Sunday 19 October 2014

I met some gin-soaked bar room queens in Walsall


It is a truth universally acknowledged that when vintage-loving bloggers meet up, there is much chatting, laughing and shopping.

And yesterday was no exception.
 

Walsall's vintage Aladdin's cave, Second to None, full to bursting with amazing stock at great prices, and a lot of happy shoppers.


Serious rummaging went on, fuelled by cans of gin and tonic and vodka and orange, thoughtfully supplied by Hostess with the Mostest, Vix.

There's Tania and her friend Vanessa with Vix, Em and Annie in the top pic, and Gisela checking out the handbags.


Trying on and posing for photos is all part of the fun.

 Vix is a supermodel, of course, whether she's wearing a 1970s pimp-tastic vinyl and faux fur maxi coat, a Dollyrockers frock, or a 1960s suede jerkin over a bikini. 

And look at the amazing print on the dress Em is wearing.


Tania tried a 1960s floral housecoat and an early 1980s C&A jumpsuit (anyone else thinking Anneka Rice in Treasure Hunt?)

Emma rocked the faux fur and a 1970s shirt with a fantastic print.

Annie was taken with the late 1960s/early 70s Indian cotton maxi with the fantastic sleeves, and Fiona also went the hippy route with a beautiful Indian block printed wraparound skirt.

What did they buy? Hmm, you'll have to wait till the lovely ladies do their own posts and show you!



Lunch in a Wetherspoons pub is de rigeur - cheap, cheerful, and boozy. One of Walsall's Wetherspoons is in St Matthew's Hall, built in 1830 as a library. Isn't it a beautiful building?


Bloggers hit the streets!

That's Em in the beautiful green coat; Fi wearing a fantastic tartan maxi skirt, and Gisela in a fab frock and denim jacket. Tan is rocking her curtain couture dress, Vanessa's jeans show off her amazing legs, Lyndsey is working the vintage dress and Converse combo brilliantly, and Vix is doing some excellent pattern mixing. 

Don't they look great?



Walsall's stunning Victorian shopping arcade. 



The trimmings stall on the market got a lot of love.

Look at Tan's little face - ooooh! Fi and Em have matching buns. I refer to their hair, not their bottoms. 

The boxes of braids, pom poms and sequins could be a visual metaphor my blogging friends - colourful, fun, sparkling and beautiful. Cheap, too.



Vix reliving her past - teenagers arranged to meet their dates at Walsall's famous 1970s concrete hippo!



Gray's Herbal Tablets - the working man's friend for cold nights and mornings. 



Anyone need any hair? Vix asked, as she took us for a browse in the Asian beauty shop.

So after a final drink, we went our separate ways after another excellent day out.  Thank you, darlings, for your wonderful company.

And what did I buy?


This delectable 1970s cape-sleeved maxi...

 
but titter ye not, it's by Frederick Howard, not Frankie. 



And this 1960s beauty, for when I come over all Regency lady.


Surprising, I know, but I do occasionally have an Elizabeth Bennet moment. It's happened before, you can read about it here if you like.



1960s David Butler maxi dress - Second to None
1970s wool hat - flea market
Bangles, necklace and shoes - charity shopped

I can't recommend meeting up with fellow bloggers highly enough - it's a joy.

And if you can't do it in person, then a virtual get together over at Patti's Visible Monday is the next best thing - see you there! 

 xxx

55 comments:

Vix said...

What a day! You've taken some brilliant photos, love! Mine are terribly shoddy in comparison.
That photo of us rummaging the rails in Second To None is an absolute classic, I love how the striped tee shirt lady and June are watching us with glee. I bet we were the talk of the pub last night.
Didn't we do well, too? Some of those finds were snaffled so quickly we didn't get to see them until we got to the pub.
Love the excited look on Tania's face when she spied those pom poms.
the Jane Austin frock and the Titter Ye Not Freddie Howard caped maxi are utterly gorgeous and fit like they were tailor made. Very demure in the back garden, darling.
Love you! xxxxxxx

Can't wait till the next one.

Vix said...

First!!! xxx

mondoagogo said...

Looks like a fab fun day out. I'm still coveting Emma's green coat -- and the shoes! Oooh! I'm trying to remember if I've ever seen Vix in polka dots, though....

I love the concrete hippo -- the more I see of Walsall the more I think I'd like it. Pretty new dresses, too!

Patti said...

What a glorious day - it's what makes life good. Your new dresses are charming! And lunch at the pub is always my favorite part of any trip. xoxo

Jayne H said...

What a fabulous day out. Love your purchases and that Weatherspoons is in a totally lovely building. xx

Connie said...

Miss Lizzy Bennett indeed!! You are beautiful and poetic. You certainly scored big time! I love the 70's maxi! I can't wait to see you in that one. What a fun day. It certainly helps to have some partners in crime when vintage shopping. And I'm sure the cans(?) of gin don't hurt. Since most of my thrift shopping is done toute seule and completely sober I never know if I've crossed the line or paid too much or forgotten to zip my fly. So here's to tipsy girlfriend shopping. Cheers!

ArgentGal said...

Looks like wild fun and you made a great haul! An in-person meet up would be awesome but for now I shall content myself with taking hubby with me to rummage through the thrift shops and shop with fellow bloggers in spirit only.

Shawna McComber said...

That looks like so much fun! Your photos of outings are always so perfect at capturing the mood. I love your two purchases, both being styles I favour for my queenly moods. All of the ladies look lovely and happy and I'm glad you all had a good time!
xoxo

Ivy Black said...

What a fecking fabularse day and didn't if fly by. We all had some fantastic finds and I'm wondering if knocking back a mid morning snifter in a vintage shop equals excellent finds?
I'm so glad you got those frocks...you rock the Austen number and I do love the Frankie Howard dress.
Lovely pics too. Have to say, Fi's bun is nice and pert whereas mine probably gave up the ghost in Second to None!
I enjoyed myself so much and haven't laughed so much in ages.
Lets' do it again soon.
Oh, like your shoes by the way.
xxxxx

bahnwärterin said...

määhhh!
i want tooo!!!!
fab fotos! so colorful dressed and pretty ladys. sound like a perfect day!
your new dresses are trés chic - the regency look is very lovely on you! love the dahlia print on the howard maxi.......
xxxxxxxx

hippyatheart said...

Really love your purchases and what a fab blogger meet up, I wanna join!

Gracey the Giant said...

What a fun day! I love over-crowded, chock-full vintage shops the best and that one looks wonderful. And that caped maxi dress; gorgeous dress and perfect for gorgeous you!

Diane said...

What a fab day - I can hear the laughter and the noise level of the chatter! Good for the soul days like this xxxx

Kezzie said...

What a great day! So nice to meet up with bloggers- I'd love to!!! X

Mother of Reinvention said...

How absolutely fantastic your day looked. I love the vinyl and fur coat and your dresses are great. I wish that there was a good vintage shop like that here. Trimming stall looks like my kind of place. Glad that you had a good day and thanks, now I am going to spend tomorrow reciting Frankie Howard jokes in my head. Ooooh Missus xxxx

Miss Piggy Bank said...

If that Hippo could talk ;-) Many a meeting Ive had there

Unknown said...

I'm green with envy. I wish I could hang out with you gals, you all looked fabulous! And that stall with all the ribbons makes me crazy, I'm always desperate to find floral embroidered ribbon for a cheap price! :)

Anonymous said...

Meeting up with fellow bloggers is the best and if they're of the vintage loving persuasion it's even more special. I always adore seeing your get togethers. Everything looked wonderful and I afore Em's green coat and her frock. Loving Vix's polka forms too. Your had two fab scores in this dresses.

Miss Magpie said...

How did I miss Vix in the pimptastic pvc coat??

Such a great day, I'm already looking forward to the next one.

I'm sitting here snorting at your dress being by Frankie Howard

Suzanne said...

What a blast! How I wish I'd been there.

Looks like you scored big.

bisous
Suzanne

Helga said...

Feck yeah!!! Hot babies on the town! The cans of gin and orange are genius, drunken shopping is the best!
As usual, i am beyond envy and a little sad....such a grand day in the best company!!
Love! XXX

Unknown said...

You gals rock. I love the hippo, what a great piece of public art. And that lovely lovely black dress is a beaut. I think you need a collective name for your gang. The Jumblettes? x

Angels have Red Hair said...

Wow … the only thing missing from your day out was a photo of you … but then I spied you in the mirror behind Vix's shoulder :0)
Love your regency frock … let's hope Mr Darcy's not far away ;0)
xx

thorne garnet said...

Love the "Regency" frock. All I did this weekend was be sad, my BFF let on Saturday. Of course, I took no photos of our week of fun. Hmm, maybe I should hire someone to follow me around and take my photo

Beth Waltz said...

Baubles, bangles, bloggers! Add fabulous faux fur and cans of G&T, and let the bon temps roll! Yet we notice all participants emerged clutching serious scores -- both your maxis are wonderful and wearable, Curtise. You've found the best of both worlds, funky and feminine!

Sue @ A Colourful Canvas said...

What a day indeed! You gals always have such a fun time together! It's funny, but I keep waiting to see a Wetherspoons show up in one of my English mysteries...and I'll be all...yeah, I know what you're talking about. Alas, it's yet to happen. Okay...Vix has spoken about these local markets where one can find fabric and other treasures. Seeing the trimmings makes me swoon! Is it lame to put visiting a UK market on my bucket list?

I'm loving your dresses today Curtise! I guess it's the romantic in me.

Olga Rani said...

You ladies surely had a great day full of fun and new finds! Beautiful new dresses in your collection Curtise, wonderful prints and nice colours.

Sue said...

Wow those frocks you bought are bloody gorgeous!!! Those blogging get together days are always brilliant, and I will admit I got transfixed on the photo of all that trimming. Especially the POM POMS, I would have gone mad.

Señora Allnut said...

You Are Fabulous, such a lovely meeting!! amazing thrifting excursion!! and you look so Gorgeous! love every outfit and love every smile!!
Glad you've picked some pretty maxis to enjoy!
besos

Fiona said...

Wasn't it a top day? Second To One really is a find, I think June was quite chuffed we loved her shop so much. I overheard her telling other customers we'd come from all over the country. The snifters provided by Vix made the shopping experience even more perfect. So glad you bought those frocks, they fit like a dream. Looking forward to next year's BDO already. xxx

Krista said...

What a gorgeous gang of blogging babes! I love seeing you all together, some old and familiar faces and some new ones too, and Vix brought booze, she thinks of everything that one! I can hear the voices climb with excitement as you guys start trying stuff on. Wish I was there but I'm so thankful that I have been. The company was worth the miles a thousand times over!

The dress you bought is so Curtise! The one you are wearing is so darling, it brings out your sweet side.
Loveyoumorethanbloggermeetupsbutitsclose!
Xxxoooooo

Anonymous said...

You always find such great stuff. And what a fun shopping day with friends. I just can't wait to get over there some day. Are you far from Walsall in Sheffield? I'm going to check it out on a map.

freckleface said...

A blog post which opens with a paraphrased version of one of my favourite literary quotes? I'm in heaven. Very clever Curtise, with the Jane Austen dress. I love it. I can't imagine a better account of the day. Your photos are sublime. That shot from above is so great. It was lovely to see you and I'm glad you took a chance on the ruffles, it was the right thing to do. I'm giggling at you taking a deep breath when the zip got half way up your back! Did you manage it on your own alright? Your caped wonder is also a triumph and surely must have an outing soon? Anyway, must dash, I have a helicopter to catch. Love, Anneka Rice. Xxxxx

Forest City Fashionista said...

What a fab bunch of dames you are!!! You can see that everyone has their own style with lots of colour and patterns. I love seeing photos of you rummaging in Second to None. If I ever get over "there" I'll feel like I've been there already. Trust Vix to bring the beverages!

I have a cream blouse that is the same style as the red crinkle cotton dress that Annie tried on. Seeing the red dress makes me want to dye it a different colour.

Such a beautiful print in the caped maxi you bought - what a pretty colour combination! Looking forward to seeing a photo of you wearing that one. Nice Elizabeth Bennett dress too.

diaryofapennypincher said...

What a great pair of dresses you found, and what a formidable bunch of shoppers you are!

Asparagus Pea said...

You've got to hand it to Wetherspoons - they know a good building when they see one. I can think of a couple of examples in Pwllheli and Rhuthun in N Wales where they have saved buildings that nobody else could afford to take on. The Castle Hotel in Rhuthun is sooo beautiful and always makes me think of Jane Austen so maybe you should go there in your Miss Bennett outfit. I was born for Georgian architecture - you can keep your country cottages with their skull cracking doorways. xxx

Becky said...

Most. Fun. Ever.

at my dressingtable said...

Oh Curtise you look like you had sooo much fun , I wished I had been there ! the charity shops look fabulous.
Thanks for the kind words you left on my latest post ,Mum seems to be doing ok. Best wishes xxx

Annie said...

Your post title is absolutely inspired, Curtise :)

That photo from the stairs is my absolute favourtie, it just sums up Second to None completely. And I particularly like the one of Gisela reaching up for the handbags - she got some beauties there.

Both your dresses are heavenly. We did all did so well. What a brilliant day!

Annie xxx

Natalia Lialina said...

What a fun day and fun post, Curtise! I missed seeing you! I guess I have to go over to Vix to catch you during the meet-up. It does look like you had a wonderful gathering, giggling and shopping. That's what I miss the most - giggles. Never enough giggles. :)

Glad that you posted your new dresses - they are so gorgeous and so very you. xxxxx

Colour Queen said...

I love the vintage dress you purchased. So unique. Looks like such a fun day, love the Aladdin's Cave store

Melanie said...

I think I would have fainted if I had seen that vinyl maxi coat. It looks dazzling on that supermodel! And you, in your Regency dress, time to show it a good time. Absolutely gorgeous, the bat-wing maxi too. You lot have set Walsall on fire. Everyone is beaming, I'm sure the canned refreshment helped... Does Vix want everyone moving to her hometown or what? Wish I was there.

mispapelicos said...

Wonderful stuff, and wonderful all of you, ahhhhhhhhhhhh
Jealousssssssssssssss
XXXXXXXXXXXXXX

Emma Kate at Paint and Style said...

Ah, what fun! Weren't you tempted by a colourful wig then? xxxx

Melancholy and Menace said...

What an amazing outing! I love your green maxi, it looks fab on you! Gorgeous images, as always. xx

Unknown said...

Why, Miss Bennet! How fetching you look. Do NOT get rid of that dress. I freaking mean it.
Look at you guys! So many great women, so much STUFF. I see your fascination with it all. I envy you all so much, but all this wonderfulness couldn't happen to anyone better.
We'll get "Death Comes to Pemberly" here on our Public Broadcasting System (PBS) here this coming Sunday night, and I can't wait.
Love to you, Gorgeous.

silvergirl said...

Ya'll look like you are having a blast trying on all of those clothes
SO fun
Brett

Sheila said...

Oh, that looks like so much fun! I love seeing everyone - feels like I was there!

The Style Crone said...

I could hardly wait to stop by after checking out the party on Vintage Vixen! How fun to see more photos of this incredible event. Great finds Curtise! You are dreamy in your David Butler maxi dress.

Vintage Bird Girl said...

I love reading about your blogger dates. I wish we weren't all separated by continents, we'd have a ball together wouldn't we??!! Wonderful frockage all round. I love your new to you frocks. Xx

Mrs Bertimus said...

What a fab fun day! X

Natalia Lialina said...

I just wanted to thank you for your comment to my cottage post, Curtise! You are one very, truly insightful soul. You really touched me. xxxxx

Porcelina said...

Love both of your purchased dresses but especially can't wait to see you in the Frankie Howard one! P x

Veshoevius said...

Looks like you had a fab time in Walsall (all that wonderful vintage clothing had me drooling) and loving your Elizabeth Bennet moment!

Trees said...

Vintage shopping, trim, weird asian beauty shops? Where do I sign up? Seriously though - looks like the best day! Exciting news - Rich and I have locked in September 2015 for a trip to UK and Europe, I really hope that I can have a date with you and Vix xox