What's this, two posts in less than a week at the height of the British festival season? After four years I must finally be getting the hang of this festival trading malarkey. Gilbert's mended, fully loaded and ready to hit the road in the morning and I've got time to blog.
Earlier this year I'd made a concerted effort to photograph and share our finds but recently, by the time I'd washed, mended, ironed & priced the latest vintage buys I'd packed it away and they'd sold before I'd had the chance to show you. So, with a few days off to sort myself out, here's some of the vintage womenswear we found at last week's car boot sale & from the town's chazzas which will be adorning our rails this weekend.
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| Clockwise from top left: Travona, Italy midi dress; 1960s Harrods linen shift; 1970s Wallis cotton midi; Reflections satin balloon sleeve shirt; Tricel pussy bow day dress; Crimplene nautical blazer; Nina Ferrari crepe balloon sleeve shirt; Harrods Italian knit boating blazer; 1970s flutter sleeve tunic; 1960s nylon shift dress; Blanes, London day dress; Elsie Whiteley candy stripe pussy bow blouse. |
Of course I do occasionally get to keep some of our finds. If you follow us on Facebook you'll have seen this 1970s Silhouette number I spotted in a charity shop window whilst shopping for essentials (duct tape & wet wipes) in between festivals.
I can't believe it had been on display in the shop window for well over a week. What woman doesn't need a turquoise cutaway crimplene catsuit in their lives?
I was the only eBay bidder on this gauzy cotton maxi I'm wearing.
Admittedly the photo was poor but having admired them on a few fellow vintage-loving hippy chicks I knew London label Earlybird made some gorgeous dresses and the lady selling it had mentioned in the listing that she'd worn it once - for her engagement party 39 years ago - so I reckoned the condition would be okay and it was. Not bad for £5. Oxfam has an Earlybird on their website for an eye watering £75 - and in my humble opinion isn't half as pretty.
We're trading at the wonderful Indietracks this weekend, situated at the Midland Railway Museum in the heart of the Derbyshire countryside. It'll be the sixth time we've been (twice as festival goers and four times as traders). We're right opposite the main stage, the perfect spot for watching Saturday night headliners St Etienne play. Their 1991 cover of Neil Young's Only Love Will Break Your Heart is our song.
Hopefully Summer will come back (it's been AWOL since Tuesday) and I'll be able to wear the Thomas The Tank Engine dress I made especially for Indietracks again this year.
See you soon.
You look fantastic in the Earlybird dress. And it even matches your rug. Have fun at Indie Tracks! xxx
ReplyDeleteI thought the same when I looked at the photos! Thanks, Emma. xxx
DeleteOddly, I never think of you as a "pink and gauzy" person; however, here you are in a deliciously pink and gauzy maxi, standing on a pink rug! It's a charming combo, but the attitude displayed in the recycled-made-it-myself novelty print maxi, posing beside The Engine Himself, is more 'you'. Of course, your working wardrobe requires pizazz! (Do hope you're wearing lower heels off-duty, to spare that hurting hip.)
ReplyDeleteI think it's having such a hectic Summer schedule, Beth. On my days off I'm favouring more earthy shades so when I wear my usual gear for work I feel slightly different - like I've dressed up that bit more, if that makes sense. xxx
DeleteI love that Earlybird dress, it looks beautiful on you! xx
ReplyDeleteThanks, Laura! x
DeleteYou in that blue catsuit. Just as fab as David Bowie and Cher!
ReplyDeleteWhat a stupendous compliment, thank you! I did think of Cher when i spotted that catsuit. I wonder if she ever passed through my home town. It looks just like something she'd have worn. xxx
DeleteAw looking amazing as always. That catsuit is made for you. It's shocking the prices that places put of stuff. I really want a Travilla suit but at circa £400 I can live without one. Have a great weekend. X
ReplyDeleteThanks, Louise! I'm pretty sure I've got an 1980s Travilla jacket in red. If I locate it I'll give you a shout. It definitely won't be £400! xxx
DeleteZowie! That turquoise cutaway catsuit looks like something a Bond girl wore! Suits our Ms Vix well!
ReplyDeleteLove that patchwork print maxu=i too!
Wow! Thank you! I love Bond girl style! xxx
DeleteYou are going to be the talk of the party wearing that tank engine dress.
ReplyDeleteThat catsuit is spectacular on you! Wow!
Sell loads this weekend!
bisous
Suzanne
Thank you!! I'm dying to wear that catsuit out and about - it's either too hot or too chilly, bloody English weather! xxx
DeleteIt's good to hear the Gilbert has been mended and that you're ready for another weekend's trading. I'm loving that Wallis cotton midi and bet it will be snapped up soon. I'm glad to hear you're keeping that marvellous catsuit: it's just your thing and you're looking amazing in it. Hopefully summer returns so that you can wear your Thomas maxi again. Nowhere more suitable than at Indietracks. Have a great one! xxx
ReplyDeleteThat Wallis dress is a stunner, isn't it? I was seriously tempted to keep it!
DeleteThomas is packed along with fake fur, mittens and long sleeved dresses - who knows what the weather will throw at us this weekend. xxx
Loving the dress but the colours seem a bit safe for you lol , The jump suit is more like it , I still laugh to myself when i see the thomas the tank jumpsuit , Have a great trading time xx
ReplyDeleteBeing a 1970s freak I do have a soft spot for brown - it'll be perfect for India - won't show up the dust!! xxx
DeleteI love the Et! Still never seen them live though. I visit Mario's Cafe quite regularly -- if you and your friend ever do make it to Camden we should have lunch there :) They play BBC6 on the radio there so I'm hoping that one day I will hear Mario's Cafe when I'm sitting *in* Mario's Cafe, that would be so ace. I did hear St Etienne on the radio there a while back, wrong song though!
ReplyDeleteI haven't seen them either, I'm excited to have a first class seat from our pitch!
DeleteI love BBC6. Mario's sounds like a date, you're on! xxx
I LOVE the new maxi, what a steal at five quid. You don't usually do muted colours but this looks ace on you,really... and only you would find a turquoise cutaway catsuit and manage to look amazing in it. Hope you stay dry this weekend, it's just started piddling down here. Enjoy the cider! xxxx
ReplyDeleteThanks, Fiona! I do love a muted shade, not quite as much as a "bloody hell, that doesn't leave much to the imagination" (according to Jon) catsuit. We had the piddling down rain this morning, seems quite nice now - don't speak too soon! xxx
Deletecat suit is great, have fun at the Indie
ReplyDeleteThanks, Betty! xxx
DeleteOh my! Only you could carry off that cat suit so beautifully! I think it was made for you! :)
ReplyDeleteThanks, Laurie! xxx
DeleteThe jumpsuit was waiting on you. Don't know too many a figure as good as yours that could appreciate that outfit
ReplyDeleteYou are kind, thank you! xxx
DeleteYour Earlybird dress and catsuit are fab, Vix! And I love reading your blog, so twice in less than a week is a joy! Enjoy the rest of the festival season, looking forward to reading more about your adventures. Xxx.
ReplyDeleteWhat a kind thing to say, Jess! Thank you for being so supportive. xxx
DeleteI regard something really interesting about your blog so I bookmarked .
ReplyDeleteRegards
Deep Web
Erm, thanks...I think! x
DeleteYour EarlyBird gauzy dress looks so right on you and in that Room!
ReplyDeleteSounds like you're pining for summer. Wish I could you send you some of ours!
I wish you could, too! It's cold and wet here. xxx
DeleteThat Cat suit was not only waiting for you it was made for you! Perfect.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Sue! x
DeleteOh my gosh, Vix. You certainly know how to pick them. You know what sells and you know what looks amazing on yourself.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Connie! Almost all those dresses were snapped up - but that catsuit is definitely a keeper! xxx
DeleteI love that Earlybird dress, I'm going to a vintage fair next month and if I had a dress like that to wear in my size it would be perfect (never mind, I do have a sewing machine, so I will try and make something half as fabulous. I probably have said this a million times, but that Thomas dress is amazing!!
ReplyDeleteWith your talents (and impressive fabric stash) I bet you could whip one up in no time, trees! x
DeleteI gasped when I saw that catsuit. They just don't make 'em like that anymore (most of the cut-out details you see on clothes are so timid I wonder why they bothered at all). You look completely glam in it-I hope the weather finally cooperates so you can get some wear from it.
ReplyDeleteYou find the very best vintage-the collar and sleeves on that pink blouse are the stuff of my vintage dreams. I can see it with a pair of red crushed velvet flares, and a matching waistcoat.
Hope the festival goers are better behaved this time around-and that they buy up all your wonderful stock.
You're right there, Goody. Those cut-outs on new clothes are hardly worth the bother. Go big or go home, I say!
Deletexxx
So pleased Gilbert is up and rearing to go again. More armlet/bangles!!! I'm drooling again, Vix. I made a Thomas dress for Edana when she was about two, as she was a huge Thomas fan and she wore it until her arms wouldn't fit it any more. I think she'd love your fabulous Thomas dress in years to come...keep me in the loop about its "progress", please. Sending lots of sunshine up from down here (we've gone into our "normal" winter climate of cold, clear nights and frosty mornings and brilliant dry, sunny days)for the Indietracks weekend, hope it's fabulous in every way. Another photo blog adventure to look forward to!! xx
ReplyDeleteHelo, Elizabth, I certainly will! I've got a waiting list for Thomas dresses but I've only ever found one pair of curtains. xxx
Deletewish you a fabulous indietracks!
ReplyDeletethat catsuit is a stunner on you!!! and well done with the earlybird-dress! gorgeous colors!
big hugs! xxxxx
Thanks, Beate! xxx
DeleteOooh, that Earlybird dress looks beautiful on you. Oxfam's web prices are ridiculous. Their online overheads can't be high enough to justify the prices, I'm sure.
ReplyDeleteAy caramba to the cutout catsuit. That one definitely goes under the heading 'Vix Only'; if I wore anything like that all my saggy bits would wobble out of the holes...
Thanks, Mim! Oxfam's on-line prices are ridiculous, I don't know who makes them up but they obviously don't do much research. I'd be laughed off the vintage circuit if I started charging prices that high. xxx
DeleteI don't get really expensive dresses in Charity shops. My local Sue Ryder has a wedding dress for £500. Bizarre!!! I love love love that maxi-sooo nice!! Glad you got it as a bargain. I like the colour of the jumpsuit you bought but I dont like to think of trying to go to the loo in public in it which is why I don't own any!!!
ReplyDeleteThomas!!!!Xx
Sue Ryder's prices really are insane - £500? Madness! Honestly jumpsuits aren't all that tricky but I bet it puts a few people off buying them. xxx
DeleteThat dress is divine, and the catsuit = wow. x
ReplyDeleteThank you! xxx
DeleteHello there! You don't by any chance still have that picture of the girl with the mandolin do you? I have a lovely sad story about one and am trying desperately to get one for my lovely mum. I would be so greatful if you could tell me if you still have it and would be prepared to let me buy it from you. Yours truly Louise Turner. My email is lhs@sky.com
ReplyDeleteHello Louise, I'm sure you asked me about selling my pictures a few years ago.
DeleteLove that aqua catsuit, I think it was hanging in the shop waiting for only you! The Italian dress, upper left - if it doesn't sell at the fair will you put it in your online shop - I have fallen in love with it. Have a wonderful weekend, sell a lot and most of all, have fun. xox
ReplyDelete-Patti
http://notdeadyetstyle.com
Thanks, Patti! I didn't pack the Italian dress in the end. I'll email you some details in the next couple of days. xxx
DeleteHi Vix! ! I doubt nobody else can look so funky and cool while wearing a turquoise cutaway crimplene catsuit as you do! ! P. S. I'm happy to hear that you enjoyed Norman Jay's set at Truck. xxx
ReplyDeleteHi A-M! Thank you! We did, Summer isn't the same without Norman! xxx
DeleteWhat a bargainous dress. It is utterly lovely and you really suit those colours. That catsuit was made for you. I can't think of many people that would be able to carry of such a fabulous outfit with such aplomb. The Thomas the Tank Engine dress is great. I hope that you have a nice time at Indietracks. It sounds great. Xx
ReplyDeleteThanks, Kelly! Indietracks really is something special, I love it. xxx
Delete"What woman doesn't need a turquoise cutaway crimplene catsuit in their lives?" This line just made my whole day. I can so relate to that sentiment. It's amazing, to us as vintage wearing (and selling) folks the things that seem like (and are!) such "must haves" to us, but which most of the mainstream populace wouldn't even bat an eye over. Thank goodness us vintage adoring lot can appreciate and give a new lease on life to such pieces.
ReplyDeletexoxo ♥ Jessica
You're so right - that's probably why the poor catsuit hung about in the shop window for weeks, mainstream folk just don't get the buzz us vintage types get from finding a one-off! xxx
DeleteWOW, that turquoise crimplene number!!! I'm so glad you found it. Nobody could rock it the way you do. And your Thomas the Tank Engine dress of course makes me smile, as it will everyone at Indietracks. I hope you sell everything, well, just enough, and have fun meeting old and new friends too.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Melanie! Thomas got a fantastic reception so much so that I've got a waiting list if I ever get bored with him! xxx
DeleteTotally loving your Earlybird dress and you're right - its far superior to the one Oxfam is flogging. The pendant you're wearing it with is a stunner too - chunky jewellery is the best! But your blue catsuit really steals the prize for sexiness xxx
ReplyDeleteThanks, VK! I bought the pendant in Goa years and years ago but only got round to finding the right silver snake chain in Goa last January! xxx
DeleteWe must be having all of your summer over here in addition to ours! I would be happy to send you some of our heat (pretty much every day has been 30 degrees celsius).
ReplyDeleteThat is a pretty maxidress - the colours are a bit muted for you, but the shape is lovely. And then there's the catsuit, which has your name all over it.
Enjoy Indietracks! Hope your Thomas the Tank Engine dress makes an appearance.
Send us some heat - poor Thomas ended up covered with a coat most of the time but at least he got an airing! xxx
DeleteIf my son saw you in that Thomas dress he would probably faint from excitement. A gorgeous lady in a Thomas print dress would absolutely blow his mind.
ReplyDeleteBless him! That dress does get lots of attention - from kids of all ages. xxx
DeleteHI Vix! You look great btw in that catsuit, it was made for you! Love the maxi too. You are so organized, geez, I'm really impressed how much energy you have. :)
ReplyDeleteHi B! Thank you! I'm forever scribbling down lists and talking to myself but with so much time spent on the road it's the only way! x
DeleteI'm Cherre btw, used different computer and popped up as b. I think you are awesome!!
DeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteFantastic dress - what a great find! I hope you had a great time at the festival, I love that St Etienne song too xx
ReplyDeleteThanks, Sarah! It was wonderful (and so were St Etienne!) xxx
DeleteOh wow! Don't you look amazing in your that-doesn't-leave-much-to-the-imagination jumpsuit! Just love it! Jon always makes me laugh! I totally get wanting to mix things up a bit sometimes with different colours and styles. It keeps things interesting. I really hope they play your song. That Wallas stripy midi dress is attractive. Hope you have a great time at Indietracks! Xxxx
ReplyDeleteOh wow! Don't you look amazing in your that-doesn't-leave-much-to-the-imagination jumpsuit! Just love it! Jon always makes me laugh! I totally get wanting to mix things up a bit sometimes with different colours and styles. It keeps things interesting. I really hope they play your song. That Wallas stripy midi dress is attractive. Hope you have a great time at Indietracks! Xxxx
ReplyDeleteHe's terrible, isn't he?
DeleteAfter weeks of bright colours it's quite nice to wear something soft and muted - look better with a tan in India though! xxx
You look gorgeous in both of your finds - the catsuit is oh so hot on you! And the dress amazingly matches your interior - and yes, way too pretty to pass!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Natalia! there's something to be said for matching the home furnishings! xxx
DeleteThat's a gorgeous bargain for a fiver! I've been really getting into charity shopping in the last five years and I have to say I've noticed prices really going up in some shops. Luckily I still find some real bargains :)
ReplyDeleteLove that catsuit - you look amazing!!
Some of the prices are insane, aren't they? I get annoyed when they charge more than most vintage sellers would dream of for stuff that's dirty and given for free.
DeleteI need an occasion to wear that catsuit! xxx
I've never worn a catsuit, I just don't think I could pull it off like you do!! x
ReplyDeleteYou're joking, you'd look incredible with your gorgeously long legs. x
DeleteEee! The Thomas dress, it always makes me smile! I love the gauzy dress, it's so pretty xxx
ReplyDeleteI love the reaction I get when I wear Thomas, he makes everyone happy! xxx
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