State of the Vintage Wardrobe: year eight

Can you believe this is the eighth post I've done like this? Eight! And this year, looking back, I've worn a lot of modern things. Over the years I've collected lots of lovely vintage bags, accessories and clothes that I really like... and in 2017 most of the clothes got very little wear. The repro Heyday! Judy dress in this pic is one that did get a lot of outings. It's also one that gets loads of compliments - one lady even stopped me in the supermarket to ask about it.

So why didn't I wear my vintage? I'm not going to avoid the elephant in the room, I'm too damn fat. I still have all my clothes because I like them, but I can't wear most of them. So while in my previous seven annual wardrobe posts I talked about things I wanted to buy or make, the direction I really wanted to take, in 2018 I'm jolly well going to go to the gym more (it tailed off a bit when I got stressed at the end of 2017) and get back into all the clothes I love, because I am NOT going to get rid of them. It's not like there's masses out there to replace them with at my current size anyway.

Anyway, on to happier things. This has been a bit of a novelty print year for me. I got my space cats dress from Lindy Bop, and another dress covered in witch doctors and zombies. I like them because they're border prints, not all over, and the space cats and zombies are in keeping with my more geeky horror/sci-fi interests. I don't really class these dresses as repro, though, they're far too modern. Pinup, perhaps. I don't think I'll be wearing things like this on a regular basis, but they're nice to have for cheery occasions.

I've really rediscovered my love of charity shopping. Win of the year clothes-wise really has to be my pre-60s tweed jacket, which I adore. It looks so smart and feels so warm, and was an absolute steal off the men's rail in a chazza. The vintage is still out there.
On my 'acquire' list are navy and brown shoes; sooner or later one of the shops will do a wide-fitting brogue or loafer that I like and matches my bags. Goody gave me an excellent navy bag in 2017 and it got lots of outings in the summer but none in the winter as all my winter shoes are black. That needs to change!
Looking back through my older annual wardrobe posts, I've kept an awful lot of the things I posted about back then, with the exception of a couple of the jumpers I'd knitted - one accidentally got felted, and I'm seriously thinking of making a replacement, while the other simply wasn't 'me' any more. As well as reknitting the felted one, I still want to make myself some 1960s tops. I think period-accurate knits are a brilliant way to get some everyday vintage.
I suppose I've sort of lost my joy in clothes, because I can't wear the things I think look nicest. I'm clean, I dress smart(ish)ly, but I have been slipping into a sort of mumsy rut. Hopefully when I can wear more of my treasures, the delight will return.

Onwards! To a more vintage-packed 2018. And I hope you're able to wear everything you like this year too.

Comments

  1. I just love that last photo of you, it's such a nice outfit. I am impressed that you keep this annual review up. I am overdue a wardrobe assessment myself, our tastes change don't they? And our needs. Best of luck with your New Year action plan! X

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    1. They're a fun thing to go back and look at. Looking back, I see things I was so excited to get but have neglected a little, and it makes me think, "Ah yes, I need to get that out again!"

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  2. Happy New Year, Mim!!
    I love that last outfit - I bet it would brilliant for Winter with some burnt orange tights, too.
    You have some fabulous handbags - get yourself some navy shoes or, be like me, think "sod it" and wear Goody's gorgeous navy bag with the black shoes. Remember if you love it, it WILL go together! xxx

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    1. The last outfit is a holiday one - top half charity shop, bottom half "Oh crud, I have nothing to wear, thank heavens for the Boden sale." It'll get out of the wardrobe more next summer, but the skirt is cotton and a bit nippy for winter.

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  3. I don't think you look mumsy at all (says the woman that loves nothing more than a Boden cardigan). Space Cats was the best print I've seen anywhere in a very long time-I'm so glad you bought it.

    Happy New Year to you and Mr. Robot and the kittens.

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    1. I do love Space Cats. It makes me smile just to see it. And Boden does some ace stuff. I'm eyeing their site up ahead of my trip to India...

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  4. You do rock your Space Cats dress. It's a fab print. I'm glad you have your chazza mojo back, think of all the treasures yet to be discovered.
    Happy New Year.
    xxx

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    1. I'm hitting the chazzas this weekend to see if I can find anything suitable for India. Woohoo!

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  5. I think I would have stopped you too if I saw you in that gorgeous Judy dress. I think it is really you, so no wonder you got so many compliments. And nobody in our supermarket is dressed that smartly! I love that last outfit on you too. Obviously, our tastes (and sometimes our size: I can no longer get into some of my favourite dresses either), but I'm glad you've decided to keep your lovely vintage pieces. Wishing you the best of luck with your action plan for 2018! xxx

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    1. I was pleased how that last one came out. That lot will be given plenty of airings over summer 2018.

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  6. I like the idea of a wardrobe round up but a) I'm too lazy and b) I've too many clothes!

    You are looking fab in your beautifully co ordinated last photo and I love the Space Cats dress! It makes me smile.

    The handbags are lovely; I've never had a navy handbag and I'm still looking for a pair of navy ankle boots in the chazzas.

    I'm so glad you got your chazza mojo back!

    Good luck with your goal for 2018.

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    1. I'm horribly matchy-matchy. Me and the Queen, it's our thing...

      I've stuck to soup for lunch all this week, and the Mr and I are going to try to go to the gym more. I CAN do it!

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  7. Looking forward to seeing your knitting. I'm on a 60's top knitting spree at the moment. Maybe this will be the year that I can get back into all my vintage pieces again too!

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  8. I love your wardrobe round-ups and I know what you mean about not fitting in things *sigh*

    I also agree with Sarah, tastes change and I also find that as I've got older some colours don't suit me anymore and I seem to be getting more colourful and wearing a lot less black! Here's to 2018 and whatever wardrobe wonders it will bring.

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