab. The skirt on the right is simply wonderful!
    Jon did well to find those Converse, I always keep a look out for them. I'm currently trialling some leopard print hi-tops, but I don't really think they're me so they might end up on Ebay. Claud's and Nina's are secondhand, of course, and I'm on the hunt for some for Owen. Love the spotty gloves too - I have a Cornelia James scarf, didn't realise she was a glove maker with royal connections.
    You and Jon have worked so bloody hard all weekend, I'm not surprised you hardly know what day it is! But it's worth it, you are much appreciated traders at the fairs you go to, and you spread the vintage love in the BEST way! Bristol, London (and hotels!) - wow, your business is developing from a local to a countrywide enterprise, it's fantastic! And testament to how good you are at what you do.
    Love you! xxx

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  17. I love that battered old blue gate, and your red outfit really pops against it.

    I'm going to *try* and make it to the fair in Brixton. Not that I *need* any clothes but it'd be nice to say hello :)

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  18. It's hard sometimes to realize that most of the people from your own country is not having a reasonable behaviour! yes, I know something about this! (sigh!)
    But we're still able to enjoy some dressing up and it's fabulous watching you looking gorgeous!, and such Amazing Gloves!!, absolute 80's coolness!
    Lovely maxis indeed!
    besos & courage!

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  19. Those gloves are amazing!!!
    And where are you trading in London this weekend? excitement. ( I live in London, I might be able to come and meet you!!)

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  20. I stopped buying All-Stars when they hit $45 for new ones. For crying in a bucket, they are made from canvas! For a couple of slack ass hippies, you guys sure do work hard LOL. Good for you! Look out London!

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  21. this gloves are fab!!!
    i feel with you after that exhausting weekend! although i must say you look fresh and beautiful as ever! i wish you luck for bristol and london!!! xxxxxxx

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  22. Fabulous gloves and I love me some Cons too. I have one precious pair which I have had since 1992 I would guess. I wear them quite a lot but they don't seem to really wear out that much which is good coz £50 is a lot to spend on new ones. Everyone seems to upset about the election, but as I said to one friend who as in tears at the outcome, you are not the minority here it's just our electoral system works like that. It may be a horrible outcome but I am not that sure PR would be much better, just different.

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  23. Now there's an outfit to brighten a day, lovely.

    Get you trading in London no less!It won't know what's hit it x x

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  24. Hey Vix: Glad you got your faith restored a bit, and I hope that you're putting your feet up and relaxing tonight.
    Great score Jon on finding those Converse!
    xox

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  25. Red outfit + your black hair + bright blue fence = ART! You look gorgeous, this waistcoat is so perfect on you. I can only imagine how tired you and Jon were, to leave the house silently like that... Congrats on finding such lovely gloves, and the pair of Converse (strangely enough, we used to call them Keds - кеды - when I was a kid - they were worn exclusively to Physical Education classes and such). Sad that your people did not make a better choice, I feel for you! My home country seem to be stuck in bad choices for years now. Have a restful week, Vix! xxx

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  26. Your self-discipline/work ethic is amazing, dear Vix. I'm sure that both you and Jon were clad in stylish vintage when that sadly funny conversation about The List occurred "...I don't even know why we're walking into town..."

    Must say that I find India Pale Ale medicinal and I'm sure Jon's veg and Haloumi will sustain you for the long-haul weekend ahead!

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  27. Put your feet up and enjoy a drink ... you've earned it :0)
    xx

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  28. The secondhand Converse All Stars were a great find. What a brilliant score with the evening gloves, they are really beautiful. x

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  29. I did'nt know Converse had sold out .. cant help it - love them anyway , and even moore since my feet became so bad . Thw gloves looks like candy ! And so do you !
    xxx

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  30. Ooh I shall have to come and visit you if you're trading in London! Enjoy your well earned drink - you deserve it! x

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  31. Elections ?! I think I have an allergy to this word, in a few days there will be regional elections in Italy, Tuscany is in the hands of fake progressives, sharks that destroy the good things and keep the bad .. Do you understand, I'm sorry for the results of British elections ...; (
    But we do not talk about politics! Your new purchases are great, especially long gloves with polka dots! And I really like your look today! Fantastic bag of straw and the skirt!
    And 'absurd as the Converse is expensive and new, we boycott the Nike for years.
    There's a song by a group of my city that sings: "It seems that now it is fashionable what
    He took only slaps to do it in ninety-three. The tight pants were from fags and not fashion,
    Converse by beggars, computers losers .. "it is the Zen Circus are convinced they are right, many times I was taken around clothes that are fashionable now !!
    Excuse the parenthesis. have a good week

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  32. I always get second hand All Stars too, am currently enjoying a plum pair.......Where in London?x

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  33. Looking super as always missus. Hope we get to see the photo the lady took of us at Stockport.
    Couldn't walk passed the hospice shop myself yesterday. Came out with a flowery St. Michaels blouse for £2. Ran home with my find and slipped it on with some white Chinos and an ebay find pink cashmere cardi xxx

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  34. Ohhhhh, the gloves. If they are size small and you plant sell them, I would love to add them to my collection!!!

    You look ravishing in the psychedelic skirt! Hope that you have a few mellow days after your busy weekend.

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  35. Ooo, love that vest and skirt! A winning red and pink combination!
    A gal needs her rest, selling is so social and draining!Still, make hay while the sun shines , I guess!
    Mmmm, haloumi!
    Love Helga XXX

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  36. The election result is too depressing to think about, what is wrong with people?!
    Love your 3 buys, but the dress in the middle is my fav. x

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  37. I go away for four months and you are even more beautiful
    Thank you for being there, dearest queen
    XXXXXXXXXXXXX

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  38. I'm still gutted over the election! seriously, wtf people! I'm not going to rant though and*breathe* aaah! now you are ravishing! and busy! feck, even on auto-pilot you find the best things, I have a soft spot for Chucks, Jon scored brilliantly! hope you both managed to chill out, pale ale, roasted veg and halloumi is bloody lovely x x x

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  39. Those gloves!!! The All Stars!! Sweeeeet!

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  40. So happy to see you looking lovely as ever!! I'm getting the kinks out of a new computer, so hopefully I'll be able to come by more often. Love you!!

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  41. Those gloves are brilliant - still can't understand these election results … unbelievable… at least people in England could have influenced things - we could only watch in horror and vote tribal - we can't even spoil a vote in protest … it's either green or orange and we're all fed up having no say unless it's tribal .. Humph!
    Have fun in London and don't work too hard.

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  42. Those gloves are brilliant - still can't understand these election results … unbelievable… at least people in England could have influenced things - we could only watch in horror and vote tribal - we can't even spoil a vote in protest … it's either green or orange and we're all fed up having no say unless it's tribal .. Humph!
    Have fun in London and don't work too hard.

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  43. start again work as usual, continue to live vigorously look forward without looking back
    cara alami menurunkan darah tinggi

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  44. Look at you basking in glorious sunshine!!! Love the spotted gloves, what a find.

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  45. You look fab in your new skirt.

    I don't know anyone who wasn't shocked at the election result - aside from my mum, I don't think I know anyone who voted further left than Lib Dem. Where did all those tory voters come from?!

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  46. My condolences about the election results :(

    Those are such pretty gloves, and a smashing dress. I can't believe how hard you two work - I know it's necessary to keep the business running but I get tired just reading about the schedule you have ;)

    Jon and I should compare notes on our Chucks. I didn't know they were sold to NIKE. I have 6 pairs now and am always looking for different colours, but it's rare to find any used ones in good shape over here.

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  47. Lovely outfit ... Indian Pale Ale. sounds good!

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  48. yeah the election result gave our household the blues too.
    You're looking wonderful and radiant as usual!

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  49. Stunning finds, as always! Those new to you skirts are gorgeous and your waistcoat is divine!

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  50. Our on-line Indonesian herbal medicinal agents recommend ace maxs as potent thyroid medication and safe
    http://obatpenyakitgondoksite.blogspot.com/2015/05/obat-pembengkakan-jantung.html

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  51. That lovely flaky old door makes the perfect backdrop for your photo. Am so loving that outfit, particularly the waistcoat - its perfect for you xxx

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  52. Fantastic colours, all look gorgeous on you! Your basket is brilliant - want one!

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  53. Nice to see you are getting some sun! Gorgeous in red. And that blue wall is amazing. Together...stunning! Xo Jazzy Jack

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  54. The photos of you in front of the brilliant blue doors are excellent. You look so cool. I love the red waistcoat and your new skirt, and how well you described the way you two were feeling on the way I to town. Inspired by something I read here in the past, we tried haloumi recently. It's great stuff. Bet it was delicious roasted with vegetables.

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  55. Looking amazing as always Vix! I think a lot of people were disheartened by the election results, but at least the people around you made you smile again :) Those converse are so cool too. My brother loves them! - Tasha

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  56. Great style!
    Keep in touch!
    xo from Italy,
    Sonia Verardo
    http://www.trenchcollection.com/

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  57. Still can't believe it, who on earth voted for them? What were they thinking? I just don't know...Anyway. Can't think about that now. Far better to look at pictures of you looking lovely. That red waistcoat is great and what a fabulous array of skirts you scored. Cor, yes, I bet your head was spinning. All that hard work. Hope you get a day off soon to spend in Spoons! Xxxxx

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  58. Those gloves are INCREDIBLE!! Also I love the selection of maxis you bought - so pretty xo

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Lots of love, Vix