Friday 21 October 2016

The Best Laid Plans.....



Typical! After doing everything humanely possible to avoid injuring my hip (which happened the last time we traded in Bath) so I was fit for Liverpool, both of us go and catch the lurgy. Bloody bastard Autumn and its mists, mellow fruitfulness and minging microbes. We've put on a brave face all week and battled on, assuming we'd be better for the weekend, only to feel even worse. After a shaky trip to Lidl this morning we admitted defeat and cancelled with Judy's. 


Of course, just because I feel like sh*t doesn't mean I have to dress like it. I don't own any crap clothes, it's vintage or nothing and I thought going heavy on the pompoms would detract from my deathly pallor.



The stunning Avantika was modelling some amazing handmade earrings on Facebook this week but, as they're only available in India, I thought I'd make my own using a couple of the pom pom makers I bought the other day, some charity shop wool and a knackered string of plastic beads.

Pompoms must have fallen out of favour with the fickle fashionistas, I found this bag for £1 in a charity shop yesterday. This scarf was also £1 - I was so blinded by its beauty (velvet, embroidered birds, pom poms and tassels!) that I didn't notice it was from Whistles until I got it home. A bit of research on the 'net and I discovered that it originally retailed at £99!


Its not all me, me, me! We needed some Kinky stock so, earlier in the week, we drugged up and went out and found it. 

Clockwise from top left: 1960s St Michael pyjamas; Hardy Amies worsted wool jacket; African kaftan; 1970s leather jacket; Wrangler western shirt; 1950s hand knitted bomber jacket; Harris Tweed blazer; Glastonbury-made sheepskin; Scottish tie & scarf set; ex-RAF bomber jacket with liner; Aquascutum tweed bomber jacket; Leather waistcoat; Tootal smoking jacket (in original wrapper)

Clockwise from top left: Icelandic knit; Cocktail dress by Lyons Gowns of Clifton Arcade, Blackpool (which ceased trading in 1970); Kangol cloche-style hat; Welsh wool cape; Richards & Thirkell fedora; Fortown, London tweed coat; wool beret

Sadly the good people of Liverpool won't be having first dibs on this lot but it'll be off to London next Saturday.

In other news. This isn't our cat....

High on cat nip mice

This is!
This is what happens when I leave my knicker drawer open

Yes, two days after we lost Polly, Frank decided he needed to explore the house. Last Friday he spent the whole day asleep on the settee and since Monday he hasn't left, claiming the chaise as his own. Surprisingly Stephen Squirrel isn't too pissed off about it, I think he's been missing his sister and rather enjoys the company. I might be mad about pompoms but if Frank's going to stay we better see the vet about having his removed.


WEARING: 1970s Kate Beaver hand printed maxi (£1, charity shop), Suede ankle boots (Schuh half price sale, Feb '16)

Plans for this weekend are bed rest, drugs (of the legal, Lemsip-flavour variety) and crap telly.

See you on the other side!

PS Updated to link to Natalia's Midlife Fun- Pumpkin & Squash

103 comments:

  1. First! Fabulous Fall Frock!

    Happy thrifting ;)

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  2. Awh poor loves I feel for you both after all your prepping for the event. You look even more gorgeous when you're off colour missus. It might be the outfit colour it's fabulous.
    Philip sends his love and we are both glad that Frank has found his way to you.
    You've got me rocking with the men's pjs. I loved the ones you had at Penrith. Hmm might have to have a pair I'd like to slop round the house in them haha.
    Take care. See you at Stockport xxx

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    1. Thanks, you pair of lovelies!! I'll put some jim-jams aside for you, I can totally see you lounging about in a crazy pair this Winter. See you very soon! xxx

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  3. I do hope you get better. Everybody is poorly here too, not me yet fingers cross. Bugs do not care about the sun. It is cool in the mornings and evenings and hot in the middle of the day, so great for them, plus summer mosquitoes still around.
    You look fantastic, and it is so good that. Good that Frank may stay
    XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

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    1. Stay healthy, Sacramento. This bug seems to be particularly nasty. xxx

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  4. The velvet scarf is a beauty!

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    1. Isn't it? How it ended up in a charity shop I'll never know, I can't understand why anyone would go off something so lovely. x

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  5. The velvet scarf is a beauty!

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  6. Get well soon, dear Vix and Jon.
    Even feeling poorly, you shine so bright!!
    xoxoxox

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    1. Thanks, Carol! Bright colours are the best medicine. x

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  7. Buggeration...maybe a medicinal rum and coke might soften the blow a bit. The scarf is divine.
    Arilx

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    1. Thanks, Aril! Rum and coke hasn't got rid of it yet, but made the weekend a lot more bearable! xxx

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  8. Bloody excellent finds this week love. You are rocking the earthy colours in that frock.. even with a snotty nose! Gawjuss bag and crewel work scarf, yet again I am staggered by the insane prices. So pleased to hear that Frank has a new home with you. Get well soonest. xx

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    1. Cheers, love! We did have to venture to a different county but it was worth it! xxx

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  9. I feel for you, I've been ill most of October, I hope you feel better soon! You look absolutely amazing, I literally gasped when I opened the post. I love a good pompom too so I really love your finds, and I might have to make myself a pair of similar earrings.

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    1. Oh no, I'm sorry to hear that. This seems to be really lingering, sometimes you just have to admit defeat and look after yourself.
      Can you believe the dress was on a mannequin in the clearance shop window for over a week? I was the first person to even notice it! x

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  10. Everyone is ill around these parts too. Rest up and get well soon xx

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    1. It really seems to be everywhere, evil bug! Thank you. xxx

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  11. Hope you're feeling better soon! Love the new cat! Reminds my of one of our past cats. So cute! :)

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    1. Thanks, Laurie. Cats are strange beasts, I still can't get over Frank deciding to move in. xxx

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  12. Do rest up so you can feel as wonderful as you look in the pictures. I wouldn't have guessed you weren't well. As much as I love fall, I do hope for a good hard freeze, at least enough to kill the remaining pollen that causes my allergies, but so far, no other crud.

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    1. Thanks, Sam. These mild temperatures seem to make bugs all the more virulent. Here's to a return to rude health very soon. I'm bored with it. xxx

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  13. I am so sorry the both of you feel crappy. I hear rum does a good job of helping (if nothing else may put you to sleep). Love love love the purse and scarf! Amazing finds once again.

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  14. Being sick is crap. I've been battling cough and snuffy nose since August. Get better the both of you. You look lovely in orange.

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    1. Since August?! I've had this since Wednesday and that's more than enough. xxx

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  15. My mother always advised 'alcohol kills germs' and I have never doubted it. Get some down you and sleep yourselves better. What bag is superb. Bargain of the year!)

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    1. I hope your Mum was right, rum certainly tastes nicer than Lemsip! xxx

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  16. Sorry you are feeling like crap. If any consolation, you are not alone- I woke up with nostrils full of snot and a throat like sandpaper this morn. You look gorgeous though!
    You got some great items inc the Whistles scarf. I ALMOST bought a vintage tapestry cape in the charityshop last week- it was £17 which I felt, for this particular charity shop, was a bit steep and I don't REALLY need a new coat. Still, it was nice to see one!

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    1. Oh no, you, too! It seems to be everywhere at the moment. Feel better soon!
      £17 is a fair price for a tapestry cape, they're crazy money on eBay at the moment but if you don't need one it's good karma to leave it to someone who does. xxx

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    2. It was still there on Saturday and actually £15, I got it wrong! I see what you mean about Ebay. Yeh, glad I resisted though! Trying NOT to buy a new coat this year!

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  17. I hope you feel better soon! That's the pits.

    You sure don't look sick if that's any consolation.

    I LOVE the scarf!

    Good thing you've got some kitties to cuddle. My pug is the best hot water bottle when I'm sick.

    bisous
    Suzanne

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    1. Thank you, Suzanne - it is good to know that I don't look sick, there's nothing worse than people telling you how terrible you look!
      Pets are the best medicine - and fancy velvet scarves! xxx

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  18. That bepompommed bag & scarf are incredible!
    YAY! Frank has a new home!
    Get well soon.
    xox

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    1. Thanks, Bibi! I was excited to find both of them. One of the reasons I wear vintage is that I'm a fussy sod and hate badly made modern stuff - I love finding the good stuff! xxx

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  19. Hot Toddys all around. I do hope you're both feeling better soon.

    You may feel terrible, but you look well put together-the dress, scarf and bag are perfect together. You did a great job making the earrings-they look very professional.

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    1. Thanks, Goody! Another day and I'm sure I'll start to resemble a human being again.
      I wasn't sure about the colour of that scarf but when I held it up against the dresses in my wardrobe the Kate Beaver popped out and seemed perfect with it. xxx

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  20. Tickled by your reference to Frank's pompoms! Hope a couple of quiet days chases away the lurgies XX

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    1. Hehe! Glad you spotted the cheeky reference! Thanks JP, I'm hoping I feel human very soon, there's definitely an improvement. xxx

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  21. Hope you both feel better soon , Loving the cats xx

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    1. Thanks, Eileen! Cats make everything better! xxx

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  22. Love Kate Beaver, what a beautiful dress!

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    1. Thanks, Liz! I Goggled Kate Beaver when I found the dress and your blog was the first thing to pop up! x

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  23. Hope you and Jon feel better, it's terrible when you're busy but sickness slows you down. If you didn't mention it, I would be able to tell you're feeling sick, what with your fab scarf and embroided bag. I do love all things that have embroidery on them! And I quite like pom poms now, I never thought much about them until you showcased how great they are on you blog. Anyway get better soon. Xxx

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    1. Thanks, Jess! Its really frustrating when you're self-employed and get ill but, judging at the state of us this weekend, there's no way we'd have been well enough to do Liverpool yesterday. We did the right thing by cancelling.
      I'm glad you're a convert to pompoms. They're a popular tribal trimming and easy to make. xxx

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  24. Oh no hope you are feeling better soon. I am the same have been really struggling to get through this week and have spent evenings cuddled up on the sofa with a blanket. Really frustrating but sometimes your body just needs a rest. Loving the beautful colours and pom poms in your outfits especially the bag. Have defintiely cheered me up!

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    1. I'm sorry you've been suffering, too. It seems to be a particularly horrible, long lasting virus. Pompoms are therapy! xxx

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  25. Best wishes to you both for a speedy recovery. Your new scarf looks stunning and matches your dress perfectly. Very autumnal colours.
    It's lovely that you've been adopted by a new cat, just when you needed one. Enjoy snuggling with your cats and not working! xxx

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    1. Thanks, Emma! Cats have a habit of turning up just at the right time, a friend told me that her brother went through a really low patch recently until a tiny kitten appeared on his doorstep a few weeks ago and refused to leave. He's much happier now. x

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  26. You look amazing in orange, hope the lurgy passes soon. That welsh wool cape looks fantastic, in the rare event of me finding one in a CS always seem to be in too muted a colour for me sadly.

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    1. Thank, Alison! Some of those Welsh Wool capes are rather too muted for me, too. I've always ended up reluctantly selling them on as they don't do anything for me. xxx

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  27. Autumn might not suit you but you suit it in those F-A-B autumnal colours! Get well soon, Sally

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  28. Autumn might not suit you but you suit it in those F-A-B autumnal colours! Get well soon, Sally

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  29. Oh, the joys of autumn! Wishing you speedy recovery. Of course, there's no reason not to dress fabulously if you're feeling a bit under the weather. I'm loving the earrings and that bag is fab, and a total bargain to boot. Seems like Frank has chosen you, and that you've got no choice in the matter. xxx

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    1. I know! I'll never understand so many bloggers wax lyrical about it.
      I looked so grey on Friday the only way forward was wearing orange. xxx

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  30. Oh that is a shame you had to cancel but if you're poorly it's the best thing to do - plus you won't be mingling your microbes and passing your lurgy on!

    I do love that maxi dress of yours (and you have an absolutely wonderful blue one that I covet desperately) and what an amazing scarf that is. Love the pom pom earrings and those brilliant Schuh boots.

    You do find some amazing finds. I do hope you both feel better soon.

    A new pussy, Mrs Slocombe? How fab!

    xxx

    Veronica
    vronni60s.blogspot.com

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    1. Thanks, Veronica! Mrs Slocombe? Love it!
      Most of our fellow traders rely on the fairs for their income so we wouldn't have been popular if we'd passed our vile germs on to them.
      When I wore that dress to fly to Goa in January one of the customs officials came over to say they'd placed a bet that I was going to Goa as I was dressed exactly how they imagined Goa goers dress! xxx

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  31. Wow you look quite dashing while being sick, Vix. And a new kitty just getting comfortable. Really comfortable. Enjoy the time off.

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    1. Thanks, Pao! Our time off was definitely enhanced by added cat. xxx

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  32. Love the way you just drug up and don't complain - and look AMAZING to boot, Vix! The bag, scarf!! What finds! And I'm loving that Frank is still around :)
    Hope you're both feeling healthy and full of energy soon. xx

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    1. Hello Elizabeth! When it comes to being ill I'm in constant denial, hoping that if I don't mention it, it'll go away. Frank and pompoms are definitely helping! xxx

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  33. What a glorious outfit! It's fun to see you do occasionally slip in a modern something or other if it's nice enough. The colours here are so gorgeous, dress, scarf, and bag, all are really special.

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    1. Thanks, Radostin! I am very happy to wear modern stuff if it's really great quality - like this scarf and the Miu Miu cardigan I found before the Summer. Sadly finds like those are rarer than vintage in our charity shops! xxx

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  34. AAA+ for effort during the lurgy! You still look gorgeous. The scarf has me googly-eyed and the maxi is perfect for swanning about, or reclining while watching crap television. Heh. And poor Frank, about to lose his pom poms. I hope you and Jon are feeling better SOON.

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    1. Thanks, Melanie!! No trakkie bottoms and stained teeshirts for me, even if I'm in my sick bed! xxx

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  35. Thank you for inspiring me to get the dreaded flu shot, Vix. Shall also stock up on vitamins; however, I'm sure there's enough Vitamin C in that glorious orange ensemble (the bag! the scarf!) to cure any lurking lurgy.

    Quite right about Frank's pom-poms! This fall I've got my eye on a particular feral tom whose DNA has been generously distributed throughout the county. Murdoch has been breakfasting regularly in my trap, so soon, very soon...Snap!

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    1. Oh yes, get that flu shot, it seems like a particularly nasty strain this year. I've been trying local honey loaded with cinnamon - I think it stopped the constant coughing (or that could have been the rum!)
      Good luck with that feral boy, they make the best pets - if you can trap them! x

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  36. Oh boo, I hope you both feel better soon. Mim and I are both fighting a lurgy so it was clearly in the air at Bath!!

    On a different note, is that a green leather shirt????

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    1. Oh no, not you two as well! Feel better soon.
      That green leather thing is amazing, isn't it? It's a really small & tightly fitting man's jacket (made in West Germany) - I could see Jarvis Cocker rocking the hell out of it! x

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  37. So sorry you've been sick! Rest up this weekend with a hot (well-corrected) pot of tea! Love that your Frank is reclining indoors, he is a handsome boy. xox

    -Patti
    http://notdeadyetstyle.com

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    1. Thanks, Patti! I'm sipping tea as I type! xxx

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  38. Hope you are both feeling better! Lots of lurgy going around. Poor kitty and his pom poms!! You look so fabulous despite being poorly x

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    1. Thank you! You're right, there is a lot of it about, bloody germs! xxx

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  39. Hello, Audra. Lovely to hear from a fellow cat lover. What is it about enclosed spaces and cats? Stephen will squeeze himself into the tiniest of spaces if one of us leaves a drawer or a cupboard door open!
    I'm having withdrawal symptoms from the fairs after missing Liverpool yesterday, I pity the poor customers in London, I'll be chatting to them like a woman possessed next week! xxx

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  40. Oh no! Feel better soon. I had something recently, just a couple of weeks after telling the asthma nurse I rarely had flu, so didn't need the flu jab. Typical!

    Oh yes, finally it's cool enough to wear the lovely nightie you sent me, I love it! Couldn't dream of wearing the nylon ones in the summer, I toss and turn so much I would have slid out of bed! xxx

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    1. I never usually catch anything either, at least we'll have it out of the way when the weather gets really nasty!
      Hooray for the vintage nightie. I've been wearing some of mine this week. xxx

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  41. Hope you're feeling better. Just thought I'd give you the heads up that Poundland [well my local branch anyway] is currently doing Barry M makeup and nailvarnishes...a black one with gold glittery bits caught my eye. I know you're a fellow thrifty bird like me!
    Arilx

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    1. Thank you! Berry M have changed their formula and it's just not the same. that's brilliant news, I'll definitely call into Poundland this week - I definitely feel a bit better. xxx

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  42. Hope you're feeling better. Just thought I'd give you the heads up that Poundland [well my local branch anyway] is currently doing Barry M makeup and nailvarnishes...a black one with gold glittery bits caught my eye. I know you're a fellow thrifty bird like me!
    Arilx

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  43. oh nooo - your hip! damn....
    put your feet up and take a long nice rest!! take care!
    fabulous ensemble! all this warm colors and glorious patterns! love it!
    huge healing hug! xxxxxxx

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    1. Don't worry, Beate - my hip is behaving, it's the rest of me (and Jon) that caught some horrible virus but we're getting better now, thank you!! xxx

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    2. ok - sometimes i misunderstand the "streetstyle" english obvisiously.....
      xxxxx

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  44. I really feel for you, the bugs nowadays are just killer. I'm desperately avoiding anyone with the lurgy. Hope by now you are starting to feel human again. You are such a glam puss. I'd be in pjs and slippers but not you! Your hip situation sounds a bit worrying...but in better news, great haul AND you've been adopted! Have you noticed, they're all boys! I make that three against one! I hope they all spoil you! :) xxxx

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    1. Its a bloody nightmare, I rarely get them but when I do they take some shifting, I tell you. The hip's fine...touch wood. I've been very sensible with footwear and not carrying too much.
      Yes, what with Jacob the tortoise I'm in the minority in this male household. xxx

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  45. I never look that good when I'm ill! Such a shame you had to cancel your plans, stupid bloody lurgy. I've found that now I work from home, and my contact with other people is limited I hardly ever get a cold. Which might be all the excuse I need to turn into a full on hermit!
    Frank is a cheeky one! but nice for Stephen Squirrel to have company.
    My love for pom poms will never wane - that bag is amazing, and what a find with the scarf! Honestly, I'll never stop being surprised by the things people just give away.

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    1. Working with the general public is hazardous! I never used to have this trouble when I was an internet based seller!!
      Keep your eyes peeled for pompoms in the chazzas. I love it when the hipsters get bored of things I love, you can grab some right bargains. xxx

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  46. Great autumnlook, and I also like the Hugh Heffner-robe. The cat that decide to move in. How adorable!

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    1. Thanks, Ulla-Marie! Those Heffner robes are really popular with the hipsters. xxx

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  47. What a beautiful outfit! I love everything about it - the color, design, shape of the dress, the embroidered purse and of course your bastard (as you like to say :) earrings!! You are an art piece! Please join Midlife Fun - you are perfectly pumpkin-ish in this dress!!

    I am so happy to hear that a new family member found your sweet home. Cats are so amazing - it's like Frank knew that it was time for him to become your pet.

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    1. Thank you and I will when I've caught up with all my blog reading!
      Cats are amazing, they really do have a sixth sense, Frank could obviously detect a cat shaped hole in our hearts. xxx

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  48. One of the ladies I volunteer with worked at the shop in Clifton Arcade, Blackpool as a Saturday girl.

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  49. Oh lordy, I hope you feel better now. I've had a rotten lurgy too, but I'm able to prop myself up at a desk, which is much easier to do when ill than trading at fairs.

    As for Frank - whip the pompoms off and keep him. He'll be grateful for it.

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    1. I blame Bath, that's you, Mim, Jon and me. Yes, a five hour round trip, a day on our feet dealing with the public and lugging 20 sacks of vintage clothes and industrial rails was a step too far.
      Poor Frank! His days of owning pompoms are numbered! x

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  50. I so know how awful it is to be sick especially when you can't afford to lay around and rest - blasted Lurgy!!! I have finally, after two and a half months, recovered from my lung infection.

    Interesting that Frank decided to "move in" so close to Polly's passing, also that Stephen isn't protesting. I laughed at your line about having Frank's "pompoms" removed.

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    1. You've had rotten luck with your health this year, Shelley. I hope that's all in the past now and the rest of 2016 is spent in good health.
      It's quite freaky about Frank, he wouldn't venture near the front door while Polly was around and now he's spending every night inside. Cats really are uncanny creatures. x

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  51. You look like an autumn bohemian goddess!! I looooove those embroidered Hmong bags. I have a clutch and a smaller pouch I wear on my belt at the faire to hold my personals and for added color. I'm at home feeling a bit like poo and I can't even be bothered to smooth down my eyebrows.

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  52. Bit late, but hope you and Jon are feeling better. I can't believe that Whistles scarf was in the charity shop, fashionistas are fickle ones indeed! xx

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  53. Love your Kate Beaver maxi dress. Kate Beaver is my mum and it's always lovely to see her clothes still being worn. :) x

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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