Saturday 3 December 2022

It's My Party (and I'll Fly if I Want To)

 

Hola! I was about to wax lyrical about what a beautiful sunny day it was but it's clouded over and reverted back to being a typically dismal British winter's day. Oh well, onwards and upwards.


Here's what I wore on Wednesday, a day of suede, shopping, soccer and swigging rum. I bought this 1960s Wetherall of Bond Street wool cape from a charity shop over twenty years ago. Underneath I wore a 1960s charity-shopped suede mini skirt with the fringed waistcoat displayed on the mannequin in my last post. 


I acquired another fringed waistcoat which goes with my skirt better (vintage clothes are like buses, wait ages to find something and then two of them turn up at the same time).


With the football not kicking off until 2pm, we were able to spend another leisurely morning rummaging through the rails of the charity shops in one of our favourite chazza towns. We found: 1960s Dorothy Perkins Courtelle polo neck; Organic cotton sweatshirt with embroidered lobster by Dutch company Stella/Stanley; Handmade 1970s needlecord shirt; 1950s acetate dressing gown; Two Mid-Century hand-blown art glass vases; Afghan style gilet; Tartan wool midi skirt; Wolsey wool waistcoat; Drop crotch cotton jeans by Danish menswear label, HumorPaul Smith shirt; Foldable paper sun hat; Circular cushion made from William Morris's Pimpernel fabric; 1980s Aquaboots by Kay; 100% wool Norwegian Fjordwear jumper.


Thursday was a day of swimming, 'Spoons, psychedelia and more soccer. We were the first customers although it wasn't long before the regulars started arriving for their beers and whisky chasers (Spoons is a bit like the bar at the airport, the time of day is immaterial if you fancy a drink). My purple, pink & day-glo green Arena swimsuit was 50p in a clearance bin in the charity shop, it retails at £50.


I'd not worn this eye-searingly bright psychedelic 1960s Tori Richard of Honolulu maxi dress for ages, I don't love it as much as I used to but like it too much to sell it. I swapped it with a fellow trader for a jacket about a decade ago. It was the first outing for the vintage Tuscan lamb hat which I found in the clearance charity shop the previous Sunday. 


Friday was spent at home, another alliterative day of socialising (Liz popped round), sewing (repairing a dress I'd pulled out of the wardrobe to wear the previous day only to discover a rip that looked like I'd been mauled by a lion rather than taken a bus to Bilston and met up with Claire) and soccer - Portugal Vs Korea and Brazil Vs Cameroon. 


Experimenting with ideas of what I could make for next year's festival stall, I crocheted this granny square miniskirt over the previous two days, having to unpick a fair bit what with all the football drama. I wore it with my Mum's original Biba boots and the new with tags East merino wool cardi I'd picked up earlier in the week. The tights are good old M&S, I bought in their sale 15 years ago! 


What lies beneath? Saturday's fake-fur trimmed maxi coat hides a multitude of sins, including my dreadful roots which shall be touched up later. Just the thing for chucking on and dashing down to Johal's for a bottle of cola for tonight's rum. I often get stopped and asked if it's Biba when I wear it, unfortunately the previous owner removed the label so we'll probably never know. Whoever made it I was astonished to spot it on a reduced to clear rail in a charity shop eight years ago for a fiver.



It's my birthday next week. In 2019 I spent it at Jackfield Tile Museum in the rain, in 2020 I roamed the Jacobean knot gardens of Moseley Old Hall in the rain and in 2021 I went to see Lady Curzon's legendary Peacock Dress in Kedleston Hall in, yes, you guessed it, the bloody rain! Museums, gardens and historical buildings might be my passion but the British winter definitely isn't so this year I've decided.....



¡Adios Amigos!


63 comments:

  1. Oh, good for you. Having a birthday at this time of year must be a right pain at times.

    Fly safe, and have a fabulous few days. xx

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    1. Thanks so much, Jayne. If it's not Jesus trying to muscle in on my fun then it's the rain dampening my spirits. I'm now wishing I was staying for longer, there's so much to see I'm giddy with excitement! xxx

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  2. A very wise move! Malaga I mean. Have fun and wishing you a very Happy Birthday.

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  3. It also sucks having a February birthday! Weather is always shite! Can't wait to see what you do!
    Your suede outfit is a treat! I love it. You inspire me with your gorgeous outfits!
    The crochet skirt looks stunning! I would LOVE A Waistcoat in those colours!!! So bright and pretty!
    Glad you booked for Malaga! When?
    (Hope it doesn't rain 😁)
    You found some great charity shopped items!! The Afghan gilet is super!!!

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    1. Winter birthdays are rubbish, aren't they? The weather always seems to put the kibosh on everything.
      Now the wardrobe's a bit tidier I'm having all sorts of fun playing with old favourites. I might tackle a crochet waistcoat next.
      One of my friends has a second home in Malaga and is there now, she says that the forecast is looking pretty settled for next week (20°C by day, 8°C by night) but there's absolutely loads to see and do if it does go t*ts up! xxx

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  4. Ooh, have a fabulous time. And Happy Birthday in advance xx

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  5. (Twas I, le Kez!!!)x

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  6. Nothing could be better than travel for a birthday present - hope you have a really fun time :) I like your newly acquired waistcoat, these are sought after at the moment so was a lucky find. The paper hat is intriguing - will it turn to tissue if it gets rained on I wonder ;) looks great for the beach as long as you stay on dry land. Can't wait to hear how your Malaga trip turns out :) Betty (wood fairy)

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    1. Thanks so much, Betty! I knew you'd approve of another cheeky trip. I never find those fringed waistcoats in my size, I'm happy to own two. I've got another paper hat and a beach bag, too - they are surprisingly hardwearing and brilliant as they fold up to almost nothing. xxx

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  7. Haha absolutely brilliant. Have a great time. Happy birthday lovely friend. I’m chuckling about folks in Spoons, it’s just the same up here. Forget morning coffee roll out a pint of your best bitter landlord xxx

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    1. Thanks, Lynn! I saw that *F*ck it, I'm going to Malaga* notebook and couldn't resist it, I keep laughing when I scribble in it!
      Beer with a whisky chaser is the breakfast drink of choice with Walsall's pensioners, I'd be under the table by lunchtime! xxx

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  8. Hope you have a fabulous time. I used to have a German friend who used to really struggle with our frequent grey days. It makes me treasure and really appreciate the sunny ones. Arilx

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    1. Thank you! A bit of sunshine makes the world of difference, it's been so dismal, wet and foggy here we were both almost at the end of our tether! xxx

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  9. Good for you! Maybe you and my daughter will see each other in passing as she's heading from Spain to the UK on the 16th, then back to Spain on 21st. I finally did my roots, but beyond just the roots a few weeks ago.

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    1. I wonder if we will? Stranger things have happened! A few years ago my dentist saw me in Mumbai! My roots are a disgrace, Jon's promised to sort them out tomorrow, I got distracted by the USA Vs Netherlands match today! xxx

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  10. Happy Birthday to you and my husband on Tuesday, 6th December. He's a lot older than you, 74 yrs. Enjoy your day.

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    1. Thank you, Pat! Sending your husband (my twin) lots of love! xxx

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  11. Brilliant post title, and good for you to book a trip to the sun! Being a September baby, I'm usually treated to gorgeous late Summer weather, so I can't complain really. Can't wait to read about your birthday adventures!
    Fab outfits as usual. Swooning over the purple cape and the magnificent coat which might or might not be Biba. The granny square mini skirt is gorgeous too!
    Have a fabulous time in Spain! xxx

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    1. I envy you your September birthday, Ann! You usually get better weather than Jon, an August baby does! Thank you so much. There's so much to see and do, I won't know where to start when I get to Malaga! xxx

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  12. Happy Almost Birthday, Vix! I like your very personalized birthday gift: travel to somewhere warm(er)!

    The Valley of the Sun, Arizona, is The Valley of the Rain today. We need the rain, so I refuse to complain! It moved in earlier than expected--my BFF in SoCal was tired of it and sent it in this direction! ;-)

    Enjoy your birthday holiday! Safe travels!

    ...Taja 🏜️

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    1. Hello Taja and thank you! I hope your much needed rain does its job, quenches the earth and moves on (hopefully not in Spain's direction!) xxx

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  13. Another trip coming up!! Fantastic for you both. Happy birthday.... however one's birthday goes.... it sets the tone for the coming year until the following birthday. An astrologer told me this, and I swear by it!! having said that... sometimes fate does unfortunately get in the way......

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    1. I love the wise words of that astrologer - here's to a day filled with sunshine, friendship, good times and fine wine! xxx

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  14. Enjoy Malaga! We'll be spending February there again. If you take the train out to Torremolinos, try the Bistro Europa. Good meals and good people. There are also a couple of really good Indian restaurants in the town.

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    1. Thank you so much for the tips! I bet you're counting the days till February. We're only there for a few days this time but if I can find more bargain flights (£24.99 each way), I'm sure we'll be back - there's so much to see! xxx

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  15. You look great in the blue tights. I been sewing quilt blocks.
    Hope your birthday is lovely.
    Coffee is on and stay safe

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  16. Have a very happy birthday!

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  17. Haha! Love the title!
    One of the few items of clothing my Mom kept from her youth was a fringed waistcoat like yours. Sadly it was always a little too small for me so I gave it to a friend.
    I think you're on to something with the fabulous crochet mini skirts - how many can you get done in time for Glasto?
    That hooded faux fur trimmed coat is a stunner - my money's on Biba!
    I wonder how that dress got torn? I certainly didn't notice it through the biblical rain!
    Enjoy the match later and have a great birthday trip! I popped a card in the post, but it's anyone's guess when it will arrive! xxx

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    1. What a shame you've not got that fringed waistcoat any more, I shall keep my eyes peeled for another! That skirt took 12 granny squares so I should be able to knock a few out before Glastonbury provided I don't get distracted/take too many holidays!
      I was horrified by the state of that dress, I'm sure you'd have noticed if I'd ripped it in Bilston. I think it got tangled up in my boot zip when I walked home.
      I've decided to have a week long birthday this year and a late card is no problem at all - I've already opened one of Jon's birthday presents - an electric wall altar! See you soon. xxx

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  18. Oh good, we’ll all be coming along with you and sharing vicariously. I always love your holiday pics. Only you could wear a crochet mini skirt Vix. I may run this idea past my 26 year old daughter who has legs up to her armpits and see what she thinks. Meanwhile I am turning an old and ripped brushed cotton ticking stripe single duvet cover (bought by son when he went to university in 2013) into two pairs of pj bottoms - I am thrilled with the results. Happy Birthday Vix - have a Cuba libre on me! My darling Dad was a 5 December baby. Sarah xx

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    1. Thank you, Sarah! I bet your daughter would look amazing in a crochet miniskirt. After I'd made it I had a look online and discovered that they're in - there's a couple of sellers on etsy doing a roaring trade in them.
      Brilliant idea to repurpose the ticking duvet cover in pj bottoms and with almost a decade of use as a duvet the cotton is going to be gorgeously soft and comfy. I love ticking bedding, it reminds me of childhood summers spent in Welsh holiday cottages.
      I shall raise a glass to you and your lovely Dad on 5th December! xxx

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  19. Ah, the Tuscan lamb hat does not disappoint! Neither does the faux fur trimmed coat which must be a Biba -- only that quality of fabric would appear literally "electrified blue".
    Beware crocheted mini skirts and tops in wet weather. My brother still has the horrors remembering a business boating party during which a VIP's trophy wife wore a crocheted bikini. When a wave hit the garment, the floofy yarn...

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    1. Thanks, Beth! I'm giggling over your brother's trophy wife's bikini! xxx

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  20. You have the boldest coloured collection of outerwear of anyone I know. I have your birthday in my calendar for next Tuesday but I will send you all my best wishes for an enjoyable day, and an excellent year ahead now so I don't forget (which happens a lot these days). I think the crocheted minis would go over well with the young (and some not so young) things at the summer festival. I would wear one layered over a longer skirt.

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    1. Thanks so much, Shelley! I love the idea of layering up a longer skirt with a crochet mini skirt. I shall get my hook back out when I'm back and get creating. xxxx

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  21. A lovely read as ever Vix! I adore the crocheted skirt, I heard Tom Daley talking about his knitting passion on radio 2 this week, so between an Olympic diver and an age defying hippie chick I think knitting/crocheting is officially cool! So stoked for you to steal away to Spain, don’t blame you escaping this dismal weather!! Xxx

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    1. Thanks, Sophia! Tom daley's knitting is incredible, it made me like him even more than I already did. It took my nigh-on 50 years to get to grips with crochet and it's rather addictive, I love how quickly it grows! xxx

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  22. That's a great idea Vix - I've just heard on the radio that the weather is going to be freezing here - You will have such a wonderful Birthday xx

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    1. Thanks, Flis! It looks like I've timed it well, I've just heard the weather forecast, too! xxx

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  23. Have a wonderful time. And a very Happy Birthday! Xx

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  24. Malaga! How fancy! What a great idea, to get away from the holiday madness.

    I'm agog over that purple printed possibly Biba coat - it's GORGEOUS, Vix. Your crocheted mini is fantastic (such a great idea). I don't know if mustard yellow is your colour - that Tori Richards dress is wonderful, though. Thoroughly enjoyed checking out your thrifted finds!

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    1. It was very fancy, Sheila! I wish I'd booked it for longer, I've come back to arctic temperatures and snow....brrr! xxx

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  25. Happy Birthday when it arrives, bon voyage and I love your Biba-esque coat.xxx

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  26. I love the granny square mini skirt. I've just learned to crochet this year, and I think I might love it more than knitting. That purple coat is absolutely to die for, you definitely find all of the best things. Happy birthday, and I hope you are having an amazing time in Malaga. xx

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    1. Thanks, Louise! You should have a bash at the granny square skirt, its really straightforward and it keeps your legs warm whilst you're at it! xxx

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  27. Brilliant, I LOVE that last photo. You go girl, you deserve a birthday in the sun this year. Enjoy. xx

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  28. Happy birthday 🎂 🥳 🎉 🎈 🎁 🎊. My birthday is also on the 6th of December. I'm a carer, so will be at work. Though I'm going to be celebrating it, at the weekend instead. Have a lovely holiday xx

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    1. Happy belated birthday love to you, twin of mine! I hope you had a lovely day and that the people you cared for made you feel even more special than usual. xxxx

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  29. Good for you, Vix! Enjoy your birthday plans!!

    You always make me laugh - "vintage clothes are like buses, wait ages to find something and then two of them turn up at the same time" !!
    X

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  30. Happy birthday for next week and have a fab time in Malaga! Might you meet up with Monica? You might even get some sun...

    I love the maxi coat with the hood - such a beauty. The crochet mini skirt was a brilliant idea and I bet it was warm...
    xxx

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  31. Such a great idea to run away from rain and festive season!.
    Hope you'll have a happy birthday and a fabulous time at Malaga!
    Totally in love with your probably-Biba coat and fabulous crochet mini!
    besos

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  32. Hope you're having a wonderful WARM birthday, Vix - it is brassic here and there's a bloody SNOW warning for tomorrow lol! Loving the purple coat and squeee'd myself silly over the pink 1950s acetate dressing gown in your swag rundown. Also - another shocker at the World Cup I believe - bet you were glued to it!

    The crochet skirt is a triumph - roll on summer festivals - take care all xxxxxx

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  33. Happy birthday we will be back in the Uk for Xmas . Have a fab time ! Las Palmas for us on the way home! Love and hugs Allie

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  34. Oh my goodness how I love anything with a bit of fringe. Unfortunately I look like a lampshade if I try to wear that kind of thing now I'm a little chunky.aka chubby 😕

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  35. Eh up Vix, the granny square skirt is fab! Happy birthday and hope you've had / are having a fab time in Malaga. Mwah 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