There I was rifling through the rails in the clearance charity shop on Thursday....Primark, New Look, George at Asda, Matalan,....blah, blah, blah...and then, finally, this.
A velvet, hand-stitched jacket with leg 'o' mutton sleeves, painstakingly neat smocking to the shoulders and silk lined - 1920s or Victorian? Who cares? At £3 it was coming home with me.
The splendidly dark BBC historical drama Taboo has had an effect on me ...and it's not just Tom Hardy rasping I have a use for you at the end of episode 7....I loved the Steampunk meets Regency costumes so my new-to-me jacket inspired me to create something Taboo-esque by mixing it with some old 1960s & 1970s favourites I've had for years along with Jon's vintage top hat.
Talking of chazzas, we've been out and about, scouring the Black Country for treasure.
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| Clockwise from top left: Gents silk waistcoat, 1980s red leather shorts; 1960s Richard Shops coat; snazzy 1980s waistcoat; Crushed velvet cape; Scottish country dancing waistcoat; Witchy sleeved 1970s maxi; 1960s St Michael raincoat; Gents smoking jacket; A Line wool midi; 1960s gents West German wool cardi; Midnight Blue braided velvet jacket |
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| Clockwise from top left: 1960s Ban-Lon knit; Crimplene midi; Fake fur beret; Beaded evening jacket; Clarks' Wallabies; Matador-style hat; Tapestry cat make-up bag (mine!); Red leather trench coat; Suede front cardi; Fake fur coat; Tiger head bag (Mine!); 1970s leather jacket; American felted trilby; Tour tee; Crimplene blouse; Barracuda gents raincoat; 1970s tartan maxi skirt |
Did I mention our lack of internet? It's all fixed now. Hooray! It wasn't all bad though, the last time the house was this tidy was when it featured in an interiors magazine two years ago (HERE).
I spotted these Indian-made cushion covers reduced to a £1 each on a right-on, fair trade website the other day. They're the size of pillow cases so I made some new cushion pads for them by combining the filling from our old tatty cushions and sewing them into some old pillow cases. Does this mean I'm an armchair activist now?
This antique Persian runner came from my maternal Grandfather's family home. Believing it to be quite valuable and with nine cats and two kids, my Mum was scared it would get ruined so it was stuffed in a trunk and shoved in the boxroom where it languished for decades.
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| Grandpa as a boy outside his family home in Stone, Staffs, circa 1920 |
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| Those are the original customs seals. |
It seems almost a crime to have been be hidden away for almost forty years so we rescued it and rolled it out our the lounge although, at over 15 feet long, it's longer than the room itself. Trouble is, now we've done some research into the value of 19th Century rugs I'm scared of ruining it, too.
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| Wearing: Antique velvet jacket worn with top hat (car boot sale), 1960s go-go boots, Biba choker & St Michael ruffled blouse, 1970s lurex maxi |
I don't think I'll be hanging about outside without a coat for the rest of the week, apparently we've got snow on the way...not that it'll stop us going on a chazzing mission or two!
See you soon.
Linking to Visible Monday where the gorgeous Patti is also dressed head to toe in secondhand gear and the fabulous Judith's Hat Attack.
What a find, I would have snapped up that little jacket too - it looks great on you with the top hat! I haven't been watching Taboo, have I missed out? Loving your boots too. It's a stunning outfit, I might have to try and create something a bit regency, hmmm... Have a good week, I hope the snow stays away! zz
ReplyDeleteI loved Taboo, it's gritty, raw and violent and absolutely compulsive. If you enjoyed Peaky Blinders (written by a Walsall lad) you'll love this! xxx
DeleteHow many flights to Goa could that rug buy? I know, heirloom etc, BUT life is for the living and all that
ReplyDeleteI know, I know! Jon's sent some photos to an auction house for a valuation. If it's tens of thousands then I'll have to sell it (and give half to my brother!) xxx
DeleteFantastic! You would love what my Constance will be wearing to World Book Day on Thursday. She'll be Violet Beaudelaire from A series of unfortunate events and it's very steampunk with a pair of fish net tights on her arms! Welcome back from your travels. Sorry I'm a bit late... xxx
ReplyDeleteConstance looked wonderful on your Facebook photos! I'd hang around with her in that get up any day of the week! xxx
DeleteWhat a gorgeous jacket in such a beautiful color!
ReplyDeleteI wanted that kitty makeup bag!
xox
I'm keeping the cats...they're mine! xxx
Deletethat's a fun outfit you have dreamed up. The rug is lovely - I have an Iranian rug (vegetable dyed) which is antique but I do use it despite some value because I think there's not much point in having it if I can't enjoy it - I hope you enjoy your rug and use it. As long as you don't get too much sunlight on it (colour fades) and don't clean it with anything other than fresh air and a gentle beating it should be fine.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Betty! Great tips. Our house doesn't get much sunlight (all those damned trees!), it's keeping the cats from sharpening their claws on it that's going to be the tricky bit. xxx
DeleteLove the colour of your gorgeous find, yummy!
ReplyDeleteThank you! It stood out a mile on the rail of grey! xxx
DeleteFabulous jacket. I always wonder what else was in that person's wardrobe. Don't let them kitties scratch that lovely rug. Isn't it nice to have something with so much history.
ReplyDeleteLooking forward to seeing you Friday xxx
I do, too! It seems an odd thing to donate to a charity shop when it's been around for so long. See you tomorrow! xxx
DeleteWow, great find, looks like you found some other great vests for resale too. Love that rug! So beautiful
ReplyDeleteThank you! Waistcoats (vests!) are vintage gold here, everyone loves them from ironic hipsters, re-en-actors to elderly chaps looking for cruise wear! xxx
DeleteWhat a fab find with that jacket! Love the history of the rug, I can understand your trepidation about using it, but it takes a lot to ruin a rug, and what's the point of owning something if you can't enjoy it.
ReplyDeleteThank you! I know. I don't want to be one of those people who saves things for best! xxx
DeleteWhat an amazing chazza find, the colour is sensational, it makes rifling through all that cheap High St tat worthwhile. Pleased to see that you managed to restock your rails with plenty more vintage. I just nipped down to the local shops....brrr it's bloody freezing, stay warm.
ReplyDeleteI had to sift through a lot of dross to find it...school holidays are always dreadful for charity shopping. xxx
DeleteOoooh! I did enjoy a peek into your lovely, colourful, eclectic home, Vix. A feast for the eyes! As indeed you are - what a beautiful jacket and how lovely it looks with the skirt, blouse and top hat. You do look gorgeous. As you say it's Victorian crossed with Steam Punk.
ReplyDeleteI found Taboo a bit baffling and lost interest after Episode 2 though other half is following it still. I'd never heard of Tom Hardy and now he's popping up everywhere.
I loved your other chazza bargains; fabulous velvet cape.
The Persian runner is beautiful - it would such a shame not to have it on show. Loved the old photo of your grandparents house.
And well done to you getting on the property ladder by yourself. Our marital home was repossessed back in 1991 when I split up with my ex husband. After renting for 4 months I bought an Edwardian terrace on a shared ownership scheme on my own with two kids an no financial support from ex. I was able to buy the other half six years later.
Shared ownership was a brilliant idea, wasn't it? I can't imagine how awful having your house repossessed was.
DeleteWe loved Taboo from the start although it took a couple of our friends a while to get as hooked as us. We watched the first five episodes back to back the week we got back from India - Tom Hardy is a great cure for jetlag! xxx
It's a real dilemma having beautiful things which are valuable as to whether to use them or not I would think. We stayed in Stone on holiday a couple of years ago....loved walking along the canal. It's charming.
ReplyDeleteArilx
It is especially with pets in the house. I don't want to be the kind of person who insists visitors remove their shoes before coming in - I'd rather sell it! xxx
DeleteWhat a great find, Vix, and I love how you "steampunked" it. My, you certainly have been busy since you're back. I would have kept that cat make-up back too! That antique runner is gorgeous, and it would be a shame to hide it away again now that you've rescued it, but I hear you on being scared to ruin it. Hope the snow passes you by, or that the forecast is wrong. Again! xxx
ReplyDeleteWho doesn't love a tapestry cat print? Not us!!
DeleteWe avoided the snow, thank goodness - just torrential rain, frost and wind. Phew! xxx
Incredible find! It's a beautiful colour. I really love your table too, it's a beauty. I'd love something like that but the bunnies would chibble it! We have a 50's table which is very 30's in design, and that's behind a makeshift bunny gate for its own safety xxx
ReplyDeleteThat table was £1 from a jumble sale, I didn't really want it but the man running the jumble said he was going to smash it up and skip it if we didn't take it. I've grown to love it now! xxx
DeleteSo fabulous - I adore a velvet blazer. Snow on the way! Yikes, stay warm and fab, xox
ReplyDelete-Patti
http://notdeadyetstyle.com
Thanks, Patti! xxx
DeleteI love those cushion covers!
ReplyDeleteHow I wish you lived next door and could stitch me up a pair of curtains like yours!
(You already know how much I love the snapshots of the interior of your home...)
If only! I'd be happy to make you a pair - I'd have one of those cool shelves you made in return! xxx
DeleteOh my! I love your new velvet find: It's bloody gorgeous, and I've taken a shine to a few of your other chazza finds too. The mention of snow made me shiver. Time to add more layers. Have a wonderful week xx
ReplyDeleteThanks, Yvonne! We avoided snow in the end but it's been really cold - yuk! xxx
DeleteI love top hats and the whole outfit is stunning, the velvet and top hat were made for each other. The cushions are great, they look so cosy as well as being a statement. I like your old photo, sepia definitely goes with the fashion era of your outfit too! Those old carpets are worth a fortune aren't they, it has a lovely pattern. Xxx
ReplyDeleteThanks, Sally! Some of the American websites have got antique Persian runners listed for a quarter of a million dollars - I knew it was worth a few quid but that's ridiculous! xxx
DeleteOh wow! Good thing I wasn't there...could have been a bit of a fight over that piece of velvet.
ReplyDeleteYou've styled it perfectly.
I'm like you when thrifting..."crap, crap, crap, crap...oh HELLO!" So much junk from fast fashion taking up all the space but when you stumble across a piece like this it makes it all so worthwhile.
Those cushions are a blast. They fit in perfectly with the rest of your nest.
That carpet is wonderful. I hope the cats don't take a liking to it.
bisous
Suzanne
Don't you just love finding a gem amongst the tat? It's such a kick! xxx
Deleterugs are made to be walked on, so enjoy it. Been loving Taboo, all thought it is a bit weird to hear f-bombs on a regular cable channel. The costumes are outstanding
ReplyDeleteI know! It makes me laugh every time Jonathan Pryce opened his mouth! xxx
DeleteAs I begin to feel the stirrings of energy once again, I'm so very grateful that you're there when I need you! Always inspiring, it's a joy to see you and read your posts. I love the styling choices for that magnificent top. The length of the skirt is delicious as it allows for a glimpse of those fabulous (!!!) boots. I love seeing your upcycled decor too. That rug? OMG!! But really, I hope you keep it out and enjoy it. It's so beautiful (I'm addicted to antique rugs). I would feel rich everyday. LOVE YOU!!!!!!!!!!
ReplyDeleteLovely to hear from you, Jean!! I love antique rugs, I'm always swooning over them when we visit stately homes - practical and beautiful! xxx
DeleteThat's a pretty runner! How wonderful to have family heirloom, no matter what you decide - to use it or store it. Love the old photo too!
ReplyDeleteI'm not familiar with Taboo, but as soon as I saw your image on FB, I thought you look like a show character, and I wanted to hear your story! :)
Thanks, Natalia! I think Taboo is on the American FX channel - if you love gritty historical dramas you'll love this. xxx
DeleteHi Vix, I do love velvet, it is such a luxurious and beautiful fabric and your jacket looks great on you. Carpets like that are gorgeous, aren't they? I would use it if I were you, it'll make you think of your family as it is an heirloom piece. I wonder what you'll do with it... Xxx
ReplyDeleteThanks, Jess. You know I'm a big fan of velvet, too. My eye seems to hone in on it the minute I enter a charity shop! xxx
Deletevictorian circus princess!!
ReplyDeletetotally fab!
@ the carpet - sell it for lots of money or use it casually. i ruined a gorgeous huge real flokati by storing - moths!
great finds at the chazza - of cause the cat-themed bags have to be yours :-)
xxxxxx
Thanks, Beate! We'll get it valued and decide then. In the meantime I'm keeping a strict eye on the cats! xxx
Deletewoww, I'm in love with that velvet piece, and its glorious sleeves!, you look gorgeous wearing it, with such a touch of steampunk fabulousness!. From your cute booties to your top hat, everything is so lovely!! and that maxi skirt!
ReplyDeleteI'm pretty interested in watching Taboo now!, so many (tasteful) people has told me about it!.
besos
Thanks, Monica! Everything looks better with a top hat!
Deletewatch Taboo! xxx
you cant beat a top hat with crushed velvet, one of my favourite looks
ReplyDeleteThank you! xxx
DeleteAmazing look! Beautiful velvet jacket styled in such an interesting and unique way!
ReplyDeleteThank, Olga! xxx
DeleteOh to find a single vintage item in a Chazza in Lincoln . It doesnt happen all the big chains have retro shops and the others have delusions of grandeur and price . Still find odd bits at the Jumble and the season begins this week.....I so need to get out
ReplyDeleteI know! It's either gorgeous and ridiculously overpriced (£60 for a Harris Tweed jacket in the BHF last week!) or a heap of Primarni tat. It's so exciting when you unearth something proper for a few quid. xxx
DeleteThat jacket is a fabulous colour. Speaking of which, I think the Black Country should be renamed Chazza Gold Country! xx
ReplyDeleteHaha! Nice one! xxx
DeleteLots of goodness in a single post here! Love your new jacket. Great colour. Am glad to see that the kitten make-up back is staying with you, as it should!
ReplyDeleteI hear you about having rare and / or valuable vintage things and the dilemma of whether to use them or not. I've gotten to the point that now I'm relieved when I find a great vintage textile and it's already been used a little bit, because that gives me the freedom to just go ahead and continue to use it, rather than storing it away because I'll ruin its pristine condition! The rug is certainly gorgeous and looks great in your home (no red wine allowed in that room?!!), as do your new cushions. Love your style.
Another cat fan - I expected nothing less!
DeleteI'm like you, I'm almost relieved when something's flawed, I can use it with no worries or hesitation. xxx
I love, love, love that jacket!!!!! And only you could carry off a top hat with such finesse! I hope you don't get the snow! :)
ReplyDeleteThanks, Laurie! xxx
DeleteLove this outfit! What a great find. I've seen the trailers for Taboo but we missed the first episode, however that thought of Tom Hardy rasping 'I have a use for you' is all the reason I need to go on a mission to watch it from the beginning, either online or boxset, it will be watched.
ReplyDeleteNo more snow please thank you, spring now please, yes?
The box set is on the I-Player right now. Something to keep you entertained this weekend! xxx
DeleteWell, that jacket was made for you and Jon's top hat! You are building up a nice pension fund with that Persian runner and the G Plan Astro xxx
ReplyDeleteThose Tretchikoff's are going for stupid money these days, too! xxx
DeleteWhat a stunning jacket. Your outfit is absolutely fabulous, like some sort of psychedelic steampunk ring-mistress. Adore that hat. Very equestrienne. What a great haul. That cat bag is brilliant. Your house is beautiful. and those cushions were a steal. I have a thing for Tretchikoff too but am yet to find one. I hope that this cold weather does one soon. It was freezing today. Surely Spring should be just around the corner? Xx
ReplyDeleteThank you!
DeleteThose Tretchikoffs are commanding insane prices these days but there were millions made so you'll find a cheap one eventually. The most I've paid for one was £20 and the cheapest £2! xxx
I love it , Its so you , You manage to find the diamond in the rough all the time , I love this time of year hunting for stock , Its os productive xxx
ReplyDeleteI don't usually do very well during half term so finding that was a real bonus! xxx
DeleteMeatloaf! Kittens! That jacket is a great find :)
ReplyDeleteYou never know what you're going to find in a charity shop, do you? ccc
DeleteOoh the steampunk look really suits you, and that velvet jacket is a beauty - such a great colour. Has a cat been sitting on Jon's top hat? Nothing like a dent or two to add some rakish charm!
ReplyDeleteAs always, you find amazing stock in the chazzas. And you have such great pieces just lurking around at home too - that runner is a beauty. I think Beate's right - either sell it, or use it without worrying. No point having beautiful things stored away for fear of spoiling them, they never get seen or appreciated that way.
The cushions look wonderful too - hurray for armchair activism!
Love you! xxx
It's definitely got the look of the Artful Dodger to it as opposed to middle class wedding attire, thank god!
DeleteWe're getting that runner valued, if it's tens of thousands it's going, family heirloom or not! xxx
Vix, your jacket is a spectacular find. You have the eye, which I've known since I began following you years ago. It looks perfect with Jon's vintage top hat. Thank you for sharing with Hat Attack!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Judith! xxx
DeleteWhere's your riding crop and your steed? I LOVE this jacket, you look fabulous - the whole outfit is WOW! I've read the whole magazine article about your house. Thanks for inviting me into your home for a tour. It's absolutely beautiful, unique, and reflects your personalities. A great story of how you came to be there. xx
ReplyDeleteWill a cat and a walking stick do? I've never been near a horse!
DeleteGlad you enjoyed the house tour, it took a week of solid housework to get it looking that tidy! xxx
A cat and a (suitably) unique walking stick will do! :)
DeleteFabulous Victorian Bohemian look! You're rocking it hard and I looooove it.
ReplyDeleteThank you! xxx
DeleteThat is such a beautiful thing.
ReplyDeleteI went off Taboo. I really enjoyed the start, but it seemed to get a bit flabby and self-indulgent towards the end. I know real life is chaotic, but this was all over the place and didn't seem to know what story it was trying to tell. Though I have a soft spot for Tom Hardy because he's so kind to animals. Someone put an old email of his where he talked about rescuing a stray kitten online. Anyone who rescues tiny cats is all right with me.
I saw that photo of Tom with the cat, he must be a nice chap.
DeleteI loved Taboo, not sure if it's because we watched it in blocks of 2 hours rather than one week at a time. xxx
What a great find! I haven't watched Taboo but I've heard that it's good, I should probably catch up on iplayer x
ReplyDeleteI hope you loved it as much as us! x
DeleteThe jacket is lovely - there's no way you could find something that old and beautiful over here for $3! I've watched a few British series on NetFlix, mostly crime dramas like Happy Valley, River, Scott and Bailey, etc. but I've not heard of Taboo.
ReplyDeleteThe rug is beautiful - knowing a piece is worth a lot of money can make it so hard to know what to do. If you love it and it has sentimental value, then use it and don't worry about the wear.
Happy Valley is one of my favourites. I'm a fan of bleak, hard hitting stuff! xxx
Delete