Sunday 11 November 2012

My Weekend - A Vintage Fair, Gary Numan & The 100 Year Old Jacket



I've lost my British Legion poppy somewhere between here and the pub so I'm wearing the next best thing, a velvet maxi printed with poppies & my great-great-grandfather's Cheshire Rifleman's jacket, last employed in active service during the First Boer War (1880 -1881), over a century ago.

1960s maxi by John Marks (Vintage Village @ Clothes Show Live, 2009) worn with an antique Rifleman's jacket, vintage Dolcis platform boots (£4.99, PDSA charity shop) and a heap of second-hand junk jewellery
I'm looking a tad dishevelled today, selling vintage clobber to the young and hip of Wolverhampton may be great fun but it's bloody hard work, eight hours of smiling's a killer. 


Yesterday's venue was Gary Numan tribute bar, The Numa.
By strange coincidence we picked up a flier in the pub last night and noticed Gary's playing Wolverhampton Civic on my birthday next month and as we were both big Tubeway Army fans in the late '70s Jon says it's a sign we have to go.


Trouble is that last time Jon talked me into seeing a band from our youth I had to endure a seemingly endless two hour set by Gong.


The Numa was the best vintage-selling venue yet, an atmospherically moody, dimly lit, Victorian pub with low-level seating, a massive pitch, a banging rock and indie soundtrack and the cheapest cocktails in the city.


As I was on selling duty there was no booze for me. We brought a flask of coffee and home-made cheese cobs to help save the pennies, yeah, we're just so rock and roll.


Our menswear rail always goes down a storm, those indie kids love their Sixties jackets and tweed blazers.


What a day! The gang turned up for moral support and chilled out to some cool beats, Annie dropped by and gave one of my Dollyrockers frocks a new home, we caught up with a festival pal we hadn't seen in years, got gifts from a friend and had a great time encouraging our new pals we've met on the circuit to try on our wares. 


I predicted this Jemima Puddleduck sweater would be my first sale and I was right, it had gone within minutes of the doors opening. Those hipsters love insane 1980s clothes.


I'm on the waiting list for another couple of fairs in the next fortnight, I should have heard if I have a stall by Tuesday. India can't be too far away now. 

1960s Lady Monaco catsuit (last seen taking the streets of Walsall by storm, HERE)

Once we'd packed up our stall, dumped the wheels at home and fed the cats it was off into town for beer and curry. Last night's ale was Flour Power and after spending all day in a pub without a drop of alcohol, man, did it taste good.


I'm off to unload the truck before nightfall & linking to Patti's Visible Monday.
Hope you've had a fantastic weekend.

See you soon.

84 comments:

  1. Your stall looked fabulous loved the way you displayed your brooches on the back of cards. So glad you sold loads its blinkig hard work selling at fairs not only on your joints but on the pocket to. You look stunning today Vix you look beautiful in red, Take it easy now, love dee xxx

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  2. You look stunning. Glad you gad a good day.

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  3. Do you think the tailor that made your brave great grandfather's beautiful jacket ever imagined that it would be playing host to a crew of Jemima Puddleduck sweater wearing hipsters? Oh if clothes could talk. What strange stories they would tell.
    Connie*

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  4. I wish I looked this stunning when I feeling a tad dishevelled!!

    Your vintage stall looks soooo cool! You of course are the best advertisement for your stall my dear, looking divine in that red and white floral maxi! I think you more than made up for lack of a paper poppy with your other outfit here. I am dying over that poppy print dress!! It is so beautiful. And what an apt cover up your great grandfather's rifle jacket makes!

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  5. The poppy print on your maxi is so wonderful and the jacket paired with it is perfect! Your stall looks like too much fun, I wish I was nearby and could pay a visit! :( I'm dying to have more dresses like yours for photoshoots, the models love dressing up in them! They are a rare find in our local thrift stores though!

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  6. Oh that red jacket with your dress is wonderful! Looks like you had a great time selling. Wish I was closer!

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  7. Hi Vix!

    That jacket is fantastic
    Love how you did your post you lost the puppy and replaced it with a dress, so clever and imaginative
    That is clever a vintage sale in a pub, i don't think it would happen here
    Love the shot when you look right at the camera

    Have a good Sunday night!

    Ariane xxxxx

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  8. Love the jacket and the history behind it.
    Liz @ Shortbread & Ginger

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  9. Eight hours of smiling. Bet your cheekbones hurt today :) You look lovely in that catsuit. Red is great on you and you look as slim as a whip. x

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  10. Love the poppy dress and jacket ensemble, it's great to be able to wear a piece of history!
    Glad you had a good sale, it's a pain in the arse when you have to bring everything back home again!

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  11. I love that dress! I have been reading your blog for ages and have never commented but I was just wondering if you had any tips on making your vintage stall a success? I have been wanting to do one for ages but I'm not sure that I have enough stock yet!

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  12. I swear you look more and more fabulous by the post. Girl you are fucking smokin! I want your secrets ASAP. That jacket is amazing and I love that you're not afraid to wear it. Most would hang it on a wall (or worse leave it in a box), but the fact that you wear it out for everyone to appreciate is a wonderful thing. I so wish I could come shop your stall!

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  13. Oooh I love tha jacket!
    And Gary Numan must be great live, I'm so jealous!!!

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  14. Jemima Puddleduck?! Kids today eh? I do not get the eighties thing, must be too old. Thank goodness...

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  15. You look gorgeous in both outfits, I adore that jacket from the Boer war, but I have to say I'd be petrified to wear it. Jemima Puddle duck hey? How bizarre! xx

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  16. The outfit is great and love the jacket.
    Gary Numan !! What a great way to spend your birthday ! Love him..
    I think we have simular taste in music !

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  17. OMG That jacket! Love it. If you ever decide to part with it, please think of me! :)

    ∞ © tanvii.com ∞

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  18. I LOVE THE JACKET!!!!!!!!!
    It goes straight to the top of my
    "Best of Vix" list. You look stunning in it....hope you wear it often.

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  19. I really love that maxi dress. Vix, no-one wears a maxi the way you do!

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  20. What else should I read on a rainy Sunday? This post really takes a little light on this dark day: an awesome piece of history worn by you, Gary Numan, two beautiful outfit, a wonderful couple and a vintage fair!!
    I hope you are having a wonderful day!
    Love

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  21. you look so gorgeous in the dress with all your turquoise. stunning. what a great way to spend a saturday. yay for india!!!

    xo

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  22. "I had to endure a seemingly endless two hour set by Gong". That really made me laugh Vix. They're touring again right now - make sure Jon doesn't find out!

    By serendipity, I picked up a flyer in the Slade Rooms and noticed Gary Numan was playing. I know his last tour had good reviews so I'm contemplating getting a ticket.

    I've had Mom over for lunch today and been wearing my dress. Will post a pic tomorrow. It was so lovely to see you again, and you looked utterly fabulous! xx

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  23. India, get ready, Jon and Vix are coming! Another great sale, well done to both of you. You'll be getting a reputation as the coolest, sweetest, most stylish vintage sellers in the Midlands! Your stall looks so inviting, full of stuff to rummage through and treasures to discover. And you look hot as hell in that fabulous catsuit!

    I love your poppy frock, and together with your great-grandad's jacket, it's a fitting tribute on Remembrance Sunday. Vibrant, colourful, mindful of history but not over-awed by it, and thoughtful - that's our darling Vix!
    Gary "Sulky Mug" Numan for your birthday should be a laugh. I only have to hear the opening bars to Are Friends Electric? and I am transported to my teens!
    A big hug to my favourite vintage stall holder! xxxxx

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  24. Fab dress, I used to have a slightly different version of it, it had a stand up collar, I loved it but it fell apart...:(

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  25. Your stall looks fab, really well laid out and tons of goodies to rummage through! It is exhausting doing a full day show though isnt it?!. I also don't drink when I'm doing shows either...could be a disaster otherwise! ;) x

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  26. I wish I had been able to rummage through your hangers. You see outrageously stylish when you're sitting there surrounded by all the beautiful things.

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  27. Wow, the jacket has history
    *and* fabulousness. You look marvelous. I must say, being an old fart, I don't get the nostalgia for the Puddleduck sweater, but thanks God for the cool kids : >

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  28. Fab dress and how wonderful to have your great grandfather's jacket to wear with it.
    Your stall looked great; glad it was a success.

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  29. Can't believe that the jacket is over a hundred years old, it looks fantastic. Sounds like a really fun weekend and the stall looks great.

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  30. Gong!!! that brings back memories, I have a number of their albums on vinyl and a couple on CD too. You look fabulous in your grandfather's jacket and I just love that poppy dress. Linda xxx

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  31. Holy frigging SHIZZA I love that jacket!!! It looks totally amazing with that uber hot frock-a splendid poppy tribute! You're looking rather come hihter in that last shot....PHWOAR!!!
    Yay for yet another successful fair! Interiguing venue, and yes o YES Gary Numan!!! I hope it's better than the Gong gig!It's Gazza, it has to be!
    And not only did you sell up a storm (gawd, that Puddleduck jumper is HIDEOUS!), it sounds like it was a bit of a socila extravaganza! Shame about the lack of booze, but almost all boxes were ticked!
    Love Helga xxxXXXxxx

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  32. The red dress is soo gorgeous!!
    xx

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  33. Sounds like an excellent day :)

    We had a very 80's SweaterShop jumper in our shop the other week - the young trendy girl who bought almost wet herself with excitement!

    You must go and see GN - I just hope he's still as good :)

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  34. I love your Remembrance outfit! This is the first year that I haven't lost my poppy. x

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  35. There has never been a more fabulous vintage seller, ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhh
    I would have KILL to be there.
    XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

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  36. What a special outfit and honour to have great-grandfathers jacket. You look beautiful with all the red.

    Your fair stall looked fab and the venue sounds cool. I'm not surprised that sweater went out the door quickly. The Gold Coast (where I live oz) vintage scene has a similar appeal to that sort of crowd it's a lot of 80's wear, I much prefer a good mix of everything.

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  37. Red is such a great colour on you,and as for that last shot...you Vixen you! :D ♥

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  38. Oh my god I'd have that jacket off your back in an instant!

    Go, go GO!!!! to see Gary Numan, he is mindblowing live. I'm being dramatic but seriously he is, the energy is incredible . I go and see him live every year. Be warned it is full on Nine Inch Nails style rock now rather than the Electronica of old(not that that will bother you of course, but it does freak some people out). I went to see him on the 30th anniversary of the release of Replicas and it's by far one the the best shows I have ever seen. It took 7 band members to recreate the album that he played every single instrument on himself, incredible.
    Have I convinced you yet?? lol

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  39. Oh my word. Gary Numan was my very first severe pop crush. I bought every album, learnt every song and went weak at the knees every time he was on TOTP. When he announced his last ever gig in Wembley 1990/1981 I travelled over from Ireland to stay with my Aunt in Surrey and up to Wembley for the night. I remember literally being breathless with excitment before he came on. That night was pure heaven for me. Most of those albums are in the loft still. In retrospect, he actually was a bit of a pioneer in electronic music. Always painted as a sad old sod. To me, late 1970's he was fantastic. I am so envious of you seeing him live. We went to see Sisters of Mercy recently, as a bit of a joke and hark back to our youth. I loved it. Much more fun attending a gig as a daft old bint, than a self conscious youngster.

    Particularly love the history with your red jacket.

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  40. Oh wow you look beautiful x

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  41. Hey Vix!
    sorry I've not commented much over the last few days! I am so glad you made some sales on your stall...your bits and bobs look amazing and what a dapper couple you and Jon make. Love how his socks match your dress!

    Much love Amie xxxxxxxxx

    PS I also heart a bit of Gazza Numan!!xxx

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  42. I may have to gatecrash your next vintage fair AND your birthday bash if you do see Gary. He seems such a genuinely lovely guy, on top of talented and boy has he aged well!

    I can just see that jumper on some denim shorts and tights-wearing student, you could probably name your price for such an item. It may even be featuring on a blog as we speak.."I picked up this super cool retro sweater from THE MOST AMAZING stall at a vintage fair. The couple running it were so cute, they had loads of bargains and were so friendly".

    Beautifully styled tribute to the fallen heroes Vix, red is perfect on you, and if only all clothes were made so well that they looked that good a hundred years on.


    You certainly earned your curry and ale, and when the India money bank is full, it'll be a much.needed break from the tiresome chore of lugging everything around, organising stock, setting up, grinning inanely all day, and pretending to enjoy pointless bartaing with people who have a quid burning a hole in their pocket.

    Well done to you both, the stall looks like a vintage shopper's wet dream, and you should feel very proud.

    Lucy x

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  43. I told you yesterday Vix's how fab your stall looked,so glad you enjoyed it,bring on the 8th woohoo!!! Xxx

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  44. that duck sweater is so "ironic". By "ironic", I mean freaking hideous. You on the other hand, look outstanding in both dresses. That jacket looks to be in wonderful condition. Good luck on getting a booth!

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  45. Your stall looks so amazing and inviting!! and of course with your fabulous self there as inspiration.

    That Jemima puddleduck sweater is heinous!!! I guess the hipsters think it's ironic or something! Long as it makes you the cash for Goa who cares if there is someone over the age of 5 traipsing around with a bonneted goose on their sweater

    Do go see Gary Nueman! (CARS!!!) You should have a blast!

    You are the only person I know who can mix a 60's maxi and a turn of the century military jacket and completely ROCK IT!!!

    Have fun at the pub!

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  46. It's a poppy month for you, with the sexy-lady-and-poppy dress that Curtise gave you. LOVE, LOVE, LOVE this trippy velvet dress, especially with the Rifleman's jacket. I saw the Lord Mayor of London's parade yesterday and was thinking how I'd like some of those uniform jackets marching by.
    I'm glad you and Jon are having a fun time selling. Jemima Puddleduck was your first sale? I really can't understand the rage for ugly sweaters. I see that gorgeous Biba dress in the back of your stall. I see Jon has matched his socks to your catsuit, or maybe it's just a coincidence...
    Let me know about Birmingham. I hope to see you soon.
    xx

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  47. Wow I would never have thought that jacket was over a 100 years old or seen active service! Great to see it being worn and used today too. Your stall looks great too!

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  48. Beautiful colors in the dress. And I'm always impressed with women who go to the trouble of false eyelashes. They add such brio and femininity.

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  49. I was stunned when I read about the jacket! I had mistaken all those buttons for a giant zipper. What an amazing piece to be able to cherish, and you look drop dead gorgeous. I love it with the maxi, too.

    You and Jon look so cool peddling your wares. People would have to be crazy to bypass your booth, as good as you both look. I know I'd be buying something for sure, wishing I could be that cool too.

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  50. The dress is amazing - such a great colors, lenght, everything!))

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  51. Wow live the fact that it's an actual army jacket!!

    You certainly site your poppies with pride :D

    Wish I could visit your stall - looks like some Bloomin good items to be had!!!

    Sal x

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  52. Oh and I'm pretty sure my mum had a jumper like that back in the day ;P xXx

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  53. Your great-grandfather's jacket is truly amazing and it pairs well with the maxi with poppies. Congratulations on your sales and ready to learn more about India!

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  54. You look fabulous and love your jacket with history...your stall looks great!! And after all that hard work I hope you both will be headed to India soon for a Holiday :) Love Heather

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  55. If your closet could talk. Sigh. I can't even imagine all the cool, significant stories that would arise...

    You look fantastic in that jacket. It fits you like a dream. And it doesn't look 110 years old, which boggles my mind. I've seen garments in museums that are younger than that are in dreadful condition. Amazing!

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  56. I love seeing you wear that jacket! It looks killer with that dress! What a really unique venue for a vintage fair! As always your booth looks so inviting, all that unique stuff and you and Jon always the best dressed I'm sure- at least for my tastes! I'm happy to hear it was another successful day of selling and that you celebrated with curry and booze:) selling is hard work!

    The last picture of you is my fav. You look smoking hot in that one. Meow! I hope we can catch up this week. I miss you bunches!
    Xxxxxx
    Love you!

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  57. Your great-grandfather's jacket is amazing. I can't believe it's over 110 years old. I wish I could visit your stall. Looks like you've got some fabulous things.

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  58. Sounds like a busy weekend, Vix - but profitable, I hope! Love your poppy dress and your great-grandfather's military jacket - yet another amazing piece of your family history. xx

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  59. Goes to show how good quality clothes last the test of time. Amazing jacket, looks great on you.
    x

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  60. I love the look of your stock as ever! Don't know if I could last a day in a pub without beer...

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  61. Oh man how do you get 63 comments before I even turn the computer on?!
    You're gonna get addicted to doing fairs, I predict it!! they are such a fab cash boost but personally for the evening ones I always have a couple of drinks before opening to boost the smile factor, and anywhere the patrons can drink is always a help on the sales front!! isn't Gary Numan awesome I still listen to him.xx.

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  62. I love the symbolism of this outfit on the 11th. The poppy maxi is gorgeous, and your great-grandfathers jacket takes my breath away. I hope it was a profitable weekend for you guys - it's got to be about time for another India trip!

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  63. you know I want that Jemima jumper! You and Jon look so cool, how could anyone resist. All those years of being Corporate Vicky paid off and you've got a great business eye. The jacket is fantastic, you're so lucky to own a piece of history, that you can wear xxxx

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  64. Dearest Vix,
    I love your great-grandfathers jacket, it's in amazingly good knick after all these years.
    So many fabulous goodies on your stall...is that a fuzzy mohair jumper I spy behind Jemima? Love mohair :)
    I see you've got pop royalty helping out too, both Jon & Lady Gaga.
    Lot's of love,
    Jennie...xXx

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  65. You are one gorgeous lady!
    I don't know of anyone who can rock vintage as fabulously as you do. Such an inspiration!

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  66. admiring your great-grandfather's jacket!, it looks fabulously well and matches so nicely with your poppies dress, it's so appropriate!
    I'm glad you're improving your hard work selling stuff, and you've finally enjoyed some good ale!!
    besos

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  67. Well done on another successful stall Vix, bet you were the most stylish seller there, LOVE your catsuit. I also love the name of the road of the venue - Blossoms Fold, it sounds so romantic but if it's in the middle of Wolverhampton it possibly isn't! xxxx

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  68. Hi Vix!
    Your poppy maxi is great and the Riflemans jacket is very cool.
    Your stall looks great and that red and white maxi looks fab on you.
    Are those green snake skin boots with faux fur trim ever funky. THEY grabbed my attention. *haha*

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  69. I love your Remembrance Day outfit Vix, and the history of that jacket. It must be amazing wearing something your great great grandfather wore so long ago. Me and Pat saw a Chelsea pensioner in a pub in London once in his full regalia and we were both pretty awestruck at the sight of him just sitting having a pint, even Pat didn't know what to say. That pub looks like a brilliant venue for a vintage sale, I could imagine my daughter or one of her friends going for that Jemima Puddleduck jumper. xx

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  70. You look great, glad you had a good day at the vintage fair. If I lived nearer I would have popped in! x

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  71. That's a lovely dress, very reminiscent of stained glass xxx

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  72. Wow, that jacket is an amazing piece of family history. Such a great tribute to your great grandfather! PS would have loved to have visited your store. xx

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  73. I think it's great that your family have established a culture of preserving it's history, and I love how you incorporate these very special items into your every day wardrobe.

    A Gary Numan tribute bar sounds funny. I assume he's from your neck of the woods? xx

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  74. That is awesome you have your great-grandfathers jacket. So much amazing family history!

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  75. You looking absolutely smoking hot in that catsuit Vix!
    I also love that you are wearing your great-grandfather's coat. And why not? it looks good, and it's a piece of history.

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  76. I am so in love with your outfits! Particularly that Lady Monaco catsuit, which I'll be dreaming of for weeks! Shame I live so far away, otherwise I'd love to come to one of your fairs Vix, they look amazing. I might get up north next year sometime, will let you know if I do!

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  77. Vix, that jacket is awesome! What a part of history, and it looks great on you! I cannot imagine doing a booth like that! Well, maybe I can. May I wish I could!! Sounds like fun, but I am sure it's work!! I did a farmer's market with my mom for awhile, selling my pins, dolls, etc. It was so much fun, but lots of time to pack up, uppack and set up, and pack up again! Love your photos!

    xoxo
    Lynn

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  78. I'm stunned by how chic that antique jacket looks on you. You rock everything.

    I can't stop repeating "puddleduck, puddleduck, puddleduck"...

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  79. Love the jacket with your poppy covered dress. I'm fascinated by your vintage selling. I've tried to check into it locally, but there are few venues and I would mostly be selling with antique dealers...

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  80. Wow, it is still looking very good after 110 years. And what a great memory about your great grandfather.
    It looks lovely with your dress.
    I am droling over all that gorgeous stuff you are selling.
    To bad you couldn't drink...
    :)

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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