Thursday 16 March 2017

Buy Buy Love - This Week's Secondhand Finds


For a woman who spends a large part of her life shopping I rarely end up keeping any of it. Take this slinky 1970s number I picked up in a chazza today. It ticks all the boxes - snake print, halterneck, maxi length - the drawback? It's at least three sizes too big (the sides are pegged) and a foot too long. One for the rail, then.


Or this Kati for Laura Phillips maxi my friend Lynn found me at Sunday's Vintage Village at Stockport. I love the paisley-printed gauzy cotton, the velvet bodice and the massive Edwardian-style sleeves.  Yet again, it's too bloomin' big. The row of pegs I've got running down the back make me look like a stegosaurus. 

Vix 0 - Kinky 2

I don't know how many times visitors to vintage fairs tell me that they only made dresses in small sizes  in the 1970s and that it's impossible to find larger sizes. Almost every bugger I like is always too bastard big and honestly, I'm not that tiny.


Success! Finally, a new addition to my wardrobe in over four months.The first frock of my fifties! I bought this Genesis of London maxi from a fellow trader at Judy's in Cambridge last Sunday and before you accuse me of nicking all the good stuff before the doors open and the general public get in - I spotted this beauty 10 minutes before closing time.


Unlike my Leo Narducci maxi, other than a dress and blouse on Etsy, I can't find anything out about this label so I'm guessing it was a boutique brand that disappeared years ago.


While we were out trawling the chazzas this week I did find a few keepers of the non-clothing variety like this vintage turquoise feather boa (a girl can never have too many) and the 1970s navy felted wool wide brimmed hat. 


As you can see from yesterday's middle-aged s*elfie, I had my hair up so, as we've got similar sized heads (big!), I got Jon to try the hat on. We were in an unfamiliar town and were already attracting interest from the natives so a big bald bloke in a woman's hat was probably the talk of Gloucestershire.





I've been whinging about the sorry state of my fabric stash for ages so was thrilled to discover a bolt of vintage green lamé for £7. Indian or Egyptian? Either way, it's fabulous.


I'm a sucker for a vintage dressmaking pattern illustration. Look at the girl's hair in the maxi! Even if I never get round to making the dress (although it would look pretty good in that new fabric) I'm inspired to do mine like that. 


I always snap up books with an Indian theme. Vikas Swarup wrote Q & A, the book on which Slumdog Millionaire is based and both that and Six Suspects were brilliant reads. I'm already halfway through Saraswati Park, set in the area around VT Station in Mumbai it's an area I know like the back of my hand (see it HERE). A Wedding Man is Nicer Than Cats, Miss is a brilliantly titled work of non-fiction written in 1971 by a teacher working with Indian and Bangladeshi children newly arrived in Britain with their families.


I couldn't resist this grumpy 1950s Tiki vase for 49p.


I've already got quite the collection of these psychedelic 1970s Beefeater plates but a couple more won't hurt. I've seen sets of six sell for silly money on eBay (£245!). I don't think I've paid more than £2.



How fortuitous. I also found an unused pack of 1970s cloth jam covers and sticky labels - perfect for the cucumber pickle I've been making this week (at only £1 for 3 cucumbers I have to buy them!)

(It wasn't all me... me....me we found some decent vintage stock, too.)
WEARING: 1970s Genesis of London chiffon maxi, Lamani coin belt (India) and hoop earrings (50p Indian jewellery stall, Walsall market)
The slinky snakeskin dress, the Kati maxi and lots of my own clothes (Vix's wardrobe rules - one in, at least three out) will be adorning Kinky's rails (HERE) this weekend.

See you soon (if we don't see you in Balham!)

Linking to Patti & the gang for Visible Monday.

90 comments:

  1. You look just fab in that dress! I often struggle with vintage being too big too, I have to take nearly everything in and I'm far from skinny. I think it's just an excuse people make for not being arsed to look.

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    1. I'm inclined to agree. We're often been told by (female) visitors to vintage fairs that there's nothing in their size and have pulled out 10 - 15 dresses that will fit them only to be told that it's not their colour, the neckline's wrong or that they don't like the fabric. They really need to stick to the high street. xxx

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  2. God, that is an amazing number and you look divine -what a bugger it's not a fit. Of late, I'm having to size up in the vintage frocks. Most of my old stash will have to go, which is a good excuse for a new stash. I have that pattern and it makes up beautifully, and yep, that fabric would look fab made up. And can o ever have too many of those Beefeater plates? I think not.
    Loves ya!
    xxxx

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    1. Having to buy new vintage, that's a good thing!
      I'm dying to have a bash at that pattern, the more i look at it the more I like it! xxx

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  3. Oh my, your stegosaurus comment made me laugh! My problem with vintage is usually the length, I'm taller than average so most things fall short. Can't go wrong with the chiffon scarves though 😊

    Love your new dress, it's a beauty xxx

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    1. You can never go wrong with chiffon scarves (or other types!) they fit and suit everyone! xxx

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  4. I've lost count of the number of vintage dresses I'm coming across that are way too big! That Genesis dress is stunning, and isn't that a funky label? Middle aged selfie? You should see mine, I'm absolutely hopeless at them! Love the grumpy Tiki vase and the psychedelic plates. xxx

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    1. I loved the label, there's something about the font and the swirliness of the letters!
      Yes, there's some incredible vintage in all sizes - we better not tell everyone or they'll be none left for us! xxx

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  5. Look at that beauty! Oh and the Genesis frock is pretty fine too! (Who knew Gabriel, Collins et al turned their hands to making dresses...?) I was intrigued by the neckline (as well as the fabulous sleeves) when you posted the pics on Facebook, and I'm not disappointed - it looks wonderful.
    Shame about the slinky halterneck and the Kati dresses but as we all know, if it's not right for you, it'll be perfect for someone else, and you won't have to wait long before you find more Vix-sized perfection!
    Loving the fabric and pattern (make it, make it!) and grumpy vase man - reminds me of Jon! And I've seen those Beefeater plates at fairs and markets at what I consider ridiculous prices, cool though they are.
    Good to know you've successfully restocked the rails. Love you! xxxx

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    1. Finest thing Phil Collins has ever created!!
      The Tiki vase has got a look of Jon about him especially today after a 3.50am get-up and a 6 hour round trip. Bless 'im! xxx

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  6. There was an American designer called Ronald Kolodzie around that time [he dressed Twiggy] who had a shop called Genesis but that was in US. Don't know if there's any connection.
    Arilx

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    1. Hi Ari! I've just Googled Ronald Kolodzie and fallen in love with at least six dresses. xxx

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  7. You make all the dresses look amazeballs!
    I too love vintage pattern graphics as evidenced by one of my regular features Pattern of the Day.

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    1. Thanks, Tami! I think that's the reason I keep buying vintage patterns. One day I'll paper a wall in them. xxx

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  8. The new dress for you is fab. It looks so much better on you than it did just hanging up. |I also love your fab 1970s floppy hat. I found one on Saturday in London - and only 99p - but it was battered so I passed it by...

    The two dresses that were too big were gorgeous and the material is just so beautiful. A maxi skirt would look great in it.

    I've often seen those plates in the chazzas and didn't realise that's what they're called. I love the Tiki vase,too - what a characterful face!

    I've got Six Suspects based on your recommendation its being moved off the shelf and into the TBR pile. I loved Q and A. Have you read any of Aravinda Adiga's?

    Have a great weekend!

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    1. I've read all three of Aravinda Adiga's novels, I adore White Tiger. I think I've read it five times. A truly wonderful piece of writing.
      I quite enjoy finding vintage dresses in bad condition, I have no qualms about chopping them up. I better leave these intact just in case I ever run out (hahaha!) xxx

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  9. Great finds this week! Perhaps there were tons of very tall women in the 1970's! Or perhaps you are finding ex model stock? Love your new dress, suits you! I love the psychedelic cow plates, I have a pretty fab psychedelic pig trivet from Holt & Howard from the 1960's, very similar. Perhaps you should just collect those plates as a retirement fund :)

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    1. Fashions come and go in vintage & antiques - the current craze for Mid-Century will probably have gone the way of Victoriana by the time I retire, better to eat our dinner off them! xxx

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  10. Your pickle looks delicious, I love your Beefeater dishes, the Tikki vase is fab, I adore your clothing finds, and that final dress looks awesome on you! xx

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    1. Thanks, Yvonne! Now for a dry day so I can wear it! xxx

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  11. trust me on this, large sizes were made in the 70's. I wasn't running around naked. Those cow plates are cute

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    1. Hahaha! Yes, we didn't all grow overnight. xxx

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  12. Intrigued by the chiffon maxi. Interesting neckline which looks like a halter and a jacket. Amazing sleeves. I imagine they waft well! Did I miss a big birthday? Happy 50th!
    Jon would have looked gorgeous in the hat and they would all be staring with jealousy.
    Adore those book titles, and the fabric!!!
    xo Jazzy Jack

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    1. Hi Jack! I'm 50 and a third now but thank you! xxx

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  13. Hi Vix, the Kati for Laura Phillips looks great, too bad about it being too big. I have noticed that misconception too, I used to think vintage clothes were often made in sizes too small, but more often than not, I've found a lot of vintage dresses and things that are way too big for me. Can't wait to see what you do with the fabric! Xxx

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    1. Hi Jess! Kati for Laura Phillips is a vintage label for you to look out for, their designs are really feminine and lovely and usually at very affordable prices. xxx

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  14. I find larger vintage easily where I live, but I think the local population has always been on the bigger side of average. That said, it seems when I do find something phenomenal, it is too small!

    I would have bought those dresses too-they're much too nice to leave behind. I wasn't familiar with the china pattern-how cute!

    Have a great weekend.

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    1. I'm not a huge fan of vintage china but love the funky pottery of the 1960s and 1970s! x

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  15. What amazing finds!
    Being a larger sized lady myself (bust-49inches, Jayne Mansfield ain't got nothin' on me!) I was surprised how easy it was to find amply sized clothing when I started shopping thrift in the US. Unfortunately my size is not so easy to find in Nepal & India.
    That snakeskin halter is va va voom!

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    1. One of my vintage pals is a bit bustier than you and finds some ace stuff.
      Yes, Asian clothes can be tiny and as for footwear? Child sized! x

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  16. Such fab finds - I don't blame you for snapping up the Beefeater plates. I know my husband would have pounced on them.

    I've had an absolutely *rubbish* time in the chazzas of late - I went round ones in Chippenham and Devizes yesterday and found *nothing*. And that's despite the fact that I keep my eye open for Kinky stuff as well as things for myself. I've no idea where the good clothing is ending up, but it's not in the chazzas of Wiltshire.

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    1. I hate it when the chazza shop pickings are lean. It'll be rubbish as soon as the school Easter holidays start so we're hunting while we can. xxx

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  17. My favorite of your funds has to be the fabric. I'd love a nice sheath dress in that for next fall.

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    1. It's definitely crying out to become a dress! x

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  18. your new black&white maxi is totally stunning! lots of genius detail yet sleek elegant!!! wow!
    looove your selfie! very cool you and very chic style! <3
    successful and fun weekend! xxxxx

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    1. Thanks, Beate. I often think of black and white as being corporate but the design of the dress is anything but! x

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  19. You look extremely glamorous in that halterneck and arent the sleeves on the Kati wonderful. I love them. I'm going to look for something with ginormous puffy sleeves for summer.
    The Genesis frock looks so good on you, I'm glad you showed us how it looked on.
    Lots to look at and try out on your blog today. Just going to see the books and cucumber pickle.
    Have a great weekend, we are off to the Lowry to see Evita with my mum and my sister is home for the weekend.
    Lots of love xxx

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    1. Hope you had a fantastic weekend and the rain kept away!
      Yes, big sleeves are the future! xxx

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  20. I think it's the nature of vintage it's either too big or too small then just when you are despairing 'the' dress appears! How fab is your Genesis dress? just made for you.

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    1. Isn't it fantastic when you find the perfect fit? xxx

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  21. The Genesis dress is beautiful, I love the neckline and wide sleeves. Interesting seeing your haul, hope you have a go at that hairdo illustrated, it would look spectactular.

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    1. Thank you, I loved the unusual details! xxx

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  22. Oh wow, what a shame the snakeskin halter doesn't fit, you look amazing in it. I like the one you kept too though and the orange one in the head shot. The cucumber pickle looks tasty, I must give that a try. xxx

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    1. I do love a snake print - I remember my Mum having a Jean Varon skirt & blouse in it with massive sleeves and a really high sheered waist, I think I went rollerskating in it as a child and ruined it! xxx

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  23. Oh what a shame for those of us that live far away that the vast majority of your terrific finds never make it to your online shop. All the better for you of course.

    I simply adore that truly unique maxi you are wearing. That neckline is wild.

    And HELLO!!! Damn you look smashing in your selfie! Seriously.

    bisous
    Suzanne

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    1. I love the neckline, it's something I'd never come across before - vintage never fails to surprise me! xxx

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  24. The snake print halter is a beaut, you look like you could've just stepped out of Studio 54....what a bugger it is too large. Love the Genesis frock..the 'bib' on the front is very striking. Didn't they have some fabulous up dos in the sixties, would love to see you replicate the style on the pattern illustration, I reckon you'll need a few pins! Have a great weekend. xx

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    1. Thanks, Fiona! I love Sixties hair styling, I wish I had the patience to have mine in the huge up-dos thy used to sport on a daily basis. xxx

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  25. Love the dresses, shame about the pegs! Those plates though, they're lovely!

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    1. Thanks, Susie! Keep your eyes peeled for those plates, they do pop up in chazzas quite a lot. xxx

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  26. My Egyptian hubby says the fabric definitely isn't Egyptian. Your best bet is Indian xx

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  27. I absolutely love those Beef eater plates, never seen anything quite like them here. I too would be collecting them.

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    1. They're great, aren't they? Like you, I love bold ceramics not wishy washy florals. xxx

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  28. That dress is amazing and looks like it was made for you, such a great find! I find it really hard to get vintage in my size - everything is way too big for me and I rarely find anything that's an xs. It was the reason I got in to dressmaking! x

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    1. Nothing like the need for a good frock to get you cranking out the sewing machine! I'm a master at taking in side seams now! xxx

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  29. Adore the penguins! Love the pickle, I know it as bread and butter pickle.

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    1. I've had those penguins since I found them as a teenager at a jumble (I think that's the last time I dusted them, looking at the photos!) xxx

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  30. What a lovely selection of dresses! I have to say that most vintage I come across isn't exactly my size. Either much too big, or much too small. And that's without the height complication! You look fab in that last one, how super that it fits you without pegs. I love seeing what you've found in the charity shops. xx

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    1. You really do have to try a lot of vintage on before you find your perfect frock! xxx

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  31. That snakeskin dress looks divine on you. I know it's too big. You look ready for a swanky party in it.

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    1. I loved the print but all those pegs and the stilts I'd need for partying would be dangerous! xxx

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  32. Wowser, I love the halter inset in that gorgeous Genesis maxi dress, and the floaty sleeves too!! I don't wear maxi dresses often but I would wear that one in a heartbeat. Too bad the slinky snakeskin is too big for you - you look smokin' hot!

    I have trouble finding vintage from the 70's or earlier that is large enough in the waist for me. We must only get the smaller sizes here in Canada :) I've never seen any of those Beefeater plates over here - the colours are so much fun.

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    1. You'd totally rock that maxi, Shelley. You always look fabulous in black!
      I saw that Suzanne had a fab maxi skirt in my size - us 1970s Brits must have been bigger than the Canadians! xxx

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  33. Shoot, where you're my size - there's no such thing as too big vintage because eeeverything is too small. Even the hats are too small for my fat head. HA HA HA!!!

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    1. I bet you'd find some great fitting vintage over here, there's loads. I feel your pain with the hats though, my head's massive! xxx

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  34. mwhaha, I'm one of that ladies which always complain about 70's sizing!!
    And I love that you found that beautiful dress, such magnificent sleeves and so fabulous halter neckline!
    And you made me laugh considering the scandalous aspect of a 'big bald bloke in a woman's hat', in a little town!!!
    Besos

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    1. Come to our next fair and I promise you won't leave empty handed!! xxx

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  35. Those cow plates are amazing! Love your new black and white dress - what a beauty. Even though I am slim, a lot of vintage that remains in good condition is too small for me. I need to visit Kinky!! xox

    Patti
    http://notdeadyetstyle.com

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    1. You certainly do! You could have a private visit to the Kinky shed, wine is provided! xxx

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  36. Thanks for this great post of all sorts of lovely finds Vix. I must admit I dashed across for Patti's party on seeing that gorgeous orange and pink dress/tunic - where, oh where did you find it? Better still, are you selling it? Sorry to be so brazen!
    Anna
    www.annasislandstyle.com

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    1. Hi Anna! I found it on eBay over 10 years ago, it cost me a quid and I've worn it to death over the years. Luckily the print's so loud nobody notices the darns. It's a keeper but no harm in asking! xxx

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  37. Oh my gosh, I had a Genesis of London catsuit! I've never seen one before. I ended up selling it as it was pretty booby, but it was totally amazing, with big hareem pants. I have a pic on my Instagram from when I sold it, I wonder if I can post it here? I don't know if you can add photos to comments. You can definitely tell it's the same designer, they must have really had their own look.

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    1. No way! I'd love to see it. Can you share it on my Facebook page? xxx

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    2. Yeah, I'll find it! Is it Kinky Melon or Vintage Vixen (or something else altogether)?

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    3. https://www.facebook.com/KinkyMelonsRetroBoutique/

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  38. Forgive me but i am drooling over the cucumber pickle! I've almost finished my jar which i bought from a double bass player in my orchestra. She only makes it once a year and I WANT some!!! Can I have your recipe please?!?!?!?x
    Ha, everything I ever find that is vintage is usually too big so I am with you on that!!x

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    1. I'm addicted to cucumber pickle. I've put a link in the post - click on the words "cucumber pickle" and it'll take you to the page where I found the recipe (Riverfood Foods)! xxx

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  39. As usual,love reading your out and aboutings.You are a goddess in your own right,so say l!

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    1. Hello, Jennifer! Thank you so much! xxxx

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  40. What a shame the snakeskin maxi didn't fit - it looks amazing on you (despite the pegs) but the Genesis of London maxi does look equally as good.
    I'm intrigued by the cucumber pickle, I might have to try the recipe...

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    1. You must try the recipe, it's a life changer. I've started having it with oven chips instead of ketchup! xxx

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  41. The Genesis dress is beautiful, you look amazing in it! I haven't been on a charity shop spree for ages. I love the selfie!

    Emma xxx
    www.style-splash.com

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    1. Thanks, Emma! Charity shops are the best! xxx

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  42. Haha ... I would have loved spying that big bloke wearing a women's hat! Your new dress is beautiful, as are your well-dressed jars of pickles. xo

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    1. It was photo worthy - I should have taken my camera! xxx

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  43. More fabulous SLEEVES! (I'm pleased that one of those gorgeous dresses fitted you). When I saw the beautifully presented pickles I smiled as I thought of your pegged sleeves. A photo of your lovely man in the felt hat?? xx

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  44. I always have problems getting vintage clothes that will go over my shoulders - I guess its always like that when second hand shopping, its a bit of a lucky dip :)

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    1. You really do have to try everything on when you're vintage shopping. never believe the sizes on the labels! x

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Thanks for reading and for leaving a message. Please don't be anonymous, I'd love it if you left a name (or a nom de plume).

Lots of love, Vix