After some unseasonably warm weather, May has reverted back to dismally average temperatures but I didn't bother with a jacket on Wednesday morning as I'm always glowing after our swim. These Indian cotton quilted waistcoats are perfect for this time of year, it's just as well I have a few! The one I'm wearing over my India Imports for Rhode Island maxi is a 1970s Chelsea Girl original.
Fed up with my ongoing hip issues, I took my frustrations out on the garden, attacking the ridiculously overgrown patio border. Four hours later and I could finally see my Agapanthus and Phlox "Mount Fuji" again.
Before (above) and after (below).
I felt even better when Jon brought me a mug of tea and the news that he'd booked a holiday for next month. Yippee!!!!
On Wednesday night we started watching A Perfect Spy, a 1980s adaptation of the John Le Carre novel, currently on the BBC iPlayer. A bit dated but still enjoyable.
On Thursday I thought I'd give these charity-shopped cords an outing and, while I was at it, test out my Lotta's by walking to the parcel drop off shop. Amazingly both my arthritic toe-joints and hip fared pretty well and I made it there and back without having to stop for a rest.
The cords were originally from Tu, Sainsbury's supermarket's in-house label. I never thought the day would come when I'd wear supermarket fashion but I think these are the first trousers I've ever worn in my life that are the perfect length.
After spending a couple of hours tackling the horrifically deep bamboo roots in the border I'd cleared, I altered a vintage wraparound skirt I'd bought from Vinted last week....beautiful but dangerously long, with my issues tripping is a real concern.
These wrap skirts have a curved hem so once you've measured how much you need to take off the length, you'll need to go along the hem, marking the exact measurement with tailors chalk every few inches and then cut an inch below the line so allow for a double hem. If you turn the skirt up without trimming off the excess fabric the hem will be too bulky and it won't hang correctly. Be brave and don't forget, measure twice, cut once!
Here she is, four inches shorter and the perfect length with flat footwear. The previous owner bought it on holiday in Barcelona in the 1970s. The seller was at pains to let me know that it has faded over the years (hence the £5 asking price) but I always think that it gives clothes personality and only adds to the charm.
Talking of Vinted, I also snaffled this All About Audrey sari silk maxi dress, still with the tags attached, for £8. Nobody's going to miss me in this!!
On Thursday evening we continued watching A Perfect Spy with a break for Race Across The World. How lovely are the people of Uzbekistan and Kystostan? The scenery is pretty spectacular, too. Shame about the food, I think I'd starve to death!
Friday was another swimming day.
When I'm not sure what to wear I always seem to gravitate towards this All About Audrey maxi dress (bought from their website in 2024). If I subscribed to that cost per wear thingy that some women do it'll probably owe me money! I'd completely forgotten about this amazing vintage Kashmiri woolwork jacket I'd snaffled from Vinted for £5 last year. It's perfect for this time of year.
As usual we had breakfast in Spoons followed by a look around the charity shops.
Today's finds..a pair of handmade plus-sized cotton dungarees, two leisure shirts, a tooled leather belt, a 1960s Austin Reed cord jacket with a fur collar, a 1980s bronze raincoat by Totes and some repro lace-up knee high boots.
And some too-cheap-to-leave vinyl.
We had another session in the garden. Jon set about breaking up Jacob's pen (sob!) and I potted up some houseleeks that grow like weeds in our garden.
Once again it's Friday and therefore rum night! On the agenda tonight is the latest episodes of Criminal Record and Scotland's Home of the Year before more of A Perfect Spy.
Your new finds are fantastic, Vix!! It's hard to find clothes made of 100% cotton anymore and if you do, you'll pay a lot for them!! How green, of course, here with the rains we have a lot of green. Gardening is almost psychotherapy!! Have a nice weekend, Vix and good vacation you booked!!
We have The Amazong Race abd it's good fun to watch when a season starts. You wear the corduroy well...I had a gold pair of Levi corduroy in junior highschool. I thought I was almost a cool kid when I wore them. I hope your hip and foot pain is not exasperated by the gardening.
I didn't realise that there was a USA version. It's such an exciting programme, I'm exhausted just watching it! I always coveted Jon's vintage Levi's cords when I first started going out with him, these are the first pair that have ever fitted, I'm so excited! I sit on a cushion and shuffle around on it, not a great look but it gets me about! Xxx
Mine eyes glow green with envy at the sight of your gorgeous asparagus fernery! One does miss those signs and scents of spring in good garden soil -- although there's much to see and sniff in pots and boxes, the more varied, the better! * Bless Jon for making the changes in Jacob's plot. I do miss the old gentleman's annual strawberry feast. * And as a fellow careful ambler on uneven pavements, may I suggest trying Nordic walking sticks or their equivalent in wood? They're even available with grip tips for rambling on slick, wet surfaces. (And sooo much easier to manage in restaurants than a Zimmer frame...)
Hello Beth! Although it's lovely having so big a garden I do miss the paved yard in my tiny terraced house, everything was in pots and seemed to flourish, here if it's not in shade from the trees , it all seems to get choked in weeds! When I was recovering from my first hip replacement I borrowed my Dad's Nordic poles when I went to Gree, I think they might still be in a shed somewhere. Xxxx
I feel.like i missed something, is Jacob still with you? Hope he's ok. We are off to corfu on monday. Son 1 is house and cat sitting and we have a "Sprinklers group,' on whatsapp who water allotments so mine is cared for while we are away. Hope you have a great holiday too.
Hello Betty, no you didn't miss anything, you definitely commented when I posted about him dying last June. I'm very excited to hear your thoughts on my beloved Corfu, I hope you post on Facebook when you're away, I'm curious as to where you're staying!! I'm glad Mollie , the allotment, the house and the garden are all being cared for, it seems to take more effort to sort all that out than to find a flight deal. Bon voyage!!!Xxx
I really like those cords. Sometimes you can pick up some fast fashion that's actually quite good quality. And if no one buys it, it will probably end up in landfill without hardly being worn.
We've been gadding about around Cornwall and Devon, and we've had some lovely weather, but I'm itching to go abroad. I was thinking it was a bit risky a few weeks ago, but I don't see any end to the war on Iran while Trump is still playing the markets, so I think we've just got to get on with it. Looking forward to hearing about where you're going. Will message you tomorrow xxx
Thanks, Annie! Those cords really are lovely quality and such a good fit. One of Liz's friends bought her a pair of Tu barrel leg jeans and she said that they are the best jeans she's ever worn! We've actually booked a package just in case Trump's antics put the kibosh on our trip. I can't wait to see you! Xxxx
Your finds are marvellous! I ALMOST bought a Tu checked cotton, lined dress in the charity shop today. It was teal and white and I totally loved it but it was a bit too big for me! Sad!!! I got a cashmere cardie in the chazzer for £4 earlier as well as a nice navy top but there wasn't that much else that appealed sadly! X
Thanks, Kezzie! I'm often attracted to Tu in charity shops, if those cords are anything to go by, the quality is fab. That dress sounds lovely but no good if it's not the right size. Well done on the cashmere cardi, that's a proper bargain!!! Xxx
I'm so jealous of you going to Greece next month! Can't wait to read where it is you're off too. I LOVE Greece and desperate to go - our favourite is the island of Skiathos but due to extensive building renovations coming up in June, it's not happening for us for the foreseeable future. You always nab such amazing All About Audrey! I'm still on the lookout for something special. Rachael x
Rachael! We nearly booked for Skiathos this month but decided to wait until June as the prices were so much cheaper. I support a cat rescue charity on Skiathos, an island I've never been to but would love to visit. I've never heard anything negative about it. Keep stalking AAA on Vinted (and try searching for All About Aud, too - a lot of cool stuff slips through when the seller doesn't list it properly!) xxx
Hi Vix, some lovely examples of pattern mixing for us, producing a very harmonious yet colourful result. Were you good at Art at school? You have a natural instinct of what colours, patterns and textures go well together. Your new All About Audrey silk sari dress is a showstopper. Many yesrs ago I bought a sundress in a market in Honfleur made from a recycled sari. The Kashmiri wool jacket is rather a special piece too. I have picked up a few pieces recently bought at charity shops whilst visiting family ( sadly due to their very poor health). The charity shop staff were quick to welcome me back. X
Hello Alysia. I am sorry to hear of your family's health issues, I hope your charity shop finds are a pleasant diversion from the worry. I've always been creative with colour although my ability at painting and drawing are sadly lacking. I bet your Honfleur sundress is lovely, I find the nicest clothes in tiny boutiques on my travels! xxx
Your garden is flourishing as much as your wardrobe! So many beautiful Maxi outfits! Great seeing you in pants! All the best to the swims and the trip that is coming soon. Thanks for you amazing posts! Your blog is so amazing. Here's to your future adventures. I'm drinking red wine and Frasca!
I think May has been awful weather wise. We have a rare sunny day here today so I too have been sprucing up the garden. I’d never advocate wearing a load of supermarket fashion, but from time to time Tu do throw up a gem. My green velvet dress I was wearing in my last post was from there. That brightly coloured maxi dress is beautiful xxx
Really? It's not been too bad here (discounting Bank Holiday Monday and today). Your green velvet dress is gorgeous, I'd never have guessed it was supermarket chic! xxx
Your new maxi dress looks gorgeous! I'm always envious of your amazing Vinted finds. Do you know how best to search for things, or are you incredibly lucky? I'm sorry to hear that your hip is causing you a lot of pain. Hopefully, some beach weather will help. Xx
Thanks, Jules! Everything few days I go through my Vinted feed and "like" everything that appeal, even if its way too expensive or the wrong size. Vinted gradually learns what you like and throws suggestions at you. I think my hip might be too far gone for sunshine and warmt but we've chosen somewhere to stay a few yards from the beach and the tavernas so hopefully I can get there on my stick! xxx
Those cords are a great find! I have a velvet, padded waistcoat that I love, you've just reminded me. I also have a denim one with red and white embroidery, I must dig out too.
I used to follow you ages ago and have just found you again. You are a great antidote to a discussion I was reading online, where a whole load of people don't "get ready" everyday , as they don't leave the house - how depressing!
Hello Tanya and thanks for popping in! Getting dressed up is one of the joys in life, I can't stand seeing people walking around Lidl in a dressing gown and slippers, where's the pride? I like the sound of that denim waistcoat! xxx
Clever Jon, a holiday to somewhere warm sounds absolutely idyllic at the moment. I'm sat at the computer shivering today. I think I need some of those lovely cords and a warmer jumper instead of my current t-shirt. I can't get the soundtrack to your YouTube clip out of my head now!!
Glad that Jon booked that greek holiday, great news now that the weather is still not behaving properly! (we're having such wintery weather these days!). Always love how you style your dresses with waistcoats and quilted jackets and Fabulous Jewellery!, you really rock it!. Also looking fab in trousers, and those Lotta clogs!. Glad you can walk in them (so annoying when one can't walk in some fav shoes!) Thanks for sharing some interesting series, dear Vix! besos
Glad that Jon has booked a greek holiday, just when the weather is looking dissapointingly wintery! (we're having cold temperatures here, and Spring looks vanished these days) Always lovely how you style those maxi dresses with waistcoats or quilted jackets and Fabulous Jewellery, master layering of interesting pieces!, you rock it!. Also looking fab in trousers and Lotta clogs, glad you can walk in them (so annoying when one can't walk in favourite shoes!) Thanks for sharing some interesting series to watch! besos
Wow, that kashimiri wool jacket is such a beauty. I love the gold. It looks great paired with that trusted maxi. I think some items in my closet also owe me money. When I like something, I wear it often. The cord jeans outfit is fabulous!
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ReplyDeleteJon knows very well what makes you happy.
I love the cashmere jacket.
Thanks, Andrea! Jon's a keeper, that's for sure!! Xxx
DeleteEnjoy your trip.
ReplyDeleteIt's not for a few weeks yet but thank you!! X
DeleteYour new finds are fantastic, Vix!!
ReplyDeleteIt's hard to find clothes made of 100% cotton anymore and if you do, you'll pay a lot for them!! How green, of course, here with the rains we have a lot of green.
Gardening is almost psychotherapy!!
Have a nice weekend, Vix and
good vacation you booked!!
Thanks, Katerina! You're right, cotton clothing is costly and I always hunt for it when I'm charity shopping. Xxx
DeleteMore gorgeous gear, and charming garden. Love your collection of vests.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Ratnamurti! Xxxx
DeleteWe have The Amazong Race abd it's good fun to watch when a season starts. You wear the corduroy well...I had a gold pair of Levi corduroy in junior highschool. I thought I was almost a cool kid when I wore them. I hope your hip and foot pain is not exasperated by the gardening.
ReplyDeleteI didn't realise that there was a USA version. It's such an exciting programme, I'm exhausted just watching it!
DeleteI always coveted Jon's vintage Levi's cords when I first started going out with him, these are the first pair that have ever fitted, I'm so excited!
I sit on a cushion and shuffle around on it, not a great look but it gets me about! Xxx
Mine eyes glow green with envy at the sight of your gorgeous asparagus fernery! One does miss those signs and scents of spring in good garden soil -- although there's much to see and sniff in pots and boxes, the more varied, the better! * Bless Jon for making the changes in Jacob's plot. I do miss the old gentleman's annual strawberry feast. * And as a fellow careful ambler on uneven pavements, may I suggest trying Nordic walking sticks or their equivalent in wood? They're even available with grip tips for rambling on slick, wet surfaces. (And sooo much easier to manage in restaurants than a Zimmer frame...)
ReplyDeleteThat's me, Beth -- still unable to post my ID. :)
DeleteHello Beth! Although it's lovely having so big a garden I do miss the paved yard in my tiny terraced house, everything was in pots and seemed to flourish, here if it's not in shade from the trees , it all seems to get choked in weeds!
DeleteWhen I was recovering from my first hip replacement I borrowed my Dad's Nordic poles when I went to Gree, I think they might still be in a shed somewhere. Xxxx
I feel.like i missed something, is Jacob still with you? Hope he's ok. We are off to corfu on monday. Son 1 is house and cat sitting and we have a "Sprinklers group,' on whatsapp who water allotments so mine is cared for while we are away. Hope you have a great holiday too.
ReplyDeleteHello Betty, no you didn't miss anything, you definitely commented when I posted about him dying last June.
DeleteI'm very excited to hear your thoughts on my beloved Corfu, I hope you post on Facebook when you're away, I'm curious as to where you're staying!!
I'm glad Mollie , the allotment, the house and the garden are all being cared for, it seems to take more effort to sort all that out than to find a flight deal.
Bon voyage!!!Xxx
I really like those cords. Sometimes you can pick up some fast fashion that's actually quite good quality. And if no one buys it, it will probably end up in landfill without hardly being worn.
ReplyDeleteWe've been gadding about around Cornwall and Devon, and we've had some lovely weather, but I'm itching to go abroad. I was thinking it was a bit risky a few weeks ago, but I don't see any end to the war on Iran while Trump is still playing the markets, so I think we've just got to get on with it.
Looking forward to hearing about where you're going.
Will message you tomorrow xxx
Thanks, Annie! Those cords really are lovely quality and such a good fit. One of Liz's friends bought her a pair of Tu barrel leg jeans and she said that they are the best jeans she's ever worn!
DeleteWe've actually booked a package just in case Trump's antics put the kibosh on our trip.
I can't wait to see you! Xxxx
PS You were so lucky with the weather when you were in Cornwall and Devon. Xx
DeleteYour finds are marvellous! I ALMOST bought a Tu checked cotton, lined dress in the charity shop today. It was teal and white and I totally loved it but it was a bit too big for me! Sad!!!
ReplyDeleteI got a cashmere cardie in the chazzer for £4 earlier as well as a nice navy top but there wasn't that much else that appealed sadly! X
Thanks, Kezzie! I'm often attracted to Tu in charity shops, if those cords are anything to go by, the quality is fab. That dress sounds lovely but no good if it's not the right size. Well done on the cashmere cardi, that's a proper bargain!!! Xxx
DeleteBy the way... What happened to Jacob? š¢
Deletehttps://vintagevixon.blogspot.com/2025/06/heatwave.html
DeleteYou look beautiful wearing those cords Vix xx
ReplyDeleteAwww! Thanks so much, Flis!! Xxx
DeleteI'm so jealous of you going to Greece next month! Can't wait to read where it is you're off too. I LOVE Greece and desperate to go - our favourite is the island of Skiathos but due to extensive building renovations coming up in June, it's not happening for us for the foreseeable future. You always nab such amazing All About Audrey! I'm still on the lookout for something special. Rachael x
ReplyDeleteRachael! We nearly booked for Skiathos this month but decided to wait until June as the prices were so much cheaper. I support a cat rescue charity on Skiathos, an island I've never been to but would love to visit. I've never heard anything negative about it.
DeleteKeep stalking AAA on Vinted (and try searching for All About Aud, too - a lot of cool stuff slips through when the seller doesn't list it properly!) xxx
Hi Vix, some lovely examples of pattern mixing for us, producing a very harmonious yet colourful result. Were you good at Art at school? You have a natural instinct of what colours, patterns and textures go well together. Your new All About Audrey silk sari dress is a showstopper. Many yesrs ago I bought a sundress in a market in Honfleur made from a recycled sari. The Kashmiri wool jacket is rather a special piece too. I have picked up a few pieces recently bought at charity shops whilst visiting family ( sadly due to their very poor health). The charity shop staff were quick to welcome me back. X
ReplyDeleteHello Alysia. I am sorry to hear of your family's health issues, I hope your charity shop finds are a pleasant diversion from the worry. I've always been creative with colour although my ability at painting and drawing are sadly lacking.
DeleteI bet your Honfleur sundress is lovely, I find the nicest clothes in tiny boutiques on my travels! xxx
Your garden is flourishing as much as your wardrobe! So many beautiful Maxi outfits! Great seeing you in pants! All the best to the swims and the trip that is coming soon. Thanks for you amazing posts! Your blog is so amazing. Here's to your future adventures. I'm drinking red wine and Frasca!
ReplyDeleteCheers, Ellie! Hope all's well in your world, it's lovely to hear from you! xxx
DeleteI think May has been awful weather wise. We have a rare sunny day here today so I too have been sprucing up the garden. I’d never advocate wearing a load of supermarket fashion, but from time to time Tu do throw up a gem. My green velvet dress I was wearing in my last post was from there. That brightly coloured maxi dress is beautiful xxx
ReplyDeleteReally? It's not been too bad here (discounting Bank Holiday Monday and today). Your green velvet dress is gorgeous, I'd never have guessed it was supermarket chic! xxx
DeleteOmg I want that jacket. It's probably the nicest thing I've ever seen you wear.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Cherie! High praise indeed! xxx
DeleteYour new maxi dress looks gorgeous! I'm always envious of your amazing Vinted finds. Do you know how best to search for things, or are you incredibly lucky?
ReplyDeleteI'm sorry to hear that your hip is causing you a lot of pain. Hopefully, some beach weather will help. Xx
Thanks, Jules! Everything few days I go through my Vinted feed and "like" everything that appeal, even if its way too expensive or the wrong size. Vinted gradually learns what you like and throws suggestions at you.
DeleteI think my hip might be too far gone for sunshine and warmt but we've chosen somewhere to stay a few yards from the beach and the tavernas so hopefully I can get there on my stick! xxx
Those cords are a great find! I have a velvet, padded waistcoat that I love, you've just reminded me. I also have a denim one with red and white embroidery, I must dig out too.
ReplyDeleteI used to follow you ages ago and have just found you again. You are a great antidote to a discussion I was reading online, where a whole load of people don't "get ready" everyday , as they don't leave the house - how depressing!
Hello Tanya and thanks for popping in! Getting dressed up is one of the joys in life, I can't stand seeing people walking around Lidl in a dressing gown and slippers, where's the pride?
DeleteI like the sound of that denim waistcoat! xxx
Clever Jon, a holiday to somewhere warm sounds absolutely idyllic at the moment. I'm sat at the computer shivering today. I think I need some of those lovely cords and a warmer jumper instead of my current t-shirt. I can't get the soundtrack to your YouTube clip out of my head now!!
ReplyDeleteGlad that Jon booked that greek holiday, great news now that the weather is still not behaving properly! (we're having such wintery weather these days!).
ReplyDeleteAlways love how you style your dresses with waistcoats and quilted jackets and Fabulous Jewellery!, you really rock it!. Also looking fab in trousers, and those Lotta clogs!. Glad you can walk in them (so annoying when one can't walk in some fav shoes!)
Thanks for sharing some interesting series, dear Vix!
besos
Glad that Jon has booked a greek holiday, just when the weather is looking dissapointingly wintery! (we're having cold temperatures here, and Spring looks vanished these days)
ReplyDeleteAlways lovely how you style those maxi dresses with waistcoats or quilted jackets and Fabulous Jewellery, master layering of interesting pieces!, you rock it!. Also looking fab in trousers and Lotta clogs, glad you can walk in them (so annoying when one can't walk in favourite shoes!)
Thanks for sharing some interesting series to watch!
besos
Wow, that kashimiri wool jacket is such a beauty. I love the gold. It looks great paired with that trusted maxi. I think some items in my closet also owe me money. When I like something, I wear it often.
ReplyDeleteThe cord jeans outfit is fabulous!