Thursday 10 August 2017

How the Waste Was Worn - Other People's Cast-offs, My Way




I haven't shared my chazzing finds in ages. Although our twice weekly shopping trips have been somewhat curtailed due to our festival schedule we've been out and about as often as we can. We've had some terrific luck with vintage stock for Kinky Melon's rails but, no sooner have I laundered and packed it for the next event, then it's sold and gone for ever. In the absence of any stock photos here's some of the things I've added to my own wardrobe over the last month instead. 


Last year I'd admired the bell bottomed leggings I'd seen on numerous hip girls at festivals so I was pleased to find a pair for £2 in a chazza in Shropshire. I was inundated with compliments when I wore them so was super pleased when I found a second pair - same make, same size, same price - in a charity shop some forty miles away from the original town I'd bought them from. I'd always dismissed Boohoo (the website they originated from) as cheap and nasty so was surprised to discover that the leggings were actually made in the UK.  The Jeffrey Campbell "Woodies" clogs were missing their price tag in a charity shop notorious for its crazy pricing so I was prepared for a stupid answer when asked the manager how much they were. When she replied £2.49 to you, darling! I couldn't get my purse out fast enough. 

WEARING: Bell bottomed leggings and Jeffrey Campbell Woodies worn with a embroidered cotton tunic (£9.99, recent sale buy), Vintage tooled leather owl bag (£2, Islamic Relief)

 My heart skipped a beat when I spotted these bastard massive colourful wooden beads under the counter in Age UK. When I noticed the price - £1- I nearly had the volunteer's hand off. The pink straw half-moon clutch is early 1980s, made in Hong Kong and from British retailer, Next from back in the day when it sold exciting, innovative gear. I added my own pom-poms.



WEARING: Massive wooden beads (Age UK) worn with Jeffrey Campbell Woodies, 1980s clutch bag (£1, BHF) with a 1970s Jinty's London maxi dress (£5 clearance rail at a vintage fair and last seen HERE on Mumbai's Chowpatty beach),  Vintage Ted Lapidus sunglasses (£3, local children's hospice shop, 2008)

The 50p basket in Age UK yielded this 1970s nylon bikini from the now defunct high street chain, British Home Stores.The sun's made a rare appearance today but sadly, it's still not bikini weather!



WEARING: Vintage Prova (BHS's own label) bikini and Jeffrey Campbell Woodies worn with a 1920s silk kimono (50p from a car boot sale in 2012), Native American turquoise pendant (inherited from Mum), bastard massive straw hat (eBay)

This silk & lace trimmed semi sheer camisole top is by Danish label, Noa Noa, and cost £1 from my one of my favourite charity clearance shops. Like the bell bottoms it isn't in the slightest bit vintage but fits in with the rest of my wardrobe a treat. 



WEARING: Noa Noa camisole top, 1960s suede Go-Go boots, Victorian lawn cotton slip & bone beads (inherited from my Great-Grandma) 

The eagle-eyed amongst you will have seen me wearing this 1970s maxi at Indietracks (HERE). I found it for £3 in Sense the day before we left and, being 100% nylon, it was dry within an hour of washing it. It's a teenage fit which is fine, I've been the same height since I was 11.



WEARING: Vintage Jon Adam maxi dress, Jeffrey Campbell Woodies, Indian tribal pendant (the wonderful Italian artist and friend, Ilaria Novelli), insane sunglasses (car boot sale, last year)

Technically this next dress isn't a cast-off, although it is from a charity shop. Newlife is a bit like TK Maxx (TJ Maxx, if you're American), a huge unit crammed with high street, high end and designer fashion, but the brand labels have been removed and all the proceeds go to a UK-based children's charity. To be honest, the main shop leaves me cold - racks and racks of the same mainstream fashion you'll find on most British high streets - but the Market Place is far more interesting, bins piled with faulty, broken and downright weird stuff and priced at either 50p, 99p or £1.49.  My embroidered, Indian-made rayon dress was reduced on account of its busted zip which, unusually for a contemporary garment, was positioned on a side seam. It took me all of 20 minutes to replace it. I've no idea who stocked the dress but, for a modern piece, it's rather lovely.



WEARING: Indian-made rayon midi dress (£1.49) and Jeffrey Campbell Woodies with vintage tooled leather owl bag, Lamani tribe coin belt (worn as a necklace) and 1970s felt hat (Banardos, £1.99, earlier this year)

My favourite find of the last few weeks has yet to be worn - be still, my beating heart - an early 1970s Frank Usher maxi with fabulous bishop sleeves threaded above the elbow with with grosgrain ribbon which matches my Barry M Guava nail paint perfectly. A snip at £4.99. I've already got a similar one but a girl can never have too many.



I was planning to save it till the Winter but, if the weather continues to be dodgy, I might be wearing it when we trade at Vintage Village this Sunday.

See you there!


In other news, I'm highly honoured to feature on my dear friend Natalia's blog today along with several other of my favourite bloggers. Check her post out HERE!

Linking to Patti & the gang for Visible Monday and Judith's Hat Attack.

78 comments:

  1. Vix, you have had a string of good luck! What incredible finds. The Frank Usher dress is beautiful. Love the tooled leather bag.
    Take care.
    Robin

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    1. Thanks, Robin!! That's the joy of charity shopping, you never know what you'll find!! xxx

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  2. Wow! All great finds , especially that maxi dress! :)

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    1. Thanks, Laurie! I'm hoping I won't have to wear it for a few months yet, I want it to be warm! xxx

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  3. So much gorgeousness! At rock-bottom prices, and for charity too, you can't go wrong! Like you, that final maxi dress made my eyes light up, it's a real beauty. But you always have a great eye for what will work with your wardrobe and aesthetic, whether it's vintage or modern. That Indian rayon midi dress is lovely, and the Jeffrey Campbell wedges are very you. And goodness me, you sexy woman, you are rocking that bikini/kimono combinations, woohoo!
    I'm being rubbish at commenting at the moment, but I am still reading and enjoying. Baker and his sequins did make me laugh - tell him it's time to get over his disco phobia!
    Love you! Xxxx

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    1. I can see a certain Mr Strong rocking one of those disco jackets. Shall we keep one aside? love you! xxx

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  4. A feast for the eyes I could just write a long list of all the things I loved, everything really.
    The massive necklace and Next (it was once innovative wasn't it!) bag are gorgeous. The tooled bag and shoes ditto (although I'd never be able to walk in them ;))
    I'm off to look at Natalia's blog now. xxx

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    1. I was surprised i could walk in those clogs but they're surprisingly comfy! xxx

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  5. Well danmit, if you can't get bikini weather where you're at, come here-we're warm until October most years.

    I love the makeover you gave the straw bag. I need to get some pom poms and "Vixify" some things.

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    1. I might just take you up on that...so many summer dresses, so little weather to wear them! xxx

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  6. Love the camisole! that would be incentive to get my arms toned if I owned that baby.

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    1. Thanks, Sam! The Scandi countries have a knack for designing fantastic clothing, I'm always excited to find anything made there. xxx

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  7. DAMNNNNNNN those bell bottoms and clogs tho!!!!!! Ur so hot in that bikini----I luv it :D

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  8. Loving the finds especially the frank usher dress , I have only been once to Newlife and am not keen but i didnt knkw about the bargain basement , will have to go and have another look xxx

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    1. The Market Place is worth a look. There was a whole basket of mannequin arms which would be brilliant for displaying jewellery. xxx

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  9. Market Place sound like my kind of shop. Love the bell bottom leggings look.....oh, heck, I love it all.

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    1. Thank you! Yes, the damaged stuff always gets my interest, I do love a challenge. xxx

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  10. "How the waste was worn"? Love this title!
    Those bellbottom leggings look groovy man!!
    Xo Jazzy Jack

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    1. Thank you! It came to me in a flash. I do love a pun! xxx

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  11. Goodness your photographs are beautifully taken! I would have squealed if I had found those Woodies!! You look fabulous!

    happy thrifting ;)

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    1. Thank you! Those Woodies are absurdly comfortable despite the height of those wedges! xxx

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  12. I always have fun with these posts...I enjoy seeing your outfits and I always like to 'pick' my favourite.

    This time I started with the beads and the clutch and the orange dress! Wowza! I love it all!

    Then I saw the Jon Adams maxi with your woodies! OH! OH! OH! I love this look so much!

    AND THEN I saw the midi and I LOVE the styling tip to toe!

    Yep...pretty much love everything today!!!

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  13. Oh wow that Frank Usher maxi is gorgeous!
    Love those clogs & flared leggings too!
    What amazing things you find in the chazzas.
    xox

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    1. I was excited to find that frank Usher maxi. I remember drooling over the same one on a vintage website but it was loads of money! xxx

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  14. Everything looks fabulous. The final dress you're wearing really doesn't look much on the hanger but it looks fabulous on, I love the length.
    I was surprised to read that the Boohoo leggings were made in the UK, it's a shop I tend avoid.
    x

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    1. It's a strange length for me but the embroidery sold it and I'm pretty fed up with walking into town in a maxi dress, getting caught in the rain and coming back with a sodden hem. No fun! xxx

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  15. so many fabulous pieces! and I love the title!!
    I'm in love with your bell-bottom leggings (I would like to find something like these for Me!) and with your big beads and straw bag (lovely pompoms!!).
    I love all those magnificent dresses and you look so gorgeous wearing them. A girl can't have too many maxi dresses with fabulous sleeves. Bishop sleeves! fabulousness!!
    besos

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    1. You'd look ace in those bell bottom leggings, Monica. You've got a fantastic pair of legs! xxx

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  16. That grosgrain detail is SO amazing!! I love those bell bottom leggings, I feel like I wore those a lot in the late 90s/early 2000s but in boring black - not vibrant colours. That clutch is fun too - the addition of the pompoms is cute :)

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    1. Isn't it unusual? I was all over the early 1990s does the 1970s revival. You're right though, most of the stuff was black! xxx

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  17. I love seeing what's in your own wardrobe. I love the Frank Usher dress and the clogs and those fabulous flare stretch trousers - I wore them in the 70s and would again if could only find some - didn't know they even existed! Lovely beads for £1 what a bargain - you have some very pretty family heirlooms too. Feeling motivated to get out to the chazzas myself now!

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    1. Boohoo still have those bell bottoms (in a blue colour way). Might be worth a look on their website - at least they're made in the UK! Happy chazzing! xxx

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  18. seems like the indian idea of a dirndl - the swiss alps are a dream destination for the indians - even bollywood films there a lot......
    but i looove all your outfits here!!! so chic and cool and just wonderful!
    wish you success and fund at the weekend!! xxxxxx

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    1. You're right, so many song and dance routines with the Alps as a backdrop! I bet that was the designer's inspiration. xxx

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  19. The zig-zag bell bottoms are a favourite, as they remind me of a groovy vintage 1970s Barbie outfit I have. The clogs are fab too, and I love how you upped the wow factor of that zingy orange maxi with the beads and "vixified" clutch. The Frank Usher maxi is a dream! I have to agree with Monica, as I love your post title too ... xxx

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    1. I love vintage Barbie's wardrobe. I'm pretty sure my 1970s Tressy doll had a similar pair. xxx

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  20. I've never heard of Newlife; I don't think we have them round here. I like TK Maxx for unusual bath goodies or food things, but for someone my size the clothes are rubbish - 16 or under seems to make up the bulk of my local ones' stock.

    Those bell bottoms are fab - like you I've tended to dismiss Boohoo. More fool me/us!

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    1. I think Newlife are just around the Midlands. I remember the Clothes Show doing a feature on them back in the 1980s. They did have some decent homewares - better than the boring clothes! xxx

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  21. You look brilliant in everything you wear, Vix - particularly that orange dress - it's definitely 'your' colour.

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    1. Thanks, Rosie! I do like a bit of orange, it matches our campervan! xxx

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  22. I was drooling as soon as I spotted that Frank Usher maxi dress. I'm so jealous!!! I can't wait to see you wearing it.

    Love all of your amazing finds.

    It is a bit crazy how many of the fast fashion houses have decided to basically reproduce exact design styles from the 60s and 70s lately.

    Oh that I were the same weight as when I was 11! I'd be a mere 100 lbs!

    bisous
    Suzanne

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    1. That dress should make winter a bit more appealing.
      The 1970s were the best time for fashion. I'm loving that the hipsters are getting bored with the reproduction stuff and giving it to charity shops. I'll probably be wearing it until it becomes vintage (if it lasts that long!) xxx

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  23. Love the Frank Usher maxi, and the orange dress of course.

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  24. Wow, great finds. Love those sandals. You look so glam in your bikini!

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  25. Lovely as always... and I'm so impressed - you must have a fashion encyclopedia in your head to know so much! You should write a book!

    Hey, I'm thinking of going to 'Vintage Retreat' on Sunday and going swishing, depending on when a friend is visiting as it may not be his thing. I do have some too-small party dresses in my wardrobe. A bit of me thinks I will slim back into them soon though anyway! I *am* shrinking... oh what to do!!!

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    1. I've never been to Northampton but I've a friend on Facebook with a unit in the vintage retreat. I'd be interested to hear how you got on if you managed to persuade your mate to come along! xxx

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  26. Bloody fabulous finds as ever, you have such an amazing nose for finding these gems!

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  27. Wow you have been lucky finding such gems. You look like and have the figure of a 19 year old. Have lots of fun wearing them and hurry up summer for that gorgeous bikini.

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    1. Thanks, Sally! I wish Summer would hurry up, it seems to have leapt from Summer to Autumn almost overnight. Come back sun! xxx

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  28. The detailing on the Frank Usher catches the eye, as does its intriguing color scheming -- is there such a thing as elegant psychedelic?

    The wooden beads are a real find! Here in the cornfield jungles of Indiana, these beads wear well with bright tees and floppy 70s hats. I've used the beads to upgrade a hatband but the 'clacking' drove me bonkers. Shall give pom-poms a try...

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    1. I must admit that my heart skipped a beat when I spotted the sleeve of that Frank Usher peeking out from a rail of tat. The colours couldn't be more perfect!
      Those beads haven't left my neck since i bought them. They're a lot quieter than most of my jewellery! xxx

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  29. What beautiful clothes. You always find the best things to wear and they are always utterly bargainous. I very rarely see anything worth wearing in the charity shops but have found some great house stuff recently. The Newlife place sounds really interesting too. Really good that the garments are not just going to the dump. I love the post with you and all the incredibly creative ladies featured. You all have such incredible style and put the rest of us to shame. Xx

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    1. Thanks you so much, Kelly! I rarely find nice home stuff although I did get an amazing white Egyptian cotton duvet set with a knitted pom pom trim. Perfection! xxx

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  30. You have such a cheery and fun sense of style. So refreshing! Love all of these, but the 50p kimono is the standout for me. I would have fought you for it over the seller's trestle table ;)

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    1. Thank you! That poor kimono is falling apart. I've worn it to hospital a couple of times. It mesmerises the nurses! xxx

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  31. Some great finds Vix. And you put your outfits together so well. Love the pom pom festooned 80s purse paired with that maxi and the wooden beads. So cheerful and colorful. But that over the top fabulous Frank Usher for that price! I nearly gagged on my tea when I read that. You have some really good vintage shopping karma, that's for sure :)

    Theresa
    www.vintagestylefiles.com

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    1. Thanks, Theresa!
      I come across maxis quite often but rarely one as amazing as the Frank Usher one, the sleeves are incredible! xxx

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  32. You've made me happy yet again!! Everything is done to perfection. I love what you did with the large red bag. I used to have one almost identical and I loved your addition of the pom poms. Although I'm not familiar with the Frank Usher label, the dress is absolutely stunning and you will look AHHHMAZING in it!!!!!!! Someday I'd love to attend that fair. Joey's a car nut and I think we'd have a ball. Love to you and Jon!!!!!!

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    1. You make me happy popping up like that, Jean!! Lovely to hear from you. I stalk you on Instagram even if I don't participate! xxx

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  33. A colorful feast! And my friend, you rock a bikini like no other. xox,

    -Patti
    http://notdeadyetstyle.com

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  34. Great finds. I love the camisole top and the bikini. xx

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    1. Thank you and welcome back, I was only thinking about you yesterday! xxx

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  35. Oh Vicky, I don't know where to begin! What a beautiful lot! Every outfit is exquisite! Love the bikini + silk kimono, and your favorite find (I have a Frank Usher skirt!), all the frocks, the lacy top, the wide leg trousers (leggings?), and THE COLORFUL BEADS!!! You definitely scored! <3 <3 <3

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    1. Thank you! I loved that Frank Usher skirt of yours, I remember you blogging about it! xxx

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  36. How wonderful to see your latest finds. Your eye is exquisite. Every piece is perfection, but the green go go boots have me gasping.

    Thank you for sharing your headwear and your beauty with Hat Attack! I always appreciate your participation.

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    1. Those boots were a very generous present from a blog reader, I'm scared to wear them too much, I know I'd never be able to replace them! xxx

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  37. I would never have guessed those bell bottoms were from Boohoo! You look amazing in them and I love the Jon Adam's maxi dress you found as well. You always find such great things xx

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    1. I know. I feel a bit bad for being so dismissive of Boohoo in the past!
      The Jon Adam's had loads of wear already, perfect for cold festival nights. xxx

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  38. I realized I had read this post at work but hadn't commented. You always have the best titles for your posts. I had a pair of black bell-bottom leggings back in the 80's - I loved the way the giant bells swished when I walked. Awesome dress finds; I really like the embroidered indian made red and blue one. I would definitely wear that (if I was about 4 sizes smaller).

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    1. Thanks for coming back and commenting, you are a sweetie!
      I loved the early 1990s 1970s revival, I wish I'd stocked up when i had the chance. xxx

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  39. I LOVE your chazza and sale finds! I felt the same about BooHoo so I am very surprised! I love your kimono look and the dresses! I got a a lovely Tara Starlet repro dress in my local chazza 2weeks ago and even secondhand on eBay are expensive! My latest TARDIS Tuesday had a jacket I got for £6.99 that sells for £90 on eBay! I love chazzas!!!x

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    1. Isn't it amazing what turns up in chazzas? No wonder we love them so much. 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