Monday 24 April 2017

Something Old, Something New - A Week In Charity Shopping




Charity shops are always rubbish during the school holidays I said to my friend Lyndsey Boomerang when we bumped into each other in the British Heart Foundation last week with not a purchase between us. 


Minutes later I was forced to eat my words when I spotted a sleeve with a groovy print peeking out from a sale rail. When I pulled the out the hanger I discovered the coat of my dreams, a fake fur trimmed 1960s maxi coat in pristine condition with an added bonus, a huge, snuggly hood. I couldn't hand over my £5 note over fast enough.


I haven't started the great winter to summer wardrobe reshuffle yet which is just as well as, like last year, the weather's taken a turn for the worst with a viciously cold wind and snow forecast for later. This coat couldn't have arrived at a better time. The cats have taken to our bed and Jacob the tortoise is refusing the budge from behind the curtain in the lounge. Animals know best.


I've never set foot in a branch of Zara but I often like their stuff  when I see it in chazzas. I couldn't resist snapping up this bright coral maxi skirt with the £25 label still attached. I didn't think an elasticated waist would be very flattering but at £2 I took a gamble and I'm glad I did. Unlike many of my vintage maxi skirts the waist stays put and I'm not twizzling it round every time I try to take a step.

Clockwise from top left: 1980s red leather jacket; Pair of velvet bow ties; West German-made midi dress; 1980s hibiscus print sun dress; vintage Norfolk jacket; 1970s crushed velvet jacket; 1970s Windsmoor "Designer" linen dress; 1970s leather trench coat; Silk slip dress; Moleskin waistcoat; 1970s day dress; 1970s wool waistcoat; Bambi House psychedelic wraparound maxi skirt, 1980s mohair & wool cropped jacket;Ridiculous crochet poodle to add to my collection
What with last Monday's Bank Holiday and some grown-up paperwork and appointments to deal with we've only managed to go shopping twice in the last week but I think my theory of school holidays making for rubbish charity shop finds got blown out of the water. 


Clockwise from top left: 1960s German clip-on earrings (now mine!); 1980s tapestry waistcoat;  Vintage snakeskin shoes (made in the Canary Islands); Crazy German-made golfing trousers; Contemporary kimono-type top; Vintage Peter Bettley bridal hat; Alligator print backpack; 1990s Monsoon embroidered gingham shift dress; Laura Ashley British wool dress (originally retailed at £125); Vintage suede shoes; 1960s veiled hat; 1960s bridal hat; 1960s John Collier tonic suit; Liberty of London cashmere blazer


Vintage maxi coat worn with Zara maxi skirt, me-made ruffled blouse (seen HERE), Stuart Weizmann suede boots (£2, charity shop, details HERE)


Snow, sleet or whatever the weather gods chuck at us we're off to Walsall's new town centre cinema to catch tomorrow's matinee performance (it's half price before midday!) The place has been open for almost a year but we haven't been as the films on offer are largely of the populist, big budget super hero, shoot 'em up, kids' nonsense or rom-com variety but tomorrow, for one day only, they're screening Lion which a lady I met in a charity shop (where else?) recommended- I hope it doesn't make me blub.

See you soon!  


Linking to Patti and the gang for Visible Monday.

96 comments:

  1. That coat looks like it was made for you! Drama and beauty all in one. Lion does look very interesting, let us know what you think

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    1. Lion was fantastic, I did cry but I'd recommend it. x

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  2. enjoy the movie. The coat is lovely. It's pretty mild here today, but by the weekend the weather said 95!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

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    1. No! I'm so envious! The sun's out here but it's cold enough for the central heating to click on. x

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  3. I don't know how you find such amazing clothes, the coat it lovely. You have such a great mane of beautiful hair and the coat sets it off perfectly with the fake fur trim. I saw Dev Patel and Nicole Kidman on telly talking about Lion, it looks good, have a nice day at the cinema. xxx

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    1. Its a lifetime of practice, I think! xxx

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  4. You found some gorgeous stuff (I love the green silk slip dress and the red crushed velvet jacket), not to mention that FABULOUS coat for yourself, it's divine. I actually have that contemporary kimono you picked up too! I think that was Zara.

    Bracing ourselves for the cold, I'm so glad that I have learnt never to pack all the jumpers and coats away...

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    1. What is it about Zara? I keep being attracted to it!
      Yes, we had exactly the same weather last year and still people are surprised. x

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  5. This last weekend I took my client Regis yard sale...Not sure if they have them or what there called...some place call them tag sale..People set out tables in there yard and sale items and it good way of find great deals...He found a 1960's school lunch box for $1.00
    Coffee is on

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    1. We went to a garage sale last weekend but it wasn't our kind of thing! All modern! x

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  6. Magnificent coat; what a find! Zxx

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  7. That coat is bloody gorgeous, I think I've seen something similar before, the fabric is quite thick isn't it? Not like coats nowadays, where you still freeze your tits off cos they're fag-paper thin. I saw Lion advertised on TV, but now I've read the blurb I might order the dvd when it is released.
    Btw a question...are you still using Superdrug Vit E Radiance Cream? I can't find it anywhere and wonder if it's been discontinued?
    You've got me on the seeds! xx

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    1. Yes, it is really thick fabric and quite shimmery, too. I'd love to know who sold it.
      Lion was wonderful. It was only on at our cinema for one day, Walsall people prefer super heroes I think! x

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  8. Oh that coat takes me right back to my 'purple' phase in the 70's. What a bargain, it looks beautiful.

    Those mustard suede shoes are lovely, they wouldn't be a 36/3 would they??

    And thank you for all those healthy eating tips, I am going to try and follow your example!

    Regards,
    Julia

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    1. Hello Julia! I do love purple, my Mum dressed me in it as a baby in the 1960s and my love for it never wavered!
      Those shoes are a UK 4/ 37. They're on the website if you need any more info. xxx

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  9. Oh you really scored with this gorgeous hooded coat, Vix. And I adore the little crocheted poodle too. Stay warm and fabulous, xox

    -Patti
    http://notdeadyetstyle.com

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    1. Thanks, Patti! Fake fur and crazy poodles get me every time. xxx

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  10. That coat is beyond fabulous, what a find. So is that Zara maxi skirt. I have been inside Zara with a friend, but have never bought anything, as I think it's far too expensive (not only in Zara, mind you: I am such a cheapskate). It seems that your chazzas aren't doing too bad, even in the school holidays. Here, there's hardly been anything to find for weeks. I would have picked up that crazy yellow poodle too! xxx

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    1. I'm the same, I can't believe the prices of modern clothes in proper shops! I can't imagine ever spending £50 on something mediocre and mass produced! xxx

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  11. That coat is a real keeper, it looks lovely on you. Someone told me this week that on Mondays charity shops change their stock. Do you think that's right ? The only thing we picked up this weekend was a pair of curtains for £3 for Val to work her magic on and a st Michael's shirt for £1.
    I've seen Lion it didn't make me cry but it is touching. I go to the old biddy sessions on a Wednesday with a pal. We pay £2.60 and get a cup of tea & a biscuit. Apparently you're an old biddy if you're over 50 haha.
    Enjoy xxxx

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    1. We used to find Tuesdays to be the best day for charity shop finds but the last couple of Mondays we've been out we've done well. I never do well at weekends.
      Lion made me cry, probably because I've seen so many little boys at railway stations who look like Sarroo. I'll be buying even more packets of biscuits and bananas for them next time I go! xxx

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  12. Goodness you did well there! It's a beauty! I love hooded coats, they feel luxurious.

    Love that hibiscus print dress, that's so pretty xxx

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    1. I do love a hood, perfect for walking back from the pub and night and great when you don't have to faff around with an umbrella! x

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  13. wouuu, that's a fabulous coat, and you look fabulous wearing it!, I love its cool print, the hood, the fauxfur trim!!, everything is stunning!!
    Obviously, I'm admiring your other purchases too, such an amazing booty!!
    (there's also some snow forecasted here too, such a crazy spring! there was 25ºc yesterday)
    besos

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    1. You can never have too many coats when you live in the UK - we wear them all year long! xxx

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  14. Your coat is fantastic. When you've finished with it just pass it my way!
    xx

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  15. Great coat! It looks amazing on you.

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  16. I LOVE that coat, it's such a beauty, and so very you. Yes, we need to get our winter coats back out now after the sunny weekend - it's bastard freezing again!
    You definitely had a couple of successful shopping trips, despite the Easter holidays, and as always, found some spectacular stock. Ha, I bloody knew you'd be keeping that poodle!
    Enjoy he film, stay toasty - love you! xxxx

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    1. I love it, I think I need more coats in my life than halterneck maxi dresses, they deffo get more wear!
      Lyndsey spotted that poodle first and told me I could have it. She's all heart!
      Love you! xxx

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  17. What an utterly fabulous coat! You look like Little Blue Riding Hood and it will be just the thing for the forthcoming colder weather.

    I'm so amazed at the wonderful things you've found; adore the shoes and several of the jackets. Unless I'm blind I couldn't see a snakeskin bag in the photos...

    xxxxxxx

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    1. I was very glad of that coat last week, I can tell you!
      It's a alligator print bag - red cotton with a daft print on it. Ready for a hipster to snap up (ha!) at a festival! xxx

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  18. this is a dreamy coat! the heavy, rich fabric, the fur trim, the colors.... you look like a fairy princess in it!
    great finds at the chazzas!
    xxxx

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  19. A coat like that for a fiver?! Incredible. The colours are so wonderful-imagine wearing it on a cold grey winter day. Such perfection.

    I found two coats last week and boots-must be the off season unloading. I'm happy enough for it, though nothing I found is even close to that coat.

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    1. Madness, I tell you! That's what makes charity shopping so addictive, you never know what you're going to find!
      I agree, it's definitely coat clearing out season , I got another one on Wednesday! xxx

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  20. LOVING the hooded fait and the ruffled blouse u made that u are wearing. Also, loving the crushed velvet jacket in the store finds!!!!

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    1. Thanks, Becky! I love a bit of crushed velvet! x

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  21. oooh! That's a fantastic coat!! Love that Zara skirt (gosh...25 pounds!!!)
    Good thing I don't live close to your Kinky Melon pitches, otherwise I'd buy up half the stock you've shown in your post!

    Old Man Winter isn't done with us here in Northwestern Ontario either. We had snow yesterday!!

    happy thrifting ;)

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    1. Snow be gone! I'm so over it now. xxx

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  22. Hi Vix, your coat is gorgeous, it goes beautifully with your hair. Also some great charity shop finds, I love the suede shoes! Xxx

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    1. Thanks, Jess! I wish those shoes had fitted me! Curses to my big feet. x

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  23. That glorious maedieval hood makes the coat worthy of claiming it for your own, Vix! We know you don't drive (yet), but do you ride? A white palfrey, of course, with as much bastard jewellery on its trappings as its rider.

    At least the alligator backpack is "one size fits all". And my eyes glow green at the sight of those snakeskin shoes, especially since I own zip made in the Canaries. (Do wear a patchwork parachute silk bomber jacket made in Oman. How it arrived in Cincinnati might be a good story. Wish clothes came with provenance attached.)

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    1. I've never even touched a horse Beth but I like the picture you've conjured up, bastard jewellery and all!
      I love seeing where my finds were made. The Canary Islands must have been a far posher destination back then to their current all-inclusive hell! x

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  24. That coat is amazing! And fits like it was made for you. Wonderful score!!

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  25. Sometime its nice to be wrong ;) I love you coat! It's turning colder here at the moment and I don't really like my winter coat anymore, I'm searching fabric and patterns and stores for something I actually like - If I found that coat I think it would make all my winter coat dreams come true x

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    1. making a coat sounds manageable - the modern ones are so drab and uninspiring! xxx

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  26. I am not a lady in a charity shop, but I also recommended you Lion :) - hope you enjoy it!!

    This coat really IS a dream coat! It is so you! Love the color, the shape, the pattern, and of course the fur trim - and all for a fiver??? Wonderful, even snow doesn't sound so bad now!

    Have a wonderful week, dear!!

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    1. We did enjoy Lion, you and the lady in the charity shop were spot on!
      I hate cold weather but a fabulous coat (or two!) makes our inclement weather far more bearable! xxx

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  27. Stunning! How do you find such treasures? Xxx

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  28. Great coat. You'll like lion. It's a great film with wonderful tassie scenery

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    1. Thanks, Sue! The scenery in Lion was spectacular. I want to visit Tasmania now! x

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  29. Wow! that maxi coat is fab!
    I've never se foot in a Zara either but perhaps I should?
    xox

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    1. Thanks, Bibi! I've seen some good stuff on Zara's website and apparently if you time your visit right their sales are tremendous! x

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  30. Hi dear Vix! It's been a long time since I last commented anything on your blog. You look like a queen in your lovely purple maxi coat.

    A-M xxx

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    1. Lovely to hear from you, my dear friend! I do hope you're well! xxx

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  31. That coat is a knockout! What a find

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  32. How very bargainous! Nice one, perfect for this lovely weather we are now 'enjoying' !

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    1. It was! It couldn't have been donated at a better time. Spring glorious spring! xxx

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  33. You are so lucky to find that coat! That movie sounds good, hope you like it! :)

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    1. The chazza goddess was smiling on me, I think! lion was excellent, you should see it if you get the chance. x

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  34. That coat is incredible. I love it. It suits you so well.

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    1. I didn't even try it on, I was worried someone else would notice it and rip it off my back! x

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  35. I love that jacket!
    http://www.nytrendymoms.com

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  36. I can't believe that coat! **swooooons**

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    1. I know! Wonders in chazzas will never cease! xxx

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  37. Wow what a coat. I had a thermal vest on yesterday - under a big jumper, crazy weather. xx

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    1. We ought to know by now - April is way colder than December - but it tricks us every time! xxx

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  38. Fabulous coat! With some snow, you could be out of Dr. Zhivago :) Lion is a wonderful film, the little boy is amazing, hope you enjoyed it. xx

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    1. Thanks, Elizabeth! The little boy was wonderful and Dev Patel always makes me smile, such a lovely man! x

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  39. Think the film is going to be fantastic, it's on my list and being India you can't go wrong. I love the light green full slip on the Kinky rails, would wear as a dress with silver shoes :D

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    1. Silver shoes would look wonderful with the silk slip dress. Those bias cut dresses are having another moment, I think! xxx

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  40. What an amazing coat, a real heart-stopper! It looks perfect on you :-) xxx

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  41. I watched Lion on the plane coming home from Hong Kong. Bad idea. I think I cried most of the movie.

    That coat is amazing! What luck!

    I too am often swayed by Zara when I find it thrifting. I picked up a va-va-voom off the shoulder dress in bright red that I can't wait to wear. The colour of that skirt is wonderful.

    bisous
    Suzanne

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    1. I don't think there was a dry eye in the house. Wonderful film, though.
      The colour of that skirt swayed me. I think it's the intense colours Zara use that grabs my attention. Proper reds, greens and corals. Not many shops do colour well these days. xxx

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    2. Maybe it's because they're Spanish - I'm always struck by the vivid windows in the accessory shops in Spain. It works beautifully in all the sunshine in the south.

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    3. That's a good point, Mim! Probably why we find normal clothes shops here so uninspiring - they're all grey, beige or a combination of the two - to reflect our weather! x

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  42. Holy crap! That coat is a serious score!!

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  43. I LOVE the coat- it is sooooooooooooooo dramatic AND full length WITH A HOOD!!!!!! Also- the golfing trousers are amazing- I would totally wear those- what size are they!??? Are they man or woman and will they be appearing on Kinky/??x

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    1. The golfing trousers are men's and rather large but they are totally and utterly mad and washed up really well - when we found them they'd got half the golf course attached to them! x

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  44. Love the hood. You look very Scottish Widows...but with colour. xx

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  45. That is a splendid coat! Love the pattern, and the length and the hood make it a perfect addition to your outerwear collection. Looks like you've had some good luck in the chazzas lately. I've had a couple of very satisfying thrifting experiences lately too.

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    1. Can't wait to hear about your finds, get sharing! xxx

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  46. That coat is amazing, it was definitely made for you! x

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    1. Thanks, Sarah! I was thrilled to find it! 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