The Caped Crusader & Some Vintage Finds

I've found so much great vintage lately it's getting quite ridiculous. This is one of four capes (yes, four!) I've bought in the past week.  Updated to link to Judith's Hat Attack.

Wearing: Welsh tapestry cape, tribal print 1970s maxi and original leather platforms - all bought at Sutton Coldfield Vintage Fair.

Here's the second, a classic Welsh Wool tapestry number in a harder to find midi length. It's so cosy, like wearing a blanket. Perfect for the predicted zero temperatures we've got forecast for the weekend.

Clockwise from top left: Hendrix-inspired suede waistcoat; Suede blazer; Jaeger wool cardi; 1960s Farah jacket; Suede driving gloves; 1950s Doeskin waistcoat; 1970s Trench coat; English-made Tartan cap; 1950s Harris Tweed blazer; 1960s Philip Collier wool jacket; St Michael herringbone trilby; 1960s Leather lace ups; 1970s Dagger collar, novelty print shirt; Vinyl briefcase; St Michael blazer; 1970s Donkey jacket, Sears 1970s needlecord blazer.

It's the time of year when people are clearing out their houses in readiness for all the new tat they'll acquire over the festive season. There was a huge queue outside the Cash for Clothes hut this morning and a couple of the charity shops we visited had notices on the door refusing any further donations as their stockrooms were full. 

Clockwise from top left: Greek key print maxi skirt; embellished 1970s midi; 1960s Evans Outsize psychedelic shirt; Suede & leather jerkin; Simon Ellis maxi; Fred Bear fedora; Crimplene & lurex maxi; Cotton printed maxi; Dorothy Perkins evening blouse; Lolita-style 1970s midi; Chiffon sleeve 1970s midi; 1960s mini dress; David Conrad suede coat; Corsonia 1960s wool coat; 1960s Dermore of Mayfair velvet evening top.

It's a great time to be charity shopping. Most people are obsessed with Xmas shopping and, as the vast majority shudder at the thought of giving second hand gifts, it means the chazzas are quiet, eBay's dead and there's rich pickings for us. If we bought all the old stuff we saw we'd go bankrupt so (believe it or not) we exercise restraint - we pick the best and leave the rest. After all, not all vintage is good vintage.

Of course, most of what we buy is for Kinky Melon. My own clothes still fit into a couple of wardrobes, with the out-of-season stuff (halternecks, floaty skirts, gauzy cotton & silk maxis and bikinis) packed away in suitcases ready for India and for next Summer. I don't try on our stock purchases, they're washed, repaired if necessary, tagged and hung on the shop rails out of temptation's way. Every £5 spent on me is one fewer night's accommodation in an Indian B&B.

 I spotted this embroidered & tasselled wool cloak (number 3!) on another Judy's trader's stall in Liverpool last week. Luckily she'd taken a fancy to some 1970s silver crochet bellbottoms on our stall so we did a swap. Not sure if it's Moroccan or Afghani but I love it.

Another trader had saved this caped catsuit especially for me and, as she sells her stuff at bargain basement prices, it would have been daft not to buy it. It has a blue ILGWU label inside which means it was made between 1964 - 1973 (judging by the fabric and the style, definitely '70s).

Just in case you're wondering I bought THIS black velvet capelet (number 4!) when I was out with Curtise & Tania last Thursday.

Mexican wool cape (Sutton Coldfield Vintage Fair) worn with City Swingers 1970s moss crepe maxi (British Heart Foundation), sheepskin hat (Salvation Army, years ago) and 1960s lace-up go-go boots.

Jon tells me that we've got to leave at 5.30am for Bristol tomorrow morning so I'd better get myself & my outfit ready for a 4.45am alarm call. No drinking or shenanigans for us. That'll have to wait till Monday.

See you soon!