Tuesday 17 January 2023

Hanging On The Telephone


Afternoon, all! I'm glad you loved Divine Beauty as much as we did. 


A successful charity shop find is one that you wear straight away. This unassuming woven top with a fringed trim which I found on Friday morning for £2 originally hailed from hush, a decent quality brand aimed at women who, the Australian founder says, "like fashion, but are not slaves to it." The weather's gone properly Wintery - which is only to be expected considering its January - so it provided a extra layer of warmth when we went shopping on Sunday morning.


Don't die of shock...I've finally joined the 21st Century and got myself a smartphone. It's starting to get harder and harder to travel without one what with paper-free train and airline tickets, keyless passcodes to access accommodation and QR codes for museum and art gallery exhibits. The helpful young woman in Argos told me that her mum has the same model (a Samsung A04s), they're apparently popular with us over 50s! The case was off Walsall market.


It also means that when I go to 'Spoons I can leave my camera at home and annoy everyone by taking photos with my phone instead...


Playing at being an Instagram w*nker by taking food photos, that's my vegan roasted vegetable pizza, the boys had Spoons' legendary fish and chips with mushy peas and curry sauce.


Apparently yesterday was Blue Monday, the most depressing day of the year...no misery for us though, Tony, Jon & I had a cracking time in the pub.


The only hint of the blues was what I wore.


A first outing for this Dilli Grey dress. Like all their dresses, it's been handmade with love and ethically produced. Expect to see a lot more of her over the coming months. 


I spotted these fabulous blue suede boots on eBay and was amazed that I was the only bidder, snaffling them for under a tenner. They're by The Jacksons, a high-end Notting Hill boutique whose ethics, like those of Dilli Grey, are top notch . These boots would have originally cost £hundreds. As the quality is so good, they're insanely comfy, I didn't even feel like I was wearing heels, even in yesterday's icy conditions. 


Viewing-wise we've devoured ITV's Stonehouse, a wonderfully stylish three-part series based on the true story of John Stonehouse, the Labour MP for Walsall North who, in 1974, hatched an outlandish plot to disappear. Although I was only a child at the time, I still remember the scandal and our town making front page news.


It was -6°C and when I got up this morning, cold for England if not necessarily cold to many of you reading elsewhere. After 40 lengths of the pool we popped into 'Spoons for breakfast and, of course, I had to photograph my Mushrooms Benedict just to annoy Jon. 


Visiting the charity shops on the way home, we walked back in dazzling sunshine and I was able to photograph both Sunday & today's finds in the garden....a handmade cardi, a Max&Co wrap dress (with tags attached), a 1960s all wool Gaystyle jumper, a Nike sports top (new with tags, now in my drawer), a 1950s Banner leisure shirt, an 1980s-does-the-1950s rockabilly shirt, 1980s Hawaiian shirt and a Theodora & Callum hooded poncho (also new with tags).


 If you're wondering about the amount of new stuff we come home with, it's because Walsall is home to TX Maxx's main depot and they generously donate their unsold stock to charity. 


Lots of books (as always)....we've read Fear & Loathing in Las Vegas many times and love it. I'm very excited about The Mountain Shadow, the sequel to the incredible Indian backpacker's stalwart, Shantarram


My Mum bought this Mongolian lamb jacket in the 1970s. I haven't worn it since Britain battled the Beast from the East back in 2018 and had relegated it to the stockroom until Liz told me I needed to keep it. Underneath I'm wearing 2 x pairs of thermal leggings, a thermal polo neck and a 1960s suede mini skirt bought along with the rest of Graz's vintage stock when we popped over to visit Moseley Vintage Hub before Xmas. 


This afternoon I'll be getting stuck into my third read of 2023, Land of Decoration (courtesy of my friend, Lynn), once I've sorted out the chaos that is my wardrobe. 

I'm off on another cultural adventure tomorrow, I've downloaded my train tickets and everything, how modern! Back with a full report very soon!

40 comments:

  1. Hi Vix, I have yet to enter the 21st century and get a cell phone. But I know it is coming for me too. It seems expected everyone has a cell phone. You look fabulous in all your finds. We are about the same temperature as you with freezing rain thrown in today.
    Enjoy your day!❤️

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    1. Hello Robin! Thank you so much!
      I've resisted mobile phones for years but it's come to the point where life's becoming increasingly tricky without one. It's quite an exciting prospect to be travelling by train tomorrow without a paper ticket - wish me luck! At least the screen on my phone is big enough to see without rummaging through my bag for reading glasses to see it!
      We had that awful freezing rain yesterday, doesn't a splash of sunshine help lift your spirits? xxx

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  2. Definitely keep that lamb jacket! Funny that you just got a smart phone. I have an outdated one and now it's causing me to have to upgrade to a "smarter" model. It's almost like starting over again. Happy Travels!

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    1. Thanks, Joni! The jacket takes up so much space, my Mum bought it on impulse and it cost her a fortune. I think I still feel her guilt when I wear it! I wonder how long it will be before my phone becomes out of date? It'll probably take me years to get used to this one! Jon says it's like watching a grandma when I'm trying to send a text message! xxx

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    2. love that jacket, don't ever sell it - it was destined for you!

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    3. Hello Betty! I'm not sure why I haven't worn it in five years. My mum spent an absolute fortune on it, I bet she'd be happy it was still being worn! xxx

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  3. Love the 70's lamb coat. I had wanted one back in that day!

    We see a fair amount of merch at thrift stores her that probably came from the local Amazon warehouse/distribution center. More annoyingly, people buy up palettes as a lot for resale then try to sell the item at ridiculous prices as a home/garage sale.

    I manage to buy at least one new piece per thrift store trip these days.

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    1. I've decided its a keeper, probably just as well, it would need a serious clean if I were to sell it!
      yes, lots of Amazon donated stock in our charity shops, too - their big distribution centre is only a few miles away. Our car boot sales were full of people selling it, too (not that I've been to one since the days BC - before Covid!)
      It's amazing what you can find, isn't it? xxx

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  4. That jacket is fabulous! Definitely needed in these awful temperatures we're having. No matter what gloves I wear my fingers freeze to bone on every school run. Maybe I need to get some sheepskin mittens actually! That'll keep me warm. I think you'll enjoy your new smartphone. People tend to fall into the Samsung or Apple camp, personally I prefer a Samsung too, and they can definitely be much easier for taking photos on the hop. Anyway, stay warm xx

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    1. Thanks, Louise! It's a bit grubby but lovely and warm. Definitely get yourself some sheepskin mittens, I swear by mine. Not only do they keep your hands toasty but if someone annoys you you can flicks the Vs at them and they think you're waving at them!
      That's good news that you like your Samsung, too. The girl in Argos said the same, it's either Apple or Samsung and never the twain shall meet! xxx

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  5. Well done with the Smartphone. They are not really so bad once you get used to them . . .

    Love those blue suede boots although regardless of how insanely comfy they are, not sure I could do that heel. On you, my dear, they are quite divine and I expect to see them nearly as often as the Dilli Grey dress!
    I am also of an age to remember Stonehouse, gosh what a scandal it was at the time :-}

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    1. I'm so slow with it, it's taken me ages to send Tony the photos I took in the pub yesterday - hopefully I'll get to grips with it before too long and won't get trapped at the ticket barrier at Birmingham New Street in the morning!
      I used to think nothing of stomping around town in 6" heels, I was wearing them a day before my hip replacement. I was surprised at how comfy those suede boots are although it does help when someone else has worn them in for you!
      That Stonehouse series is a fantastic watch although the adverts will probably drive you nuts! xxx

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  6. I know you won't become a slave to your phone. I'm trying to develop better phone habits, like leaving behind or off for extended periods. That's interesting about your charity shops getting TK Max cast offs. I see Target in our Goodwill or Salvation Army but higher prices than final clearance. Love the boots.

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    1. I definitely won't be trawling the internet or texting people when I'm out with friends or on public transport, I'd be scared of missing out on real life.
      Like Alex says, Amazon donate a lot of their surplus stock to charity, too - it's surprising what you find!
      I love the boots, the red soles are very swish! xxx

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  7. I love the camera on my cell phone - it gives me instant photos - instantly! I use it at work to record all our activities and although I LOVE my camera (indecently so) the ease of the cell phone camera is almost like instant gratification!

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    1. That's good to know! Tony has a Samsung and when we were on holiday we'd often take photos of the same thing and his were often better than mine! xxx

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  8. I have a smartphone but it's usually to be found at the bottom of my bag, probably out of charge. I refuse to be a slave to my phone and don't usually even answer it! Now texting, that's another thing, so useful.

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    1. Hello! That sounds like me, I'm going to have to be disciplined with charging that phone. I'm the same with my purse,, it doesn't matter how small my bag is, I always have to tip everything out to find the blasted thing! xxx

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  9. The weather's gone properly Wintery again here as well, but at least we are getting some sunshine instead of the eternal rain. Speaking of which, yesterday was particularly bad!
    I'm in total shock at you getting a smartphone, but I guess there's no way around one any longer. I've got a Samsung too, and I often use it to take photos when I don't want to take my camera. I've done whole blog posts with nothing but smartphone photos!
    I'm swooning over your latest Dilli Grey dress and those gorgeous matching suede boots, but all your outfits here are fantastic. Liz was very right to tell you to keep your Mum's Mongolian lamb jacket!
    Great haul at the chazza, including the books. I'm currently reading The Queen's Fool! xxx

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    1. I love that we share weather, even if it's of the cold variety!
      The reviews for Samsung say that the picture quality is excellent and - other than a big screen I could read, it was the clincher. I'm not sure if I'm brave enough to rely on it tomorrow, I shall take my camera as back-up, I think!
      I'd been eyeing up that Dilli Grey since it was launched, I love that ankle skimming length, perfect for soggy winter days!
      I wondered if The Queen's Fool was your current read, I remember you blogging about it. I shall read it next and we can compare notes! xxx

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  10. I am the last holdout on the smartphones in our group of friends! It boggles people when I tell them I don't have one. "How do you live?" is the most frequent question, ha! Same as you, I'll likely need one for the next time we travel. L got one for his current job, and his etiquette is very good (off or in a different room for hours on end, never in the bedroom, EVER).

    We have a new-ish Amazon "fulfillment centre" (barf) in our neck of the woods, and I expect we'll start to see dumped product in the thrift stores. I see quite a bit donated that's obviously mis-sizing or quality issues with online orders - they LOOK good, but as soon as you touch them or try them on, you can tell they're CRAP.

    LOVE your new blue suede shoes, and that gorgeous woven top! I'm also swooning over all the vintage suede you've been wearing lately, Vix! I have read Fear & Loathing a couple of times - such a ride, isn't it?

    Have a good week, my friend!

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    1. Oh Sheila, if I could have held out longer I would have done. I hate the thought of always being reachable but it's got to the point now that I'm having to rely on Jon to access stuff, I can't even get into my online banking without one.
      Jon's with L, his phone mostly stays in the kitchen when he's at home unless he's waiting for a message and NEVER goes in the bedroom!
      The quality of some of that Amazon stuff is shocking, isn't it? There was a rail of pyjamas in one of the shops today, I think the polythene wrapping they were in would be nicer to wear!
      That woven top is so warm and I spent most of yesterday afternoon surreptitiously admiring my feet under the pub table. I was obsessed with vintage suede back in the 1990s and history seems to be repeating itself.
      Fear and Loathing is ace (the film was a laugh, too!) xxx

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  11. I love my smartphone!

    I loved your blue skirt outfit and the Dhili Grey dress - you definitely had the sartorial blues at least! I'm glad you kept your mum's jacket; it's fantastic and looked fab with the suede mini skirt. What a lovely book haul! Great chazza finds as always.

    We don't have any donations of out of season clothing from any clothing shops but we regularly get stuff called 'gift in kind' (GIK) from Amazon; clearly a tax dodge. Anyhoo, they send us the weirdest items. Often we have no clue what they are. The latest and weirdest item is a heated baby wipe dispenser. I kid you not...

    Keep wearing those thermals!
    xxx

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    1. I'm liking the camera although it took me an age to work out how to send Tony the pub photos via Whats App.....I need to borrow a child, they're always so good at stuff like that!
      That poor jacket is a bit grubby but I'd forgotten how warm it was. It looks much better now my hair's lighter, there was something about the combination of that and my black hair that didn't look right.
      There's loads of Amazon stuff donated to the British Heart Foundation and it quality is almost always awful. A heated baby wipe dispenser? Mad! I wonder if they've started doing that after all the furore about them destroying old stock a couple of years ago? Our BHF also has mountains of brand new Cotswold Collection and TopShop which gets a bit boring.
      Those thermals aren't going anywhere! xxx

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  12. Lovely to see you looking fabulous whatever the weather!, love your fab blue skirt with the cute top, love that delightful Dilli Grey dress with blue boots and beautiful accessorizing! and also love that Liz told you to keep your mom's lamb jacket, it looks fabulous with your suede mini skirt and lots of hippietastic attitude (even if you had to wear thermals for comfort!)
    Glad you got a smartphone, I'm not a huge fan but it made my life easier when travelling (totally agree with you) and my bag lighter as I can leave my camera at home!. You'll probably find your own way to make the most of it!. Nowadays I'm using it to listen my favourite radio programs when going for a walk!
    Always fabulous to have a look at your purchases!, you rock it!
    besos

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    1. Thanks, Monica! There's always thermals somewhere in my outfits, I'm scared to leave the house without them at this time of year.
      That's reminded me, I should get some earplugs so I can listen to a podcast - something I've never done before! One of the authors I love hosts a Classics one, I could listen to tales of Medusa and Odysseus on the plane or train! xxx

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  13. Phones are part of life over here.we have sucia cards just a tap and you can use any local trains. You have to top them up at a terminal but handy as heck to have, plus you can pay for taxis, buses and even grocery!
    I have Paul’s hand me down I phone as he likes to replace it every year! I don’t mind second hand and I have only ever used Apple or the good old flip phones which you can get over here.
    Love those blue boots even though they would kill me. Looking fantastic as always.

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    1. Morning,Allie. I'm replying to your comment on the train, ain't technology amazing? So far I've been able to tap my phone against the barrier to get through the station,taken a photo of this morning's 4 inches of snow ,got updates on train delays and about to listen to a podcast. I've impressed myself. Xxx

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  14. well done getting your smartphone - in case you haven't discovered yet, you will be able to download the Spoons app and order/pay from the comfort of your table and the food will be brought to you! no more queueing at the bar! It's brilliant for having your train pass on and for self check in at the airport - you will even be able to use Whatsapp when you are abroad as long as you stay within free wifi (hotels/mcdonalds etc) it won't cost a penny!

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    1. It's a whole new world, Betty! I had a lovely time on the train listening to a podcast about the Pre-Raphaelites, sure beat listening to other people's phone conversations! xxx

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  15. Get you with your swanky new mobile! There'll be no stopping you now!
    I love your Mongolian jacket. Such a stylish, versatile piece.
    I read and loved Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas years ago too. It's on a shelf somewhere. I must read it again. I know you're not a Johnny Depp fan, but have you seen The Rum Diary based on Hunter's book? I saw the film first, but really should get around to reading the book.
    We loved Stonehouse. What a cad! xxx

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    1. I know, you should have seen me earlier, listening to a podcast and swiping my phone at the ticket barrier!
      I know I've read the book, but I've not seen The Rum Diary, I'll add it to the list. He seems okay at playing a drug addled dropout (not sure why!) xxx

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  16. Fab deal on those boots and there was I thinking I'd done well getting some unworn leather Clarks boots off Fleabay for £50 instead of the £130 they retailed at! The charity shops in this part of the world can be very expensive. Arilx

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    1. I know! I thought I'd get into a bidding war over those boots, I was lucky! Anything off a unworn pair of Clarks boots is a bonus - Jon found a pair of their V&A collab boots in a chazza the other day, they'd been well worn so he's paid £30 at the cobblers to have the soles replaced! xxx

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  17. That's a gorgeous lamb coat!!! I've read all your replies so I'm glad to see you will keep it! I've got a vintage rabbitskin coat that I bought probably 4th or 5th hand on eBay about 20 year ago because our church was freezing)that I would really like to wear but worry it's a bit controversial. I wouldn't have bought it new. I know you are veggie, so what's your take on it?
    The new Dilli grey is really pretty and the boots are a marvellous colour.
    Haha, can't believe you have a smart phone! I have a Samsung galaxy S6 that is 3rd hand. Was my sister's, then niece, then mine (since lockdown 2020). Am always behind with technology- I find it very useful though I worty about the take over of tech! Kezzie x

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    1. Hello Kezzie and thank you! I'd say go ahead and wear your rabbit coat, vintage fur is much better for the planet than fake fur, which can take up to a thousand years to biodegrade. I'm not upset by anyone who chooses to wear vintage fur (new is different).
      This new technology is a revelation! I used to borrow an old phone of Jon's when I went out without him but the screen was far too small for my long-sightedness. I can actually read the screen without tipping my bag upside down trying to find my glasses! xxx

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  18. Welcome to the 21st century, now you can take even more lovely photos. :-)

    Some lovely outfits on this post, you do suit blue and those boots are GORGEOUS!!

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  19. Oh yes, the coat's a keeper Vix! Of course the only blue thing about Blue Monday was your fab outfit. The beauty of a smartphone is stealth photos and videos - "oh I'm just checking messages" SNAP - nice house or garden captured... "I need to check maps" SNAP - instagram foodie wankiness achieved! xXx

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    1. Thanks, Lulu! Yes! I'm loving being able to take sneaky photos! xxx

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Lots of love, Vix