Friday 22 December 2017

The Woman In White



When I spotted this 1970s gown in a charity shop window a few weeks ago my heart skipped a beat. Sod the fact it was a wedding dress, it needed to be mine. I think the manager was rather amused by the way I stood, grinning inanely while I stroked the sleeves because he told me that I could have it for £15 instead of the £25 written on the label. I didn't need any time to think, I stripped the shop dummy myself, handed the cash over, stuffed the dress into my bag for life and continued on my merry way.


At home I was pleased to discover that it fitted perfectly and the surface marks on the skirt sponged off straight away. Originally the dress had an 8 foot train with a loop which would have been worn around the wrist as the bride walked up the aisle -  as I had no intention of wearing it as a wedding dress I unpicked the daisy braided trim, lopped off the excess fabric, re-hemmed both the skirt and the double underskirt underneath and reattached the braid. I had planned to dye it purple but I'm rather liking it off-white, I could be a Pre-Raphaelite lady...


Or even a pagan goddess


Which is a look I find far superior to a novelty Xmas jumper or a festive onesie.


Talking of Christmas - we're ready. Not that we need to do much - presents for each other (keeping to a self-imposed spending limit) and for six friends. The good thing about both being orphans is that the Xmas present shopping list is very small. We go to the curry house for our dinner with the Dead Relatives Society and have a three course Indian feast for £24.95. We don't eat breakfast or tea on Christmas Day, we're too stuffed! We usually meet the gang in 'Spoons on Boxing day for tea. We don't do a big shop or buy any special food in. We don't eat any more or any differently than we do the rest of the year. As I have done every year since Jon bought it me, I'll be on my Wii Fit on Xmas morning - I've a date with a bikini and a beach in less than a fortnight. Xmas decorations? The eagle-eyed amongst you spotted last year's pom-pom wreath in Wednesday's photos - that's the lot. No tinsel, no tree, no anything. 



Neither of us are into festive TV although I am very excited that to mark forty years since its release, the BBC are showing Saturday Night Fever tonight. I can't quite believe that I went to see it at the cinema when I was 11, clearly the door staff at Walsall's ABC were a bit lax at letting a child into an  X rated film. Can't say it did me much harm though, just look at what a balanced and sensible adult I turned into!


Whatever you get up to on 25th December, Jon, the cats & I wish you a Super Cool Yule.

See you on the other side!

112 comments:

  1. Love the dress. It screams Vix to me so glad you found each other. Your Christmas routine sounds lovely. My three sons will be home so will be enjoying their company and feeding them. All the best to you and Jon.

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    1. Thanks, Marjorie! I hope you have the best of times catching up with your boys! xxx

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  2. The dress looks fantastic on you! Pagan goddess has my vote. Merry Christmas to you and Jon.

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  3. That dress is the best yet, Vix. And you look great in cream. Liking your ivy accessory too.

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  4. Blimey was SNF an X film? I went to see it when I was 15 then, I don't remember anything too racy, mind you as you say it was 40 years ago! On the subject of telly, was slightly disappointed at the final episode of Les Tèmoins but have found a new drama called La Mystere du Lac on More4 and Dad tells me that Spiral is back next week. Ace dress, no wonder you nabbed it, very understated (apart from bm sleeves)and perfectly wearable for a pagan goddess... very apt for the solstice yesterday.
    My five presents are wrapped and the only decorations are some fir and yew branches adorning the mantelpiece and above the mirror on the chimney breast...all purloined from village hedgerows! I'll be spending the next four days at work. Have the coolest yule. xxx

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    1. I think you need to see it again - gang rape, death and loads of swearing!
      We watched the entire series of La Mystere Du Lac last week - hooray for Walter, a never ending source of moody, subtitled drama.
      Hope work isn't too taxing and when your break finally rolls around you enjoy every last minute of it. xxx

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  5. Wow, you look an absolute vision in that dress. It's gorgeous and what a bargain. Plus, you will look brilliant in it with your Indian tan when you get back. Your Christmas sounds great. Sprogzilla and I will be following your example except we are going for Chinese food instead. Turkeys are safe from us. :)
    I hope that you have the very best festive season and am wishing you and Jon all the very best for 2018 when it comes. Xx

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    1. Thanks, Kelly! It would look better with a tan (wouldn't everything?)
      Hope you and Sprogzilla have a wonderful turkey-free day!!
      Sending you lots of love for the festive season. 2017's been a hell of a year for you, hope 2018 is a lot more settled. xxx

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  6. Actually, you look like an adorable pre-rafaelite goddess in your white dress, so fabulous!, and I love that you planned dying it purple!, I would do it too and probably would stick to my plan! (purple is too appealing!)
    Glad that you're enjoying your own kind of xmas time!, I think that many people is not trapped in conventional celebrations anymore. I'm not doing decoration this year, and we quit buying presents years ago. We still have some meals with our family, but it's something really simple, and then, we watch old movies.
    Wish you have a great time! and lots of fun!
    besos

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    1. Purple is appealing, I'm tempted but worried in case it goes patchy and I ruin it.
      Good food, great company and old films sound like the perfect way to spend Xmas day.
      Have a wonderful time, much love to you. xxx

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  7. Ha ha! Balanced and sensible are the very first two adjectives that come to mind when I think of you. ; P

    You look like an angel in this dress. No, I'm not religious but I still like the look of angels.

    Those sleeves are giving Cersei from Game of Thrones a run for her money. I think yours might be bigger than hers!

    I didn't realize you even did Christmas gifts before. We normally don't but we broke that tradition a bit this year since Robert is home for a couple of weeks and was bringing back some items he picked up in Australia and Hong Kong for me. I managed to find a few thrifted items for him that I wrapped up. We have a mini fake tree that we've had for years from way back when I used to do retail shows that has a bunch of little presents near it. It's quite cute.

    I plan on making our favourite vegan meal for Christmas, homemade vegan Swedish meatlessballs with mashed potatoes and green beans. I think pumpkin pie will be dessert.

    Save a turkey I say.

    Wishing you both a wonderful Christmas and all the very best in 2018.

    Suzanne

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    1. We do like exchanging presents - nothing fancy - either something secondhand/vintage or something useful for our travels.
      Your day sounds wonderful, low key and doubtlessly romantic, after such a long time spent apart. Dinner sounds delish!
      Wishing you, Robert and Zoe all the best for Xmas and 2018. xxx

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  8. Beautiful dress! Perfect for the Winter Solstice. You would look perfect twizzling around in a stone circle in that. Have a lovely Christmas! xxx

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    1. Thanks, Emma! Wishing you and yours a wonderful Xmas. xxx

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  9. Pom poms? Phew, you've gone over the top this year, you're Christmas mad!!! Haha!!! I love the dress, very similar style and sleeves to my 1980 wedding dress. Happy Christmas cool lady x

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    1. Ha! I know, absolutely start raving Xmas mad....not!!!
      Have a wonderful Xmas, too dear Jayne! xxx

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  10. At first sight I thought, positively bridal!

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    1. Oh no - I will have to dye it purple!! xxx

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  11. That pagan godess could be you! You are looking quite a vision in white with your raven hair. I, on the other hand, don't do white at all, unless it has a print, in which case I might relent. We're thinking of starting a Dead Relatives Society of our own, but for the time being it's just Jos and me, and that's fine. We do have a tree as I love vintage Christmas decorations. Would you believe I never even saw SNF? I was a punk at the time ... Maybe I can watch it tonight, we do get BBC here! Wishing you both, and the cats, a Super Cool Yule too! xxx

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    1. Two's a great start to founding your own Dead Relatives Society - we need a Belgian branch and hopefully might be able to organise an AGM eventually!
      Sending loads and love to you, Jos and Phoebe. Have a wonderful Xmas in Dove Cottage. xxx

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  12. Love that dress on you.
    I don't think SNF had an X rating in the US as I was also able to see it. Midnight Cowboy was X, which really struck me as overkill when I finally watched it years later. Anyway, enjoy the Christmas curry and I hope you both have a wonderful, stress-free holiday.

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    1. they cut the film to be not X for more profit - but in the GDR the uncut, more social critic (and brutal) version was on the screens. just learned it lately because of the anniversary. xxxx

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    2. Yes, Beate's right. there was an alternative cleaned-up family version released in the US. We got the hardcore version.
      Midnight Cowboy! Another film to rewatch over the silly season!
      Sending you, Mr ETB and Danny a wonderful holiday. xxx

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  13. I think that dress is rather fabulous as it is (minus the train of course...what will you make that into I wonder? 8ft=quite a bit of fabric!!).
    Arthur is loving doing the panto; he can get to and from home by bicycle, but with 2 shows a day, we really haven't got anything Christmassy done. Doesn't matter. He's that tired we'll probably sleep all day and have bacon butties for our dinner! Perfick! Have a good time and don't spill anything down that white dress!!
    Zxx

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    1. Straight in the cleaning cupboard for dusters!
      I'm glad Arthur's enjoying the panto - oh, yes he is!!
      Hope Xmas is spent exactly how you want it to be, with food, festivity and a rather fabulous cat! xxx

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  14. Just don't go floating down the Tame surrounded by waterlilies or anything. I need my India fix next month.

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    1. Haha!! I promise to stay out of deep water!
      Have a fab Xmas, Izabel!! xxx

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  15. Merry Christmas Vix to you and John , We have bought all the christmas fayre but as frugal as ever i make it Streeeech so it lasts all january and some of February but i am looking forward to the new year more as i always do , Eileen xxx

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    1. Wishing you and Dave the happiest of Xmases!
      Wouldn't that be fab? Mince pies in February! xxx

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  16. Sounds a perfect Christmas to me.I luv your style.I once had a boyfriend who wore a white suit.Sadly I wasn't the only girlfriend x

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    1. Wasn't John Travolta was it? I'd have happily shared him back in the day!!
      Thanks, Flis. Wishing you and yours a marvelously happy festive season. xxx

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  17. pre-raphaelite indeed!!
    thats what i thought even before scrolling down to the art that you use to illustrate the look. and what an awesome look! that dress is marvelous!!
    wish you and jon and your friends happy and peaceful days!
    much love! xxxxx

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    1. We're so often on the same wavelength, I'm so happy to have you as a virtual friend.
      Wishing you, your handsome man and Lisbeth a wonderful Yule! xxx

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  18. Gorgeous dress. Those sleeves are amazing.
    Hugs-x-

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  19. That dress looks fantastic on you, very Pre-Raphaelite indeed! I think you have Christmas right from the sounds of it. I don't have many people left in my family so it mostly feels like a lot of fuss about very little. I hope you enjoy the season, wishing you all the best for the new year!

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    1. Thank you!!My sentiments exactly - it's just a bank holiday at the end of the day, no reason to go bankrupt or stuff ourselves silly, just have a nice day spent with people we like, end of.
      Have a wonderful time doing what makes you happy. see you on the other side. xxx

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  20. That looks like a medieval gown to me, and you could swan around on the battlements of Kenilworth castle and fit right in! It looks stunning too. May your Christmas be everything you want it to be xxx

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    1. Now there's a plan!!
      Hope your Christmas is utterly fabulous. xxx

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  21. It reminds me of Princess Anne's wedding dress. Yes, I know it had a turtle neck but the sleeves and drape.

    The train loop is for dancing. When the bride struts down the aisle, the train is flowing. You loop it over your wrist for dancing and some of the gazillion pictures.

    Enjoy your festive season.

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    1. I can count the number of weddings I've been to on one hand so I'll have take your word for the wrist loop!
      Prncess Anne's dress was gorgeous.
      Have a wonderful Xmas-time! xxx

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  22. OMG you're beautiful!!!! I have a bridal headpiece with a veil I like to wear that I got from the free bin at a vintage flea market.

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    1. Thank you! I'm dying to see an outfit created around your free veil. xxx

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  23. Merry Christmas to you and yours! Your day sounds perfect and oh how I would love to sit in at one of those Boxing day 'Spoons sessions!

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    1. Happy Xmas back at you!! If you were nearer you'd be more than welcome to join in with the 'Spoons action! xxx

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  24. you look like a fairy tale princess. Make one of those pointy hats and you're set for the Renn Fair.

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    1. That's what I'm missing - a wimple!! xxx

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  25. Merry Christmas to you and Jon! (The dress looks fab!)

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    1. Thanks, Jess! Lots of Xmas love to you, too. xxx

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  26. I think the dress is beautiful in off-white & when you tire if that it will be beautiful in purple too!
    I really love the collar & bodice too- so elegant! I wonder what overpriced atrocity Prince Harry & his beloved shall be wearing at their wedding?
    xox

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    1. Thanks, Bibi!! Gah! I'm so bored with all that Royal Wedding malarkey already. xxx

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  27. Adore this look. You look like the one you wanted to be when you were a child and read a fairytale. / Ulla-Marie

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    1. Thank you, Ulla-Marie! Loads of love to you. xxx

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  28. What a find, it looks stunning! Have a wonderful Christmas your day sounds fantastic. Jane xx

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    1. Thanks, Jane! Hope you have a wonderful Xmas. xxx

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  29. Definitely Pre-Raphaelite with those medieval sleeves! What a fabulous find and it looks gorgeous on you. I think it would look amazing dyed purple as well and you have the perfect boots to match it, too.

    Happy holidays to you, Jon and the cats!
    xxxxxxxxxxxxxx

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    1. Thanks, Vronni!
      Sending love to you and your family for Xmas. Have a wonderful time. xxx

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  30. I went to see the Medieval Baebes earlier this month. They are rather tongue in cheek these days, but they were wearing dresses just like that and were as fantastic as ever. If you tire of the white I'm sure it could be Up-Vixed with dye and suitable accoutrements!
    Arilx

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    1. I meant to wish you both a Happy Christmas!
      Arilx

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    2. I had to Google the Medieval Baebes, they sound rather fun!
      Hoping you and yours have a fab Xmas. xxx

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  31. You look heavenly in your White frock Vix, and I love that you have re purposed a wedding dress. So many Wedding dresses get worn ONCE, such a waste!! Your Christmas plans sound perfect. We plan to take our dogs for a run and swim at the beach. No paper hats or bonbons in this house! Have a lovely festive time with Jon and your cats xxx

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    1. Thanks, Sue! I know, such a shame to waste those frocks.
      A trip to the beach on Xmas day sounds perfect - counting the days till we see the sea again.
      Wishing you, yours and the animals a wonderful Xmas. xxx

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  32. What a great dress! Hope you have a lovely Xmas xx

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    1. Thanks, Sarah! Much Xmas love back at you. xxx

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  33. Definitely Pagan Goddess! Other than Christmas day we are eating as normal, although with the boys getting here today that is much more than normal as they are both weight lifters...my youngest stepson eats 6 eggs for breakfast. Needless to say I have stocked up for the 3 days he is to be here. Happy Yule, Merry Christmas and enjoy your time with friends. That sounds like a great way to spend it.

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    1. Bloody hell, I think you need to borrow a few chickens to get through the next couple of days!
      Have a wonderful time doing exactly what you want to! xxx

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  34. Keep those sleeves out of the curry. Hahaha. Super-fine gown!!! So glad the show owner knew it was for you and gave you a deal on top of it all. No decorations or to-do here. But I do want to watch a Christmasy movie. See you on the other side.

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    1. Don't worry, I've got a suitable dress for curry feasting lined up for tomorrow!
      Have a fab Xmas and enjoy your festive movie - I've got Dunkirk to watch later - harrowing, gory but with Cillian Murphy in the lead role at least my eyes will be happy! xxx

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  35. Well, those sleeves really are everything! This dress....totally worth the effort of reworking the hemline.

    Your Indian feast sounds delish. Nothing better than warm spicy food on a cold winter's eve. All in all, your Christmas plans wound wonderful. Wishing you the very best of the season!
    xo

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    1. I was a bit nervous wielding the dressmaking scissors, I have to admit!!
      Sending you lots of Xmas love, dear Sue. xxx

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  36. Love the dress, I think you can do a midsummer nights dream in this one and it's going to get loads of mileage - snow queen for christmas of course! Wishing you a very happy Christmas, a happy New Year and a fantastic time in India (jealous!). Betty x

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    1. The dress is a great all rounder, wasted on a wedding!!
      Sending lots of Xmas love to you and yours. xxx

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  37. Those sleeves though! Beautiful and very pagan goddess like! Yule blessings!

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    1. Hello Kim! Thank you. Sending you and your husband much Yuletide love, too. xxx

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  38. Your dress is fab, very Lady of Shalott! In fact you have inspired me to revisit Birmingham's collection of Pre Raphaelite paintings. It's my birthday today so I
    am choosing that as my birthday treat. Have a great holiday am looking forward to the pics.

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    1. Happy Birthday, Shelagh!! What a wonderful way to spend today, in a tranquil setting surrounded by beauty. I hope you treat yourself to a glass of vino in the gallery cafe, too. xxx

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  39. What a brilliant bit of hand prop, that spark of green pagan ivy against the ivory gown. A pagan goddess of the winter solstice, indeed!

    I'll be joining you in spirit at the convening of the Dead Relatives Society, Vix. We call ourselves The Leftovers and will gather Christmas morning for a brunch buffet at the home of the woman who last became an orphan. (We do exchange white elephant gifts. I'll be on the alert for a package that might contain a frozen beef tongue which I slipped into the carrier of a friend who left it unattended at our last gathering when she went to the loo.)

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    1. I was going to use the ivy as a headpiece but holding it gave me something to do with my hands!
      The Leftovers' brunch buffet sounds like a riotous affair- step away from the frozen beef tongue.
      Sending you lots of love and joy for the holiday season. xxx

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  40. You look beautiful in the dress, the colour is perfect seasonal snow queen! If you ever get sick of it though, purple, wow that would look fantastic, I love that idea.
    I hope your understated and quiet, peaceful Christmas is a happy one and wish you both a wonderful day and a great 2018 xxx

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    1. Thanks, Sally. I'll see how I get on with a white dress, knowing me it'll be filthy in no time.
      Wishing you and yours a very happy Xmas. xxx

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  41. What an amazing dress! You definitely look like a goddess in it.
    Happy Christmas to you and Jon!

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    1. Thanks, Bobbi!! Sending you and yours lots of Xmas love. xxx

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  42. very goddess and solstice worthy , im currently channeling my inner crone ...lol

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    1. Nothing wrong with that. I'm made a vow to be more cantankerous with each passing year!
      Hope you survive the Xmas madness and come out on the other side. xxx

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  43. Where do you go for your Christmas day lunch ? we are thinking of curry for NYE but stuck for where to book ?

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    1. I still haven't been there lol , we ended up getting a booking for Indigo in Aldridge, I'd left it too last as usual and many places were fully booked up. Happy New Year :-)

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    2. Happy New Year! Laboni's really good, too!

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  44. Merry Christmas! And hope you have a wonderful 2018! :-)

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    1. Thanks, Lily! Sending you lots of love. xxx

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  45. Lovely dress, looks fabulous. I always wish I could wear white, but attract dirt instantly! Have a fabulous Christmas, I've often worked, so it's always low key vegetarian. After a brisk walk up the Sugar loaf. xx

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    1. Low key vegetarian, you're a girl after my own heart. Have a wonderful Xmas, Amanda, enjoy your walk and see you on the other side. xxx

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  46. Definitely channeling your inner Pagan Goddess! You should be out walking in the foggy moors and highlands. Christmas was very low key here - dinner with friends (enchiladas), a board game, and then watched Gremlins on TV.

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    1. Gremlins and Enchiladas - I'd better not tell Jon, he'll be jealous! xxx

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  47. Much as I love purple it does look rather radiant in white, at least you can dye it once it gets dirty.
    I didn't bother putting the tree up this year, just not feeling it. Knackered after working the last 4 days, so lazy day today. xx

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    1. You deserve to have a lazy day or two - hope you're relaxed and all rested now! xxx

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  48. Pagan goddess it is! A white dress is something you don't wear often, but it's gorgeous on you, especially with your black hair! Being a movie fan, I watched SNF years ago, of course - it's classics.

    Off to India so soon! :) THAT is your Xmas, Vicky! Much love!

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    1. Thanks, Natalia!
      I'm surprised at how many people haven't seen Saturday Night Fever thinking it's a soppy musical about dancing. xxx

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  49. That dress is lovely! I didn't think you liked pale colours, but white really suits you.

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    1. Thanks, Mim! I didn't think I liked white but was surprised at how the frock looked when I tried it on - I can always dye it purple if I get bored. xxx

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  50. Is it over, can I come out of the cupboard now.
    Have a wonderful holiday you two. I'm sat in the office and we've got lots of snow again here so I'm staying put a bit longer.
    Maybe I'll go back in my cupboard and play at dressing up until a better offer comes along.
    Happy 2018 lovely ones. Looking forward to reading about your Indian adventure when you get back
    Much love from us two xxxx

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    1. I think you're safe - it's all over for another year - thank goodness!!!
      It's about time someone had the joys of our snow. At least it's the perfect excuse to stay in all warm and cosy with a good book.
      Loads of love to you both - from us! xxxx

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  51. Oh Vix, this is gorgeous! What a wonderful dress and goes so well with the ivy! Who cares if it is a wedding dress, it is fab!

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  52. You know how much I love a good wedding dress, this one is a beaut, although an 8ft train is a tad impractical :) I like it white, perhaps you can dye it in a few years and get use out of it in both colours?
    Your Christmas sounds delightfully simple. I like a few traditions but I refuse to turn it into a mad, stressful time. I love being with my favourite people and eating well, and other than Christmas day when we do have special treats, we don't eat any differently either. I hate the waste that comes with Christmas, when I think of all that food, the packaging, the unwanted gifts...!!
    xx

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    1. I'm astounded by how much food people buy - the supermarkets were only closed for one day, why on earth do people need to stockpile bread and milk? Madness!

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  53. I'm so behind on my blog reading, and I know I saw this dress already on Instagram. I just came here to see more photos of it! HEE HEE!!

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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