Friday 22 October 2021

Back To Life, Back To Reality


Where does the time go? I can't believe we've been home for a fortnight. Thank you so much for indulging me and allowing me to relive our trip to Rhodes over the last five blog posts.

So what have I been up to since we got back? It's been pretty much business as usual, kicking off with daily Wii Fit sessions, selling on eBay and lots of rummaging through rails in charity shops. We've had an all-dayer in Spoons and finally been to see Daniel Craig's final outing as 007 in No Time To Die at the cinema - which didn't disappoint. We've binge-watched BBC4's incredible Paris Police 1900, a visceral & visually stunning French-subtitled period drama set during the time of the Dreyfus Affair and, last night, started the Danish thriller series When The Dust Settles. Being a huge Wes Anderson fan, I was mega excited about seeing The French Dispatch at the cinema this weekend until I discovered that Walsall isn't screening it so it looks like a trip to Birmingham. We've finally had our new bespoke hardwood front door fitted, Jon's traded in Young Kim  (our knackered Hyundai runaround) for an 18-year-old Citroen which we've called Patrice in honour of one half of the French-Swiss couple we hung out with in Lindos. If you know us in real life you'll already be familiar with Jon's daily rides - they're always cheap, bought with cash and driven until they fall apart. Patrice cost less than some people spend on a coat but he's quite the looker - photos to follow!

Glastonbury have been in touch to ask if we'd like to trade there again next year (that'll be a big fat yes!) I'm so excited that I've already started working on my Handmade by Kinky festival collection, making a dress from a vintage tablecloth, virtually identical to the one I made (and sold to this gorgeous girl) below. 


Last weekend our lovely MyHermes driver arrived with a huge box. Perplexed as to what it could be - I'd not bought anything from eBay in weeks - I ripped it open and found a wealth of goodies (see collage above) and a beautiful letter from Cee, a lovely blog reader. Anything not already snaffled by myself will soon find deserving new homes over the coming months. 

Despite masks not being mandatory in England since 12th July we still wear ours when we go shopping. I don't care if we're in the minority, we're used to being stared at! Talking of shopping, here are a few of our latest finds.



Clockwise from top left: 3 pairs of 1970s deadstock kids trousers; a 1970s Hepworth's leather jacket, a Kangol beret, a 1950s St Michael satin foulard, a pompom trimmed kaftan, a mustard cord jacket (claimed by Lord Jon), an Italian-made velvet artist's beret, a 1980s men's floral shirt, a hummingbird printed cotton dress with huge pockets from a posh Italian womenswear label, a 1980s St Michael bomber jacket, a 1970s Taube fake fur jacket, a handmade cardi, a 1960s suede jacket, a brocade rucksack and an Indian Kantha jacket.  


Monsoon embroidered Indian cotton skirt, 3 more pairs of vintage kids' trousers, 1970s Welsh wool tapestry cape, All Saints coat, Lochard of Scotland mini kilt, five handknitted jumpers/cardis, vintage bud vase (keeper), 1970s chopping board (mine!), 1980s Mandy Marsh midi dress, 1970s Heather Brae mohair scarf, 1970s tan leather jacket and a Monsoon maxi dress (keeper!)

 
Over the last week or so, we've had temperatures in the high teens and low 20s, warmer than August! Jon thought I was mad for going out with bare arms on Wednesday morning but soon changed his tune when he nearly expired from the heat in the final charity shop we visited. I'm wearing the Monsoon cotton maxi I bought from the charity clearance shop on Sunday (£2!) with the vintage Kashmiri woolwork waistcoat Cheryl gave me along with some mirrored earrings bought from the roadside in Goa last year.



On Thursday the temperature plummeted to 12°C which gave me the opportunity to wear my absurdly comfy, new-to-me, black leather clog boots which I'd spotted on the Lotta from Stockholm website a couple of years ago and had searched for on eBay ever since. They're still available online for £178 but needless to say, I paid a fraction of that! As our tomatoes are still ripening,  I thought my tomato dress was seasonally appropriate, made cosier with the addition of my Masscob velvet jacket (another eBay find, it retailed in Liberty for £480, I paid £20). The tribal earrings were in the box of goodies Cee sent me.


Friday's been another chilly day and, like yesterday, I've been working outside taking photos of the stock. I layered my Indian cotton block printed midi dress (from the charity clearance shop) with a vintage quilted jacket bought from my friend Liz at Easy Tiger along with some Nordic socks (nicked from Lord Jon) and some eBayed Lottas.


The garden's gone crazy, it's still blooming like mad. The roses are having a third flowering, the nasturtiums are still taking over and I'm picking strawberries for breakfast every morning. Tomorrow is bulb planting day!



I'm off to drink rum and watch TV. I'm undecided between Danish noir or a repeat watch of O Brother, Where Art Thou? the Coen Brothers retelling of The Odyssey and utterly brilliant.

Cheers & see you soon!



52 comments:

  1. Fantastic stashes of gear, Vix. I honestly have incredible envy looking at them, we simply do not have this stuff anymore in New Zealand (aka Aotearoa). Instead we have gaudy and badly made knock offs masquerading as "hippie" gear. I loathe those junky clothes. So it's really enjoyable reading your posts, seeing what you're wearing, how you've put things together. No matter where you are - you look bloody fabulous.

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    1. Thanks so much, Ratnamurti! I know that inferior "hippy gear" very well, it's often on roadside stalls in tourist areas in India or on £5 rails at festivals, bought by people with conventional jobs who want to look like a hippy for the weekend. Awful and badly made! xxx

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  2. I just couldn't find myself getting into Oh Brother- it seemed like I should have liked it. How lovely to sell items handmade. Do you create the patterns? Who'd think such a gorgeous dress came from grandma's dining room. I'm hoping our farmers market has another week or two, but we've now got frost so I think gardens are truly done.

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    1. I think the Coen Brothers, like Wes Anderson, are an acquired taste. I love them!
      You've got frost already? That seems very early! xxx

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  3. I'm a big fan of "O Brother" which I saw in the theatre when it came out. "Damn, we're in a tight spot!"

    So fun to see all the goodies you find - you would just swoon at all the great stuff I don't buy - if you weren't across a continent and an ocean, I would send you boxes of stuff too!

    Excited to see Patrice!

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    1. IT's such a brillint film, isn't it? I keep meaning to check if George Clooney really did sing those Soggy Bottom Boys songs!
      Wouldn't it be fun if postage was cheap ebough to send each other boxes of goodies from our charity shops? There was a challenge on Instagram a couple of years ago where participants were given a partner and a budget of £10 and had to buy them complete outfit from a charity shop. I bet we could do that! xxx

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  4. Cool, that Glastonbury invited you back. Sound like your excited. And I hope you share your design from vintage table clothes. One of larger museums close to wear I live is doing an exhibit from items made from flower sack. My grandma made items from flower sacks for her kids.
    Coffee is on and stay safe

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    1. I like the sound of the flour sack exhibits! In Southern India I've seen men sitting by the roadside with sewing machines turning old coffee and rice sacks into bags and hats for tourists - recycling at its best! xxx

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  5. You have wonderful friends. Well done you on being invited back!! That’s a huge achievement. I love the lace dress reminds me of the 60’s can you do one in a plus size lol In black !! I would go down at work.
    My mum sent me a care package and it had nordic socks in it as I have reynaurds cold hands and feet. And I asked her were she got them as they are so pretty ebay!! 5 pairs for 6 and a half quid !! So she’s getting me more! So there you go me lady!
    Everyone’s watching squid game it’s gross. And badly dubbed, brill acting badly dubbed. I could only watch 2.
    So back to anime. You have some awesome friends I have a kimono for you as well. And there is nothing wrong in wearing a mask I wear mine all the time! It’s called common sense. Take care and keep safe

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    1. I do have some amazing friends! If I can find another lace bedspread/tablecloth I'll dye it back and try and make you one of those dresses!
      I bought Jon those Nordic socks from ebay last year, they were decent quality but despite them being large they were too small for his size 10 feet so I've nicked the lot now!
      I've heard good things about Squid Game - I'd have to watch it with subtiles, dubbing does my head in!
      I'm glad you wear tyour mask all the time, too. We feel quite bad ass in them these days, I like the looks the non-mask wearers keep giving us. xxx

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  6. You pack so much into your days - think I should move to Walsall the chazzas here are grim, several have closed down and the 'better' ones are full of cheap junk, I can honestly say I scan the rail from the windows and know the stock has not changed! Fantastic news about Glastonbury - something to look forward to. I have been watching the Squid Game, it's strangely addictive (I don't like the killing but love the plot and the terrible dubbed acting!)

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    1. I'm like that rabbit on the TV advert, I never stop moving!
      We're really lucky with our chazzas, I think. I'm not sure why there's so many gems, it's not like we live in an affluent or particularly hip area.
      I've heard good things about Squid Game. Isn't it the most watched show ever on Netflix? xxx

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  7. Wow to life being full on again. What a busy lovely time you’re having. Patrice is the same age as Frida. She’s off for her mot next week. Keep your fingers crossed.
    Great news about Glastonbury for you and the festival goers. That lass looks gorgeous in the festival frock you made. You both look refreshed after your break.
    Love from us two xxx

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    1. Good luck, Frida! I can't believe how good Patrice is looking, he's a handsome chap! xxx

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  8. Our NZ 2nd hand shops are filled with tacky modern junk that is hugely overpriced. It is amazing that you still find so many gems. Look forward to festivals 2022.

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    1. We're very lucky with our chazzas, one of the advantages of living in a hipster-free town! xxx

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  9. As someone with "mixed" ancestry, I simply love the line in *Oh Brother where art thou* "I suspect some miscegenation in their heritage."

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    1. It makes me giggle every time. Such a witty script! xxx

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  10. Thank you for the 1989 ear worm!
    You know I am going to hum that all day 😘, "back to the here and now"

    Have The Lads downgraded your Flight Risk status from Extreme to Probably-Safe-For-A-Bit? 😸🙀

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    1. Funnily enough there was an interview with Jazzie B on BBC2 a few hours after I published that post! xxx

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  11. Love the tablecloth dress - I got married in something similar in 1968 !

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  12. I remember you making the lace dress. Absolutely loved it then and still do. It’s gorgeous.

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  13. yay! glasto will happen next year! hooray!
    love how you "autumned" your beautiful dresses - so chic! and what a lovely parcel did arrive at yours!
    we had our first heavy storm of the season - i really hope it was the last - garden looks a bit battered (thanx goodness no damage at the house).
    xxxxx

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    1. Thank goodness there was no damage to your house, Beate! The Autumn is always a worry for us, too - so many trees far too close to the house.xxx

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  14. I remember admiring the rescue/repurposing of the lace tablecloth dress. There's now a fad hereabouts for fall brides to have a "cover up" cape: this would serve for the women who wear a traditional long gown.

    Weddings attract vintage lace. A nonagenarian friend received a phone call from his older (!) sister, asking if he objected to her using "Mama's tablecloth" in her seamstress business. He reports Sis faced a challenge expanding a heirloom wedding gown to fit a broader bride -- her solution was to insert a plain panel in the back and attach the table cloth from the neckline as a chapel train. The gown and the lace were of a similar age, so it worked.

    And, yes, one can envision you at age 96, still having fun working...

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    1. What an ingenius use of Mama's Tablecloth, I bet the finished result was beautiful!
      I've made capelets from old velvet curtains and 1950s barkcloth - they're a useful bit of kit to protect shoulders from the sun at a festival! xxx

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  15. Great news on Glasto Vix, and I love your tablecloth dress :) :) :) What an exciting parcel to receive from your lovely blog reader friend. We too wear masks - we are very much in the monitory and get looked at as if we're nutters! I just adore your Masscob velvet jacket. 'O Brother' has one of my favourite movie sound tracks. Enjoy your bulb planting. Lulu xXx

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    1. Thanks, Lulu! I'm so excited about Glasto. I couldn't watch any of the TV footage on the TV last year as I couldn't get my head round ever going back there again, it's like a dream come true! xxx

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  16. After a trying couple of weeks, I’ve just sat down with a mug of tea and caught up on your Rhodes trip. What a simply fabulous trip! I loved all of it.
    Great news about Glastonbury too xx

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  17. I once used that same post title after coming back from holiday :-)
    In your case, getting back to reality was made a whole lot sweeter by that box of delectable goodies you received from Cee, and the news that Glastonbury wants you back! How amazing is that! You've done well at the chazzas too, and I can't blame you for keeping that Monsoon maxi. We no longer have to wear masks, but I keep mine at the ready in case it gets busy. Luckily, our charity shops are all huge, and they're pretty quiet on a weekday, so that I can go without. But people certainly don't look at you as if you're nutters if you do. Many people are still wearing their masks! xxx

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    1. I think I've used the same title before! Funnily enough there was an interview with Jazzie B on the BBC a couple of hours after I published the post, freaky!
      Cee spoilt me with that lovely box of goodies and the thought of Glastonbury 2022 is already giving me butterflies!
      There's signs on the doors and announcements over the tannoys in our chazzas asking customers to wear masks. Several have given us a discount at the till and thanked us for keeping their staff safe! xxx

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  18. Ooh, such pretty outfits! I adore the new Monsoon dress and the velvet jacket is a beauty! I really love the combination. How lovely of Cee to send you all those lovely things!!!
    How exciting about Glastonbury! I love your tablecloth dress! It's so pretty!x

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    1. Thanks, Kezzie! I was pleased to find that maxi, I think it might be a holiday dress in the future, I love a bit of crinkle cotton for travel! xxx

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  19. Wow, didn't you do well? Fabulous stuff. I have the same earrings Cee sent you; bought years ago. I have a collection of silver earrings and must dig some of them out; it's been a while since I last wore them.

    The flowers in your garden that are still blooming are lovely; I can't believe you still have strawberries!

    Glad you're going back to Glastonbury and that you're back in the usual routine. I think we'll all be joining you wearing masks in the shops soon; I see restrictions looming on the horizon.
    xxx

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    1. Fancy being earring twins! I've only got a couple of pairs of brass earrings, all the rest of mine are silver.
      I can't believe how colourful our garden still is. I've usually redone my windowboxes with winter blooming flowers by now but the geraniums are still going strong and it seems a shame to move them until they've finished!
      I'm happy to wear a mask 24-7 if it means we'll be able to go to festivals and travel freely! xxx

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  20. What a haul of mohair cardies! I never see anything like that in my local charity shops, or perhaps I just don't know how to look. My dad was in the rag trade so I like to think I can find a decent fabric by touch, but there just never seems to be much old stuff here, despite the predominantly mature population. Plus it's incredibly white bread so very few ethnic items see the light of day. I remember buying quilted Indian jackets on our local market in Nottingham, my mother and I had matching green and purple ones!

    I am planning on seeing the new Wes Anderson tomorrow and can barely wait. Friends say it's him at his most Andersonish, anyone who finds his style at all annoying will be driven nuts by all the tics on display. Who knows, I may even like it more than The Royal Tenenbaums ... although I bet the soundtrack isn't as good!
    So enjoyed the Rhodes report... it makes me feel like I've been on holiday myself, your writing brings the photos alive.

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    1. We're hoping to see The French Dispatch this week, I've watched the trailer a few times already and I think your friends are right, it looks like prime Anderson, I cannot wait! I'm torn between The Darjeeling Limited and The Grand Budapest Hotel being my favourite but can watch them all over and over again!
      There seems to be a plethora of vintage handknits in our charity shops at the moment, which makes me very happy, I wonder if people are still decluttering and finally deciding after 30 years that they're not going to wear the crazy mohair granny made for them back in the day. It takes me an age to crochet a square so I'm in awe of all the owrk that goes into them.
      The good omld days when you could pick up Indian block prints on the market. My Mum & Grandma both had those quilted jackets, too! xxx

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  21. Love PP1900! Last night's was particularly dark and brooding and I'm trying not to 'stream' anymore episodes but really want to know what happens! Glad you're getting to 'your happy place' next year and the idea of 'Handmade by Kinky'. Almost time for me to wear my Namaste fleecy jacket that I bought a couple of months back!Think I'll be wearing it indoors the way the energy prices are hiking. Did you watch 'Impeachment - an American Crime Story'? It's rivetting!Happy Sunday and bulb planting to you. xxx

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    1. We haven't got your discipline and had to watch PP1900 over a couple of nights. I loved the female cast especially Mlle. Lepine.
      I didn't realise it was you who'd bought that jacket, Jon thought I was mad for selling it!
      I haven't seen Impeachment but have discovered its from the same people who did the Versace murder series, that was excellent, I may have to partake! xxx

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  22. You did well in your shopping1
    I haven't been back in a theatre, though I'd like to. Maybe if things calm down a bit by Christmas I'll go. These days I watch everything on a laptop. Sad, I know.
    Your garden is gloriously confused, but who cares. If you can get that many flowers in October, enjoy every last one.

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    1. Our cinema is really good, well ventilated and with an usher who sits with the audience throughout the performance so it feels really safe.
      I love that I'm still picking strawberries! xxx

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  23. Congratulations on the invite to Glasto next year. I'm sure a "Handmade by Kinky" festival collection will do well. I have watched "O Brother" several times and enjoy it thoroughly every time. I can't believe your garden is still doing so well. We had warm days up until Friday and now we are having real fall temperatures.

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    1. Thank you, I've just got to be really disciplined and try and make something every week rather than kill myself in the month leading up to Glasto!
      Long may this warm spell last, I loathe the cold! xxx

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  26. Lovely outfits, I love the dress and waistcoat combo, love your new boots and tomatoes dress, love your lottas with socks and the quilted jacket, love everything actually!.
    Great news that you'll be back in Glastonbury!, and that you're creating some fab dresses with fab sleeves!
    We own a 18 years old car which replaced our 15 years old Corsa and it has taken us to Portugal and back twice!.
    Love the new collages, so cool framed photos!
    besos

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    1. sorry for the repeated comments, I'm really stubborn sometimes!

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  27. I noped out of the first episode of Paris at the piglet scene! It was too much for me. You and Ronni seem to be enjoying it though.

    Well done for still wearing masks - I'm making sure I wear mine as the 'rona rate here is ridiculous. It should be down by the time you're down this way for Glastonbury! I look forward to seeing more pieces from the Handmade By Kinky range.

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  28. That dress you made from vintage tablecloth and sold to that gorgeous girl is amazing. So great you will make another one for your Kinky Melon collection. I'm sure it will be a hit at the festival. To snap a photo if you remember, I'd love to see it.

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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