Monday 30 August 2021

Festival Ready!

 It was sunny on Saturday morning when Lord Jon got up to see to the lads but by the time he'd brought the tea back to bed it had clouded over. We read until 8am then Jon went downstairs to start on breakfast while I changed the bed and threw everything in the machine, pegging it out on the line after our sausage sandwiches. I watered and fed the houseplants leaving Jon to disassemble the shop changing room and load it into the van.

WEARING: Organic cotton, hand-printed kaftan from TukTuk in Benaulim, South Goa (January 2020)

We went over to collect Ray & Florence's unwanted garden furniture, although it was so heavy I ended up leaving it to the menfolk to sort out whilst I chatted to Florence about their trip to Gardeners' World Live the previous day. There are four chairs and a dining table currently scattered around the garden. We'll stain the wood and repaint the ironwork in the Autumn.  

 

Back at home, the sun had made a welcome reappearance so I spent the rest of the day outside reading my latest book (the marvellously visceral tale of Cy Parkes, a tattoo artist born in the North of England at the turn of the century but whose profession leads him to set up shop amongst the freak-shows of Coney Island). 

We'd harvested more patty pans and courgettes which Jon oven-roasted with harissa paste & shallots and served on a slice of sourdough bread with melted cheese on top. Later we drank rum and finished watching The Man in the High Castle, which was absolutely brilliant.


On Sunday morning we needed a few bits for next week so combined a trip to Wilko with what will be our last trip to the clearance charity shop for a while. Along with a couple of books and some vintage glassware, we boxed up our old printer (which still works but we've since replaced it with a more energy-efficient model) and donated them in the hope of some charity shop karma.


After Saturday afternoon's warm sunshine, the weather had reverted back to the gloomy, grey chill that has plagued us for weeks. I wore my vintage suede waistcoat over my Stella Forrest silk maxi dress and Toast Western boots. 


After a joyful hour rummaging the charity shop rails, we walked to Wilko, bumping into a mate we'd not seen since End of the Road, 2019 and spent ages catching up. We managed to get everything on our list and were back in time for lunch.



What did we find? A 1980s Alexon wool midi skirt, a vintage Frank Usher sequinned cocktail top, a Somerset by Alice Temperley metallic jumper, a Florence & The Machine 2012 tour tee, a couple of books, a 1980s reversible cord/tweed gents' bomber jacket, a 1960s Aertex teeshirt, an embroidered linen kaftan and Raintex waxed jacket with detachable hood.



Normally I loathe Wedgwood's Jasperware anddue to Walsall's close proximity to the Potteries, the charity shops are crammed with the stuff, however, there was something about this planter I couldn't resist. Cobalt blue Jasperware isn't as common as the ubiquitous wishy-washy pastel blues and greens and I loved the combination of the neo-classical women, grapevine swags and handsome lion's heads. Back at home, I looked up the back stamps on the base and discovered the planter would have been made between 1891 and 1908, a proper antique! Jasperware fell out of fashion in the UK years ago so I was stunned to see the identical planter to ours listed on Etsy by a British seller for £190- it made the £3 I paid a bit of a bargain!


After lunch, I washed/ freshened up the new finds whilst Jon sorted out his festival wardrobe. We spent a bit of time pottering around the garden, harvesting our new potatoes and pulling up a few more strangely shaped (but tasty) carrots.


We had a slice of pizza with homemade potato salad & coleslaw and watched the first of the new series of Gone Fishing as well as catching up with Friday night's Boleyn documentary.



Today is a bank holiday in England, not that it makes an iota of difference to us self-employed. After my Wii Fit workout, I ironed & priced Sunday's charity shop finds and swept the stairs, landing and bathroom before Jon got up. After breakfast, we bagged up the stock & broke down the clothes rails and loaded them into the van. 


Despite it being a day of labouring, I still got dressed. The clearance chazza is one of those annoying shops that colour codes their stock. I hate it as I get overwhelmed searching through racks of the same colour clothes. I usually give the grey section a wide berth as it's a colour I dislike but I'm a sucker for a bit of embroidery - and a fine quality fabric - and luckily for me, this Alexander McQueen silk and cotton blouse adorned with crows just happened to be right at the front of the rail when we were in there yesterday.


McQ is Alexander "Lee" McQueen's ready-to-wear, diffusion line and was made under license by Italian company Sinv SpA from the label's launch in 2005 until Lee's tragic death in 2010, making this £3 blouse at least 11 years old.



Holding the shirt up against my skirt rail, this 1970s India Imports of Rhode Island tiered maxi leapt out at me, the bottom tier a near-perfect match. The 1970s Nordiska belt was from the 20p man at the car boot sale over a decade ago and the vintage French deadstock sunnies were from a vintage fair back in 2014.


After a lunch break, we took down the Gala tent and loaded it into the van followed by the outdoor rugs. It's a tight squeeze but it's all in now minus our own clothes, booze, electric coolbox, water containers and food. It wouldn't be the first time I've travelled to a festival atop a crate of ale! We bought a larger VW van a few years ago which Jon converted into a campervan - yes - there's a bed under all that. Gilbert's too small for our festival needs these days (and his classic car insurance isn't valid).


Next weekend's forecast is for below-average temperatures and the chance of a shower so I've gone full-on Autumn. If it does get hot I've always got a vintage shop I can borrow from.


I still can't believe we're getting our old life back and going to a festival - I don't know what I'm most excited about - after almost two years even the prospect of portaloos seem thrilling!


End of the Road, 2019....can we top it? I'll let you know next week!

43 comments:

  1. It’s getting exciting now the closer you get to the big day. Seeing all you stock and shop packed up makes it all so real. The McQ blouse looks lovely with your tiered maxi. I’m convinced you can wear the full spectrum of colour. The style looks good with your hair up.
    We are big Mortimer & Whitehouse fans and will be turning into the new series.
    Did you see Vigil on BBC 1 last night ? I could hardly breathe by the end of it. I’m trying not to binge watch it.
    Quiet week for us two. Wish we were back in Oxford though xxx

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    1. I'm so excited, it's untrue! I think you ought to sneak another visit to Oxford in before Winter.
      Vigil sounds really good, we're saving it till when we get back. I think the BBC are doing like they do with Line of Duty and not putting it on the i-player and just releasing one episode a week. We're going to try that BBC4 Richard E Grant travel show, Write Around The World , later. I've heard good things! xxx

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  2. All the very very best for the Festival dear Vix!! I like Lynn felt seeing the van all loaded up made it seem very real that you are going back to your normal. Vix I feel I have made a friend of you during these strange times but I also feel like my normal life would not match up to yours - however I will def. still be following you as we are all different and boy have you been an inspiration and great company. Here's to going to the festivals with you virtually! Shazxx

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    1. Oh Shaz, that's such a lovely comment. I don't believe for one minute that your life wouldn't match up to mine. I walk eound with a mad grin on my face every time we trade at a festival or sell an item of clothing, I still can't believe my luck even after years of doing it. I shall rake loads of photos and bombard the blog with details when we get back so it feels like you've been with us! xxx

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  3. Oh what fun you are going to have. The weather is just a minor consideration Vix. Have fun and sell loads. x

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    1. Thanks so much, Cherie! I'm so excited to be going even if I have to wrap up like an Actic explorer! xxx

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  4. I'm so excited! I'm really impressed with your packing skills and can't wait to read your blog about the Festival.
    That blouse is just lovely. What a great find.
    You've reminded me about the Richard E Grant show. That's right up my street.
    Have a wonderful time! Xxx

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    1. It feels so real now we've loaded the van! I just hope we can squeeze the booze and food in!
      We loved the first couple of episodes of Richard E Grant - he's such a lovely, positive and ethusiastic chap, I'd happily go on holiday with him! xxx

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  5. Wow!!, so exciting to be getting back to a Festival, seems like a century ago! You've had some great finds this week, love the Wedgwood planter! Although I haven't commented much lately, I've been following your adventures as ever!! Have a wonderful time! Greetings from Barcelona! xxx

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    1. Lovely to hear from you, Diana! I often think of you and wonder how things are going in Barcelona. xxx

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  6. Love the colours of the kaftan - it really suits you.
    That is well and truly a loaded van - let's hope it comes back a lot lighter!
    Watched part 3 of Writers Around The World earlier, really enjoyed it and can't wait to watch the other two parts this week.

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    1. Thanks so much, Emma! I let the owner of the boutique I bought the kaftan from choose the colour, I was spoilt for choice.
      We've got part 3 of Write Around the World left to watch now, what an absolute joy it is! xxx

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  7. Vix, I'm excited for you and Jon, the festival will be a great adventure I'm sure. I know we'll be waiting to hear all about it! That yellow linen kaftan looks so similar to a current Simplicity pattern, number 8912. Shaz put it so well, you've been great company. Karen

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    1. Thanks so much, Karen! I shall take loads of photos. I'm so excited!
      I've just looked at that gorgeous Simplicity pattern . You're right, the kaftan is almost identical! xxx

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  8. Hi Vix your excitement for the festival is rubbing off! hope it's wonderful. Your wedgewood find is a bargain and if you get bored with it, you can always sell it at a huge profit! I'm enjoying 'Gone Fishing' too - I used to fish with my grandad when i was a kid and wouldn't mind taking it up again when I retire lol! Your chazza blouse is lovely - I don't like rummaging/searching so have a policy that I scan the rails by touch and if it feels like silk or good cotton (which I can spot a mile off) then I will look further - we are drawn to certain colours so colour coded rails are bad news, bargains could be missed! Having said that I just missed one, a lovely white embroidered Anokhi top I had bid on and forgot all about and got pipped on at the last minute - oh well that's what happens when you get distracted and watch The White Lotus (channel = sky atlantic) - a new series which is proving very good :) Look forward to your next post, Betty x

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    1. Hello Betty! The White Lotus sounds really good, what a shame we haven't that channel. Isn't Gone Fishing lovely? Jon used to go with his grandad when he was little and keeps saying he fancies trying it again.
      I usually go by touch in charity shops, too - I also stand back, get my glasses on and scan the rail - quality stands out a mile.
      What a shame about the Anokhi blouse, I hate it when that happens! See you soon. xxx

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  9. I sure hope your festival selling goes marvelously well! The new items will sure to find new homes and a much better use than sitting in a charity shop. Apparently we can not travel to the EU, but maybe there will be safe travels for all of you.

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    1. Thanks, Sam! We always donate a little extra cash when we're paying for our charity shop finds to help with the karma!
      I saw that US visitors are banned from travelling to the EU, they're now welcome in the UK though! xxx

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  10. Good luck with festival a couple of Connors English pals own a posh fries stand and they did Leeds fest at the weekend and they said it was manic and they did way more than they expected! They ended up selling only cheesy chips in the end as that is all they had left bless them.
    Connor was low as he would have gone to the UK and helped with the festival season he loves it. I think he said the boys were at lindisfarne this weekend or next. Whenever that festival is.
    I always love the things you pick we are getting some good things from America but you have to weed it out and it kind of annoys me but nothing goes to waste ! Are Florence and the machine still going ??

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    1. Thanks, Allie! Everyone I know who has traded at festivals this year have said it's been really good sales-wise, fingers-crossed it is for us as well!
      Florence and the Machine are still together, they released a track last year and donated all the proceeds to the NHS. We've seen them live three times, Florence is a goddess! Take care. xxx

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  11. Ooh, I'm so excited for you! And even though the thought of all those throngs and crowds of people scares the crap out of me (just in general, not due to Covid!), I can feel the thrum of glee from all the way across the globe, Vix! Festival! I did not recognize a single band on that poster, lol.

    Love your new McQ top - I have a couple of McQ pieces, but none for that cheap! I paid over $100 (45 pounds) for a jacket, secondhand. Your top looks fabulous on you, and that's a magnificent outfit. I like all of your outfits, as always!

    That book looks interesting - I am grooving on tattooing (I think I'll be getting another soon-ish). What a score on the planter! You wouldn't believe the prices they charge for Wedgewood over here.

    Good luck with the rest of the week! Take care, my dear friend!

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    1. I've always loved crowds although it will feel very strange being amongst them again after two years!!
      End of the Road is rather niche and this year it's a mostly British line-up what with Brexit visa nightmares and Covid but you might know Johnny Greenwood from Radiohead and Damon Albarn from Blur/Gorrillaz.
      I knew you'd got a couple of secondhand McQueen pieces, my shirt reminded Jon that he's got a £2 McQ shirt he found in 2019, he's packed it for the weekend.
      I'm excted about your tattoo plans!
      See you soon! xxx

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  12. Best of luck with it all. I love the 'Tetris' campervan! Hope it's got good suspension?!lol. Look forward to hearing all about it on your return. (ps I loved the Electric Michelangelo. Love 'Gone Fishing' too. They really bolstered each other up after their health scares). xxx

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    1. It's got better suspension than poor old Gilbert! We've got the booze and our clothes in now, just need to winkle in the cool box now!
      Gone Fishing is such a lovely watch, isn't it? Stunning Scottish scenery this week.
      I'm taking The Electric Michelangelo with me, but I'm hoping I'll be too busy to read! xxx

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  13. So exciting that you're back into trading at a Festival, it's so amazing I can't even imagine your enthusiasm!. Totally in love with the clothes you picked for the festival, so hippietastic mixed of prints, colours and fabulousness!
    Also loving your silk maxi dress and suede waistcoat and gorgeous jewellery. So amazing McQ shirt, it goes perfectly with your maxi skirt!
    Best of luck with your trading, your dancing and having fun. Hope you join friends and enjoy a fab time!.
    besos

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    1. I still can't believe it's happening! I'll be beaming like a Cheshire Cat for the next five days! xxx

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  14. Like Sheila, I've never been good with crowds at all, and now with Covid even more so. The only time I went to a major festival I got lost coming back from the portaloos :-)
    I'm glad to see you managed to fit everything into the van, and I'm loving your Autumnal festival wardrobe.
    The vintage suede waistcoat layered over your Stella Forrest maxi makes for one fabulous outfit, and your Alexander McQueen blouse is gorgeous!
    Have a fab time, you two! xxx

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    1. Thanks, Ann! It's back to layering here, the weather's so grim!
      Festivals are about the only place I don't get lost - even amongst 250,000 at Glastonbury. I was convinced we weren't going to go to any until 2022 and still can't quite believe we are!
      See you on the other side! xxx

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  15. Recalling some of your previous porta-loo adventures ("never wear a jumpsuit"), your remark about "...the prospect of porta-loos...thrilling" made me snort my coffee.

    Having a Covid-19 surge here, so the prospect of mingling with a festival crowd gives me the cringes. That said, I'm thrilled it's possible for you and Jon to engage in the "new normal". Show us how it's done, please! (That packed van looks exactly as I'd imagined.)

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    1. I really am excited about portaloos, everything's a novelty after so long at home!
      I'm sorry about your Covid spike, cases are on the rise again here although hospitalisations have fallen, thank goodness. No-one is allowed in without NHS proof of a double vaccine or a recent negative test result and we've got to test ourselves 72 hours after arriving. xxx

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  16. I love that Stella Forrest dress - it's beautiful. How exciting to be back trading at festivals again. I'm just glad you were able to survive in the meanttime. I hope you have a fabulous time and sell loads of stock. The van looks very expertly packed.

    I'm loving the garden chairs; they look very comfortable. I've got that same book but have yet to read it. I'll move it further up the to be read pile now!

    Hope the weather is kind to you....
    xxxx

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    1. Thanks, Vronni! I'm really excited now we've got everything into the van Even the 5am get-up isn't dampening my enthusiasm!
      Those garden chairs are really comfy, they're huge.
      Have a fab holiday! xxx

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  17. Great styling! Beautiful photos thanks for sharing.

    Abdel | New Blog Post

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  18. Have a fabulous time at the festival. The book sounds interesting and how lovely is the blue McQueen shirt. x

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  19. About the Carrots (may be the title of my tell all?): creating a carrot shaped space w a stick or dibble next time you plant may change their shape to something more traditional. Happy trails and happy trading!

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  20. How exciting to be back trading at a festival. Fingers crossed for good weather!

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  21. SQUEEEE!!!!It is SO FAB to be out and about again - we are venturing out more but it is a bit disturbing to find how quickly you can feel spooked. Outdoors is OK but I don't like folks to get too near at the mo. I think if you go out on your own terms and show consideration and due caution it helps. I know some lovely folks who are terrified to go out and 'mix' again and my heart hurts for them.

    I'm sure you'll have a terrific weekend - amazing line-up on the poster - enjoy!

    Oolong tea and buttery oat biscuits to all xx

    p.s. Gone Fishing is the best, most gentle funny thing after Detectorists

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  22. I love the colour of that Wedgewood! Wow, £3 is a good price for it. I remember being dragged around the Wedgewood museum and another one when I was about 11 and liking watching the man using the potter's wheel.
    So excited for you that you get to go to a festival! Very cool!
    I've got some exciting music things to do this month which I am super pleased about which will detract from the utter misery of being back at school and being homeless and having to move instruments every lesson, including playing at Colourscape!

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  23. So great to see you're festival ready, packed up and ready to go.
    As always, I loved your outfits. The orange hand printed kaftan is gorgeous. The brown suede waistcoat is fabulous. Paired with a green printed maxi dress it is an amazing combo. I love how you dressed up even for a day of labouring. Lovely shirt and maxi skirt look.
    I'm sure you'll have a blast at the festival. I can imagine how much your old customers missed you, if you run into some of your regular clients, I'm sure you'll have tons to talk about.

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  24. Life really is getting back to normal if you guys are back on the festival trail, hurrah!!
    xx

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  25. hope all went well - but you´r so very well organized - it will for sure!!
    love the dress from tuktuk!
    xxxxx

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Lots of love, Vix