Get Kinky

We Brits are a stoical lot; we may moan endlessly about the weather, but we don't let it stop us doing anything.

Tania and I weren't about to allow the rain to spoil our fun, we had shopping plans for Saturday which included dropping by to see this Kinky pair!

Lovely Vix and Jon, the hardest working vintage sellers around, were in Nottingham for the Fayre on the Square. 

Shopping really doesn't need to be a serious business. 

The Kinky Melon Retro Boutique rails were full to bursting with colour and print and vintage grooviness; the clothes and the company couldn't fail to put a smile on your face.

 Lyndsey and Steve of Boomerang Vintage and Retro had a pitch too.

We shook our heads at the fact that the little green cabinet with the sliding doors was originally one of a pair, but a customer only wanted to buy a single unit. How could anyone bear to split them up?

Poor Tania, I kept insisting on taking her photo whenever she tried anything on...

She even looked beautiful in those 1950s floral Diddyman hats..

 

which is more than can be said for me in these red leather trousers in Baklash.

Oh we did laugh! Another timely reminder of why I rarely wear trousers, but worth trying for the amusement factor.

Grumpy Lion says step away from the leather pants, just step away...

 

Tania's gorgeous cape came from Kinky Melon.

After lunch and a browse of some of Nottingham's charity and vintage shops which flew by all too quickly, I headed home to meet the family for dinner at Smoke Barbeque.

We were celebrating Owen's 11th birthday.

The kids were very taken with having their drinks in jam jars.

Sooo... what did I buy in Nottingham? 

This fabulous 1970s Berkertex maxi dress was a Kinky purchase...

as was this 1970-80s Wallis cropped faux fur jacket. 

I found this 1970s disco-tastic Spinney top in a charity shop.

(Excuse the creases, I haven't washed it yet.)

1970s Berkertex maxi dress - Kinky Melon's Retro Boutique

1980s jacket - vintage shop

Ankle boots - Ebay

Necklace and bangles - charity shopped

Striped bangle - gift from Fiona

Love that scooped back, and the rainbow stripes on the sleeves.

I'll be taking my Kinky frock to join Patti's Visible Monday. 

 

Now, it's just possible that a plan was hatched to meet up again very soon...

I wonder where these chazzin' pixies will go next?

xxxx

This and that

I haven't been to Chesterfield flea market for over a month, so a free Thursday meant a trip was definitely in order.

I needed a scarf and gloves, it was perishing.

 

Here's the newly refurbished market hall, and the famous twisted church spire.

And there's Joanne, trying on a 1970s tank top.

She not only bought it, she kept it on as an extra layer; I told you it was cold.

Brass monkeys, or silver boobs. Take your pick.

That's the town pump, made of cast iron in the early-mid 19th Century, and Grade II listed.

And behind it, in her usual spot, is our friend Debs (wearing the red coat and bag) with her stall of delights. She's been making mittens again; Jo and I attempted to make some last year, which ended in humiliating but hilarious failure.

Joseph wasn't happy about the Christmas picture on his take-out coffee; it's too early for that. 

Speaking of Christmas - mark my footsteps, good my page, tread thou in them boldly. 

Real furs...

Soviet posters...

a fabulous, if rusty, fan...

and a jumble of sugar tongs looking like a game of jackstraws.

Steps to heaven...

Red Riding Hood's cape...

electric homemaking...

and its potentially disastrous results.

A typically eccentric blend of merchandise - how I love this market!

I took my jacket off to show you my frock, there's selfless for you.

1970s Dagmar Made in New Zealand maxi dress - gift from Helga
Velvet jacket and beret - charity shopped
Ankle boots - Ebay


Oh cheer up, love...

 Funniest sighting of the day?

 Genius.

When it gets even colder, I think I might wear one of my wigs as well as a hat to keep my head warm.

Why have I never thought of that before?

xxx

Guess who's living here with the great undead?

Long-time readers of this blog will know of my great affection for Sheffield's General Cemetery; it has already featured in posts here and here.

In the spirit of loving where I live, I returned today for a wander in the autumn sunshine.

At the risk of sounding antisocial, I really enjoy time alone, and I especially like spending it here. 

 

I passed Sharrow Mills, where snuff manufacturers Wilsons and Co have been in operation since the mid-18th century and continue as a family-run business today.

Heading down Frog Walk...

along the side of the Porter Brook...

to the gatehouse of the cemetery.

Wandering here is a tranquil experience; it's hard to believe you are in a busy suburb of a big city.

There are catacombs...

graves leaning against trees for support or genuflecting in the undergrowth...

fine romantic monuments in the Greek style (this one is to William Parker, a cutlery exporter)...

and an Egyptian-style Non-Conformist Chapel, which is currently undergoing renovation.

 This is how it looked back in 1836 (from the cemetery website here).

1960s Kenrose dress - flea market

1980s jacket - vintage shop

Ankle boots - Ebay

Bangles - charity shopped

Carpet bag - gift

There are favourite ladies...

and graves telling such sad stories;

brothers Albert and Ebenezer died 10 years apart...

three of John and Sarah Andrew's daughters died in five years, all under a year old...

while William Wilson lost both his wife Sarah (who probably died in childbirth), and 3 months later, his baby son.

I wonder whether he was part of the Wilson family who ran the snuff factory?

 The derelict church has scaffolding and protective netting in place. I doubt it is being repaired, I think it's more likely to be a precaution against masonry falling on passing dog walkers.

 I saw more squirrels than people this morning...

which was fine by me.

Without the slightest inclination towards any faith at all, I find this place endlessly fascinating.

It's good to find a place that soothes the soul. 

xxx