Can I start by saying thank you for your amazing feedback regarding my thoughts on not whingeing and learning to live with and adapt to our new normal way of life. Your comments were so uplifting and fabulous that several people have messaged me to say how much of a boost reading them has been. I might have swapped hedonism for housework, backpacking for block walks and larging it for litter picking but until I breathe my last, I shall continue to enjoy life.
Wednesday was another bitterly cold and snowy day. I did my Wii Fit workout, put a load on to wash, swept the rugs in the middle room, joined Jon for breakfast and hung up the laundry to dry in the utility room. The mobile mechanic arrived to take the works van away as Jon was worried about how it was driving. Goodness knows when we'll need a works van again (another of our regular festivals has just announced that it wouldn't be going ahead) but it's as well to have it ready to go when we do.
Wear:Sleep:Repeat continued with Tuesday's dress, this time worn with an Afghan blouse, also by Janet Wood for Monsoon. With a case of chronic hat hair I decided on another fishtail plait.
The details: Charity shopped Doc Martens, vintage Afghan cuffs (eBay) and enamelled earrings from FabIndia (Goa, 2018)
I spent the morning photographing vintage hats and, after a break for noodles, uploaded and listed them on eBay.
It's been over a year since I went through our stock of hats and we had hours of fun trying them on. I'm not sure if this 1960s fake fur creation by British hatmakers Jacoll makes Jon look like the lovechild of Bojo and Trump or his old bandmate, Tim Burgess.
Did I mention that I'd had a bit of a spree on ebay recently? That's one aspect of lockdown life that hasn't changed - my ability to find fabulous secondhand & vintage gear on-line. Three out of the four parcels arrived with Richard the postman after lunch including this jacket that was listed as being in a bit of a state. The seller had removed the frayed cuffs with the intention of replacing them (but fortunately had the foresight to keep them) and one of the rouleaux loops had broken - but I knew I could restore her to her former glory. It's possibly the most beautiful early Anokhi piece I've ever seen.
I'd also bought another Amor Lux Breton (at a tenth of the retail price) and a modern Anokhi block printed maxi length kaftan which was listed as an absurdly low Buy-it-Now and will be perfect for floating around the garden in the summer - 'cos I'm pretty sure we won't be going much further!
After a catch-up with Liz on the phone I spent the rest of the afternoon working on my Anokhi jacket.
We were just finishing our tea (haloumi with roasted potatoes and vegetables) when the mechanic dropped the van back. Jon had been on tenterhooks all day expecting the bill to run into £££s but it came to just over £100 for parts and labour. What a find that chap was!
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Later we opened the rum and started watching 23 Morde (23 Crimes), a German detective thriller, as well as the first in the latest series of The Great Pottery Throwdown. Having never watched it before or knowing anything about pottery whatsoever - it wasn't on Jon or I's school syllabus - I'd inadvertantly watched a bit the other night and was intruiged. It was great fun although it's put me off ever trying pottery, it seems terribly stressful.
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Thursday was another bitterly cold day, I'd cracked the ice in the bird bath twice by 7am. I put away the previous day's laundry and did my Wii Fit workout before joining Jon for our fruit & yogurt breakfast. I wrapped the eBay sales ready for Friday's post office run then swept the stairs and the upstairs rugs.
Wear:Sleep:Repeat saw me rewearing the vintage Janet Wood for Monsoon Afghan blouse, this time with my new-to-me Ritu Kumar block printed midi dress, I'd recently snaffled from eBay, and my me-made pom pom hat. It might have been -5°C out there but with my thermal body suit, leggings and two thin cotton layers I was lovely and warm...not that I intended on spending much time outdoors. We've even forfeited our block walk this week. I've heard rumours it'll be 9°C next week, I'll have to dust my bikini off.
The details: Mum's Biba boots (last seen on Monday), Turquoise earrings made by Afghan refugees for charity (Ebay) and an assortment of tribal bangles.
The photos were getting too small to see on my Wear:Sleep:Repeat collage so I've divided it into two parts.
The final of my eBay parcels arrived which again, I tore open and loved on sight. Jon said it would be the perfect dress for Corfu....we can but dream! It's by Anokhi from East's Artisan range. If you weren't already aware, East went bust a few years ago but relaunched in 2019 following a buyout by a group of loyal customers and maintains its bang-on ethics. Check them out HERE (I'm not sponsored by East but I wish I was!)
After a break for noodles I spent the afternoon with my Anokhi jacket. I'd already reattached the cuffs and repaired the rouleaux loop the previous day so it was a pleasant couple of hours spent Boro mending with 6Music for company.
In the olden days when Jon & I were allowed to visit National Trust gardens (back in 2020) and ate our sandwiches in the van listening to the radio, we used to joke that 6Music DJ Shaun Keaveney had broken into the house whilst we were out and ransacked our vinyl. Listening to this earlier was a real blast from the past. Liz & I saw S'Express at the Birmingham Institute in 1988. Mark Moore dressed as he usually did, like a 1970s pimp, lounging on a leopardskin chaise in the middle of the stage. We went over on the 51 bus and got chased along the subway by some dodgy blokes - some things in life never change, do they?
Nothing dodgy about this jacket now I've fixed it. I wonder how many Wear:Sleep:Repeat outfits it will take before I can squeeze it in...
Of course, being a good girl I donated a waistcoat, a jacket, a silk scarf and two dresses to the Kinky Shed and popped three pairs of tights and a pair of socks into the rag bag. Along with four paperbacks and two boxes of black hair dye (I'm a dark chocolate woman these days) that's my one in, three out rule abided by.
Tea was cauliflower cheese (made by me) with some saag aloo sausages from the supermarket, a bit like a veg pakora and rather tasty, especially with a glass of Timothy Taylor's Landlord on the side.
The cold snap is set to continue so tomorrow will be a morning of catching up with blog comments instead of our regular heritage walk.
Stay safe & see you soon.
that jacket looks fabulous, you have the best skills at tracking these things down! I have absolutely zero artistic abilities but I am strangely addicted to Pottery Throwdown, I think it is partly because I would love to be able to do what they do and partly the sheer enjoyment of watching people who are really passionate about something doing it so well. I cannot wait for this cold snap to be over and the weather to start warming up. I am holding out hope that we'll have another blistering April like last year since the chances of us going anywhere further than a walk round the block seem quite remote right now, but I shan't mind if the sunshine comes out and I can enjoy a bit of Costa del Back Garden! Take care and stay warm!! x
ReplyDeleteThanks, Julie! I was very lucky to spot that beauty of a jacket!
DeleteI agree with you about The Great Pottery Throwdown, it's a joy to watch people so passionate about their craft and the judges are just lovely.
I do hope we get a Costa del Back Garden in April, this cold snap has been exhausting. I'm so looking forward to some mild weather next week! xxx
You look utterly stunning in Wednesday's outfit and that fishtail plait really suits you. I wish I could do something with my hair apart from putting on a hat to hide it. In that respect Winter isn't that bad! And speaking of which, those vintage hats are amazing, and doesn't Twiggy suit most of them? I had a good giggle at Jon wearing that fake fur one, and I'm surprised he didn't make objections of you posting that picture ;-)
ReplyDeleteGood news on the works van's repair costs not being prohibitive. You'll never know when you might need it. Miracles do happen.
That pottery show would be very much one of my best friend's cup of tea. He's taught himself pottery and now he's churning out the most exquisite bowls and whole dinner services!
Your new Ritu Kumar midi looks even more gorgeous on, and it looks a treat with that Afghan blouse. Love how your wear, sleep, repeat collages are coming along.
Fabulous eBay finds, with a special mention for that Anokhi jacket you so lovingly and expertly repaired.
We're in the middle of a cold snap too, but luckily we had a whole day of sunshine to accompany it, so that we could go for a walk. Heavenly! xxx
Thanks, Ann! You're right, bad hair can easily be disguised in the winter. Twiggy looks far better in those hats than we did, curses to our freakishly large heads!
DeleteHow exciting about your friend and his pottery skills. I said to Jon that when the charity shops reopen I'll never look at a wonky homemade pot in the same way again.
I've not been anywhere for a week, I'll be running round like a thing possessed when I go for a walk tomorrow! xxx
Big shout out to you and Jon for keeping a balance on life and showing everyone that life can be good during Covid.
ReplyDeleteNo point in sitting back and moaning about it all the time. We all have our flat moments, and that’s allowed, but as long as we all crack on, don’t look back or worry about what we can’t control, we will get there in the end.
Now, I know that jacket is absolutely gorgeous but I got totally goggle eyed over the East dress. It’s so pretty.
Thank goodness the works van wasn’t to costly to repair. Update on ours - the bigger has reinsured it for 12 months.
Looks like he’s not ready to part with it yet. Bang goes my dream of one youngish vehicle between us. Not to worry don’t think we will be going far for a bit yet.
Marie (Queen’s Drawers) messaged me yesterday with a pic of a dress she said she could see me wearing. Well what’s a girl to do, I had to buy it haha. I’ll just have to flounce around the house in it. Xxx
Great advice there Lynn! It's been a miserable day here, not getting light and raining for most of it. I sent Jon off to his music room to go and play, I've been sewing and we've got a Sri Lankan curry for tea.
DeleteEast makes some fabulous clothes, I was thrilled when that dress popped up as a buy-it-now.
How lovely fo Marie to message you about the dress, she knows your taste exactly so I bet it's a beauty! Nothing like a new old dress to lift the spirits! xxx
PS What's he like keeping the van? I did suggest Jon sold ours and we bought another one when life gets back to normal but apparently the prices have doubled in the last 12 months as everyone's buying VW commercial vans and converting them into campers and we'd never be able to afford a replacement. xxx
DeleteOK Vix now I'm convinced you have defintely made a pact with the devil! Otherwise how can you look younger as the years go by? I swear you look about fourteen on some photos. The one in the Ritu Kumar dress makes you look like half the sixth form girls I went to school with, in the early seventies! Seriously though, I love how you put your outfits together. Yes the clothes are fab anyway but your ability to match them with accessories etc. is great. I so often revert to my uniform of jeans and jumpers using the excuse that it's cold but really you wear such amazing outfits and still keep warm so I'm going to buck up my ideas and dress up each day and put a bit more effort in. See you inspired me, again! Take care and stay safe, Shelagh xx
ReplyDeleteYou say the nicest things, Shelagh! Sometimes I look back at the photos Jon's taken and look about 100 years old, it's all about the lighting (and my alcohol intake the previous evening!)
DeleteI don't remember having a winter wardrobe as a child, it was always polo necked jumpers under summer dresses, woolen tights and a coat or mahoosive Aran cardi. Looking back I quite liked that look!
I remember you being very stylish when I was lucky enough to meet you at Moseley! xxx
How totally fabulous your ebay finds are. I am lusting over the Anokhi jacket and how clever you are to be able to get it looking like new. I am also lusting after the fabulous East dress; Jon was so right it would look perfect in Corfu! And talking of Jon I am afraid to say I thought he was Boris for one dreadful second...so glad the van repairs were so reasonable. My car is due its MOT next week and I live in dread of a big bill to put things right so it passes. Fingers xxxed!
ReplyDeleteAn amazing collection of vintage hats!
I do like your hair in a fishtail plait; it really suits you.
Our snow has gone although a scattering remains across some fields but it is fecking freezing. Thank goodness for thermal leggings!
Take care
xxx
Isn't it the most bizarre hat ever? I'd have loved to have taken it to a fair/festival and seen someone try it on and look fabulous (surely there's someone who it would suit?)
DeleteIt was very exciting to have an eBay spree, I love it when the arrive in the post.
Today is the first time in days when I haven't needed thermal leggings, please let that be the last of the Baltic tempertures! xxx
PS Good luck with the MOT!
Covid has had a big impact on all of us, but humanity has lived through worse and I always say that there's no point in crying over spilled milk. Life always has a way of throwing unpleasant surprises at us, we just have to adapt.
ReplyDeleteThat dress is so beautiful and I like how you paired it with blue doc Martens. The fishtail plaid suits you so well. The modern Anokhi blouse you got is a beauty. Such a great find.
Jon looks hilarious with the fur hat.
The pottery competition sounds like a fun thing to watch, maybe it is more stressful on TV? It seems like a nice hobby to pick up, but I have enough hobbies at the moment.
You're right, whinging and complaining doesn't get us anywhere and just drags everyone else down.
DeleteThe Great Pottery Throwdown is lovely but it's like The Great British Sewing Bee, tremendously stressful to watch people being creative under pressure. xxx
the east dress is gorgeous really love it.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Pat! xxx
Deletewe are very envious about your van mechanic! since ours retired i few years ago its been nerve wrecking and expensive.......
ReplyDeletewonderful outfits - like a princess from the east! and the anokhi jacket is lovely and you did wonders on the cuffs........ but the anokhi/east dress is a total stunner!! so beautiful.
but please keep this fake fur hat away from jon - omg......
xxxxx
Jon was so lucky to find this mechanic, he can fix a lot himself but there's s lot that are just beyond him with the works van, it's more modern than Gilbert!
DeleteThat hat is ridiculous, isn't it? xxx
I love your positive upbeat attitude Vix. You brighten my day with all your beautiful clothing.
ReplyDeleteThanks so much, Cherie! xxx
DeleteYou are an inspiration Vix! Thank you for your positivity and pragmatism :)
ReplyDeleteThanks, Maeve! xxx
DeleteWhen you said Jon look like the lovechild of Bojo and Trump I almost fell out of my chair laughing, because it's true lol! I agree with you, keep living life and be happy. being down in the dumps and complaining isn't going to change a thing. I love your gorgeous outfits Vix. Your attitude and beautiful wardrobe brighten all our days!
ReplyDeleteHave you ever seen a hat like it? I wonder what the designer had in mind when they created it?!
DeleteThanks so much for your kind words, Martha! xxx
It's fun to read your excitement in your e-bay hauls! I'm sorry to hear there is already cancelled events, but you sure do keep busy and I hope your sales keep positive. Now that I have my little stash of haloumi, I will next copy having cauliflower with cheese-in addition to how we like it with buffalo hot sauce. I am a copy cat.
ReplyDeleteTo be honest I'm quite relieved when the festivals cancel, I can't imagine anything worse than a socially distanced festival, both completely at odds with the festival ethos and logistically impossible! xxx
DeleteGreat find and repair on your Anokhi. Life will go on in an altered way but it will go on :) And yes, find joy in each day as I do. And one can still dream of Corfu!
ReplyDeleteYou're right, life will go on! I was even lookig at flights for later in the year, I won't book yet but it's exciting to know they're there! xxx
DeleteThat jacket is incredible, I'm so glad you were able to patch it up! I can't wait to see how you style it.
ReplyDeleteThe braid really suits you, I'm loving seeing the different hair styles on you lately.
Thanks so much! Isn't it funny? I've tried and failed to do a fishtail plait for years and now nobody but Jon & the postman see me I finally get it right! xxx
DeleteWhat an amazing find that Anokhi jacket is - probably worthy of their museum! A challenge to put those cuffs back on but so worth it. Your Anokhi kaftan and dress are enviable too. I have found the people we got our Afghan earrings from have disappeared, hope they come back soon as I want to buy more :) Interested in your litter picking activities, it's very worthwhile - we are lucky to live in a town where people mostly pick up their litter - but dog poo is a problem, they drive down our road and let their dog out the car to run into the woods here and drop one - lazy so and sos! It is disappointing that all these events are on hold/cancelled, looks like there won't be any festivals this year which is going to impact so many small businesses like yours. The comments that came in on your last post were encouraging, werent they? just shows there's loads of us out there who are looking on the bright side, exploring new hobbies and ways of working and making it work. Betty x
ReplyDeleteI went through my photos from the Anokhi museum wondering if I'd seen that jacket on display, I might have to bequeath it to them in my will!
DeleteWhat a shame about the ebay earring seller, I checked their facebook page and website and they both seem to have been taken down. I hope they have just run out of stock rather than gone out of business.
What is it with some dog owners? They don't deserve pets, do they?
It's such a shame about some of the festivals cancelling although I wish they'd all just do it rather than giving people false hope.
The comments on my last post were wonderful, weren't they? Isn't it fabulous to know there's so many glass half full folk out there? xxx
I think the seller on eBay is starting up on their own website - they have a jewellery tab but no stock on it - just an error page.
Deletehttps://junglemall.co.uk/
I've been stalking the website and Facebook. I seem to remember they went AWOL for a while last year. Their jewellery is fabulous and I bought Jon two amazing leather wallets, they were such good value I couldn't decide which colour so bought both, they still look as good as new 6 months later! xxx
DeleteLove your bright red dress, Vix. Just stunning.
ReplyDeleteThe Great Pottery Throwdown sounds interesting. I've taken a screenshot of it to remind myself to watch an episode one day. My sister got me a pottery class voucher for Xmas ('19) and it hasn't been open between Covid and changing locations but I'm sure this show will inspire me to go as soon as it reopens. X
Thanks, Jess! It's a shame that dress can't go anywhere more exciting tan the back garden - maybe next year!
DeleteI hope you managed to track down The Great Pottery throwdown, it's a lovely watch and what a wonderful gift from your sister! xxx
My daughter in law is an art teacher and when she was interviewed for her current job we spent the night practising the observed lesson she had planned modelling clay - that was hard enough. Her dream is to have a kiln!
ReplyDeleteI love the photos of you on Thursday - the way the light catches you in that blue outfit - stunning. X
Pottery seems to be very hit and miss, doesn't it? It's not like sewing where you can unpick it and start again, once a pot is in the kiln it's all in the lap of the gods!
DeleteThe light has been magical this week - very flattering! xxx
Paul watched the last series of the pottery throwdown and he loved it. I have just told him and his face lit up.! You have made his day. Love that vintage jacket I knew you would work wonders! I always think monty python and always look on the bright side of life I like to whistle it when I’m a bit miffed. The kids giggle.
ReplyDeleteThose hats are fab. I have been on an eBay spree as well. Figures, KFC hair oil, Steve Madden trainers and my mum got me practical cookery as it was part of my house growing up.
So it must be rubbing off, I love dresses, I always wear leggings with mine hides my bony knees!! Tell Jon he needs to watch wow things on you tube it’s all about Indian craftsmanship Paul loves it and is also horrified by it!! Take care and keep safe
Paul's a fan, too! It's a lovely watch, the judges and the contestants are all so nice.
DeleteI love that you've had an eBay spree - is that the book Practical Cookery? That was our home economnics text book when I did my A level!
Wow Things is brilliant, just like being in India and standing agog looking at the way things are done! xxx
Jon's hair rug - big chuckles. And you are looking quite different these days, Vix - it shows in your face - and very nicely, too xx
ReplyDeleteThanks so much! xxx
DeleteOOOOOHHHHHHHH to the Anokhi jacket - how ACE is that! Oh how I wish clothes could tell stories! Magical stuff. As to East - it's my happy place; love their clothes, Always excellent quality too.
ReplyDeleteI can't think ahead to Summer yet - although now is the best time to buy your hot weather swag I suppose, if you want a bargain!
Jon is deffo giving out David Hockney vibes in that hat lol
Shaun Keaveney is a delight and 6Music is our daily soundtrack (Radio 4 is pretty much too doomladen/feckwit rich at the mo). Iggy Confidential and Craig Charles Funk and Soul are just the job for getting lost in.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/live:bbc_6music
Right - I'm off to lurk behind the front door, ready for my delivery from our local bakery. Bread, fruit teacakes, vegan sausage rolls - Saturday Night Steak Pie for my fella (all for the freezer) and a cheeky apple slice each, for later when we have coffee. Sorted. Take care all - keep safe x
Maryland - big love to you - hope you're doing OK x
I sent a gushing message to the lady who sold me that jacket with photos of what I'd done. She'd bought it as a repair job twenty yeras ago and never got around to fixing it so we delighted that I had.
DeleteIf it hadn't been for you mentioning that East had been relaunched I'd never have known, now I get weekly emails and sigh over some of the wonderful dresses!
Jon used to insist on Radio 4 when we were in the van but he's gone over to 6Music too, such a brilliant mix of brand new, world and old school stuff and Shaun Keaveney has us in stitches. Love Craig Charles, too now he's cleaned up his act, I remember bumping into him at the Big Chill back in the 2000s and he was such an arse, now he always puts a smile on my face!
Get you and your bakery delivery! I've just had my tea but could murder a vegan sausge roll! xxx
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DeleteOhhhh the East website is my 'what do you want for Christmas/your birthday' go-to lol.
DeleteI really like their journal articles - this one is deffo worth bookmarking https://www.east.co.uk/blogs/journal/go-your-own-way
I've been stalking an 'original' East baghru print kaftan dress for months on eBay. There's quite a lot of East closure stock on there at the mo - but I found a private seller with one and they kindly accepted an offer. Absolutely gorgeous garment AND I got to know more about baghru print!
https://gaatha.com/bhagru-block-print-rajasthan/
I feel like Lady Muck with all these home-deliveries lol The bakery is a local one and it is fab to support a local biz - plus the delivery chaps are so jolly and into it, it's a real pleasure to see a smiling face. Some of our town produce market traders are doing deliveries now - so again - happy to support our locals.
Take care all - waving at Maryland and sending big love xx
I've been stalking that kaftan, too - it's the sameprint as the Anokhi dress I bought in Jaipur a coupld of years ago. You'll have to let me know what the fit and length is like, I'm so tempted! xxx
DeleteThe kaftan is quite roomy, Vix - there's a dress in the same print that is more fitted and comes in dress sizes rather than one-size which you might also like. The kaftan is too long on me at 5'7" - I need to take a couple of inches off. There's also a shift dress and padded jacket in the same print.
DeleteFabric is excellent, not voile but fluid - with a very nice drape to it - it was from the East with Anokhi range. I imagine it will get nicer and nicer as it washes.
Just to give you an idea - the prices have dropped in the last few weeks
Kaftan style https://tinyurl.com/5dq78kl9
Maxi Dress style https://tinyurl.com/2lglrwzw
Shift https://tinyurl.com/8n6wx2a5
Jacket https://tinyurl.com/4jxxzvvz
Vix you make the cold look glamorous. I'm sitting on the couch in my shorts and tshirt, but as the temperature has dropped to 13degrees I have my dressing gown on over the top. I'm not a dressing up type of girl, but I so enjoy all if your pictures.
ReplyDeleteJulie and poppyq
Thanks so much, Julie! I wish I could sit in the house in shorts and a teeshirt, I've forgotten what my bare arms look like! xxx
DeleteWho on earth designed a hat to look like a bad blonde wig? That photo of Jon is unnerving - part Hockney, part Warhol, part Trump! Also it takes a confident man to wear a checkered cap with a coral-coloured pompom on top, but there are a few who can carry it off I'm sure.
ReplyDeleteRadio 6 is really the only station I can listen to, although we occasionally swerve into Planet Rock for a few minutes. I'm making more time for it as I'm becoming painfully aware of how little new music we've been trying over the lockdown, falling back instead on old favourites to make us feel comforted and bring back memories. Perhaps Shaun Keaveney can do a bit of both for me; I'll tune in more in the afternoon.
Trying to throw a pot was the single most frustrating experience I had at art college, and all my slab pots looked like angular turds when fired, so I'd say avoid pottery like the plague, just enjoy watching the show. I love their genuineness and enthusiasm.
Isn't it the strangest hat ever? Previous Jacoll hats I've come across have always been fabulously designed and really elegant, I wonder what the look was that they were hoping to achive? Certainly not Trump's love child!
DeleteI was a Kerrang listener for a long time back in the days of Stuart Cable (RIP) I love 6Music and the mashup of stuff I haven't heard in years along with new releases and obscure world music. A lot of people can't stand Shaun Keaveney but he has me in stitches.
I'm so glad you'd suggested The Great Pottery Throwdown, we're both loving it but have both said we'd be absolutely dreadful at doing it. We watched that naked raku episode last night with our eyes partially covered, so stressful watching them removing those pots from the kiln. xxx
My son-in-law is a pottist, as is his uncle before him. On his Christmas wish list every year is some sort of tool, book or magazine pertaining to such. It's fun to eat at our daughter's home as everything is served on dishes, plates and bowls made by son-in-law. I drink from one of his coffee cups each morning. I love your positive attitude too, Vix. Your blog entries are a gift!! ~Andrea xoxo
ReplyDeleteHow fabulous! I've really enjoyed watching these masters at work, pottering really is a skill and one must be blessed with the hugest amount of patience to be able to create anything. I bet your coffee cups are treasured! xxx
DeleteGood afternoon dear Vix, Thank you for your reply. It was just lovely to read all the comments to the "positive post" often times your blog has given me a kick up the .... if I have needed an extra shot of positivity. That gift cannot be underestimated. I knew you would look great in the Rita Kumar dress and to put the blouse with it just brillant. Love the red dress too. The latest scores on ebay are amazing! and you will look stunning in that jacket. . You show your love of nature by saying things like you broke the ice on the bird bath - I love that. have a great week -end and stay warm Phil fast asleep so will let sleeping dogs lie lol hugs Shazxx
ReplyDeleteGood afternoon, Shaz! Isn't it lovely to know that there's so many people out there who think the same way as we do? We're a moan free zone!
DeleteI did enjoy my ebay spree this week, it's extra thrilling to have new things these days, everything we own has become so familiar!
Give Phil and Amy a cuddle from me! At last it's warmed up and the birdbath is liquid once more! xxx
That jacket is fabulous, but so much fabulousness - if there is such a word - in all your clothes. But please, no more photos of halloumi cheese! I absolutely love it and my mouth has been watering, but can't get it where I live. I used to bring it back from the UK but heaven knows when that will happen again. Thank you for cheering us all up - particularly that photo of 'Boris'. I have to say though it looks tidier than the disaster that passes for hair on Boris Johnson; did you see it the other day when it looked as though he had been plugged into the mains!
ReplyDeleteOh no, I'm so sorry about the halloumi cheese shoertage. There was a bit of a drought at the begiining of lockdown last year but luckily our friend Tony found a supply in his local off-licence.
DeleteI did see BoJo's hair on the day in question, I think he'd combed it with a balloon.xxx
woww, loving your red dress and fantastic accessories!!, and this afghan blouse totally enhances the fab blue colour of the second dress, so beautiful!
ReplyDeleteGlad to see your recent purchases on eBay, you're really talented!, so fabulous pieces!. I'm in love with the Anokhi jacket you've restored and the lovely East dress (and truly enamoured of this label!). You Rock It!
And thanks for sharing the photo of Jon!, so much fun!.
besos
Thanks, Monica! The red dress was one I used to save for special occasions but in the absence of any I may as well wear it around the house!
DeleteEast is fabulous, beautifully made, sizes to fit all and not fashion-y. It's a regular ebay search. I can't wait to wear that Anokhi jacket, I sent the seller photos of my repairs and she was as excited as I was to know it would be worn again! xxx
Haha, that wig / hairy hat on Jon is hilarious! He should keep it to ensure people uphold the 2 meter rule when he's out and about. I can't wait to watch the new pottery throw down. I have watched previous ones and love trying guess which pot will bring the male judge to emotional tears. As always, fab outfits. Lulu xXx
ReplyDeleteI have suggested he wears it next time he's in the Post Office - it's not anyone would ever recognise him with the facemask on.
DeleteI'm really enjoying The Pottery Throwdown although it makes me really nervous. Keith and his tears makes me giggle. xxx
The number 51 bus, its been at least 18 months. Sitting at the front as you see Brum slowly come into view.
ReplyDeleteThe magnificent Bartons Arms on the left indicates you're nearly there.
Please... Soon.
I know!! It's been absolutely ages since I got the bus to Brum. Seeing The Barton's Arms is always the point when I start gathering my belongings. xxx
DeleteHi Vix, I don't know whether to congratulate you on your impeccable taste as ever in snaffling up another beautiful block printed dress or the impossibly gorgeous Anokhi jacket with rouleau loops and then restoring it, or to report you to the fashion police for depriving the rest of us poor devils from acquiring these beauties.... I too love a bit of East and at the start of the first lockdown got myself a beautiful embroidered dress at a fraction of its normal price, a linen shirt and funky brass earrings. I look forward to seeing the jacket styled in many interesting and creative ways as ever!
ReplyDeleteHello Alysia! Hehe, that made me smile!
DeleteEast make some gorgeous things, don't they? There's an embroidered dress currently on their website that gives me palpitations whenever I look at it. xxx
Oh my gosh, I did not recognize Jon! Ha ha! It's an uncanny likeness. ;-P
ReplyDeleteLove your new caftan, that gorgeous dress and the rescue blouse, which of course, you fixed! So clever! I love all the hats - that yellow one! ack! Frank looks extremely dubious about all that white stuff.
Happy weekend, and stay warm!
That Jacoll hat is probably the strangest hat I've ever seen! I'd love to have seen how the original owner wore it. xxx
DeleteIt's been freezing here the last few days. This morning I'm on a mission to get some wool so I can crochet a new hat
ReplyDeleteI love how you remain so positive, Vix. I always enjoy reading your uplifting posts. :)
Thanks, Jules! Good luck with the wool! xxx
DeleteHaha Jon the love child of Trump and Bojo, it really doesn't bear thinking about. He looks like an extra in a Scandi noir!!
ReplyDeleteI love that red Afghan dress, it really is gorgeous.
I had a go at the crochet hat, I had an old ball of wool and a flower I'd made, not enough for the full hat so had to adapt it, it's a brilliant pattern, quick and easy, just my kind of thing. I e been admiring your hats all winter, so thank you for sharing.
I loved your first paragraph! Bravo to your positivity, I love hearing people being positive, give me excess of it!!
Have a great weekend Vix. xxx
An extra in a Scandi Noir sounds a lot more appealing that BoJo & Trump's lovechild!
DeleteI'm so glad the toutorial was useful, even though I've memorised the pattern I like having the video on and listening to her voice, I find her accent really relaxing!
Hope you're having a fab weekend despite the rain and gloomy skies! xxx
Hello gorgeous lady, I’ve missed reading your posts! I am glad to find you and Jon are well and still stylish as ever. This series of blogposts deserves to be a book! Glad you are staying positive and thankful, it is the only way to get through it and stay sane xx
ReplyDeleteLovely to hear from you! I've just noticed that you've posted. I'll be over shortly to find out where you've been! x
DeleteYour jacket is just magnificent , what a find, it deserved a good home with someone with good sewing skills. You are doing brilliantly with your wear, sleep repeat outfits .
ReplyDeleteThose vintage hats are so good , hope they find homes. I did smile at Jon in the shaggy Boris style one. Your joy of life shines through. xxx
Thanks, Jill! xxx
DeleteYou look smashing in that glorious red dress! More great Ebay purchases - the jacket is marvelous, and you did a great job of restoring it to it's original glory - but, oh
ReplyDeletemy, that dress is a stunner. Jon is right, it will be perfect for your next trip to Corfu.
Thanks, Shelley! I was obsessed with red back in the 1980s but didn't wear it for years after that. Such a flattering colour! xxx
DeleteJon looks hysterically funny in that wig!!! My goodness!!!
ReplyDeleteI love your new dress- yes, Grecian siren you will be in it!
The Anokhi jacket is beautiful! Those balloon sleeves are so wonderful! So stylish. Well done you for rescuing it from neglect! Can't wait to see it in lots of outfits!
I do like those breton tops! They are fantastic!
What a selection of hats. I always regret not buying that deerstalker from you when I met you that time! Mind you, I do have too many hats!
What a good thing that van bill was so reasonable!
That has to win the award for the most bizarre hat ever! Who says people were more stylish in the old days?! xxx
DeleteOh, I'm glad to hear East is still ethically run. I saw they'd started but wasn't sure of the story behind it.
ReplyDeleteYou did an incredible repair job on that jacket - good job they kept the cuffs.
Pot Off, as Throwdown gets called in our house, is brilliant. It's always fun to see what Keith's going to cry over each week!
“but until I breathe my last, I shall continue to enjoy life.” well said!
ReplyDeleteThat Anokhi jacket is stunning. And the dress? Utterly gorgeous! Well done on the one in, three out rule, that’s very disciplined. You did a great job repairing the jacket, I look forward to seeing it worn :)
xx