Monday 11 February 2013

Voodoo child

Back in the days when I was a mere pocket-sized person, growing up in a small backwater village in the south of Sweden, I roamed free from early morning until dinnertime with very little adult supervision.
My little pals and I would run wild in the local forest, which proved to be the best playground a child could ever wish for.
We climbed trees, splashed around in the stream, built huts and played elaborate games. 
I didn't have many toys but to be fair the ones that I did have mostly gathered dust indoors, I was far more interested in playing games.
We were pirates, spies and troll hunters.
When I was five a playground was built just outside our house and we all thought it was the bees-knees until we realized that we were surrounded by "playground police".
Annoying adults sticking their oar in every five minutes, directing play and making up stupid rules that we had to abide by.
Needless to say we soon abandoned the spanking new playground and went back our beloved forest, where we were left alone to do as we pleased.
These days I still enjoy playing games, dress-up related ones in particular and sometimes when the "playground police" aren't looking I go for a wee spin, spin, spin on the merry-go-round :)
I bought this floral lace dress from a car boot sale ages ago. 
It was a dreary pale blue colour, so I decided to give it a dye-over & revamp.
I began by removing the inside lining and the zipper.
Then I dyed it twice, first with pink and then with purple.
My inspiration for this colour combo was the heather covered hills of the Scottish highlands.
Because the lining has been removed it is pretty see-though, so I prefer to 
team it with my trusty spanx pants and a leotard.
The necklace is also one of my own creations, made from deconstructed necklaces and bits and bobs that I have picked up on my travels.
The coat I'm wearing was bought in the January sale of 2000.
Mark and I spent NYE 1999 at my sisters in Copenhagen and while we were there I spotted this awesome faux-fur tiger stripe coat in H&M.
I fell head over heels with it but at £80 it way way beyond my budget. 
Then in January we moved to Glasgow and I had an interview for a job at the Sauchiehall street centre; t'was a horrible interview with a snooty biatch. 
On my way out I passed H&M and out of the corner of my eye I spotted a tiger striped sleeve sticking out from a rail, I ran up to it and found the coat in my size for £15, not only that I also found a matching mini skirt for a £5.
I didn't get the job but I did get my amazing "rockstar" coat for a mere £15, magic!
H&M coat, revamped lace dress, 90s lace leotard, 80s boots, self-made necklace, 80s deadstock tights, gloves, mohair hat & wiggy-woo
 Goose update: despite my recent bout of something akin to the black death (or maybe it's just the man flu that has jumped sex), I have been making regular trips up to the park to see how our poorly feathered  friend is getting on. The RSPCA has been in contact with me and have asked me to monitor the bird and get in contact if its condition deteriorates.
Here's a little Hendrix to funk up the start of your week...
Thanks for your lovely 'get well' comments peeps, after spending the majority of the weekend in bed, I'm feeling much better now.
Lot's of love,
Jennie
xXx


23 comments:

Unknown said...

Your dress is so pretty

http://filthyfashi0n.blogspot.co.uk/

Becky said...

The coat is totally badass! Love the dye job on the lace dress. I have a pair of pink lace/crochet bell bottoms with a stain that I thought about dying, but I'd have to remove the lining-- which makes them less easily wearable... Decisions!! Your childhood memories sound pretty perfect,
Becky :)

Vix said...

That is one cool coat! I do remember them, I had a fake zebra skin skirt Topshop over make I bought off the market and wore to death.
That job might have come to nothing but the interview obviously happened for a reason, it was fate that bought you all together!
Love the dip dyed frock and the fluffy beret. Glad you're loads better and Goosey's still with us.
xxx
PS Please email me if you need any tips or advice about your selling!

citizen rosebud said...

The magic is you! Tiger by the tail- that coat is rock to your star.

invisiblefashion said...

The coat is amazing!

freckleface said...

Oh you're from the land of summer houses! How lovely. I love to hear your stories of playing in the forest.

Like the pic of you on the roundabout. I always fancy the swings. Seems a shame not to be allowed to use them doesn't it?

Great coat and hat ensemble, you little tiger. I have a very similar coat, mine is more leopard though. I was once told I was 'fly,man' when wearing it. I checked with some young people and it turns out that is good. You look fly too, man! xxxx

Helen at THELOVECATSINC said...

looove that coat! it's amazing!

from helen at thelovecatsinc // youtube

ps. enter my new giveaway to win the UD naked basics palette, real techniques brushes and essie polishes! click here.

Unknown said...

You so rock my world-in a sea of mundacity, you inspire me!!!!
Hugs
Reva

Trees said...

I love your jacket and your revamped frock! You look so great:D Also glad you're keeping your eye out on your bird friend.

Olga Rani said...

Your childhood reminded me of my own very much: we too used to play spy games and climb trees. :)
This lace dress turned out to such an interesting colour, love it. And the coat is just a dream, I would like to have one like this.

mispapelicos said...

I was also a wild cat when it came to play. It was fun to know your children were safe.
Children still play outside without adult supervision here, which makes you feel great.
Loving the lace and animal print together.
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

Estefanía Ainoza said...

Really nice!!! I love it!!

Violet E. said...

so cute<3

Violet E. said...

so cute<3

Connie said...

OK. You've got me! I'm always messing with things I buy. They hardly ever look the same once I take over! And Voodoo Child. Well, you're pulling me in. A soft heart for a poor little bird. <3 Jennie, I have just purchased a ticket and I'm ready for take off! Connie* PS Thanks for stopping by!

Unknown said...

the dress and the coat are perfect combination!
I love what you did with the dress, i have a similar lace dress, maybe i will remove the lining and dye the darn thing! maybe in hot pink or royal blue, will see !
I remember when i was young we used to spend our days out, playing freely, no worries, lots of fun, yeah parks were not fun we had the park police as well...

I always shop after an interview good or bad, i guess it stresses me out and this is a way for me to relax before i get home..but it's getting a bit expensive...oh well...

Still looking for that job and meeting strange people;)

Ariane xxxx

Unknown said...

Wow - I LOVE the dress revamp (why do my colours always come up so wishy washy and not VIBRANT like yours?) and that coat is SPECTACULAR!

Sarah xxx

hippyatheart said...

hendrix is just a genius and your outfit is so wonderful

Monsterchen said...

omg where shall i begin, well at first jimi hendrix, i looooove him, i even called my kitty jimi hendrix, and he is a real pain in the ass haha and gosh that dress is gorgeous, you did a great job dying it, i really should try some dye experiments too ...and i love how you paired it with that amazing coat!
kiss,mary
http://www.maryloucinnamon.com

Rebecca said...

Love your ombre lace dress and your animal print coat is totally fabulous! Awesome necklace such a great creation!

Rebecca
www.winnipegstyle.ca

Miss Simmonds Says said...

Your childhood forest playground sounds amazing. I also hated rules, especially when playing, so I can imagine my reaction to the playground police would've been the same as yours. I love what you've done with the dress, it looks amazing! The coat was obviously meant to be yours. I really love it! The whole look is Squalid Rock N Roll glamour!
And thanks for posting Jimi, Voodoo Chile is one of my absolute favorite songs xxx

Panty Buns said...

Your vintage floral lace dress is gorgeous! The colour is magnificent. If only you were in charge of the dyes used in making the lingerie I love so much. You look fantastic wearing the dress over your lace leotard and trusty spanks - with a dress that pretty I don't think I could resist the urge to wear vintage or retro lingerie and corsetry underneath. I'm glad you're feeling better. You look amazing.

Sara said...

Nice photos and really cool outfit, you look great, I like your dress, what a great color and that coat is so nice, the perfect touch to the outfit also you are really beautiful and your hat rocks! Your have a lovely blog by the way and I am a new follower on GFC and Bloglovin! Hope you will like my blog and follow back!

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