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The brilliant Mediterranean blue and crisp cotton caught my eye in the clearance charity shop last week and I happily handed over my £2 thinking they were culottes. They were labelled as a small but when I tried them on they were massive around the waist & the pockets were down by my knees and then I pulled it up & realised it was a jumpsuit!
I've come across Hei-Hei before, it's one of Anthropolgie's labels. After a bit of reasearch I discovered that it retailed in store for $110 (approx.£85), not a bad find at £2!
On Saturday we walked down the Hill of Doom to the top of town by the canal basin. I wore the Daniel suede tiger print espadrilles (handmade in Spain) that I'd bought for £2 a couple of weeks ago (they retail at £89). Unlike the normal holiday espadrilles with rope inners that you see in piled up baskets outside tourist shops throughout the Med, these are leather lined and padded and it felt like I was walking on air on our three mile walk.
Saturday started with heat, sunshine and a visit from Mr Trousers who, after a bowl of biscuits, a grooming session and a roll around on the rug, went to sleep on the doormat.
He's a huge cat and chats to us with sweet chirrup - I think he might be partially Norwegian Forest Cat.
The day was spent lazily, lounging in the sunshine and finishing the book I'd started the previous day.
A beautifully well-crafted book about grief and ageing set in a fictional Mediteranean seaside town. (Any Walsall folk reading - it'll be redonated back to the clearance chazza next weekend.)
Ollie polished off a can of sardines and lazed on the wall soaking up the sunshine.
On Sunday we spent a good few hours messing about in the garden, Jon mowed the lawn for the first time this year, sorted out the greenhouse, the compost heap and the veg patch whilst I weeded between the cracks, pruned some patio pot plants and divided and replanted some ferns.
Lord Jon wore his cat with a gun on a unicorn teeshirt which I bought him for his birthday six years ago.
I used to find these 1950s broderie anglaise camisoles at jumble sales all the time as a teenager, now they're as rare as hen's teeth but of course, they were only thirty years old when I was 15 and now they're seventy! This one was a couple of quid in a charity shop the other week and as it fitted perfectly I had to keep it - I might never find another! Those are my Diesel cut-offs, a charity shop buy four years ago.
Who needs Botox with Dutch braids? It's like a facelift for free! This Barry M That's Swell, plumping lip gloss in "Werk" was in a goodie bag I bought a while ago but I'd never used it - it's not my usual colour and I've not worn lip gloss since the noughties but I was pleasantly surprised.
I've added this tutorial for my friend Kezzie (and anyone else who wants to try Dutch braiding) - it's the one I used to get the technique right.
I'd started The Assassination of Margaret Thatcher earlier in the day and finished it in the sunshine. I've read Hilary Mantel's Wolf Hall (Bring Up The Bodies is on the to-read pile) and absolutely adore her writing, this collection of dark & unsettling short stories didn't disappoint. This will also be redonated next week.
We watched Mamma Mia: Here We Go Again on Friday night which, accompanied by half a bottle of rum, was great fun, we also caught up on Slow Horses (the Mick Herron M15 series currently being televised) then started on the blood-thirsty South African cop thriller The Cane Field Killings on All 4.
Forget church and chocolate, in this house Easter's all about reading. This is my third book of the weekend. Scandi Noir is always a winner.
Today (Monday) started off as usual with a Wii Fit session. Afterwards I scrubbed the lounge hearth, boil-washed the tea towels & pegged them out on the line and, after breakfast, Jon took photos so I could list a few things on eBay.
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I'm wearing an unbleached cotton embroidered maxi dress with my trusty Superga pumps (both eBay buys).
Got to dash, the Operation Mincemeat starts in less than a hour and we've got the Hill of Doom to negotiate.
See you soon!
How lovely of Mr. Trousers to stop in for a bit. Love the clothes as always.
ReplyDeleteHis visit was most welcome, Marjorie. We'd picked up Stephen's ashes the previous day and a cat cuddle was just what we needed. xxx
DeleteThe first jumpsuit would first day " bottoms" but what a fun spring and summer addition. I love that you have your books ready for your next read and for the donation circuit. Both Ollie and Mr Trousers know a good deal. I'm curious if Mr Trousers now thinks of yours as home?
ReplyDeleteThat jumpsuit - now I've worked out what it is - is lovely to wear. I might try it with my hair up and fancy earrings next!
DeleteI don't know if these cats would ever be owned, they've spent so long living on their own terms in the wondmill but our door is open if they do!
My first thought when we went into the first lockdown is "have I got enough books to read?" , as a child I'd read the phone directory if I'd run out of books! xxx
LOL about your books/reading both present and past, Vix! Telephone book did not make the cut when I was young. Apart from the Los Angeles telephone directory being massive, even back in the day, we did not have a telephone until I was eight. Telephone rental plus local service (same area code, although it later was narrowed to area code plus a limited number of prefixes--first three digits of seven-digit number) was $2 per month. More than my parents wanted to pay!
DeleteMy alternative childhood reading? A set of encyclopedias and a massive unabridged dictionary! lol Thank goodness for libraries!
We (Arizona as a state, although localities varied) had a much shorter lockdown than you did. Various restrictions with a lot of work-arounds, but significantly shorter duration. In Month 3, local library system instituted online requests (already existed) with contactless parking lot pick-up! :-) Life saver!
...Taja
Hello Taja! I loved reading about your telephone memeories! Here in the UK we'd have a free local directory delivered every year, I'd pore over it for ages, fascinated with unusual surnames and street names I'd never heard of!
DeleteMy Dad invested in the Encyclopaedia Brittanica which kept my brother and I entertained for years and in those days pre-Google, it was a lifesaver when it came to completing school homework assignments.
I've heard of retail establishments offering contactless pick-up during lockdown but never libraries - how ingenius! xxx
Vix, you look like you're still a teenager in that denim shorts / broderie anglaise top combo. Meanwhile Mr Trousers is a handsome chap and looks very happy ... as well he might! Heather
ReplyDeleteThanks so much, Heather! You are kind. Mr Trousers is such a funny thing, he's so fussy! xxx
DeleteThat Mediterranean blue wide legged jumpsuit is gorgeous. It was such a great find and at two pounds, it's a steal.
ReplyDeleteI loved seeing the cat visitors you had. It's like they know you might need some cat company and TLC. Cats can be very intuitive. Mr. Trousers is adorable, sleeping on the doormat like that. He might have some Wild Norwegian cat in him. You know my brother and sister-in-law have adopted a half Norwegian cat and he's the best cat ever. At six months old, he's the most cuddly cat I have ever seen. When I was feeling sick a few days ago, he stayed with me on the couch all afternoon and put his head against mine. They have really lucked out with him.
I'm very happy to see Ollie again. He's so cute. He's my fav among your visiting cats.
I agree about the Dutch braids- they can act as a face lift. Plus, they are such a practical hairstyle. It's my on the go hair style for sure. The outfit you wore with them is very pretty too. The top is lovely, you were right to get it, who knows would you find another one like that and it is a nice pairing with the shorts.
The unbleached cotton maxi is a beauty. You look perfect in it!
Thanks, Ivana! I love that jumpsuit, now I've figured out what it is!
DeleteCats are such funny things, every has has a completely different personality. I've heard that Norwegian Forest Cats make brilliant pets, they're very hardy, live long lives and don't overeat. Mr Tousers is really cuddly. It's lovely that your brother and sister-in-laws cat made a fuss of you when you weren't well.
I love it when you plait your hair, too! xxx
mr.trousers looks indeed like lisbeth´s lost cousin!
ReplyDeleteand lissy (her mum is norwegian) almoust never meows - its all chirping and coo......guess this both would have a nice conversation ;-D
so many books! i used to be an avid reader my whole life but lost my mojo a few years ago......
the bright blue jumpsuit is looking very cool and extremely comfy - great find. love the embroidered dress too..... and the printed shirt and tee that jon is wearing.
have fun at the cinema! xxxxx
I wondered if Lisbeth was a Norwegian Forest Cat, no wonder she likes the snow. Isn't the ccoing noise they make sweet? So unexpected for such big cats! I wish they could meet!
DeleteThat jumpsuit is very comfy and pockets, too - always a bonus! xxx
It is incredible how the universe sometimes accommodates itself, your kittens have left quite recently and these two are already there, as if it were a hidden message from you, as if to say: these are good people, please take care of them We're leaving....I love imagining these stories between little cat souls...By the way, they're sure that Mr Trousers is a male, because he has a girl's face....Kisses from Madrid....
ReplyDeleteHello Mariel, I completely agree with what you've siad, it is like Stephen and Frank have left a message asking these cats to call round and check up on us. It's quite uncanny but it's been lovely to have their company.
DeleteMr Trousers has such a pretty face, we think he's a boy but his trousers are far too fluffy to see! xxx
😂😂😂😂
DeleteIn my youth (and before I could legally drive) I used to rally drive a pale blue VDub Beetle in the cane fields of KwaZulu Natal - was rather good at it (If I say so myself!!) Ah... those were the days hahaha
ReplyDeleteWow! talk about living dangerously! you're a cool cat, Kate! xxx
Deleteyou look lovely in your shorts and cami top - what a lucky find :) So nice to see the cats are gravitating - Ollie doesn't look half so worried and sad and Mr Trousers is incredibly fluffy - what a lot of work it must take to groom. I like Jon's campervan shirt :)
ReplyDeleteThanks, Betty! ollie has such a worried face although he seemed very content after his tin of sardines. Mr Trousers enjoyed being groomed, fur that long must be very tricky to keep clean, I have enough trouble with mine!
DeleteJon's trying out his holiday shirts, I'd forgotten about this one! xxx
Hasn't the weather been gorgeous? Just perfect for a spot of gardening, which is what we did too.
ReplyDeleteAnyway, I had a good chuckle at the culottes/jumpsuit situation - that could so have happened to me! - but now that you've worked it out, it does look a treat on you. £ 110 jumpsuit + £ 89 espadrilles: you certainly weren't wearing a cheap outfit, although I do wonder who's actually willing to pay prices like that?
Love the broderie anglaise camisole and the unbleached cotton embroidered maxi dress is a stunner too.
Mr. Trousers is feeling right at home, it seems, and how lovely to see Ollie lounging in the sunshine! They must be such a comfort to you! xxx
Its been fabulous although it's been raining for the last hour. It was nice while it lasted!
DeleteIt's mad to think that the jumpsuit & espadrilles would have cost a pound short of £200, isn't it? These people who buy and give these posh things away are clearly a different species to us, that's like a minibreak!
I'm so pleased with that broderie anglaise top, it was filthy when i bought it but came up a treat after a wash.
Mr Trousers is such a silly animal, his fur is ridiculous. Ollie was very relaxed after a bellyful of sardines. One day he might allow us to touch him! xxx
Wasn't it a glorious weekend?! Your new jumpsuit looks fabulous and a perfect pop of colour for this time of year, although you have some competition with that garden of yours! Good to see the return of Mr Trousers (I think he must be part Norwegian Forest cat) and Ollie. That film does look good - you'll have to let me know what you thought of it. I'm liking Jon's Morris Minor shirt too and your unbleached cotton maxi is very unusual. xxx
ReplyDeleteIt's been a most welcome blast of sunshine and warmth, hasn't it? I hope there'll be more opportunities to wear halternecks soon, I can feel the dip in the tmperature already. Did you have all that rain earlier?
DeleteMr Trousers makes some very strange noises, he's not a normal cat!
Operation Mincemeat was rivetting, we really enjoyed it. xxx
Yes we had the rain and it's really chilly here this morning. Fingers crossed the temperature starts to climb again soon. xxx
DeleteMr Trousers and Ollie pull at my heart strings-bless them both -I wondered if they are visiting regularly or have they moved in with you?
ReplyDeleteAren't they sweethearts? No, they haven't moved in, just regular vistors but the door's always open if they fancy a bed for the night (or a doormat!) xxx
DeleteMy very first dog was like that-then he decided to stay x
DeleteIsn't it lovely when they chose us? Frank appeared like that! xxx
DeleteGood luck with the Hill of Doom! I hope you enjoy the film, too. I've seen the original and enjoyed it very much.
ReplyDeleteIt sounds like the weather for the Easter weekend was lovely - (we got back last night)today was really nice and it was a pleasure to wear lighter clothing! I loved your jumpsuit; what a gorgeous colour and the unbleached cotton embroidered dress was so pretty. I've never seen a broiderie anglais camisole in the charity shops - more's the pity.
So you have two visiting cats - what a big boy Mr. Trousers is! They seem to have a fab life; eating and sunbathing. They are very lucky cats indeed.
Have a lovely week
xxx
Welcome back, Vronni!
DeleteThe Hill of Doom wasn't too taxing and well worth it, the film was fab, such a fascinating story, it's hard to believe it's true.
It's been fabulous after days of grey and gloom, so good to have bare legs and not to have to think about coats for a couple of days.
Hope the return to normality isn't too taxing. xxx
You look sooo young in that broderie anglaise top and shorts outfit- with your pair like that, you could be 15! I really like that type of top too though not sure I have ever seen an authentic 50's one. I wish I could do my hair like that- I can't seem to manage it with two hands- I don't think I experimented enough as a child! Ha!
ReplyDeleteYour new embroidered dress is really pretty and fresh and suits you!
Jon did well on the organic tees- £2 is really good! I like the Morris Traveller shirt- I do love Morris cars as my Mum used to have a blue one when I was a child- I remember going to Morris rallies as a toddler and young child with her!
The Flowers are looking wonderful in the garden!
That jumpsuit is interesting! It looks like a pair of trousers pulled up high to me but obviously, from the length, it is definitely a jumpsuit! I love the colour!
Thanks Kezzie! I'm usually hopeless with hair, too. I've added the tutorial I used to plait my hair, Devon explains so patiently and straightforwardly I finally got it after years of trying.
DeleteMorris Minors are so cool, aren't they? I bet Jon was the only punk who drove one.
I was totally perplexed by that jumpsuit until the penny dropped and I hitched it up so the pockets were in the right place. After a bit of searching I found a model waering one on the Anthropologie website! xxx
Pictures (and words) to gladden the heart. Not just your beautiful chazzer finds (oh, that Mediterranean blue!) but Mr Trousers and Ollie.
ReplyDeleteI wonder how long it is since Mr T felt the comfort of a gentle brush and a kind human hand? And even Ollie looks like some of the tension is leaving his body?
Well done on so much lovely garden colour - up North we had another sharp frost last night.
Morning Jayne and thank you!!
DeleteIts a lot colder this morning but no frost here.
Mr Trousers was in heaven when we groomed him, he's more interested in fuss than he is food. It was lovely to see Ollie snoozing in the sun, Jon was sitting a few yards away and he must have finaly strated to feel safe. xxx
The jumpsuit is just fabulous, and what a gorgeous shade of blue.
ReplyDeleteMr. Trousers looks quite at home. X
Thanks, Jules! I love that shade of blue! xxx
DeleteGosh you look about 15 in your cut offs and braids!!
ReplyDeleteI could never manage anything but the most simple of plaits or pigtails when I had long hair, I doubt even a tutorial would have helped.
Those Dutch braids work wonders!
DeleteI'm absolutely rubbish at doing my own hair, all credit to the lady with the YouTube channel. xxx
Girrrrl you're looking so young in your shorts. I love watching all of your fabulous outfits- and johns too. You should do tiktoks - outfits of the day would be super popular. Your stateky homes, festival weekends and travels are just what people wants to see. And mr trousers too.
ReplyDeleteThanks so much, Julie! Some friends keep saying we should film ourselves, I'd be too embarrased to watch myself! xxx
DeleteWhat a fabulous find that Hei Hei jumpsuit was! Well swagged, madam! Also I haven't seen one of those white broderie camisoles for yonks. I was always entirely the wrong shape to wear one, even as a teen, (you can have big boobs or broad shoulders but never the two simultaneously), but I always thought they were so pretty.
ReplyDeleteHello, lovely lady! Good to hear from you. I love that jumpsuit now I've worked out its a jumpsuit and not some weird trousers.
DeleteI think the previous owner of that broderie anglaise cami was my body double - flat chested and broad-shouldered. I always used to tie-dye them as a teenager, this ones staying white! xxx
Evening Vix, you look fab as always and your garden shots are as wonderful as ever. Spent all of the long weekend in the garden. So theraputic (it was needed after a week full of surprises not good) anyway I am loving the fact that both Mr Trousers and Ollie are becoming more relaxed - they know they are on to a good thing. Our big adopted boy will let us pick him up now but the little one - Suki is still so timid makes you wonder what their start in life was like. You are clever to do the braids and yes they do make you look young(if it is possible for you to look younger) I am fancying a trip to the cinema now been so so long. Cheers Shazxx
ReplyDeleteHasn't it been lovely, Shaz? I wasn't expecting the sunshine to continue this week but it's been most welcome.
DeleteHow lovely that your big boy is allowing you to pick him up, I hope Suki submits to fuss soon. It is sad wondering what these poor animals have been through to be so wary of humans. xxx
I love that the "pants" turned out to be a jumpsuit! I had the same thing happen with a Diane Von Furstenberg "skirt" that turned out to be a strapless dress. Happy to see your cat-friends visiting - that one (Mr. Trousers?) is so fluffy!
ReplyDeleteJon's unicorn shirt cracks me up. You find such good stuff at the thrifts!
Jon wsa killing himself laughing at me when I wore that jumpsuit as trousers, I looked like a clown! xxx
DeleteThe jumpsuit is definitely another "only Vix could pull this off/on" garment. It belongs on that rack, alongside the Mama Mia lame flared bellbottom outfit. Love that vibrant blue color, 'tho, and the zebra striped espadrilles -- those I'd welcome into my wardrobe.
ReplyDeleteMethinks you and Jon have acquired two cats. This is good because one suspects your private forest is teeming with wildlife eager to move inside your home. Better cats than rodents!
That jumpsuit is definately a keeper, it feels so good on. I'm seeing it with my hair in a topknot and some ridiculous earrings (see my next post!) The espadrilles are insanely comfy, I can understand why they retail at nearly £10.
DeleteOh yes, no danger of any rodents with cats around. xxx
Those cats are definitely edging their way in aren't they...there is a colony of cats living in the industrial estate behind my parents house, but they are feral and wouldn't let you near them. Mr Trousers looks very at home! Arilx
ReplyDeleteJon managed to touch Ollie's ear yesterday, he got a growl for his trouble! I'm not sure he'll ever be tamed by Mr Trousers is a big cuddly cat! xxx
DeleteYour jumpsuit is making me think I might be in possession of something similarly mistaken for trousers. I'll have to check it out. It looks great on you, and that shade of blue is incredible.
ReplyDeleteI hope your mystery trousers turn out to also be a jumpsuit! I'm loving this one, I';m not normally drawn to things that aren't patterned but there was something about that shade of blue! xxx
DeleteHello m' braided spring chick. Fantastic blue on the cullote-turned-jumpsuit. Mr Trousers looks very at home. An old friend had a gorgeous big Norweigen forest beast - we could always hear it coming and I remember one night it slept on my feet. Happy pots and wonderful embroidered dress :) xXx
ReplyDeleteI love that shade of blue, it always reminds me of Greece!
DeleteThose Forest cats are whoppers, aren't they?Mr Trousers is such a chatterbox, too! xxx
Your jumpsuit is a fab piece, the colour is fantastic, and so amazing shape. And you look fab in shorts and braids in your garden, such a delightful sunny day!
ReplyDeleteLooking lovely in your cotton dress and Lord Jon rocks that shirt!. Looking forward to read about the film (actually looking forward to watch it myself! it's been ages since we went to the movies!)
Love that Mr.Trousers is becoming a frequent visitor, he looks really comfy, basking in the sunshine!
besos
Thanks, Monica! I'm a bit in love with that jumpsuit!
DeleteOperation Mincement was fantastic, I think you and Mr A will love it, such a fascinating story, if I didn't know it was true I would have said it was far fetched! xxx
I'm glad Mr Trousers is being a good friend to you!
ReplyDeleteHe's such a cutie! xxx
DeleteMr Trousers and Ollie are excellent boys.
ReplyDeleteYour camisole is lovely! I've been thinking a lot about such things myself (more from a 'Victorian corset cover' angle), but have been thinking I'd have to make one. I guess the equivalent of a 30-year-old cami now would be a 90s slip dress, or one of those princess-seamed dresses with the buttons all the way up the front. Not sure 90s stuff was built to last in the same way, though.
They're such fun. I wish Ollie would get a bit closer, I suspect he's proper feral.
DeleteI was so pleased to find that cami - and or it to be the perfect fit. They're such useful things, much nicer than a cotton jersey vest. I bet you could easily whip one up, no dreaded sleeves! xxx