Tuesday 11 January 2022

January Blues

The blog title reflects my wardrobe, not my mood. I'm wearing my other new dress, a Dilli Grey maxi I'd admired on their website for several years. Fully lined with pockets and French seams, if it didn't have a label, you'd assume it was vintage, the finish is so good.

I know that we're only eleven days in but this month has been a revelation so far. It's only the second January that we've spent at home in years and I don't suppose I can count January 2021 as the nation was in lockdown, the pubs, restaurants & shops were shut, we weren't allowed to meet up with friends or leave town without good reason.


I'm not sure if Spoons was so empty because of Covid or that dry January thingy where people give up alcohol for a month and, going by those I know who've done it, drink twice as much in February to make up for lost time, which kind of defeats the object. 


We met Tony at just before 2pm and rolled home some six hours later. 


We chatted to a dapper gent called Gerry, a regular who normally we only wave at. He usually sits with a group of equally smartly dressed retirees who drink wine by the bottle and argue over the cryptic crossword in The Times but was alone yesterday. A retired music teacher, he showed me some incredible photos taken during the years he spent teaching in Nigeria in the early 1970s.


Although remarkably similar, this isn't one of Gerry's photos (it's from The Guardian) but Nigeria had a fantastic psych-laced funk music scene back in the early 1970s and the fashion was amazing - I used to have a vintage Lagos-made psychedelic maxi which I wore until it fell apart.

Me in my Lagos maxi dress - Gokarna, Karnataka  2012



We ate! Tony had an Empire State burger, Jon had char-grilled chicken with a naga chilli and citrus glaze and I had my usual, a Mangalorean roasted cauliflower and spinach curry.



Just before we'd left for the pub I took delivery of an exciting parcel from Allie, who you'll know from her always thoughtful comments on my blog. She lives in Japan but is in the UK at the moment visiting her parents. I wore one of the bangles as soon as I tore the box open and shall be pampering myself with the facemask, nail oil and foot pack later. Thanks so much, lovely lady! 


Now, what was I saying about January being a revelation? There was I thinking that the chazzas would be bursting with unwanted Xmas presents, overpackaged naff toiletry packs, novelty mugs and hideous ornaments and little else at this post-Xmas slump. Wrong! So far we've been charity shopping five out of the last eleven days and we've never seen so many great quality coats, jackets and all-wool jumpers. 


Here's what today's visit to our favourite Black Country town yielded: a 1980s Frank Usher beaded cocktail top, a 1980s St Michael Argyle jumper, a 1970s St Michael Shetland wool jumper, a 1980s handmade fisherman's jumper, a 1950s Scottish mohair scarf, a Hackett, London all-wool jacket, a 1970s St Michael wool coat, a Farah shirt, a 1960s Richard Draper of Glastonbury sheepskin jacket, a 1980s St Michael mohair cardi, a 1960s Saluki fake fur jacket, a Duffer Irish-made denim jacket, a 1970s Crimplene gents dressing gown, a Free People leopard print backless midi dress and a 1980s lined wool cardi (called a coatigan by some!)

A few things for me! I couldn't resist this Zara jumper which I spotted poking out on the kid's rail, it's like an odd mash-up of Little House on the Prairie and a Scandi Noir detective. I think this tooled leather wallet is a 1960s souvenir from North Africa, I've had bags very similar before. The Monsoon wool-blend coat (from their Winter 2016 collection)  has been on the rails of one of the more expensive charity shops for ages but had been marked down to £3 this morning making a total spend of £4.

It might be three sizes bigger than my usual size but I loved how it looked when I slipped it on over the vintage Alpnani blouse, charity shopped beret and Dilli Grey maxi skirt I was already wearing. It's a woven textile as opposed to a knit but only the sleeves are lined, so it has the weight of a coat but the relaxed fit of a cardi. 




In cat news, our little visitor came for breakfast yesterday and was lurking in the bushes when we got home from Spoons waiting for his supper. We left a bowl out when we went out this morning which was empty when we got back and he popped back an hour ago for a couple more bowlfuls. 


Tomorrow's set to be dry, cold and sunny. Our favourite conditions for a National Trust outing. In fact, I think I prefer our winter NT trips to our summer ones - what has happened to me? 


See you soon!

57 comments:

  1. That dress is divine
    And the jacket a perfect match

    I think your new friend may have already found a place in your heart/ cats are just glorious, aren’t they?
    Siobhan

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    1. Hello Siobhan. Lovely to hear from you again. I do love blue (and all things warm and woolly), it would have been rude not to snaffle that jacket!
      Cats are the best! I loved that he was waiting for us to come back from the pub, like an anxious parent! xxx

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  2. you have cozy woolies now :-D
    the new coat is gorgeous in its simplicity - real modern classic and will work over everthing you have already in your wardrobe..... btw.: the blue maxi dress looks and "sounds" wonderful!
    6hs in a pub? wow. but seeing that yummy food and reading about interesting conversations - teacher in 1970´s nigeria! - i do understand....
    glad the chazzas gave you plenty of good stuff despite other expectations - the zara sweater you picked for yourself looks quite cool.
    the little stray needs a name!
    xxxx

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    1. I do! I think that's whay I'm learning to love Winter!
      That coat is such a great shape, I'm surprised it had been on the rails for so long. I suppose it's one of those things that look better on - or that most shoppers want black nylon puffa coats!
      I really missed chatting to random people in those long months of social distancing. What a time Gerry had in 70s Nigeria, Spoons on a Monday must be pretty tame in comparison.
      I'm quite taken by that Zara jumper, I've not seen anything quite like it before and it looks surprisngly good on, Jon's particularly impressed by it! xxx
      PS We've got a shortlist of names, we just need to check if he really is a boy!

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  3. What's happened is that you have discovered the joys of creating beautiful, cosy winter outfits and how to embrace the mist and murk (I'm joking about that last bit). It's great that you found such an interesting pub dweller in 'Spoons. More great finds in the charity shops - that Zara top is cute. Love the Dilli Grey dress and that blue coat was meant to be (it certainly looks like a small 14). The second appearance of your feline friend is noted...he looks like a placid boy. Will he have a name soon do you think? xxx

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    1. You've got something there, Claire! I was always in denial about Winter and never owned anything sensible like thermals, cardis or thick socks. I love the cold, bright days but the mist and mirk just makes me want to draw the curtains and hide away!
      I don't know whether that coat would be quite as appealing if it was the right size, I'm liking the unstructured shape. The Zara jumper looks surprising good on, I've never seen the like before!
      I have a few names in my head but several commentators think he could be a she so I'd better wait before I saddle a girl with a boy's name! xxx

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  4. I reckon thermal underwear is the game changer. It means you can wear your lovely things all year round without feeling cold.

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    1. It is! It's come on so much since the days of it being baggy and only available in baby pink and white! xxx

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  5. I'm so glad you're doing well at the chazzas, Vix! I am jonesing to go thrifting (the big WIN store calls to me!), but I'm trying to limit contacts with people until we can go see L's mum again next week. Love your hybrid shirt/sweater thing, and your long cardi.

    How lovely that you got to have a 'Spoons afternoon! I miss our big long weekend booze-ups with our crew...although I have been sober for over 4 years now. I still miss seeing everyone.

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    1. I know, I thought January would be rubbish for finds. I've been missing out all these years, exploring India instead of shopping!
      You're doing the right thing, keeping contact to a minimum so you can visit L's Mum safely. xxxx

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  6. Evening Vix, Firstly wow does that Dilli Grey dress look lovely and blue! I saw the title of the post and thought that doesn't sound like Vix but of course gorgeous blue garments. When I saw the Monsoon coat I thought I wonder if you would keep it and you must! It will be so good over many of your dresses. I like the peacefulness of gardens in winter. I loved the story of the retired teacher you met; blimey spoons was deserted. I reckon your new furry friend is going to be a permanent fixture hooray! Have a lovely evening Shazxx ps I have always enjoyed Allie's comments glimpses into life in Japan.x

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    1. Hello Shaz! That's me, Ms Eternally Cheerful, no blues in this house unless its in the wardrobe or on my nails.
      That Monsoon coat is lovely, I'm surprised it had hung on the rails for so long. I bet if it was the right size it wouldn't be half as nice, there's something about it being loose and unstructured.
      Isn't Spoons quiet? We've never been January before so I've no idea if it's normal but all the better for observing social distancing!
      Allie's comments are so interesting. She (and you) ought to start your own blogs! xxx

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  7. Hello Vix, love the picture of the 70s funksters. Good ol' Allie sending you that lovely parcel full of goodies. Your blue Monsoon wool coat is lovely! Your new cat friend has a delightfully grumpy face. Now, all that delicious food has made me hungry (I have a pasta bake in the oven).... Lulu xXx

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    1. Morning, Lulu! If you fancy checking out some Nigerian Psych-funk look for "Fantastic Man" by William Onyeabor on YouTube, you won't be able to get it out of your head!
      HE does have a very Bagpuss -type face, doesn't he? Or maybe with that face, it could be a girl after all! xxx

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  8. That coat is a total score. So is the weird little jumper, which I can see working with a maxi skirt.
    Your 2022 is off to a great start

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    1. January is a good month, who'd have thought it.
      That weird jumper looks surprisingly good on, the weirder something looks on the hanger the better it is on the body! xxx

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  9. I shall watch the taming of the visiting pussy with great interest...!

    Your blue outfits were lovely and the Monsoon blue coat was a very serendipitous find. I marvel at your chazza finds. I've worked out people in the Black Country hang on to their clothing for longer and so when they donate, their donations contain lots of vintage items. Living in the South East; people here are often more affluent; buy more clothing and get rid of it more frequently. Or maybe they're selling the better stuff (including vintage) and donating the leftovers. You can find vintage here but it is quite limited. Whatever the difference, I find it all very fascinating.

    Hope the weather perks up for your NT visit tomorrow...
    xxx

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    1. Haha! The Taming of the Visiting Pussy sounds like some dodgy 1790s porn film! Jon'll have to dig his medallion and toupee out!
      Funnily enough, the Rummage book you sent me wrote about the people from the Birmingham area being amongst the most resourceful and thrifty, doing more for the war effort with their collecting and recycling of resources than any other part of England. It must be in our blood!
      This morning is looking promising, a glorious sunrise and light by 7.45! xxx

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  10. I like your new wool coat Vix and funny that you were dressed ready for it- I was wondering about the cat- it is lovely-I've had 9 dogs in over 35 years and always from a dogs home apart from one I found curled up under a hedge in the snow x

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    1. Helloi Flis! I often find something to match what I'm already wearing when I go charity shopping, I must wake up with a colour in mind and have it in my head when I'm rummaging.
      I love that you've always had rescue dogs. Our cats have always just turned up, too - there's something irresistable about an animal in need. xxx

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  11. Love the new to you blue coat. I hope the moggy stays with you. he has an interesting face.

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    1. He has got a lovely face, he reminds me of a Louis Wain cat! xxx

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  12. Ha ! You got it many of mine have gone walk about in the post!! Paul is on the mend!! I went to the drs yesterday as the left side of my neck is huge!! I have glandular fever!! I am still going home next Wednesday hell or high water.
    I want to see my surprise!! Sadly the flight is from Heathrow! So my parents are taking us . And I still managed to go to Chester le street ! And bag some bargains! Not like yours , your Coatigan is everything. I like the jumper as well.
    Paul asked who had I been kissing! Me dad of course lol! I hope the cat stays we cannot get them to stay for love nor money you have the knack. Love and huggs Allie

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    1. Oh no, gladular fever! That's horrible. I bet you've got that from being run down. Take it easy and rest up. I'll keep everything crossed for next Wednesday. Paul's a cheeky one!
      I'm glad you still managed your charity shopping mission, can't keep a good woman down.
      I might have to open an Air B&B, we get so mnay passing through the garden. I'm happy that this one is stopping by regularly. I'm typing with one eye on the gate, ready to serve his lordship some Felix. xxx

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  13. That jacket/ sweater is terrific. I hope you enjoy your pampering.

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    1. I didn't get round to the pampering in the end, it's scheduled for later today. I'll need it after hours spent in the icy cold! xxx

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  14. Oh my, your new blue dress is divine, Vix! The colour suits you so much.

    Your pub meals are making me hungry too. Looks like you made a new friend.

    Lastly, what fabulous finds you and Jon have uncovered. The Zara jumper looks so unique. X


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    1. Thanks so much, Jess! I dithered about this dress for a couple of yeras, I'd delighted to finally make it mine! xxx

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  15. Well, thank goodness for that! You had me a little worried with your post title. I see even your food plates joined in with the theme. I don't think I have ever seen a 'spoons look quite that empty before, whatever the time of day.
    It's good to see your visitor has returned. X

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    1. I'm hoping for blue skies this morning, the sunrise is looking promising! xxx

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  16. hello vix i like your new dilli dress its a nice bright shade of blue and looks quality. your little cat has a very expressive face, hope he has found his forever home with you. bandaged up and sore but found i can type one handed a bit, yay! i love spoons, i often go to one in Brighton for a cider then sober up with a take out coffee!

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    1. Morning, Betty! How lovely to hear from you. I'm glad the op's over and the healing process has begun. Take your time, don't rush things and enjoy the break!
      I always feel a bit naughty popping into Spoons during the day, I'm in good company.
      I wonder what time Cat will turn up? He polished off three sachets, a bowl of biscuits and some Dreamies yesterday! xxx

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  17. Hello Mindo! You made me laugh with "the less you can see of me the better", what with masks as well, all that's visible when I go out is my eyes - I look like a bank robber. Still, it's far better to be warm and I know you have some harsh winters in your part of the world.
    I can't get over how many wool and cashmere jumpers are in our charity shops. It's beyond belief why anyone would buy new! xxx

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  18. It's a relief to read that unlike me you're not having the Winter blues! I kind of have a love/hate relationship with Winter. I'm loving the starkness of nature but the lack of proper daylight really gets me down. I'm hearing you on preferring NT in Winter over those in Summer!
    Your fabulous new Dilli Grey frock is definitely a sight for sore eyes, as is the Monsoon coat! I can't wait to see you wearing that mad Zara jumper!
    Sounds like your six hours in 'Spoons were well spent. How glorious to have the place mostly to yourselves. Dry January! We have that silliness and other things like it here too. xxx

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    1. I'm sorry you're feeling down, Ann. I must admit that the incessant rain of a fortnight ago was very draining but these crips cold days are wonderful. It's very exciting to see the sunrise before 8am now! xxx

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  19. The jacket ... and the blue dress ... really suit you. Thinking about it, a size 14 back in the 1970's was a lot smaller than a size 14 these days, hence it not swamping your slight frame.

    Puss cat is looking very chubby faced, he looks a healthy boy if he is a stray. Perhaps he's just a cheeky boy collecting food from lots of new foster parents and then going back home to sleep in his own bed.

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    1. Thanks, Sue! The coat is modern but you're right, a 1970s size 12 was a 34" bust - I always have to explain the difference on my eBay listings to avoid any buyers being disappointed!
      He's feral, I think. He's far too nervous and jumpy around people to have been owned before. Frank was the same, it took months to gain his trust. xxx

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  20. Loving the coat Vix. I think we get too hung up on sizes. I have clothes sixe 6-14 in my wardrobe and wear them all.
    Enjoy your NT trip. By the way I ordered the book about the surfer. Its fab. I will send it to you when I have finished. X

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    1. Thanks, Jane! Yes, I never both with sizes - or labels - in charity shops, if I like something I'll grab it. So many people are bothered by size labels, its not like anyone will see those numbers when its being worn!
      Oh, I can't wait to hear your thoughts on the surfing lord! xxx

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  21. I don't think I've ever seen a Wetherspoons so empty! Food looks great, especially your curry.
    The Monsson coat looks great on you and goes perfectly with what your wearing and what a bargain price. I may venture into a few charity shops when I go into town Friday with D and see what's about.

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    1. I know - it's very strange! I've not been to a British pub in January for decades, not sure if the emptiness is normal or due to Covid!
      Get thee to a charity shop, if ours are naything to go by, they'll be packed with newly donated gems! xxx

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  22. That maxi dress is a dream....and french seams! Simply perfect.
    How cool you and Jon have met up with that music teacher that used to work in Nigeria in the seventies. He seems like such a cool guy. From what I've seen online, Nigerians have a great sense of style. From that photograph, I see they were rocking it in the seventies with their flares. I wish flares for men would return in fashion. Right now, only women seem to wear them....and maybe some vintage enthusiasts.
    It's funny what you said about some people drinking twice as much in February to make up for a sober January. I think I know people like that too! They go overboard with healthy decisions in January and return to unhealthy ones in February. It's much better to enjoy things (food, drink) in moderation.
    Have fun visiting another National Trust treasure! Nothing beats a sunny winter day. I used to live for summer, but I've grown to genuinely love winter. I also learned that being cold is optional if you dress well (especially in my climate, it's not that hard to dress warmly at all).

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    1. Thanks, Ivana! It's very exciting to discover that there are still fantastic labels out there creating beautiful clothes ethically and considerately.
      Men (and women) look so good in flares, don't they? They make the wearer look so much taller.
      I agree, everything in moderation. Depriving oneself just makes you go mad when the restrictions are lifted. It's not good for the body or the soul! xxx

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  23. An ancient "coatigen" in brilliant blue is my wrap-for-all-seasons here in the frigid Midwest. I wear it over my pj's as a housecoat and, upgraded with a pin closure, as a coverall for a basic black polo and pants ensemble. I opt for Chinese flats and fabric bags because they're much more common in our chazzas than other colorful ethnic accessories. However, I do have the twin for that North African tooled-leather wallet. Bought it decades ago at an international festival, so that figures!

    Tortie approves the menu, which is another step forward in the getting-to-know-you dance. Has Stephen expressed any initial thoughts about setting out a welcome mat?

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    1. I'm liking your style, Beth! With our heating prices going through the roof I've been wrapped up in mine all day. I did get some strange looks from the window cleaner! I remember those Chinese flats from the 1980s, I never see them here, our chazzas are full of the Indian buffalo leather shoes with the turn-up toes, a reflection on our large Punjabi population, I expect!
      Stephen came face to face with our stripy visitor this morning and amazingly there wasn't any spitting, arched backs or Xmas tree tails although stray cat did hide behind the bins for a good 15 minutes before daring to eat breakfast on the step! xxx

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  24. I'm curious how the Zara jumper looks when worn. Seems an unusual mix of lace/ broderie anglaise? and knitted jumper. Looks like your little feline visitor is definitely becoming a regular 😸

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    1. That Zara jumper thingy the strangest garment I've seen for ages, I couldn't resist it! xxx

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  25. That Zara dress looks like a Christmas pudding with cream on it or a cup cake with icing!. Oh PLease wear it with a red beret as the cherry on top!!!
    Goodness, that Monsoon coat looks SO nice with your outfit- I love the relaxed, over-sized look- it really works with some garments!
    How cool chatting to that music teacher- I love talking to music teachers, especially experienced ones- I got a lift home from ECHO with a Southend- based primary music teacher and it was so interesting to talk to her- I just wish I could observe her!

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    1. I can see why you're so good at Cosplay, you can see fancy dress in everything! I don't own a red beret but that's such a brilliant comparison!
      I bet that Monsoon coat wouldn't look half as nice if it was the right size, it's lovely being so big and unstructured.
      I thought about you when I was chatting to Gerry. He went on to teach at a Catholic comp in Walsall for many years but much prefered his time in Nigeria! xxx

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  26. Ah, pressed too early! Your new Dilli grey dress is really gorgeous and really suits you!

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    1. Thanks, Kezzie! xxx
      PS One of the contestants on Pointless this week was a Gamelan player who has played at the Royal Festival Hall, I wonder if your paths have crossed. You'll have to catch up on the i-player!

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  27. Looking fab again Vix - that lapis blue cardi/coat looks great. I wish I had a more coherent wardrobe like yours - mine is a total mish-mash of what I consider to be beautiful fabrics lol. All over the place. Despite being on a shop-your-wardrobe year I have bought 2 NEW ITEMS this year - a beautiful sundress and a lightly padded velvet jacket in bottle green. It feels wrong lol. I shall be eBay listing like mad to make up for it.

    Your visitor is indeed a handsome boy - I hope he stays and lets you get close enough to get him checked for a chip.

    Take care all - sun's out but it is COLD (thermals on) xxx

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    1. Thanks, Elaine! I think buying to sell really helps, I can get the pleasure out of snaffling lovely things and being a fabric/glorious print magpie without my wardrobe getting out of hand.
      I'm excited about your new things. It's a real incentive to weed the not quite right things from your wardrobe to make room for the perfect one, isn't it? Jon's trying to do the same - he's parted with 6 pairs of trousers this week and treated himself to a fabulous pair of cords (made with responsibly sourced cotton!)
      It'll be a while before we can check the visitor for a chip, I suspect he's feral from the cat colony that lives in the old windmill. He's not running off quite so far when we pop out to chat to him, so things are looking up! xxx

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  28. Oh Philip would have been right at home in Spoons with you all. He would have had so much in common with Gerry, having himself worked in Nigeria himself in the 70’s. He would have fit right in with the other dapper chaps having a few beers, although he’s no good at crosswords.
    The Monsoon coat looks really good with the rest of your lovely outfit. Gorgeous blue.
    Have sent your parcel today xxx

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    1. Gerry reminded me of Philip, he was really cool dresser with a long belted coat, a trilby and a Tootal scarf. They'd have got on like a house on fire.
      I'm excited about the post now, I can't wait to try the eco-washing thingy! xxx

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  29. woww, that Dilli Grey maxidress is Gorgeous! and you look so fabulous! totally a joy for the eyes and a mood booster!.
    And I'm amazed by those great quality coats and wool cardis you're finding these days, lucky you!. The fab Monsoon cardi-coat matches your cord skirt so delightfully!, totally fabulous ensemble!.
    besos

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Lots of love, Vix