Monday 9 July 2012

Home Is Where You Park It




We're back from Camperjam, filthy, damp and dying for a shower (of the man-made, plumbed-in variety).

Our 1979 T25, Gilbert 
Yeah, there was torrential rain, the mud made the trade stands almost impossible to get to and the headline act (legendary local ska band, the Beat) pulled out at the last minute due to the "adverse weather conditions" but we still had a blast.


The sun even made a brief appearance between the downpours.


I could show you the wet, soggy and damp conditions but if you're a Brit you won't need reminding of our crappiest Summer for over twenty years so here's a few snapshots of fabulous VWs, their inspiring interiors and a dog show instead.


The Volkswagen scene is unpretentious and open to all. Whether you drive a vintage bus, an imported repro or a brand spanking new model; if you use a VW as your daily ride or it only comes out of the garage for shows or even if you just admire them and drive something else entirely, it really doesn't matter, everyone is welcome to join in the fun, unlike many of the other "scenes" I've read about, there ain't no snobbery here.


It was mostly too wet to take pictures during the day (I'd have needed an underwater camera for that) so they're mostly from one of the three entertainment tents during the evening, hence the cider-glazed eyes. 


Despite the wet it was surprising humid, unlike last month's No Direction Home festival.


A Sassy Vamps hair band takes the focus off bedraggled locks. I made this frock last week, intentionally ultra short so it didn't get wet beneath my waterproofs and avoided too much mud spatter.


Jon bonded with a Labradoodle named Barney.


Sunday was dry and sunny, what a difference a day makes.

Thanks a million for all the lovely comments you left on my last post, I'll be over to visit you just as soon as I've dealt with the pile of mud and rain-soaked clobber festering on the kitchen floor.

See you soon!

73 comments:

  1. It looks like you managed to have a fun time despite the lousy weather. I can see why Jon bonded with Barney, what a beautiful hound! I do hope we get some summer this year though. Xx

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  2. Sounds like a great time was had by all despite the rain and the non-appearance of The Beat. As always you manage to look glamorous whatever the circumstances. I see you are wearing your Poundland socks, I too now have a pair but they won't look half so good on me. Loved seeing the VW pics.
    xx

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  3. A great little montage of VW vans. The entertainment tents are what sound fun to me!
    Happy showering! The plumbed kind that is...

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  4. Looks like you had a fab weekend despite the rain & the best pulling out!!

    Gorgeous photos as always!!
    XO

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  5. Excellent! Us Brits have to take our fun when we can rain or no rain!! Wassamarra with The Beat? Fancy pulling out.
    My friends on the VW scene love it to bits...everyone is so friendly they say unlike some other motor vehicle based scenes I can think of.
    Have a great week.
    xxxx

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  6. It looks like you had a blast despite the rain! I love all the VW vehicles - I've always loved them! "Herbie Goes Banana's" was my favourite movie growing up:D

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  7. Shame about the weather but at least you still had a good time and looked fabulous while doing so. I love your flower headband and your eyelashed look amazing.

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  8. You look so beautiful and happy, amor! Your set up with Gilbert looks super comfy and dry. I LOOOVE your fab Sassy Vamps hair flowers - and the shorts/socks/boots combo is fabularsehole!! You are such a couple of supermodels!LOVE! SKYPE! Sarah xxx

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  9. Such a shame! the VW festival we were supposed to be going to last month was cancelled because of the rain. I love the VW festivals too and I know what you mean, definitely not pretentious! Glad to see that you still looked as glamourous as ever even with all the mud and rain.

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  10. Oh you look like you both had fun. You looked as glamorous as ever...don't know how you do it in those conditions! You can see how muddy it was by the persons wellies sitting behind Jon in the photo taken with Barney. Jon looked lovely in his hat as well. I never mention how he looks~my apologies. Shame about the band tho. Hope you get all washed up and back to normal xx

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  11. Oh you look like you both had fun. You looked as glamorous as ever...don't know how you do it in those conditions! You can see how muddy it was by the persons wellies sitting behind Jon in the photo taken with Barney. Jon looked lovely in his hat as well. I never mention how he looks~my apologies. Shame about the band tho. Hope you get all washed up and back to normal xx

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  12. Eugh the weather's been dire hasn't it? Wet and humid weather is pretty grim, but despite that you seemed to have a good time. My fave pic? The one with you in the pink shirt with 'cider-glazed eyes' haha, love it! X

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  13. Some fab outfits there Vix. Love the fact yiu don`t let the rain spoil your fun.
    Hope you get caught up on your washing - the worst bit of a return from a trip away!
    Dx

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  14. Yay, I love your festival posts! So glad you had a good time despite the horrid weather. You must have been gutted that The Beat pulled out (how rude). I'd really love to see them live. Jon looks so cool driving Gilbert in that pic! :)

    Lucy xx

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  15. Im glad you had a good time and the rain didn't put a dampen on it. That labradoodle looks gorgeous and so do you even in your wellingtons ;-)dee xxx

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  16. Naaw, I reckon your sunny smile scared those clouds away! You look so relaxed and happy, just awesome. sounds like my kind of festival, barring the weather of course.xx.

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  17. Lovely pictures, love seeing more of the camper. Andy's dream and one day we will get one.
    Love your hair accessories, look so glam.
    xx

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  18. Ahhh sounds like you had a fab time. Whats a little bit of rain anyway?! Love your lipstick Vix!
    Sophie
    x

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  19. Your hair is very well-behaved compared to mine and I certainly use my headbands to take the focus off my bed-hair too:))). It's so lovely to have you back complete with sunny pics taken between yukky rain showers:). You look completely glorious and the Kombi crowd sound like a fabulous bunch!!! The Stylist's eye nearly popped out of her head at the sight of your glorious eye lashes and pink headband - oh get over here so I can give you jolly good arse-squeeze and thank you so much for the shop-mention xoxoxoxoxo

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  21. Barney looks just like my dearly departed old Labradoodle Ben. Beautiful dogs!! I think you got the crappy non summer we had, so I hear you loud and clear! Disappointing to say the least. Well there is always next year ♥

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  22. Glad you had a great time despite the weather. I drive a VW (not an old one though) perhaps I'll come along to the next one! x

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  23. Wherever you go, despite the rain, there always be sun. You carry it with you, my dear Vix.
    Much love always
    XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

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  24. Glad the weather didn't spoil your weekend - shame on the Beat for wimping out for a bit of rain/mud ;)

    BTW more pics of Gilbert needed - if it was just the 2 of us then we'd have gone for a VW but as we're a 4 then it had to be a Bertie instead.

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  25. Summer is a state of mind! Looks like you had a fab time.

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  26. Summer is a state of mind! Looks like you had a fab time.

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  27. The cr*p weather is never going to get Vix and Jon down :-)
    Looks like a fun weekend...
    Bet you enjoyed the home shower though ;-)

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  28. Looks like an amazing weekend Vix, I'm glad the sun came out for you x

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  29. Such a great post, you share the festival's mud and magic with us!!
    You and Jon are such a beautiful couple and seems like you had a lot of fun! I have to listen to the Beat, I didn't know them, sorry, but I'm sure that I might like them!
    Your wellies are the best and I'd love to see more of your new super short dress, the fabric is fantastic and perfect for a Sassy Vamp's head gear!!
    Lots of peace & love!
    xxxx

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  30. I'm glad you had a good time despite the weather. I'm sure you brightened up everyone else's weekend too with your bright outfits!

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  31. You look beautiful as always!! Booo to the rain, I am so fed up with it now having just got back from a few days away in a tent myself (blog post to come).

    L xx

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  32. I knew you wouldn't let the weather (or the mud) stop you from having a great time!
    You look as beautiful and glamorous as ever, despite the adverse conditions - flash your fabulous legs, put on a Sassy Vamp headpiece and some false eyelashes, and you're good to go!
    Hope you've sorted that washing... xxxxx

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  33. I'm glad you still managed to make the most of the mud and enjoy the festival. All those VWS look amazing together!

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  34. Yay glad you had fun, it really was an awful weekend weather wise tho! :)

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  35. You two make the grooviest couple! I LOVE that your aesthetic represents a lifestyle that you actually lead :O)

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  36. ha-ha-ha I had to laugh out loud at your title!! Glad you're back safely.
    xx
    maya

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  37. Despite the drab weather, looks like you had fun! And what's a festival without rain and mud anyway?! I've said it before but I love those shorts, glad to see they got worn even in the monsoon! x

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  38. I love your festival pics! Sorry to hear about the rain ): We've gone from rain rain rain to blistering heat, either way we're screwed! The VW pics were glorious, I used to love my old beetles, and my "thing" (though not in winter, it had no heat!) I was a little taken aback to hear the Beat were to headline, as they are to headline a music festival about 3-5 miles from my house on the 14 July! (Duh that's this weekend!) XXX Suzanne

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  39. Looks like you had a wonderful time despite this godawful weather we're having.

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  40. Lovely shorts & I've always wanted a camper van !

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  41. You look fantastic! This looks like such a fun festival. I like that everyone can feel welcome and that the rain doesn't spoil your fun!
    xx
    PS Jon looks just like my boss! Gorgeous labradoodle too =)
    x

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  42. I'm one of those that drives around in a really ol' banger. I've been part of the VW scene for a few years now and have made some amazing friends - its true what you say!

    idrivevintage.blogspot.co.uk

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  43. Fabulous! Completely and utterly fabulous. You look beautiful in all these photos. I especially love the floral headband. :)

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  44. I was calling Gilbert Georgie...wft??? Hi sweetie!!!!! I have been wondering about you all weekend, hoping you would not float away. You both look happy as ever at the festival and I love how comfy your campsite looks :) You radiate feeling good like no one else. You in pink in the tent with your cider eyes makes me smile, you look so pretty my sweet Vix! I love seeing all the camper shots and that laberdoodle looks like he is loving all the attention from Jon.

    Love you rocking those shorts in the sun shine, I miss you sweetie!!!!

    XXOO
    Krista

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  45. Well it looks you managed ok despite all the rain you have been getting, we know we heard about it on this side of the planet, the worse summer for you Brits!
    Here it is sun, sun and sun we will probably have a dry summer!

    Looking lovely Vix! Izzy's wedding pics will be probably up tonight!

    Ariane xxxxx

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  46. you look amazing!

    xx

    www.aroundlucia.com
    www.aroundlucia.com

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  47. No matter the awful weather, your fabulous smile and colorful headbands are pretty sunny!, and love your wellies and funny socks and your so practical and sparkling hotpants!
    besos & sun

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  48. Hi Vix, I'm glad you both had a great time. What about this weather huh?! OOh, I usually love the rain, it freshens everything up, and means I don't have to water the garden flowers (hate doing that) but this summer is taking the p*ss. Literally. I wanted to let you know I've designed and made a pair of pink opal earrings for my latest giveaway, if you fancied entering. Big hugs, and lotsa love, you fantastic woman. Em ♥
    http://mimiandtilly.blogspot.com

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  49. I love the way you love festivals! You make them sound so fun despite inclement weather! Love that floral headband too!

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  50. You managed to look absolutely fabulous even while being soggy!!

    Oh how I love VW's!!! I was lucky to own a 1970 candy apple red Beetle and a 1972 turquoise blue Beetle in the 80's. It's difficult to find the classic ones today (that aren't rolls royce priced) and the "NewBeetle" just doesn't cut it with me!!

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  51. I envy how you are able to look so beautiful while camping in rain and mud. Yay! the lilac frilly blouse made it to Camper Jam!

    I watched the promo video for the event and saw that it was very dog-friendly. Glad to see that you and Jon made a dog friend.

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  52. I have to show this post to my hippie-loving man, who also likes to camp in cars.

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  53. I KNEW the weather would cheer up for you! Looks like you had a great time and you look great as ever. I'd love to own a VW one day x

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  54. Oh dear what is going on with the weather over there I heard even someone describe it as wintery?? Well quick jump in that van and come this way it is way to summer here in the 100's!! I love VW vans I would love to buy one someday.... They are quite abundant here in Cali although when I went to Mexico the bugs there in such good condition made me drool I begged Adrian to buy one and we could drive it home ...maybe next time :) Hopefully summer will hit you guys very soon and make up for all this poo poo rain your having!! You look super Festival cute!! the shorts look great with the boots!! ~Love Heather

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  55. Oh dear what is going on with the weather over there I heard even someone describe it as wintery?? Well quick jump in that van and come this way it is way to summer here in the 100's!! I love VW vans I would love to buy one someday.... They are quite abundant here in Cali although when I went to Mexico the bugs there in such good condition made me drool I begged Adrian to buy one and we could drive it home ...maybe next time :) Hopefully summer will hit you guys very soon and make up for all this poo poo rain your having!! You look super Festival cute!! the shorts look great with the boots!! ~Love Heather

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  56. you really do make any day a sunny day......amazing....I don't know how you do it!!x

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  57. hi Vix

    you look gorgeous as usual. glad you had a good time, I love your make up, your boots and socks rock

    www.personalautographs.blogspot.co.uk
    Jatinda
    xxx

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  58. Glad you managed to make the best of it...we got washed out at Sants Pod's VW Camper & Bus show this year sadly...but there are plenty more to go...I love to nose at other peeps vans...great inspiration and very educational too! :)

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  59. Now THAT is an adventure I could really learn to love. Something magical about camping and rain and music and mud, right? Love the floral headpiece. I always look like I ought to be a sour old matron called Mrs. Grumblebottomsby when I put flowers on my head - not sure why but admire the way you pull it off.

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  60. You look Gorgeous in these pics! I am Loving those sunglasses and your makeup. This looks like a great adventure.

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  61. Going to a festival in this lovely weather is brave! At least it's not too cold, just annoyingly wet. Last Saturday as I was on my way to a birthday party in Lincoln. I was wearing a nice Kate Moss dress I got from eBay recently and was feeling like a million dollars. The sun was shining etc, tralala. Then I didn't get the right bus and had to wait at the bus stop for almost an hour. And it started chucking down like it was the end of times. I got all wet and nearly burst into tears on the bus argh! At least when I got there I was dry already, I missed the clairvoyant session but had fun with the girls and had some good cocktails.
    Glad to see that you had a good time too!
    I agree with you about some scenes being full of snobbery... it's so annoying!
    Loved the VW photos, I love looking at retro cars and the VWs are just perfect! I'd love to take some photos of them too!

    xx

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  62. You are stunning in any venue, and a rain drenched festival is no exception, Despite the weather it look like you had a ravishingly good time.

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  63. I remember being quite fascinated with VW campers when I was a kid! Owned one years ago in a previous life...

    And I'm glad to see that you did get some sunshine after all. And that you didn't let forecasts keep you away.

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  64. Oh my goodness, your camper is just amazing.

    You look like you're having a blast, I can't wait to see what else you've got in store.

    xoxo Mama Wolf.f

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  65. Looks like you had a great time despite the weather! We drive a VW but unfortunately not of the groovy vintage variety :(
    I want a labradoodle!

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  66. You know what? I think it could be hailing, gale force winds, snowing, quaking, twistering, and you would still come out with a smile and gorgeous Sassy Vamps (or flower or hat) clamped mightily and defiantly on your head! Your spirit just lights up everywhere. I'm glad the sun came out on Sunday. You and Jon must have good times. Love your post title.

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  67. Oh you have the best cider eyes!!!!
    The VW's are fabulous and Mr Gilbert is one of those. He is really a handsome orange.
    So great to see you had a great weekend, who cares what the weather does.
    Love v

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  68. I do love a good man-made, plumbing-enabled shower. You can't beat 'em! But it sounds like a fantastic time was had, Vix, so being shower-free must have been so worth it :-) You and Jon look great xx

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  69. Great pictures Vix. I'm off to Camp Bestival with my children in our 1972 VW Camper in a few weeks - half excited, half dreading it!

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  70. Fabulous picture show. I would love a camper van.

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  71. Amor,
    Look like you managed to have lots of fun with and without the rain!
    I love your little tent, looks cosy.
    You look gorgeous as always in your hot pants.
    eyeshadow prosti is looking fabulosa! sassy vamps headband always makes a statement.
    besos

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  72. It looks like you had great fun even if the weather was dreadful - and you look so glamorous too! Love the Sassy Vamps headband!

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  73. just found your blog!! love it!
    following you now on Bloglovin and GFC! Like to follow back?
    we could stay in contact! I hope so...!
    kisses dear!!
    Self-dressed.blogspot.com

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Lots of love, Vix