Tuesday 24 February 2015

I Can See Clearly Now



After a month of living out a backpack and dressing in whatever smelled the freshest, its most perplexing to suddenly be confronted with two wardrobes stuffed with clothes. Do I go for mini, midi, maxi; a skirt, a dress, a catsuit; the boots or shoes; a coat, a jacket or a cape? By the time I'm ready to leave the house the bedroom looks like psychedelic nuclear explosion.


Sometimes I get so perplexed by the choice in front of me that I give up altogether and "borrow" something from the Kinky Melon stockroom. Like I did on Sunday, wearing this early '70s David Silverman dress to work at Moseley vintage fair. 


Every year after living with so little in India, I end up having a massive clear out and donating heaps to charity. The fashion bloggers call it an "edit" which conjures up images of a smartly dressed woman in spectacles and a pencil skirt taking stock and making notes, a world of difference from me in my knickers clutching a can of beer, blasting out Royal Blood and tossing maxi dresses, laddered tights, knackered boots and free festival tote bags across the bedroom.


This is the end result. (The eagle-eyed amongst you might spot that the David Silverman maxi is a keeper).


As Grandma used to say, I can now see the wood for the trees. Maxis with sleeves in one place, separates, mini dresses and sleeveless maxis/catsuits in another. The stockroom is full to bursting and there's two industrial sized bin bags and a laundry basket in the van, ready to be dropped off at one of my favourite charity shops in the morning.


..this is why its a favourite. Last week I bought this Indian table parasol for 50p! (I bet I won't leave empty-handed tomorrow, either.)


I rediscovered my patchwork maxi, Liz crocheted for me last year, which had slipped down the back of the wardrobe and was making sweet music with a Glastonbury Festival programme from 2010, a turquoise wig, a long-forgotten shoulder bag, a box of business cards, my school Prefect badge and an energy saving light bulb.


I was fairly restrained on my travels. The Lamani coin belt is a new addition, the rest I've had for ages. 

Crochet maxi skirt, worn with velvet and marabou-trim opera coat (£15 vintage shop, Birmingham), nylon leotard & vintage leather overnight bag (both pence from jumble sales), 1980s Finnish-made purple suede boots.
Thank you so much for indulging the frustrated travel writer in me. I'm so glad I didn't bore you too much with my endless photos last week.

See you soon!

Linking to Patti and the gang for Visible Monday (a day late!) and, prompted by the wonderful Kezzie, Maricel's Tardis Tuesday.

65 comments:

  1. Maxis, Royal Blood and that gorgeous blue outfit? You've got me hooked already! I just wish my wardrobe was as 'edited' as yours. Loving the David Silverman dress, Lamani coin belt and that parasol too! Its great to have you back, Vix xxx

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  2. Gorgeous maxi dresses!! That Indian parasol is absolutely the best! I'm about to have a bit of a closet clean-out, too!

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  3. You couldn't be boring if you tried, love - get that email fired off to the Rough Guide immediately!
    You are looking resplendent in that velvet and feather coat from Brum; it was definitely waiting for you, wasn't it? I'm not sure I've seen Liz's fab crochet skirt before, how long has it been down the back of the wardrobe?!
    You've certainly been busy since you got back; love the David Silverman maxi, and the groovy Indian parasol, and I am impressed with your clearing of the decks. Sorry - Wardrobe Edit. Ahem. Need to get the vocabulary correct...
    You know how it goes - decent donations set up some good chazzing karma, so I bet you'll find a ton of stuff tomorrow. Hope so; love ya! xxx

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  4. THAT SKIRT!

    You look fab - congrats on being bothered to have a clear out! :D x

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  5. you and boring do not live on the same planet!
    bright blue with lots of silver? wonderful!! orange and pink with two toxic greens? fabulous!! organdy flowery silverman dress? beautiful!!
    and the best - all this is high quality, fits you perfect and is totally vix - and fare away from any "trend" so you never have to have the fear all the fashion victims have :-)
    xxxxxxx

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  6. Hello Vix,

    The colours of India must be still running through your veins as you chose this explosive ensemble today. Without a doubt, this is as exciting as letting off fireworks at New Year and just the thing for brightening these dull and dreary February days.

    The coin belt is so very pretty. So many tiny details in its construction, it is a fascinating objet d'art in its own right. And, it must give the most charming tinkling noise as you walk.......a reminder of those hot, carefree days in India. Perfect!

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  7. You and all your "stuff " are always gorgeous ! Im in love with big bags and that one could come live with me ....
    xx x

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  8. ohhh, you're like sunshine in the bleak midwinter, lovely, colorful and funny!! (I'm not going to curb my enthusiasm!!!)
    such a fabulous coat, absolutely delightful color, and even more fabulous with its marabou trims!!, and your crochet maxi is a really cool piece, love it!
    and all those bijouterie is making my mouth watering! woushhhh
    I like a good psychedelic explosion!, glad you've decluttered your wardrobe into something better and fabulous!
    besos

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  9. Free-ow! In the past 20 minutes or so you went from having 1 comment to eight!! I keep drooling over your delicious jewelery and colorful clothes.

    I too am going through a clothing purge. My younger daughter has decreed some of my clothing is unsuitable. I've been bagging up 'unsuitable' clothing - the good stuff is going to the Salv Army, the bad, stained stuff is going to get snipped up for quilts or rags.

    Refreshing to be able to see your wardrobe, innit?

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  10. what a gorgeous blue!!! You Have never bored me yet!

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  11. I do so love blue on you - but that black dress is pretty great too! That Indian table parasol is very cool, and what a bargain at 50p.

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  12. You look so great in that blue. Did you add the pom-poms to the Indian parasol or were they already there? x

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  13. Such a beautiful shade of blue and a gorgeous coat. You look amazing and refreshed following your Indian adventure. Xx

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  14. I like the idea of your maxi hanging out with the Glastonbury program in the back of your closet. Hehe. I remove clothes from my closet but I have yet to master the toss, which I shall learn from you with great satisfaction. Your body must be freaking under so many layers but you look more than alive. The table parasol is incredible!

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  15. You boring? Not a chance!
    That is a beautiful shade of blue, looks so vibrant and Liz'z crochet skirt is gorgeous.
    Loves ya.
    xxxxx

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  16. That blue outfit is stunning, really shows off your blue eyes.

    I'm not good at editing, but I sure would love to have your edits. I'm sure there is still some gold in them thar bags.

    bisous
    Suzanne
    http://www.suzannecarillo.com

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  17. Wow, I would like to spend an afternoon your gorgeous closet! You look fabulous in blue. Thanks for sharing with Viz Monday, XO.

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  18. Like many have said, and I totally agree - you could never be boring!!

    And how else could rock a crocheted maxi like you do?

    xox

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  19. Whoa! That electric blue looks amazing on you! The stunning table parasol was just waiting for you, and I wish I was going to Walsall tomorrow to rummage through your stylish cast-offs!

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  20. Thank you for your travelogue over the past few posts. You look very well after your holiday. Love the colours in your photos today, and the contrast with the lovely blues and the hot colours in the parasol pic.

    Welcome back to Blighty!

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  21. That crochet skirt is to die for. What a wonderful thing to have made for you. It's so perfect with that coat.
    Dropping things off at the chazzer always brings good chazzing karma! Happy shopping!xxx

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  22. Hey lovely Vix! Sorry I haven't commented in an age; I do always check out your posts but sometimes on the iPad where it's hard to comment! Anyway! I mentioned you in my blog post today, as my charity shop touchstone I know you appreciate a good chazza haul! Hope you had a wonderful time in Goa; certainly looks like you did! I love the bright colours you wear. xxxxx

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  23. That David Silverman dress is a keeper for sure, looks lovely on you! I hadn't heard of him.

    How could we be bored of those amazing photos?! Best blog posts I've read in ages, certainly a burst of colour on my screen.

    x

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  24. You look incredible, INCREDIBLE in blue! All your outfits are fantastic, such amazing pieces you collect (I can't imagine how you decide to donate your wardrobe), and of course I love all the colors on you - but this shade of blue blows my mind, you are such a stunner, Vix! I love the crocheted skirt, so fun!

    It's very interesting to learn about your process. Thank you for sharing!

    And no, you are definitely never boring. Such a talented and vibrant personality you are! xxx

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  25. The crochet skirt is pretty damned amazing. I will conquer crochet one day, I will!
    Love the frocks otherwise, and the new belt goes beautifully with your collection of Indian accessories.
    Edit?! Yeah nah.
    Love Helga XXX

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  26. How can someone with a wardrobe like yours be boring? you mad woman!
    Ack you are making me have worrying thoughts about tidying my own clothes mountain now.....

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  27. it's strange how one can live out of a suitcase for weeks, then come home to a closet full of stuff. Sometimes I'm thankful I'm big, or I'd need a whole room for clothes.

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  28. Love the bright colours and the crochet skirt is fab on you. Hope you are feeling lighter after the wardrobe edit/clear out and the charity shop will feel the benefit tomorrow xx

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  29. You so look like you belong in India.

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  30. You are fab Vix! As if we could be bored by your evocative writing!!
    The opera coat is pure drama, makes you look stunningly opulent too!!! Please oh please link up to TARDIS Tuesday with it!!! You're like the TARDIS personified!!!x

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  31. ooh i wish i lived near you to stalk the chazzas after you'd dropped off your stash. you have the best dresses. i think my most favourite is a Dolly Rockers one... I know you have a few of those so i hope you don't throw those beauties away! And i loved all your travel photos! you should travel more often!

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  32. Your travel photos are truly enchanting, Vix. My blue eyes were undoubtedly glowing with a greenish tint as I viewed them and envied you not only your experience but also your goddess-like organizational expertise. Then you described yourself "in knickers, clutching a can of beer...throwing free festival bags across the room" and added a hilariously believable list of items you discovered in the back of your wardrobe. Dear Vix, bless you for being a mere mortal marvel!

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  33. Oh, what a lovely crochet skirt! I keep thinking I might try my hand at making one someday, like I need another project! :)

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  34. Loved the India travelogue. You really should look into getting paid to write such vivid accounts of your travels.
    Glad you kept the David Silverman maxi. It is gorgeous!

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  35. Your photos of India were a highlight of the week for me- I can't tell you how happy I was to spend a few morning coffee's looking at them and dreaming of warm, sunny, colorful places and interesting people. Thanks so much for sharing them!

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  36. This cornflower-blue looks fantastic on you! The crochet skirt is an amazing piece, so unique and beautiful. And the Lamani belt is a nice addition to your collection of tribal jewelry.

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  37. Love your Silverman dress, it is perfect for you and the coin belt is fun too. I am feeling an empty gap now your holiday posts have ended, infact, I would like a weekly 'when I was in Goa' post to be honest! Betty

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  38. totally understand your point in having a clear out after vacation! love your blue coat.

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  39. Wow, the blue of that coat is fabulous, as is the coat actually.

    I wish I could hang all my clothes in one place, most of them are scattered due to space and I'm a sentimental soul so have things from my teen years in vacuum bags xxx

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  40. Vix, you look stunning in Blue loving the coat. Your wardrobe is a real beautiful blast of colour to warm up yet another cold and dull day. Just love your style as always, dee xxx

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  41. The clothes seem to ... "not make room". You should put out some garments on Kinky Melon retro.

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  42. It must feel weird being all rugged up in your winter woolies after basking in sunshine for a month. You look stunning in blue by the way! I loved all the travel blogs, I was sad that they ended. Thanks for sharing them all.

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  43. Oh my good Lord, that crochet maxi is A-MAY-ZING

    Love it!

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  44. Gorgeous outfit - love that crochet skirt so much! I think you need to write more about your travels in India. Hotels are the same everywhere one goes the world over and I'd much rather read something completely authentic and natural from someone like you and Jon. xxx

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  45. Bore us, as if ; it's an interesting & facinating part of you. Thank-you for sharing:-)

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  46. You look great in blue! That new bag is amazing - I can't believe that someone wouldn't want to keep something so classic and useful.
    Cool coin belt!

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  47. The table parasol is such fun - cue parson envy!

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  48. If boring was what your India posts were, I'll have boring with a side order of tedium, please. I can fully understand that feeling when you come back of too much stuff, too many decisions. My bedroom often looks like an explosion in a clothes factory, which is not fun, but the image of you in your knick-knocks clutching a can of beer most certainly is. Now as you know, I am somewhat eagle eyed, and I can't see some of my old favourites in your wardrobe. Will they be making their way to Nottingham on Saturday? I've coveted that red and white gingham Radley dress from day 1, so if that's in there, I'm your customer. Love the Indian parasol! Xxxxxx

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  49. THAT BAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAG!!!!!!!!!!

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  50. Loving the lamp. Might even make room for it in the van. Never made the heady heights of school prefect myself. Too much of a maverick even in those days. x

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  51. The electric blue is utterly amazing on you. You look as if you've stepped out of a vintage-mod catalogue. Welcome back! xx

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  52. I adore that blue coat - such luscious colours!! I agree that having too many choices makes it much harder to get dressed in the morning. There are times when I just want to chuck the whole lot and start over, restricting myself only to items that make me feel fabulous.

    I thoroughly enjoy your travel photos - when I can't escape our brutal winter, they provide a great distraction.

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  53. I do love my annual armchair traveling to India during the depths of winter. Please do go on and on and on. I'll never tire of it. Nor your Krishna blue ensemble of today's post. yum.

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  54. Hello darling! So sorry I haven't commented since our holiday. I've been in the post holiday blog slump. But the sight of you in this gloriarse combo has really cheered me up. I'm so glad you had a magical time in Goa, oh holidays are good for the soul. Xx

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  55. What a delightfully colourful closet you have! There's good reason you find it such fun to get dressed. I want to be the person who goes to your favourite charity shop just as your donations are hitting the rack. xo

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  56. Loved playing catch-up on your travel posts. :D And your outfits, as always. I want to switch my wardrobe for an all-vintage one so you blog is always great inspiration for that!

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  57. The thought of you in your drawers clutching a beer can made me smile, Special Brew or Stella, I wonder?
    I really need to 'edit' myself but I've been too busy editing Dad's house whilst he's been in the Antipodes. You look incredible in the Allison St coat and the crocheted maxi is lush, just perfect with that shade of blue. The bag was a brilliant find.
    You, boring? Don't make me laugh.
    xxx

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  58. i like the way you celebrate your clear outs ... a drink and loud music! let the fun begin!
    good to see that the silverman is a keeper. it looks great on you!

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  59. Your sort of clear out sounds so much more fun than an 'edit'. I really ought to give it a try but truth is I am a terrible hoarder.

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  60. I'm in love with that blue coat, Vix. It's beautiful.

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  61. that blue outfit is absolutely perfect...
    the blue coat is so fabulous...
    and I like the maxi skirt!!!
    the accessories are to die for....amazing look!

    http://modaodaradosti.blogspot.com/

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  62. Fabulous! That coat is such a lovely shade of blue x

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Lots of love, Vix