Monday 4 June 2012

Fun, Feathers & Fab Surprises


I've hankered after a feather head dress for a couple of years but at upwards of £35 I much prefer frittering my festival pocket money away on cider & chips. Organising my hat cupboard to accommodate last week's jumble sale hats I spotted this old peacock lurking at the back. I glued him to a headband and my feathery craving was satisfied. 

Peacock (20p, jumble sale), headband (from a 50p multi-pack in a Boots' bargain bin)

This morning I found a package stuffed behind the bin which the postman had hidden on Saturday morning while we were in bed.


Inside were a host of gorgeously wrapped packages from the lovely Alice, currently living the dream and road-tripping around Cornwall in a VW Camper.


To make it even more exciting she'd wrapped everything in a 1970's Charlie's Angel comic, I almost had to force myself to rip the beautiful packaging apart.



The contents? A fabulous suede cherry belt and a pretty peacock scarf.


Some amazing 1960s Avon cosmetics in their original retro packaging


Alice thought I could do some revamping on this 1990s Seventies revival hot pant set. Was she kidding? Get the scissors on this beauty? It's perfect as it is!

Vintage suede jerkin (£10, local junk shop), River Island boots (£2, Salvation Army), huge wood bangle (the lovely Amie)
Here's a few photos just to prove that I have a social life and don't spend all my time posing in outlandish outfits alone in the garden.


I meant to take pictures of Liz & Adrian's party yesterday but being the unprofessional blogger I am there's only one; Pavlina, her cute 15-month-old Max, Liz and a fabulous Poundland inflatable crown in bottom right hand corner. The other photos are from a dinner party we held three weeks ago, Desiree's spectacular Sassy Vamps headpiece proved very popular.



Now for a mammoth catch-up of blogs before Jon's home-made pizza, a bottle of wine and last night's The Apprentice final. Please don't tell me who won!

See you soon.

PS Adding this post to Lakota's Ta-Dah Tuesday!

71 comments:

  1. There is my most beautiful peacock! You look friggin amazing in your killer peacock headdress and super hot hot pants suit. I love that she wrapped everything in old comics, what a cool chick! The suede belt is totally unique and so you! I love all your party pictures and can't wait to be in some !!!!
    Love you!!!
    XOXOXOX
    Krista

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  2. Want to send ME a parcel of vintage goodness? Thanks.

    Nat x
    http://www.leblow.co.uk

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  3. Mr peacock looks like he belongs in your hair! Mu goodness you look amazing. I need to start working out! Xxxxx

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  4. that hotpant set is soooo you Vix! Loving the peacock too, it's great what you can unearth from the cupboards when you're having a rummage!

    Much love Amie xxxxxxxxxxx

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  5. What gorgeous pressies from Alice! You have a nice postie for leaving your parcels though - ours always use to cart them grumpy back to the post office. Although just dumping them behind the bin could have been improved upon!

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  6. I love the vest on you- spectaculaaar! I also love how you just made that peacock madness happens- it's perfect and frugal. Speaking of loving you....one of the things that makes your blog sooo fun to visit is that it is clear you have more going on than taking pictures of yourself in your garden, ha ha ha. Your life looks colorful, and full- full of human activity and interactions and you show that one can go about living and live it up with such great and easy style and pure heart. No bullshit here, and I eat up your slice of life with great accessories with abandon. xo.

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  7. Hi

    Looking fab as always. Been following your blog for a while and I absolutely love your style. The jerkin is amazing I've been looking everywhere for one. Looking at you in those hotpants makes me focus on my diet a lot more! x

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  8. Love the hot pant suit, and the feathers are fab. I borrowed a feather fascinator to wear to a film party and I felt like a movie star. Are the Avon lipsticks smelly or usable? :)

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  9. What great packaging! You must receive gifts often. I totally remember the Avon tube on the far left. I think I may have even owned one. Looks like a lot of fun you have!

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  10. When I see you in this I think of seventies Cher from the Sonny and Cher show. Did you ever see that? I expect you to whip out a great bubble-headed glitter mic and start singing "Babe, I got you, babe." Looks like you got close to this scene at the party. Incredible combo in this outfit!! I love the feather.

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  11. An amazing headband! I want a big one too but cannot bear to part with such a large sum of money. Hope you enjoy The Apprentice - the interviews are hilarious! x

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  12. I hope your having a fab weekend! I totally agree, there is no need at all to alter that playsuit, it's perfect. Have fun. X

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  13. What a great parcel, will you use the make up or keep it for display? Love the headband too - you always seem to have just the right thing to hand to make your own version of things!

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  14. Of course you have a social life - when you look that lovely you can't stay in.

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  15. good to have such a good dressed social life! your friends always look so amazing!

    i adore this long leather vest and those boots. AWESOME!

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  16. You rock the heck out of those feathers! xo

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  17. I bet you home is always a welcome place. I love that bird in your head, ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh
    XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

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  18. That hotpant suit is fantastic! Hope you are having a great long weekend xx

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  19. I love what you do with glue. What a great peacock piece. And sweet package from your friend. Thanks for proving your social life to us. I was totally worried...not! Anyone with a wardrobe like you has to have friends. Was that shallow? haha.

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  20. Oh Vix, your peacock headband is way superior to any feather head dress. That bird looks as if he was made to sit on your head. What a lovely package of goodies and loving your jerkin.
    x

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  21. The peackock headband is such a great idea! I've long wanted one myself... here's the solution.
    And you know how fabulous these hotpants are. HOT! xoxo

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  22. lovely headpiece, so hippietastic, and you look fabulous in hot pants and long jerkin ensembles, so pretty!
    besos

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  23. What a great parcel of loveliness to receive! You look fab in your hot pants too.

    X x

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  24. The party seems so great!!
    Your peacock headband is the new must have..I love so much peacok feathers, but I'm not the only one here!
    Alice's presents are amazing and the idea of the Charlie's Angel comic wrapper is brilliant!!You are astonishing in your pastel playsuit, I love it!
    xxxxxx

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  25. You and Jon always have the greatest parties!
    I been eyeing a skull peacock headband ,but I know it is way expensive. Yours is far better amor.
    Alice's gifts are so cool wrapped in Angle comic paper.Ay, Avon lipsticks are divine.
    You look striking in hot pants and fringe vest outfit!
    Besotes to you and Jon's pizza

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  26. I Love the wrapping paper on those gifts! Also Loving those headbands!

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  27. Amazing headband, and what lovely gifts from Alice - she has chosen so well. Linda xxx

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  28. Don't ever stop posing in gorgeous outfits in your garden!!! By the way, the hot pants are awesome!!

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  29. How amazing is your headband? Love the playsuit too, the print is gorgeous. I love all the Avon bits too! XO.

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  30. How cute is your week peacock friend? Seriously? Much better than anything you could buy new.

    Oh and I am such a sucker for up-cycled wrapping paper! I love to pick up the cheap patterns at the op shop that one on wants and use them for wrapping paper:)

    Love that playsuit - its pretty amazing and also those old school avon goodies.

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  31. Oh my, you're peacock headband is so much more impressive than mine. And what a coincidence receiving a peacock scarf, too. I'm guessing you've already got a good idea of who won The Apprentice.

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  32. Oooh! Betcha know now who won the Apprentice! Very enjoyable series, as they usually are. You couldn't make it up some of the things the contestants get up to!

    Amazing to find such goodies hidden behind the bin. Can't say I'm that lucky. Nothing of interest behind our bin.

    Cheers,
    Rosemary www.foreveronthecatwalkoflife.com

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  33. ahh, you really do have amazing readers vix. i love those avon lipsticks in their original packaging. wow. i've been trying to figure out how to get to london to see jack. i'm on a roll! haha.

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  34. Love how you solved the peacock craving...I have one I could have sent you, leftover from bellydancing days. I see you got a bit of a Jubilee celebration...

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  35. You look as cool as ever Vix and the peacock looks amazing glued to the headband - no need to spend all that money! xxx

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  36. Lady, you have such a killer figure! I would give anything for legs like yours.

    I love a bird in the hair. I have a white one ready to go, but have yet to find the right outfit.

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  37. EEEEEEEEEEEEK!!!
    You are a Rock Star Goddess!!!
    A Peacock Queen! An Uber Sexacious Hippie-de-Luxe Minx!!!
    Jaysus,this outfit gets my pulse racing,what a doll Alice is! Perfectly selected goodies!Those lippie cases are heavenly!I bet the lippies stick like glue,too!
    The headband is sensational,nice job!WOWZA!!!
    Love Helga xxxXXXxxx

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  38. I have a peacock similar, but is is glass and heavy. Great idea!!!!
    You get the coolest packages and love the wrappings!
    ( Yes, you can have my little helper, he's a biter ;)
    We named him Cache (treasure)
    but we are thinking of changing it to Rasputin, possibly Belelzebub...
    LOL!
    Reva

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  39. Ha love the headpiece Fantastic!! Oh my you have so much mail going into that magic mailbox the post must of had to stick on the side hehehe....Enjoy those new treasures how cool the lipstick my grandmother had some just like that. I would sneak into her bathroom when I was a little girl and try it on lol!! It was shocking fushia pink :) ~Have a great week Love Heather

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  40. Ha love the headpiece Fantastic!! Oh my you have so much mail going into that magic mailbox the post must of had to stick on the side hehehe....Enjoy those new treasures how cool the lipstick my grandmother had some just like that. I would sneak into her bathroom when I was a little girl and try it on lol!! It was shocking fushia pink :) ~Have a great week Love Heather

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  41. Holy guacamole - that jumpsuit was MADE FOR YOU, mi amor! It's frickin fabulous and I ADORE the peacock and the boots... and just everything, of course. Your garden looks lovely - has it warmed up? Love you more than feathers! Sarah xxx

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  42. What cool gifts.Just love the peacock headband.And that jumpsuit looks great on you.I hope to come to one of your parties if I ever see England again.xx

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  43. Love your blog, Vix! Your posts are such a treat! Been reading it for a month or so and just had to leave a fan comment as I seem to have a "little sister" across the Pond!

    Like you, I'm a thrifter who loves to combine and wear funky, 70s vintage threads and jewelry. And if I can't find what I want, I'll make it. Unlike you, I remember this era well.

    Thanks so much for sharing your life and putting your wonderful self out there. :)

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  44. Cool peacock! You had a great idea!
    Those hotpants look great on you
    Anything look great on you!


    Take care

    Love
    Ariane xxxxx

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  45. I love this so much!!! And your prezzies - you get the best gifts ever) I adore your style! Simply adore.

    >'.'<

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  46. Oh the peacock is a beautiful headpiece. Looking just gorgeous. The boots are perfect.
    The parcel of happiness is just fabulous and the packaging of the lipsticks is great. We had this massive collection of old packaging that was lost in the shop, grrr.
    Love v
    Enjoy the pizza and wine.

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  47. That is one inspired headband and I absolutely love that suede cherry belt. Fab photos of you, Jon and friends having fun xxx

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  48. Oh I've missed you and your blog! You always look stupendous xxx

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  49. Great feathers. You are still wearing that tan well.
    What did you think of The Apprentice winner?

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  50. You can't beat peacock feathers! Your headress looks stunning. I love the way your parcel was wrapped. Was going to send you that book but you already have it :) Hope your friend has fun tootling along the lanes of Cornwall in her camper. Enjoy your wine and pizza :)

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  51. Oh wowza that peacock is devine!!! What a lovely parcel too, you're rocking that jumpsuit. I hope the weather warms up for you so you can keep wearing it xxx

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  52. the peacock is just too cute.... and necking lemsip on the sofa watching All About Eve...... yo June!!x

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  53. aahh what a lovely package ;-) I don't how you managed to tear that lovely paper off. I love the Avon consmetics what a dream ;-) And you look wonderful as always the peacock is really cute. Sorry i missed your last post life is hetic at present but i have to say that umbrella is blinking gorgeous. dee xx

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  54. That hot pants set is indeed perfect, and I love the cherry belt.
    The peacock head dress is brilliant - perfect for festies, and even better for costing nothing.
    Looks like rain for tomorrow, but that won't spoil our fun! I've emailed you my mobile number. Can't wait! xxx

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  55. Ooh, what lovely items, I really love the envelope that Alice sent. Did she make it?
    The headdress is hilarious! Good on you for proving that peacock feathers can make the best head-dress!

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  56. I love the print on your jumpsuit & that peacock headdress deserves a big round of applause.. I love it

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  57. oh boy are this hot pants gorgous! and even more with that suede fringed vest and the peacock headband. hey and your outfits aren´t outlandish, they are just to fabulous to be true;) but it´s always fun to see party pics too;)
    love and kiss,mary

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  58. Ha, we NEVER thought you didn't have a social life! Fab outfit from Alice, and the peacock is the perfect partner.

    Thanks for linking up xx

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  59. Wow, you look as hot as a hot thing in that little playsuit with your gorgeous peacock headband! Alice sent you such lovely things.
    Glad you've been having lots of fun with your friends, I see that fabulous go-go outfit had an airing, it's one of your most amazing items of clothing, I think (and that's saying something as you have the most enviable wardrobe EVER!)
    Yep, Sassy Vamps are quite the accessory du jour for the man about Walsall, I hear! xxxxxx

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  60. you look as awesome as ever Vix, loving the feathers! Home-made pizza and a bottle of wine sounds like a perfect Monday night by the way! xox

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  61. The feather head dress is perfectly amazing. I'm sure that your hat cupboard is full of beauties. I'm loving the proportions of this outfit and the suede jerkin reminds me of a similar piece that belonged to Nelson in the 70's. You have inspired me to pull it out from its special place in one of my closets.

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  62. Oh that peacock is perched perfectly on your gorgeous head, what a brainwave!! You look like a Bollywood queen darling Vix!!! Your parcel of wonder is glorious and no way are any changes needed to your hot pants set - smokin' baby!!! I get all warm and fuzzy inside when I see people enjoying my headbands and it's time more men took to wearing them I say! xxx

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  63. You look gorgeous as you know I totally adore those boots! I would love to rummage through your wardrobes ha ha xx

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  64. i adore that suit. and your vest! and you!
    xo

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  65. What a beautiful parcel of joy. I haven't seen The Apprentice yet either as we were away. Gonna catch up later xx

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  66. Wow! I am SO glad you found my parcel, and I am so thrilled to see you rocking the shorts! I knew they would be going to a good home in you- you look fabulous and I am so very happy that you liked the parcel xxx

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  67. love the peacock headband. Marvellous.

    xxx maruschka

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  68. What amazing wrapping paper, I can understand your reluctance to rip into it! The vintage lippies are pretty wicked too xx

    Penny Dreadful Vintage

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  69. you look amazing, I love the jerkin and the psychedellic playsuit thingy! You always find the best stuff! xxx

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  70. This is really a great read for me. Thank you for publishing articles having a great insight stimulates me to check more often for new write ups. Keep posting!

    Clover
    www.n8fan.net

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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