My Style-Thrifting, Fashion and Me

Chloe Find & My Wardrobe Philosophy-How I View It

2009-11-06T03:00:00.004Z

I've been really inspired by two of my favourite bloggers latest posts-the lovely Make Do Style posted here about 'Thought of the Week-Clothing Allowance or Budget' and the gorgeous Wendy B posted a link to her fab post about 'Why Does Buyers Guilt Focus on Fashion'. They were both such interesting reads and although I don't really budget as such, I've finally learnt my Wardrobe Philosophy, which is to buy quality items that are either wardrobe basics or have the 'Wow factor'.

The reason I don't have a clothing budget is that I generally do 95% of my shopping in the Charity shops or Boot sales and as I am so selective in my purchases, its usual for me to spend from £1 to £5 on an item and its rare that one piece will be £10 to £20.

I'm always looking in my very local charity shop, if not once a day on the way to or from work, then every other day.

The first picture is a gorgeous Chloe blouse from Matches Fashion for £701. Its lovely, but I certainly couldn't spend that sort of money-even if I could afford to-on a blouse.

So you can imagine how please I was to snap up this lovely one earlier this week from my local Sue Ryder Care for only £4.95!! Pricewise, its on par with a new blouse from Primark, but I know which I would rather!!

Its the perfect summer blouse-I'll team it with jeans most probably and its certainly an investment piece in my wardrobe. Its a typical Chloe style, with the ruffles and pintucking, a quintessential summer blouse that is timeless in style.

I culled some of my wardrobe last week and next to wardrobe basics, have these plus items which to me have the 'wow factor'. To me quality beats quantity every time.

Funnily enough, I don't have a 'Signature Style' but I tend to buy what I like-preferably vintage pieces and designer if I can find it. Its good to open your wardrobe and have stylish timeless, good quality pieces that will work for you year after year and season after season. We are all guilty of buying on impulse or ending up with items that are on trend but just don't suit us-note to self, no more shiny snakeskin leggings, LOL! I've learnt that I can actually like pieces but appreciate that its not necessarily right for me.

Having items in my wardrobe that are from the 50s, 60s, 70s, 80s, 90s and noughties give such a variation in style and moods and as long as you care properly for your items, even a small wardrobe can last years and pay dividends.

There you go, thats my Wardrobe Philosophy, hope it inspires you too, in looking for quality over quantity wherever you shop-be it in the charity shops, boot sales, Ebay, T K Maxx, The Outnet or Net-A-Porter.
Happy Shopping and don't forget 'Shop Your Own Wardrobe' before you step out the house or browse the 'net, you may well save yourself some money or re evaluate what you actually need or want!!

Carbon Neutral Products @ Louise Galvin

2009-11-04T03:00:00.010Z

Louise Galvin is one of the top hair colourists in the UK. She launched her Carbon Neutral beauty company in 2003 and ingredients such as SLS, parabens, petrochemicals, silicone and synthetic fragrances are not to be found in any of her products-clean formulations are the byword for her hair and beauty products.

By using Louise’s unique formulas means hair colour lasts longer and regains it's kind of youthful shine and bounce that can be lost through the colouring process.

Her clientele includes Sophie Dahl, Patsy Kensit and American Vogue editor and author Plum Sykes, along with countless other women who rely on Louise’s 20 years experience as a colourist. She has also trained many of the top colourists working all over the world today, whilst she is based at her father’s famous Daniel Galvin salon in London.

Her Natural Hair Care products include: Body Care; Fine Hair Collection; Mothers To Be, New Mothers and Baby Too; Natural locks; The Curly Hair Collection; The Discovery Collection and Traveller.

Prices start from a very reasonable £10 per product and for a lot of the products, an extra 25ml is only £2 extra!

One of the Frequently Asked Questions is are the products also suitable for hair that is not coloured-well yes they are-the gentle formulations and natural ingredients make all Louise's products suitable for both coloured and uncoloured hair, and ideal for all the family.

Vitox, another unique product from Louise, is a two-pack chemistry which naturally aids oxygen and vitamin uptake and provides a perfect platform for successful colour treatment. It is an ideal product if your hair is discoloured from 'holiday' hair or is hair is looking dull and tired.

Her range is completely available worldwide too, not just from her London salon. Check out the stockists via her website and if you are in Europe, Australia, Hong Kong, Russia or the USA, you will be able to indulge in her products-go on, what are you waiting for-check it out!!

Next- My New Coat!

2009-11-02T03:00:00.001Z

When I went shopping with my mum last month, she very kindly bought me my Christmas present of a new coat. Its from Next and you can see it here

It really was a good bargain-£65 and yes, I know for me that I don't generally spend this sort of money, I think for a High Street coat which is a wool blend was really good value for money.

Its a great fit, belted and has an oversized collar which along with the houndstooth check design drew me to it.

Next really does have some great pieces, do check them out online or in store.

Winter Florals

2009-10-31T03:00:00.004Z

I really love florals, so I've been on the look out for a floral dress or skirt that will work well with winter wear. I found this floral rose patterned skirt from the Red Cross charity shop a few weeks ago for a bargain £1.50!

Its by 'Per Una' which is a Marks & Spencer range and the features I love are the asymetrical hem and the chiffon type fabric. I decided to toughen up my look with my black biker jacket, boots and studded belt.

Will you be in florals this winter?

Online Shopping @ Koodos

2009-10-29T03:00:00.015Z

It's great fun to do online shopping, choosing an item at the push of a button and then having it delivered to you is a service that cannot be beaten!! Its even better when instead of scouring up to a dozen different sites, you can browse one site and have a plethora of designers all on one page to compare.

At Koodos it doesn’t matter if you’re looking to pull off the latest celebrity style or want to update your wardrobe to exude timeless designer-chic, because their range of discount designer clothing-including designer shoes, designer bags, jewellery, menswear and kids is alway plentiful and always on sale.

Different designers include 7 For All Mankind, Marc Jacobs, Nicole Farhi, Preen, Karen Millen and DKNY, plus many more besides!! All at bargain prices and with currently up to a massive 80% off in their clearance sale. It's also great to check out for mums to be, as they also have a Maternity section too, featuring dresses, jeans and lingerie.

Here are some of my favourite picks of what they have available:

Emma Cook rope jumper, £140

Aftershock sequin cami, £39

Michael Kors boots, £169

Lou Lou & Law top, £95

They also offer a weekly newsletter if you sign up, receiving seriously special offers and previews of their designer sales.Stock does changes very frequently, so its worth checking them out on a regular basis if you're after that special item-they offer designer chic at bargain prices, what more can a girl want, LOL!!

In Vogue-More Dash Than Cash, The Book

2009-10-27T03:00:00.001Z

Many UK Vogue readers may be aware that earlier this year, Alexandra Shulman, UK editor, decided to bring back a very popular feature that ran from the seventies called 'More Dash Than Cash'.

It managed and still does, to show stylish ways of dressing and offers clothes and accessories at affordable prices, based on designer trends of the season.

So at the weekend, when I was browsing the charity shops, I had decided to steer clear of clothes and look at the books and DVDs and I found this!!

Its around 20 years old, but the style advice in general is still relevant today as back then and there are some wonderful photos of Naomi, Cindy and Linda doing their thing back in the days!!

There is a lot of useful quotes and advice, one favourite part is 'Spacecraft', the section for keeping all your valued pieces. It reads: 'A wardrobe should be no idle consideration: it should be as much a pleasure as any other piece of furniture in the home. Treasure it, buy it presents, really make it an issue. That way, you'll relish time spent in its company and be encouraged to experiment with it's contents.'

Also: 'What Makes a Great Wardrobe? Versatility is the key word, which means having clothes that cope with every situation, so you don't have to rush out to buy something new the minute an invitation drops through the letterbox. The aim is to extract the maximum of looks from the minimum of clothes with the least possible effort and expense. A clever wardrobe has limitless permutations; will accommodate all the new clothes you do buy and can be worn even when fashion changes.'

One piece of advice I need to act on more often is 'So long as something is beautiful, it doesn't matter when you wear it' Lucinda Chambers, Fashion Director, British Vogue.

Lastly, a quote from Ines De La Fressange, who only last week was voted by 'Le Figaro' The most chic woman in Paris: "I always buy the same things: navy blazers, navy and green sweaters, black turtlenecks, men's jackets, twin sets, white shirts, black pants and black ballerina pumps. Crazy things like plastic shirts, orange jackets and silver pants I end up givng away unworn". LOL, I think most of us have been guilty of something similiar!!

If you fancy a blast from the past and grabbing your own copy, then Amazon are selling it too, for less than a fiver, its well worth the read!!

50s Vintage Original Dress-Now ready to wear!

2009-10-25T03:00:00.007Z

Well, I finally got my treasured 50s vintage original dress repaired yesterday, a new zip was called for and I was very pleased with the results. This is one of four dresses from my mum that she wore in the 50s and I hope to wear this one every now and then.

The waist on this is very fitted and snug, my mum has offered to take it out a touch, I think if I put on any more weight, she'll have to, LOL!!

I love the colours, very Autumnal and ideal for this time of the year. I decided to mix prints and wear my leopardprint shoes with it!

Fashion Confidential

2009-10-23T03:00:00.011+01:00

I've just come across a brilliant website called Fashion Confidential, which is a fabulous Style website dedicated to Designer Fashion and shopping all under one roof.

Its a comprehensive website that features an A-Z of different designers from a selection of Online Boutiques which include Matches, MyWardrobe, Net-A-Porter, Browns and CoutureLab, as well as some independent European boutiques such as Société Anonyme,Gaspard Yurkievich,The Old Curiosity Shop and Gallery.

Also check out Bargain Hunter where you can learn how to Shop A Sample Sale or spy Wardrobe Essentials, which are Fashion Confidentials pick of the best investment sales pieces available at the moment.

They also have an Online Magazine, the latest feature being 'Style Heroes of the Moment'-check out model Clemence Poesy, the actress epitomising French Chic and Style. The magazine also features brand APC, another gorgeous French label. It concentrates on clean lines, simple designs and this seasons collection features some cosy knitwear and a chic on trend trenchcoat.
I loved 'AnkleBiters', featuring a gorgeous selection of ankle boots from Alaia, McQueen, Dries Van Noten and Poltock & Walsh. If you're still hankering after OTK boots, then check out 'Thighs the Limit' which has some divine picks, including boots from Stella McCartney, Lanvin and Alaia.

My favourite areas are Style Report which is FashionConfidentials blog and is a must read daily fix of whats hot in the fashion world. Another area you'll be bookmarking will be the Sample Sale Diary which gives information on up-and-coming fashion events and luxury sample sales usually reserved for fashion insiders. Also another must read is the Designer Q&A, currently showing on my favourite covetable dress label Preen-I've always adored the Power dress-my favourite wishlist modern dress of the moment!!

Check out their website, I was really impressed and I'm sure you will be too!!

My Other Boot Sale Find!!

2009-10-21T03:00:00.001+01:00

My visit to the boot sale last weekend was very successful. As you already know, I scored the vintage Christian Dior clutch which I was really pleased with. On the very last aisle I came across this leather jacket with faux fur collar that fits like a glove!

The lady must of liked me, as when I asked how much it was she said"Well it was £7, but you can have it for £4" How could I refuse such a kind offer, LOL!!

I also bought a River Island leopardprint bag from her too, which was a bargainous £3!! Other finds included a Calvin Klein Khakis skirt for £1, a pink Gap fitted shirt for £1.50, a Levis tee for £2, a Topshop breton style tee for 50p, so all in all a very productive morning at the booty!!

Vintage Christian Dior Find!!

2009-10-19T03:00:00.003+01:00

Ever since I saw one of my favourite fashion blogger friends Silje with her vintage Dior clutch, I've been coveting one myself ever since. So at the weekend when I went to the boot sale for the first time in ages, I was delighted to bag this gorgeous find:

The price was even nicer, the lady only wanted £5!!!

I'm thrilled with it-its in fabulous condition, the inside has had a lot of use, but a quality item stands the test of time and it has no flaking or signs of tears.

This is one vintage piece I'll be using regularly this season!!

What I love over at Net-A-Porter

2009-10-17T03:00:00.001+01:00

Following on from my previous post on scarfs, here is my scarf wishlist from Net-A-Porter, I totally adore all of these and the Alexander McQueen one is my absolute favourite, LOL!!

Alexander McQueen, £660

Michael Kors snood, £740

Miu Miu, £750

Matthew Williamson, £125

What style of scarf will you be going for this season?

Thrift Inspiration-Doing it 'Mum' style!

2009-10-15T03:00:00.005+01:00

The lovely Kate of Make Do Style scored some totally gorgeous 70s maxi dresses last weekend, courtesey of her very generous mum-check them out here!

This fabulous haul of hers inspired me to go to my mums and collect my other 50s dress which has been languishing in her spare room.
About ten years ago, this was a regular in my wardrobe, until the zip bust. I always meant to get it repaired, so ten years on, I think it deserves to be fixed up and worn again. The colours are very autumnal and I can't wait for it to be up and running!!

I also have a matching duster coat for this dress, wide collared and very 50s style-one for the summer months I think!!

Here are the other two vintage original 50s dresses of my mums, now proudly mine!!

The black one is very good quality thick material, so a great stylish classic dress for this season

Have Kate and I inspired you to raid your mums or grans wardrobe-go on, you could be in for a lovely surprise!!!

Autumn Accessories

2009-10-13T03:00:00.004+01:00

At the weekend I decided to visit Primark, although I generally don't buy clothes from there, I still think they're the best for up to date, trend led accessories. Of course I also visited the town's charity shops too!

This paisley purple and fuchsia scarf will provide a pop of colour over a black jacket or coat, from the Salvation Army charity shop, £1.

Some fashion tights-lace, cobalt blue and purple from Primark. The coloured ones were £1 each and the lace ones were £2.

There is a huge selection of costume jewellery in Primark, I chose this longer length necklace to go with dresses, this was only £2.50.

How do you rate Primark-its a 'marmite' thing, you either love it or hate it I think!!!

Weekend Outfit

2009-10-11T03:00:00.004+01:00

One of my favourite, under worn dresses is this one by Celia Birtwell for Topshop. I thought I'd wear it over the weekend for going into town.

I've a long sleeved red Gap tee underneath to keep the warmth in and my customised Levi's sleeveless jacket that I cut the sleeves off a few months back.

I'm normally in jeans at the weekend, so it makes a change for me to wear a dress in autumn!!!

Thrifting, Vintage and Style-My Tips

2009-10-09T03:00:00.003+01:00

I'd just like to say a big thanks to all the people who regularly comment on my blog, whether you are a loyal follower, a browser or an 'anonymous' who has just popped by, your input and comments are much appreciated!!

A lot of comments that are left are also general questions about where and how I thrift. I live on the East London and Essex borders and I have around half a dozen towns that I can visit that have around half a dozen charity shops in each of them. Of course, I love a boot sale too and am lucky that in season, there are ones on every other day!!!

I'm fortunate that they all tend to have very reasonably priced, good quality pieces-of course, I don't always come home with something, but 8 times out of 10, I'll pick up either a wardrobe basic which can be of Gap or Marks & Spencer quality, a vintage piece, or if I'm really lucky, a designer item that has my name on it, LOL!!

I'm also re-posting Thrifting, Vintage and Style-My Tips from August last year, which is my take on thrifting in general and getting the best bargain possible-so for those of you who want to know my tips read on!!!!

Oh, where to start!! Well, I wanted to share my love of thrifting and vintage with you all, not just by "This is what I thrifted today" but more along the lines of tips, hints and generally anything to do with vintage fashion!!

Firstly, if you like to thrift, I would suggest the best places to go are going to be jumble sales, church or school fetes, charity shops, boot sales, markets, online shopping and ebay. I do appreciate that a lot of people do not have access to charity shops or boot sales on a regular basis-but don't forget to check out new places if you go on vacations, business trips or days out to different towns or cities. Don't forget more closer to home-check out mums or grans wardrobes too-you may be pleasantly surprised!! Also check out my list of favourite websites-I have links to a few good vintage websites!!

Secondly, what to expect? Well, the best tips I can give are:

"Expect the unexpected"
I've often gone thrifting for specific items or a lot of the time a general browse and came home with something that wasn't even on my radar.

"What is a good buy?"
A good buy whilst thrifting is only worth buying if it fits you (or you can get a garment altered), it is a wardrobe basic, it is an original, good condition vintage piece, a one of a kind and most importantly, is within your budget. Ultimately, you do have to love the item too!! I'd rather come home empty handed than with something just for the sake of it! If you can, always try an item on, unless you are totally convinced you don't need to, for whatever reason!!

"If in doubt whilst thrifting-BUY IT"
My most treasured piece of advice I can pass on is this. A vintage piece is unique and one of a kind, so it won't be there tomorrow, like at H&M or Zara. Generally, if you are buying from a charity shop, the price will be low anyway and if you don't like it after all, you are doing a double whammy of buying from the charity shop in the first place and then donating it back again!!

"Quality, not quantity"
I know we all love a full wardrobe, but if an item is totally bang on trend and of low quality, chances are you won't be wearing it again in six to nine months time, let alone a decades time! Thrifting is also an excellent way of bagging a designer name at rock bottom prices-quality is generally assured too. This is the timeless appeal of thrifting for vintage, as it never goes out of fashion and the quality of a garment is generally so much better than high street buys nowadays. If you do go for trends, try to purchase an item that adopts a timeless, chic attitude about it- scarves, blazers, floral dresses, belts, handbags and costume jewellery are great buys which never seem to be out of fashion or style. Will you be in lace or tartan in 9 to 12 months time? Maybe you will or you won't, but try and source an item that will stand the test of time and quality and can be seen again when its next back in trend.

"Check out Ebay"
Ebay is the one stop shop for specific items- 'a black lace vintage dress', 'wide legged jeans', 'navy velvet blazer'-you get my drift!! plus, if you are a label fanatic, then 'Yves Saint Laurent', 'Ossie Clark', 'Chanel' or 'Pucci' are only fingertips away!!! Plus, I've noticed with my own buys that the summer months tend to be the best time to win or buy items at very reasonable prices-maybe because a lot of people are away on vacation and also people tend to sell their things in summer for holiday spends!!

"Have fun by creating your own style(s)"
The great thing about thrifting is you can recreate many different styles-I personally don't have one look, I like to dress in floral vintage one day, modern jeans and top the next, 80s combo the day after!! I think this only leads to building your self confidence as you are not dressing in 'whats in fashion today'-you are showing your individuality, creativeness and developing your own sense of style-for example, Agyness Deyn may not be your cup of tea, but she doesn't follow trends and totally works her own unique, crazy way of dressing!!!

"Be your own Person"
I could ultimately go on to say, look out for lace, tartan, pencil skirts, polka dot dresses, etc-yes, they are all timeless trends that come in and out of fashion, but half the fun is experimenting for yourself and seeing what you come up with! The fun of vintage and thrifting is you never know whats round the corner-try it and see!!

Thrift Inspiration, Doing it Net-A-Porter Style!!!

2009-10-07T03:00:00.001+01:00

Well, its October now and with autumn setting in, scarfs are very much on my radar. Over at Net-A-Porter, there are some great styles out now, very inspirational and cosy too!!

APC rabbit scarf, £115

Christopher Kane, £455

This is the scarf I picked up in Primark last month, it's a fuschia pink and purple dip dyed leopardprint scarf which was around £3. It has some lovely fringing too, a great alternative to the Christopher Kane version!!

Last year, I picked up this lovely leopardprint fur collar scarf, very similiar to the APC one. Its by John Lewis and I got it for £4.99 at the Sense charity shop.

I'll be cosy for sure this season-how about you?

Biker Jacket and Jeans

2009-10-05T03:00:00.004+01:00

Well, another weekend outfit consisting of my favourite combination, a leather jacket and jeans. I've had the jeans for a few years now, they are by Japanese designer Michiko Koshino and were from the Sense charity shop for around £5. They are extremely comfy and I love how the colour of them goes with virtually anything.

I'm wearing my new vintage biker jacket and also my Gap scarf, as its blowing a right gale today-I hope I get into town in one piece, LOL!!

Now its October, the weathers cooling and its time to layer up!!

Sonia Rykiel

2009-10-03T03:00:00.006+01:00

Great news, Thanks to the gorgeous Everybody Says Don't, who alerted me to the fact that Sonia Rykiel is doing a collaberation with H&M and the knitwear collection is due out around February 2010- for more information, check out this Telegraph article too:

These pictures are from Sonia's A/W 09/10 collection

Last year, I scored this totally gorgeous Sonia Rykiel jumper from Help The Aged charity shop for only £2.49. Its definitely my favourite jumper and I can't wait to start wearing it again this season!!

Favourite Denim Pieces for this season

2009-10-01T03:00:00.001+01:00

I love denim, so I thought I'd share some of my favourite pieces with you that I intend to wear this autumn and winter.

Last years find, a Topshop gilet with fur trim

Big E Levi's shirt, worn layered

Levis vintage waistcoat, great over a skinny polo neck

My beloved Jean Paul Gaultier denim jacket, worn over a woollen LBD

Topshop stretch denim skirt

What denim pieces will you be wearing this winter season?

Thrift Inspiration, Doing it Net-A-Porter Style!!!

2009-09-29T03:00:00.003+01:00

Ok, so its not new news that biker jackets are in this season, Net-A-Porter have a fabulous one by Doma in beige for £550

I already have my black biker style jacket, but was eager to get a real biker style with the stud, epaulettes, collar and asymetric zipper detail.

I was pleased to score this vintage leather browny beige jacket on Ebay for a bargainous £25 this week. Its hard even to get a faux leather jacket for around this price, so when it came and actually fitted like a glove, I was very pleased indeed!!

What winter trend piece has you drooling at the moment?

Safari dress-A timeless piece for the wardrobe

2009-09-27T03:00:00.004+01:00

Safari style dresses have been in style for decades now and come into trend every now and then. I bagged a Morgan safari dress this summer at the boot sale and as we are experiencing an Indian Summer, I thought I'd wear it

Carrie in her vintage Halston safari dress

Yves Saint Laurent, late 60s

My dress was only £2, but its a keeper for future summers and works well by itself or with leggings

What timeless classic do you enjoy wearing?

My Kimono

2009-09-25T03:00:00.002+01:00

For an absolute age, I've been after a decent gown, instead of throwing on hubbys cast off jumpers of an evening to keep me warm, LOL!!

I found a little mini length kimono in the charity shop a few weeks back, but didn't buy it, even though it was only £1.50-goodness knows what I was thinking!! I went back for it a couple of days later, but of course it was gone-rule number one of thrifting which I broke to my cost-'If in doubt, DO buy it' Its rare a gem will be there when you go back for it.

So at the boot sale a couple of Sundays ago, I was pleased to see, laying in a heap, this gorgeous authentic Japanese silk kimono for only £1!!!

Its a great length for lounging about in and is reversible too!!

This was definitely my boot sale bargain of the month, as I doubt I'll be going back to one for this year-the season tends to wind down and in my area, they'll be finished around October.

So another item off the wishlist-and a unique buy at that!!

Season Basic-Casual shirts

2009-09-23T03:00:00.004+01:00

Last year, I found this Topman plaid shirt from the boot sale for only £1.50 and being brushed cotton its an ideal piece to wear with leggings or jeans in autumn and winter.

I was really pleased to find this Levis big 'E' denim shirt at the boot sale a couple of weeks ago for only £1!!! Denim and denim shirts are bang on trend for this season, I'll definitely be wearing it and shirts are a great layering piece too!!

The big 'E' on Levis pieces was discontinued in 1972 and this shirt seems like a 'deadstock' item, as its in very good condition for being nearly as old as me, LOL!!

Season Basics-dark denim jeans, black biker jacket

2009-09-21T03:00:00.002+01:00

So having searched for a good few months now, last week I finally found some dark denim straight legged jeans, which are high waisted and stretchy-similiar styles are currently available at Net-A-Porter, MyWardrobe and Reiss this season. My brand are 'Blendshe' and were £3.99 from The Heart Foundation charity shop.

I'm wearing them with my other season basics- a grey and black striped skinny polo neck, by Marks & Spencer and thrifted from the Salvation Army for £2.99.

My other essential basic is my beloved black leather biker style jacket, which I got from Sue Ryder charity shop last year for £9.99.

Have you got this season's basics yet?

Vintage Oscar de la Renta

2009-09-19T08:00:00.000+01:00

Last week the gorgeous One of 365 did a lovely post on The NEW And MODERN Oscar de la Renta and this prompted me to do a post on last months find, a beach wrap/lounging gown, which is Vintage Oscar de la Renta and was in the Salvation Army for only £2.49!

It will be an ideal cover up for on the beach or as a lounging gown over a little nightdress in the summer months.

Wishing you all a great weekend!!