Monday 16 April 2018

Flower Power



Florals, ahoy! The weather's a balmy 12°C and there's a suggestion of spring in the air. I'm off to 'Spoons for lunch and I'm giving the Dollyrockers Edwardian-style maxi I recently found in a charity shop its first outing.


Here's my replacement denim waistcoat, too. I have the feeling you'll be seeing a lot of this over the next few months.



In anticipation of the Spring-like weather we've been promised, I wore my vintage Pucci maxi yesterday.


The dress is from Emilio Pucci's range of American-made lingerie for Formfit Rogers (produced from 1959 until the early 1970s). With a button fastening bodice and cuffs, a side zip and generous pockets it's far too good to be worn inside the confines of the house and I don't - it's had many nights (and days) out on the town since I bought it from Sarah at Tin Trunk three years ago.


Saturday was glorious and I was out in the garden, bare-armed and weeding in the sunshine. Keeping to the theme of lingerie as outer wear I wore this 1970s St Michael off-the-shoulder nightie with that denim waistcoat and a pom-pom choker I made. This nightie has been to loads of festivals and travelled to India at least six times since I bought it for 50p from a flea market in 2010. I've even been known to wear it to bed when it's freezing cold!



And, while we're on the theme of nightwear fancy taking a look at the next room in my latest doll's house project, the second bedroom? Like my recent outfits it's mish mash of floral prints in violet, green and blue with a splash of yellow.


I'd intended for this room to be the bathroom but when I installed my super groovy avocado suite it looked disappointingly cramped. Luckily for me the Lundby extension I'd been watching on eBay ended with me being the only bidder so I was able to relocate the bathroom to a bigger and better space, allowing room for this, a second bedroom.


The details:
  • Cushions and bolsters made by me from felt and Indian trimmings.
  • The bed cover was made from a pair of toddler's trousers found in a charity shop. 
  • The pendant light was the lid from one of these plastic eggs with a kid's toy inside (from the five for £1 basket in the charity shop) which I trimmed with Indian braid,  threaded a plug chain through and attached to a lid.
  • Bead perfume bottles on a giant sequin.
  • Felt slippers 
  • I chopped off the original headboard and made one from a washing up sponge which I covered in silk and hand-sewed to give a quilted effect.
  • The full-sized version of this Fornasetti chest of drawers retails at £1500 - I cut out a picture of it from The Guardian Weekend magazine and glued it to a cabinet I'd made from a cat food box and topped with the discarded wooden headboard from the revamped bed. The feet are beads and the drawer knobs the tops from dressmaking pins.

When Curtise, Tania, Annie & I went to Chesterfield market a few years ago I fell in love with a vintage Pifco freestanding hairdryer but I didn't fancy lugging it back on the train to Walsall via New Street Station and had to leave it behind. I was excited to find a mini version in the bag of furniture I bought from the charity shop the other day. The West German wardrobe was a £1 eBay find.


My latest doll's house came with the Swedish-made Lundby framed pictures still attached to the wall. Their subject matter was dull (the larger one featured The Haywain, & the smaller a faded Degas ballerina), as I'm sure you know, Vladimir Trechikoff & J H Lynch are far more my style. I copied the wallpaper from a posh website.




The blanket box came from eBay and was a horrible orange coloured wood. I painted it teal and roughed up the edges with sandpaper and shoe polish so it looked less like cheap & nasty repro piece and more like a careworn antique. Just don't call it shabby chic.


WEARING: Dollyrockers by Samuel Sherman 1960s gauzy cotton maxi ; 1990s denim waistcoat (both charity shopped); vintage 1970s sunglasses (Moseley Vintage Fair, 2016); Pompom earrings (made by me); gormless expression (all my own)

I'd better be off, there's charity shops to explore before we hit 'Spoons!

See you soon.

Linking to Patti & the gang for Visible Monday.

68 comments:

  1. Love the dresses they are amazing , I am still flabbergasted about the things you have created for the dolls houses , You are so talented but for some reason i cant help thinking of you now when the advert comes on for the breakfast cereal when she comes out Dressed like a doll on her date , I know its not dolls but the houses and you dress as you always do in the room sets but my brain ties the two for some reason lol xxx

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Ha! You wouldn't be the first person to say that advert reminds them of me!! xxx

      Delete
  2. This comment has been removed by the author.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Oh, oh, oh, I can't get enough of your doll houses and you in them. And you've only just started with them! Your creativity is boundless. I luv seeing every detail and how you've brought them to life. Vix paper dolls for the houses up next??

      Delete
    2. Thanks so much, Pao. I'm absolutely loving this new mini world! xxx

      Delete
  3. woww, you rock your dresses/nighties, and I totally agree, they're too good to be worn (only) inside the house, you look gorgeous in them. That Pucci piece is awesome and fits you like a dream!. And I do love your waistcoat, a fab piece for layering!
    And the new room looks fantastic, a real joy for my eyes, so colorful and cute!, that hairdryer is lovely!!. And the amazing chest of drawers is fab!
    besos

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you! I love my replacement waistcoat, it adds a bit more "me" to everything I wear. xxx

      Delete
  4. It was blistering hot here in Nepal an hour ago and now it is hailing!
    Love your psychedelic day-cor & flowery maxies!
    I'm more of a Peter Max, Biba & Kusama gal myself.
    xox

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Wow - that's a bit of a contrast! We've got a heatwave forecast for the next two days but I'll believe it when i see it. It's cold, damp and windy here today.
      I love Peter Max and would love to afford original Biba - I always end up selling any I come across! xxx

      Delete
  5. Love the little clock radio. I still have a full sized one from back in the day. My mother gave it to me and she has been gone 26 years. The radio still works fine. You won't see that in things like that today.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you! How lovely that your daily wake-up call was a gift from your mother. I loved the mini version. They really were the height of modernity back in the day, weren't they? xxx

      Delete
  6. I was telling someone about your dolls house adventures today, such fun! Love the frocks and the waistcoat, add a touch of élan. They don't make nighties like that anymore, more's the pity!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I was chatting to a lady in a charity shop (where else?) and mentioned how much i liked doll's houses. She looked at me like I was a bit odd! xxx

      Delete
  7. Enchanted by it all but fallen hard for the felt slippers!! Zxx

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you! Gotta have some slippers by the bedside, don't we? xxx

      Delete
  8. What! No tits? Still it is only 12 degrees I suppose. Love your dolls house pieces, especially the clock radio and slippers. Hope the chazzas and 'Spoons were goodXxx

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I'll be letting it all hang out if we get that promised heatwave tomorrow, I promise! xxx

      Delete
  9. I'm really enjoying all the doll house photos.

    ReplyDelete
  10. super sweet room! the bed head looks really posh - especially against the fab wallpaper. gorgeous victorian style maxi and perfect with the new waistcoat - love the pompom earrings! have fun at chazzas and spoon´s!!
    xxxxx

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks, Beate! I fancied a bit of posh and that bit of silk was crying out to be made into something fancy! xxx

      Delete
  11. Love that nightie dress!! Perfect denim vest replacement and you look fucking amazing in those pom pom earrings and sunnies!!!!!!

    ReplyDelete
  12. All your dresses look fab. That Pucci was quite the score.

    I'm really loving that mini hair dryer. I remember sitting under those getting my wet set done!

    Best of luck at the shops although I know you don't need it. You have a thrifting fairy following you around all the time.

    Suzanne

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I've only found one Pucci number before this dress and had to sell it as it was a little too big...boo!
      I used to love those hooded hairdryers when I used to go to the hairdressers with my Mum, they seemed so glamorous! xxx

      Delete
  13. I hope Spring's here for real now. You've made the most of it, looking great in the lovely dresses/nighties! The Dollyrockers maxi was an amazing find.
    It's getting to the point where I'm suspending reality and can imagine you actually living your miniatured life!! Just shows how authentic it looks, you are inspired. xxx

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. It doesn't feel very Spring-like today, it's flippin' chilly!
      A couple of times I've seen furniture in charity shops and thought how perfect they'd be in my doll's house, then I've had to remind myself it's real size and my house isn't! xxx

      Delete
  14. Charity shops and the pub, sounds like a perfect day to me! Love that chest of drawers, you are so creative with the dollhouse decorating

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. It was a good day - not too much in the chazzas but you know me, I rarely go home empty handed! I'd love the full-size chest of drawers, maybe in 20 years it'll turn up in a charity shop! xxx

      Delete
  15. Your "greenscreen FX" to put yourself inside the room is genius, Vix! Thanks for taking the time to list what materials you used to create the objets d'art in each. And, yes, since you asked :), if I had time and your talent, I'd create a mini Cabinet of Curiosities in which to dwell. You've got me thinking "...need shelving on this wall, an open cabinet there, and a library table front and center. Those tiny fossils and hah! a skull from the Mexican earring..." Once again, you've expanded our reality, Vix!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I keep adding all those details in the hope that I can recruit a few more members to the doll's house club! I like your imaginary Cabinet of Curiosities - I wonder if I'll ever find a tiny skull on the charity shop jewellery stand? I live in hope! xxx

      Delete
  16. Your dollhouse continues to delight me - such wonderful detail! I love the dresser front and the sponge/headboard. Your dresses are just fabulous! I giggle at the though of a Pucci nightgown going out on the town!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks, Sheila! I was happy how that headboard turned out. If only making a full-sized version was so easy!
      Can you imagine how glamorous the woman who owned a Pucci nightgown was? I'd have loved a play in her wardrobe! xxx

      Delete
  17. Oh dear, I was going to use Flower Power for my next post. That's really scary isn't it? Must get my thinking cap on now ... Love the Dollyrockers maxi with the waistcoat, and your pom-pom earings. Lingerie as outerwear, why not? Especially when the lingerie in question looks a hundred times better than what generally goes for outerwear these days. And another fantastic doll's house room, there really are no limits to your creativity! xxx

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. We are so in sync lately, aren't we?
      Vintage lingerie is just incredible, far too good for hiding away in the bedroom! xxx

      Delete
  18. Have you finishing buying the empty houses or are there plans for more?
    Arilx

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. If I find one I like going cheap then you never know! I'm watching a few on eBay! xxx

      Delete
  19. First of all, the dolls house is amazing!! I love all the florals, I can't believe what people used to wear as sleepwear - far too fabulous to be hidden.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks, Trees! I'm loving my doll's house play! xxx

      Delete
  20. You look fantastic in those outfits, Vix. Especially your lovely nightie. What a find that Pucci dress was. I do love all his amazing psychedelic prints. Still in awe of your fabulous doll's house skills. You just so really creative and all the interiors are really vibrant and fun. Still think that you should do "big" houses. :) I love your patchwork bedcover. Xx
    I am so looking forward to the better weather. We all might finally get warm.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks, Kelly! I do love vintage nightwear as day wear, I've got a few more I'll wear if the weather ever warms up. xxx

      Delete
  21. Prince would completely condone you wearing lingerie out of the house!

    I am jealous that it looks like spring over there. It is snowing here :-(

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Snow? Goodness me, your winter is lasting longer than ours is! xxx

      Delete
  22. If you ever get fed up of selling vintage, I'm sure a job as an interior designer would beckon. You'd be brilliant at it.

    The warm weather can't arrive soon enough. I've had enough of rain.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I've always loved interiors, I used to read lining etc religiously for years until it went all celeb-driven and London-centric.
      Come on Spring, it doesn't feel much like it today! xxx

      Delete
  23. Love watching the house project. Looks like a lot of fun. How many houses have you now? Xxx

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Glad you're enjoying my new obsession, Sally. I've got four doll's houses (at the moment)!

      Delete
  24. You always wear maxi dresses perfectly...and today is no exception. This denim waistcoat is gorgeous! Paired with this maxi dress, it looks so fabulous.

    I love how creative you are with decorating your dollhouse. That room looks amazing. You are really good at transferring your sense of style to the mini rooms you're decorating. You do have a talent for interior design.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you so much! I've got a few short dresses but feel more me in maxis! xxx

      Delete
  25. The dresses look fabulous with the waistcoat Vix.
    Loving the new bedroom.
    No spring here...it's bloody freezing today:(
    Hugs-x-

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks, Sheila!
      It been so cold today, where's this heatwave? xxx

      Delete
  26. Sounds like your weather is just as changeable as ours at the moment.
    I think your dollhouses are bringing together so many of the talents we admire. I love the beads and sequins turned into perfume bottles on a tray...such vision! It's also fun to reproduce items you have lusted over in real life.
    Your style is so immaculate, you look like a perfect doll perched on the bed. Sooo cute!
    xo Jazzy Jack

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I wish the weather would decide what to do and stick with it for a bit. It's been 20C today which is very welcome but it'll probably snow next week! xxx

      Delete
  27. Love your smile! Gorgeous dresses and the waistcoat fits you to a T! You look adorable in your mini-rooms, and yes, you have a fantastic talent for interior decor!!
    Lots of love!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank, Natalia! I never know what to do with my face in a photo, I either look grumpy or demented! xxx

      Delete
  28. I'm a fan of wearing your nightie as a dress, and n one would ever think the Pucci wasn't intended for streetwear. Your miniature decroating adventures are such fun to see.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I do love a nightie as a dress, I've got a few more stashed away that need an outing soon! xxx

      Delete
  29. I recently came across that Pucci line for the first time online, it's really fabulous! I want one, but some go for silly money. I hear more sunshine is due today, I hope it reaches you! Xx

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I was hoping that Formfit Rogers line would be cheap but it isn't, is it? I was very lucky to gt mine for such a great price - I know some fab vintage sellers! xxx

      Delete
  30. Your dolls houses are quite a triumph - your clever decorating tricks make each one so very unique. I really love that hood hairdryer - takes me back to sitting with my Mum in the hairdressers.Enjoy your Spring sunshine, although 12c doesn't sound warm to me. Those floral dresses welcome Spring so beautifully- be they nighties they are fabulous. xx

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks, Jill! I loved those hooded hairdryers, there's a couple of old hairdressing salons in our town that still have them.
      It's been 20C today, now that's a bit more how I like it! xxx

      Delete
  31. Fabulous maxi dresses/nightdress! You always look so colourful and stylish. I bet in Walsall you have a nickname like our (very) stylish 'Edwardian Lady' (Naomi) here in Bedford.

    The Doll's house (es) are just so brilliant. The collection of perfumes on the large sequin is pure genius - and the radio is so exquisite - as are those wonderful slippers and the chest of drawers. I can't wait to see what you do next!

    Hope you're enjoying the sun...
    xxxxx

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks, Vronni! I'm usually Sixties Lady or Retro Lady. If it encourages charity shop volunteers to save me stuff I'll answer to anything.
      I'm glad you're enjoying my mini-makes and don't think I've completely lost the plot. I love knocking up a tiny thing or two in my spare time. xxx

      Delete
  32. You are looking just way too cheeky in that last photo - I love it! Brilliant job on the miniature Fornasetti chest of drawers. These doll houses have really tested your imagination and creative talents, and you've excelled!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Ha! Thank you. that's the promise of a trip to the pub, it fills me with childish excitement! xxx

      Delete
  33. Hasn’t it been lovely to be able to wear summery clothes! I’m still in a sundress, but with my mans cardi vet the top. The the Edwardian maxi, so pretty xxx

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I loved those few days of wearing summery clothes. It felt so good! I'm scared about how cold it's going to be trading outside in London all weekend, I've dusted off my fake fur coat, brushed my suede boots and dug out the thermals! xxx

      Delete
  34. Oh that Pucci maxi! I love how your clothes all have their own little histories. I was thinking about that the other day, how I've got a few items that get dragged out every so often and have been worn for many different occasions, and how I can't wait to be able to say 'I've been wearing this for a decade'...
    xx

    ReplyDelete

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