When the Seventies became the next big thing a year or so ago, many of my fellow vintage enthusiasts had mini meltdowns, fearing that the world and her dog would be walking the streets in maxi dresses, platform boots and floppy hats, leading people to think that those of us who'd always dressed this way would be mistaken for fickle followers of fashion.
But I wasn't worried. Trends rarely last for long and I knew the day would soon come when the fashionistas bored of 1970s repro and move on to the next thing.
And that time is now! The weather has turned properly Autumnal, the fashion conscious are reinventing themselves and last year's wardrobe has been relegated to the charity shop donation bag.
Bar my jewellery, everything I'm wearing came from yesterday's charity shop expedition and set me back the grand total of a tenner. It might all be repro but as I wear my clothes for years (fashions change, my tastes don't) this lot will be vintage before you know it. I still wish I'd held on to the 1970s revival stuff I'd bought in the early nineties.
Dressed in fake 1970s cast-offs from head to toe: Maroon felt hat (Sense, £1), Gingham on steroids (Jon's description) maxi dress (Cancer UK, £2), River Island suede platform ankle boots with leather trim (Banardos, £5), leatherette studded & fringed bag (£2, Cancer UK).
So what else have I been doing since I posted last week? We had a spa weekend, that's what. Not the schlepping around in a fluffy white dressing gown being massaged by a stranger and paying a few hundred quid for the privilege kind of spa, though (I just can't see the appeal), this was the packing twenty-seven hours of work into two days selling our vintage clobber to the good folk of two English spa towns kind of weekend.
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| Sorry, Jon's a bit blurred! Next month's eye test can't come soon enough |
Saturday took us to Leamington Spa in Warwickshire. The ruffle sleeved top I'm wearing was yet another 1970s-inspired charity shop find, just £1.99 and ideal for winterising my 1970s catsuit.
Sunday was the turn of Bath in Somerset where I wore the exactly the same outfit (1970s Prova maxi & vintage Liberty silk scarf) that I did the first time I traded there 4 years ago.
Mim, Em & Gisela popped in to pay us a visit! Don't we all look print-astic? We also met up with our Cornbury Festival girl gang (and I stupidly neglected to take a photo but we've just found out that Cornbury is coming back in 2018 so I'll see them there next year). Gisela gave me the most marvellous parcel of vintage sewing bits which deserve a separate post.
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| Papped by the fabulous @estienne_styling |
We're trading with Judy's in Liverpool this Saturday (details HERE), hopefully I'll have a chance to share the rest of this week's finds before I've sold them all.
So lovely to see you in Bath on Sunday. Am loving my new (to me) bag and pink Selfridges dress! What a posh bird I am! Here’s hoping the line up for next years Cornbury is a good one. You never know though,we may catch you at another fair before then. Andrea x
ReplyDeleteIt was fab to see you on Sunday! I hope your posh frock and hippytastic bag get worn loads - I bet they will, you've got one heck of a social life.
DeleteSee you at Cornbury - if not sooner! xxxx
The bag has already become my bag of choice for when I pop out to town etc. And I love the dress so much I've just ordered the blue one from your website! A x
DeleteThe posh frocks will be reunited! That's fabulous. xxx
DeleteI'm so unfashion-conscious I didn't know the 70's made a comeback a few years back.
ReplyDeleteLooking fabulous in maxi-plaid and good luck selling clobber inLiverpool!
xox
It's good to be aware of trends when you sell vintage even if I don't understand most of them - jogging bottoms and high heels? Slides trimmed with fake fur?!
DeleteThank you, it's been ages since we did Liverpool! xxx
I've always felt that wherever a fashion find comes from doesn't matter, as long as it suits ones style. I'll always wear a mishmash of different eras because I love it all! And you look just terrific in that maxi! :)
ReplyDeleteSpot on, Laurie! As long as you wear whet you love and not what the fashion mags tell you to wear, that's just daft. xxx
DeleteI like those fringed bags but i know i will end up trapped somewhere with my clumsiness , Our nic is going to see our nephew in bath friday wish i had the energy lol xxx
ReplyDeleteI do love a fringed bag - unfortunately so do the cats!
DeleteHope Nic has a fab trip to Bath, shame you don't feel up to it - maybe next time. xxxx
still can't believe people get rid of clothes so often. There's a shop (part of a chain) in my town that buys and sells trendy second hand clothes. One of my students got her bag of clothes rejected for being "out of date". She was 22 at the time, how old where the clothes? 2-3 years. Crazy.
ReplyDeleteIt beggars belief how things go out of fashion so quickly. Those boots cost £60 months ago and hadn't even been worn - it's not like they're cheap, nasty and uncomfortable. xxx
DeleteThat dress looks great and comfortable, would be good for traveling in. You could also use many different colours of accessories, great find. Love the boots too
ReplyDeleteThat's exactly what Jon said, a good India travel dress, modest and lightweight and loud enough so I don't get lost in a crowd! xxx
DeleteI am in love with those boots and the hat is a fab match. I can't remember the last time that I went into a proper clothes shop or something for me so the revivals tend to pass me by. The bag is really nice too. I love the photo of you with Mim and the other bloggers. You all look amazing in your gorgeous print dresses. Vintage sewing stuff sounds great but I am biased as you know. I am looking forward to that post. :) Xx
ReplyDeleteI sort of have to keep my eye on trends so I can seek out the original inspiration in charity shops but draw the line at 1990s and sportswear!
DeleteI've been lucky with maroon lately. I couldn't believe my luck when I noticed those boots were my size and, even better, just as I was walking to the till I found a pair of original 1970s purple knee high platforms in a size 7, too. Charity shop karma for the three bags of books we donated last week! xxxx
I recall the 90's 70's revival, but didn't know about the recent one, my head's obviously not in the real world!
ReplyDeleteI love this outfit on you, it's super, the dress is like a mad picnic blanket, in the best possible way of course!
Lovely that you got to meet up with these ladies. I must be one of the few Brits who haven't met you! I'm meant to be a mere sixty miles from you next year, but it's still closer than the one hundred and fifty odd miles away I currently am! xxx
It's been good for us, maxi dresses and dagger collar blouses are flying off the rails!
DeleteI do hope we get to meet before too long! xxx
Oooh! The first thing I saw was those fab ankle booties, one of my many weak spots. Gorgeous!
ReplyDeleteI've noticed a few items in the thrift shops that really look 1970s and turned out to be current pieces from fast fashion houses. I just bought a 1970s repro suede skirt with contrast stitching and cute little pockets that turned out to be BCBG. I doesn't even look like it was worn. {sigh} I give up.
Love that last photo of you!
BTW...don't knock the spa experience till you've tried it : ). I highly recommend it.
Wishing you another great show!
Suzanne
You are the queen of fabulous boots, your collection makes me drool! River Island do some fab footwear and they're always comfy, too.
DeleteI've been fooled quite a lot recently, some of the 1970s repro is so authentic.
I'm rubbish at relaxing, I annoy people as I'm incapable of sitting still. I'd need to be drunk to stay still long enough to enjoy a massage! xxx
Like Suzanne, the first thing I saw were those purple suede boots! They look pristine, and what a bargain. I love your mad gingham maxi as well - Jon's description if very apt, I think! It's lovely to see Mim, Gisela and Emma paid you a visit in Bath. I think I am slightly envious ... That B/W photo of you is gorgeous! Wishing you good trading in Liverpool this weekend. xxx
ReplyDeleteIsn't it mad the things people give away? Those boots hadn't been worn and the dress still had its shop tags attached!
DeleteI wish I could meet you! xxx
There are many advantages to not being a sheep I find! I'm not being rude when I say your dress looks very much like a tablecloth we had in the 1970s which I adored....we also had an orange fondue which looked the bee's knees on top of it!
ReplyDeleteArilx
There are huge advantages to not being one of the herd, isn't there? In particular being able to snaffle their unworn clothes when they've chucked them out after being told that they're out of date!
DeleteTablecloth dresses are good - I've made a few! xxx
That close up of the purple boots had me swooning big time! The thought of a spa weekend sends shivers down my spine, I'd be running for the hills. xx
ReplyDeleteYou're as mad about purple as I am - wait till you see the other pair I bought today!
DeleteI don't get the spa thing at all! xxx
Oh those boots!,, catching up on blogging from costa rica, the villages have a seventees vibe that you would like. The local ladies wear everything skin tight regardless of body shape and are a great lesson in loving yourself the way you are
ReplyDeleteI was only thinking of you this morning! Hope you're having the best time! That's what I loved about Brazil, how women of all ages, shapes and sizes embraced skin tight dresses and rocked thongs on the beach. Confidence is beautiful. xxx
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ReplyDeleteThe black and white photo is beautiful, so elegant.
ReplyDeleteI love the gingham on steroids look (I'm liking Jon's description :)) and the boots are gorgeous and look unworn.
I look forward to seeing your vintage sewing bits! xxx
Thanks, Sally! I look a bit knackered but I had been on the go since the alarm went off at 4.30!
Deletexxx
Gingham on steroids - perfect! I was never a fan of the 70s, too many clothes made with polyester. That is a fabric I avoid because of my never-ending hot flashes.
ReplyDeleteI'm not at all adverse to a bit of synthetic but I live in a cold climate so it beats having to wear woolly jumpers! xxx
DeleteSo that's why I'm seeing all the modern flares in the thrift shops. Ah well, it is how you wear it, no? I wouldn't think those were modern at first glance as you can carry it off easily.
ReplyDeleteI'm not a spa type either-if someone tried putting heated rocks on my back I'd probably flip out.
I read in a book recently that you "need a strong personality to wear vintage from head to toe", I disagree, I think you need to have a strong sense of your own style to wear modern from head to toe!
DeleteHeated rocks and candles in my ears - no!!!! xxx
I'm loving the purple boots too, mind I'd be knocking over more than your display dummy if I tired to walk in them! (I still can't believe I did that - so embarrassing)
ReplyDeleteI can't figure out what is going on with my face in that picture, I don't recall having hair across my cheek? Himself then kindly pointed out that in The Ring (a film I haven't seen) once people have the curse on them they start to look blurred in pictures then die.......
That's what I call making an entrance! One day I'll find a pair of purple boots like yours although I did get two pairs yesterday so I shouldn't be too greedy!
DeleteThat's cheery of Himself - The ring was scary! Jon better watch his step as well then! xxx
I'll miss you , I'm in Liverpool tomorrow overnight then Wales Friday onwards
ReplyDeleteHave fun! x
DeleteWe're all mad for your purple platforms, they are proper lovely and the gingham maxi is brilliant for snazzing up a bloody miserable autumn day, instant cheerfulness I'd say. How lovely to see the girls. Hope the 'pool is profitable. xxxx
ReplyDeleteIt was ace to see the girls, it's been far too long!
DeleteFinding boots like that is why I get excited on a Wednesday morning - charity shopping day! xxx
I would be sacred to wear platforn hills I would break my neck,
ReplyDeleteWhen I had my hip replaced I was told I'd never wear heels again - sod that! I don't drive and walk everywhere and I've yet to fall over. With a platform at the front the heel isn't so high. xxx
DeleteLove the photo of all you ladies and 90s does 70s was some of the best!!!!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Becky! x
DeleteWell my vision is blurry too, but I can clearly see that you look bloody fantastic!! I can't believe you found such wonderful things for a tenner. Proves the power of thrifting, and hanging onto favorite items (heaven forbid fashion mavens say they are out of style).
ReplyDeletemay the thrift gods continue to bestow their bounty
happy thrifting ;)
Thank you!!! I can't for the life of me understand why some of this stuff turns up in secondhand shops, surely if you'd paid a lot of money for a pair of boots and not worn them you'd at least try listing them on eBay? xxx
DeleteI always love the change of seasons. Apart from the weather change their is the wardrobe clean outs that us second hand shoppers LOVE!! Gingham on Steroids, very good Jon!!
ReplyDeleteToo right! I don't get why people need to buy a whole new wardrobe just 'cos the season has changed but I'm so glad they do! more for us. xxxx
DeleteHi Vix, although I love buying 1970s vintage clothes when I can find them and they fit, I'm also glad to find vintage inspired outfits when I can.
ReplyDeleteLooking forward to your next post. Xxx
Hi Jess! Normally mainstream fashion bores the pants off me but when it's a style I love I'm more than happy to snap it up when it's secondhand and cheap! xxx
Deletemwhaha, you'll never going to be 'mistaken for fickle followers of fashion', that's impossible!. I'm amazed about how quickly trends go up and down, glad that I don't have to take care of them!
ReplyDeleteYour 'gingham on steroids' dress is Fabulous!, you look gorgeous wearing it and I love all those accessories and your stunning boots!, ohhh, they rock!
So lovely to see your stall looking so appealing (once more!), and all those cute ladies which payed a visit!. Your jumpsuit and maxi dress are amazing pieces too. You're fabulous!!!!
besos
Trends are ridiculous, I don't understand how anyone has the time or engery to keep up with them! xxx
Deleteyou have such a cool style - even the fakes look authentic and fab on you!!
ReplyDeletein the mid90s i had a big 70s crush too - but i would never fit again in this clothes - even if i get rid of all my "upholstery" - my frame got much broader over the years... midcentury follows my curves much better now.....or late 70s with its 30/40s flashback! so no "trends" for me too anymore.
xxxxxx
That's a huge compliment coming from you.
DeleteOn paper my body should suit '50s stuff but I feel so wrong in it! xxx
Wow, an entire outfit for a tenner? Amazing. Also, love your term 'winterising' - definitely one to add to my vocab x
ReplyDeleteDo you like it? It's my new word! xxx
DeleteBloody banging! I will never get over how people follow fashions and change their look all the time. It would fecking knacker me out not to mention dent the budget. An outfit for a tenner is about right. Brilliant to see you on Sunday. 'Twas a proper tonic. Love my Kinky buys and that was one of the best fairs I've been to in ages.
ReplyDeleteLoves ya!
xxxxxx
So good to see your gorgeous self on Sunday, love! It was a cracking fair, wasn't it? I think everyone I spoke to found something even most of the other traders.
DeleteLove ya! xxx
That's a budget-busting outfit! I chanced across a really rubbish telly programme the other day where men have to buy a woman an outfit for like £140 or something, to be in with a chance of going on a date with her. You should see the total trash they get with that kind of money! I think it was called Dress to Impress. And no, I wasn't impressed... xx
ReplyDeleteI caught half an hour of one the other day, isn't it awful? It was men choosing for other men, all fake tan and ripped jeans, dreadful waste of £140! xxx
DeleteI'm pretty grateful that the bohemian/hippie fad is here. I'd always wanted to dress that way but finding those style dresses in plus sizes was darn near impossible. Now the stuff is everywhere and already hitting clearance racks to make way for the next big thing and I'm grabbing up everything I can to tie me over until the the next 60s revival.
ReplyDeleteGrab it while you can! The shops are full of it! xxx
DeleteOh yeah! Here's your shout out post ! http://bit.ly/2hbwGpG
ReplyDeleteYay! I'll have a look. xxx
DeleteJust loved the colours in that check maxi. You are a true treasure hunter.
ReplyDeleteI wasn't sure if that dress was a bit too trashy, even for me but at £2 I reckoned it was worth the gamble! xxx
DeleteI couldn't agree with you more, Vix, about the non-appeal of spa weekends. Just not my idea of a good time at all. A visit to Leamington Spa or Bath is a different thing altogether...
ReplyDeleteHow lovely to see you, Mim, Gisela and Em all together and, yes, you do all look printastic and fabulous!
I loved your 10.00 outfit; those boots are gorgeous and I would definitely wear them and the hat and bag. The dress is gingham on steroids but it looks wonderful on you.
I suppose because I rarely look in mainstream clothes shops I don't have much idea of what trend is what or when. I had no idea there was 70s revival last year or even back in the 1990s, but what's been discarded or donated is our gain!
Have a lovely weekend.
xxx
Exploring the architecture, pubs and charity shops of Leamington Spa and Bath would be a perfect weekend, dressing gowns, being manhandled and drinking fruit juice don't compare!
DeleteI've always been fascinated by clothes - there's not many shops left in Walsall but I'll always read the fashion section in The Guardian - and usually throw the bloody thing in the recycling bin in utter disgust at the prices!
Hope you're having a wonderful holiday. xxx
I love Jon's description of that gorgeous dress and I'd fight you for those amazing purple suede boots but I fear my size 4 feet are too small, ruddy titchy feet :( .
ReplyDeleteI often find loads of teeny size 4s and curse my big hooves! I was lucky this week! xxx
DeleteYour finds might be reproduction but they're all fab, especially those boots, they look like they're made to last. Love the colours in the dress, why should we avoid colour once the warmer months are over?
ReplyDeleteLove the ruffle top and catsuit - a great way to 'over winter' a piece.
xx
I never understand people's reluctance to wear colour in the winter. It's when we most need it.
DeleteI've only packed away my really flimsy cotton dresses, I'm determined to get more wear out of my Summer wardrobe this year. xxx
Hoorah for Cornbury returning - I love reading your festival posts. And the ruffle sleeves on your Saturday blouse are ace.
ReplyDeleteIt's great when a trend you like comes back in. There's an awful lot of printed velvet and embroidered stuff in shops this winter, and I am tempted just to go to Monsoon and fill my basket (they have a paisley velvet jacket that I am coveting like you would not believe)... it's taking me right back to my 1990s gothspent youth. I might buy a few must-have bits and see if the rest arrive in the chazzas next year. It doesn't fit in at all with my cleaner, world-of-tomorrow midcentury vintage, but I shall keep telling myself, "Vix says if you buy what you like, it'll all go together."
I'm so excited about Cornbury returning! I squealed with excitement when Hugh made the announcement on Facebook.
DeleteI've just searched the Monsoon website for that jacket and it's fabulous (in fact, there's a couple of jackets I'd happily give a home to). I can see it fitting easily in with your style and you'd feel like a Helen-type goddess in it, too. xxxx
Oh that dress was just made for you! x
ReplyDeleteThanks, Sarah! xxx
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