Wine, Walsall and wild wild women

I have a tendency to be a glass-half-empty sort of a gal, I'm afraid, though I know it's not a very appealing trait.

 However, I am going to review this rather negative approach to life, since the day I had yesterday has proved that life - and people - can more than live up to your expectations. 

Who wouldn't have a joyful time with this fabulous woman?

I met up with Vix in her hometown of Walsall for a day of chazzing, chatting, vintage rummaging, more chatting, with a bit of drinking thrown in. Sounds perfect, doesn't it?

 

We hit the charity shops, though not with much success. We were rather bemused by this painting in one of them, and thought it was some bizarre monkey/man/creature, but looking at it again, I think it's a woman. Can you see boobs? 

Could it be Eve, being tempted by more than one serpent, while playing the flute? Who knows?

Vix spotted this vintage souvenir bracelet, which came home with me.

And I found some sunglasses and another bangle.

You can never have too many of either, right?

Vix certainly attracted some attention in Wetherspoons. Bob, on the table behind ours, was keen to make her acquaintance, take her back to his retro pad to show her his 60s music collection and serenade her on his karaoke machine (I don't think I was invited...) He had an amorous gleam in his rather bloodshot eyes! 

And another chap was very interested in Vix's Frida Kahlo pendant (but I think he might have been ogling her chest really). 

Gotta love a Wetherspoons on a Saturday lunchtime!

Vix had told me about Walsall's legendary vintage emporium, Second to None, and it didn't disappoint.

 

Packed to the rafters with vintage treasures, we saw all manner of amazing, weird and wonderful things.

June, the owner, let us forage in her secret stock room, and even made us a cup of tea.

Please can everyone tell Vix to go back and buy this fabulous Frank Usher monochrome flamenco maxi dress? It fit her like a glove and she looked incredible in it.

How about accessorising it with a traditional Welsh hat? Lucy, we were thinking of you!

It was a really great way to spend an afternoon, and since we were in there past closing time, it would have been rude not to buy something...

Like there was any chance I would have left that shop without spending some money!

A 1950s Clevaline wool crepe dress with velvet and bead trim for £5? Yes please! It needs to meet the lint roller and have a good air, but it will be the perfect winter dress with bright tights and ankle boots.

And these Finnish-made Juhani Palmroth burgundy leather riding boots were a steal at £8. 

If you are ever in the neighbourhood, get yourself to June's shop, it's a treasure trove, and I guarantee you will find something a) fabulous and b) affordable. Just make sure you allow plenty of time to browse! 

If you haven't already been, pop over to Vix's blog to see what she bought - she's looking fabularsehole!

A last beer in Walsall's other Wetherspoons before I caught my train home.

I had a brilliant day. Vix is just as you think she is from reading her blog - kind, funny, generous, beautiful, warm, chatty, and rather naughty. She's also got an incredible giggle, and she's a man-magnet!

Can't wait to meet up again!

  xxx