I rather like both the vignette and the frame, and would most likely do the same as you have done because, to me, it draws the eye into the picture. You will have some purist having a moan though no matter what you do. I have encountered quite a few when I experiment. I got one comment 'No arty farty stuff allowed here.' What's really important though is not what others think or feel is righ ...

Really great photograph that grabbed my eye straight away. (I once had a next door neighbour who had the same sort of expression.)