Wednesday 13 December 2017

New Clothes For Old - Travel Packing & Snow Clothes

TUESDAY: 1960s Wetherall of Bond Street wool cape (charity shop, 2004); Vintage fake fur scarf (belonged to my mum); Sheepskin hat (charity shop, 2010); 1970s high heeled wellies (jumble sale)

After what seems like an eternity - but in reality was only six days - the snow is finally melting and I can't wait to chuck the wellies back into the cupboard of doom and unleash the maxis and precarious platforms. Much as I love cheeky mini dresses and brightly coloured tights, I feel far more me in a floor sweeping frock!

WEDNESDAY: Trashy yeti coat (charity shop, £3); Me-made Mini dress made from vintage Tricel using a 1968 dressmaking pattern; Barbarella belt (Birthday present); 1970s Welsh wool baker boy cap (charity shop)

As I mentioned on Monday, it was time to start the travel packing. As usual I emptied out the holiday suitcase I keep on top of the wardrobe and unleashed the heady scent of incense and wood smoke, the aroma of India deeply ingrained in my clothes from years of visiting. I'm taking a few old favourites including my Dollyrockers maxi skirt and the Chelsea Girl block printed wrap-around but, after losing weight, some of my travel staples are looking distinctly saggy. I'd broken my trusty Havaianas flip flops at a festival over the summer, my bikinis were well past their sell-by date, my vintage polarised sunglasses were scratched to buggery and also, as I'm travelling to an area that doesn't see many Western tourists, I've got to consider cultural sensitivities and cover my shoulders. Luckily I'd had a bit of a clear-out, stuck some stuff on eBay and done surprisingly well including these £2 Red or Dead glitter shoes I'd bought back in September. They went for £50! So I had spare cash to fritter!



What to do? Sit yourselves down, long-time readers. I went on-line and bought some stuff! I managed to find a pair of brand new Havaianas flip flops on Ebay for £3. While waiting for our India visa photos to pop out of the photo booth in Boots last week I'd tried on the most amazing pair of sunglasses but at £80? No way. Jon photographed the bar code and I managed to track down a brand new pair on Ebay for £20. I know I've got about a million pairs of sunnies but I really do need a good polarised pair when I'm in India.

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Next up, bikinis. Usually, at this time of year, the choice is pretty poor - full price glitzy things from the big companies or strange looking Chinese imports from Ebay so I had a look at the website of the Manchester-based company website who use internet legend Baddie Winkle as a model and found a couple of dreamy string bikinis for a tenner apiece. They arrived within 24 hours of placing my order and fitted perfectly.

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I know there's loads of elegant looking older women on the internet but Baddie Winkle's the woman for me.  Just look at how much fun she's having. I want to be just like her when I grow up. What a genius idea to use her to advertise clothes rather than some scrawny, miserable looking teenager. It certainly worked for me, I'd probably never have looked at the website without her at the helm!


As an alternative to the too-big skirts I usually wear to walk to the beach in Goa I fancied a dress I could throw on - like the rainbow maxi I wore daily in Corfu back in June but in darker colours that don't show off the dust - I do wash my clothes when I'm India but I'd washing that dress every day. India's for adventuring not wringing out frocks in the shower. I also needed something lightweight with sleeves for exploring Gujarat. I'd toyed with my Adini maxi (HERE) but decided it was too precious to take and also considered the amazing Hawaiian maxi Goody sent me (below) but as the cotton is such good, heavy quality, I worried it would tip me over my internal flight baggage allowance of 15 kg (but the more I look at it, the more I'm tempted to take it, I could always travel in it). I'd searched on Ebay but all the suitable vintage options were ££££ and the last thing I wanted to do was shell out a fortune and ruin them trawling around India.


So, with a maxi dress with sleeves and a lightweight, dark-coloured maxi that slips on and off with no fussy fastenings on my virtual shopping list I visited another website, a company I'd previously dismissed as being cheap and nasty but, after I'd bought a pair of their bell bottoms in a charity shop, I was pleasantly surprised at the fit, the fact that they were manufactured in the UK and, on checking their website, that they had a transparent ethical policy. A day later, both dresses arrived (plus another I was tempted with at the last minute, perfect for swanking around the hip and happening joints of downtown Mumbai), two were perfect, the third too big - but luckily there was a smaller size left in stock and I was able to return it for free. Did I mention that all three were reduced to clear and cost me in total, with next day delivery, just £24?

Aren't I naughty? Let's just hope the new stuff doesn't fall apart after a month of dragging it around the subcontinent.


Here's the final cut. Obviously there's sandals, bags and jewellery to be added to the pile but just looking at it makes me squeal with excitement. I'll show it you in more detail soon.

It's Wednesday and it's my favourite night of the week, rum and The Apprentice. I'm hoping the rest of the snow has been washed away by the rain by the morning, we've got a boozy lunch date tomorrow.


70 comments:

  1. Wow what bargains you have got there , It really makes a nice change seeing a mature model , she looks amazing , We ventured out today for the first time since thursday we were worried of getting stuck and not being able to get ourselves out with our ailments , I am so looking forward to hopefully being able to do the market on friday xxx

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    1. Not only good to see an older model but also a happy one - why do they always look so miserable?
      Another dusting of snow last night! I'm so bored with it now. I'm hoping it significantly warms up this weekend, it's been a real trial to get anywhere. x

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  2. I love the Yeti coat picture. It just seems a bit 'different' from usual, not sure why?? plaits, blue colour scheme?? Love it tho'. As always I am looking forward to enjoying your trip...even if the new clothes don't last it doesn't stop the joy of something new arriving in the post!! Can't wait to see the final cut with accessories.
    Zxx

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    1. I wear blue a lot but mainly in the summer, I think! I've had the hat for years but it rarely makes the blog.
      It is exciting getting stuff through the post. x

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  3. Oh, you've definitely been naughty buying all that stuff online ;-) Oh, never mind, you only live once! And you do need to feel comfortable and look great when you're travelling, don't you? I hadn't heard of Baddie Winkle, but isn't she fantastic! Glad to hear your snow is finally melting. We only had two days of it, and much less than you, and I was utterly fed up with it already. Oh, and you're looking absolutely fabulous in that first outfit. You're like a ray of sunshine! xxx

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    1. I did think long and hard about buying new. I was expecting to send it all back and was amazed at how they both fitted and felt -I'm quite excited to be travelling with a few new pieces! xxx

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  4. Shut the front door! You bought new stuff? Yeah, sometimes you have to. Baddie Winkle is a hoot.

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    1. Don't hate me!! Baddie Winkle is amazing, so full of joy! xxx

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  5. I love Baddie Winkle! must go off and have a look at that site! Can't believe your holiday wardrobe is so tiny, yet it will look a lot bigger when you start blogging about your holiday. Love the Welsh wool baker boy hat and that whole blue outfit. I'm seeing a lot of Welsh wool around now but never a hat. Good for you for treating yourself, not like you are a rampant consumer, got to do it once in a while, eh xxx

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    1. I'm looking at that pile an wondering if I should take something out! I'll have to get Jon to lock the bag this weekend so i can't mess around with the final cut once I've decided! xxx

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  6. look out of the window , the snows back !

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    1. I can't believe it! I thought that was the end of it! Better get the wellies back out!

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  7. India is just around the corner - so excited for you. I definitely would like to go there one day. Snow! We haven't had any since our snow storm in November and I am thinking we are having a green Christmas which I am ok with. Stay warm and keep the house stocked with rum!

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    1. I'm hoping we get a green Xmas, I don't know how you put up with the amount you usually get. It's been hanging around for over a week now and I'm longing for the day I can empty the bin outside without needing a coat and a pair of wellies! xxx

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  8. I can't get over you having such a shopping spree hehehe I can't wait to see you in them all.

    I just sent off for my new passport today, I had it checked at the post office and the lady who did the check was from India so she was giving me tips and suggestions. I'm off to the doctor's on friday to find out what jabs I need and once I have the passport back I'll do my visa (EEEK)

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    1. I know, I don't know what came over me. I was expecting everything to be horrible and, to my shock, it was lovely!
      So excited about your upcoming trip. xxx

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  9. What fabulous colour....a real treat for the eyes on a foul rainy/snowy day.
    Your yellow tights look so much better on you than they did on me back in the 70's...lol.
    Hugs

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    1. Thank you!! Those yellow tights always get loads of comments. xxx

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  10. Always a pleasure to vicariously shop with you! I love hearing your thought process and rationale, and delighted with your thrifty finds. Looking splendid, I might add. xoxoxo

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    1. Hello, Jean!!! Lovely to see you over here on the dark side. You wouldn't believe the dialogue that went through my head regarding buying a £6 maxi dress. xxx

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  11. New clothes! I'll be interested to hear how they work out. Glad the snow if finally melting.

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    1. I bet they won't be around as long as that splendid Hawaiian maxi you sent me!
      Bit more snow last night but it looks like it's on the way out now - no more forecast for the weekend - hooray! xxx

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  12. Baddie Winkle is #BOMBAF!
    Wish I were goin' to Goa as I have the perfect pink & black burkini to rock on the beach.
    Have fun xox!

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    1. She's ace, isn't she?
      I wish you were going to Goa. Imagine the fun we could have! x

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  13. love the baddie winkle adds!
    such a pretty colorful pile of clothes - can´t wait to see them worn by you. if i ever need a new wardrobe fast and budget friendly i´ll ask you for help!
    gorgeous photos of you in the bright "snow gear"! if you like - send the snow to me!
    xxxx

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    1. I've been willing the snow to come over to you - is it there yet?
      I'm quite surprised those new purchases turned out well - Jon's the biggest clothes snob in the world and even he approved! x

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    2. the snow arrived but in bad condition and melted very fast.... ;-D
      xxxx

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  14. you look Fabulous even in the snow, a joy for my eyes (so bored of people dressed in a black puff) and absolutely gorgeous in your cape and leopard scarf, and in your furry coat and psychedelic mini, so cute!!
    Glad that you got your bikinis from a label that rocks so much!, those adverts are Amazing!!. And I've enjoyed reading on your buying process, as I'm also a woman with a list!
    besos

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    1. I was the only woman on the bus yesterday not wearing a black puffa coat - aren't they boring? xxx

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  15. lucky you heading to the sunshine , i hate winter with a vengeance its just pain and this year you just couldnt make up what happens at every turn ...roll on 2018

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    1. If I didn't have India to look forward to I swear I'd go mad! x

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  16. I'd never heard of 'Baddie Winkle', what a scream and look at that waistline.
    Loving you in blue, the Welsh tapestry bakers boy cap is a fab find. Havaianas for three quid...result, who in their right mind would pay twenty eight? xx

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    1. Isn't baddie Winkle amazing? I don't know many 28 year olds with a waist like that let alone 88 year olds!!
      Havaianas are ace but so expensive. The joy of shopping out of season!

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  17. I love your purple cape and the blue outfit - you won't get lost in the snow!
    I have to check out the Baddie Winkle site. She looks like a lot of fun.

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    1. Thanks, Bobbi!
      Baddie Winkle is fab, isn't she? I love people who don't take themselves too seriously! xxx

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  18. I love the baddie Winkle ads and want to see more now!
    There's a lovely pile of colours and patterns in your final cut, I can almost smell the incense.
    Have a good lunch today. xxx

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    1. Maybe that's where M&S are going wrong, they need to employ Baddie Winkle?
      It makes me giggle at how smoky my clothes smell. I dread to think what people on the airport bus think when we're travelling back after a month in India!

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  19. Baddie Winkle is so much fun! I think everyone wants to be her when they grow up. Looks like nothing bothers her and life is just one massive party.

    What fun shopping for new travel clothes. It really gets you in the mood.

    I love that blue outfit with the braids. So eclectic and the colour is perfect with your eyes.

    Suzanne

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    1. She's so cool. She positively radiates joy, doesn't she?
      Buying new stuff for a holiday, I don't think I've done that since i was in my 20s - I am excited! xxx

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  20. I was going to ask if Havaianas flip flops are worth the money, but then I saw you found some on ebay, and promptly set up a search for a pair. I wear flip flops so much in the summer I'm happy to buy them now when I might bag a bargain!
    I'm going to check out Baddie Winkle as soon as I've finished writing this comment - isn't she gorgeous? And just look at her crochet jacket!!
    Good luck with the maxi dresses
    xx

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    1. Havaianas are brilliant, they never bend in on themselves or rub like cheaper flip flops. there's some bargains to be had on eBay at this time of year, well worth stocking up! xxx

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  21. Ha ha! I love Baddie! I seriously almost mentioned her in a post I wrote today. So awesome you're a fan too

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  22. No just restocking for you, I see. Buying swim suits is always a gamble-if you really like to swim, then they have to be sturdy and that comes with a lot of $$$ signs. I spend a small fortune each year on suits, but they are needed.

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    1. I used to swim three or four times a week but I'd always buy stuff from clearance rails as the chlorine ruined them after a while.

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  23. Wow, you *are* dead keen to get back tot India. Buying RTW! Strewth. :) You look amazing in all your lovely outfits. I can't believe that is just about all you are taking. You really have this travel business down to a fine art and always look amazing in your holiday photos. I hope that you enjoyed your boozy lunch. We need some booze to keep out the cold. Xx

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    1. Hasn't it been bloody cold? I swear yesterday was the worst day.
      I'm looking at that pile and wondering if I should take something out but I think it's probably just about right. it will be odd travelling without some of my old favourites, be interesting to see if this new stuff lasts longer than a month being worn on repeat! xxx

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  24. Isn't that lady in her cozzie fabulous! She's from the same school of crochet cardis as you!
    Arilx

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    1. She is, isn't she? I had to laugh when I found that photo. I might have to do a similar pose! xxx

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  25. Baddie Winkle looks amazing - and she's wearing a crocheted Granny cardigan...

    I loved your featured outfits and the pile of 'to be packed' items looks very intriguing. Your on line purchases sound like absolute bargains! Cant' wait for the big reveal...

    Take care out there.
    xxx

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    1. She is amazing. i think she's been in my wardrobe!!
      My flip flops and replacement dress have arrived so I'm all ready to go. Photos coming up very soon! xxx

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  26. We are all vicariously travelling with you. Even the pile of clothes waiting to be packed is enticing!
    What a contrast to your first photos in snow. Although you still managed to Vixify them.
    xo Jazzy Jack

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    1. Talk about from the sublime to the ridiculous! I hate winter with a passion but having India to look forward to makes it almost bearable! xxx

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  27. Now that your snow is melting we're getting it over here! We've had almost as much snow as we had all last winter dumped on us over the last two days.
    I love the colours in both of those winter outfits - the cape is marvelous, and the yeti coat is delightful. Baddie Winkie has got a rockin' bod, has she not? She looks better than I do in a bathing suit.

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    1. I'm sorry you've got so much. It is a bloody pain. It took twice as long to get home on the bus yesterday than normal. Keeping everything crossed that yours doesn't hang around for long!
      Baddie Winkle is incredible. xxx

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  28. I love Baddie!!!!! U r so stunning in that rainbow maxi!!!!! U did good with the shopping bbg!

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  29. I have never heard of Baddie Winkle, but I think I want to be her when I grow up! Love your Muppet coat - you are totally badass in it!

    We haven't had any snow yet, aside from a small sprinkle a month ago. Fingers crossed!

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    1. She's inspiration for us all!
      I'll send you some of our snow over, I'm bored with wellies now! xxx

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  30. That pile looks so inviting, I want to dive into it. Baddie Winkle is a hoot! xx

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    1. Feel free - I've taken a few things out since then. Aren't I good?

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  31. had a big chuckle, reading this post, about the clothes. I've only been to India 2x, once in 1987 and once in 2007. Things had certainly changed in that time. My friends went shopping. I went exploring. Like you I only took a few changes of clothes. How fantastic for you, going there again.

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    1. I can't wait to get there! Things really have changed in the twenty years I've been visiting - many for the better, especially for women. xxx

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  32. So fun to see your shopping finds. Can't wait to read all about India.

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  33. I hadn't heard of Baddie Winkle, brilliant photo of her in that swimsuit. Much more fun than the average swimwear model! X

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    1. Isn't she wonderful? Enough to make anyone buy a swimsuit! xxx

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  34. How did I miss it? Both wintry outfits are FANTASTIC! Very inspirational! And I did not know Baddie Winkle! Her joy is contagious! I absolutely see you being just as bright and colorful and adventurous in your golden years! Just as I always will be a dreamer - born that way, some things just never change! <3 <3 <3

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  35. You're not naughty. Naughty would be going in clothes that might offend people. I've played it safe and ordered a couple of salwar suits from Utsav for my time in India; Kolkata and Mumbai should be fine with western clothes, but I wanted to make sure I looked respectable in Aurangabad as I'm not sure how conservative a city it is.

    Baddie Winkle is one hell of a lady.

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  36. Baddie Winkle is so great, I'm not an elegant lady now, so what hope have I got of being one when I'm older? But dressing in crazy outfits is just my jam! I want to be like her when I grow up too :) I love the first picture in the snow, I think I have a soft spot for snow though as I live in a place where it snows maybe once every 20 years ;) I can't wait to read all your India blog posts x

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Lots of love, Vix