Friday 25 November 2022

Getting To The Bell-Bottom Of It (and other stories)



When we popped over to Moseley Vintage Hub last week I bought Graziella's entire stock of vintage clothes. My '70s silver lurex maxi by Bernshaw, which I'd bought from her in the past remains, to this day, my favourite festival outfit....


Most of the clothes went straight into next year's festival stash but I had to keep this stunning '60s suede mini skirt.


 I wore it on Wednesday, layered up with my trusty M&S Heatgen thermal polo neck & leggings (bought as factory seconds from eBay and now into their third Winter) along with the Timberland waxed leather boots which are rapidly becoming the new footwear favourite.


Here's a close-up of the vintage Made in Canada copper and turquoise cuff & pendant my Mum was given by her longtime boyfriend Bob after he'd visited Canada in 1966, shortly before she dumped him for my Dad. Sheila has the same pendant, I always think of her when I wear it.


Wednesday means charity shopping and this week we came back with....Y2K Levis Engineered Denim bomber jacket; 1960s beaded cocktail bag; 1970s Hepworths leather blazer; An assortment of 1980s deadstock hair clips; Dark Star (indie Goth boutique) velvet and rayon handkerchief hem maxi dress; 1970s belted leather jacket; 1990s St Michael 100% wool classic camel coat; 1970s dagger collar lurex blouse; 1980s Slik 7 anorak; 1980s Katy Baker oversized rose print shirt; lace-up & boned satin corset (a festival favourite); Red or Dead nubuck boots; Levis denim leggings


I had to giggle at a message from my friend, Wayne who'd just come back from the Walsall Society of Artists exhibition at the New Art Gallery and overheard two women discussing Liz's painting of me....


"...you mean you don't know Vintage Vix!? I was told about her from someone in America!" Internationally famous, that's me!


Needless to say, we spent the day - and night - watching World Cup football. Later, I cracked open my 71st book of the year which my friend Lynn had passed on. A chapter in and I was already captivated.


The beauty of Thursday morning's sunrise belies the sadness which lay ahead.


 The little feral tabby, Ollie, who lived in the cat colony in the old windmill until the developers moved in, hasn't been popping in as often as he had and the last couple of times we'd seen him he'd been in a poor state. Shortly after taking this photo he turned up for breakfast, wandered into the house and sat in the hallway. On the advice of the vet, we called the RSPCA who promised to come round and take a look at him but warned us that they were rushed off their feet and it might be the afternoon before they could reach us. A couple of hours later he settled into the cat box we'd left open in the kitchen which Jon promptly closed, called the vets who offered to don some protective gear and take a look at him. To cut a long story short, he was sedated for investigation and Laura, the vet, discovered that his teeth were horrendous, his kidneys had completely failed and that it was highly unlikely he'd survive surgery despite us offering to pay whatever it took to make him better so, sadly we had to let him go. The vet and the receptionist told us that we were amazing for doing our best for a poor, defenceless feral cat but we can't help but feel we've failed him. If only he'd let us get close to him when he first started turning up all those months ago.


Anyway, you don't read my blog for self-pity and misery so here's something far more cheerful - the completed granny square cardi I've been working on for the last ten days.

Worn with the previous day's Levis denim leggings. The Celtic & Co handmade suede Chelsea boots were a retail buy last winter, paid for by selling a couple of pairs of boots I hadn't worn in ages (buy quality and you'll often get your money back (and, in my case, a lot more) if you decide to sell them a few years along the line.

Last year Jon was asked by the NHS to take part in the Galleri GRAIL trial (details HERE) and has to give a sample of blood once a year. By way of a thank you he's given a £10 Sainsbury's gift voucher after each appointment which, of course, he had to spend on treats - we ate half the pizza each last night, the second half will be Friday's tea.

In the mood for more crochet I had a rummage through my wool stash and made a two-way tank top with one eye on the football, of course! 

What with Thursday's cat trauma we'd missed swimming so popped down this morning for our twice weekly half-mile. Jon turned his phone off and we successfully managed to avoid any football talk whilst out so we could watch the Wales Vs Iran match on catch-up when we got home. Poor Wales, who were run ragged by a much feistier Iran.

I wore this 1960s suede mini dress, bought from the legendary Second to None, back in 2014 along with a vintage Liberty silk scarf snaffled from a car boot sale in November 2009.

Sorry love but that's got to be two quid 'cos it's designer. Bargain!

As usual, we walked home from the baths via the market where I spotted this unworn leather jacket on a secondhand stall for £8. I know Danier from Sheila's blog as she's a big fan of the Canadian company. It was going to go in the stockroom until Lord Jon made the fatal mistake of trying it on. 


 Talking of fame, fellow Black Country girl and hippy chick Sophia recently interviewed me for a feature on her blog and her questions were brilliant. You can read her interview HERE 


Tonight's the night - we're playing the USA. I'll shortly be changing into my lucky leggings, pouring a large rum and joining my Lundby family in front of the TV. 

Come on, England!!!!

63 comments:

  1. Oh that poor little cat. So poorly but I am glad that he had your kindness at the end of his life.
    I am not watching the footie but I did see the masses of excited Welsh children in breakfast news all waiting to watch the match. How disappointing for them, I bet there were tears!
    Wishing England a much better match. I never understand the post match chat where the pundits tell you what happened in the match you have just seen for yourself!

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    1. I'm so sad that we couldn't have done more but we just couldn't get close to him.
      I kept thinking of how disappointed those Welsh school children would be when i watched the match, I bet there were a few tears, poor things.
      That post match analysis drives me mad too! xxx

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  2. I had a tank top like that crochet one when I was 15. Pour me a rum and coke and I'll read my book while you watch the football. X

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    1. You'd be most welcome. Jon's just produced a jar of Greek bergamot lemons in syrup from Lidl, come over, we'll share them! xxx

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  3. So sad about the little cat but you offered him love and kindness, he took as much as he wanted/needed and I hope you won't feel you failed him. On the fashion front I do like those mini skirts, have had similar myself in the 70s and they are so trendy again this Winter. Hair's looking fantastic and your crochet - well clever but to do it with one eye on the footy - very skilled :)

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    1. Thanks, Betty! The vet and the reception staff said the same thing but I feel so sad that we couldn't have done more. If only he'd let us get close.
      Mini skirts seem to be having a moment, I used to live in them but haven't worn one in ages. They're great in winter with thermal leggings. I've sold a few on eBay recently.
      I can't tell you how many times I unravelled that tank top, distracted by the Brazil game last night! xxx

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  4. Oh, dear wee Ollie - I hope he is frolicking with Stephen and our other furry friends over the Rainbow Bridge. Big hugs to you and I will give Vizzini extra snuggles for him (and you). Best vibes to you and Jon (tender-hearted cat people that you both are), dear Vix. Ollie knew he had good friends in you and you brightened his last days/weeks/months, for sure.

    Must thank you for the kind link/shout-out - there's "our" pendant, and how fun that you found my beloved Danier leather over the pond! Yes, they are amazing quality garments, not surprised that Jon snagged it for himself. Absolutely in lurve with your new suede mini and those waxed boots.

    Go, England! I should be cheering for Canada, lol, but I admit it, we are shite! :D

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    1. Thanks so much, Sheila. We don't seem to have much luck with cats of late I'd love to borrow Vizzini for a day or so, I've forgotten what cat cuddles feel like!
      I think by wearing "our" pendant I magicked up that Danier jacket, the lining is gorgeous, with a lovely bird motif. Jon's very impressed with the quality and the fancy interior pockets!
      England weren't great last night but hopefully did enough to get through. The pundits are all full of praise for Canada , it helps that you've got a Brit managing the team! xxx

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  5. Oh Vix, I was sorry to hear about Ollie - but so glad you could gave him peace.
    The crochet project is a triumph and the little tank is so cute :) I love the print on the Liberty scarf - and such a bargain too.
    Enjoy the game! xx

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    1. Thanks so much, Elaine. I wished we could have done more for Ollie but he was truly feral and would never trust us to get close.
      That amazing Toast tank top was the inspiration for making mine. I'm off to play with dresses it might work with! xxx

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  6. England flag out over here, Vix! So sorry about little Ollie. Knowing cats they tend to take themselves away when in pain so the fact that he came to you for help shows that he trusted you. In no doubt what an animal lover you are, even without reading you'd offered to pay for any treatment. You couldn't have done more. Do you think in time you'd consider a little rescue cat? Louise X

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    1. Morning, Louise! The game wasn't as good as I'd hoped but I'm keeping everything crossed that we've done enough to get through.
      Animals have such a strange sixth sense. Ollie had never ventured further than the hallway before Thursday, he must have known that the only way he'd be helped was to venture inside and climb into the cat box.
      I'd love another cat but I'm not sure I can deal with the heartbreak, I follow a couple of local rescue centres on Facebook and I'm so tempted. xxx

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  7. So sad to hear about Ollie. We lost a dog called Ollie in 1992 and I often think of him. He came to stay with us at university for two years and we brought him home. He had a favourite chair that he sat on in our student house and he growled at anyone who tried to sit on it. Love the interview about your wonderful business. I have never been to a festical and would love to go. X

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    1. Animals break our hearts, don't they? Even though I knew Ollie would never be a house cat, he became part of our lives and I still keep thinking I can see him sitting on the doorstep waiting for a bowl of cat food.
      I had such fun answering Sophia's questions. You really should do a festival next year, you'd have such fun. xxx

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  8. Hugs on Ollie. You gave him a good end and he knew you would look after him. So kind. More hugs.

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    1. Gah! We've never beaten the USA, I was hoping last night was the night! xxx

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  10. I have read your blog for years but had to comment about Ollie.You did the best you could for him and made his passing swift . You and Jon did much more than most people would do. Thank-you for your kindness.
    Gail from PA. USA

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    1. I really appreciate you popping over and leaving that kind comment, Gail. xxx

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  11. Take that Toast .., your crochet is looking absolutely fab. I resorted to a crochet pattern I had for the construction which starts ‘ bottom up’. So first I made my random granny blocks and then I crocheted the bottom rib, employed the ‘join as you go’ method for the blocks with infill where necessary and then shamelesslyncopied the Toast neckline which I could see was trebles with treble two together for the decreases. Just need to join the shoulder seams together and edge the armholes and sides possibly doing some subtle shaping and make knitted I-cords for the ties. Seeing your pics makes me think I should keep this one for me and make another for daughter. How could I forget my first ever pair of bell bottoms made from navy jersey with a tunic button through top with gilt buttons which I accessorised with a gilt chain belt and homemade velvet choker!. I was 11 and this was 1971 and Mum made the trouser suit of course. Loved the Brazil v Serbia game but England v USA was a turn off - ended up listening to Dvorak’s New World Symphony (live on Radio 3 last night) with the TV sound off while crocheting. Feeling sad about Ollie too. Do you have a cat Vix? I am without a cat now and miss my feline friend. Sarah x

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    1. Morning, Sarah! I keep looking at that Toast tank top and wondering how I could replicate it, your clear explanation makes me think I might. You ought to keep the one you're making for yourself and make another, crochet is such a comforting pastime on a dreary Winter's night (or a welcome distraction when the football isn't as good as you'd hoped).
      Ah, those velvet chokers and tunics. I've got some wonderful 1970s dressmaking patterns featuring similar outfits which I always mean to make up but never find the perfect fabric.
      Soothing music sounds like the perfect diversion from last night's match. Brazilian football is incredible, we went to a match when we travelled to Brazil many years ago, the fans were so passionate the locals we were with insisted I had an armed guard when I went to the loo at half time.
      We had two cats and sadly lost both in the past twelve months. I'd love another feline companion eventually, I miss them desperately. Have a lovely weekend. xxx

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  12. Oh Vix, So sorry to hear about Ollie. I know exactly how you feel. You definitely made the right call. It makes me wonder whether that's why he started visiting. Cats aren't daft. He probably knew he would need some help at some point and trusted you two to be the ones to offer it.
    Loving the mini skirt and suede dress and that Liberty scarf!
    I really enjoyed reading Sophia's interview too. With all this international recognition, Graham Norton will be on the phone before you know it! xxx
    P.S. Pat on the back for Jon, offering himself up as an annual pin cushion.x

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    1. Thank you! We both hoped that Ollie would learn to trust us sooner and that we could have got close enough to take him to the vet months ago but I suspect he'd been ill for a long time. I'm glad he was still enjoying his breakfasts right up until the very end.
      I've not felt the mini skirt vibe for years, they are a great option when the weather's been as vile as it has been, i can't be doing with soggy hems! xxx

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  13. Oh and you've made a fabulous job of your crochet jacket! It looks amazing! xxx

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  14. Sorry about Ollie. Your crochet Cardi and tank top look amazing. Very chic and designer! Used to love wearing my bell-bottomed loon pants (trousers, not knickers!). Used to buy them from Cockburn Street market in Edinburgh. Those were the days!Have a great weekend.xxx

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    1. Thanks, love! I ought to have a bash at some of those gorgeous mitts you made next.
      I'd love a pair of loon pants, the originals are as rare as hen's teeth! xxx

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  15. So sorry about Ollie. You did give him some comfort though, and I'm sure he appreciated it even if he was wary.
    I'm coming to steal your suede mini

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    1. Thanks so much. At least we can take comfort in knowing he enjoyed his multiple breakfasts on the doorstep.
      If you lived closer you could borrow the suede mini! xxx

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  16. So sorry to hear about Ollie. It just wasn't meant to be and hopefully he'll be in a better place.

    I am so impressed with your crocheting; the cardigan is lovely and I loved your mini tank top. Well done! The suede skirt brought back so many memories of my teenage years and first years of working in offices - wearing something very similar to your outfit. Loved the suede mini dress too. Of course Lord Jon would snap up the fab leather jacket; I bet he looks fab in it!

    I read the interview you did with Sophia - very interesting. I just can't imagine you in a corpor
    ate environment....

    I went to Sainsbury's today to look for Clonakilty sausages for OH. He always buys them in Ireland cos he loves them and then he discovered Sainsbury's do them! None in today unfortunately...
    xxx

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    1. Vronni - you can look up your nearest Clonakilty stockist here!
      https://clonakiltyblackpudding.ie/united-kingdom/?category=19&radius=500

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    2. Thanks, Vronni! Crocheting and World Cup football have been pretty much the order of the day over the last week. I managed to whip up another tank top yesterday.
      I used to love finding those suede minis at jumble sales back when I was a teen and in my twenties but as the 1960s move further and further away they're getting increasingly scarce!
      Sainsbury's is the only place we can get those Higgedy Pies we occasionally have as a treat. I hope Elaine's link is helpful - she's a mine of information. xxx

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    3. Can't seem to reply to Elaine's comment but many thanks!

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  17. I'm so, so sorry about Ollie-cat but please don't be sad. Thanks to you he had the privilege of slipping away quietly and without pain, rather than possibly crawling into a hole somewhere and . . . oh, it doesn't bear thinking about. You gave him everything that you could, which is more than many people would do, and he trusted you enough to come and ask for help at the end.

    Do you ever look at the local rescue centre website or is that too much like self-torture because you cannot help them all?

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    1. Thanks so much for those kind words, Jayne. We said the same, it would have been awful to come across his poor battered body in the garden, wouldn't it?
      I follow (and support) several cat rescue charities on Facebook, several in Greece and The Black Country's Stray Cat Rescue Team where I'm often reduced to tears by some of the beautiful cats they've rescued and nursed back to heath. I so miss having a cat in my life but I'm not sure if I can bear the heartbreak again. What I really need is for one just to turn up on the doorstep (like Frank) and make the decision for me. xxx

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  18. So sorry to hear about poor Ollie, but you definitely did the best you could for him.
    On another note, aren't you quite the celebrity, what with being discussed in the art gallery and being interviewed for Sophia's blog!
    I'm not surprised you kept that 60s suede mini skirt, and what are the odds of you and Sheila having the same fabulous pendant! I'm also swooning over those Timerland boots.
    Your granny square cardi is gorgeous, and I do remember those tank tops being very fashionable in the early 1970s. I don't think I had one but my then 3-year old sister had her very first school photo taken wearing one. Not that you're dressing like a 3-year old, mind you ;-) xxx

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    1. Thanks, Ann. We felt so sad about Ollie. I still keep thinking I can see him sitting on the step staring up at the house.
      I had to giggle at the discussion Wayne overheard in the Art Gallery!
      After years of shunning the mini I seemed to have reverted back to my trademark look of the 1980s and 1990s. I know I had numerous ponchos my mum crocheted for me but I missed out on the tank top - I'm making up for it now, I made another at the weekend! xxx

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  19. (Second attempt at commenting...) You and Jon gave Ollie a good death. Please don't doubt that he entrusted himself to you at exactly the right time -- his time, of course, free/feral that he was. One suspects the Universe will reward you with a clowder soon.

    No, we don't come here for misery but neither do we grown-ups appreciate la-la-la-life-is-always -lovely-like-me bloggers. Your interview is being clipped and shared with young women I know who are evaluating priorities and options in the New Normal. Your point about the value of exercise as a cure for fuzzy thinking is well made!

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    1. Thanks so much for persevering with the commenting, Beth. I knew something was up when he settled down in the house and sat staring at me, he must have known it was his time. My Dad always maintained that cats had a supernatural sixth sense. xxx

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  20. You are perfectly entitled to some self pity and misery IMHO. You did your very best for lovely Ollie and I'm glad he wasn't alone in the end. Xx

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  21. Hi Vix, the 60s suede multi- colour mini skirt is just fab! I would wear it in an instant , the suede minidress too. I remember the granny crochet squares the first time around, my mum made me a gilet in navy and white. I am always amazed at the eclectic nature of your charity shop purchases. Good things can be found in this quiet part of Scotland too but often the price is a little higher. No bargains for me in the last week or so sadly but I do have quite an extensive wardrobe ( like yourself) to work my way through! This weekend I have worn a favourite charity shopped ' Laura Ashley' vintage wool coat and a felt cloche hat that are some of my favourite winter pieces. You are an inspiration to us all. Thank you.

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    1. Hello Alysia! I had to keep that suede mini skirt, didn't I? I'm not quite sure why I haven't worn the dress in so long, I've always loved its simplicity. Thank goodness I'm not one of those strange people who believe anything that hasn't been worn in six months needs to be given away!
      I love hunting the local charity shops but, like you, if I don't find anything for myself I'm happy playing around with what I already own. Your Laura Ashley coat and cloche hat sound supremely stylish, I bet you get lots of compliments - sure beats a nylon hooded parka with a fake fur trim - the "uniform" of most women! xxx

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  22. I am sorry about beautiful Oli! You can't feel guilty though- you tried to help him and you probably made his past few months more bearable.Plus, you stopped his pain. But I do understand!
    Your granny square cardie and tops are wonderful! Clever girl!
    Love the suede skirts, esp the first ones! I LOVE wearing a black polo neck with a skirt like that! Ha, loved that you are so famous! I feel honoured to be your friend!x

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    1. Thanks so much, Kezzie. I wish he'd trusted us enough sooner but it wasn't to be.
      I made another tank top over the weekend - I'm obsessed. Crochet is such a lovey relaxing thing to do and it's so rewarding to create something wearable in a few hours. It took me years to get the hang of it!
      Suede skirts and polo necks are the best, comfy and practical and no dripping wet hems in the current biblical rain.
      I shan't forget my friends when I'm in Hello! magazine! xxx

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  23. Your crochet cardi and tank top are amazing! Love the 60s suede mini skirt too.
    I'm so sorry to hear about Ollie. I always love seeing your pictures when he comes to visit. I hoped he would come live with you someday. You definately didn't fail him. He was fed and given the attention and love that alot of feral cats never know. He knew to come to you and Jon for help and you were there to love and care for him and make sure he had a peaceful journey. Love and light

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    1. Thank you so much, Cheryene - your kind words brought a tear to my eye. xxx

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  24. I’ve just read the bell bottom interview and smiled all the way through. It was brilliant and so is your blog post as always Vix, well expect for your little bit of sad news which I know will have upset you both.
    We’ve just celebrated Mum’s 90th birthday with a surprise party I put on in the community lounge of her new flat. Over 40 people came, many she hadn’t seen for years. Blogging seems to have gone out the window at the moment as I’m not at my best after what’s been a tough year. Still on Instagram a bit.
    Love to you both, you gorgeous folk xxx

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    1. Hello Lynn! Lovely to hear from you and sending your fabulous mum loads of love from the both of us. What a turn out, I don't think I know that many people! xxx

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  25. Aww, so sad for Ollie, but he made you as friends for the last part of his life and then you gave him dignity and cut short his pain right at the end. RIP Ollie, you were known by many and loved by some.

    Loved the question-and-answer session with your friend ... and are you really subjecting all your little dolls house family to the football, poor things!!

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    1. Thanks so much, Sue. Your kind words mean a lot.
      I'm a terrible landlord, forcing my Swedish family to support England. I hope they'll still be flag waving at 9pm tonight! xxx

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  26. Looking fabulous in your mini skirt and mini dress, so delightful suede pieces both of them!. I'm a huge fan of your vintage (and Sheila's) vintage copper and turquoise pendant.
    And love your granny squares cardi, rocking it with jeans and those cool boots!. Totally Gorgeous!.
    Lovely to read your interview and some witty remarks on life and fashion!
    So sorry for Ollie, but glad that you made the right thing and saved him from pain, giving him love and attention. Sending you hugs!
    Besos​

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  27. You have a painting of you in a museum!! How cool!

    You are definitely internationally famous! I've been loving your blog all the way from Australia for years!
    X

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  28. Hello Vix, you shouldn't beat yourself up about Ollie. It is tricky with feral cats and you absolutely did the right thing. Love the interview, I've just read all of it with a cuppa xXx

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    1. Thanks so much, Lulu. With the current weather I'm quite relieved that we got to help him when we did, I had hated to have found him frozen to death. xxx

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  29. Ollie's story made me very sad, but you did the best for him that you could. Back when I was married my ex and I befriended a few feral cats and adopted a couple but not all the stories had a happy ending. I really enjoyed reading the interview - I was familiar with a lot of your story as I've been following your blog for at least 10 years (how time flies!!). How nice to see that Liz's painting of you is on display!
    That suede mini is wonderful - I bet the rest of Graziella's stock was just as cool. I really like your crocheted sweater/jacket and vests. You wouldn't believe the prices that some Etsy sellers are asking for vintage granny square sweaters, etc. It's ridiculous.

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    1. Thanks so much, Shelley. I keep thinking of offering a home to one or two of the strays rescued by the animal charities I support but I'm not sure if I can cope with the heartbreak any more. Maybe time will help. xxx

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  30. You did everything you could for Ollie and he clearly trusted you to look after him when it counted which you did.
    I love the crochet cardigan, it looks fab!

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  31. Poor old Ollie. At least he was somewhere warm and cared for at the end - as Gisela says, he clearly knew good people.

    Your crochet is fab - it looks great on you. And that miniskirt is perfect.

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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