Power To The People!

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 Yesterday we took to the streets to protest against the council's decision to close Walsall's Leather Museum (again!). Council leader, Mike Bird (seen telling a campaigner to "shut up" HERE), has claimed that the museum, housed within a Victorian leather factory, is not financially viable and that the council can no longer afford the running costs so, in their infinite wisdom, have purchased a derelict building at the cost of £745,00 in which to rehome the collection. Unlike the current premises, the former shop has no revelance to the leather industry, the council will need to spend even more money to fit it out and it may take up to TEN years before it opens to the public. 

If Mike Bird has his way, in less than a fortnight's time, Walsall's last remaining heritage asset will be gone. 

In a campaign spearheaded by local fashion designer, leatherworker and absolute legend, Lauren Broxton, two hundred concerned residents met in the shadow of the statue of Sister Dora (another Walsall legend) and after rousting speeches by, amongst others, Lauren and our brilliant MP, the Rt Hon. Valerie Vaz who has succeeded in getting the building a Grade II Listed status (although a reform councillor tried to take the credit - and yesterday was conspicious by his absence) , we marched up Park Street to the sound of Billy Bragg's There is Power In A Union and, emulating the women of Greenham Common, joined hands and formed a human chain around the Leather Museum. 

You might be able to spot Jon, Liz, Al and me HERE

This is what I wore for an afternoon of hail, wind, sunshine and rain followed by a few hours in Wetherspoons. A 1970s Louis Caring maxi dress, a vintage suede coat and an Aldo wool fedora bought from a charity shop 12 years ago. 

@vixbrearley #50andovertiktok #1970saethetic #vintageclothing ♬ Power To The People - Ultimate Mix - John Lennon

The previous day (Friday) we went for our third swim of the week. We're getting used to the new baths although we still haven't found the showers! 

My TikTok gang keep asking about my jewellery so I filmed it. 

@vixbrearley #jewellery #vintageclothing #1970saethetic #50andovertiktok #maximalist @All About Audrey ♬ Rooms on Fire - Stevie Nicks

I found this cotton All About Audrey kaftan on Vinted last year for £4. Although I've worn it around the house, Friday was the first time I'd ventured outside in it. I think these "Goddess" dresses are designed for women with substantial bosoms as the hem dips at the front on those of us less well blessed. It took a lot of swearing before I managed to cut and hem it so it hung right but it was worth the effort!  They're the perfect effortlessly dressing dress.

 On Thursday, after a visit from Liz, we walked into town as I needed a few bits and pieces although I came home without the main thing I wanted, some gel insoles for my new-to-me Missoni X Converse ( I really ought to write a list!) Needless to say, we popped into the charity shops as we'd not been in them for days due to the swiming pool being out of action and, of course, everyone wanted to know where we'd been all week!

I wore the wool Bus Stop maxi skirt I'd bought from Vinted a couple of weeks ago along with my Ayesha Davar cheesecloth blouse and the Kuchi pendant I'd recently bought. 

@vixbrearley #1970saethetic #vintageclothing #vintage #50andovertiktok ♬ All Along the Watchtower - Bob Dylan

On Wednesday, this idiot will have been living with us for three years. Look at his milk beard! 

He's such a lap cat, he absolutely loves his fuss.

Today (Sunday) might be the first day of Spring but it feels anything but. I was excited to see the bluebells starting to pop up when I walked down to the compost heap earlier. 

There's signs of growth on the apple tree, too.

And it's always a joy to see the forsythia.

The poor magnolia got a right old battering with Wednesday's hail and high winds. 

But luckily, we've got another one in a gorgeous dusky pink.

 It felt like a day for jeans, the Free People "Jayde" flares I bought from Vinted , teamed with a 1970s Indian cotton blouse (Vinted, 2024) and the Jesus Saves belt (made by the Baron Brass Buckle company in the 1970s).

This weekend we've been watching Russian Doll, an insane black comedy starring the mesmerising Natasha Lyonne who plays a video game designer who keeps dying on her 36th birthday only to find herself reicarnated at the same party, destined to relive her death day in all of its glorious varierties again and again and again. Oh.my.god....it is so f**king good! 

See you soon!