Thursday 4 October 2018

All The Leaves Are Brown...



...but the skies aren't grey!

Autumn, it's definitely upon us and, unusually for us Brits, October's got off to a warm start so I can flounce around in my favourite cotton maxis without having to hide them away under coats.

Photo courtesy of Pop Up Vintage

Autumn is the busiest time of year for vintage selling and on Sunday, with the alarm set for 4.30am, we travelled to East London to trade at the Brick Lane and Friends Festival.


Pop up gazebos were supplied by Tower Hamlets council so all we had to do was bring our rails, our stock, one of our Moroccan outdoor rugs and ourselves!


I know, I don't need another dress but, when I spotted a gold studded trumpet sleeve attached to a maxi decorated with a mythical beast print on another trader's rails at Walthamstow a fortnight ago, I knew it had to be mine. 


 Brick Lane is uber cool and I last visited with some blogging pals five years ago (HERE). I know, where does the time go? I thought Suzanne would appreciate the Pug poster.


Never be beige.


These Topshop leather space boots are absurdly comfortable, perfect for a long day on my feet. They were so cheap in their end of season sale last year that I ended up buying two pairs.

WEARING: Shubette of London Mythical beast print maxi (Viva Vintage), 1970s velvet jacket with witchy sleeves (Liebchen Vintage)
Being of a slightly obsessive nature, I can never just rock up to an event and hope for the best. We always do a dummy run in the garden (we've got a pop-up gazebo for when it rains), measure out our floor space and set up the rails. At catering college, my lecturers used to impress upon us the importance of the five Ps, Poor Planning leads to a Piss Poor Performance. Whilst there's no guarantee that any punters will turn up or, if they do, they'll like anything you sell or fit into anything on your rails, at least you know that you've made the best possible use of your allocated space.

WEARING: Vintage 1970s printed cotton maxi skirt (99p Ebay bargain, years ago), Kate Moss for Topshop silk hippy blouse (found in a charity shop last week for £3)

That'll do!

Wearing: Vintage pink & silver Lurex maxi skirt and a 1970s Richard Green Shirt Company blouse I found in a chazza earlier in the week. 

On Friday I put on my big girl knickers and booked in for a hair cut. It had been almost twelve months since my last visit (and before then, a whopping 12 years ago!) I told the salon's style director to do whatever he liked, I just wanted long hair and to not look fashionable. He told me not to be alarmed with the amount of hair he was chopping off and I was very happy when he showed me the finished result, the length seemed about the same but it felt a whole lot healthier. The long layers give it more of a 1970s vibe.

WEARING: 1960s red wool maxi (charity shop), kids' vintage velvet embroidered waistcoat (eBay), Banjara choker (a pressie from the amazing artist, Ilaria Novelli), 1960s does Victorian lace-up boots (car boot sale)

You can thank me for the unseasonably (and gorgeous) warm weather we've had lately - I packed all my summer clothes away the day after Walthamstow! The first half of this week was quite chilly so I was glad of this vintage red wool dress & velvet waistcoat to go out chazzing on Tuesday morning. I love getting the clothes out of the suitcases on top of the wardrobe and rediscovering my winter clothes all over again - it's like shopping for free.

WEARING: Kate Beaver hand printed maxi dress (found in a £1 charity shop, three years ago)

On Wednesday it was warm enough to go out in a cotton dress. Jon and I went on an epic charity shopping road trip and were out for hours. We even treated ourselves to lunch in 'Spoons, something we haven't done in ages, in fact it's been so long that the menu had changed! I highly recommend the roasted vegetable and hummus wrap. 


WEARING: Vintage Adini block printed Indian cotton maxi dress, 1970s hat, River Island suede platforms (all charity shopped)

Today was another warm one with a day of yet more chazzing. We've sold an unbelievable amount of stock in September (despite a quarter of the month being spent in Greece) and the stockroom rails are emptier than they've been in years. Vintage hunting is like a full time job but a lot more fun, especially when I find stuff for me - like this vintage brown felt hat, something I've been after for ages!

Clockwise from top left: 1960s suede boots; 1970s Windsmoor cape (it's not beige, it's camel!); 1980s off-the-shoulder midi dress; 1960s-does-Victorian cotton velvet maxi; 1970s Bickler wool coat; 1960s trouser suit; 1970s wool cape; 1970s Windsmoor blazer; Bus Stop novelty applique jumper, 1960s mohair coat.

And talking of chazzing - I sold everything I bought last week before I got a chance to photograph it, arghhh! Here's this week's finds (there's menswear as well but I'd run out of time). Do I keep the Bus Stop jumper? It's not my usual thing but it's Bus Stop, a shop I was forced to spend hours in as a child and, if you knew my mum, you'll know that the motif featuring a fingerless be-gloved hand with super long, blood red long nails complete with a cigarette in a holder was Mum all over. It's almost as if Lee Bender knew her.

Right, I've got a date in the Black Country Arms this evening and there's a pint of India Pale Ale with my name on it, must dash!

Linking to Patti and the gang for Visible Monday and to Judith, The Style Crone, for Hat Attack #63

56 comments:

  1. Love your hair Vix it has a great shape around your face. Beautiful xx

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  2. I'm completely head over heels with your mythical beast print maxi! Like me, you will never be guilty of being beige! Love the haircut. Isn't it great to find a hairdresser who understands you? We are having similar weather, with the odd Autumn day thrown in. Tomorrow I will do my wardrobe changeover, so maybe that will help too! Can't wait to rediscover my Winter clothes. Some rather lovely chazza finds, I especially love the 1960s suede boots! xxx

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    1. I think your wardrobe changeover has helped, apparently we're forecast 24 degrees on Wednesday! xxx

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  3. Glad business is booming! Your hair looks great - layering really makes you look even more like a model from the 60/70s :)

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  4. Looking lush, my lovely! Love the photo of the pair of you at Brick Lane. It is one place I never ever got to whilst living in The Big Smoke. A real bagel from Brick Lane...bucket list! Piss Poor Performance, made me larf. (I think it could be me to a 'T' at the moment!)
    Zxx

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    1. Those Brick Lane bagels were delicious!
      Hope your performance picks up soon. xxx

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  5. Love the purple and silver skirt. The Bus Stop jumper reminds me of the picture jumpers I used to wear in the 1980s with loads of different bright coloured tights!
    Arilx

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    1. Thanks, Aril! Bus Stop closed in 1979 so that jumper was the forerunner of the 80s ones! xxx

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  6. Go on, keep the jumper-it would look good with your vintage jeans and some clogs.

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  7. Oh Vix...that Kate Beaver dress is just glorious.
    Love the red wool maxi too.
    Hugs-x-

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    1. Thanks, Sheila! I love that Kate beaver dress, I've been offered all kinds of money for it but it's definitely a keeper.

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  8. Hi Vix, you're certainly never beige, in your personality or clothing! So much colour and patterns in this post! Have a great night! Xxx

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  9. Good to have some layers, they will keep your hair full and light, very brave to trust anyone with scissors on those long tresses.

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    1. It took me a while to pluck up the courage, I'm such a baby when it comes to visiting hairdressers! x

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  10. And the sky is gray...(the sky would be brown if you were in LA-just sayin' as a native Californicator that's the reality)
    Love the new hairdo & I do detect a bit of the very on trend shade of greige in the last photo of new stock.
    The fellow in the "never beige" art piece is the infamous beauty gossip YouTuber John Kuckian whose motto is "Champagne & Laxatives"

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    1. On-trend, me? Good heavens, that's seriously unintentional!
      I've just Googled John Kuckian, he's not nice, is he? x

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  11. its not beige - its camel - hahahahaa!
    thats a good one!
    very good hairdresser - your tresses look fabulous! and the dragon dress is a stunner. but the kate beaver maxi is even more gorgeous - a piece of wearable art. swoon!
    prosit! xxxxx

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    1. I'm sure camel's a different colour to beige - that's my excuse and I'm sticking to it! xxx

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  12. The hair looks fantastic - but then you always have great hair. And that beast print maxi is superb. Can't picture you in the Bus Stop jumper, but you might surprise me; I've yet to see you looking less than fabulous in anything.

    I like Brick Lane; my pal Sam lives in the East End so that's where we usually hang out when I go to see her. Lots of good places to eat and drink there.

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    1. Thanks, Mim.
      Yes, Brick Lane's great, rough and ready and not too hipstery. We had to laugh at the barber shop opposite our pitch "The Hairy Bastard" - if anyone dared open a shop called that here there'd be uproar! xxx

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  13. woww, lots of fabulous maxi dresses, and you look gorgeous in all of them!! (so lovely prints!). I love the red wool one, but also the lighter cotton dresses (glad that you enjoyed a few warm days and could wear them!) I think that the Kate Beaver maxi dress is absolutely stunning! like something that Klimt could design!
    And I'm also glad that you're selling everything so quickly, it means that lots of people is enjoying vintage and looking fabulous! You Totally Rock!
    besos

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    1. I'm so happy that I only needed to wear a wool dress once so far this month, I'm usually wearing them in August! we've got a gloriously hot day forecast for Wednesday (tomorrow) I might have to dig out the bikini! xxx

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  14. I absolutely agree with you about rediscovering seasonal favourites that have been packed away for a few months. I started swapping over my spring/summer and autumn/winter wardrobes, and found so many wonderful items that I had almost forgotten about that I'm sure I won't feel the need to shop for a little while yet!

    I do enjoy seeing what both you and Jon have been wearing lately. I wish I could send my husband to you, so that you could get him kitted out with some vintage finery, as he'd look terrific in it. Alas, he's completely uninterested in clothes... unlike his wife. One of these days I will try to organise myself to get to one of the vintage fairs where you're trading, as I'd love to have a poke around the stall in person.

    Oh, and I very much like the hair refresh, by the way!

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    1. Hi Fran! It's quite exciting digging out those almost-forgotten gems, isn't it? The red dress being a case in point!
      A husband and wife visited our stall at Walthamstow, she was almost dumbstruck when he started trying our menswear on saying that he hated shopping of any description and had only gone to keep her from going mad! He ended up buying a suit and then coming back and getting an overcoat, all because he liked how jon was dressed and trusted his judgement. xxx

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    2. Haha! Jon really is a very good advertisement, as he always looks so stylish! My husband has enjoyed coming along to some vintage fairs with me, for the experience, but sadly it hasn't yet inspired him to try out a new look!

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  15. Autumn here hase hasn’t started really yet too! I’m enjoying the warm weather so much!
    You look stunning! You hair looks awesome!

    Cool blog hon! I’m following and I would loooveee if you could follow me too ;)

    TheNotSoGirlyGirl // Instagram // Facebook

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    1. Thanks for visiting, I'll pop over and see you soon! x

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  16. Some things just can't be left behind on the rails no matter how many you already have at home. I mean if this mythical beast print maxi wasn't made for you, then I don't know what is!
    I'm loving that the sun is still with us most days, but I have dug out a lot of cooler weather clothes - it is like shopping for free :)
    xx

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    1. The weather's been gorgeous again today, hasn't it? I've a feeling tomorrow might be the last gasp and then it'll be coats from here on in. xxx

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  17. Brick Lane sounds fun and the dress is fab. I enjoyed reading about your last trip there too.
    It was a lovely sunny day here today. It's great to have a sunny autumn, the garden looks so colourful too.
    Have a good weekend. xxx

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    1. Thanks, Sally! It was fun. After a weekend off I'm itching to get back to the fairs again.
      The weather was glorious today, wasn't it? xxx

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  18. You always have the best max dresses...and I do like the silver boots. It makes sense that you bought two pairs of them. The pink and silver maxi skirt is very pretty too. The red maxi dress is so gorgeous.

    Planning is always a good idea, it makes us more relaxed before an event. It's always good to know that you've done what you can.

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    1. Thanks so much, Ivana.
      I'd rather put loads of work in before the actual event, I'd hate to be grumpy, flustered and rushing around when the public arrive, it's just not on! xxx

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  19. Jon's expression in that first photo is so Karl Lagerfeld! Your gear is a lot more wearable than his tho! Just changing over to winter clobber now and having another clear out. Well done on braving the hairdresser, the layers look perfect. Xxx

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    1. Ha! That's brilliant, he does look like KL, he just needs a cat under his arm! xxx

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  20. I died when I saw that pug poster! Ha ha! LOVE it! Thanks for thinking of me : ) Hubby loved it too.

    Oh for the day I sell everything before I can photograph it. If only we had more vintage shows or fairs here. I was disappointed when Robert returned too late for us to do the Toronto Vintage Clothing Show.

    I agree, vintage shopping is like a full time job and terribly tempting! I've wanted to do a road trip searching for vintage forever. Maybe this year we'll make it happen. I usually hit up the stores that are within an hour driving from my house.

    Yesterday I hit one of my favourite spots and was there at the right time, just as they were putting two cart loads of boots and shoes out. I scored 4 pairs of vintage boots from the 80's, all handmade in Italy. SWEET!!! I may be tempted to keep one pair. They are all so unusual with leather appliqués on the back.

    Your inventory looks amazing. Like you, I know I wouldn't be able to leave empty handed when you see such a fantastic maxi dress. It's called an addiction ; P

    Suzanne
    http://www.suzannecarillo.com

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    1. We've sold an astounding amount of stuff - it's quite scary. I hope that's not it until the end of the year now!!
      Those 1980s boots will fly out - whenever I find them they're gone almost immediately - good score!
      We usually stick to an hour's driving distance. We've covered three counties in the last two days - haven't got loads but a few interesting bits and it should give our usual haunts chance to stock up - and hopefully reserve some decent vintage - ready for our return.
      Hunting is an addiction. I can barely sleep if i know we're off buying the following day! xxx

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  21. I just love that red dress with the embroidered jacket. Congrats. on all your great sales. You do work so hard. Xxx

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  22. You do have a fun and fabulous job (and your work your ass off, too). I love to see your booth all decked out and ready to go, and wish I were there. Loving your new hair, and that novelty sweater! If you don't keep it, please send me the details b/c my closet wants it bad. xox

    -Patti
    http://notdeadyetstyle.com

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    1. Thanks Patti! I'll bear you in mind with the crazy Bus Stop sweater! xxx

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  23. I immediately began singing that song in my head as soon as I saw your post title! WOWSER, you two look effing fabulous!!! There is nothing like a sharp-dressed man to set the heart beating a titch faster ;)

    We have had the craziest weather over here (the next two days are going to be hot, hot hot, followed by cold, cold, cold) I have no idea what to wear, and I'm heading to New York and have no idea what to pack!

    It's because you are such meticulous planners that you are so successful at what you do. You leave nothing to chance, and you have a great eye for things that will sell.

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    1. New York! Is that really a year since you last went? I don't envy you that packing with those extremes of weather. xxx

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  24. That beast dress just had to be yours! (And I'd wear it too, if I could!) You look fantastic in the red dress with embroidered gilet, and your updated haircut looks wonderful, fresh and healthy! I am over the moon with this Kate Beaver dress - the colors, the print, everything, so gorgeous! Love love love it!
    Not a big danger to see you in beige, I think! :)
    Lots of love!

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    1. Thanks, Natalia! I think we both appreciate a wild print or two!
      I did try the camel cape on as I loved the style but camel/beige just aren't me! xxx

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  25. Hope the warm Autumn is continuing so you can keep wearing all those wonderful dresses . I do like you in red , and that little waistcoat, just so good.
    Not at all surprised you have had such a great selling year not only are you super organised , your displays and stock is exceptional.

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    1. Thanks, Jill! I'm happy not to have to wear coats just yet, I hate hiding my clothes under them. xxx

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  26. The hair is looking fabulous; layering cuts make a big difference. The outfits are fantastic' I loved the purple and mustard one with the mythical beast; the wonderful blue with the big print (Kate B) and the lovely red one with the adorable waistcoat. The only child thing I can find to fit me are shoes - occasionally.

    Your finds are amazing - I loved them all. What size are the grey suede boots? I also love how you set out your stall; it looks so attractive.

    Hope the charity shop gods continue to be kind to you...
    xxxxx

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    1. Thanks, Vronni!
      Being of the short-arsed, lesser busted variety I do okay with some kids' wear and I also find a lot of vintage dresses in smaller sizes on the childrens' rails at charity shops, too - they do look small compared to the modern stuff!
      The boots are a 5 but - like most vintage boots - very narrow in the leg. xxx

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    2. I'm a 4 and although I don't have hugely developed walker's calves, I do sometimes struggle with getting modern boots on so probably don't stand a chance with vintage ones! If you do come across something similar in my size; do let me know. I have a weakness for long suede boots.

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  27. After working 22 consecutive days I'm so far behind on blog reading. The weather is glorious isn't it? So glad business is booming, it might get even better after Stacey Dooley's program last night. I'd be the same as you, having a trial set up beforehand - planning and organising are my thing. x

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    1. 22 consecutive days? Ye gods, woman, if you weren't so far away I'd buy you a drink.
      Wasn't that programme an eye opener? I hope people sit up and take note, anyone with an ounce of compassion couldn't possibly watch that and not lose their appetite for cheap crap. xxx

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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