Monday 10 April 2017

If Wes Anderson Did Vintage


I swear that as long as there's breath in my body I'll never stop getting excited by vintage clothes.


The great-niece of the lady to whom this incredible collection once belonged contacted me recently to ask if I'd be interested in finding these pieces new homes. Nothing makes me happier than uniting vintage-lovin' women with fine vintage clothes and so I accepted the mission. We met in Stockport yesterday and exchanged money for vintage suitcases filled with retro clobber.


Inspired by the fabulous Suzanne who models her own stock so beautifully I thought I'd have a dressing up session before I upload it all to my website later this week but me and pastels? That's way out of my in-your-face, psychedelic coloured comfort zone.


Then I thought of one of my favourite directors, Wes Anderson and the stupendously beautiful pastel-coloured cinematography that elevate his films from truly wonderful to absolutely unforgettable.


Crimplene queen! Here's some 1960s handmade flared trousers in spring green with a coordinating zip-back tunic. 


Worn with gold leather ankle boots (I loved them so much I bought two pairs. Well they were reduced by 60%). Ridiculous oversized enamel horse pendant was £1.20 from a charity shop last Friday, I knew I wouldn't be able to get to the bank without popping in a chazza or two on the way! 


Midi length - that's almost as scary as pastels. I thought that this white 1970s Windsmoor coat might look a bit mother-of-the-bride but I have to admit that I felt amazing in it.


I'm wearing it with sugar pink opaque tights (ingrained with last year's Glastonbury Festival mud by the look of it), a psychedelic scarf from a jumble sale and some 1960s metallic court shoes I blinged up with some vintage Indian haberdashery motifs.



Sugar pink, ivory and pleats, am I on drugs? I'm quite surprised , this outfit doesn't look half bad! A 1970s St Michael ivory coloured midi skirt teamed with a 1960s nylon blouse (again, St Michael) and a 1960s off-white vinyl handbag and crochet gloves. The Urban Outfitters perspex belt was a present from Liz years ago.


A 1960s Crimplene tunic top worn with another pair of Crimplene trousers, I don't wear polka dots very often as they seem a bit of a vintage cliche, worn by lovers of repro.



The silk scarf is by Orla Kiely and came as a free gift with a magazine about 12 years ago.


Probably the first (and last) time you'll ever see me in beige....


1970s St Michael A-Line midi skirt (isn't the waist detail fab?) worn with a 1960s nylon ruffle front blouse (also St Michael), 1960s white gloves, 1970s patent leather slingbacks and matching framed handbag. I've had the leopard print tights for years.


We've got no vintage fairs now until 7th May which gives me the perfect opportunity to get off my arse and get to work on my website...this summer's festival pitches won't pay for themselves.

Linking to Patti and the gang for Visible Monday.

See you soon!

96 comments:

  1. Gorgeous. What a beautiful haul of pastel perfection and don't you rock the spring green?! I do love a bit of Wes Anderson, his films are always a feast for the eyes. I love the cut of those tops too. I feel inspired to sew for spring!
    Have a good week.
    Loves ya!
    xxxxx

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    1. I do love a tunic top, I'm not sure why I haven't sewn one before! xxx

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  2. Oh my!! This is quite the Spring makeover. I really like it all on you, especially the Windsmoor coat, and the sugar pink and pleats look. You look great! It's fun to step a toe outside our comfort zone. Beige is the only colour I avoid myself mind. Makes me look dead. Xx

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    1. Bit of a shocker, isn't it? I was surprised at the photos, those pastels didn't wash me out as much as I thought they would.
      Beige is probably a step too far! xxx

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  3. These clothes totally remind me of my grandma! She was always impeccably turned out in pantsuits in those pastel shades. Later, she got into brighter colors, like eye scorching florescent reds, but I'll always remember the pastel green and pink phase fondly :)

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    1. My Grandma lived until she was 94 and never wore trousers. I'd loved to have seen the original owner wearing them, I felt great in them. xxx

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  4. I can't really wear beige, makes me feel washed out, but I love pastels! I think you look fabulous in everything dear Vix! I would love to try on one of the shift dresses, but I don't think they would fit.

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    1. You'd look great in pastels, Laurie! Those tunics are way to short to wear as dresses - I tried one but it was positively indecent. Be quite fun with some teeny matching hot pants, though! x

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  5. I love these looks! They are so me! Love a bit of beige! And midi is my favourite length! Also how funny I had that Orla kiely scarf! I think it came with glamour magazine, I loved it and wore it for years! Every look is fab on you, I know it's a departure from your normal style but you make anything look incredible xxxx

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    1. I can totally see you in some of those blouses and cute A-Line skirts. There were more but some already got snaffled by friends as they're perfect for work! xxxx

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  6. I'm sorry but I'm chuckling here at the sight of you all pastellised (is that a word?) and beige. Well done on the modelling but please get back on your own gorgeous multi coloured/patterned clobber before I really split my sides. Leave the crimplene to us lesser mortals haha xxxx

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    1. Haha! Step away from the crimplene and pastels, Vix! xxx

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  7. Wow, what a collection! I love everything, but especially those crimplene tunics and trousers. I love how you've styled everything as well xx

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    1. Aren't those tunics and trousers great? I'm tempted to make myself a patterned set. xxx

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  8. Love the green outfit and the blue and pink blouses are gorgeous. Never thought I'd see you in pastels but they do look marvellous on you. Those crimplene trousers with the sewn-in crease take me back to the Girl Guide disco 1974. What a superb vintage collection and it all looks to be in excellent condition.xxx

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    1. That lady had really looked after her clothes, they were immaculate. a real pleasure to handle.
      That Girl Guide disco must have been a riot! xxx

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  9. What fun! I do like they way pastels look on you, but I can understand not wanting to make a habit of it. I'm nearly certain my mother had an ivory coat identical to the one you're modeling (you're wearing it better, absent the ever-present plastic rain bonnet to protect her roller-set).

    I LOVE what you did to the shoes-you're always a source of great ideas.

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    1. I can picture your mum vividly! How fabulous!
      It's funny, I never considered keeping those shoes until some wide-footed oaf tried them on for a blasted Insta**** selfie and bust the original pearl trim. With the Indian decals they're far more Vix. xxx

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  10. I think the whole kaboodle looks amazing and I can see why Suzanne does it too. Everything looks way better when it's worn rather than hanging lifeless on a hanger. Your styling is spot on for me with jazzy tights and shiny shoes adding your very own touch of style. Good luck with selling this on - should be a breeze!

    Anna x
    www.annasislandstyle.com

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    1. Thanks, Anna! I had fun playing around with the new stock! x

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  11. All these treasures look fabulous on you, Vix, even if they're outside your usual zone. You've added your magical touches to make them even more special. Love those tights too! xox

    -Patti
    http://notdeadyetstyle.com

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    1. Thanks, Patti! The advantage of getting my legs means I can show off my insane collection of colourful opaques. they're usually hidden under maxis! xxx

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  12. Vix, only you can pull of beige vintage without looking like Thora Hird. You look so glam. I say keep the white Windsmoor. You know you wznt to. It is very rockstar. What an amazing hoard of clothes. I would wear every outfit. You are such a fab stylist too. You should hire yourself out. Xx

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    1. Haha! Thora Hird!! Brilliant!
      I quite enjoyed playing around with the new stock. I do get exasperated when visitors to the pitch dismiss pieces out of hand for not being them when I know that they'd look absolutely amazing if only they gave it a try. xxx

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  13. I'm not a big pastel person, but I have to go along with the crowd above-you look stunning. I feel like someone raided Laura Petrie (Americans will get it) wardrobe from the Dick Van Dyke show, the most stylish lady ever on tv sit coms.

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    1. I Googled laura Petri and wow! Wasn't she fabulous? x

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  14. I can't decide which one I like the best. Bloody fabulous! I know what you mean about polka dots but I have worn them for years and love to wear them so I thought fuck it I'm not stopping just because everyone thinks they are vintage.

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  15. I love how you've styled everything and made it your own! I see a lot of this kind of pastel vintage where I live and find it uninspiring, you've put a great spin on it even if it outside of your comfort zone. You've inspired me to think twice next time I dismiss the pastels!

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    1. I love my rails to be a rainbow of colour so pastels (even though I wouldn't normally wear them) are always snapped up when I see them. I was surprised when I saw these photos, I thought I'd look a right fright in those pale colours. I'm converted! x

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  16. You've totally aced the styling of these clothes. Who knew green crimplene could look so stylish! The way you've worn pastels looks amazing...and I can't believe I'm saying that! But I mean it :) xxx

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    1. Thanks, Sally! Who'd have thought it?! xxx

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  17. wow, I whole new look. What a haul of beautiful clothes. They look to be in great condition. I'm meh about pastels too. too cutesy for me

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    1. It's tricky when you buy to sell, not everyone embraces mad prints and colours like me. I could see loads of women looking amazing in these pieces but I thought i'd better put my money where my mouth was! xxx

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  18. You look great and what a score, lila

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  19. Such an edgy twist on pastels has never been seen before! Absolutely amazing, Vix! There is so much Style in you, girl, that no doubt you'll make a potato sack look cool - so you definitely did an amazing work with these beautiful pieces!!!

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    1. You are kind! I loved how well those ladylike pastels went with metallic shoes, crazy tights and the odd punch of psychedelia! xxx

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  20. Pastels - you manage to make them fiercely groovy! And I laughed because I confused Wes Anderson and Wes Craven who did the horror movie Nightmare on Elm Street. Hahaha. An honest mistake and entirely understandable, don't you think? And Suzanne, she is AWESOME when she models her vintage. You guys are the best.

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    1. To be honest until I saw those photos I thought me in baby pink and beige was far more Nightmare on Elm Street than Moonrise Kingdom! xxx

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  21. Oh the stories these clothes could tell.
    Don't you love stretching yourself? Even if it is into Nana territory. You always make surprising discoveries.
    Love your take on pastels!
    Xo Jazzy Jack

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    1. If only clothes could speak. The previous owner must have been one sassy lady! x

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  22. Oh my. The pastel green polka dots & homemade crimplene ensembles are just like what my mom used to make me wear in elementary school. Actually in high school too. I'm having PTSD as I'm still so traumatized. i was thinking Wes Craven instead of Wes Anderson too! AaaaaaH!
    xox

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    1. I'd loved to have seen baby Bibi in that ensemble! The clothes my mum dressed me in were fabulous, sadly the home cut fringe wasn't! xxx

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  23. Hi Vix, great haul, the pale green and blue suits you! It's good to mix things up once in a while isn't it? You have inspired me to wear some vintage scarves...I often find vintage silk square scarves in op shops but never buy them because I'm not sure how to wear them because they're quite short, but I think I'll give them a go now. Xxx

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    1. Thanks, Jess! I do love a psychedelic scarf especially the long skinny ones. Perfect to add more colour and vintage to an outfit! x

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  24. I know they're not your colours but you look amazing in the two pantsuits xx

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  25. OH GOD IF ANY OF THOSE TOPS ARE MIM SIZED PLEASE SAVE THEM FOR ME! I will naturally pay full stall asking price plus postage for any that do. I'm *desperate* for tops right now and cannot find anything I like. I'm on the verge of trying to find a seamstress to make stuff to order - but most stop at the 1950s.

    That said, you look ace in every single outfit. Perhaps you should keep it all...

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    1. We found something suitably groovy, didn't we? It's on it's way to Trow as I type!
      xxx

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  26. Those trousers and tunics combos look great!

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  27. Looking fabulous as always, you carry pastels well they wash me out! X

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    1. Thanks, Dawn! Wearing a bright neck scarf really helps to add a bit of extra colour to your face. xxx

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  28. What a fabulous collection of pastels! Even if pastels are not your thing (they're not mine either) you certainly rock all of these outfits, even the beige! They are really set off by your black hair, and wouldn't look half as fab if you were still a blonde. Those tunics are fantastic, I'd have a hard time choosing a favourite. Oh, and I think I have that Orla Kiely scarf in orange: I'll hunt for it once I get home. xxx

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    1. I wanted the orange one but they only had the green ones left. Best magazine freebie ever! xxx

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  29. You look amazing in pastels!!

    ...and beige :)

    happy thrifting ;)

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    1. Never thought anyone would ever say that to me!
      Charity shopping is notoriously poor during the school holidays...boo! x

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  30. mwahaha, that's a fabulous post and you really rock all those pastels!! Amazing pieces, and you look really lovely wearing them (with a touch of your own attitude and accessorizing!). And you've worn a beige skirt! that has opened my eyes wider than a ton of coffee!!! You Rock!!!!!!
    besos

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    1. Thank you! I should have posted this on 1st April, everyone would have thought i was April Fooling them! x

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  31. whats wrong with pastels? worn the right way in the right quality by such a glamorous and wild girl like you - THEY ROCK!!!!
    and the midi lenghts, beiges and dots too!
    sadly the pretty clothes are teeny tiny - for a nordic girl like me at least. but i´m sure they will find some new owners very fast!
    xxxxx

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    1. Thank you! I'm a convert!
      Such a shame those pastel coloured beauties are made for 34" busts, I'd have sold them ten times over if they were bigger! xxx

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    2. I'm totally in love with the tops!!! And I am a 34"!!! Esp that polka dot one. Will it be for sale (if Mim hasn't got there first??)
      You look so amazing in all these -so different from your usual fare!

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    3. Hello Kezzie! They're on our website now but the polka dot one has already sold. x

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    4. Kezzie, you're a completely different size to me, so we can shop together ;-)

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  32. I know its not normally your style but it does suit you , It makes you look younger lol xxx

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  33. Every outfit looks lovely on you!

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  34. beware of the beige it creeps into your life

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  35. Oh those trousers remind me of my nan, she was rocking crimplene flares and pussybow blouses until she was 89! You look fab :)

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  36. Dear Vix, I've so enjoyed the comments on this post! "Beware of beige..." and "pastellized..."! Snigger. Must admit, however, that I remain unconvinced that I'll ever wear pastel polyester (again). Not unless I'm somehow reduced to that/your size again. The metallic ankle boots might be given a second look, however.

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    1. Metallic ankle boots make everything better! xxx

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  37. Polka dots and pastels ... I'll just go now shall I 😉

    I have a cousin of that patent handbag! And the matching shooooes! And the gloves! I shouldn't look at your stock buys, I often have no spare pennies and end up fiercely coveting things, particularly nightwear! xxx

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    1. Don't be daft. I love pastels and polka dots on other people, just not on me (or so i thought!) xxx

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  38. Beautiful! You certainly know how to spice up pastels, I guess this almost counts as an Easter outfit post!

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    1. Get me, all seasonably appropriate! xxx

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  39. Hi, Vix! I haven't commented in awhile but I do loving checking in on you regularly and seeing your amazing vintage finds. I love this post. And you look so beautiful! I wish you could've crossed the pond to come and see my little vintage shop before it closes (the land it is on is under negotiation to be sold). It is a vintage railroad caboose filled with treasures. I am like you: don't think I will ever NOT love vintage clothes. One thing that has been so much fun about having a shop is people coming in to offer estates up for sale! I have purchased lots of old bags, hats, clothing, lingerie (be still my heart!), and it has just been SO MUCH FUN!
    Happy Spring!
    Lynn

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    1. Hello Lynn! Lovely to hear from you. How sad about your shop, it sounded wonderful. xxx

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  40. Wow, what a fantastic collection of garments! You've styled them perfectly. Your pastel and midi-length loving customers are going to have a good time snapping up all those wonderful treasures. xo

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  41. Superb... I love those colours and that era. You look pretty in Pink!

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  42. Superb... I love those colours and that era. You look pretty in Pink!

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  43. These pieces might not be your usual style or col.ours, but I reckon you could wear any-bloody-thing and lot insanely fabulous! What a treasure trove of Crimplene!
    Btw, I have just found out where Crimplene got its name - from the Crimple Beck in North Yorkshire, the fabric was developed in the ICI plant in the Crimple valley. Who knew?! (My sister had been walking in the area recently and told me.)
    Loving all the modelling you've been doing for the website - bet you get out of bed for less than Linda Evangalista though...
    Love you! xxxx

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    1. Hello, gorgeous! Crimple Valley? No way! It sounds like the place us bloggers should retire to. Do they have a Wetherspoons?
      I'd get out of bed for a half a lager, cheap date, me!
      Love you! xxx

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  44. Wow, that is a lot of pastels, which I, like you, never wear. However, you look a proper lady with attitude decked out in cream and crimplene. Excellent photo shoot Vix!

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  45. wow, even though these items aren't typically you, you've still made them very 'you' I doubt that skirt has ever been worn with leopard print tights before!

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    1. Thank you! I wonder what the original owner of that collection would have thought about a demure pleated skirt worn with leopard print tights! xxx

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  46. Fabulous outfits, Vix - even in pastels!

    xx

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  47. WOW!!! I'm so very jealous of this haul! And I'm surprised how much I adore you in pastels and how you accessorized them. Sometimes it's good to give something new a go.

    Thanks for the shout-out. Since I'm a huge fan of yours it means so much to me.

    bisous
    Suzanne

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    1. It is good to push the boundaries every now and then, isn't it? I'm in a suede micro mini skirt today which looks okay but I still far more "me" in something that grazes the floor!
      The admiration is mutual! xxx

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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