Thursday 21 May 2015

Riviera Style Via The Black Country

Photograph: Lancashire County Council
What is it they say about life being a series of strange coincidences? I was going to write about something completely different until I opened Facebook earlier & saw that Patti had shared a link from The Guardian about an exhibition celebrating a century of swimwear about to open at the London Museum of Fashion & Textiles. The images had me captivated.

Photograph: Lancashire County Council

Photograph: Lancashire County Council
Photograph: Lancashire County Council

Photograph: Lancashire County Council



The coincidence? I've added another three vintage 1960s swimsuits to my collection in the last few days.


I can't take the credit for this one, Lyndsey Boomerang found the fabulous St Michael floral number.


Sadly it's a bit too big so it'll be appearing on our rails very soon, where it will hopefully find a more buxom wench to adore.




This purple swimsuit is by Silhouette and, together with the Slix black fishnet costume, was from a charity shop in a market town a hour's drive away. We only visit a handful of times a year but the manager always saves any vintage donations for me to look through first. Talk about once seen, never forgotten!


This has never been worn as the plastic gusset is still intact. It must have been bought as a school uniform as the previous owner's name tag is sewn inside. Its a raunchy little number for a schoolgirl, isn't it?


I'm dedicating today's post to Kathryn & the gang, my amazing fan club in St Louis, a seniors' care home in the States who've followed me for years and send the most hilarious emails. Clyde (who is 87) says he'll kick the ass of any haters out there so, if seeing me in swimwear causes you to become so outraged that you troll me, watch it.



See you soon.

52 comments:

  1. Good for Clyde. I just don't get why you in a swimsuit upsets so many people. You look amazing. I love the purple number in the first photo.

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  2. You and the swimsuits looks amazing ! Great old pics.
    Sadly - im a bit to big for such eye candy..
    xxx

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  3. A great blog post again Vix ,you look fabulous in the swimsuits and don't let anybody tell you any different best wishes xxx

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  4. Great post Vix!
    Beautiful swimsuits and great body, you have a fan club of one here in Dallas TX.
    Love from Pam in TX.xx

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  5. - being mid 50s I need to grow old gracefully and your black mesh swimsuit is the way to do it - if only they would make more! having said that I will be thinking sod it and wearing my bikinis on holiday whatever! How fun to have a following of seniors! nobody could hate you Vix - I love your down to earth honest blog.

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  6. Ha, I'll join Clyde in kicking anyone's arse who has the temerity to be trollish! But why would anyone object to seeing you looking fabulous in gorgeous vintage cossies? They - and you - are looking good! That saucy mesh panel looks fab.
    Love all those photos (Lancashire County Council? Are they all taken in Blackpool? Very exotic!)
    Love you! xxxx

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  7. Good for Clyde - bet there will be lots of volunteers to 'old 'em while Clyde 'its 'em!


    I love these swimsuits and would enjoy owning any of them but they are too small for my magnificent bosom!

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  8. Please tell me that you're keeping the black one for yourself! It is so perfect on you.

    Those vintage photos are great. I love the one with the blue and red mod beach looks. Fantastic.

    Cheers to your fan club!

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  9. So that's what you have for school uniforms in England! Naughty nation! :)) You look STUNNING! You are such a beautiful model for all of them. The black one is just super sexy on you! It's a pity the orange/green/blue did not quite work, though I know you'll find more amazing suits soon, you just know how to do t! Loved the old fashion photos - amazing designs.

    My dear, the whole America adores you! :) xxxxxx

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  10. My favorite is the racy black one - very cool!

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  11. I'm loving Clyde - here's hoping he's not needed because you look smoking hot! The black net is my personal favorite. xox

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  12. I can't believe Clyde's assistance would be needed, but nice to know you have that support, even if it is on the other side of the Atlantic. I'd like to see a photo of Clyde and his cohorts, they sound like cool dudes. Love all the cozzies but you are rocking the raunchy black one. xx

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  13. Wow wow wow! You wear all of these so very well.

    I especially like the last "trampy" one. LOL Typical for me I know.

    You are looking extra fabulous here lady! Most 20 year olds can't hold a candle to you.

    bisous
    Suzanne

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  14. Hey cats, let's go for a swim before the clambake! Groovy! Although there are a couple cool people who play the bongos and just hang out.
    The vibe here is the best. You rock a vintage suit like no other. The girl's mum saw the suit and forbade her from wearing it. She didn't want her daughter starting a riot at the boy's school. Fun post!

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  15. You look fab that black cossie is a stunner x

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  16. I got a lovely email from Kathryn and the St. Louis gang this week too, and the same offer from Clyde to deal with any cyber-negativity I might be experiencing. I do love them!

    The black suit with the mesh insert is Hot, HOT, HOT and a photo of you wearing it should be in that exhibit. I have a boring one piece suit but as I rarely go swimming or tanning, I don't need any more. HOWEVER, that said, if I found the twin of the red and blue two piece with the high-waisted bottoms, I would even go to the beach just to show it off!

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  17. The name tag must have been for keeping track of it at summer camp. Schools became somewhat progressive at one point in the 70's,but I can't imagine that one getting past a PE teacher.

    I saw that Guardian article and immediately thought of you.

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  18. Troll, troll, troll, troll.... tro la la la la la tri la la la la! I'm trollalaing at you, set them on me!!!!!! Hee hee!!!
    I love the shape of these swim suits and my Nan totally had the orange floral one!!! I'm definitely of the vintage swimmer shape persuasion, they are nice and low cut! You do have an Amazing figure!!! Xx

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  19. Can't beat a vintage swimming costume - just pure glamour in a way that today's paltry offerings can't come close to.

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  20. Go Clyde and the St Louis Gang! We all know what we think of the trolls, especially if they give it the shitty over your fabulous self in your cozzies. Feck the lot of 'em.
    I have no idea why you in a bathing suit should cause such negativity. I invite them all to come see Auntie Emma for a severe talking to...
    Swimwear bastard rocked back then. It's so dismal these days. Dull patterns and nasty fits.
    Love the floral number and adore the black mesh beauty!
    Bring on the sunshine now.
    Bleedin' loves ya.
    xxxxxx

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  21. Those swimsuits are really flattering aren't they, I love ones with moulded cups!!

    The Slix one is a real killer-diller, talk about hot!

    P.S. Clyde - if you're reading this, you're THE MAN!! Trolls, you've been warned!
    xxx

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  22. The last pic with the jewellery is my fav.
    Magazine worthy!
    Clyde and his gang sound priceless.
    Sounds like he will have to wait in line. You have quite a few fans! Xo Jazzy Jack

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  23. I think Clyde is going to love this post, Vix! I hope his heart can take seeing you in that sexy black swimsuit! Va Va Voom! :)

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  24. Oh wow - that vintage fishnet one is gorgeous!!

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  25. I don't know how anyone can take the huff about you in cossies Vix you look gorgeous. It's a great blog post. I'm intrigued to know why Lancashire County Council are showing bathing belle pics though xxx

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  26. You are rocking those suits! I still cannot believe people gave you crap for posting photos of you in bathing suits...I just don't get it!

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  27. You're stunning in any swimsuit, Vix; however, the black with mesh surely deserves a permanent home in your wardrobe!

    And I'm so proud of Clyde and the St. Louis Gang! Proof that we senior Yanks have taste and er, what it take to deal with trolls.

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  28. I love vintage swimsuits - they are just so much more fun that the boring stuff we have today. That mesh number is very raunchy for a school girl! My theory is she went and bought it and when her parents found out about the mesh panel she wasn't allowed to wear it;)

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  29. Yay for Clyde :0)
    The swimsuits are amazing ... they just did them better back then!
    xx

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  30. Oh the St Michaels cozzie is simply gorgeous. I love the fact you parade around in vintage togs. Nothing like seeing them on a live body! Xx

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  31. STunning even wearing a swimsuit!

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  32. Ay caramba, that fishnet one is... well, not a whole lot of swimsuit! But whatever it's got, it's got a lot. Can't see how anyone could hate that.

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  33. You look fabulous as usual! I love the vintage swimwear.

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  34. Gorgeous cozzies and you look fabulous in all of them. You might even get to soak up a bit of sun this weekend! xxx

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  35. yes i read your post about being unfriended for being in swimwear. more fools them - you are an awesome swimwear model! You really do look like a bond girl in that black fishnet number!

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  36. Love all these all photos of these bathing belles. Aren't they wonderful. You sure are rocking those cossies. That black one looks amazing on you! Xxxxx

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  38. Fabulous finds! Loving the floral number. Also, a wee bit jealous of your St Louis fan club & your over-protective Clyde ;)

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  39. I remember lusting after those black swimsuits with mesh inserts !(I'm 61). I don't think it was bought as part of a school uniform - maybe the girl got it herself and sewed in the label to try & get it past a) her mother b) the gym mistress and didn't succeed , hence it not being worn ? Or it had a name tag because she didn't want to lose it . More people sewed tags on in those days . Thanks for the Bond girl reminder ! Like the others I can't understand yr troll(s) and commend Clyde et al .

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  40. Go Clyde, Kathryn and the rest of their gang! x

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  41. Wicked swimsuits!!! I remember having a navy blue one piece with a white pleated skirt when I was a kid that I lived in one summer at the beach. You look amazing in all of those, pity the floral number is a bit big for you.

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  42. Hi Vix I really enjoyed this post it was fun and interesting. Those swimsuits are adorable. I have said it before and I'll say it again and again, you look absolutely terrific in any bathing suit! luv ya! ;-)

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  43. I loved seeing the old swimwear images such style and class for the beach. I loving yours to especially that yellow flower one its gorgeous. You look amazing and good for you for modelling them. Forget the trolls there only jealous. love dee xxx

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  44. What!! who in their right minds will be offended by you in your gorgeous self in swimwear??? you are a damn fine woman and this! is proper swimwear!! I would need a much, much bigger size though, my rack/belly needs it, but this is the type I want!! I had the same cozzy as Sue! I loved it! WE LOVE CLYDE AND HIS CREW!! X X X

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  45. i adore these vintage suite. i think they are far sexier than modern suits that show every crack and crevice. x

    and you look AMAZING!

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  46. As I always say, you have the most amazing bod and if I had your figure I would parade around in my cossie all day long! I can't believe that netted number was a schoolgirl's, surely fit to give any swimming teacher a heart attack! Funnily enough it's so current, it wouldn't look out of place on the rail in Topshop to be worn as a bodysuit no doubt in the 'festival' section! If anyone has anything to say about you in your swimmers I'd say they must be crackers to be offended; you're a vision! xxxx

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  47. ooooh my my you are one hot hottie hottie in those suits!!!

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  48. You look amazing in those swimsuits Vix. The exhibition at the fashion and textile museum looks great, I get free entry because it's linked to my college so will have to pop over there soon.

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  49. Those pictures are fb and you look incredible in that little black number xxx

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  50. how did I miss this one? there should have been a smoking hot alarm going on somewhere !!!

    You do look fantastic in all of these vintage swimsuits!!!! I especially like the black one...with the sheer detail...but really they are all stunning.

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  51. Fantastic trio! Shame the flora was too big. xx

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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