Friday 13 April 2018

Kitchen Sync






I was just on the way out of the shop after a fruitless search of one of the local chazzas when the manager called me back. I've put something aside for you but I'm not sure if it's a bit old fashioned, she said, handing over this 1960s wool maxi dress in a wild combination of orange and red. Old fashioned? I couldn't hand my cash over fast enough!


A few shops on and I noticed a chunky gold zip peeping out of a box of shoes on the floor. Further investigation revealed it to be attached to a pair of unworn River Island black suede platforms in my size. What with the hat I bought back in the Autumn the entire outfit cost me less than £10. With prices like those who needs high street fast fashion?


 I had got into the habit of photographing our charity shop finds as soon as we got them home but we've bought so much lately I've let it slip. Above are Wednesday morning's vintage discoveries. Clockwise from top left: Loden pea coat by Gloverall, the luxury British designer brand who introduced the duffel coat to non-civilians in 1950; Trina Lewis & Marjon Couture at Baker Sportswear 1970s does the 1950s sundress; Unworn 1960s elbow length silver lurex gloves by Dents (British glove makers with a royal warrant, established in 1777) ; Ivory layered maxi dress with macrame insets by British boutique label, Mr Darren; Mod dress suit in Crimplene by Fulton, London; Donkey jacket (to the uninitiated, a traditional piece of British work wear) and a handmade lined polyester flower print maxi.


As threatened in my last post, I'm coordinating my outfits to match the rooms in my Lundby doll's house so today's red and orange maxi means you get to see the kitchen. Kitchen sync, you see.


The orange fitted kitchen was produced in Sweden by Lundby between 1974 and 1979. It wasn't super cheap (I paid £15) but I'd sold some of the remaining bits from Mum's doll's house as well as some leftovers from the furniture that came with the recent charity shop doll's house so I had a decent wedge of cash in my Paypal account to fritter away on groovy 1970s furniture.


In real life I dislike fitted kitchens - our real-life one is freestanding - but in the mini world I love this.


The washing machine and table & chairs were in the aforementioned bag of furniture as were the pot plants on the windowsill. The light fitting is half a cat toy threaded with a plug chain and attached to a lid from the conditioner that comes with my hair dye.


  • The blind is a piece of paper rolled onto a kebab skewer, trimmed with beads. To replicate the pull I've threaded a snap fastener with elastic. 
  • I downloaded the printable retro food packaging from HERE.
  • The "bin" is a lid from a glue stick with some polythene stuffed inside. The towel rail is a painted lolly stick with push pins for knobs and the tea towels are cut from a dishcloth.
  • The plates are buttons with a scaled down image of a Taunton Vale tray.
  • I made the Atomic-style wall clock from a cork and some dressmaker's pins.

Jon took the van for a service yesterday and explored the neighbouring chazzas to pass the time. I've got a present for you, he announced when he came home, presenting me with this amazing '70s maxi.

Vintage knife pleat maxi (Charity shop, £3); Original '70s suede platform boots & Panda, London hat (charity shopped); Vintage pendant (present from Emma

Killer sleeves, a print so loud you can hear it in outer space and colours that fit effortlessly into my wardrobe, you can see why we've spent the last twenty-six years together. I wonder which room I'll match this dress to?


Wearing: Vintage wool maxi (£5), River Island boots (£1.99), Felt hat (£2.49), Indian choker (present from Ilaria)

See you soon!

90 comments:

  1. I wore something very similar to this for my University graduation. You rock it better than I did !

    ReplyDelete
  2. Jon certainly finds you some great presents. Though I really love that red one - how any of your local chazzas can think anything might be too old fashioned for you is beyond me. That ought to be their cue to set stuff aside for you. Your bargainous outfit looks worth ten times as much.

    I love that red mod suit. I've just splurged on some shoes from Mod Shoes, because they are perrrrrrfect and I will never need any other shoes again ;-)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Old-fashioned to me sums up some horrid elasticated waist polyester slacks or a lilac acrylic cardi not a psychedelic maxi dress! Madness!
      I knew you'd love that mod suit, it's a shame it's not Mim size 'cos you've got just the right navy shoes to wear it with! xxx

      Delete
    2. Oh those trousers are the WORST. It's why I can't wear colourful trousers; they instantly scream NANNA! to me - and not in a good way. Augh. AUGH. I have rethought my opinions of lots of things over the years, but I will never learn to love those horrible things - well, not till I'm 80 and appreciate the ease of wearing/washing, perhaps...

      Delete
    3. You're both mad -those trousers and acrylic cardigans are the best! You can send them to me ;).

      Delete
  3. Dang, girl! You have suede platform boots in every shade for every occasion! How cool is that?
    My dad designed & built the interiors of bars & restaurants throughout southern California & Las Vegas in the 70's. He also took it upon himself to decorate our home in that same acid yellow, chocolate brown, scarlet red, & tangerine orange color scheme. HAH!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. The more I hear about your parents, the cooler they sound! Your childhood home sounds like my dream doll's house! xxx

      Delete
  4. the red dress is a dream!!!!
    but jon´s present is gorgeous too - love when men are able to shop clothes for their women - fitting both - body and soul. the BW can do it too - even we are only 12 years together.....
    funky kitchen - and again i love the details and creative use of "trash" - can we met in there for some bloody marys (because of the color scheme)? would wear red too of cause!
    xxxxx

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I'd join you for Bloody Marys any time!
      Hooray for men who know and respect their partner's taste in clothes, not trying to turn us into something we're not! xxx

      Delete
  5. I had the exact same kitchen set for my Lundby, back in the day, although I'm not sure I was fortunate enough to have the fridge (I think the inhabitants had to make do with the cooker and sink units only). I remember that I used to make fake food packaging for the kitchen from ads in magazines. Ah, happy days!

    I can't believe what amazing charity shops you have in your vicinity! Where are all these vintage gems coming from?! At mine it's just a sea of (often) tatty, last season's Primark and H&M.

    My husband would never even think of buying clothes for me - he's not exactly enamoured of my overstuffed wardrobe, and wouldn't want to encourage me in my bad habits...

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Your Lundby must have been the stuff of childhood dreams, Fran! I'm amazed this one has a dishwasher, I don't even own one now!
      Trust me, I have to wade through a lot of dross to find these treasures. I'm dumbfounded that the manager had saved me this dress, the stock in that shop is usually pitiful - I've started donating my stuff to try and improve it! xxx

      Delete
  6. Hi Vix i wondered if you would like my don's old Fuji compact camera? It is hardley used and has just been waiting for a good home to go to. It is a Finepux Z5. If you would like it let me know where to send it and i will post it today. Shelagh xx

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Shelagh, that's so kind of you. That's exactly the model of camera I've been looking for, I'd love it if you're sure. My email address is goanmad@hotmail.com

      Delete
  7. Haha! I'm not being pretentious that should have been,"son's"! Xx

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. ha! there i was thinking he was a Mafia kingpin! xxx

      Delete
  8. Love it. I can't think of anything I'd like more than an orange kitchen.

    ReplyDelete
  9. woww, I'm totally in love with this kitchen, it's overwhelmingly cute and groovy!, that orange washing machine, the packaging, the plates made of buttons, every detail is Awesome!
    And your dress is fabulous, such a lovely print, and you look gorgeous!. You totally rock! I also love the 70's maxi, with those purple boots!! I'm looking forward to see it 'in action' (Jon has awesome thrifting skills!)
    besos

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks, Monica! I'm decorating this house in stuff I wouldn't have chosen in my real house and it's making me reconsider my tastes!
      Jon is such a good charity shopper although he said he was getting some strange looks rifling through the ladies' rail! xxx

      Delete
  10. Your new dresses are gorgeous! You look great in that red.
    Cool kitchen!

    ReplyDelete
  11. What beautiful dresses. You can't beat a 70's frock, well you can - two! You and Jon definitely have the magic chazza touch. There is never anything worth buying clothes-wise round here, although I have been building up a nice stash of vintage fabric. I love your dolls house kitchen. It reminds me of the one in The Good Life for some reason. The photos of you in the houses are superb. Xx

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you! I was stunned when she showed it me - I just loved it! There's rarely anything in that particular charity shop, I'm wondering if she normally rags the old stuff! xxx

      Delete
  12. wonder it's called a donkey jacket? Never heard of that before

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. i think it's something to do with our phrase "donkey work" meaning manual labour. These jackets were worn by council workmen and factory workers. xxx

      Delete
  13. What a fab dress, well both of them actually. Jon does know you well. Andy often doesn't quite hit that mark when buying me clothes. He gave me a burgundy body warmer once. A body warmer?!! I shouldn't be ungrateful but it's really not me at all.
    I love the atomic clock in the kitchen, you're so clever with your makes.
    xx

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Andy and his burgundy body warmer made me laugh out loud. I'd never look at you and think body warmer! xxx

      Delete
  14. That little clock is genius! The love and detail that you put into these doll houses is fabulous.

    You are lucky that so many store owners seem to hold great pieces for you. That dress is gorgeous! I cannot wait to see the one Jon picked up for you. Wow!

    Suzanne

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks, Suzanne! I keep dreaming these ideas up. Yesterday I decided I needed a cocktail cabinet! xxx

      Delete
  15. Just fascinating the world of dolls houses. Love the wool dress, perfect for the chilly days we are having. What a fab pressie, lucky you.

    ReplyDelete
  16. I have a pair of long shiny silver Dents gloves! I picked them up at a vintage fair all the way here on Canada's west coast! I love both of your wonderful dresses, Vix - good eye on that second one, Jon! The detail in your doll's house is so appealing to me - this is just wonderful.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Dents are the best! I wish I didn't have giant hands or they'd be in my wardrobe! xxx

      Delete
  17. I really love that red dress, it looks amazing on you! That's a great find by Jon too. Love the kitchen, wish my real one could look like that!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you! Two fab dresses and I didn't chose either of them. I'm lucky that people get my taste!
      I loved that orange kitchen on sight, isn't it fab? xxx

      Delete
  18. That red is stunning on you. Love the atomic clock, it was the first thing I spotted. xx

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you so much! Who knew dressmaking pins would have so many uses? xxx

      Delete
  19. You look so elegant in your ''new'' outfit Vix.Great kitchen too x

    ReplyDelete
  20. WowzaVix!! Those dresses!! And I wish I could shrink down and have beverages with you in that kitchen! ❤️

    ReplyDelete
  21. fabulous - my favourite colour features: orange: and I am transported back to my childhood; the kitchen is not unlike my mothers was back in the day although much tidier! All that's missing is her hamster cage, bird cage, the stick insects, dogs, cats, kids and rubber plant! oh, and a housecoat, ladies in those kitchens always wore them, sprayed furniture polish in the air and on answering the door acted all casual and said 'oh you just caught me cleaning (not' .. You have no idea how much my reading box zings with your new dolls house posts!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. You must have had a super stylish family home, Betty! I need a rubber plant for mine, that's next on the to-do list! xxx

      Delete
  22. Lucky you, a wool dress (lovely colour and print)is much needed on a chilly April day. Those chazza ladies are well trained in spotting vintage items, aren't they?
    The light fitting and clock in your dolls house are genius!
    What an amazing happy frock Jon found, just looking at it puts a smile on your face. xxx

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I'm spoilt, aren't I? That dress was very useful last week, I wore it twice it was so cold! xxx

      Delete
  23. I wouldn't have said no to that red wool maxi either, but I'm positively drooling over the one Jon bought you! I'm not a fan of fitted kitchens either, but I wouldn't mind having this one at Dove Cottage. All the little details are absolutely genius. The clock, the orange pendant lamp and the plates: fantastic! I bet you must be dreaming of doll's house interiors by now! xxx

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. The dress Jon found isn't unlike that fabulous maxi skirt you were wearing on your blog last week, is it?
      I am obsessed with doll's house interiors, I keep getting ideas about things I could make, there's scribbled notes all over the house! xxx

      Delete
  24. Wow, what a great dress - it looks great on you! I'm glad you two are finding so much stock, tis the season to get ready for your summer festivals. That atomic clock you made is so cool!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you! We're on countdown to festival season now - bring it on! xxx

      Delete
  25. Your dress is gorgeous and I love the way you've styled it. The one Jon got you is great too.
    I love your atomic style clock and the orange kitchen is so fantastic I would like it for myself - for real! xxx

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks, Sally! It's such a fab fit, I was quite pleased it was chilly enough to wear it. xxx

      Delete
  26. I love this outfit, it's such a unique look and makes you really stand out. The red colour suits you really well and I love how you've style it with the hat.

    Have a good weekend dude :)
    Amy; Wandering Everywhere

    ReplyDelete
  27. You and that dress look fabulous both in and out of the kitchen. And you have a fabulous man!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you, Alex! He's alright, isn't he? xxx

      Delete
  28. The dress is fab and the kitchen is fab also. I've been to Paris this week for a few days and my daughter has bought a hat very similar to yours xx

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I loved that photo of your daughter in her matching hat, she looks so grown-up! Your stunning photos make me want to return to Paris, it's been over 20 years since I last went. xxx

      Delete
  29. Now I might be able to pull off a dress like that. It has your style, but perhaps a little more demure. I'd love to go to a concert in it. Love the boot and hat as well!

    ReplyDelete
  30. I really like your outfit today. That color looks good on you.

    ReplyDelete
  31. Hi Vix, I love the orange kitchen! That's what I want my kitchen to look like when I buy a house one day! Jon's an absolute keeper, that dress he surprised you with is a keeper too. P.s What is a London hat? Is that the name of the brand? I'd love to find a vintage hat like that one day.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks, Jess! I'd never wanted a fitted kitchen until I saw that one! The hat is by Panda, London - a company I can find nothing out about. It's a crazy hat, I love the metal band. xxx

      Delete
  32. I already said it on IG, but that damn dress is straight fire----I've a thing for red. And orange. I'm going to get a dollhouse situated eventually for the girls. They would love it.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you! I loved how it fitted - like it was made for my body double!
      I cannot wait until your doll's house adventures start - there's so many great ideas out there, it can be such a cheap and rewarding hobby! xxx

      Delete
  33. The red dress is to die for , when moving furniture the other day i found a crushed red velvet dress i havent seen for over 20 years , tried it on and its glorious just needs some new buttons . Mr BHs comment . "where the hell are you going to wear that?"
    my reply....In the garden with my wellies, if i choose!!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Wear the dress, pour yourself a beer, get stuck into your cross stitch and flick the V's at the old man! xxx

      Delete
  34. I love the clock!!! And Jon did well with the maxi!! xx

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks, FS! He did, he definitely gets my style! xxx

      Delete
  35. It's official! You're "mini mad". You have done a beautiful job decorating your houses, and taking photographs of the interiors! I wonder if you'll do a mini Kinky Melon pitch?

    The red dress is beautiful! And wool to boot...that is a hardy fibre in cool environments. I love your fabulous, frugal outfit with new boots!

    happy thrifting :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Funnily enough I've seen a mini vintage shop on Instagram and I'm very tempted! xxx

      Delete
  36. A few new dresses certainly do lift the spirits don't they? I love the red one, great colour, and looks as though it would be nice and cosy.
    The clock with the pins is a genius idea! You have such imaginative ideas. xx

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. They certainly do! Can't beat a new old dress or two. xxx

      Delete
  37. Killer dress! You are a total babe in red and black. I'm loving the kitchen!

    ReplyDelete
  38. So many things I'm crushing on in this post - that marvelous fitted red maxi dress, the colours in your tiny kitchen, the incredible kitchen bits and bobs you've created from scraps, and that fantastic pleated maxi that Jon got for you.

    ReplyDelete
  39. Multiple WOWs on that red dress! Knockout! xx

    ReplyDelete
  40. Well scored, Jon! Bless the man, we can envision the old dears eyeing him as he paws through the rack... My father's system entailed his standing in the aisle of "better dresses" until a lady mum's size came by, then he'd tip his hat (dates the story) and politely beg for advice. His shopping assistants always ensured that mum did very well!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. He said he was getting a few curious looks from the old 'uns!
      I like your father's system. I bet a few ladies thought it was a chat up line. xxx

      Delete
  41. I really am enjoying seeing you inside my 70's dollhouse! I honestly never thought I'd see it again.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I think you need to buy it all back! xxx

      Delete
  42. Does your creativity know no bounds? The kitchen is amazing! How on earth did you get those teeny tiny numbers on the clock face and how fab to recreate the atomic clock with dressmaker pins. I remember the orange and brown decor so well from the 1970s...

    The red and orange maxi dress is beautiful - I'd definitely wear it - and boots were a great find and look lovely with the dress. Yes, I can see why you and Jon have been together for 26 years - it was a perfect buy; almost like having a personal stylist...

    xxxx

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I'm far too blind to draw those numbers on a clock - I found a photo of a mid-century clock face online, shrunk it down, printed it off and glued it on! xxx

      Delete
  43. Oh I just love that crimplene mod suit you found! If it was my size I would buy it off you in a heartbeat (if you still have it let me know!) xx

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. That suit is quite teeny - much to the disappointment of an incredibly cool French lady who was lusting after it yesterday. Are you around for this weekend's Classic Car Boot? I can bring it for you to have a look at. If not message me on Facebook and I'll send you some measurements. xxx

      Delete
  44. Woo, the colours in the purple maxi are gorgeous! Donkey jackets, ahh the nostalgia! Coming originally from Portsmouth I lived next to the main route home for the donkey jacket adorned dockyard workers who would pour along the street on their bicycles! xxx

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Of course, dock workers would have worn them, too! Here it was the miners and the foundry workers. It sold straightaway to a hip young chap in skinny jeans and sandals. In spite of the heat he insisted on buttoning it all the way to the throat and wearing it all day! xxx

      Delete

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