Sunday 17 June 2018

It's Vintage, Darling




Yesterday, after what felt like an eternity away from the vintage selling scene, we got to take Kinky Melon's Retro Boutique back on the road trading with the fabulous Pop Up Vintage Fairs in Walthamstow in East London.




Jon was a very good boy. He wore his lumbar support belt and used the new sack truck - with my assistance - to transport the stock from van to venue. He did try and spend a large part of the day sitting down and taking it easy but we had a lot of visitors so most of the time was spent on our feet assisting customers and taking payments - not that we're complaining - after three weeks of inactivity we needed to sell, sell, sell and we did just that. What a day!


Clockwise from top left: Hand-finished Alpaca coat; 1970s gauzy cotton halterneck maxi; 1960s chiffon maxi; West African waxed cotton handmade coat (now SOLD!); 1960s lame evening dress by Global; 1980s Jake, London midi dress
With Jon back on his feet we'd spent a couple of days out stock hunting. Here's some of this week's finds (there was a bit of menswear, too but it's already gone!)

Clockwise from top right: 1980s Origin midi dress; 1970s chiffon maxi; Vintage Mexican dress; 1950s day dress (now sold!); 1970s gauzy cotton maxi; 1980s Indonesian-made panda print dress

Clockwise from top left: 1970s psych print duster coat (now in my wardrobe); 1970s shirred bodice maxi; 1970s nylon maxi; 1960s hand beaded shift dress; 1980s sun dress by Vivienne Smith; 1960s hand beaded gown

Possibly my favourite find has to be this slinky 1970s number by Frank Usher. It was filthy when I found it but despite the dry cleaning only instructions on the label I chucked it in the washing machine and it came out a treat.


I was thrilled to find these distinctly non-vintage see thru' boots in a chazza for £2 - I'd wanted a pair ever since I saw a girl wearing them at the mud fest that was Glasto 2016. Like I always say, if you wait long enough the thing you want will always turn up in a charity shop. I'm hoping that none of this year's festivals will be muddy enough to warrant needing them but at least I've got them if they are.


Today's outfit is another of last week's finds. Again, this Topshop playsuit ain't vintage but at £1.50 (found on the children's rail) I had to have it. It's been trying to rain for most of the day, there's no sign of any sun but it's quite warm and so it was perfect attire for unpacking the van and putting all the stock back in the Kinky shed in an orderly fashion.

The rest of the day is going to be spent in front of the telly glued to the football - as is the case every four years I'm utterly obsessed with the World Cup. The wall chart is up and the flag is flying high in the garden. I'm even more excited this year as, back in my corporate past, I met Gareth Southgate on several occasions and can confirm that he's the nicest & most considerate famous person I ever worked with. Come on, England!!!! (Before tomorrow's big match Jon and I are off to meet some blogging friends, you'll have to tune into my next post to find out more.)

WEARING: Vintage raw silk 1960s maxi by California (a present from Curtise)

Thanks to all the lovely people who made yesterday so fab from the several blog readers I met for the first time, the customers, long-time virtual (and real life) pals, Maxine & Elliot, the organisers and all of our fellow vintage traders. Vintage world, we've missed you!

Linking to Patti & the gang for Visible Monday.

64 comments:

  1. it's good to see Jon back in action. That odd sail dress is outstanding. I find most clothes can be put in the washer (cold, delicate, hang dry) with out any problems. Then I've been know to toss cheap wigs into mesh bags and give them a whirl. Gets all the nasty built up hairspray and sweat out.

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    1. I threw a 1960s suede fronted jacket in the washing machine the other day - it was so cool but absolutely rancid! i couldn't believe how nicely it washed! xxx

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  2. So happy that Jon is feeling well enough to be out again.

    Sounds like the show was great which I'm sure puts a big smile on both your faces.

    That pink raw silk maxi on your is gorgeous! The green Frank Usher is like an mossy garden angel.

    Suzanne
    http://www.suzannecarillo.com

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    1. I'm so glad he's back in action, I was getting very scared about the festival season!
      Curtise did me proud with that pink maxi, didn't she? xxx

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  3. I'm glad Jon is better - back problems are the worst.
    You always find such amazing things! Those boots are so fun and will be perfect for muddy festivals. And that green 70s dress - wow!

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    1. Thanks, Bobbi! I'm off hunting in a bit and I'm already excited! xxx

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  4. Woo hoo! Some gorgeous finds there! Love that slinky 70's maxi with the butterfly sleeves & those clear rainboots are adorbs!
    xox

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    1. I love those boots - I need to find myself some crazy socks to wear with them. xxx

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  5. So glad that Jon is feeling better and also being sensible about what he is allowing himself to do.
    I love that 1980's sundress, just looking at those colours makes me happy!
    JanF

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    1. Thanks, Jan! That dress is lovely, isn't it? Proper cheery! xxx

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  6. Well you both look fabulous and how great that you’ve had a good day.
    Need to have a look what to wear tomorrow as the wandering welder has already got his outfit ready. I’ll probdbly be last minute as usual haha.
    See you soon xxx

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  7. Good to see Jon up and about, hope his back is fully recovered soon. I saw a pair of those seethru workboots in a CS, and nearly bought them! I'm guessing you are meeting Ann? Can't wait to see your post! xxx

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    1. The lady in the shop told me that those see thru' boots were the second pair they'd had donated in a week - well and truly out of fashion! xxx

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  8. I'm so glad you had a good day!
    The panda dress is completely bonkers. I like to think I could wear just about anything, but even I would hesitate at that!

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    1. Thank you! I loved that panda dress just because of it's madness. I'm a sucker for batik! xxx

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  9. So glad you are back trading and Jon is on his feet. Fab finds, that dress has fabulous sleeves. I often wash clothes that say dry clean only on the delicate cycle (except men's suit) and then hang them to dry. Never had one fall apart on me yet!

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  10. So glad Jon is back in action, and taking things sensibly. Dry clean only labels are there to be ignored!
    I remember putting my first World Cup wall chart up on my bedroom wall in 1982, I can see it now. xx

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    1. I agree, I always ignore dry clean only labels!
      I used to love the Panini stickers, bit expensive these days. xxx

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  11. I'm glad to hear Jon is feeling better and that you had a great weekend trading.

    I managed to get Tunisia in the draw at work, I gather they are 755/1 but I still have hope!!

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    1. Thank you! It was great to be back.
      Tunisia aren't too bad but I'm glad England beat them. xxx

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  12. What a fabulous assortment of colourful frocks you have on Kinky Melon's rails! Your finds this last week are beautiful!
    The slinky 1970's frock by Frank Usher looks like it's straight out of a fairytale - divine!
    Those see-through rain boots with neon pink laces and soles are great!
    What a bargain on that pretty blue orange and white Topshop playsuit. That 1960's California maxi-dress from Curtise is very pretty.
    Best wishes for health, wealth, and happiness to you, to Jon, and for success with Kinky Melon's Retro Boutique in the season ahead!

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  13. Love the fact you also wear non-vintage!! Glad to see Jon up and back in action. Hope the trading went well!!

    Happy thrifting ;)

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    1. I can't resist anything crazy and colourful and I've always been a sucker for Topshop label (reliving my youth!) xxx

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  14. Those little shorts from the kids rack!
    I love the panda dress and of course the sail dress, but most of all the smile on Jon's face.
    May you have many more such days.
    xo Jazzy Jack

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    1. I often find women's mini dresses and playsuits on the kids rail - I only look on there for interesting fabric I can cut up. xxx

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  15. Oh, I would love to browse your stall - you both have such a good eye for unique and interesting pieces! I love that grey Dramatic dress - ha, to just washing things!!

    Happy week, Vix!

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    1. I wish you could, Sheila! I know you love the colourful and the quirky as much as I do. xxx

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  16. wonderful to see jon up and trading!!
    and glad to hear business was well. you look so fab in the pink striped maxi from curtise - those sleeves!!
    gorgeous finds - especially the ones you kept for you - the playsuit fits you perfect and the boots and duster are very cool.....
    xxxxx

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    1. It's such a relief to have Jon back on two feet!
      aren't those sleeves fab? I feel like a superhero! xxx

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  17. Yay to being back in action! We have family in Walthamstow, I'm glad the area gave you a good turn out. The pink silk maxi is so heavenly! You look wonderful in it. Lots of interesting finds on your rails too. Enjoy the World Cup, I have to say I'm more of a rugby girl, unavoidable being Welsh!! Xx

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    1. It's so good to be back in action!
      Walthamstow is lovely and it's good to see both vintage loving Londoners and a lot of the locals supporting this fair.
      I was sad Wales didn't qualify for the World Cup, they were brilliant in the Euros. xxx

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  18. Hi Vix,
    It's good to hear that Jon is feeling better and you both got to catch up with your vintage buddies.

    None of my friends are into vintage, that's one of the main reasons why I started my vintage blog earlier this year-to join the online vintage community.
    Hope you have a fab time catching up with your blogging buddies. Xxx

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    1. Hi Jess! I hope you manage to connect with some fellow vintage lovers near you eventually. I'm lucky as my real-life friends are all into vintage, too ! xxx

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  19. That's a beautiful dress you're wearing and the colour looks lovely on you.
    I'm glad Jon is up and about and you're back in the vintage saddle!
    I'm off on my hols tomorrow, so I look forward to hearing about your blogging meetup when I get back. xxx

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  20. Glad to see Jon out and about again!

    You look fab in your outfits and what wonderful finds. I loved the psychedelic duster coat and the African print coat, especially.

    I am just amazed by the amount of vintage you have in your (local?) charity shops. I could go around every charity shop in Bedford (there are 13 in and around the town centre) and find very little true vintage. Last week in the 'Mercy in Action' outlet shop I found a genuine 1970s maxi dress that I would have loved but it wasn't my size and it was pricey... The most I ever saw in the way of 1970s maxi dresses was in the Red Cross in Derry a couple of years ago; alas none in my size either. It is probably that my eye is not 'trained' to spot vintage in the same way as yours is and that I'm missing a lot - or maybe the people in the Black Country hold onto their gear for longer before they donate it!

    Have a lovely blogger meet up; can't wait to hear all about it.
    xxxx

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    1. Jon and I both, Vronni!

      Isn't that African coat a beauty? I'm happy to report that it's on it's way to Florida right now.
      We've got towns we go to where we come home with armfuls of great vintage and other places (like Chester) where we find nothing. It does seem pretty good around here possibly because it's a disadvantaged area and all donations are put on the shop floor - unlike more affluent places with boutique aspirations, who consider vintage to be old-fashioned! xxx

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  21. Congratulations on a good weekend of selling, and it's great to see Jon up and about! Your selections are gorgeous are per always. I need that hot pink waxed cotton coat! Could you email me at patti at nhsys dot com if it's still available? Many thanks xox

    http://notdeadyetstyle.com/i-am-a-badass-cat-visible-monday

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    1. Thanks, Patti! It was so good to be back trading again, it felt like an eternity since we last had.
      The coat's on it's way! xxx

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  22. It's great to see Jon back on his feet, and I'm glad you can report on a successful day's trading!

    I was just wondering whether any of the lovely items you regularly find at the local charity shops ever make it onto your online shop, as I don't seem to recall seeing any new items listed there for quite a while?

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    1. Thanks, Fran! We're both so happy that Jon's back to his usual self.
      I'm gearing up to the festival season hence the lack of action on the website. If you do see anything I post that takes your fancy do email me for more photos, measurements and prices- I've sold a few pieces this week to interested readers! xxx

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    2. Thanks, Vix, that's good to know - you often post things that catch my eye. I certainly would have snapped up that 1950s orange print dress, given half a chance, although I get the feeling I would have been nowhere near first in line for it anyway!

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  23. So good to see you and Jon back trading and the day was a great success. Your stock looks outstanding, no wonder you were busy. Your charity shops certainly have some good stock unlike ours ,full of cheap tat. You look quite the stunner in that pink striped dress. Enjoy that sunshine. xxx

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    1. Thanks, Jill! It was such a relief to be back and trading on Saturday.
      There's oceans of nasty cheap tat in our charity shops here, too but it does make finding a gem a lot easier - quality stands out a mile! xxx

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  24. Arrrse, I was in London the same day as you and didn't realise! I'm hoping to come up for the Vintage Car Boot in August.

    It's good to know Jon is back on his feet and able to get on with things again, as he must've been really suffering.

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    1. Bugger! The Walthamstow fair is amazing, it's a shame you missed it but you'll love the Classic Car Boot Sale if you can make it.
      I don't think I've ever seen Jon that rough before, at one point I was on the verge of calling an ambulance. He's being really sensible at the moment - thank goodness. xxx

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  25. OH my. That Frank Usher is amazing. And that playsuit is a fabulous interpretation of one from the 60s. The psychedelic print is spot on.

    Theresa

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    1. I couldn't quite make out the Frank Usher dress at first, it was such an odd shape on the hanger and horribly marked but isn't it magical? xxx

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  26. It must've felt great to 'be back'. I'm glad to hear Jon is being sensible, most men aren't!
    I love the Frank Usher maxi, it looks very Sarah Brightman (but maybe that's just me). Either way it looks amazing on you, as does the playsuit.
    I am enjoying the World Cup this year, usually I don't watch much but I'm getting in to it. So glad we scored a second goal, I know it's customary to jump about cheering, but I had a cat on my lap, so a little round of applause was all I could manage :)
    Waiting for things to come into charity shops is so true, I found a top and a pair of denim shorts I wanted last week. I've been on a bit of a spree!
    xx

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    1. He was in so much pain I think it's really frightened him into thinking more about how to look after his body - I hope it lasts!
      The World Cup is just brilliant, I'm still on a high after that second goal. I'm loving that some of the underdogs are doing so well.
      I hope you're going to share your chazza finds - it's so exciting when you find great stuff. xxx
      PS Loved Sarah Brightman!

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  27. You and Jon are truly a dream team!! So glad you helped him to be back on feet - and timely for such a successful day too!! I love your vintage finds and I do really want to wear more vintage! Maybe some day! And those clear boots are awesome - some modern fashion is not so bad either!
    Lots of love!

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    1. It's so good to be back on the road and to have Jon fully functioning again! I never fail to get excited about vintage clothes - the finish, the fabric, even the labels are endlessly fascinating. xxx

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  28. Will you be putting that amazing halterneck maxi on your sale site? it's divine!

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    1. A lot of the stock is heading for the festivals but if you're interested in the dress feel free to email me at kinkymelon (at) hotmail (dot) co (dot) uk and I can send you photos, measurements and prices.

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  29. Curtise has gifted you some marvelous maxis over the years and this one is no exception! That Frank Usher dress is so over-the-top dramatic! I've washed things that said dry clean only in the machine and for the most part they've been fine. I can't justify paying $15 - $20 to clean something that cost me $10 to begin with. I've seen a few pairs of those transparent boots around here too, but none so nice as those ones.

    Glad to see Jon back to work - tell him not to overdo it!

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    1. She has, she's got a great eye for a fab frock!
      I don't think dry cleaning is all that effective either, I've often picked up stained clothes in charity shops with the dry cleaning tags still attached. I've chucked them in the machine an they've been fine - not only a waste of money but bad for the environment. xxx

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  30. Catching up! Isn't that frock you're wearing gorgeous? Also loving the Frank Usher gown, the see-through boots and the playsuit. I'm going to put mine on in a minute, it's freakin' hot here! xxx

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    1. isn't it exciting to wear all our summer clothes? So many of mine haven't seen the light of day for a couple of years! xxx

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  31. That olive green dress is beautiful on you. Vix, you have a great sense of style.

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Lots of love, Vix