Wednesday 7 September 2022

It's The End of the Road!



That's it - our final festival of 2022, done and dusted.

Hello Sailor! On Thursday Jon wore a captain's hat (Corfu) & an Anokhi scarf (Mumbai) along with a charity shopped snazzy shirt, espadrille & short combo

What can I say? Yet again End of the Road was phenomenal. After leaving home at 7am we rocked up at the Larmer Tree Gardens in Dorset just after 10am on Wednesday morning, set up in time to open to the general public at 1.30pm on Thursday and were so insanely busy that we didn't even leave the stall until  midnight on Saturday.

It's falling apart but I still love it - my 1970s Bernshaw maxi with my Asbeau headdress

You'll recognise Amelie, our mates Shilpa Silver's gorgeous daughter, from previous festival posts. She and boyfriend, Papine, were our first customers on Thursday morning, snaffling (amongst other things) this vintage jumpsuit & fake fur coat. Aren't they a gorgeous couple? I was never that cool at 16! 




It was gone midnight when we shut up shop on Thursday, already smashing all previous years sales.

Wearing: Topshop 1990s sequin bustier, vintage psych maxi skirt (courtesy of Ann & Jos)

Between customers we were visited by friends we've made over the years we've been trading (and partying) at End of the Road, including Nicky. 

Friday: Jon wears a 1960s leisure shirt & 1950s Levi Panatella denim shorts (flea market, Goa, 2010)


We know Jenny from both previous EotRs (HERE) and the much-missed Indietracks who introduced us to her beau, Russell (a fellow 1966 baby), he kept us hydrated with a few Pimms.




These cousins are only 13 years old and they've already got amazing style and excellent taste in music. Their vintage black leather jackets were Kinky purchases. They were very excited to learn that their idols, The Idles, had visited our stall at Glastonbury, 2019.


Rachel started off as a customer but is now a friend I regularly "chat" with on Facebook. The Indian block printed maxi used to be mine and I can't think of a better new owner. Check out her amazing handmade jewellery HERE. Freya was a little girl when we first met, now she's taller than her mum (and an ace skateboarder) - the vintage Kangol hat was just one several of her Kinky buys.



These ladies are part of a gang of regulars who buy dresses from me each year (HERE they are in 2021). The black cape-sleeved floral maxi was this year's buy. 


Last year this young woman bought two psychedelic maxi dresses which both previously belonged to me. I was so excited to see her still wearing (and loving) them - and looking like an absolute goddess.


I'm sure you'll recognise these two beauties, they visit and buy every year (check them out HERE). The vintage Panda hat has been worn and loved by me for over a decade and I couldn't be happier for Dawn to give it a new life.....




Saturday's outfits - Jon's in a 1980s Danish-made rayon shirt printed with prancing horses and Moghul emperors whilst I'm in the mermaid dress purchased a couple of days before we left (strangely, both came from the same Walsall charity shop exactly a year to the day apart). 


This chap is part of a group of four - they never fail to impress with their outfits.


Luckily, we're positioned right opposite the main stage, so had a prime viewing spot for The Pixies f*cking awesome headline set - can it really be thirty-three years since I bought Monkey Gone to Heaven on 12" vinyl? - and after the thousands had dispersed, we rolled down the shop front, stuffed a bag with booze and headed into the woods for some fun.


1960s psychedelic maxi by Louis Caring (nicked from the Kinky stock), insane sequin kimono (Larmer Tree festival, 2018)

We danced and hung out with some of our favourite customers (and made a few new friends) to Tom Ravenscroft's brilliant DJ set at the Boat Disco,  rolling home at 2.30am.

Beautiful Adele from Tallulah escaped from her stall for a chat and a cheeky purchase (or three) several times over the weekend. Here we are on Sunday morning looking bright and a bit battered. 

Vintage maxi dress, made in California by Hollywood Charmer (courtesy of my friend, Cheryl)

Jess and Stuart are some of the new friends we'd made in the woods a few hours earlier when we'd bonded over bastard massive sequins, it was lovely to see them again (Jess bought this divine mallard green velvet blazer).



Helen and her beautiful daughter Grace have been shopping with us since Grace was a schoolgirl. She's studied painting in Florence and is now in her second year at university and her talent is astonishing (check out her website HERE). This year Helen bought the vintage Welsh wool cape and Grace purchased two pairs of stompy boots (including the ox-blood leather flatforms she's wearing).

 
We met Dom and her partner Paul at Truck in 2016 and they've been popping by to visit ever since (including this year's Glasto). This year Dom bought a psychedelic print cotton maxi skirt. We blamed them for keeping us out until the early hours. 

We rolled down the shopfront after Sunday's Bright Eyes set, packed up what was left of the stock (we sold more than half) and headed off to the Teepee stage to catch Yard Act who were expected on stage at 11.15pm but, due to a particularly violent electrical storm, we were evacuated before the gig started and went for a wander in the deserted woods. 





 A friendly security guard tipped us off, saying that Yard Act were just about to start so we rushed back to the Teepee tent. If you're not familiar with them, they're a raucous, post-punk guitar band from Leeds, think The Fall meets Sleaford Mods. We were wildly excited to spot the bass guitarist wearing the vintage Levi's Panatela jacket he'd bought from us earlier in the weekend on stage. 


Check out their latest single, Fixer Upper HERE.


On Monday afternoon, after embracing our trader family for the final time this year, we headed back home stopping at Gloucester Services for a tea of posh sandwiches & crisps on the car park (after five days without showering it was probably for the best).


What an amazing summer.....and it ain't over yet!

53 comments:

  1. It was so good to catch up with you! We love our purchases. See you next year. Thank you for the mention of my work and the link🙏🏼
    Big hugs xxxx

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    1. It was a joy to see you after so long! Your work is incredible, I'm delighted to be able to share your talent! xxx

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  2. this sounds like a glorious end!
    nice to see all your happy customers and i totally loooove that sequinned kimono!!
    thanx for the music..... the pixis were one of the first gigs i watched after fleeing GDR - the other were the lemon heads......
    xxxx

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    1. Thanks, Beate! The Lemonheads, that's another blast from the past. I was amazed at how many young festival goers seemed to know every lyric of The Pixies songs. There is hope for the younger generation after all! xxx

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  3. Utterly fabulous in all of its fabulousness! Holiday next? x

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    1. Thank you! Yes - another trip to Greece awaits! xxx

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  4. That all looked fabulous - I thought the 4th photo was you with the young man at first Vix x

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    1. It was, Flis! I'm very flattered to be mistaken for a 16 year old - I'm old enough to be her grandma! xxx

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  5. Absolutely LOVE that this post is full of Kinky customers all wearing their purchases! What a compliment and I'm THRILLED you managed to sell so much! I LOVE that first floral jumpsuit and the red blockprint maxi! So gorgeous!
    End of the Road looks a great festival!
    I didn't go to Smugglers festival in the end as I was too worried about school (and hadn't done all my work). I did end up getting a lot done on the Sunday but just not a fraction of what needed to be done. However, it looked SUCH a lovely festival as there was Ceilidh dancing, making willow whistles and all sorts of loveliness so I am trying SO hard not to have regrets!!!xx
    You said goodbye to the purple and silver hat! For some reason, it always makes me think of a witch's hat from a children's book I read but I can't remember which!
    Your sequin kimono is gorgeous! There was a kids one of those in our local charity shop but it was aged 12-13 and over-sized in white pearly sequins. I almost bought it as I loved it but decided that some little girl with her Mum needed the joy of finding that!
    xx

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    1. Thanks so much, Kezzie!
      What a shame you didn't get to go to Smugglers, it looked lovely when I Googled it but with everything you had going on it made sense to give it a miss.
      I hope the return to school hasn't been too stressful. xxx

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  6. That looks like a blast from start to (exhausted) finish. What a fabulous way to end the festival season. The fun you had just oozes out of your words and photos. xx

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    1. Thanks, Jayne! I loved every minute, already excited about new year! xxx

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  7. Oh my gosh, what a grand post, full of happy smiling people in their finery! I'm so glad you did a great business, Vix and Jon! Wandering in the woods with booze sounds like an excellent time!

    Vix, thank you so much for your kind words about Vizzini. He's still very chipper and has not given in to moping (unlike his owners). He's even chasing down kitty treats again! Big hugs to you both - I know you care. XO She

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    1. I'm so glad that Vizzini is doing well, Sheila. I've been thinking of all three of you everr since I read your post. xxx

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  8. What a way to end your festival season. Easy to see you both had not only a succesful trading tie but so much fun catching up with friends and customers. Lovely to meet so many of your happy customers, no wonder they keep coming coming back for all your great stock. Enjoy the dog days of Summer Vix. xxx

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    1. Thanks, Jill! I count several of our customers are friends - it's lovely to meet up with them at night and have a dance! xxx

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  9. Sound like a great way to end 2022 season.
    Coffee is on and stay save

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  10. Now that the whirl of fabulous festivals has done - have you read Two Under the Indian Sun? Just finished it, and it's fascinating. Also The Offer is a mini-series on Amazon Prime (US) about the making of The Godfather and it's got 70s style and excellent casting. For that matter, The Godfather is a heck of a read too. : ) Congratulations on your successful season!

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    1. Thanks for those tips, Elizabeth. I'm always after recommendations for Tv and books. I've read several Rumer Godden books but not that one, I shall add it to my wishlist! xxx

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  11. All that colour and good vibes. People need that now more than ever. Looks like you had a blast. For those of us who sell at events you can't beat face to face contact when so much of what we do is online. If my memory serves me right I seem to remember that you've got a well deserved break coming up. Arilx

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    1. It was wonderful. I think people are embracing joyful dressing and having fun even more post pandemic.
      You're right - we're off in a few hours...eeekkk! xxx

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  12. What a incredible end to the Festie season!
    Everyone looks glorious in their Kinky clothes!
    I saw Bright Eyes on Monday in the rather less fabulous surroundings of the 02 Institute 🙂
    Have a great weekend xxx

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    1. I bet you had a fab time at Bright Eyes' gig - they were mesmerising! xxx

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  13. The festival season gone in the blink of an eye....

    It looks like you had tremendous fun and I love that you have a relationship with a lot of your customers and the clothes they buy. Everyone looked amazing in their Kinky melon purchases. Both you and Jon looked fantastic but then you always do! I hope you had fun in the woods.

    I bet you enjoyed your shower when you had it!
    xxx

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    1. Thanks, Vronni! there's nothing like that first hot shower! xxx

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  14. What fun to see the young people living vintage. I should have gotten a photo of my daughter in her bright coral jump suit she packed for Spain. She tried to step up her game in the wardrobe department with her thrifted finds of cropped tops, dresses, funky pants, nixed in with her jeans and sweater Staples.

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    1. The jumpsuit sounds fab. She'll love how the clothes conscious Mediterranean women dress, flamboyantly and not at all bothered by age appropriateness or their size. xxx

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  15. Looks like you had a successful festival season! Love that you finally were able to have a full season (of your choosing!) and catch up with so many vendors, friend and clients! The social aspect has been very limited for the past two years, hasn't it?

    Hmmm... Waiting to hear what is next!

    ...Taja 🏜️

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    1. Thanks, Taja! It feels like the last two years was all a bad dream now! xxx

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  16. Sounds like you had a lovely end to,your season. I love to see what other other festival wearers wear. It always amazes me as I wonder what they look like out of festival outfits.
    Many ex festival outfits end up on our rails. And it’s so nice to meet up with customers as well. And see them grow up as well.
    Kids are back at school and they look really cute.

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    1. Thanks, Allie. I love festival fashion - its so lovely when people leave who they are at the gates and just go for it without worrying what anyone else thinks of them, isn't it? xxx

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  17. What a fantastic time you had, although I appreciate you both also worked very hard. All the friends and punters that bought from you wore amazing things and you did too :) betty

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    1. Thanks, Betty! I hope you're having a wonderful time in Malta! xxx

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  18. wow, what a Great Post!, love to see all the colours and fun and really fantastic people looking so Fabulous! (and so talented too, I've visited their websites and admired their Art)
    Obviously, your headpiece totally enhances your festival goddess attitude! My favourite thing is that massive sequins kimono!, totally perfect with your colourful californian dress and looking like dressed in an impressionist painting only shinier!.
    And love to see young people enjoying vintage and rocking it!
    besos

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    1. Thanks, Monica! There's little to beat a music festival - apart from a holiday! xxx

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  19. There is no American parallel, yet still every American I've spoken to is stunned at the passing of the Queen. A woman I know is mourning. Perhaps you relied on her, perhaps the feeling is orders of magnitude other than that, perhaps the Sex Pistols were on your page, it's odd ground to tread but the death of Queen Elizabeth is disorienting all the way across the pond, and it felt remiss to not acknowledge her inevitable but still shocking passing. Should you care to delve into your feelings, I couldn't be the only one who'd be fascinated. I hope all is well.

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    1. Hello Elizabeth. Thanks so much for the comment. I've not a monarchist and never watched the Queen's speech on Xmas Day or paid much attention to the televised royal weddings or jubilee celebrations over the years. I can't say I was shocked by Elizabeth's death but I must admit to feeling a little discombobulated knowing she's gone. I've been fascinated by today's TV footage of Charles being declared king and rather enjoyed the pomp and ceremony after centuries of it being performed behind closed doors. xxx

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    2. Whew - praise that! First wrote 'relied on her or despised her (in all caps, even)' and then thought best not be glib. I mean, the lady in my book club cried - and she's Canadian! In any case, this man's take made me laugh out loud, maybe it'll do the same for you? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-SvlXt65lSE

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  20. what a great end to your trading season.

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  21. Oh what a time you have had and what a thrill to meet such talented folks! The last photo of you is an absolute corker! Enjoy your holiday! xxx

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  22. Wow, I love reading your posts, Vix! What a fabulous time you've had, in a perfect position to view the performances. Your customers look absolutely amazing in all their purchases. It's so cool seeing items from your closet being worn by other people. X

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  23. Oh wow!! absolutely amazing. How wonderful that through selling your treasures you make so many new friends and get to see them year after year on your travels.

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  24. It is lovely you have so many festival friends to catch up with!

    You look like a Fae queen wandering the woods to lure mortals away!

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    1. It's hard work but an absolute joy! A few people likened me to Mavolent! xxx

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  25. It is a joy seeing people wearing and loving things from your shop. You have very stylish customers.

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  26. End of the Road looks and sounds as fabulous as it does every year. As are all your and Jon's outfits, and your spectacular headpiece. Lovely to see your customers showing off their purchases with panache! xxx

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    1. Thanks, Ann. It's an absolute joy and I'm always a bit sad when its over. xxx

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Lots of love, Vix