Thursday 24 November 2016

My Life In Orange



I know, I'm so behind the times. Vintage by name, age & wardrobe, hopelessly outdated by nature, that's me. I've finally read Caitlin Moran's book, How To Be A Woman. Being the thrifty chick I am, I didn't buy into the hype and thought I'd wait until it turned up in a charity shop. It only took four years. 


I'm a bit crap when things get hyped up. I still haven't watched Breaking Bad, Mad Men or Game of Thrones because I'm scared I won't like them and be even more of a freak than I already am. Luckily I loved How To Be A Woman, parts of it made me laugh out loud while others had me nodding away to myself, agreeing with every word. Off for a night out dressed in something from a jumble sale,I'm sitting at the back of the bus applying Barry M nail polish which cost £1, could have been written by me. Of course it helps that Caitlin Moran's a Black Country girl and shares the same self depreciating sense of humour. 


You should never describe your look as being "a mixture of high street and vintage" Caitlin writes, Remember how angry it makes you when Fearne Cotton says it. Don't let the abused become the abuser, so I won't. Instead I'll say that everything I'm wearing is somebody else's cast off, except the bag, which I bought new in Goa for £1.50. Well, a girl's gotta treat herself occasionally. 

Wearing: Lurex cardi (Mango via Beacon Centre for The Blind, £1.99), Felt hat (Car boot sale, 20p), Jane Shilton boots (Car boot sale, free), 1970s satin paisley print maxi (courtesy of Helga), Glass dragonfly choker (Originally from Biba in 1967, inherited from my Mum)

Talking of second-hand, here's this week's charity shop finds:

CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: Hawaiian novelty print shirt; American-made fedora; 1970s Collier Campbell skirt, blouse and headscarf set; Icelandic style wool jacket; American-made fedora; Punjabi waistcoat; St Michael cropped fake fur; Navy leather bomber jacket; Gents scarves; 1980s New Romantic style shirt; Midnight blue velvet blazer.



People often stop me when I'm out and about and tell me that they're followers of my blog (which still amazes me) but for years Jon was the recognised face of the relationship from his time as lead guitarist with indie legends, The Charlatans. If you want to know more about his days as a pop star either get him pissed or read THIS in-depth interview with top music blog, Louder than War. It's ace!

Insane-sleeved 1970s velvet jacket (Liebchen Vintage), Velvet scarf trimmed with pompoms and tassels (99p, Whistles via a charity shop) ...more high street mixed with vintage.....please don't call me Fearne....
 We're trading with Judy's in Camden on Sunday (details HERE). Do come and see us if you're in London town. It's our penultimate fair of 2016.


Work means we've had to postpone Frank's op as we've been warned that he'll need painkillers for 48 hours and, as we've got an 18 hour day ahead of us, we won't be around to administer them properly.  The marvelously monochrome pompoms are safe until Tuesday!!

See you soon and Happy Thanksgiving to Americans everywhere (with one notable angry & orange exception who shall remain nameless.)

Updated to link with Judith's Hat Attack.

68 comments:

  1. Orange is my most favourite colour! And absolutely love you in it (mind you, you look great in everything you wear - which I suppose is the whole point of wearing only what you love!). I have just requested Caitlin Moran's book from the library here, as it sounds a great read. And yay Frank - a small reprieve!

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    1. Hello, fellow orange lover! Do let me know what you thought of How To Be A Woman. xxx

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  2. Yes, I've spotted this book in the charity shop but didn't buy it - I will now! I love your orange outfit and that velvet jacket with the gigantic sleeves is amazing.

    How did you manage to get some Jane Shilton boots at a car boot sale for nothing? Is there a special techniques that you use? Do tell!

    Jon has a past as an Indie legend, brilliant! I do hope he gets royalties still and does ever serenade you on the guitar? It's lovely that people recognise you from your blog.

    I wonder if Frank knows how lucky he is for this short reprieve?

    Hope you have a very lucrative weekend!

    xxxx

    Veronica

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    1. Definitely worth a read. I'm kicking myself for not buying How To Build A Girl when I saw it, now.
      The seller who gave me those boots is a Romany gypsy, she says we were sisters in a past life and often refuses to take any money from me.
      Jon does still get royalties, some years are more profitable than others. Sky, Match of the Day & Cadburys have all used his music and Robbie Williams recorded a cover. Every little helps! xxx

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  3. no clue about this book or fearne cotton..... but i´m like you and run away if something is described as "hype"!
    love the spicy colors of your ensemble! and how cool is that biba choker from your mom!! i mean - BIBA!!!
    cool new finds! and jon so young and sweet and with hair! i remember dancing the nights away to the charlatans and other english indie bands long time ago..........
    wish you a successful weekend at judy´s!! xxxxxx

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    1. The book's good, Fearne Cotton is one of those nice but bland media personalities that tries too hard to be cool, someone who lacks authenticity. I'm sure you know the sort.
      I'm glad Mum didn't let me play dress up in this choker, I trashed most of her Biba stuff as a child.
      xxx

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  4. I'm even more behind the times as I'd not heard of that book but will look out for it now. Orange is fab, I love warm colours especially in sodding winter. Hoping to be there on Sunday, Southern Trains permitting. Xx

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    1. Yay! Fingers crossed the trains play nicely, it would be utterly brilliant to see you. xxx

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  5. So the earring making has been delayed!?!?!? I used to whizz down the motorway on my way to work with The Only One I Know blaring out. xx

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    1. I'm going to have to make do with my Sharmila & Helen earrings for a while longer....

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  6. You can celebrate and be thankful you're rid of us!

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    1. Don't be daft, you know we love most of you. We'll even send you Nigel Farage as a present to prove it. xxx

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  7. Before I say anything I've got to mention those mahoosive sleeves, aren't they magnificent.
    The book is next up on my waiting to be read pile, thanks for the review.
    My super finds this week are tartan tights, bright pink ones and three handknitted cardies. Can't wait for postman Dave to bring my cardies. I'm loving my winter outfits so far and your outfit. Hope you have a good day's trading lovelies xxx

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    1. I nearly died the first time I laid eyes on this jacket - a friend bought it at a Judy's fair and I demanded she sold it to me when she got tired of it...and she did!
      Tartan tights! How fab. I've been waiting for Izzy the postman this week, too. Beer and internet shopping can be dangerous! xxx

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  8. I really want to read that book too! I've not seen it turn up in an option shop yet though, I rarely by books new as they are so expensive, especially when they are sold for $2 at the optometrist shop down the road! I knew that Jon had been in a band, but it didn't realise it was the Charlatans for some reason!

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    1. I hope you find it soon, I've already passed it on to a pal or you could have had mine. xxx

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  9. Oh I do exactly the same.I can wait years that something I desire comes to flea markets, virtual or real ones. Today I found curtains that I've waited 5 years :D and a dress I desired a long time but did not want to pay 30€ for a new one. But here it is,new one with the prize of 3€. I admire your style, it is gorgeus.

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    1. You're a woman after my own heart. The thing you want always turns up secondhand in the end...like your curtains and dress! Thanks for visiting, I'll pop over and see you soon. xxx

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  10. I'll be in fashion when, well never. I dress for comfort but would like to dress for fun as well. Bits by bits perhaps.

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    1. Fun and comfort don't have to be mutually exclusive although I've got several crazy pairs of platforms that might look like fun but my feet beg to differ. xxx

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  11. Well of course a celebrity couple like you get stopped by adoring fans!
    No Thanksgiving here in Nepal. No turkeys either. (except for human ones).

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    1. Haha! Several human turkeys here, too.
      I think I'd rather celebrate Thanksgiving than Xmas - which is just an excuse for getting into debt, greed and gluttony. xxx

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  12. Looking lovely as always, the book is interesting and I will have to try and find it. Didn't know about Jon's claim to fame so am off to read up on it. Thanks for popping by my blog - yes leafy Surrey suburbia does not yet know it is Winter, we only had two frosts so far and my geraniums are still budding outside, despite being an average 10 degrees I have determinedly worn my vintage fake fur coat several times (bought 23 years ago and still my favourite).

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    1. Thanks, Betty!
      You're very lucky. It's been so windy here that the council have been round at 7am for a few mornings clearing all the leaves from the pavements and kerbs, the drains can't cope and it was like a river in our avenue on Monday morning. Talk about a North South divide. xxx

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  13. Hi Vix, I have to admit, I am a slacker when it comes to hyped trends. Ooh and orange is my favourite colour. I'll have to give the Charlatans a listen one day. Hope you have a great weekend, hope everything goes well with Frank's operation. Xxx

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    1. I love a slacker. I hate being pressured to watch the "in" films, books and TV series. It used to be a nightmare when I worked for a living as I hadn't got a clue what my colleagues were talking about. xxx

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  14. I'd be quite thrilled recognizing the two of you on the street! Am on my way to read the article about Jon and his band as soon as I've finished this note.

    Upon reading pretty well every post of yours, I think to myself, "ok, this one here is my favourite Vix outfit". But then you go and create a following post, and I'm forced to think it again. So, until next week, this outfit with the velvet jacket and scarf is my favourite. ... well, for now, that is. Those sleeves! Wow. Fantastic.

    Here's to Frank! I'm so pleased for him that he's had the good fortune of finding you three.

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    1. I'll try my best to keep the outfits interesting but these sleeves are a hard act to follow.
      Frank seems rather happy to live with us but i think he's going through a naughty patch, staying out all night and rolling in at breakfast time without a word of apology. Hopefully he'll be better behaved after Tuesday! xxx

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  15. Your outfit is amazing, love those sleeves!

    I've only read that book because I got it in the free bookshop they had in my town a couple of years ago. I wait for stuff to come into the library! You should definitely watch Mad Men, as you know I'm obsessed but it is really good. I haven't watched the other two either but my parents got sucked into breaking bad and said it was good. If something is really hyped up then I don't want to know but I'd gotten into Mad Men before the hype really started over here, when it was shown on bbc 2, so I was already fully committed by the time everyone else caught up!

    I went off and read that interview with Jon, it was a very interesting read! Hope you have a great weekend xx

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    1. I should watch Mad Man, I've got the first two series on DVD so there's no excuse. i think I'd like the 1970s one the most, even just for the outfits alone. xxx

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  16. I am with you about orange and hyped trends. I refused to listen to Radiohead for about 15 years when they were the centre of the music world, and much as I love Midcentury furniture I couldn't watch Mad Men for the same reason. Stubborn/daft.

    Orange is amazing, I wear it plenty and my house is full of orange things. People hate it, that's fine - all the more for me!

    I won't be able to make it, but I hope there's a good turn out next week for the gallery protest.

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    1. Yes, band hype drives me mad. I hate being told what I'm supposed to like, I want to make my own mind up.
      The protest is a bit far for you but you've signed the petition and will be there in spirit and it's very much appreciated. xxx

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  17. A woman's attitude is her most important accessory, sez I. And you, dear Vix, share yours with us as a gift -- for which I gave thanks on the day. Labels count for zip (unless, of course, they make a thrift shoppe find special), as do fads. Bless you for reminding us the best things in life can be made from patchwork or found cheaply or even free*.

    *Ah, Frank, the free cat now racking up the vet bill. Keep licking, Frank, and relax: life is about to become much simpler.

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    1. Awww, thanks for that, Beth!
      That boy certainly is racking up the bills - so big he needed a new cat carrier, a Feliway Friend diffuser to help with his anxiety issues, flea treatment, micro-chipping. Stephen's feeling cheated! xxx

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  18. God bless Frank and his Pompoms! I am actually mentioned in Caitlin's book, my teeny tiny claim to fame!(not by name obviously) I was one of the harassment tales that shocked her after she asked people to tweet her with examples of things that had happened to them.

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    1. Goodness me, that's a cool claim to fame. I bet younger woman can't believe the syuff we had to put up with back in the day. I once went for a job interview with a very well known utility company and was asked why an attractive young woman like myself wasn't married and if I was a lesbian and it would go in my favour as I wasn't likely to go off and get pregnant. xxx

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  19. Orange is definitely the new black! I love the skirt and the velvet jacket-perfect. I'm still wearing the Barry M genie lipstick, must read that book. I read the interview you linked in, it sounds like Jon had a rum deal, also some fun though, but sounds like your current life is a perfect fit. Enjoy Camden, love it there too! Xx

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    1. Another show I haven't seen but have heard great things about!
      All the best girls wear Barry M, who needs fancy Mac when you can get a cruelty free lippie for under a fiver? xxx

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  20. I'm not very good with hyped up things either. They actually have quite the opposite effect on me. Hence, I haven't read the book either. With your recommendation, though, I might give it a go when I see it in the chazzas here. Like you, I like nothing better than wearing somebody else's cast-offs, and your outfit is magnificent! Loved Jon's interview, which I read at work earlier today.

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    1. Completely agree, anything hyped up is a complete turn-off.
      Other people's cast-offs are the best. hooray for fickle people! xxx

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  21. I'm like you with books, shows etc - I never read or watch anything because it's hip at the moment, I need my own time, and sometimes it means "never"... which is fine. I don't think there is one outfit of yours that I wasn't fascinated with, and this is no exception. Look at those sleeves! Your brand-new bag is fun!

    I'll be sure to read the Jon's interview - not because he was a pop-star (I know nothing about the group), but because he's your sweetheart (and that says a lot) and an interesting individual. Besides, I love in-depth interviews with people who have their own minds. It's such a rare thing.

    Much love to you!

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    1. Hello Natalia! I'm glad we're on the same wavelength. I can't deal with that expectation of having to do something just because it's trendy! xxx

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  22. It was great getting the skinny on Jon's music career. Did you two meet at a concert?

    LOVE the whole outfit.

    Seriously though, you NEED to watch MadMen if not just for the brilliant writing, but also for the extensive fashion porn. The sets and clothing is worth it. That and Breaking Bad are my two favourites of all time. Breaking Bad is very well written and intense. As far as I'm concerned it is a million times better than Peaky Blinders despite the ever haunting Cillian Murphy.

    bisous
    Suzanne

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    1. Glad you liked the interview. Nothing so rock and roll, we were classmates when we were 6! I used to see him on the tv an tell people we were at school together but we didn't really speak until we met in a biker's bar 24 years ago!
      I will watch Breaking Bad this Xmas - anything to escape festive TV, I know you've got excellent taste. xxx

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  23. Orange is the Mod's favourite colour, red and purple are mine. We have not seen any of those TV progs or read that book either. Bet you are looking forward to Goa, have fun!

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    1. Hello VC! All great colour choices there. Good to hear that I'm not such a weirdo and there's others out there like me! Can't wait till Goa! xxx

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  24. mwahaha, love love love your outfit, and those sleeves!! ohhh, I'm loving them too!! Gorgeous!! you rock!!!
    And I have not any problem about watching series which are not trendy just now. Same for books!. I'm a public libraries heavy user, and don't buy more than two or three books a year, so I don't worry about what's being hyped. I also laughed to tears when read Caitlin Moran's book, she's brilliant describing that not-very-glamourous atmosphere where all we grow up and those all-men times at work!
    besos

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    1. Sleeves, they're the new cleavage!!
      I'm glad you found the book funny, too. I loved that she didn't buy into following fashion or needing an "it" bag. Refreshing in this world of celebrity clones! xxx

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  25. I've never heard of Caitlin Moran, or that book (must be a British thing). I have become much more patient about waiting to find things I want to read at the thrift shop instead of buying them new. I managed to acquire the Keith Richards' autobiography that way, which was a very entertaining read, and a biography of Leonard Cohen.

    I am a big fan of Game of Thrones, Breaking Bad, and Mad Men (although less so in the later seasons). My other recent faves have been Wentworth (Australian drama set in a women's prison) and HBO's Westworld.

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    1. I think you'd enjoy the book. She found fame as a music journalist at just 16 years of age. An articulate, cool and witty woman who never conformed.
      My trouble is that we only have Freeview and most of these shows require a subscription to access them here. Wentworth looks good. xxxx

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  26. I still haven't read Moran's book despite so many recommendations! Don't bother with Game of Thrones. Mad Men is utter genius though x

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    1. Phew! Nice to hear of someone not obsessed with GoT - it looks a bit too geeky for my liking. xxx

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  27. That book sounds interesting, but I'm much more fascinated with your velvet jacket, so gorgeous! :)

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  28. The book sounds like a read I could get into! And the "insane sleeves." If you ever want to fling them into the universe, I'm interested!

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    1. I'll bear that in mind if I ever tire of them (or relocate to a tropical island!) xxx

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  29. Hype often puts me off things too. Sometimes I have to remind myself that some things become popular for a reason, and if I avoid anything popular, I might actually be missing out (though that's rarely the case). I like Game of Thrones, but I can see why people wouldn't.

    I hope Camden went well for you :-)

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    1. Good point although Xmas and The Only way Is Essex are also popular and I don't like either! I think I'll stick to being hopeless behind the times. xxx

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  30. Thank you for reviving me from this rain stupor with those sleeves. Whew!! Yes, patience is a virtue when thrifting. Sounds like a good book to put on my list. I loved the interview. I asked O if he knew The Charlatans and he seemed to recall them. I was probably there when they toured too. I'm glad you and Jon found each other and have turned your vintage passion into this lifestyle.

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    1. Hello Melanie! Yes, The Charlatans were massive in Japan. Jon's still got boxes stuffed with gifts fans presented him with when he was over there - kimonos, origami animals, poems and letters. xxx

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  31. Those sleeves!!! Magnificent! I just noticed Judith's comment, "if you ever want to fling them into the universe, I'm interested". Well, I'm interested too! Could we fling them around the globe, spend a little time in each place??? :) Thanks for sharing Jon's story - and as always, lighting up the world. xx

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    1. Maybe we should do four month cycles and take it in turns? I'm still amazed that my friend sold it to me, I love it! xxx

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  32. I haven't read it either, but now I want too. I steer clear of hyped books / places / films / plays etc until the fuss has died down. That said - Breaking Bad is worth watching. No idea about Game of Thrones.
    Great outfit. Love the bag, Goa is swiftly moving up my list of places to go, if only I could convince my husband to leave the country...

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    1. I'm definitely going to check out Breaking Bad, all the best people recommend it.
      Get that husband of yours to Goa. There's an amazing museum dedicated to agrarian technology through the ages with all manner of farming implements. I know nothing about farming but was absolutely fascinated by it. xxx

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  33. Dear Vix, Thank you so much for sharing your hat and your beauty with Hat Attack!

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  34. Oh my goodness, I'd never twigged Jon was from the Charlatans... well i never 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