Friday 10 April 2015

Specs & Drugs & Rock & Roll


When people discover that I write a blog they assume I get sent loads of free stuff. I don't. Yes, my inbox might be stuffed with all manner of offers for freebies and promotional opportunities but unless it's something I really need, which is pretty much never as I can find almost everything I want second hand, then the PR department usually get a polite"Thanks but no thanks" in response.

Vintage Osti maxi (courtesy of the fabulous Helga), 1970s velvet mules (Salvation Army, £1)

But, when Glasses Direct contacted me I was interested. They are an award winning British company I've used before as a paying customer and, from the wording of the email, they actually read my blog and understood me and my style. The fact that they'd started their email with Dear Vix as opposed to Dear Blogger was a rarity. They asked if I'd like a pair of prescription glasses from their rather cool London Retro range in exchange for a review and I had no hesitation in accepting.

Back in 2012: Wearing my 1950s specs with a vintage St Michael lounge suit (courtesy of darling Curtise) 

My usual glasses are 1950s originals I'd picked up at a flea market for 20p and had reglazed by an on-line optical company. They're still going strong after five years of daily wear.

2011: Same specs worn with a vintage nylon nightie (again from Helga) and marabou mules

Although my prescription hasn't changed, managing a website, editing photos and the close-work involved with sewing & the endless vintage clothing repairs means I'm relying on my glasses a lot more. I've been after a second pair for ages, but hadn't found anything I liked, so this offer couldn't have come at a better time.

March, 2015

When I used Glasses Direct previously I'd opted for their Home Trial, picking out a four frames that appealed and trying them out at home. This time I tried their fancy pants interactive gadget, using my webcam to capture an image of my face and then holding up a bank card to get the scale right. I could then try on all the specs from the collection and judge myself objectively. (Yep, I am wearing a scarf indoors - the joys of living in a 260 year-old home with draughty sash windows!)



To be honest it was a tough choice, I liked most of the London Retro collection but decided the cats-eye Loren frames looked best. As opposed to plain black I went for the leopard print version - given the choice I'll always take the patterned option.



I scanned in my prescription and a week later the new glasses arrived (along with a cool retro-looking case). The prescription & fit is perfect and I'm very happy. It'll be interesting to see if they last as long as my others , which still get admired and complimented by the optician each time I get my eyes tested.


Am I a shameless sell-out for accepting free glasses? When my Mum was alive she was amazed by how many offers I turned down, Principles won't pay the billswas her favourite saying. While I'll never start flogging corn plasters, anti-ageing creams and dish washing tablets I'm more than happy to accept offers from airlines, music festivals and alcoholic drink manufacturers!


Thanks for all your well wishes. Jon's 100% better. It's my turn (again) now and it looks like there's only going to be one half of Kinky Melon working Moseley Vintage & Retro Fair on Sunday. Keep your fingers crossed that the Penicillin kicks in soon, the alternative involves a evil sounding hospital procedure.

See you soon!

PS In case you're curious, I'm reading Never Mind The Bullocks by Vanessa Able, a tale of a woman's solo trip around the sub-continent in India's smallest car, the Tata Nano.

75 comments:

  1. Really great pic of frames ! looking smashing .
    i use a simular Swedish company when i buy my glasses , works fin and are much cheaper.
    Get well soon to both of you !
    xxx

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  2. ahh, lovely photographs as always! Those glasses really suit you and always good to get a freebie that you actually can use!
    Get better soon both of you! xx

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  3. nice frames. I like the little arch bump on top.

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  4. Looking fab in those retro-style leopard print specs m'dear!

    If it's a good fit for the blog (or something that you love i.e. gig tickets and booze) then go for it! :P

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  5. Penicillin helped me when I had a really serious throat infection and I hope it will help Jon too!

    I also have a cold, but is really my own fault so I won't complain.

    you look so lovely with your glasses...and I don't think you should be worried about accepting freebies.

    I don't get much offers for free stuff, but I guess that I don't need it as my closets are full enough and I don't enjoy shopping that much anymore...right now my mind is in DIY mode.

    that novel sounds lovely...I'm reading La storia by Elsa (can't remember the last name), it's not bad but I really need to work on my Italian...some passages I had to read again and again...as they say if you don't use it you lose it)

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  6. Love the glasses vix , They really suit you , will have a look to see what the prices are like as i will be needing a new pair soon , Hope you feel better soon xxx

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  7. Lovely specs! Really suit you. I'm normally a contact lens wearer but am wearing glasses at the minute due to an inflamed eye. My problem with getting new glasses is they are so bloody expensive due to my poor eyesight and having to get expensive thinned down lenses. Boo!

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  8. I like your frames, they look fab.

    Your attitude towards free stuff is the best sort to have, I reckon - if it's stuff you want and would use and would spend your money on anyhow, why not? Some bloggers do just seem to take on anything that's offered, and that does put me off their blogs, possibly because it gets to the point that I lose track of who they are and what they actually like. If they're constantly wearing/talking about free stuff, how can anyone ever know what they would have chosen? You'll never slide down that slippery slope, though!

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  9. My dear Vix, the very first portrait of you is just amazing! You have such a gorgeous face - a woman who is beautiful inside and out, knows herself really well and is so aware and alive. I hope you feel better very soon and sending you healing warm wishes!

    Both of your glasses look just awesome on you, both vintage and retro frames are brilliant! And I loved all your outfits very much.

    Get better! xxxx

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  10. So jealous! I've just had to shell out £200 for new glasses and swimming goggles. Those frames are so nice!

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  11. Wow they really suit you. I have to pay a fortune to have lenses thinned down and now I need vari-focals too, so I don't think an online specs purchase would work for me sadly. x

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  12. They are absolutely gorgeous glasses and look really retro in style. I love the idea of using the webcam to choose too.
    xxx

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  13. I love your new bins, the frames suit you so well. I for one don't think any the less of you for accepting what was offered and if you needed them, you'd have been mad not to. What a fab lamp on your bedside table, did you get it at a jumble sale for 20p? I bet you did.
    Can't believe you are feeling poorly, you look a picture of health. Hope the Penicillin does the trick. xx

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  14. I love your old frames, but these are really great too, they suit you so well!
    Ah yes, the freebie trail... I have never been offered anything I actually want, and most of the emails are of the "Dear Blogger" kind. Unless they actually use my name, I ignore them. I might make an exception if I was to be offered something I could genuinely use though, but I won't hold my breath for that elusive offer, and I certainly don't want to accept any old shite just cos it's free. It really puts me off when bloggers do that.
    Gorgeous pics, lovely outfits each and every one, and your lovely face in close-up, hurray! Hope the penicillin does the trick.
    Love you! xxxx

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  15. first of all, you are adorable in your specs:)

    secondly, you are not a sell-out, you are smart!

    thirdly, it's my opinion that a blogger can do whatever they want or need to do with their blog. i never judge b/c i don't know their financial situation and after all it is their blog.

    so again, you look so beautiful and swank in your lovely new specs. xo

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  16. Those look like they were made for you! LOVE them. And the leopard on the sides. Great choice for the shape of your face.

    I also decided to accept something for free recently which is normally something I haven't done before. I had already pinned the dress offered to me a couple of months back so I'd been secretly coveting it for a while. When it was offered I couldn't turn it away. It is lovely and hopefully the weather will turn nice so I can take some photos outside to show it off.

    Let me know if you start getting free airline tickets! I'm gonna want in on that : )

    I do hope you are feeling better soon and that you don't wind up in hospital ( aka the worst place on earth). Sending healing thoughts your way.

    bisous
    Suzanne

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  17. Those specs look great! If someone offered my some new frames I would jump at it! Hope you are both feeling better soon! :)

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  18. Love those frames - you sell them!

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  19. Love the new specs, hoping you soon feel better. Selling out - I don't think so - enjoy!

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  20. Dear Vix hope you feel better soon , the glasses are fabulous I like all the little details on them , the glasses really suit you ,with love and best wishes ,Les x

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  21. Awh we are sorry to hear that you are both under the weather. Let's hope you feel better really quickly.
    You've got my attention with those glasses Vix, I'm going to have another read as I want some. I buy pound shop specs but they are a bit boring so thanks for the tip off.
    Love from the Hollands xxx

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  22. oh the first pair of specs is just awesome! I would love add them to my collection of retro glasses right away ...!!!!
    Have fun selling on sunday!

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  23. Love your new specs! Gorgeous in the old ones too! I've been the same, so hard to find frames I like better than (or even as well as) what I have. Your at-home outfits are as spectacular as one could imagine. :)

    I'm surprised by the offers of free stuff I've had even though my blog is insignificant; with mixed feelings I've also accepted my first free item. Glad to hear many of us mulling over same!

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  24. These glasses look lovely on you, Vix. Selling out is hawking things you don't like, then selling it like it's your favorite thing in the world. For me, this is a perfect business arrangement that suited both of you!

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  25. Oh definitely, if you get offered. A COOL feeble aka, something you want and don't feel silly reviewing, it is fab to take up the opportunity!!! If someone were to offer me bespoke millinery or indeed a pretty dress, I'd be biting their hand off!!! The glasses are nice, I love the retro frames like this, they look great with your dark hair!!
    Hope YOU are better soon, enough of this game of germ ping-pong!!!x

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  26. worth it for a free pair of amazing glasses!

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  27. I love your new glasses! Very pretty, as are you. The process sounds pretty easy too. I have often thought about ordering my next set of specs online - only wear them for driving.

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  28. I got offered a pair of specs this week too, different company though and one I had never heard of so I declined. Yours are FAB though.

    Mostly I seem to get offers from companies in America who only work with American bloggers, hello?
    Oh and couponing, do I look like someone who would coupon?

    Hope you are feeling very much better soon lovely. x x

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  29. Love the glasses! You picked a great pair!

    It's so refreshing reading your blog. The amount of emails I receive titled 'dear blogger' or even more annoyingly 'dear Amy' I mean my name is in my email address! At least try to get the spelling right!

    Trying to book the day off to come and see you when you are next in Bristol x

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  30. great review!, as a specs dayly wearer, I'm always interested in new online shops!, love the style you've picked, you look gorgeous!
    Get well soon, dear couple!
    besos

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  31. I LOL'd at your post title! The glasses are a perfect fit for your style and your face, good choice.

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  32. Hi Vix, you look fab in your new glasses.

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  33. I respect and understand your not wanting to accept just any offer,, you look great in your new specs, I'm sorry to hear you'v caught the cold or flu,, you're making me wonder what that awful procedure would be, lol,

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  34. Great looking specs, Vix! People really think we bloggers get loads of free stuff? No wonder there are so many bloggers : > My general rule is I will promote something if I would have purchased it at retail price anyway (though I couldn't have honestly afforded today's dress). You are a dish! xox

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  35. I love your specs and agree that this was a great win-win for you and the company. I used to open email to Dear Blogger, but now I just automatically throw it out without having a look at all. Who knows what I'm missing!?
    I hope the penicillin works!!

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  36. You look amazing! I think it's okay to except an offer from a brand/company/designer you already like and enjoy. As your readers we appreciate the raw real you and this blog post reflects that! XXX

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  37. Turn down an offer to experiment with a product/service that you need for free?! Are you mad?! Having told your fans about the 'deal', honor is satisfied. Now all that remains is to show & tell us about the glasses -- and they are exceedingly attractive.

    Wishing Jon and you a speedy recovery from the evil bugs, dear Vix. Beware EN&T medicos that want to sear your sinuses!

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  38. Those certainly are nice looking glasses. They suit you perfectly. I can't get over the cool 'try them on via your computer' thing!

    Sorry to hear you're sick now. Guess it's the time of year. Hope you're better soon. xo

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  39. Love the title of your post! Your new specs are very nice, they look quality - although I have to say your oldies are fabulous too and what a find at 20p! Nothing wrong with the odd feature for reward if the product is something you would like to own for yourself in my view, infact if a travel company would only pick you as a tester - I am sure we would all LOVE to see you experience/endorse their wares! Betty

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  40. That's fabulous, well done. You make a lovely model :)

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  41. What a great review! Your new specs are lovely and really suit you :-)

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  42. Love the new specs Vix, I hope you feel better soon! x

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  43. Hello Vix,

    Well, we have never been offered anything. That must say something......but we are not sure what!

    We should certainly have been keen to take up this offer since we are both blind as bats and desperately need new specs. These look wonderful on you. A perfect combination of retro style and up to the minute fashion and, a highly modern way of choosing them all from the comfort of home. Fabulous.

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  44. first of all - my best health wishes for you!!!
    and then - fab glasses! i wonder if my glasses insurance would pay the "glasses direct" bill???
    (at the moment its colder inside our old house then in the garden.....you cant have all) xxxxxxx

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  45. I like the shape and the printed frame of these new glasses. Look so great on you, seems like that interactive trying on really works.

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  46. If a freebie fits in with your principles, then go for it!! The specs suit you well, and the company have obviously put a bit of thought into their email to you, and their whole target audience, well done to them too!

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  47. Great specs choice Vix and its nice to be addressed by name in an email:-)I always ignore those generic promo emails as if they can't be bothered to address me as 'Liza', then they haven't read my blog properly!

    You'd laugh if you knew what type of promos and freebies I've been offered (baby clothes being one!!. My rule of thumb is that if its something that I wouldn't normally be interested in buying/reading/knitting then its the 'thanks but no thanks' email reply too. xxx

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  48. Why Miss Jones, with your glasses on your look... as sexy as usual actually. The idea of you selling corn plasters is very amusing, if you ever feel the need then you have my blessing. Free stuff? I think you work hard for it. I have only done a few blog posts and it's exhausting. xx

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  49. Super choice, those are some sexy specs!! I wear glasses but my pair of specs are not really what my choice of style would be these days so I just wear my contacts all the time. Unfortunately I can't wear a lot of retro styles as my lenses are so thick, so I'm envious of your eyewear xx

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  50. Love the specs and your great skin, you look absolutely-fabulous as always(great choice:)!

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  51. Love the specs and your great skin, you look absolutely-fabulous as always(great choice:)!

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  52. Fabulous new glasses Vix they're wonderful and yes animal print all the way, couldn't agree more. My firm belief is that animal print goes with everything. And no you're not a sell out and your mumma was right principles don't pay the bills. If it's an authentic fit for you and your blog (and I say the same thing for any blogger) then that's always the best way to staying true.

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  53. They are so perfect on you.
    Well done and fab choice.
    Thank you for your kind comment. These three months by Victors bedside whatching him fighting and suffering make me apreciate true friends and loving family
    XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

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  54. Lovely specs, you are not a sell out at all
    Twiggy x
    PS When I started wearing specs donkeys years ago, I was out with my Dad and some cheeky old gimmer that knew my Dad said, ooo girls that wear glasses never get passes, my Dad said I don't agree, girls that wear specs get lots of sex, I was about 18 at the time and nearly passed out laughing ;)

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  55. The glasses look great on you Vix and I really like the fact that they used your name as opposed to Dear Blogger as you mention - that kind of personal touch shows they do care about you and your tastes in your blog more. Great post, as always! - Tasha

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  56. They're lovely. Fitting payment for keeping a lot of people entertained. Aren't you unwise to turn down those corn plasters. They're so retro! x

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  57. You look great in your specs … and that is ... hands down … the best glasses case I've ever seen.
    xx

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  58. You Always look great, so of course you look great in glasses aswell, but I want to see a post all about the Vintage Osti maxi and the 1970s velvet mules. I guess that a post like that already exist ...?

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  59. Cute specs! I love that retro style but I look like a wasp in them. xxx

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  60. Hi Vix, You look great in those leopard specs, LOVE! I'm a sucker for cute glasses because both my glasses and sunglasses are bi-focals which I wear everyday. ;-)

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  61. Well done for enjoying the rewards of your labour. You've worked hard to keep your blog alive and kicking and relevant all these years and it's only right that there is recognition. A large part of your appeal is that you clearly don't follow the crowd and prostitute yourself for material gain (as it were). The glasses look great, right up your street xxx

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  62. Heck I'd do a post for free glasses too... and I don't even need glasses!!

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  63. Very awesome choice. I was thinking of frames along those lines as I've just gotten vision coverage. People think I should advertise on my blog and I won't do it because it would make me a hypocrite since I blog about not spending money and avoiding buying things that are new. I think that is taking advantage of your readers too. I also appreciate that you are not an advertising slut!

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  64. You are the perfect Muse for flogging the Line... you wear them well. If you're promoting anything that you'd actually buy and use I see no downside to Sharing the info with your Readers. I give many of my Fav Artists and Shops Shameless plugs and it has introduced them to many Blog Supporters who have appreciated the info.

    Dawn... The Bohemian

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  65. Now that's what I call a brilliant blog title. Your talents stretch in so many directions and really, you should get a lifetime's supply of prescription glasses for that title alone!
    Great retro design too.
    And oh yes the "Dear blogger…" emails. Nothing makes me hit delete faster.

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  66. Dear Vix: Ooooh new specs!! How I need new ones. You look fabulous in them. BTW, what are you reading?

    xo

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  67. I love the leopard print!!!!! They look fantastic! I wear glasses/contacts daily---I have horrid vision! I usually only say yes to the stuff that I think I would need or actually want! I'm going to have to buy a pair this year and I'm not looking forward to it because they're so dang expensive.

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  68. Vix, you are looking very pretty and I love the specs. XO, Bonnie

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  69. You look fab & are not selling out!

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  70. Alright Spexy?! Goes without saying that you look great in your new glasses. They're a really nice shape on you. I have been wearing goggles for a while now. It still makes Q laugh when I put them on to watch subtitles, it's not a glamorous look on me. I for one don't see anything wrong with accepting kind offers from companies who want to work with you, corn plasters aside! I spy that glorious red maxi in the background and I adore that M&S lounge suit on you. Xxxxxx

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  71. I obviously missed the post where you mentioned Jon was sick, so I hope the antibiotics clear up whatever he has and he's feeling tiptop soon.

    Brilliant play on words in the post title by the way...

    I have been offered the occasional freebie in the past and it was almost always eye glasses! The frames you chose look great on you. I don't think anyone would ever accuse you of selling out because you accepted a pair of eyeglass frames. There are bloggers out there whose entire blogs are devoted to showing off the stuff they've received through sponsored posts ("Oooo, look what I got"!) and you'll never be one of those people.

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  72. The odd freebie won't hurt, and with a bit of luck the sort of freebies you would like will come your way soon!! Hope the medieval abscess buggers off soon without too much hassle.

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  73. Lovely new specs! I am really put off blogs where they seem to be reviewing all the time, it just gives the impression they contacted the companies themselves. Your method is far better xxx

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  74. how snazzy! i dont need glasses at all which is good i guess but i miss out on those lovely designer frames going around at the moment. thank goodness glasses have had a resurgence. i remember my mum had hideous pair just cause the 90s was a time that design forgot...

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  75. Oh I DO love a good pair of cats eye glasses!! These are fab Vix xox

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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