Friday 3 February 2023

A Brief Interlude


 A brief interlude from tales of my travels to share this week's outfits:


Sunday: Block printed Indian heavy cotton prairie dress (Kharibu) worn with a vintage Phool jacket, felted wool hat, Timberland boots and vintage tooled leather bag (all secondhand). Worn to visit the clearance chazza.


Monday: Wool fedora (Monsoon) worn with a vintage Indian cotton gauze blouse, high-waisted combat trousers, 1970s block printed quilted waistcoat and Indian silk screen print scarf (all bought secondhand). For a visit to Lidl and for photographing stock in the garden.


Tuesday: Pompom choker (Handmade by Liz) worn with a vintage Afghan dress, Aldo wool fedora and Clarks boots (all bought secondhand) worn to walk down to the baths for a swim, breakfast in Spoons and the rest of day listing stock on eBay.


Wednesday: Indian cotton midi dress (All About Audrey), plum fedora (retail buy, 2017), Toast cowboy boots & Urban Outfitters gilet (both bought secondhand) worn for a morning of charity shopping and an afternoon of festival paperwork.


Thursday: Teal wool fedora (Monsoon), worn with vintage Treacy Lowe tissue silk maxi dress, Clarks boots and Custo, Barcelona jumper (all bought secondhand) for a day spent swimming, breakfasting in Spoons and working on eBay listings.


As always, a large part of our everyday life involves visiting the shops. Lidl did us proud with this week's £1.50 Waste Not box and the chazzas helped keep the stockroom topped up.


Clockwise from top left: Vintage 1970s cotton dagger collar blouse; 1980s Chinese brocade jacket; 1970s midi skirt; 1960s wool car coat; 1980s Mascot, Denmark workers jacket; the Faux Fox Co. cossack style hat; 1980s Thai silk jacket; 1960s cotton psych print shirt; Contemporary chain trim fake fur coat; Vintage 1970s lambswool hooded cape; 1980s Burton waistcoat; 1980s C&A felted wool hat; 3 x hand painted West African tunics and a waxed cotton souvenir shirt from Cameroon.


This 100% merino wool scarf still had the M&S tags attached (an unwanted Xmas present?) and went straight into Jon's wardrobe.


He couldn't resist this Diesel jersey jacket either.


It's barely been off his back.


Although Jon's the collector, it was me who spotted this vintage Roamer Swiss-made 17 jewel vintage watch. Its in perfect working order and cost just £2.50. Jon's added it to his collection as I'm a bit of a witch and my magickal energy means watches won't work when I wear them. Weird but true, don't even get me started on Van de Graaff generators. 


Not the most thrilling things to behold but I've been after a pair of black combats for ages and these high-waisted ones fit the bill perfectly. I wore them on Monday.


Vanity sizing though! I'm the same size I've been since I was a teenager. Back in the 1980s I wore Topshop's UK 10, now I wear their UK 6 - no wonder so many people don't notice they've gained weight.


On the odd occasion I travel with more than a carry-on bag I like to pack something pretty to wear for lounging about on the balcony with my sundown rum & cola.


This botanic print Ted Baker kimono fits the bill perfectly.


I've been looking for a black leather cross-body bag for ages, I love the slouchy shape of this River Island 1980s one.


Despite these Clarks boots only being a 5 they fit my size 6.5s perfectly. A girl can never have too many pairs of tan suede boots!


If you'd have told me I'd be wearing beige knitwear a couple of years ago I'd have called you mad but I absolutely love this Peruvian-made, open weave wool & alpaca blend jumper. I wore it on Thursday along with the new-to-me Clarks boots.


I fell in love with the Spanish label, Custo, when I stayed with mates in Barcelona in the 1980s and wore the two tops I owned until they fell apart. 


As I discovered after buying a pair of secondhand pyjamas from eBay, Next's Morris & Co. collab is far superior to the H&M range.


I was excited to find some of last season's range in their clearance sale....


These pretty espadrilles were reduced to £7


And even though I rarely wear one (I'm an A cup, what's the point?) I couldn't say no to a William Morris bra for £3  although I'm not sure what the great man would have thought of his designs being made into undies.



Anyway, it's Tony's birthday and Lord Jon and I are off to meet him & my brother in the pub for presents, lashings of real and an Indian feast.


I'm wearing "that" dress again! 


Jon's in a Junk de Luxe jumper found in a chazza about ten years ago along with Superdry skinnies and one of his many pairs of Clarks Bank Robbers.

Have a fabulous weekend!

PS All photos taken on my smartphone....who says modern life is rubbish?

53 comments:

  1. You look amazing in all these outfits Vix
    As does Lord J
    Siobhan x

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    1. Thank you so much, Siobhan. It's lovely to hear from you. I hope things are okay with you and your dear husband. xxx

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    2. He’s still with me! We had three admissions in 4 weeks , which was scary, and the staff on his ward were amazing . He is comfortable, his pain is managed and we are trying to enjoy the friends and family who love us, and have mini adventures- even if it’s just in our own garden
      Thank you for thinking of us xx

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    3. What a fighter he is, Siobhan. I'm so pleased that he's comfortable and you're still able to enjoy your time together. I often think of you both. xxx

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  2. Hard to pick a favourite outfit from all of those beauties, but I think Monday won it! Absolutely divine, every one of them. I thought you had been using your new phone because I spotted some clever use of 'portrait mode' lol. Have a great time tonight, and a good weekend. xx

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    1. Thanks, Louise! That portrait mode is brilliant - especially good for indoor shots when I need to filter out the mess! xxx

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  3. Another watch witch here - I think its a static electricity issue - I sometimes get random shocks from metal too (shopping can be a pain sometimes lol). Brilliant chazzer scores - I had a fantastic day on Thursday finding two gorgeous Triona pieces - a ruana (I know - fancy) in BHF and a coat on eBay for bobbins - Donegal tweed crack here https://trionadesign.com/

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    1. I'm in good company with the watch witchiness, then! I get the same shocks, too. I used to think that one day I'd spontaneously combust but I seem to have survived okay so far!
      Wow! You did amazingly well with your chazza finds, Elaine. I noticed that lots of people were donating huge bags of stuff when I popped down on Sunday, hopefully the rich pickings will continue for a while longer! xxx
      PS Thanks again for that amazing V&A link, I spent most of the weekend crocheting myself a folk collar and I bloody love it!

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  4. No one mixes prints better than you do Vix! I must also say Lord Jon is looking more and more distinguished these days. Is it the Title? Age? Watches?

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    1. Thanks so much, Alex! I think it's all the swimming that's helping Lord Jon, he's definitely walking taller since he got fit! xxx

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  5. Great buys and your outfits are lovely. I was shocked to see you in that beige jumper, knowing you're not a fan, but it has a lovely warm tone and it depends on what you team it with. It makes the russet shade in your dress and the teal in your hat pop all the more!
    I've noticed the sizes altering too. Like you, I was always a size 10 and these days, there are times when even an 8 seems roomy.
    Love the pretty robe and PJs. From Next too! Whodathunkit!
    Have fun! xxx

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    1. Hello Claire! I'd probably have overlooked that jumper if I hadn't spotted the label, I'm such a snob! It's such a useful thing, though - those holey jumpers are so much warmer than big bulky ones.
      Modern clothes sizing makes no sense, does it? I know I'm not shrinking so it's definitely the garment and not me! xxx

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  6. Excellent interlude and photos!
    I love my camera phone - does lots of clever things - love it! (I may have mentioned that once or twice...)

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    1. Thank you! I'm loving the camera on my phone, it's amazing! xxx

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  7. the roamer watch brought back a lifetime of memories of my dad,keep safe, kev

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    1. Thanks, Kev! I'm happy I bought back a few happy memories of your Dad. xxx

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  8. That's a lucky find with the watch. Your hats really set your outfits off well. I don't look at labels, I cut them out if I don't like the number! the more expensive the label, the smaller they will say you are - I'm sure you've noticed that! I am waiting for you to say your lovely old tortoise has woken up - then I will know Spring has truly arrived :)

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    1. I agree, cut the labels out if you're that bothered about the number on them! If something looks good, who cares what size it says! Wasn't that watch a lucky find? It's weird, some of the prices in that charity shop are mad , a viscose kaftan with Chanel printed all over it, obviously a fake, priced at £25 but a vintage Swiss watch in a box was £2.50!
      Jacob's been creaking about over the weekend but hasn't climbed out of his box yet, it was -6°C till 10am this morning, he's a bit previous! xxx

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  9. What a gorgeous set of outfits! I thought I hadn't seen those combats before- I was right! I do love high-waisted trousers! Still v jealous of your Next PJs- I think I need a pair!
    You did well in the chazzers- as did Jon! That's SO wyrd about you and watches!!!
    Hope you have a lovely day!xx

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    1. I'm a high-waisted trouser/jean convert, too! They're so comfy and flattering, aren't they?
      Keep your eyes peeled for those PJs, I keep checking Ebay for you, there's a few pairs on there at the moment, same style but different colour combinations, good things come to those that wait! xxx

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  10. I love "that" green dress. My favorite color and it looks so comfortable. I think I had that bag in the 80's. It took a lot of abuse and I finally wore it out. Lasted a long time but I am hard on any bags, especially in my younger days. I love all of your outfits and Lord Jon looks smashing in his new used jacket. It was minus 21 F this morning. Bitter start to the day but warmer days ahead. Ranee (USA)

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    1. Thanks, Ranee! I love a loose fitting dress like that, perfect for layering with jumpers if we get a cold snap. Goodness me, -21°F though! I hope your cold spell doesn't hang around for long, it must be a real effort to motivate yourself to do anything when it's that cold! xxx

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  11. What a lovely set of pyjamas! Very much the sort of silky, slinky beach wear sported by Essie Davis in her Phryne Fisher role -- and it suits your attitude(s) like skin. *

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    1. Thanks so much, Beth! I only saw one episode of Phryne Fisher but her wardrobe was divine! xxx

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  12. I found myself nodding along and humming approving noises at all of those wonderful outfits. I noticed your new jumper right away! I'm constantly buying things for L as well, but he's much more fussy about his clothes (he hates jumpers!). My mum is like that with watches too! What a great find that was!

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    1. Thanks so much, Sheila! Jon's very fussy, too. When he rejects stuff I find for him I hide it at the back of the Kinky Shed and leave him to rediscover it weeks later!
      How funny that your Mum's like me with watches, a witchy twin! xxx

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  13. Some outstanding finds this week, both from Lidl and the charity shops 🙂

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    1. I don't know what excited me more, those perfectly ripe avocados or the Swiss watch! xxx

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  14. Great finds, Vix. I love your suede boots!
    X

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    1. Thank you! I was so happy that those boots fitted! xxx

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  15. Hi Vix. I was going to ask were the photos taken on the new phone then saw your comment at the end :) Really good photos. You've got some good finds there. We buy the Waste Not boxes as well. It's a nice surprise to see what you are going to get and arrange meals around them. Really look forward to getting them! Have a good weekend. Louise X

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    1. Hello Louise! Thank you so much, I'm so impressed with the camera on my phone. I took some amazing food photos on Friday night which I keep meaning to send to the restaurant to share on their Facebook page.
      I get so excited about those Waste Not boxes, they really do encourage you to try different dishes, don't they? This morning's was incredible, the best yet!
      Hope you had a brilliant weekend! xxx

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  16. Some wonderful bargains there, and I love Jon's jersey jacket, it really suits him. That Lidl box held a really good assortment of fruits and veggies, I should imagine the two avocados alone would have cost the price of the whole box. Have a great weekend. xx

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    1. I'm delighted with Jon's jersey jacket, I was starting to think that his Adidas hoodie had welded itself onto his body!
      Lidl excelled itself with the boxes last week. I was thrilled with the avocados, they were at optimum ripeness, too! xxx

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  17. Fantastic outfits as always, although it is still a shock to the system to see you wearing combat trousers or a beige jumper :-)
    You did well in the chazzas again, both for the stockroom and for your own wardrobes. What a find that watch was, and I'm loving the kimono, espadrilles, slouchy bag, Clarks boots and Custo jumper. The latter has such a great shape!
    I'm not surprised you are wearing "that dress" again, as it's such a stunner! xxx

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    1. Hehe! Back in the 1990s I was rarely without my combat trousers worn with tiny 1970s kids tee shirts and huge Buffalo platforms, I used to turn up for work in them and change into my corporate whore suit in the loo!
      There's something quite exciting about finding "ordinary" things that fit perfectly into your wardrobe, isn't there? xxx

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  18. I really like that print mixing in Monday's outfit but Wednesday's is my favourite - what a pretty dress! Always so impressed with the beautiful finds you get from the opshops - I am not nearly so lucky but it's fun rummaging hoping to stumble across a gem! :)

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    1. Thanks so much, Mica! I loved the muted rose and brown tones of Wednesday's dress, perfect all year round. xxx

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  19. Hi Vix, as ever your daily outfits are impeccable! I love how you skilfully layer lighter/ more summery prints and cottons under quilted jackets and now knitwear too! The velvet dress is simply stunning. All of these outfits are naturally topped off with a beautiful wool hat/ fedora. I have quite a few such hats myself and a collection of cloche styles. Local people tend to notice them but I don't mind. Each to their own. By the way I bought the blouse ( from a charity shop) that matches the pattern on your ' Next' espadrilles. I have always loved William Morris designs.

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    1. Thanks so much, Alysia! I love my flimsy cotton dresses too much to pack them away for the winter and love playing around with combinations to make them more weather appropriate. As soon as I saw that velvet dress I had to have it and I absolutely love wearing it, it's so strokable and cosy!
      I do think a hat makes an outfit and really helps to elevate our style. I've come across a couple of cloche style felted hats in charity shops, I ought to give one a try, I loved Polly on Peaky Blinders' style with her tapestry opera coats, lace up boots and cloche hats.
      It's well worth checking Next's clearance department for the Morris and Co. range, I've got my heart set on the bath towels, one day they will be mine! xxx

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  20. You look fab as ever , I love William morris I had the hallway done in it but there was damp so it is getting redone. It’s my birthday on the 21st so we are off to Chiba just me and Paul.
    I can’t wait. We are going on a sleeper train!!! not cheap but Paul Is a train nerd.
    It’s called the sunrise express and it was a nightmare to book. Love the finds. I’m a bit of a watch fan. I wished I never got rid of my swatch watch collection now.
    Love you both Allie

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    1. Thanks, Allie! I love William Morris's prints. I bet your wallpapered hallway looked gorgeous.
      Your birthday plans sound so exciting, I love sleeper trains. What a fantastic time you're going to have.
      Swatches are so cool! I had one for my 18th birthday and loved it even though it kept stopping - I've still got it somewhere! xxx

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  21. You must be the most stylish customer in Lidl and brighten others Vix x

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    1. Thanks, Flis! One of the checkout staff told us we were "too cool for Lidl" the other day! xxx

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    2. I think it cool that you Do visit there - Far more so than frequenting ****rose x

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    3. I've never been in one of those ****rose shops, the nearest one's miles away from Walsall! xxx

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  22. wow, so lovely outfits, love those block printed dresses and gauze shirts, the fab afghan dress and the jumper over a dress (great idea!) and, obviously 'that' dress!. Your style is inspiring and you rock those fedora hats!.
    I'm admiring your talent to find the best pieces ever, particularly that Diesel jacket!, Lord Jon rocks it!. And that vintage watch was such a lucky find!, brilliant!
    Also in love with the Custo jumper (a huge fan of this label designs) and the Morris printed items, wow!.
    Besos

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    1. Thanks, Monica! I loved those Custo printed vests and tee shirts back in the day, they were so groovy. xxx

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  23. So many gorgeous outfits.. especially that jumper. I love how you paired it with the floral skirt.

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  24. Jon's jersey Diesel jacket just epitomises his style - great find. Indeed you found some wonderful treasures. Loved all the William Morris stuff you found especially the pjs and espadrilles. Remember what he said about things being functional (maybe it was useful?) and a bra certainly fits that category..

    Your outfits were all splendiferous. The combat trousers are fab; I've yet to see a high waisted pair. I I liked the Kharibou block printed dress outfit the best; I don't think I've seen you wear it before; and I love all your fedora hats in the different colours.

    (Somebody in Missouri, USA sent me a lovely comment on my most recent post. There are 7 of them, they don't have a laptop, computer or smartphone and visit a friend who has an old computer; where they gather together and read blogs including mine and yours! They said they love your blog, too.) How lovely is that?
    xxx

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    1. Thanks, Vronni! I was so pleased Jon found that jacket, I keep moaning about the Adidas hoodie he insists on wearing all the time! Next's William Morris range is really good, well worth checking out their clearance sales (I've just bagged a pair of rope soled platforms, like I need another pair of shoes!)
      I didn't know high waisted combats were a thing, either. I had a thing about army surplus ones in the 1990s but these are a lot more attractive.
      I was so happy to see a comment from Miss Kathryn and the gang from St Louis! They were regular commenters a few years ago and we'd often exchange emails, I was starting to worry about them. I love that they follow you, too - they've got excellent taste! xxx

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  25. Oh my gosh, you have found some wonderful treasures lately! The Morris print pajamas are lovely, and I used to find the occasional Custo Barcelona item here but not any more. Jon did very well too. I love a good pair of combat pants, and I recently purchased a vintage flight suit at a vintage market. It wasn't cheap, but I've always wanted one, although, with my short hair and chunky boots I always wear, I look like I've just parked my fighter jet on the runway.

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Lots of love, Vix