Tuesday 29 November 2022

Faith, Hope & Charity Shopping


After ticking off a few chores I spent most of Saturday messing about in the spare bedroom or, unofficially, my walk-in wardrobe which just happens to have a bed in the middle of it.


With half an ear on the football I emptied my wardrobes, gave them a clean and replaced everything I'd taken out, took down the summer suitcases from the top of the wardrobe, unpacked and refolded the contents and reorganised my vanity case of scarves, the hat and bag shelves, my boot rack and all of my jewellery storage. 


Having recently acquired a few new-to-me things, I followed my wardrobe rules of one in, three out and numerous garments, jewellery, hats and boots were moved to either the Kinky Shed or the charity shop bag which permanently hangs on the hall doorknob awaiting donations.


With the exception of an emergency coat and my wellies, everything I wear is in my two wardrobes and the two suitcases I store on top of them. 


Jon mended my vintage Stockman mannequin so she's no longer wonky and adjusted the size so her measurements match mine. I love dressing her up in potential outfits.


The vintage suede fringed waistcoat is a recent wardrobe addition. The eBay seller's description was charmingly honest:

This is my personal waistcoat from 1971.
It needs a clean as it was put away many years ago and never worn since the 70’s and I apologise for that.
Selling now as I’m moving house and need to declutter all the old things.
I’m sad to let it go - but the family don’t want it and I’m twice the size I was in 1971!


Sunday's outfit consisted of a heavy cotton block printed dress by Kharibu with my me-made tank top, vintage Rawhide charity-shopped coat and my second-hand Clarks boots. The 1960s Pakistani velvet and bullion work tote was a jumble sale find back in the last century.


We dropped off the donation bag and - needless to say - left with a freshly refilled bag containing....

A Banana Republic leather belt (made in Italy); a novel set in the favelas of Brazil, City of God by Paulo Lins (I've visited the country & seen the film twice, it's about time I read the book); A rather lovely pure silk cocktail dress; 1980s Made in India rayon maxi; Umbro day-glo swim shorts with tags attached; 1970s Tuscan sheepskin hat; 1990s suede one-shoulder top.

The hat's a keeper (I've already put three hats in the donation bag). 


Once the finds were photographed, laundered or stashed away, the rest of the day (and night) was spent watching the World Cup, armed with a crochet hook. For those of you who moan about World Cup football taking over everything, now you know how I feel about bloody Xmas...at least the World Cup's only once every four years!


This was Monday's outfit. A me-made tank top (which I crocheted over the weekend) worn with another Indian block printed dress by Kharibu and my 1960s turquoise leather coat. The vintage Indian silk screen printed scarf and alpaca beer mittens (bought from a trading neighbour at the End of the Road festival in 2014) were cast aside after my swim. I smashed my personal best and managed to average 30 seconds per lap. Next stop the Paris Olympics!


After breakfast in 'Spoons, we called into Lidl for a Waste Not box as well as some milk and a couple of pots of their delicious own-label Greek-style yoghurt. The two mile walk, half-mile swim and lugging this lot home is wonderful exercise and soon works off our indulgent Mushrooms Benedict breakfasts.


What can you get for £1.50 these days? All this. 

Monday was another day filled with World Cup football plus a bit of planning for next week's birthday adventure.


I woke up this morning sick with nerves...tonight's the night we play Wales for a place in the second round. Half an hour of planks, push-ups, side stands, jack knives, balance bridges and weights helped to calm me down. 
 

I wore red in support of our mighty Lions. A linen shirt and maxi skirt (both vintage Anokhi) with my secondhand Mascob for Liberty Badin jacket accessorised with a charity-shopped Aldo fedora, Medusa belt and Timberland boots and, being a match day, I wore my Nike official Three Lions leggings. Workout leggings are brilliant as underwear - they don't stick to your skirts like tights do thus eliminating the need to faff around with an underskirt. Charity shops are full of them, or at least ours are.

Talking of charity shops, this is what we found today.


This morning my lovely friend Kezzie's blog post outfit featured a pretty dress from Next's Morris & Co., collection and she mentioned how much better quality the garments were in comparison with the evil H&M William Morris range. Lo and behold, this morning I found a Next Morris & Co. top. 

How fab are these 1980s English-made deadstock sequinned satin boots? The lambswool & yak hair cardi is by Muji and currently retails at £59.95; the rose pink fake fur coat is by Miss Selfridge; there's a 1970s crochet granny square waistcoat, some suede Vans (the festival kids love them) and a 1980s St Moritz cotton dress; the velvet sombrero still has the price tag from a posh Mexican hotel attached. The 100% merino wool cardi is by East, has the original tags attached and cost £1 and it's gone straight into my woolens drawer!


In an attempt to distract myself from tonight's match, I've been baking. I've used some of the more bruised Lidl bananas in a vegan banana loaf. Yes, of course there's surf board in the kitchen, where else would we keep it?


The beer's open, the leggings are on and New Order's World In Motion is blasting out (the best football song ever made.) 

COME ON, ING-ER-LAND!!!

53 comments:

  1. OH Those sequin boots - squeeeee!
    Enjoy the footie xxx

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    1. Thanks, Elaine! Those boots are a 41 - want a heads up before I list them? xxx

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  2. You look fabulous as always Vix!
    The Waste Not Boxes from Lidi’s look incredible. I can’t imagine getting all that for that price. The cost of groceries in Canada is astonishing. You could maybe get the bananas alone for that price here.
    You have the most amazing charity shops. Someday I hope to get over to England to visit a few!
    Have a wonderful week.❤️

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    1. Thanks, Robin! The Lidl boxes are such good value, I love planning our meals around the contents, it makes us really think about what we're eating.
      If you you go get to England and need a charity shop guide, give me a shout! xxx

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  3. I'm going to be snowed in it seems until we shovel out and plows come, so baking does sound good. Oh wait, that will have to be later after my official work day ends. Nice finds in the shops, produce and clothing. Is need a nap after your day.

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    1. Oh dear, I don't envy you that snow! Baking sounds like a good diversion. I'm too wired to consider a nap, I'm swigging wine from a pint glass and annoying Jon! xxx

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  4. Your me made tank tops look fantastic over your frocks, well done.
    It’s football all the way in this house as well, so I better get a shimmy on with tea before it starts xxx

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    1. Thanks, Lynn! I love making those tank tops, they grow so quickly!
      I was supposed to make tea tonight but got distracted by blogging...tut tut! Enjoy the game! xxx

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  5. Loving today's outfit, maybe one of the best ever?

    Enjoy your footy . . .

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    1. Thanks, Jayne - I got lots of compliments especially from several Indian ladies who recognised the fabric!
      The match was phenomenal, Marcus Rashford was incredible! xxx

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  6. I love a peek into your walk-in wardrobe with a bed in the middle :-) One day, my wardrobe(s) will be as organized as yours, I swear, and I'm working on adopting your rule of one in and, if not three, than at least one out.
    I'm loving the Kharibu dresses worn with your granny square tank tops, which I have a feeling you'll have a whole collection of by the time the World Cup is finished!
    Today's outfit is stunning, and of course England will win since you're wearing THE leggings! xxx

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    1. You've got to be strict with what you keep although it's really hard when you keep finding great stuff, isn't it?
      I nearly started a new tank top today to work off the excess energy but managed to control myself.
      The leggings worked!!! xxx

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  7. That luxurious Tuscan sheepskin hat is calling to me!. Your assortment of fedoras is also humming an encouraging chorus. This year it's the high winds, rather than the low temps, that's chilling my bones, including my skull. The idea of wearing a heated tea-cozy inside the flat is beginning to appear less daft by the season. (We had an eccentric professor who was said to do this. She also kept sheep and knitted socks from their wool to wear with her Birkenstocks. Not my style, but she was warm.)

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    1. I hate the wind! I love my white and dark brown sheepskin hats so I was thrilled to spot this lighter brown shade. They really are like having an eco-system on your head. I might wear mine this morning, it was really nippy out yesterday.
      Socks and 'Stocks are a great combo, Jon favours the socks and Crocs look and keeps telling me that I need to learn how to crochet mens socks rather than tank tops! xxx

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  8. Well done on the wardrobe front! I tidy mine periodically but it never stays that way for long!
    I had to smile at the photo of you lifting your skirt up. I did wonder what was going on, but all is clear now. I hadn't considered wearing workout leggings as substitute thermals - good call!
    Those sequined boots are something to behold and still in good condition. I'm sure they will be snapped up!
    I'm typing this with the TV coverage of the England match on in the background. The last time I did so, they scored lots of goals! xxx

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    1. It feels good to get on top of it, one garment per hanger and everything facing the right way!
      Workout leggings are a revelation, smooth, static-free and they stay put (unlike many tights, Snag being an exception!)
      You having the football on in the background and me in my lucky leggings obviously did the trick. Same again on Sunday? xxx

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  9. I'm avoiding the footie, but then I become a gogglebox addict when the Olympics or athletics are on so it's the same thing just a different passion. TYM loves the beautiful game and he and his mates have booked this weekend away so they can sit and watch it all. It does mean that I'm getting on with other jobs though! Was watching a documentary about Boy George on Youtube yesterday and he showed where he lived in Walsall. Arilx

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    1. I know you love your athletics and olympics - I do, too - especially the swimming, gymnastics and boxing! How lovely that TYM is having a footie weekend away. As much as the later timing is a nightmare for the Premiership it's fab to have football on the TV when the weather's awful and the TV is usually full of mawkish Xmas ads.
      I need to find that documentary. I used to love seeing him around town in his mad outfits! xxx

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  10. Love that little pink furry jacket:) well done on your swimming, that's super fast, it takes me about 50 seconds to do a 25 metre length on a good day, you must be going like a whirlwind!

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    1. Isn't the fake fur a lovely colour? I collect them all year and have a rail of them at our last festival of the year when the nights are cold. I have a feeling it'll be the first to go.
      The other people at the baths call me "the swimmer", most of them hold on to the sides chatting! xxx

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    2. grrrr blogger putting me as anonymous again! (Betty, woodfairy fyi) and ps your hair is still looking fabulous

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    3. Hooray - it's you! When you mentioned swimming I thought it might be! xxx

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  11. I love that vintage Rawhide charity-shopped coat! :)

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    1. Thanks, Nikki! I was thrilled to find it! xxx

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  12. I'm less strict on the one-in-one (or three!) out rule in my closet, as I tend to purge in fits or as things piss me off. I love getting a glimpse of your closet, and you know I love seeing what you find in the thrifts. I love the description of the fringed vest from the seller - I'm glad you gave it a good home, Vix! Go, England!

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    1. England won!!!! I'm so happy!
      I'm freakishly disciplined when it comes to my possessions, I think it comes from growing up with my Mum who was a hoarder (our house resembled those you'd see on TV shows). I like having loads of stuff but set a limit otherwise I feel a bit panick-y!
      Isn't the seller's description of the fringed waistcoat sweet? I love knowing a garment's personal history. xxx

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  13. I don't mind the football but just don't want to watch it myself. CBC caught the end of the match when he gor home.
    Your tanks look lovely! I really like them.
    You did well on the chazzer purchases. How funny about the Next top!
    I would love a Lidl box but I just can't seem to get out of school before 6 and then it is too much to carry my bike and pannier round the store and grab a box! Haven't actually seen any recently. Maybe today I can just get straight out at 5 after staff meeting and then get back into school before it shuts to drop off what i can't carry and fetch my bike? X

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    1. I'm glad CBC managed to catch the end of the match, it was an epic win. I didn't think I could love Marcus Rashford any more than I already do!
      I had to smile when I spotted that Next top, it certainly feels better than the H&M stuff.
      It sounds like a right palaver with the Lidl boxes. Our store still has them well into the afternoon but, depending on the contents, it can be tricky trying to carry it home on foot let alone on a bike! xxx

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  14. The fringe vest is great , love the truthful backstory. My you are organised in your walk in robe , I need to follow your one in , one out as mine is getting out of hand.
    You look so good in that lovely red outfit. You are doing brilliantly with your crochet vests . Best of luck with the football..

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    1. I love an honest seller like that. I was expecting the waistcoat to be filthy but it's immaculate! xxx

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  15. Oooh you reminded me, I have two bananas that have been screaming to be turned into banana bread for a couple of days now. I better get on before they turn into a sickly-sweet puddle. The dummy's head modelling that sheepskin hat is scary!!

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    1. Oh yes, get those bananas mashed up before nature takes over.
      That's a highly sought after 1960s Twiggy head - Jon searched for one for months for my 40th birthday present! xxx

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  16. This has been a gentle read after the feelings brought by listening to this soldier.
    https://publish.twitter.com/?query=https%3A%2F%2Ftwitter.com%2FDefenceU%2Fstatus%2F1597470159391887366&widget=Tweet

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    1. Thanks for sharing that video, Ruth. It puts whining about the spiralling energy costs into perspective, doesn't it? xxx

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  17. Beautiful outfits as always - you look so cosy! I am loving your crochet tank tops and you found a crocheted waistcoat at the chazzas too, did you keep it? Loved the sequinned boots and the cocktail dress looks fab. I have a black plastic sack gradually filling up with donations.

    Well done on your swimming! I swim 100 metres in just over 3 mins and can usually swim 48 laps or 1 mile in 58/59 minutes. I would love to be able to carry on swimming until I felt I couldn't continue any further but unfortunately our sessions are all 60 mins only...

    I still haven't seen another Lidl veg box - I reckon they go early and as I shop after 12 noon on Thursday I'll have to go earlier one day and see if they're still available. I love Lidl's own brand Greek yogurt, too...
    xxx

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    1. Thanks, Vronni! I wasn't keen on the colours of the waistcoat so I'm using it as a pattern and shall endeavour to replicate it. There's always a bag on the go here, we never go to the clearance chazza without handing something over even if it's only a paperback!
      Our swimming times are quite generous. We can stay in the pool as long as it's a public swimming/adults only session (up to around 3 hours). I'd swim a mile or so each visit if Jon didn't get so twitchy. It's like having a toddler! Mind you, if I went on my own I know I'd find it hard not to talk to everyone and get nothing done.
      We've popped into Lidl in the afternoon and there's still been a couple of boxes available, the majority of the shoppers in our Lidl tend to be a bit posh and probably think those boxes are beneath them! xxx

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  18. I'll second the suggestion to wear leggings beneath skirts. I sleep in them as well. Nice crocheting!

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    1. Thank you! I'd have to be on my deathbed (or dead drunk) to wear anything in bed, it feels wrong! xxx

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  19. Love your Kharibu dresses with those cute crochet tank tops, you created such fabulous ensembles, lovely colour combos!. Those coats and boots are fab too!
    Your spare bedroom looks really tidy and full of treasures and joy!, love when everything is visible so you can pick and wear it immediately!. I have to get some inspiration from your 'one in, three out' motto and get stuff done myself!.
    Isn't it lovely when a seller is not only honest but also tells about her garment's story?, and it works, as buyers appreciate it!. That fringed waistcoat looks magnificent, such a happy find!
    I'm always amazed by your Lidl boxes!. I'd have to pay 1,50€ for two onions, as food prices are spiraling out of control (I blame on speculation!)
    You rock your lucky red outfit, those leggings are cool and matchy and love those block printed pieces, so delightful!. Lovely that you can find some workout leggings at chazzas, they look comfy and warm!
    I suspect that your collection of tanktops is going to increase!, there's still so much football to watch!
    besos​

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    1. Thanks, Monica! Tank tops are the future. You're right, with all the football I might come down with RSI with my spectator crochet!
      I hate it when the wardrobe gets messy, I like stuff as long as there's a place to keep it all, I can't think straight when my wardrobe becomes a floor-drobe! xxx

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  20. Mornin' Vix. I'm sitting in the local library catching up on everyone's posts today. I adore that red outfit and the leggings are a great idea. I might have a browse around the charity shops when I'm in town next week. It's definitely weather for layering up.

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    1. Hello my dear! Lovely to hear from you. I hope you manage to snaffle a few pairs of exercise leggings - they stay put (unlike most tights!) xxx

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  21. Just coming back to say:
    1. Enjoy your birthday adventures!
    2. A surfboard in the kitchen looks so much easier to work around than something like a motorbike (ahem) - not in our current abode - but I do miss it lol
    3. Your wardrobe-taming is inspiring. I have just has to relocate my big rail to an inside wall location as things are starting to feel so cold (thankfully not damp). I've also repurposed some lighting so I can see what I'm doing (it's the high ceiling thing where you can only see very clearly at ground level if you are 8 feet tall lol). I have been pruning my wardrobe for AGES and have come to the conclusion that I just like too many things/am so old my collection is large/I'm so lucky to have gorgeous things so stop bleating lol
    4. Next x William Morris - we have Morris wallpaper/linen/curtains - if I bought a frock then it would be a bit trippy ....

    Stay warm all xx

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    1. Thanks so much, Elaine! I've decided to go out for my birthday - out of the country! This year I want to sit in the sunshine with a large glass of Rioja.
      If Jon could get a VW campervan in the kitchen he probably would, I'm already having to climb over a tailgate to get upstairs at the moment!
      Well done on shifting your clothes rail and getting some lighting sorted. Isn't it a joy to love absolutely every garment you own? I've got to the point where I close my eyes, pull something from the wardrobe and wear it rather than trying to decide what to wear the night before, I love it all!
      I saw the William Morris homewares on the Next website and nearly died with lust - is it wrong to want to sell your soul for a bath towel? xxx

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  22. Looking good as always ! I love swimming but having 3 under nine it’s getting the time.
    I used to love swimming underwater. That is probably because I’m a Pisces and l love water.
    I have tried watching the football. But I usually fall asleep lol. Paul said that he would rather watch paint dry!! But he has sat with me and I love his comments. They are so funny.
    I always wear leggings under skirts a lot of Japanese women do. So warm and cosy.
    Plus the fact I hate tights!! But you can’t win them all. Love and hugs Allie

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    1. Thanks, darling! I wouldn't be able to cope with one small child let alone three, I take my (swimming) hat off to you! There's a couple of people who swim underwater at the baths, I've named one of them Thetis after Achilles mum, a Greek sea goddess. She keeps rearing out of the water and scaring us half to death.
      I much prefer leggings to tights until Liz bought me some Snag tights for my birthday a couple of years ago - have a look at their amazing size inclusive website, they're one for the Xmas list! xxx

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  23. I love your crocheted pieces- a perfect item to pair with summer dresses in colder weather. And look at your Waste Not package. Just the blueberries alone would cost way more here in Melbourne! X


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    1. Thanks, Jess! Blueberries are around £1.79 a punnet here so the box was worth it for those alone! xxx

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  24. You are rocking the granny squares Vix. Very impressed with your £1.50 food haul. I am currently using an app ' Too good to go' - where local cafes & eateries do 'magic bags' at the end of each day. Your banana bread looks scrumptious xXx

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    1. Thanks, Lulu! I've read several blogs about that Too Good To Go app, it sounds like a good idea. xxx

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  25. I have a couple of the Next Morris & Co pieces - I'm a sucker for Morris.

    I bet the original owner of that waistcoat is really pleased you've got it - they clearly loved it, and it's gone to the best of homes.

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    1. Thank you so much! The Next William Morris collection seems to be so much better quality than the H&M collection, doesn't it? xxx

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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