Monday 12 October 2015

Kool In The Kaftan




I'm still here. I'm not wallowing in self pity or sewn myself into a coma. We've been busy. 

Photo courtesy of Emily of Judy's. We're somewhere on the left underneath the bunting.
Last Sunday took us to London's Bethnal Green with Judy's Affordable Vintage Fair and we had the best day of sales in almost ten years of full-time vintage selling. We spent most of last week hunting for fresh stock, leading to the inevitable laundering, repairing, ironing and pricing that comes with vintage buying.

Clockwise from left: English Lady fake fur (now mine!); 1960s knit top; Reversible David Barry wool cape; 1950s novelty print cotton skirt; 1960s Global evening jacket; Swiss-made wool & Cashmere fake fur trimmed coat; Tab collar Seventies shirt; 1970s Norman Martin maxi dress; Wool cape with lion's head fasteners; Welsh Tapestry cape; 1960s braided anorak
We bought so much stuff that one of the stockroom rails collapsed under the weight (well, I did find it in a skip) so the usual blank wall I take my stock photos against is now obscured by a taller rail normally reserved for the ironing. These are some of Tuesday & Wednesday's finds. 

Clockwise from left: Barry Manilow 1978 tour jacket (now on eBay HERE); Leather trimmed jacket made in DDR; Aquascutum 1960s mac; Vintage sports top; Sheepskin car coat; West German mac; Snazzy silk shirt; 1970s velvet blazer; Tab collared gingham shirts by Van Heusen in blue and red colour ways; Arnold Palmer psychedelic shirt; Canadian made dagger collar shirt

By the time the thousands of customers had finally left Bethnal Green we were too frazzled to pose for a photo. This meant I could wear the same dress for work yesterday when we traded at Vintage Village at Stockport.


The dress was a gift from a friend. Her partner bought the 1960s car coat Jon's wearing from a car boot sale for himself but the fit wasn't quite right when he tried it on at home so Jon bought it off him. They know our taste brilliantly and work on a voluntary basis as Kinky Melon stock hunters. 


Speaking of Stockport, after a visitor's vote last month, the most popular traders were awarded certificates. We were thrilled to be amongst the nominees (after all, we're relative newcomers).


Our fabulous friends and neighbours Pat (the blonde in the centre) & Matthew of a Vintage Affair were joint winners along with Maggie (in the gorgeous Chinese jacket) from Garbo Antiques from whom I bought today's 1960s cotton caftan (one of a matching pair, the other is in blue). 

WEARING: Mr Joe caftan (Stockport Vintage Village), vintage tooled leather belt (borrowed from the stockroom), Aldo leather boots (£1, car boot sale), Lamini coin necklace (India)
I won't tell you how much it cost or Stockport will be inundated with vintage lovers in search of a bargain and there'll be nothing left for me!


I love the label, possibly a tourist souvenir from a traveller on the original overland hippy trail. I've Googled Mr Joe and it appears that he (or, more likely, a son or grandson) are still in business at the Cycle Market in down town Karachi.

Dad's death certificate was issued and ready for collection on Friday afternoon & finally I can get his funeral, financial affairs, probate and all the other grown-up stuff sorted. I've got a heap of covering letters to write this afternoon to catch the last post so I'd best get cracking.

If I don't get a chance to post again this week you'll find us in Bristol with Judy's this coming Sunday (details HERE).


Linking to Patti's Visible Monday

49 comments:

  1. So glad to hear it was a rip roaring success 'dahn sarf', I'm rather taken with that 70's maxi and the floaty number you wore at Stockport.
    Hope all your arrangements go smoothly.
    xx

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  2. I've been thinking about you lots, Vix. You and Jon are looking vintge fabulous as ever. Oh, that novelty print full skirt! Love it - does it have a 24" waist like so many older skirts? If not, I'd love to purchase it (I need a 28" or more waist) Hugs and love to you,

    -Patti
    http://notdeadyetstyle.com

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  3. When my Dad passed away, my sister took care of all the grown up stuff, for which I'm grateful for. It would have been impossible, as I live 3,000 mile on the other side of the country!

    Mr Joe's kaftan is indeed a wonder.

    Yeah to your best sales yet!

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  4. Some great finds there i love the long black coat and the mens velvet jacket , Glad you had a great trading time in london , Hope everything runs smoothly for you this week , Take care xxx

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  5. Glad you did so well in London. I love the fake fur coat and novelty print skirt! I think I spied Jon on BBC4 the other night? x

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  6. Excellent to hear you had such a good sellers day in Bethnal Green.:)

    Funnily enough my clothes rail at home collapsed (in the middle of the night giving me a terrible fright) under the weight of the vintage goodies I've got. Funny to hear the same happened to you!

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  7. Hope the probate stuff goes smoothly for you; I am executor of my FILs will at present and as the bulk of the estate has gone to my BIL, you can imagine this has caused quite some issue (why on earth would they choose me to ensure they short change my own husband!) but anyhow, that's life and I have signed it over to the professionals as it's complicated and messy. I would love to have seen the vintage fair at Bethnal Green (used to live very near there in my younger days). You have some great stuff - will be fun to see how the Barry Manilow jacket goes down on EBay - will take a look. Betty

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  8. Glad you've had some successful trading, and that caftan is fab! Hope all goes smoothly now with all the arrangements xx

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  9. I admire your zest for living, the outfit you're wearing, AND I think you just might squeeze in a little bit of boho decorating on the side! Honestly, your house is a dream and I'll bet there are many other people (like me) who like the style but don't know how to make it happen :)

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  10. Wow, I wonder what made people spend so much money on that fair - India money!!! It is such a long slog to get things sorted after someone passes away - keep your chin up and rum and coke in hand if things get rough. Hugs

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  11. Bethnal Green was mad wasn't it, I'm not surprised that you were too tired to pose for a photo! Next time you're down that way you should come to mine for a cuppa before you go. I hope everything goes ok for you this week xx

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  12. The kaftan looks like it was made for you. The blue one is gorgeous too.
    You looked so pretty yesterday at Stockport, it's always a joy to see you both.
    Hope the grown up stuff goes smoothly. I've always felt a bit like being in limbo and unreal at this point. We send you all our love and will be thinking of you xxx

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  13. I am glad that you are now able to go ahead and plan your Dads funeral etc I don't envy you all the grown up stuff you have do. Great finds blimey you do so well sourcing your stock. Good to hear you had a great days trading. See you soon lovely, dee xxx

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  14. I'm so so so glad you did well at Judy's. I'm sorry I somehow got my dates muddled up. I THOUGHT it was that Sunday but then thought I was a week early so I missed it. Never mind about the jacket, hope you did well on it, I probably didnt need to buy another coat. The caftan is Amazing, such nice colours!! I'm going to start wearing my one in the evenings again as it is so comfy!
    Xx

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  15. Good luck.with the probate and all that. We had a nightmare with my Grandad's estate and doing that!!x

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  16. Glad to hear that business is so good! Not that I'm surprised, you always have such great items and you both look so good to boot! :)

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  17. The best day in 10 years? That must have been a huge winner!! I'm happy for you both. You can add a few more days to your India trip maybe...? And then the restocking. It never ends, right? Well, which is great because look at all the new stuff you found. I love the coat you've decided to hang on to! Good luck with the technicalities of taking care of your father's affairs.

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  18. I just wanted to say you've been in my thoughts xx

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  19. Bloody fab! That kaftan is a joy to behold.
    I bet you did have your best sales day in London...they loves Kinky!
    Can honestly say, I always find something on yer rails that I love. Hoping to do so on Sunday! I'm feeling most maxi of late! Quite taken with the Norman Martin number and your Stockport frock...gorgeous.
    Hope all the grown up probate stuff goes smoothly.
    See you in a bit!
    Loves ya.
    xxxxxxx

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  20. that Mr. Joe dress is the bee's knees and you're the cat's pajamas and all that goodness! Super sorry to hear about your father. The best of luck to you in preparing the upcoming events

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  21. The Mr. Joe caftan you're wearing in the first photo is beautiful! I love the colourfully decorated lampshades, chandelier and the rug. Wow, Judy's Affordable Vintage Fair at London's Bethnal Green was packed! The dress you wore there and to Vintage Village is beautiful as well. You have my condolences once more on your dad's passing and my admiration for how much you manage to get accomplished.

    http://www.full-brief-panties.blogspot.com/2015/09/fbloggers-lingerie-haul-excuses-old.html

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  22. Jon is turning into a regular badass male model. But of course. he has you as a coach. That Mr. Joe certainly knows what he is doing. That is a killer maxi. Perfect for you. Good luck with all of your Dad's business. I hope it all inspires good memories and not too many sad ones.

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  23. so glad you are moving forward and doing things that you love. you are truly a beautiful spirit. x

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  24. Glad to hear the sale in London went well. You found some great things to restock the rails.

    I always love seeing little bits of your cool home. I know I've said it before but I'll say it again ... your chandelier is amazing!

    I hope the tasks you have before you go smoothly. My thought are with you. xo

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  25. Nice to hear that business was so good at Bethnal Green. Fabulous caftan, really nice colour and interesting print.

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  26. How nice to see you go! This post is exciting, that giant market! They wear clothes that are great, but my favorite is the first, really nice. Strong also portraits behind you!

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  27. Your very first pic made me swoon - that kaftan is just so beautiful and I am glad you are feeling ok and keeping busy. Although I would advocate sewing yourself into a coma as well, but I AM a sewing nerd so...

    Great to hear you had your best day trading ever - well done!!

    I hope all goes well with getting your dad's affairs in order, thinking of you xo

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  28. Nope sorry kaftan I'm loving the other orange dress much more.

    I hope all goes well, and not meaning to teach my grandmother to suck eggs or anything but give yourself some me time afterwards. I found all that serious legal stuff completely draining and just had to be quietly on my own for a bit afterwards. Having said that we ended up having a rip roaring night out down the pub that evening which also did me the world of good!

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  29. I'll definitely come along next time you're at Bethnal Green! Sorry to hear about your Dad though x

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  30. As the frost nips our pumpkins I'm admiring those wonderful coats you've added to your stock. No mystery why the rail went down!

    I'm also admiring the level of organization you and Jon maintain in operating Kinky Melon, a business wherein nothing stands constant, from the stock to the venues to the seasonal fads. So glad Fortuna chose this weekend to reward your efforts with "the best sales day ever!" One more burden lifted makes the others easier to bear.

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  31. The first photo is a work of art. I gasped, as I inhaled the image. The caftan is magnificent, and to think you have another in blue.

    Congratulations! Love that you are experiencing much well deserved success.

    Thinking of you as you manage the details of your father's passing.

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  32. A sewing coma, hmmm... You are kool in your kaftan. I see lots of golds, oranges and browns in your pictures of clothes lately. Moving into fall it seems. Congrats on your selling bonanza of the decade. And may you move through all that is required from your father's passing in peace and love.

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  33. I'm just delighted you had a brilliant show. I'm sure it couldn't have come at a better time. Being busy keeps your mind from wandering into dark places.

    Thinking of you during this difficult time.

    bisous
    Suzanne

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  34. beautiful kaftan dress!!!
    gorgeous that they gave you a award! congrats!!
    xxxxx

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  35. Very cool in the kaftan - that car coat is cool too. Shame it didn't fit Jon. Hope to catch up with you next time you're in London!

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  36. OMGosh! I always love the clothes you wear! Waaaaaay back in high school (in the 70's) I used to wear clothing from the 50's, and I didn't give a hoot if people thought I was weird! I don't envy you the task of getting your Dad's financial affairs in order! I'm just finishing up my Dad's estate - it's been almost a year, but we are down to the last of it. Good luck!

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  37. You had a stonking day at Bethnal Green, and no wonder - you have fab stock at reasonable prices, and you two are perfect vintage sellers whose enthusiasm and passion is infectious! Here's to many more equally successful fairs. And a certificate at Stockport too - you're a girlie swot, you are!
    The kaftan is gorgeous, love that label, and the orange maxi from your friend is a real beauty. It never gets old, does it, finding or being given gorgeous, unique and interesting old clothes?!
    I'm glad to know you're keeping your head above water, although I have to say I never doubted that you would - self-pity really isn't your style. Rolling up your (elaborate 1970s) sleeves and cracking on is more your thing. I know there's tons to do, so I hope all the arrangements get sorted without too many obstacles. Thinking of you - Wed night text fest to look forward to, can't wait to see what bunch of tossers The Apprentice has attracted this year!
    Love you! xxx

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  38. I love the energy you exude, whatever you are doing. And with stock as good as yours, I'm not surprised to hear you went down a storm in Bethnal Green - of course you did.

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  39. I know I would have fun in a place like that
    Coffee is on

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  40. Love the gift dress, so pretty. Good luck with your dad's estate, sorting Andy's aunts was a long, long process xxx

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  41. That kaftan is utterly marvelous! I used to visit that Bethnal Green fair a lot (I lived just down the road) too bad I didn't make it there this weekend when I was in London! It sounds like a good one XX

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  42. Well done on your triumph in the big city, must have felt great to be that busy. It's a source of wonder that you are always able to find great new stock. The dress your friend gave you looks lovely on, it's just the right shape on you. Kaftans are always good; they whisper quietly of former exotic lives. Oh yes, the grown up stuff, to be got through somehow or another and in a couple of months something major to look forward to. You will certainly deserve it this year. Xxx

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  43. I don't think any of us thought you were wallowing in self-pity, although you certainly would be entitled to do so for a bit if that's what you needed. I'm glad to see you out selling again - that wonderful about all the sales. You in your floaty dress and Jon in his coat are the best advertisements for wearing vintage.

    Good luck with all the legal and administrative crap you're faced with. Hope everything goes smoothly and as quickly as possible.

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  44. I guess I'm just copying everything you do now. I'm going to have to go back and look at yours. Thanks for sharing your ideas on how to design clothes online.

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  45. I'm glad you're having such amazing sales at Judy's. They were always the best fairs I attended.

    The Mr Joe caftan looks amazing on you.

    My thoughts are with you, lovely lady ♥ xx

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  46. Wow, the place looks mobbed. I am really glad that you had a good day. You always seem to have the best stock. I love both your kaftan and your maxi dress. You look a mazing in them and the colours lift a dull time of year. Sending best wishes. Xx

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  47. You both are look wonderful - as usual and I love your recent finds :-D xxx

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  48. What a fabulously stylish couple you two make ... no wonder you're breaking sales records :0)
    xx

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  49. The Mr. Joe Kaftan looks totally great on you! Wow!!!

    By the way ... The yellow and black novelty print skirt ...What is the print about? Is it available in your online shop?

    Have a nice Weekend!
    XX

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Lots of love, Vix