Monday 12 January 2015

Stockport Rocks - Life In A Northern Town



What kind of a person dresses in marabou feathers at 5am on a Sunday morning? Me!


It was a bit of a cold one trading at Stockport's Vintage Village yesterday but, with my wool maxi dress, lace body stocking, two pairs of socks, thermal vest & leggings, topped off with a capelet, I was toasty warm.

Wearing: His Xmas present from me (burgundy over-dyed skinnies courtesy of the YMCA), vintage cherry red DMs & merino wool roll neck (both car boot sale buys), 1960s cashmere and wool overcoat (nicked from the rails), wool hat (had forever) Pom Pom (Jon made himself)

Unlike Jon who resorted to wearing the stock.


Our first vintage fair of the year was a blast (and not just an icy one). We were entertained by rockabilly band, The Barracudas, whose set included covers of Echo Beach and the theme to Batman.


Walsall town planners take note, here's a working class market town which has managed to retain its heritage. The Historic Quarter is packed with beautifully restored buildings filled with indie businesses, free houses and cafes. 


As you know we work at a lot of vintage fairs. We're used to girls in red lipstick, victory rolls & repro dresses asking if we've got anything fifties? Stockport shoppers are different, dressed in a mish-mash of eras, they'll rummage our rails and snap up anything that takes their fancy, regardless of decade. They don't attend fairs with a wish-list. They'll buy retro wallpaper, tea cups, deckchairs, clothes and psychedelic trays. Like us, they believe vintage is a lifestyle not a style and we love 'em.


The people who attend, spend. The regulars would rather splurge once a month than shop on the high street. One of my favourites, an auburn-haired glamour puss, showed me her purchases, an immaculate tweed '70s Hardy Amies suit and an embroidered 1960s shift dress, bought for a grand total of £57. What could you get in Marks & Spencer's for £60? She said, A badly made, frumpy dress which would make me look exactly the same as every other woman my age. She bought a fringed suede jerkin in olive green from us last month, she had one in the the 1960s and regretted ever having parted with it.


There's the pretty young lady with cascading curls & retro-framed specs who pattern mixes & colour clashes like a pro. In the past she's bought a red MC's jacket from us and yesterday it was a vintage Aran beret with a pom pom the size of a hamster. After discovering my blog she's vowed to only buy second-hand from now on & I've suggested she starts a blog herself, tracking her progress. There's a real shortage of creative teens who dare to be different. I'd follow her in a heartbeat.


Lisa, a beautiful ex-California girl, who bought a soft-as-butter tooled leather, North African shoulder bag, presented us with a bag of deliciously scented soaps and a bejewelled eyed owl candle she'd made herself. 


A stunning lady with a blonde elfin crop and the cat's head brooch bought a cool 1970s tartan wool midi dress and showed me the sleeping cat tattoo on her forearm. She once left the comment "Pawsome!" on a cat-related blog post, now a regular part of my vocabulary.


Pat & Matthew of A Vintage Affair, our neighbours at the market, presented us a new addition to the poodle parlour as well as a bag of vintage buttons and sewing notions.


 Yes, Stockport is a joy, even with a 5am alarm call and sub-zero temperatures. 


If you've missed Vintage Village then here's their latest venture, the 20th Century Stores, a collective of amazing (and fairly priced) vintage sellers all under one roof. In there you'll find both Tin Trunk Vintage (where I bought my Pucci maxi) and Vintage Village Clothing (where I bought my Annacat waistcoat). If you know what's good for you then you'll jump on a train and get up there.


Here's Snygg's space, isn't it groovy?


To be honest neither of us were much in the mood for work on Sunday but we had a top time and sold enough to keep us in the style we've become accustomed to in Goa for a few weeks. See you in March, Stockport!


Now we've unloaded the van we're officially in holiday mode which kicked off with a boozy lunch in 'Spoons. 

Vintage wool maxi with matching marabou-trimmed capelet (Xmas pressie from my friends at Babouskha Vintage), me-made muff (made from two jumble sale fake fur hats) strung on Great-Grandmother's gold muff chain
See you before we go!

Linking to Patti & the gang for Visible Monday.

60 comments:

  1. This post is one of the reasons I can't quit blogging! Love my feather boa-ed buddies ;) you look ace!

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  2. This post is one of the reasons I can't quit blogging! Love my feather boa-ed buddies ;) you look ace!

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  3. I like the look of Stockport and you, you glamour puss. How you manage to look so radiant after a 5am start is beyond me, I look as rough as a badgers arse. It says so much about you that you can describe your buyers and know so much about them. No wonder you have so many regulars. Look at all those waistcoats on your rails... and I'm so far away!
    Not long now. xxx

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  4. I just love the little rundown of your lovely customers. It's so sweet that you love your job and your job loves you and you've created such a nice community and you're making the world just that much nicer. I'm getting all fan girl here. And your you made muff. Love it. I had a muff in grade school and I would get into trouble from the teachers for rolling my homework up and stuffing it into my muff. Oh. That didn't sound right, did it? I guess that would earn me an F.

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  5. I love Jon's giant monster pom pom. Have a fab time in Goa - drink lots and have a blast :)

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  6. another pretty town. Your stock looks so tidy! And why the neck not wear feathers at the crack of dawn?

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  7. Are you looking, Walsall town planners? It can be done! Haven't been to Stockport in years, but I remember it as being an attractive town, and your photos confirm that. I think I need to get over there as soon as you are back trading in March (the swimming lessons are done so I'll be free, hurray!)
    Loving that maxi and cape, only you could look that gorgeous after a 5am start and a fairly lengthy commute.
    I love your descriptions of your customers. It shows how much notice you take of everyone, how you listen and care about the folk who shop with you, and that's why you get return custom. You don't get that on the high street, do you? And Hardy Amies for under £50, how amazing is that? Vintage finery or M&S (or indeed H&M)? Hmmm, let me think... No brainer!
    Love you! xxx

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  8. You can always dress upp in feathers ! And you look gorgeous ! And so do Jon .
    Xxx

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  9. I like the sound of Stockport, maybe I'll try and make it along to the next fair in March! x

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  10. You look groovy and I am happy to know you are thermal led up underneath!

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  11. now thats the best look ever for 5 am!!! you are influencing more people than you will ever know to buy used, instead of buying the shoddy made stuff in shops today, when I think of you I think bright jewel tone color!

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  12. You always look like you have so much fun!

    http://www.delabellesbeautyblog.com

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  13. Hey Vix! That muff is too cute and way clever....I am trying to think if I ever had one, or if I just think I had one because I saw too many movies/television shows as a child with girls wearing them. Isn't memory a weird thing? Now if I had that device like in S1 E3 of Black Mirror, I would know for sure!

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  14. One of the most delightful things about meeting a diverse range of bloggers, is finding the things you have in common even if at first glance it looks like nothing in common at all. Obviously I don't wear vintage, though I would probably wear 20s and 30s if it were available to me, but I would have a blast at the vintage fairs and I doubt I would escape without some purchases.
    The colours in your dress are among my favourites on you and Jon looks dapper as always. I think he should keep that wool coat as it suits him so well. Thanks, as always for the chance to live your life vicariously. Always so much fun!
    xoxoxo

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  15. I'm liking all the classic cars. Can you persuade TinTrunk to start up her blog again? I used to like reading that a few years ago...

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  16. I love the old 'town' look. So many malls in the US are dying. Granted other popular ones take their place. Their big blighted blemishes on the landscape. Not like your charming old town. I'll stay away from the malls, old or new... thank you!

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  17. I do love the print on your dress and capelet, so pretty! Love those Stockport buildings too.

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  18. You wear your muff chain even better than Jackie O!

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  19. Wow, you look fabulous at 5AM (and all day too). So gorgeous in a boa, you inspire me. Thanks for sharing with Visible Monday, xox.

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  20. Oh Vix I love your caplet ! well your whole outfit actually , Best wishes have a good week xxx

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  21. Have been following you for some time but never actually commented. I was drawn by the beautiful scooters. My husband is an original MOD from 1964 (Brighton) and was on that infamous beach when the trouble started all those years ago! He has a custom Vespa which he is selling on Ebay very soon, he wants a 3 wheeler! Always enjoy your blog as it's a million miles from anyone else's and a real tonic :) You always look great by the way :)

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  22. 5AM in marabou? Surely that wasn't orange juice you had for breakfast!
    Well, your effort must have certainly been noticed in this fair town of lifestyle-loving people. Yes, town planners EVERYWHERE take notice!!
    I'm glad you're officially in holiday mode. Nothing like sub-zero temps to make you appreciate it even more. Cheers!

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  23. Wish I had been there it sounds right up my street :-) Great post today I felt like part of the day even though I wasn't. You look as flipping fabulous as ever and so does Jon. Enjoy getting ready for Goa, dee xx

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  24. You both look fab, bet you can't wait to escape to the sunshine
    Twiggy

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  25. I love that blue dress - I'm sure I had that print in a dress back in the 70s (I was a child then). I often recognise your prints. Have fun in Goa.

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  26. What a beautiful town Stockport is. This sounds like it was such a good day. I love your marabou feathers! You both look terrific, especially after having gotten up at 5am. Ouch!

    It was interesting to read about your friends and what they bought.

    xo

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  27. I absolutely LOVE hearing about the people you have there! That teen sounds really cool!
    Nice muff (snigger)

    I would love to visit this place in Stockport. Some time!x

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  28. You are soooooooooooo fabulous, my dear queen
    We are off to hospital tomorrow to see the surgeon who will give us the results of the biopsy and the plans to operate Victor.
    The whole family is at a stand by. Blogging and friends like you who shine in the dark keep me sane this days
    XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXx

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  29. I am in awe of how you manage to look so amazing at 5am.
    Oh how I wish I lived nearer to somewhere so amazing *sigh*

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  30. My goodness you look just amazing! What a beautiful dress and cape, it's as if they were made for you. I'm glad you had such a wonderful time in Stockport, it's lovely how well you know your customers (and I have to agree with that lady, M&S is particularly crap). I hope you have a wonderful time in Goa (I'm sure it won't be hard!)

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  31. Maribou at 5am? You're a marvel, I'd be in my pjs. I love the dress and capelet combo, I can only imagine it is excitement which is keeping you looking so beautiful after being up since dawn. Only days to go!!! Your muff is so pretty ;) Your customers sound fab, that's the best bit isn't it, getting to chat to people and see them go off all happy. Never been to Stockport, it looks pretty, although if Jon is anything to go by, c-c-cold. Boozy lunch in 'Spoons, that's what January is for I reckon. I took Q the other day, he's a convert. Xxxxx

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  32. That maxi and cape are just lovely! I had a white fur muff when I was a little girl that I adored! I should really make one for myself one of these days like you did! :)

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  33. You look gorgeous in that maxi!!!! That little town looks cool as hell!

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  34. How fun to read the descriptions of your dazzling customers! The kind of person who dresses in marabou feathers at 5am on a Sunday is a woman dear to my heart. Yes to vintage as a lifestyle!

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  35. You look gorgeous as ever, Vix! Hard to believe it's your 5 AM look (I'm a night owl). Wow to you! Jon is dashing as well, love your Xmas gift, very sharp - vintage, and yet trendy. Beautiful town, lovely shops and people with whom you share passion for life. Sounds like a great Sunday to me. xxxxx

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  36. Southport people sound like my kind of people! I just love the stuff I love - the thought of dressing "true to era" sounds exhausting. Although I love 1960s/1970s I currently have an 1980s dress on my sewing table waiting to be hemmed! I just like what I like. Also the answer to your question, awesome people wear maribou feathers at 5am (obviously)

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  37. Oh wow, I haven't been to Stockport forever. You've made me want to visit - I must get up north more.

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  38. love your winter princess look!
    and love what you write about stockport - seems like a cool place to live. or to have a vintage fair :-)
    stay warm!
    xxxxx

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  39. Sounds like my kind of place *sigh*. All those ladies and young women sounds totally wonderful too! You look fantastic and so does Jon - that coat is divine.
    So glad you had such a good time and sold lots! xx

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  40. This woolen maxi is just superb! Looks amazing plus keeps you warm. Whatever the time - 5am or 5pm - you always look gorgeous.

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  41. Hello Vix,

    It is a lifetime ago that we were last in Stockport and it really does seem to be a town that has got its act together. Whilst one sees so many Northern or Midlands towns looking rather sad and depressed, Stockport looks to have a lively feel about it.

    The descriptions of your customers is worthy of a novel. Such stories that could be told about each of them. And, all so very different. It is good to see that individuality is thriving in Stockport at least.

    You well deserve your break in the sun. Wishing you happy holidays and may 2015 bring you peace, joy and success.

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  42. You are the Queen of feathers and Pom Poms!! Jon looks might fine in his outfit, you two must runs heads when out and about. Last Market before heading off, and it sound like it was a goodie. Love all the old cars.

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  43. Of course you would wear marabou at 5 in the morning and you look great!
    The customers you've described sound like amazing, fun people.
    Beautiful cars - vintage cars are gorgeous.
    Thank you for sharing your travels - it's probably the only way I'll ever see your beautiful country.

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  44. Wow, this looks like an awesome event! I love Jon's DMs and you look as fab as ever! xx

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  45. "...a pom pom the size of a hamster." I shall cherish this phrase as I scuttle about the shops today, observing wooly hats with pom poms the size of "... a mouse, maybe -- oh, that one's a hamster -- and yikes! size of a baby badger, that one!"

    You're a vision of Vixian elegance in the maxi with muff. I'm certain your great-grandmother would approve the recycling of her gold chain for its intended purpose.

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  46. That's the loveliest compliment I've ever recieved, thank you! I'm glad someone appreciates my colour clashing!
    I'm attempting to venture into the world of blogging although my life and wardrobe aren't nearly as exciting as yours :)

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  47. 5am is too early to be fab but you rock the clock!!

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  48. I can only wish I looked that good at 5:00am on a freezing morning :0)
    xx

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  49. Bloody fab! Only you can look that gorgeous after a stupid o'clock start. Loves yer muff.
    I haven't been to Stockport in years and years...the north was much nearer when I was in Wales!!
    Another brilliant day in a northern town. I always think that the northern crew properly live their vintage, as you say. They don't wear it like a badge or something to get one over on anyone else. They rock vintage in a different way altogether.
    I'm peering in Snygg's window and there's a Jesus. The I find out they have a Jesus Corner! Feck me...if that's not a reason on it's own to visit Stockport I don't know what is!
    Stay warm.
    Loves ya bits.
    xxxxxxx

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  50. I love the muff chain, I've not seen those in a while. Only you could look that fab at 5AM. xx

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  51. I would have loved to have seen photos of the customers you described (The cars are pretty coo though). Oooh, that blue double bass is AMAZING!! I dated a bass player in my 30's and I adore the sound of those upright ones.

    You and Jon are beautifully turned out despite the cold. Sounds like it was a very successful fair. Stockport sounds like an interesting place.

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  52. Great posts, i love it when you show us around You too are the most stylish of them all - You know what? i could wear marabout feathers to work, cause they don't see me!

    Take care

    Ariane

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  53. I love that you shared about your customers. People that wear unique vintage clothing are the most interesting people in the world. Next time you need to get some photos!

    The cars are incredible.

    I'm glad it was a good show for you. I'm sure you're ready for warmer temps now.

    bisous
    Suzanne
    http://www.suzannecarillo.com

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  54. Stockport looks fun - whenever I'm oop North it's always to go to Bolton. And I haven't noticed much vintage there!

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  55. You definitely look toastie as well as fabulous dressed for the fair. Jon looks very smart and ain't he lucky you have such wonderful stock that he pinched. The fair sound fabulous and much like the type I like to attend.

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  56. Stockport IS gorgeous isn't it? feck I've only been to one vintage fair there, it was pre-Vix and now feels like too long, pah!
    you are totally gorgeous, what an outfit! the maribou and muff makes a fine addition - and those cars in the fare! classic cars make me feel fuzzy (in a good way *cheeky wink*) holiday mode is a good feeling, anticipation rocks! x x x

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  57. as you might know, i adore all your looks - but this early in the morning marabu dress totallly stole my heart! ... it's always good to look fantastic as a seller - poeple know what to find at the booth: fabulous vintage fashion.

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  58. aww i would love to have seen these lovely ladies and the things they bought! Sounds like my kind of people! I love that ourfit - i think i have said that befoe, but as if im not going to say it again!

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  59. Stockport looks lovely and all those gorgeous cars too! xxx

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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