Hello! Thanks so much for all your well-wishes, after last week's dental trauma, Jon's healing well and he's almost back to normal (although he won't be eating crisps for a while yet!)
Be afraid, be very afraid...I've developed a denim fixation! It all started when this vintage 1970s Falmers* denim waistcoat popped up in my Vinted feed*.
*The brand Falmer still exists, it was acquired by the high street chain, Matalan in 1998 and became "Falmer Heritage". The original Falmers was always made in Great Britain (unlike the contemporary brand).
Longtime followers may remember how I lived in my last waistcoat,bought in the early 1990s and worn on repeat until it fell apart just before Covid.
Here it is in 2015, taking the train across Karnataka.
Here is is in Coorg....and at Chowpatti Beach in Mumbai, a year later!
And at Camperjam in 2011
I'd tried ever since to find a worthy replacement but the two I'd bought from Vinted were (despite being listed as XS) were way too big so I resold them. I did find a H&M waistcoat in a charity shop a couple of years ago and although it looks okay, there's no comparison with wearing vintage. After I bought my Falmers waistcoat the seller messaged to warn me that it was ridiculously small but when it turned up, it couldn't have been more perfect (30" chest - just my size!)
On Friday, whilst rummaging through the rails in the Sue Ryder charity clearance shop after swimming, amongst the tatty fast fashion this gorgeous vintage Laura Ashley maxi skirt caught my eye, not any old velvet but silk velvet, no less, and fully lined, too! I'd left the house wearing something different but, for my nail appointment, I decided to get changed and wear it immediately.
Charlotte, my nail technician, loved the colour so much she decided that I needed nails to match.
If you use Vinted, you'll know all about its scarily accurate algorithim. Once it had detected that I liked 1970s denim it decided to recommend these Free People Jayde bellbottom jeans.
I'm absolutely clueless when it comes to jeans sizing but at £9 (they retail at £108), I knew I could relist them if they weren't right...but they were! I don't think I've ever worn comfier jeans!
I love them so much that I wore them the following day, too - embracing the double denim by wearing them with my Levi's puff sleeved blouse, bought in the end of season sale three years ago. High waisted jeans are so flattering, I look like I've got curves!
I had a wardrobe rethink last weekend, listed my rejects on Vinted and sold the lot in a couple of hours....a fraction of the funds went to buy more goodies, don't you just love the circular economy?
And, of course, vinted keeps recommending more stuff it thinks I'll like! This Levi's Type 1 Iconic Trucker jacket was released as a limited edition in 2003 and doesn't pop up very often. It was £8. It's such a great fit and the 1970s styling is fabulous.
And the seller from whom I bought my Free People jeans offered me a second pair for £6, it would have been rude not to!
Following on from my last post, regular reader Elizabeth who usually likes the same tv series, films and books as I do, recommended Poker Face (as does the ever reliable Guardian), which we started watching at the weekend...
Three episodes in and we're well and truly hooked! A cool mash-up between Murder she Wrote and Columbo, Charlie Cale (Natasha Lyonne) plays a woman with an innate talent for detecting when people are lying and travels across the USA solving murders. Charlie leads a hobo-type existance, living out of her very cool 1969 Plymouth Barracuda and dressing in 1970s rock chic thrift shop style. That hair!!! Other than Glass Onion, we've not seen Natasha Lyonne is anything else but she is incredible in this and Russian Doll is already saved to favourites when we've watched both series.
I'm glad Jon's dental stuff went well and he is on the mend. Funny, I still managed chips (crisps) very soon, why I need to not have them in the house. I love a good denim jacket and vest. I'm once again not in a happy size for jeans, but once bike weather comes, I should work my way back into the perfect paid I bought preloved three years ago.
I'm amazed Jon hasn't had any crisps yet! Mind you, he's managed chips, pizza and biscuits so I don't think its far off! Good plan with the cycling, once the weather's better what with your new knee there'll be no stopping you! xxx
I do like a denim waistcoat too. I have a few in my watchlist, I really should plump for one. I do struggle with sizing though because of my bust, I have to size up and then the waist is baggy! High waist jeans are universally flattering, I hate jeans that cut across the middle of my hip! Xxx
I wouldn't worry about a waistcoat doing up over your bust as long as you can do the buttons up at the waist, it'll look fabulous! How I used to wear those lowrise TopShop Baxter sknnies back in the early 2000s I'll never know, I spent most of my time hoisting them up! xxx
My dentist cancelled this morning! Can't fit me in again until 27th April!!?? Had a very sleepless night thinking about going and now got to do it all again come April!Die-hard hippies would avoid Falmer like the plague back in the day!!Levi and Wrangler were the mode of choice! I did however like the Falmer Heritage knitwear latterly sold by Matalan. You look great in your waistcoat and the velvet skirt was made for you.I love wearing my denim jacket in the summertime even in my advancing years!!xxx
Oh no! Talk about prolonging the agony! My last two appointments have both been cancelled, luckily its only for a check-up, it must be vile to have the threat of an extraction looming! When I was a teenager there used to be a stall on Walsall market that sold early 1960s deadstock "Cowboy Fit" Wranglers for £1.25 - I loved mine to bits. I always thought it was Wrangler and Lee that were the ultimate jeans (along with Lois), I didn't think Levi's became trendy until "that" 1985 laundrette advert with Nick Kamen (RIP)! My mum used to wear super-flared Highlight jeans, I think they were from Richard Shops! xxx
Thanks, Hena! Apparently they're making another series with Peter Dinklage - I like him but I don't think anyone would be as magnificent as Natasha! xxx
Hooray for Jon! Glad he's doing better! I love the double - nay, TRIPLE - denim going on here, Vix! Never say never! Love that Levi's jacket. Russian Doll is really fun - I love Natasha Lyonne!
I'm glad that Jon is feeling better. Your new denim finds are lovely. I enjoyed Natasha Lyonne in "Russian Doll." She does a good job playing someone smart, cynical, and abrasive, so I can well imagine how she might be the perfect person to play the lead role in "Poker Face." I'll add that to my watch list.
Hello Emily! Russian Doll popped up as a suggestion after we'd found Poker Face, I think we might give that a try next. She's a fabulous actor, so witty and clever, I could watch her for hours! xxx
Good that Jon has recovered. Teeth thingeys are so painful. Love the new gear - denim is forever. And I was wondering - is it time for a beauty/skin care/diet/wiifi routine update?
You're looking as fabulous as ever, Vix. I could never pull off double denim Hell, I struggle to pull off single denim :) I'm becoming familiar with Vinted's algorithms, after a work colleague messaged me regarding inflatable costumes for sale. 🤣 Some of the (never ending) suggestions are hilarious. Xx
Aww, don't do yourself down, Jules! Denim's fabulous on anyone! The inflatable costue made me laugh, I got a suggestion for a leather hip flask today, what is Vinted trying to say about my drinking?! xxx
Hello - glad you found the perfect waistcoat at last. Do you have lots of tv subscriptions on the go? Or do you swap between them? I'm watching slow horses at the moment. Maeve xx
Hello Maeve! Jon's always chopping and changing ou streaming services. He's curently got a month's free Amazon Prime membership so we can watch Poker face. xxx
this is so relatable! Vinted’s algorithm really knows its stuff — can’t believe it picked up on your 1970s denim love and found those Free People bellbottoms. Such a fun find! I love when tech surprises you like that.
Oh, denim loves you! Great treat to see those vests! Perfect for so many of your dresses. Love the waist coat, as well. and those jeans...so chic! Such an inspiring post! Thank you so much for your comments and more. 💙💙💙💙💙💙💙All the best to your next adventure!
Double denim all the way! Rules about clothing are (can be) restrictive - wear what you love and the rest be damned! I love waistcoats too tbh and they go sooooo well with jeans. 😊x
If Jon claims a case of PTSD relating to noises that sound like dental procedures -- please believe him. There is no more reliable wardrobe item than a good piece of 1970s denim. My favorite jeans are now more than 30 years old and worn to hanky softness. (Only the bottom hems have required "embroidery".) A '69 'Cuda you say? I drove those cars when the world and I were younger, gas was cheaper, and the American Interstate system was new. At 70 mph, they do drink.
Hello Beth! I had my bi-annual dental check-up yesterday and Jon couldn't even bring himself to come into the surgey with me, prefering to wait outside so the PTSD is real. I love how old denim wears, none of that elastane nonsense. Your favourite jeans sound wonderful and all the better for some creative mending! I bet those Barracudas are cripplingly expensive to run but achingly cool all the same! xxx
I'm a bit behind with blog posts! I was engrossed in my books so I avoided much online. Sorry to hear Jon has dental woes. I'll be reading in reverse! I'm loving ALL THE DENIM purchases! I do like high waisted jeans and bell bottoms. I'm wearing an almost identical denim puff sleeved blouse right now but mine is from Oliver Bonas (charity shopped). Your Laura Ashley is so pretty! I might have to look up that programme. What platform did you watch it on?
Thanks, Kezzie! Its a good idea to discoonect and read every so often, that's what I do, too! I'm very pleased with the denim purchases, like suede it always adds to casual glamour to an outfit. I bet your OB blouse is a beauty, those sleeves make what could be a vry ordinary garment into a really special one! Jon's got a month's free membership with Amazon Prime - that's where we found Poker Face. xxx
After my most recent tooth extraction I went out and bought another guitar as a consolation that the tooth fairy doesn't give a rat's ass once you're an adult. Share that with Jon at your own discretion :) Denim is getting cool looking again. After all those skinny blinged-up jeans it is so nice to see stuff that's wearable. Glad you found another waistcoat. -Goody
Hello Goody! I told Jon about your suggestion and he did an evil laugh, I suspect he has bought something although I'm not sure if he could possobly squeeze another guitar into the house so it's probably some obscure vinyl! xxx
I remember your original waistcoat. I didn't think I'd ever worn double demin, but now I cast my mind back I had a denim shirt I wore with jeans in the early 90s.
Hi Vix, it's amazing how versatile a denim waistcoat can be in creating so many very different outfits as you have shown us so clearly. It will really earn its place in your wardrobe i am sure. I too liked the old Falmers designs. There's something really cool about 1970's denim I think. Your puff sleeved Levi's shirt is a great piece and suits you so well. As a long term Laura Ashley fan I am coveting your silk velvet skirt- a great find. Modern velvet just is not the same.
Hello Alysia! That denim waistcoat is probably going to worn on repeat, I'm so happy with it and, of course, all the better for being vintage! When I was carrying that Laura Ashley skirt around with me in the charity shop a Romanian lady stopped to tell me it was "no good" as she was concerned that it was a bit threadbare & didn't want me to aste my money but on closer inspection it was the shop lighting reflecting on the silk! xxx
Amazing denim vest, but also all jeans. It suits you incredibly well with the dress!! I love jeans. Your videos are very nice, they give ideas!! Be well and have a great time Vix!
I remember your last denim waistcoat! I expect this one will become your new second skin, what a find! I do think that denim in 2026 is not the same quality as 1970s denim, it just lasted forever, took ages to fade (you had to keep washing it to get the look you wanted) whereas now it goes soft and loses colour quickly. Betty
Totally in love with all the denim pieces you acquired, they fit like a dream and you styled them so fabulously!. Wow, that jacket is my favourite one, but I have a weakness for denim waistcoats (I sold my vintage one which never fitted me properly, hope somebody is rocking it but I miss a denim waistcoat in my wardrobe!) We liked Poker Face particularly because of its absurd humour, and the peculiar characters!. I also noticed the 'Columbo' inspo, as we can see what happened and who is the murder at the beginning, I think it's more interesting!. You'll love episode 5, the clothes are totally Fab! besos
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I'm glad Jon's dental stuff went well and he is on the mend. Funny, I still managed chips (crisps) very soon, why I need to not have them in the house. I love a good denim jacket and vest. I'm once again not in a happy size for jeans, but once bike weather comes, I should work my way back into the perfect paid I bought preloved three years ago.
ReplyDeleteI'm amazed Jon hasn't had any crisps yet! Mind you, he's managed chips, pizza and biscuits so I don't think its far off!
DeleteGood plan with the cycling, once the weather's better what with your new knee there'll be no stopping you! xxx
I do like a denim waistcoat too. I have a few in my watchlist, I really should plump for one. I do struggle with sizing though because of my bust, I have to size up and then the waist is baggy! High waist jeans are universally flattering, I hate jeans that cut across the middle of my hip! Xxx
ReplyDeleteI wouldn't worry about a waistcoat doing up over your bust as long as you can do the buttons up at the waist, it'll look fabulous! How I used to wear those lowrise TopShop Baxter sknnies back in the early 2000s I'll never know, I spent most of my time hoisting them up! xxx
DeleteMy dentist cancelled this morning! Can't fit me in again until 27th April!!?? Had a very sleepless night thinking about going and now got to do it all again come April!Die-hard hippies would avoid Falmer like the plague back in the day!!Levi and Wrangler were the mode of choice! I did however like the Falmer Heritage knitwear latterly sold by Matalan. You look great in your waistcoat and the velvet skirt was made for you.I love wearing my denim jacket in the summertime even in my advancing years!!xxx
ReplyDeleteOh no! Talk about prolonging the agony! My last two appointments have both been cancelled, luckily its only for a check-up, it must be vile to have the threat of an extraction looming!
DeleteWhen I was a teenager there used to be a stall on Walsall market that sold early 1960s deadstock "Cowboy Fit" Wranglers for £1.25 - I loved mine to bits. I always thought it was Wrangler and Lee that were the ultimate jeans (along with Lois), I didn't think Levi's became trendy until "that" 1985 laundrette advert with Nick Kamen (RIP)!
My mum used to wear super-flared Highlight jeans, I think they were from Richard Shops! xxx
That was me!!
DeletePoker Face sounds right up my street - downloading episode 1, series 1 right now. Thanks, x
ReplyDeleteIt's so good - I absolutey love it! xxx
DeleteYou look fabulous. So sad to hear Poker Face got cancelled. It was such a fun show.. and I agree, Charlie's wardrobe was such fun.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Hena! Apparently they're making another series with Peter Dinklage - I like him but I don't think anyone would be as magnificent as Natasha! xxx
DeleteHooray for Jon! Glad he's doing better! I love the double - nay, TRIPLE - denim going on here, Vix! Never say never! Love that Levi's jacket.
ReplyDeleteRussian Doll is really fun - I love Natasha Lyonne!
I've always loved denim - I;'m so excired to find a few hero pieces, they slot into my wardrobe seamlessly! xxx
DeleteI'm glad that Jon is feeling better. Your new denim finds are lovely. I enjoyed Natasha Lyonne in "Russian Doll." She does a good job playing someone smart, cynical, and abrasive, so I can well imagine how she might be the perfect person to play the lead role in "Poker Face." I'll add that to my watch list.
ReplyDeleteEmily
Hello Emily! Russian Doll popped up as a suggestion after we'd found Poker Face, I think we might give that a try next. She's a fabulous actor, so witty and clever, I could watch her for hours! xxx
DeleteGood that Jon has recovered. Teeth thingeys are so painful. Love the new gear - denim is forever. And I was wondering - is it time for a beauty/skin care/diet/wiifi routine update?
ReplyDeleteThanks so much, Ratnamurti! That's a great idea, I've switched a few products lately so shall sort out a post next week! xxx
DeleteYou're looking as fabulous as ever, Vix. I could never pull off double denim
ReplyDeleteHell, I struggle to pull off single denim :)
I'm becoming familiar with Vinted's algorithms, after a work colleague messaged me regarding inflatable costumes for sale. 🤣 Some of the (never ending) suggestions are hilarious. Xx
Aww, don't do yourself down, Jules! Denim's fabulous on anyone!
DeleteThe inflatable costue made me laugh, I got a suggestion for a leather hip flask today, what is Vinted trying to say about my drinking?! xxx
Hello - glad you found the perfect waistcoat at last. Do you have lots of tv subscriptions on the go? Or do you swap between them? I'm watching slow horses at the moment. Maeve xx
ReplyDeleteHello Maeve! Jon's always chopping and changing ou streaming services. He's curently got a month's free Amazon Prime membership so we can watch Poker face. xxx
Deletethis is so relatable! Vinted’s algorithm really knows its stuff — can’t believe it picked up on your 1970s denim love and found those Free People bellbottoms. Such a fun find! I love when tech surprises you like that.
ReplyDeleteYes, that's one of the great things about tech! xxx
DeleteI'm impressed that you knew the waistcoat was on a pic from ten yrs ago.....either a filing system like the V&A or an excellent memory, or both!?
ReplyDeleteI can't remember my own phone number but when it comes to clothes Rainman's got nothing on me! xxx
DeleteOh, denim loves you! Great treat to see those vests! Perfect for so many of your dresses. Love the waist coat, as well. and those jeans...so chic! Such an inspiring post! Thank you so much for your comments and more. 💙💙💙💙💙💙💙All the best to your next adventure!
ReplyDeleteThanks so much, Ellie! xxx
DeleteDouble denim all the way!
ReplyDeleteRules about clothing are (can be) restrictive - wear what you love and the rest be damned!
I love waistcoats too tbh and they go sooooo well with jeans. 😊x
Absolutely! If its worth doing, its worth overdoing! xxx
DeleteIf Jon claims a case of PTSD relating to noises that sound like dental procedures -- please believe him.
ReplyDeleteThere is no more reliable wardrobe item than a good piece of 1970s denim. My favorite jeans are now more than 30 years old and worn to hanky softness. (Only the bottom hems have required "embroidery".)
A '69 'Cuda you say? I drove those cars when the world and I were younger, gas was cheaper, and the American Interstate system was new. At 70 mph, they do drink.
Hello Beth! I had my bi-annual dental check-up yesterday and Jon couldn't even bring himself to come into the surgey with me, prefering to wait outside so the PTSD is real.
DeleteI love how old denim wears, none of that elastane nonsense. Your favourite jeans sound wonderful and all the better for some creative mending!
I bet those Barracudas are cripplingly expensive to run but achingly cool all the same! xxx
Beth was writing -- still unable to recapture my ID!
ReplyDeleteBloomin' Blogspot an dits weird quirks! xxx
DeleteThis denim vest goes so well with your beautiful dresses. It's great that you have one in your wardrobe again.
ReplyDeleteI love the Laura Ashley outfit.
xoxo
Thanks so much, Andrea! I was really pleased to find that skirt! xxx
DeleteI'm a bit behind with blog posts! I was engrossed in my books so I avoided much online. Sorry to hear Jon has dental woes. I'll be reading in reverse!
ReplyDeleteI'm loving ALL THE DENIM purchases! I do like high waisted jeans and bell bottoms. I'm wearing an almost identical denim puff sleeved blouse right now but mine is from Oliver Bonas (charity shopped).
Your Laura Ashley is so pretty!
I might have to look up that programme. What platform did you watch it on?
Thanks, Kezzie! Its a good idea to discoonect and read every so often, that's what I do, too!
DeleteI'm very pleased with the denim purchases, like suede it always adds to casual glamour to an outfit. I bet your OB blouse is a beauty, those sleeves make what could be a vry ordinary garment into a really special one!
Jon's got a month's free membership with Amazon Prime - that's where we found Poker Face. xxx
After my most recent tooth extraction I went out and bought another guitar as a consolation that the tooth fairy doesn't give a rat's ass once you're an adult. Share that with Jon at your own discretion :)
ReplyDeleteDenim is getting cool looking again. After all those skinny blinged-up jeans it is so nice to see stuff that's wearable. Glad you found another waistcoat.
-Goody
Hello Goody! I told Jon about your suggestion and he did an evil laugh, I suspect he has bought something although I'm not sure if he could possobly squeeze another guitar into the house so it's probably some obscure vinyl! xxx
DeleteI love that you're on a denim kick. I remember your waistcoat well, it looked great with everything. X
ReplyDeleteThanks, Jess! It's such a useful piece! xxx
DeleteI remember your original waistcoat. I didn't think I'd ever worn double demin, but now I cast my mind back I had a denim shirt I wore with jeans in the early 90s.
ReplyDeleteI'm not sure if I've worn blue denim together although I used to wear my black denim jeans with my beloved old waistcoat back in the naughties! xxx
DeleteHi Vix, it's amazing how versatile a denim waistcoat can be in creating so many very different outfits as you have shown us so clearly. It will really earn its place in your wardrobe i am sure. I too liked the old Falmers designs. There's something really cool about 1970's denim I think. Your puff sleeved Levi's shirt is a great piece and suits you so well. As a long term Laura Ashley fan I am coveting your silk velvet skirt- a great find. Modern velvet just is not the same.
ReplyDeleteHello Alysia! That denim waistcoat is probably going to worn on repeat, I'm so happy with it and, of course, all the better for being vintage! When I was carrying that Laura Ashley skirt around with me in the charity shop a Romanian lady stopped to tell me it was "no good" as she was concerned that it was a bit threadbare & didn't want me to aste my money but on closer inspection it was the shop lighting reflecting on the silk! xxx
DeleteAmazing denim vest, but also all jeans.
ReplyDeleteIt suits you incredibly well with the dress!!
I love jeans. Your videos are very nice, they give ideas!!
Be well and have a great time Vix!
Thank you so much, Katerina! xxx
DeleteI remember your last denim waistcoat! I expect this one will become your new second skin, what a find! I do think that denim in 2026 is not the same quality as 1970s denim, it just lasted forever, took ages to fade (you had to keep washing it to get the look you wanted) whereas now it goes soft and loses colour quickly. Betty
ReplyDeleteTotally in love with all the denim pieces you acquired, they fit like a dream and you styled them so fabulously!. Wow, that jacket is my favourite one, but I have a weakness for denim waistcoats (I sold my vintage one which never fitted me properly, hope somebody is rocking it but I miss a denim waistcoat in my wardrobe!)
ReplyDeleteWe liked Poker Face particularly because of its absurd humour, and the peculiar characters!. I also noticed the 'Columbo' inspo, as we can see what happened and who is the murder at the beginning, I think it's more interesting!. You'll love episode 5, the clothes are totally Fab!
besos