It's that time of year again. Long time readers of the blog will recognise my Wetherall of Bond Street cape straight away. It was already over forty years old when I bought it from a Walsall charity shop back in 2004.
Twelve blinkin' years ago! In that time we've moved house and paid off the mortgage, I've had a total hip replacement & dyed my natural blonde hair black, we've quit paid employment, lost our parents and returned to India twenty one times. So much change and yet the cape remains a constant.
The joy of wearing things long out of fashion is that they don't have a sell-by date. At the end of winter it'll be put back in the cupboard ready for the following year. I've loved my cape since the day I found it and trends in colour or changes in fashion matter not one bit. Feeling the warmth of this dear old friend across my shoulders as weather grows colder, the days shorten and the dark nights seem endless is a great comfort during my least favourite time of year.
Twelve blinkin' years ago! In that time we've moved house and paid off the mortgage, I've had a total hip replacement & dyed my natural blonde hair black, we've quit paid employment, lost our parents and returned to India twenty one times. So much change and yet the cape remains a constant.
The joy of wearing things long out of fashion is that they don't have a sell-by date. At the end of winter it'll be put back in the cupboard ready for the following year. I've loved my cape since the day I found it and trends in colour or changes in fashion matter not one bit. Feeling the warmth of this dear old friend across my shoulders as weather grows colder, the days shorten and the dark nights seem endless is a great comfort during my least favourite time of year.
Although the cape remains the same there's always something I've picked up in the months since it was last packed away to slightly alter its look. This year there's the 80 denier mustard tights I bought from a charity shop on one of the hottest days of the year. The assistant thought I was mad buying thick tights in 90 degree heat but I knew that months later they'd be a welcome splash of colour on a drizzly grey day.
There's the 1960s Barbarella style go-go boots from fellow vintage traders, Make Do & Vintage. For weeks they've asked if I've worn my boots to which I've replied, No, I'm waiting for the day I can do them justice. Today's that day.
I wish I could say my outfit brought me luck charity shopping this morning but finds were, unlike the leaves, rather thin on the ground, just one or two pieces of vintage menswear, this 1960s hand knitted hat (out of the 20p basket!) and a few books to replace the pile I'd donated to the first shop we visited. There's nothing worse than being without something to read.
What's as bad as having nothing to read? Having sod all to watch. Luckily there's no shortage of decent TV on at the moment with The Fall, The Code, The Missing, The Moonstone, Paperback Heroes (the final episode, spy thrillers, to catch up on tonight - my favourite!) and Humans. I'm surprised I haven't got square eyes.
What's as bad as having nothing to read? Having sod all to watch. Luckily there's no shortage of decent TV on at the moment with The Fall, The Code, The Missing, The Moonstone, Paperback Heroes (the final episode, spy thrillers, to catch up on tonight - my favourite!) and Humans. I'm surprised I haven't got square eyes.
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| WEARING: Vintage Wetherall of Bond Street wool cape (YMCA charity shop, 2004), 1960s fake leopard collar (Belonged to my Mum), Mustard tights (charity shop), Gold 1960s Go-Go boots (Make Do & Vintage) |
In other news I've just been looking for Stephen Squirrel & Frank and found them both on the bed together. Cats really are freaky.
See you soon!
Linking to Judith's Hat Attack #40
I adore the cape! I always sigh when I see you wear it as it is just so striking! You have a real super hero vibe going on today which I adore!!!x
ReplyDeleteThanks, Kezzie! I feel a bit like a superhero now I've finally conquered this virus! xxx
DeleteIt is a beautiful royal purple colour, I can see why you love it. We have had nothing but rain, 2nd rainiest October ever. I am ready for some sunshine but none in sight so might have to put up some faerie lights in the bedroom instead (I didn't say Christmas on purpose lol)
ReplyDeleteOh no, there's little more depressing than constant rain. It's glorious here but absolutely freezing. xxx
DeleteWoo, don't you look gorgeous! I absolutely LOVE these colours together! I took a picture of a primrose years ago that was this colour combination, so pretty together. I love the splash of leopard xxx
ReplyDeletehank you! That's a good comparison, I love those winter pansies for the same reason! xxx
DeleteThat cape look amazing!!!! I love how you style it! So chic
ReplyDeleteelogiosamislocuras.blogspot.com
Thank you! £4.95 well spent, I think! xxx
DeleteThat cape look amazing!!!! I love how you style it! So chic
ReplyDeleteelogiosamislocuras.blogspot.com
Wow, the purple and yellow look great together. I'm pleased to hear I'm not the only one who gets excited rediscovering old clothes when the seasons change! xxx
ReplyDeleteThank you! I love unearthing stuff I'd almost forgotten about, there's never any need to buy new. xxx
DeleteZowie! Those Barbarella boots are fab! What's not to love about a cape like that?
ReplyDeletexox
Thank you! Aren't they ace? I think TopShop are doing a modern copy in silver, I hope they get reduced, I need them! xxx
DeleteThe contrasting complementary colour combination of your mustard yellow tights and your purple Wetherall of Bond Street cape is wonderful. You've certainly had a lot happen and accomplished a lot in the 12 short years since you bought that lovely cape. Happy TV watching!
ReplyDeletehttp://www.full-brief-panties.blogspot.com/
Thank you! xxx
DeleteWe are both chuckling at your factoids about what you've done since acquiring your great cape. What we want now is pictures of you as a blond and to know why you've changed colour. Super super blog post we loved it xxx
ReplyDeleteThere are photos of me as a blond somewhere on the blog. I don't look like the same woman! xxx
DeleteI didn´t know your hair is blonde, awwwwwwwwwwwwwwww, such is life, me dying mine blonde and you black.
ReplyDeleteI do remember the purple cape and love it especially with the pop of yellow and gold.
Much loveeeeeeeeeeeee
We're never satisfied with our natural selves, are we? I was reborn when I dyed mine black, I should have done it years ago! xxx
DeleteHow incredibly stylish and versatile that cape is, and who cares whether it's fashionable or not? I know you don't! And isn't it lovely to own an item of clothing with so much history attached to it, your own included? I love how you combined it combined with the mustard tights and those amazing go-go boots. By coincidence, I wore a purple dress with mustard tights last week! xxx
ReplyDeleteGreat minds think alike! The good thing about this time of year is experimenting with different colour combinations, the drab and dreary weather needs an injection of brights! xxx
DeleteThose go-go boots look comfy and flashy...the perfect combo!
ReplyDeleteThere are a few of those series I don't know so I'll be sure to check them out.
I agree, that is one of the joys of wearing vintage, it never goes out of style. It's like giving the finger to fashion trends. Maybe why I like it so much!
Imagine we are both natural blonds that never want to go back to our natural colour.
It is a bit scary how we change and go through so many trials and tribulations and our clothes remain the same.
bisous
Suzanne
Vintage is the best, an act of rebellion against being told what to do (ie to follow trends!)
DeleteYou were born to be a redhead just as i was born to have black hair. People think I'm mad for hiding my natural colour but having been both I can definitely say that blondes don't have more fun! xxx
I love it when you can wear something time and time again, this cape is so beautiful. Just goes to show good quality stands the test of time.
ReplyDeleteMe, too! I was brought up being told to buy the best you could afford as it will last for ages and it works. xxx
DeleteSince finding your blog I really look forward to reading it. I love the photos too, can't imagine you without long black hair, it suits your unique look.
ReplyDeleteSally x
Thanks, Sally, that's a lovely thing to say. I'm glad I've found your blog now. xxx
DeleteHello dear Vix! ! Once againg it'll take some time to get used to this greyness and coldness, but wearing the bright coloured clothes is a very good remedy against a melancholy. I'm adoring your purple cape. That happens to be one of my all-time favourite colours. Your mustard tights beautifully compliment purple. A combo that I'm loving too. And your golden go go boots are an icing on the cake.
ReplyDeleteAnne-Marie xxx
Hello, Anne-Marie! Good to hear from you. It does take a bit of effort dressing to counteract the dull greys of the season but by the compliments I've had from strangers in the street it cheers everyone up. xxx
DeleteWhat a wonderfully versatile piece that cape is! It's also a thing of beauty and it's now 52 years old - amazing. As you said there's been a lot of change but it stays constant. I just can't imagine you with blonde hair and you are the least likely person I would have said who has had a hip replacement.
ReplyDeleteAll the ways you've styled the cape are lovely; I do like the mustard tights and the go go boots are fab! It was cold and grey today - perfect cape weather.
What a shame you didn't get much in the chazzas - never mind next time something wonderful will turn up.
I used to have a fear of having nothing to read as well and although I don't use it that often that's why I always have my Kindle in my bag. You got some good books; the Wigan Pier Revisited one looks interesting.
Have a lovely week
xxxx
Veronica
vronni60s.blogspot.com
Thank you! that's the joy of charity shopping, if we found something amazing every time we went it wouldn't be half as exciting.
DeleteThe workers at Dabolim airport managed to smash my second-hand Kobo but I scored an ace replacement on eBay last week. Funnily enough I never use one at home, it's strictly for travelling only! xxx
Yes, bring on the cape!! You're like a superhero with the tights and sparkly boots. Wait, you ARE a superhero, fighting the beige and the bland with your magic rainbow wardrobe!! X
ReplyDeleteHa! Thank you, a great comparison! We should go forth together in our capes and kick bland's ass! xxx
DeleteIsn't it great when you find something you really love in an op shop (Australian speak for charity shop), you never get bored of it and can style it in different ways, as you have with your fab cape.
ReplyDeleteI never gave much thought to capes, until seeing them on yours and Helga's blog (ages ago), and now I adore them. I haven't found one for myself yet, the closest I have to a cape is a knitted poncho!
I love seeing what other people are reading, hope they're all enjoyable reads. Xxx
Ponchos are great but nothing beats the warmth of a wool cape. You'll find one eventually, your Op-Shops seem even better than our chazzas. xxx
DeleteGee after seeing the name "Weatherall" it version of my maiden name. Had to google it and see who and what.
ReplyDeleteThe other day I went to a clothing give away and did I ever find some great things and it was all free. Most of what I found was for my grand daughter.
Coffee is on
Fancy that! Almost the same name. xxx
DeleteThe cape is timeless. Enjoy forever with it.
ReplyDeleteThe cape is timeless. Enjoy forever with it.
ReplyDeleteThank you! Style lasts forever. xxx
Deletewonderful that frank moved in at yours! :-)
ReplyDeletetotally fab cape! of cause i remember it - such great purple color and chic detailing. timeless clothes forever!!!!
my last mustard tights did´t fit at all - but you inspire me to try another pair..... the golden boots are stellar!!!!
much love! xxxxxx
It is! He even talks to us like he's known us for years!
DeleteNothing worse than ill fitting tights. The right ones must be out there! xxx
I have been looking for a pair of boots like yours for ages and then, there they are!!! you have them - so my search continues, they look fabulous with the cape and belong together forever. Hope you get some luck at the chazzas. Betty x
ReplyDeleteTopshop have some gorgeous silver boots very similar (ankle length). They'd be a fab alternative! xxx
DeleteThat cape's such a gorgeous colour and looks fantastic with the yellow tights.
ReplyDeleteLove the boots, too! I hate having nothing to read :( xx
Thank you! As soon as I saw those tights in a charity shop I knew I'd wear them with the cape! xxx
DeleteThose boots are the greatest boots I've ever seen! So fabulous!
ReplyDeleteThank you! They are the boots of dreams! xxx
DeleteI hate this time of year to well I like the colours etc but hate the damp and the cold. I am loving your cape and those boots are fabulous, you look amazing lovely. dee xx
ReplyDelete...and the aching joints....not fun! xxx
DeleteHey, looking good! I love love love purple. One of my favourite winter coats is a long, purple velvet coat with a hood (I feel a bit like an elf from the Hobbit, in a good way). It goes with everything, and I always get complimented on it.
ReplyDeleteHello Tanya! Your coat sounds amazing, what could beat looking like an elf from The Hobbit. at least everyone who sees you must remember you! xxx
DeleteYou really do rock that cape! All those shows sound great! Since I don't have cable tv I wait till they come to my library and binge watch. And I just requested Humans on your recommendation. :)
ReplyDeleteEnjoy Humans. I don't usually do sci-fi but this was really riveting. xxx
DeleteSuch a lovely cape, it looks fab on you and those boots go great with it! You've reminded me that I need to dig my Welsh Tapestry cape out - it's definitely cape time now, I was bloody freezing this morning xx
ReplyDeleteIt is cape time now, nothing to beat being all snuggled up against the winter chill! Have we seen your Welsh Tapestry cape on your blog before? I need a reminder. xxx
DeleteYour cape is a stunner! I too wear beloved pieces not based on trends. I love how you're accessorized this purple beauty! Thank you for sharing your hand knitted hat and manikin head with Hat Attack.
ReplyDeleteOnly the clueless follow trends of which you're definitely not one! xxx
DeletePurple and yellow are such a striking combo and I know everyone has said it before me....but those boots are something else! So glad Stephen and Frank are hitting it off.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Fiona! I'm glad they're okay together, too. Stephen tried to lick Frank's head this morning which he wasn't very keen on. xxx
DeleteThose boots! They are so cool, and perfect with the cape.
ReplyDeleteI too like the fact that vintage isn't going to go out of fashion because it's not 'on trend'. It's extremely liberating. I view some of my louder outfits as my way of sticking two fingers up at the world.
Yes, me, too! We're free from the tyranny of fashion and the need to fit in. xxx
DeleteYou're definitely doing the boots justice!
ReplyDeleteThe cape and yellow tights are great together, and you can't beat leopard for visual interest.
Your hair just keeps getting better and better-(You'd think it impossible to improve on perfection). It might not be fashionable, but you're probably the most stylish person in a room at any given time.
You are kind! Yes, fake leopard is an essential, it suits everyone. xxx
DeleteWell Vix, I can't tell you how much joy and comfort your blog brings me. You have a wonderful spirit and joie de vivre.
ReplyDeleteI'm sorry the thrift gods didn't bless you with much bounty. But I'm so glad the cats are snuggling together!
Happy thrifting ;)
That's such a sweet thing to say, TP, thank you! xxx
DeleteFirst off, I'm happy to hear that Stephen and Frank are bonding! I remember seeing this cape incorporated into many of your outfits over the years, and I have a few pieces of clothing that are like old friends, as you describe, that re-surface year after year to be shown off and enjoyed. I do agree, there's nothing worse than having no books to read!
ReplyDeleteHooray for cat brothers!
DeleteA lot of bloggers talk about being on a style journey but to the likes of us, with favourite pieces we've owned for years, I think we've already arrived! xxx
Gorgeous! I love the cape and tights together. Such a great colour combo.
ReplyDeleteWay to go Stephan and Frank ... so glad to hear they're going to be pals. Wish Eddie would allow us to adopt another, but he's adamantly against it. xo
Thank you! Some colours were born to be worn together! xxx
DeleteAhhhhh, cape HEAVEN. It's certainly perfect cape weather here, only mine are in storage for a bit longer. Dammit.
ReplyDeleteWe've moved to a smaller town, and I am pleased to say that the opshops aren't too shabby-and we just discovered 2 today we didn't know about!
Your hair is looking more gloriARSE than EVER.
XXX
Yay! Decent chazzas, that's great news. I don't think I could stand to live anywhere where the secondhand booty wasn't any good. xxx
DeleteOoh Helga, how lovely! (Just above me) I must say you look amazing in your old favourite. I just love the plums and custard colour scheme and those boots are the boots that dreams are made of!! Unbelievable! And in such great nick. I should think scoring them makes up for the odd off day at the chazzas. I really enjoyed the life review too, even though some of it was really sad. I know when I take a dress out sometimes I mentally revisit its previous outings. Ah, a feline bromance! That's got to make you happy? Xxxx
ReplyDeleteIf only vintage clothes could talk. God knows what other adventures this cape saw before it was mine. I wonder if the original cape owner is still out and about in Walsall and recognises it? xxx
DeleteI think it's so great you've gotten so much wear out of that cape, I remember seeing it before and it still looks great. Also THOSE BOOTS!! Magical!! I don't follow trends either, to be honest, I don't even understand 'fashion' - I will just keep being myself x
ReplyDeleteIt's certainly earnt the £4.95 I spent on it!
DeleteI wouldn't mind if trends were interesting but it's the same old thing every year. xxx
Love the boots! I have an aversion to capes after my Mother made me wear a knitted poncho and a huge blanket coat monstrosity thing as a kid, funny how those things stay with you isn't it? I can't wear roll neck jumpers either for the same reason.
ReplyDeleteThere's loads of photos of a tiny me in crochet ponchos and bell bottoms and I still love them now! How funny that you don't! xxx
DeleteI remember this cape and love it! I'd wear it myself year after year. And those golden boots are fabulous!
ReplyDeleteYou're one women who knows how to rock a cape! xxx
DeleteThere is nothing like a "dear old friend" to greet when the seasons change, I feel that way about my very old, love them so much clothes and accessories. As you say, it's so much creating new outfits around the dear old friends. So pleased you bought those tights! With the sparkly bootie things as well, you're a splash of beautiful colour on your fast approaching winter, Vix. xx
ReplyDeleteThanks Elizabeth! None of that familiarity breeds contempt going on in my wardrobe, the longer I've owned it, the more I like it! xxx
DeleteWow, Vix, you really have some great clothes but this has to be amongst my favourites, if not THE fave so far. Especially with the leopard fur scarf (or would that be classed as a tippet?). It is lovely anyway. I love the hat too. It is bloody freezing up here so might be time to dig out mine as well. Those go-go boots are the absolute bizz. Xx
ReplyDeleteThanks, Kelly! That cape is one of my favourite ever things, too. I was with Mum when I found it and nearly put it back on the rail in a rush to get to the pub - thank goodness she persuaded me to get it!
DeleteI think you're right, that leopard thingy is a tippet, I haven't heard that word in years! xxx
Gorgous, I love the colours together!
ReplyDeleteKariss
www.shystrangemanic.com
Thanks Kariss! xxx
DeleteI am over the moon for that cape!
ReplyDeleteWigan revisited, lol I've actually worked at the factory that is named in the book. X
ReplyDelete