Yesterday took us to Bath, one of our favourite places to trade. Business was a welcome return to form and we had an ace, sun-filled day hanging out with some of our favourite vintage sellers and making a few people very happy, including the pink haired girl who was going home and chucking out all her mediocre clothes now she'd found the psychedelic skirt of her dreams and the beautiful blonde who felt like a Bohemian princess in the Quad maxi she bought for her prom.
Catching up with the gorgeous Mim was the icing on the cake. She bought her Horrockses' 1960s midi from us a while back and it fits like it was made for her.
Bath might be brilliant but the steps up to the banqueting room in the Georgian Guildhall are a challenge to say the least. I was quite relieved when our weekly Wetherspoons' date mate cancelled, I don't think my poor aching hip would have got me to the pub and back. We're so knackered that neither of us can face unpacking the stock from the van so, instead, we've bitten the bullet and commissioned a beast of an outbuilding to house our vintage stock from a local shed manufacturer. The parental home won't be around to serve as free storage forever (hopefully) and it would be fantastic to have all our stock within easy reach.
The weather's been gorgeous, perfect for this new-to-me block printed cotton maxi my thoughtful friend, Rosanna, bought from Dorothy Perkins in the 1970s and unearthed recently when she was sorting out her loft.
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| Stuart Weizmann for Russell and Bromley metallic wedges (local chazza, £2.99) |
My sandals got their first outing today. My feet are the last thing to get exposed to the elements. I'm terrified of damaging them, in our job our feet are our fortune! I'm standing on a row of stepping stones I found hidden under the weeds. Shifting them across the garden was one hell of a work out.
I also discovered a couple more chimney pots lurking in the undergrowth, one is planted out with a Home Bargains' fuchsia and the other awaits a car boot sale pot of ivy. I meant to buy some last week but the only plant seller was a hideous perv who pointed me out to his friend and shouted "Look at the body on that" when I bent over to inspect the merchandise. Talk about how not to make a sale.
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| Sunday's work wear: Me-made 1960s curtain maxi, vintage leather top (the much-missed Helga the great), Indian silver Laxmi buckle (Xmas present from Liz), 19th century tribal neck-piece from Karnataka (see HERE), Super shiny hair (Aussie long hair treatment from Home Bargains - I'm very impressed!) |
Loving this weather, as you can see the self-employed sun tan is coming along nicely!
Linking to Patti & the gang for Visible Monday, on time for once.
Hiya, love your blog as usual. You have inspired me. I have bought a pair of Ben 10 kids curtains from my local bhf charity shop and hopefully (fingers crossed) I will be,wearing them as a full circle maxi skirt for my cousins wedding in August. I inherited a sewing machine last year and with a little (or more truthfully a lot) of watching you tube videos I will create it. Caz x
ReplyDeleteHello Car24lin!! Hooray! Those curtains will make a fabulous maxi (I know the print!). You Tube is absolutely brilliant when I get stuck with my sewing, too. Sewing Bee is back on tonight, that always inspires me to get creating. xxx
DeleteHiya, love your blog as usual. You have inspired me. I have bought a pair of Ben 10 kids curtains from my local bhf charity shop and hopefully (fingers crossed) I will be,wearing them as a full circle maxi skirt for my cousins wedding in August. I inherited a sewing machine last year and with a little (or more truthfully a lot) of watching you tube videos I will create it. Caz x
ReplyDeleteWe want pics Caz xx
DeleteSeems we are not sharing weather this time, as it turned cold here this weekend (and an extended one here at that), luckily without too much rain. I'm glad to hear trade was good in Bath, and how lovely to see a picture of you and Mim in her Horrockses dress. Love your 1970s maxi and your sandals. I haven't brought mine out yet. xxx
ReplyDeleteWe had your weather forecast for last weekend, Ann, but it turned out lovely!
DeleteDidn't Mim look lovely? Several of the other traders commented on how good she looked. She's such fun, I feel like I've known her for years! xxx
I thought of you today when I was out and about round the chazzers with my mate whose daughter is a new fan of you and Jon.
ReplyDeleteThere were lots of frocks in Ramsbottom that made me think of you.
The colours in your skirt are gorgeous and sounds like Kinky Melon did the job this weekend. We are going to need a big shed ourselves we've got that much stuff xxx
Do we need a road trip to Ramsbottom? It sounds like somewhere I'd find Peter Kay!!
DeleteI've banned Jon from the shed when it arrives. He's not taking it over with oily car stuff, amps and guitars like he has with the rest of the house! xxx
I can imagine Jon invading the new shed with his stuff haha. You need to give me a list of labels to look out for for you xxx
DeleteLooking fantabulous as always! And there's our lovely Mim looking beautiful in jade!
ReplyDeleteAll these lovely outfits you make out of gorgeous curtain fabrics, Vix. There must have been a lot of psychedelic sitting room curtains in the UK in the 60's?
Boo on hideous pervs!
xox
https://calmlycookingcurry.blogspot.com/
There must have been some seriously groovy interiors here back in the day. I found a wonderful pair at the car boot last week I'm dying to cut up.
DeleteHideous pervs should have died out with Benny Hill! xxx
Ah men. So refined! LOL
ReplyDeleteSo very happy to hear you had a good weekend.
That little leather vest fits you perfectly and shows off your eyes.
What a score on that green maxi! I'm SO jealous!
I wondered where you housed all of your loot between shows. I used to remember each time I did a show I wished I had an army of gnomes that could empty the SUV and put everything back in its place. So often we would leave the unpacking till the next day. Doing the shows is exhausting! You both impress me with your stamina.
bisous
Suzanne
God, some men are just atrocious.
DeleteThe unload is too much! We were tempted to leave it all in the van until Saturday's fair but I couldn't live with creased stock (I've got mild OCD when it comes to my stall's presentation!)
That green dress would look fab on you. xxx
Love those sandals! As for pervy plant man, grrr at him. I can't believe that people still think it's socially acceptable to make such comments. I'd have kicked him in his begonias!
ReplyDeleteNice one, Kim! I was so taken aback I scuttled off quickly to hide my red face! xxx
DeleteLove those sandals! As for pervy plant man, grrr at him. I can't believe that people still think it's socially acceptable to make such comments. I'd have kicked him in his begonias!
ReplyDeleteThe charity shops in Ramsbottom are fab Lynn. I git some gorgeous stuff there a couple of weeks ago. Caz x
ReplyDeleteI'm thinking of going back tomorrow for another look. The prices were great. Rawtenstall next x
DeleteLove to see the weekend was both fun and profitable! You look outrageously gorgeous in that leather fringed top. That in no way excuses the rude man and his Donald Trump-like statements! Thanks for linking, stay fabulous, xox
ReplyDeletePatti
http://notdeadyetstyle.com
Thanks, Patti! He was the UK's answer to Donald Trump, his hair was almost as bad, too! xxx
DeleteOh I really love that green print sundress! And I'm glad you finally got some nice weather. :)
ReplyDeleteThanks, Laurie! xxx
DeleteUrgh, gross!!!! I hate it when people make comments about bodies (like, don't say anything, but I really dislike it when a certain blog reader of mine who is very supportive and nice, makes comments about something being very flattering to me up top (no, no, no, no!!!!!).
ReplyDeleteThat said,you look brilliant in that outfit- it is really a nice top and skirt combo! That new dress is gorgeous- the print is really delicate and it suits the background!!x
I've seen those comments, Kezzie, bit over familiar, aren't they? Some people really need to take a step back. xxx
DeleteSo glad your sunshine has arrived Vix, we have the dreaded RAIN this morning after a good storm last night. The Chimney pot is a good find in your garden and Ivy will be perfect in it. Enjoy your sunshine and getting your tan on!!
ReplyDeleteOh no, Sue! Rain is the worst! Guess what? On further investigation I've found another chimney pot covered in ivy - the prev definitely won't be getting my business! xxx
DeleteI'm glad your trading was back to form. I love your photos from the garden, so pretty. Have a good week xx
ReplyDeleteThanks, lou! Bath is lovely, the people really seem to appreciate proper vintage. xxx
DeletePervs are everywhere, even managing IOM swimming baths according to the paper!
ReplyDeleteLove the Dotty P maxi....those shoes fit like a dream. Thanks for the heads up about Sewing Bee, I'd forgotten but will catch up later. Off now to get my last IS fix....sob. x
They need to be rounded up, shipped off to their own island and have Donald Trump put in charge of them!
DeleteDid you catch up? Loved Esme, the new judge on Sewing Bee and how amazing was Aafrin in IS? I love him even more now! xxx
Haha, yes indeed! IS was fabulous but a bit sad that poor Ian was heartbroken over Sunni. So glad vile Charlie was despatched and Aafrin got the girl...he was masterful. No, didn't manage to see Sewing Bee but just spoke to Dad who did and he also said the new judge was good. Going to catch up now.x
DeleteMasterful, that's the word! Loved Ian, Sunni was crazy not to marry him.
DeleteGreat that your Dad loves The Bee, Jon does too! xxx
Yay for a wonderful weekend, Vix: and that vintage leather top is tops!!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Carole! Not many jobs allow you to work in leather tops - vintage selling rocks! xxx
DeleteLovely summery outfits Vix, and you look lovely in both of them. The perv deserved a slap in gob, methinks.
ReplyDeletexxx
Have a great week.
veronica
vronni60s.blogspot.com
Thanks, Vronnie! He'd probably have enjoyed a slap, closest a woman has gone to him in years, I reckon! xxx
Deleteyou did good on those sandals, they're a couple hundred bucks new. And they look new.
ReplyDeleteNever ceases to amaze me what people give away! xxx
DeleteWhile I love your style for your sleek, slender figure, Mim's dress is just my cup of tea. She is gorgeous in the color with her hair, and love seeing some curves in the vintage!
ReplyDeleteShe looks lovely, doesn't she, Sam? Vintage really is great on anyone! xxx
DeleteSo nice to see two of my favourite bloggers together.
ReplyDeleteI'm sure Mr. Perv thought he was paying you some sort of compliment-and jerks like that wonder why they're alone. *Shudder*
Looking at the photo of your handbag rail I'm sitting here with my mouth agape at all the incredible vintage bags (and the Western boots). I'd be your best customer if I lived nearby.
Shame we couldn't have had you squeezed in the middle!
DeleteYou would be one of my best customers, when I shop I often have you in mind! xxx
So nice to see two of my favourite bloggers together.
ReplyDeleteI'm sure Mr. Perv thought he was paying you some sort of compliment-and jerks like that wonder why they're alone. *Shudder*
Looking at the photo of your handbag rail I'm sitting here with my mouth agape at all the incredible vintage bags (and the Western boots). I'd be your best customer if I lived nearby.
Yay! Happy to hear that the weekend was a bright one! Of course, you always shine, with or without Aussie hair products.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Sue! Sunshine, sales and fabulous vintage lovin' people. the perfect weekend! xxx
DeleteIt must be fun going to all those vintage places.
ReplyDeleteCoffee is on
It is, Dora! Bath's the most vintage of places ever, it's even got Roman Baths! x
DeleteThat green maxi is so intensely awesome. Love!!!
ReplyDeleteWhat a joy that you got to hang out with Mim for a bit. It warms my heart to no end when I see two bloggers I adore and follow get to spend time IRL like this.
Big hugs & happy mid-May wishes,
♥ Jessica
I love seeing bloggers together, too - it makes them seem more real, if that makes sense!!
Deletexxx
How fabulous that you still have good weather. I must be a vampire I hide from the sun ( born with a tun I love pale white skins, hahhahahhaha)
ReplyDeleteWhat a good idea to have all your vintage goodies in one place. You have such a good head on your pretty gorgeous shoulders.
Besossssssssssssssss
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
I was definitely born in the wrong country. Mind you, it's raining now, boo! xxx
Deletebeautiful green printed maxi!!!
ReplyDeleteand i´m happy that bath was a winner! no wonder with that cool work outfit, shiny hair and lovely smile!!!
xxxxx
Thanks, Beate! So much easier dressing when the sun shines! xxx
DeleteIt was ace meeting you two again. I only came into the city to see you and Jon, and left with two fab frocks so it was a world of win all round.
ReplyDeleteBath is truly rubbish for people with any sort of mobility problems. Most of the buildings have stairs (though I'm surprised there's no lift in the Guildhall; it might be worth having a word with the staff to see if there's one that they don't usually let the traders use, as they've installed lifts in the Assembly Rooms. Then again, the Assembly Rooms got bombed out in the Baedeker raids, so a lift wasn't destroying anything original, Hitler had already done that). Anyhow, where the streets aren't cobbled there's an awful camber on some; my mother-in-law went over on her mobility scooter. Dreadful city for accessibility.
Ew to Mr Perv. Bet he hasn't got any in YEARS.
It was fab to see you, too!
DeleteBath is a nightmare for anyone with mobility issues. I went on a hen weekend pre-hip replacement and I had to hold on to my friends' arms the whole time (even when i was sober), the pavements are terrible. There is a service lift but it is tiny. I should be patient and wait my turn instead of thinking I'm invincible!
With a chat-up line like that I bet he'd NEVER had any! xxxx
That upper arm bangle is AHHHHMAZING!!!!!!! Hair looking fantastic and so cool about building the shed!
ReplyDeleteIs it wrong to be excited about a shed?! I'm dying to have all my stock in one place! xxx
DeleteSo wish I could have made it to Bath! Glad you had a good day. M x
ReplyDeleteOne day we WILL meet, M! xxx
Deleteyou look gorgeous in your sundress and sandals, nice to see you in your lovely sunny garden!, and enjoying a good time at a fair, meeting people and looking fabulous! (that crop top looks so cute with your purple and blue maxi, love it!)
ReplyDeleteGreat idea to store all your stuff in one place, it's a sign of success!
besos
Thanks, Monica! Hope you've got some sunshine now. It seems like your Winter is lasting far too long! xxx
DeleteThat gorgeous green dress goes perfectly with those sandals. x
ReplyDeleteJust the right length and colour with them. Talk about serendipity! xxx
DeleteLovely 70s dress, I like your zip top too. Garden is looking interesting. Good idea to have the warehouse storage, your stock will be secure, ready for travel and kept aired and crease free. Betty
ReplyDeleteIt'll make a huge difference, Betty! I can't wait to hang everything up and get the stock into some kind of order instead of partially bagged up! xxx
DeleteSo glad you had a good weekend!! You both look fabulous, as always. Your wares look totally intriguing in the background! Wish I could saunter in one day to shop and hang out. I'm glad you'll be able to have a place to properly store your stock. I currently have stuff all in bags and I can never find what I want to work on. It's a mess.
ReplyDeleteThe green maxi is delightful and your shoes (and pedicure) are divine. Love you much XOXO
Damn, I wish you could come over and shop! I'd be giddy with excitement!!
DeleteI'm nagging Jon to sort his junk out so I can have a sewing area with room for my fabric stash to be neatly arranged rather than squashed in an ottoman. It drives me mad! xxx
The green maxi is so pretty on you with your dark hair. You look like an actual part of the garden. I'm always looking to you for style inspiration. It must be so nice to think about all of the people that you make so happy with your Kinky Melon gems. And YES. Take care of your dogs - as we call them out here. My feet are somewhat f#%*ed up and it is No Fun.
ReplyDeleteYou are so sweet, Connie! Thank you.
DeleteF#%*ed up dogs are no fun, I bet. xxx
Hi Vix, You look so pretty in the green maxi and love the shoes. You kill me when you spoke about the perv. That is creepy, but face it, you do have the bod. haha
ReplyDeleteThanks, Cherre! You know, I can always think of a witty put down after the event but at the time his crass comment just rendered me speechless! xxx
DeleteI like both of your clothes in this post, the blue bodice with small fringes is superb, and the dress with fancy green you are divinely, I can understand these maniacs! I'm kidding of course, such comments are rude and of place, but I thought these things only happen in the hinterland Italian ..ehehehhe! These days the "Extreme Gardening" is a steady job and think that is the perfect time to make a relaxing picnic, read a book and sleep instead .. just work and trouble to solve! Beautiful your sandals, I still wear boots!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Serena! The dirty old man is alive and well and prevalent all over Europe....more's the pity. They should have become extinct centuries ago. xxx
DeleteYou are such a great advertisment for your wares!
ReplyDeleteI love seeing the tranformation of your garden. I need inspiration!
I love that Mim wore your dress so you could see it.
Watch out for stray yetis visiting your stall or under a bush in your garden jungle!
xo Jazzy Jack
JJ, the yeti could already be in the garden, there's parts of it I haven't explored for over a decade! xxx
DeleteI hate the perve man! I had a real estate agent years ago show up to take me to a home viewing in a two-seater sports car and his face fell when he saw me. He said: I borrowed my wife's car because I thought you were a young Asian woman (my Japanese name). Guess what? No sale!!
ReplyDeleteYou are looking dazzling as ever, Vix. Glad you're getting storage close at hand. Won't it make life that much easier?
Eurgh! The estate agent sounds awful, can't believe he had the brass neck to tell you of his plans either!
DeleteA shed and hopefully (if Jon ever clears out his wardrobe) a sewing area before the end of Summer. So exciting! xxx
ReplyDeleteI also have shed-envy already - I hope it's a drive-in :)
That block print frock is a doozy - as is the jewellery - you're looking just splendid.
Hope the hip pain has eased for you xxx
Elaine Monkeypaints
FFS what IS it with me and bloody blogger comments of late?!!
DeleteThat blank space is where I offered the use of a bargepole, oven mitts and a hazmat suit in regard to Mr Perve
EM
Funnily enough he kept his trap shut this morning, probably 'cos Jon was next to me.
DeleteI'm unbelievably excited about the shed, I'm on countdown till it arrives! xxx
What a charming man! Glad to hear that the fair at Bath was a success xx
ReplyDeleteThanks, Sarah! xxx
Deletegross Mr Perv, how is that ever ok? Jerk. Anyways I love your shoes, I'm a flats girl for life as we live a car free lifestyle. I'd really love to visit Bath someday, your garden always looks so lovely xo
ReplyDeleteBath is gorgeous, absolutely beautiful!
DeleteI'm a non-driver but even days before my hip replacement I still walked to work in 3 inch heels. Hardcore, me! xxx
Ooo that Dorothy Perkins number is fab - I love the print and it looks the perfect weight for this sort of weird in between sunshine//cold that has been with us of late. URGHHH mr perve sounds like a right plonker, my least favourite thing about car boots is there seems to be a high percentage of 'men who like to make comments' XXX
ReplyDeleteWho'd have thought humble old Dotty P's used to make such pretty dresses?
DeleteYes, crazy people in chazzas and perverts at car boots, why? xxx
Quoting you, Vix: "It isn't jewellery, it's armor against mediocrity." It's wonderful to see you wearing these museum-worthy items as part of your working wardrobe!
ReplyDeleteYou remembered! My bastard massive jewellery keeps the other stall holders amused. They can't get over the weight of that antique neck piece, wearing it is like a session in the gym! x
DeleteYour garden is so lovely, as are you standing within it! Your curtain couture skirt is excellent. I'll be looking for that Aussie Formula shiny hair stuff.
ReplyDeleteThank you! Definitely hunt down the Aussie stuff. If we didn't have such strict postage laws I could have sent you some. xxx
DeleteYou and Jon certainly look happy in Bath. I'm glad you had a good fair, and how lovely to see Mim! Modelling one of your frocks so beautifully too. Your racks look so colourful and tempting. I'm trying to zoom in on all the frocks! Not happy about the hip situation though, sounds really painful. Oh my goodness, a shed!!! I love a shed. Can't wait to see yours. Q's been building one out of scraps at the allotment. Look at you looking gorgeous in your Dotty P! Urgh, perv alert! Go back and crawl under a stone, you toad. Xxxxx
ReplyDeleteI bet Q's scarp shed will look brilliant! I want a greenhouse made out of windows and am constantly scouring the neighbourhood for skips.
DeleteA strict diet Anti-inflams and some lager eased the hip. Luckily the Derby venue doesn't have stairs so I can drag the sacks rather than lift them! xxx
Oooo, I am crushing on your purple and blue outfit, especially the sassy leather top, and those eye-popping accessories! Is the neckpiece as heavy as it looks?
ReplyDeleteThe green maxi is lovely, and I'm glad to hear you'll soon have storage for your vintage wares. It must be exhausting packing and unpacking Gilbert all the time.
That neckpiece weighs a ton - I reckon I could use it as a door knocker if I ever get bored with it! xxx
DeleteLucky duck meeting Mim! I feel so behind on the whole meeting up thing with just one lovely lady having been met so far (the wonderful Kezzie) xxx
ReplyDeleteMim's lovely, I feel like I've known her for ever! xxx
Delete....and I've met Kezzie, too - she's a sweetheart! xxx
Delete