After two days of laying gravel plus a weekend doing the kind of mundane jobs we spend most of the year avoiding; chopping logs for the wood burner, defrosting the freezer and cleaning windows to name but a few; it was feeling like an age since I'd worn anything decent or had ventured further than the confines of the garden. I was beyond excited to throw on a vintage dress and go out treasure hunting this morning.
 |
| WEARING: Original 1970s Indian cotton block printed maxi dress, Doc Marten boots and Anokhi shoulder bag (all eBay), Vintage velvet jacket with wizard sleeves (Liebchen Vintage, 2016), 1970s wool felt hat & vintage Indian screen printed silk scarf (both charity shopped) |
I bought the earrings from the Tibetan market in Goa in 2004. The bastard massive bangle is a 19th Century Indian tribal piece I found on eBay - it's actually an anklet but thanks to my manly hands it sits on my wrist perfectly.
 |
| WEARING: Vintage 1970s Afghan dress (my Happy Birthday to me gift last year), Doc Martens (as seen previously, you'll be sick of the sight of these by next year) and a 1970s wool felt hat (Age UK, £1 earlier this year) |
The last time I'd worn lipstick and a dress was last Wednesday, thank goodness I had the where-with-all to capture it for posterity. My amazing bejewelled North African perfume/snuff/kohl bottle pendant used to belong to my friend Maxine who runs the Pop-Up Vintage Fairs, she was having a clear out and thought it was my style - it was!!
Outfits aside, how did we fare in the charity shops?
Clockwise from top left: 1950s gents wool car coat by Shannon's (once Walsall's largest clothing manufacturer); 1970s Chinese Cheong-san; 1970s Leyjon of London tie-neck kaftan; A gorgeous 1970s Suede & Leathercraft maxi coat - this fits me perfectly but I've already got a suede coat and a customer waiting list! 1970s Weekender herringbone wool bomber jacket; 1960s hooded modette scooter anorak; 1970s gents suede waistcoat; 1970s Lotus Club anorak (sold!)
Clockwise from top left: Gents wool duffel coat which still had a ticket for a model railway exhibition in Devon in 1989 in the pocket; 1960s Susan Small metallic mini dress and jacket - the photos don't do this suit justice, it's extremely cool and totally Barbarella in real life; 1980s embossed satin jumpsuit; 1960s suede mini skirt; 1970s Moffat Weavers pure new wool frog jumper (I wanted one of these in 1977 but they were far too expensive for an 11 year old!); 1960s Courtelle modette twin set; 1960s belted shift dress; 1960s reversible Chinese brocade jacket
Not bad for a morning's work. I wonder if our luck will continue tomorrow...
Up until the beginning of June I'd recorded everything I'd read this year on the blog but with the excitement of festivals and our trip to Greece, my efforts had fallen by the wayside - that's the recording and not the reading, I don't think there's been a day in my entire life when I haven't had a book on the go. Fortunately I managed to photograph my completed reading piles before re-donating them to the charity shop, the list on the left of the collage are eBooks I've finished. Actually, that's not quite true, I abandoned The Matchmaker of Perigord halfway through as I couldn't get into it - life's too short for boring books. I should have taken more notice of the rave review by Joanne Harris on the cover - I can't get on with her writing style either.
My favourite reads were The Looking Glass War (I adore Le Carré's books and for some reason had missed this one) and Bodies, written by Jed Mercurio, creator of hit BBC drama series, Line of Duty & Bodyguard. Mercurio started his career as a hospital doctor and Bodies is a shocking story about the pressures facing Rob Lake, an NHS hospital registrar, who discovers that his senior surgeon is totally incompetent. Bodies was aired on TV in the mid-2000s and is currently available to download on the BBC i-Player. I'm not generally a fan of hospital dramas but this is totally compelling with a dose of very dark humour, even though you might need to watch it with a cushion in front of your face whenever you see anyone pick up a scalpel.
Talking of TV we're both thrilled that bleak French cop thriller Spiral is back on the BBC and are enjoying both the BBC's The Dublin Murders, based on Tana French's books, and Belgian murder mystery series Hotel Beau Sejour on Channel 4 (we don't have Netflix or satellite TV, all our viewing is done via Freeview). As well as Bodies, in recent weeks we've loved BBC 4 Danish thriller, Darkness:Those Who Kill and Peaky Blinders (obviously!) I think we'll give Giri/Haji, the BBC's new London/Toyko based thriller a go next - you can keep Hallowe'en, pumpkin lattes and cardigans - the best thing about the Autumn is the telly.
See you soon!
See you soon!
That anklet/bracelet!!! Love 😍😍😍
ReplyDeleteIsn't it amazing? Its ridiculously heavy, I'm going to have to wear it on alternate wrists. x
DeleteI was interested to see that your Afghan dress label says dry clean only. I bet you don't! Both dresses are fabulous and I love your bottle pendant; both beautiful and useful!
ReplyDeleteYou have had a productive weekend and I hope you felt very smug when you'd finished all those jobs...
Was the book by Emma Tennant any good? 'A House in Corfu'? I like her writing and have read several books of hers; mostly memoirs including one about her experiences delivering coal on narrowboats during WW11.
I am loving Spiral and Giri/Haji is very gripping. The Dublin Murders are pretty good,too. Totally agree autumn viewing is the best.
Wonderful finds in the chazzas as usual!
Hope your week is going well,
xxxxx
I had to giggle when I saw the "Dry Clean Only" label. To be honest I haven't washed it yet - I air it after wearing it and spot clean any marks. Terrible, aren't I?
DeleteI enjoyed A House in Corfu. Written in the early 1960s it describes a very different Greece than the modern one was see today. Tennant's writing style is beautifully descriptive. I'll have to look out for the narrowboat one.
I've heard great things about Giri/Haji - can't wait to see it. Good to see Tintin pop up on Spiral this weekend! xxx
Oh my, you have been busy! As if laying gravel wasn't enough! Phew, I'm exhausted just reading about it all. Bet you were indeed glad to wear your fabulous frocks again, and get out of the house! I'm particularly in love with your first outfit. That dress is such a wonderful colour and that witch-sleeved velvet jacket works a treat with it. You did pretty well at the chazzas too, and as for your reading, I'm impressed by the amount of books you manage to read. I'm always having a book on the go too, but lately it has been slow going. Kind of chuffed that you're liking Hotel Beau Sejour! xxx
ReplyDeleteI know! I'm hardly the most domesticated of women, I even did some cooking, I think I must have been possessed by an alien being over the weekend! The good thing is that I can reward myself by going hunting every day this week as all the boring tasks I've put off for months are done and dusted - hooray!
DeleteTurquoise and brown - I think I was subconsciously inspired by your IG outfit photo last week!
Love a Belgian crime series - you do it so well! xxx
I love the perfume bottle necklace, the dresses are beautiful too, such gorgeous rich patterns and colours. The jacket looks perfect with that first outfit.
ReplyDeleteI have to say I'm a serial reader too and usually have an upstairs and downstairs one on the go. I haven't got in to e readers though.
Spiral is brilliant, I'm totally hooked, its one of my favourites. xxx
Thanks, Sally! I bought an etched silver perfume bottle necklace in Malta back in the 1980s, I can't for the life of me remember what happened to it - this makes for a much lovelier replacement.
DeleteI'm a Luddite but e readers are brilliant. I've got over 300 books downloaded on mine. The perfect thing to keep in your bag at all times, 'cos you never know when you might get an opportunity to read!
Spiral is wonderful, isn't it? So many interesting characters. Poor Josephine! xxx
Ooh, you had me at "wizard sleeves", Vix! That is an amazing jacket! I always love seeing all your gorgeous Indian dresses and jewelry too. Can one every get sick of Docs? I wear my white floral ones 4-5 days a week (I walk to and from work in them), and never get tired of them.
ReplyDeleteOf your purchases, I'm totally enamoured with that suede coat - I'm sure it will sell quickly! I think of you often when I'm out thrifting, as you would just DIE to see all the cool things we have here.
I love seeing what other people are reading. Have you read anything by Lawrence Block? His Matthew Scudder series is quite good (he's an American writer - avoid his early non-Mathew Scudder books, they are horribly misogynistic). I'm currently reading "Moonraker" by Ian Flemming, and well, let's just say, it's no "Dr. No"! I'm boggled by how bad it is. My next book is "The Battle of Versailles" which I need to get finished in time for our next Book Club - it's a historical account of the 'battle' between 5 American fashion designers vs. 5 European designers, notable for the first use of black models, and for a black US designer (Stephen Burrows). Should be good!
Wishing you, Jon and the fur-boys a good week!
Aren't those sleeves incredible? I was working at a vintage fair and a girl I know came as a customer and showed me what she'd just bought - that jacket! I was green with envy. A few weeks later she messaged me and asked if I'd like it at cost price as she'd not got around to wearing it, I was so happy!
DeleteI knew you'd love that suede coat. Jon thinks I'm mad for not keeping it.'d love to come and thrift shop with you, your finds never cease to amaze me.
I love to know what my friends are reading. Are you like me and always look at people's bookshelves when you visit them for the first time? I shall look out for Lawrence Block, I've Googled him and he sounds right up my street.
Moonraker the film was pretty lousy, wasn't it? The Battle of Versailles sounds much more interesting. xxx
Wonder what Flemming was thinking when he wrote that. Casino Royal was a masterpiece.
I'm guessing the gorgeous Susan Small set is indeed small...
ReplyDeleteI caught up with The Dublin Murders yesterday and really enjoyed it, but honestly Giri/Haji is fantastic, one of the best shows I've seen in a while. I was tempted to binge all the episodes on iPlayer but decided instead to eke it out week by week to make the most of it.
My current reading is Tombland, CJ Sansom's latest Shardlake novel. It's set in Norwich, which I grew up near, and the city centre there is still very medieval, so it's weird being able to follow events in my mind. Though it does read at times like Sansom visited Norwich to write the book and is ticking off all the places still standing...
I thought of you as soon as I spotted that Susan Small suit, it's amazing and a contemporary UK 12.
DeleteThroughout The Dublin Murders I was racking my brains trying to remember where I knew Rob/Adam from - he was Augustus Dove in Ripper Street! I can't wait to start on Giri/Haji, it looks really dark and riveting.
I'll keep my eyes peeled for CJ Sansom in the chazzas this week, the name looks familiar. x
Ooooh....Bodies might be something Roz and I would enjoy....although I will be keeping a cushion to hand as I am a wimp when it comes to blood and guts. We've been looking for something to watch.
ReplyDeleteHugs-x-
We really enjoyed Bodies although it is really gory! Jed Mercurio said that it was the thing he was most proud of which considering he wrote Line of Duty and Bodyguard is pretty good going. Keith Allen is wonderful in it! x
DeleteJo Nesbo is a favourite. Think I've read everything he's written.
ReplyDeleteHe's a brilliant writer!
DeleteI didn't like Joanne Harris either! I like your lovely Indian dresses- they look so comfy as well as stylish with how you wear them!! I've not seen this show! Maybe I should give it a go! I'm liking your finds! The frog jumper is funny!
ReplyDeletePhew! Thought it was just me, everyone seems to rave about Joanne Harris. Couldn't stand that soppy Chocolat film, too.
DeleteThe frog jumper is ridiculous, isn't it? x
The sleeves are your jacket are exceptional. I bet you so enjoyed donning your dress and putting on the lipstick after so much hard work. I will keep a look out for the various TV series, we usually get them a year or so later. Enjoy your week.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Jill! They're almost theatrical in their cut, aren't they? I'm constantly amazed by them! x
Deletewell done hunting vintage!
ReplyDeletei was like you - no day went buy without a book in the read.....but lately.... have a short stories & poetry book from h.hesse on my night table - just lying around.
fabulous outfits with beautiful tribal jewelry - love!
xxxxx
I've read Siddhartha (the translated version), Hesse's writing is wonderful! x
DeleteIt's Whitby Goth Weekend this coming weekend. Pop on something black and goth like and head up to Whitby...though I am told that there aren't usually that many goths wandering around.
ReplyDeleteOne day I will get to Whitby Goth Weekend, I could wear my Great-Grandma's mourning jacket, I'd fit in a treat. x
DeleteThe workmanship on your dress is stunning!
ReplyDeleteArilx
Thanks, S! It seems almost a crime to shut it in the wardrobe! x
DeleteFabulous dress -- actually, dresses, because I'm in love with every dress pictured in this post!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Beth! xxx
DeleteHave you ever read Stewart MacBride? I love his books, set in Scotland. We have a lot of the same reading taste. I love Tana French, Ian Ranking and Peter Robinson.
ReplyDeleteWe do have the same taste! I've just Googled Stewart MacBride and yes, I've read a couple of his Detective Sergeant McRae books and loved them. I'm going to have to write myself a list of books to hunt down in chazzas - I came back with 9 today (it was three for £1, I couldn't help myself!) xxx
DeleteSounds like quite a workout! I really need to was our windows before the snow comes. That frog jumper is bonkers-I love it!
ReplyDeleteSnow? I can't bear to think about it!
DeleteThat's our next task, lining our windows with plastic film before it gets properly cold. Our house is listed so we're not allowed double glazing (not that we could afford it) so we have to make do with an ugly alternative. xxx
Friends who dwelled in a drafty 19th C house (cue spooky organ music) streamlined their interior storm window ritual by crafting custom 1x3 frames for each wonky window. Some years the plastic required replacement, but usually it was simply a matter of labeling which winter window slid onto which sill. Cheap extension rods served as extra bracing. * Ugly? Knowing you, the frames would be decorated with wreaths of painted pompoms!
DeleteYour friends' idea is genius, Beth! I shall pas it on to Jon and see if he can come up with a similar version. Pompom trimmed window insulation? Don't tempt me! x
DeleteAll your hard work laying gravel, chopping and cleaning made me laugh! Can't quite picture you in your glorious outfits building up a sweat! Also was a timely reminder of all the stuff that needs doing around here. I usually just wait until I'm very stressed and that seems to be the fire up the bum that I need to get me started. The only problem is that once I get cutters and a chainsaw in my hands I get a little loopy and chop everything down to smithereens. My hubby has to come and gently pry it out of my hands after the shock of a bare garden! Love your turquoise dress but I think the red one is my favourite. Such a good colour on you. Love all your indian maxi dresses - you've certainly found the style that suits you best. Also admire how you're so faithful to your style. All your new purchases are great - love the suede maxi coat in particular. Am seriously impressed with your reading material. The first thing that catches my attention when I enter a home is a bookshelf. It's my magnet. So enjoy sitting with a hot cuppa and a good book in the cooler months. And of course you had me at the telly - say no more.
ReplyDeleteHi Suzy! The postman did look at me in shock when I greeted him in dirty leggings, Jon's knitted hat and a baggy band tee shirt. After living in such scruff for four days I felt ever so dressed up in lipstick and a frock! Shame we didn't go anywhere fancier than the charity shops (although we did visit a posh area for a change).
DeleteI'm giggling at you running amok with the chainsaw with your hubby looking on in abject horror. I'm terrible for being in a mood and going crazy with the pruning shears - our poor gardens!
That suede maxi coat seems to have grown rather attached to me, it might not get on the shop rails just yet.
I'm fascinated with other people's bookshelves, too. I don't know what I'd do if I visited a new friend and discovered a shelf full of celebrity biographies or, even worse, no books at all! xxx
Haha, the last line of your post made me chuckle - typical Vix!
ReplyDeleteThe colours in your green and brown outfit are just perfect.
I love reading and watching TV too. It's the kind of this I like to do to relax after work. X
You know me so well, Jess!
DeleteReading and watching TV are so relaxing especially when the nights are drawing in. Going out at night is far too much hassle when it involves coat wearing. xx
Count me out for gravel laying my backs on the blink and has to miss two concerts at the weekend. I only managed the craft workshop because Pat drove and I could keep getting up to walk about.
ReplyDeleteYou’re right about the telly in autumn, we love it. I’ve just enjoyed watching The Capture and we are watching the new laughable Apprentice series. Where do they get them from.
You look to have had a good haul at the chazzers and it’s nice to see your autumn outfits coming together too. You always look fab in big hats and sleeves xxx
Oh no - you, my friend Claire and Jon are all having back issues at the moment. I blame this incessant cold and damp, we need to up sticks and move to the Med!
DeleteI haven't seen The Capture yet, I'd forgotten all about it. The reviews were really good and the lead character was on BBC Breakfast and seemed a lovely chap.
I'm glued to The Apprentice much to Jon's disgust. Surely it must be edited to show their worst sides? I can't believe they can all be that dim! Nice to hear a Black Country accent though (Scarlet!) xxx
You've managed to score some great pieces again. That frog sweater is wild!
ReplyDeleteI don't know where you two get all your energy from. Package up some of it and send it to me will you? ; P
Don't make the mistake I made with that suede coat...I went ahead and photographed and listed one of my recent leather jacket finds only to later ,"try it on for fun" and decide I can't part with it! That's two recently. The other one is a patchwork masterpiece that reminds me of one you guys had for men at one time. Although with the patchwork jacket I knew I'd keep it straight off. Just like your amazing wizard sleeve jacket, when the piece is that special you need to enjoy it for a while.
Suzanne
http://www.suzannecarillo.com
Can we come over and deliver it personally? Anything to get away from this Brexit mess!
DeleteToo late - after Jon telling me I was mad not to give the suede coat a try I did! Argh! I'm wearing it today.
If our patchwork jacket had fitted either of us we'd have kept it. Luckily the buyer was a really cool lady and it found it'd deserving home. xxx
Oh those sleeves on the velvet jacket!! Not for doing the washing up in admittedly, but for everyday fabulousness they must be a joy to wear. I'm always interested in what people are reading and watching! Some things to check out for myself xx
ReplyDeleteWearing this jacket makes Autumn a wee bit more bearable although I'm forever getting the sleeves tangled up on charity shop coat hangers!
DeleteI love seeing what other people are reading and watching. xxx
I'm in love with your dresses and those burgundy colors of your jacket and your boots which create a fabulous color combo!. I love those splendid prints!.
ReplyDeleteTotally understand that you missed to dress up in your fabulous clothes!. When I have to wear my painting/cleaning clothes for some days, then I feel overwhelmingly happy to come back to business as usual!.
And I always love to know about books from well-read friends!. I'm also taking notes of all those tv series, some of them look really interesting. Full credit to you for our recent addiction to Peaky Blinders!
besos
Business as usual! Love that!
DeleteI get so excited to wear my own clothes after a few days in work wear, it's like when we used to have non-uniform day at school, I'd be planning my outfit days in advance.
Hooray for Peaky Blinders, best show on the box! xxx
I just love the colours in your dresses in this post, and how they just pop against the foliage. The velvet jacket has such swoon-worthy sleeves. The fifth season of Peaky Blinders was just released on Netflix this month so I have that to look forward to. As for reading, I haven't been overly thrilled with anything I've been reading lately - I may have to resort to re-reading an old favourite!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Shelley! The turquoise and brown were just shouting to be worn together and I'm a sucker for that rich wine colour (and the drink!)
DeleteI'm a bit envious that you've still got a series of Peaky Blinders to look forward to! We're all caught up with our viewing now so we're starting on Giri/Haji tonight, it's supposed to be astonishing and an amazing insight into Japanese culture. xxx