^
Topshop Electric Blue Strapless Top - Ebay, £2
Black Skull/Gothic Top - my Dad's (reworked)
Denim Fringed Waistcoat - Boohoo £12
Earrings - Topshop, Gift - RRP £16.50
Showing posts with label Clothes. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Clothes. Show all posts
Monday, 27 February 2012
Friday, 24 February 2012
#11 - Vintage, cheap as chips.
Alot of people know I'm a vintage lover. I love a good bargain, and when there's so many vintage emporium's and charity shops around the UK, why should we not pop in and take a peek and see if we find anything that we could compare to something on the high street from somewhere like Topshop or Zara? Having previously working in Topshop for 3 years, I know that some of the items in there can be way above some people's price ranges, let alone NOT worth that amount of money.
So, I decided one day whilst I was in town to go and take a peek in The Salvation Army, a charity shop in my local town centre in Luton. All I could say was "I'm never shopping anywhere else!" - for a good few years I've been grabbing vintage bargains on good ol' Ebay, as well as the occasional item from Topshop and other high street stores. You will probably find that some of the things you lust for in some of the more expensive retail stores out there, you can find what may aswell be a replica of that exact item, but in a charity shop for £'s less than what you'd pay originally.
So, I decided one day whilst I was in town to go and take a peek in The Salvation Army, a charity shop in my local town centre in Luton. All I could say was "I'm never shopping anywhere else!" - for a good few years I've been grabbing vintage bargains on good ol' Ebay, as well as the occasional item from Topshop and other high street stores. You will probably find that some of the things you lust for in some of the more expensive retail stores out there, you can find what may aswell be a replica of that exact item, but in a charity shop for £'s less than what you'd pay originally.
^
This beautiful nude/stone long lined blouse with a pussy bow tie, I found hidden in amongst loads of cute little peter-pan collared blouses in the charity shop. With spare buttons still attached, this beauty cost me only £3.99. The material is so soft, it feels like suede. Perfect for casual day wear, even a night out. That's the beauty of charity shop buys, they're cheap as chips and you can dress them to fit any occasion you like!
^
Aaah. The tweed blazer. Believe me, I lusted over a tweed blazer I saw in Zara about a year ago when I was walking past the store in Oxford Circus and I promised myself I'd get it when I had enough money. As you can probably guess, I broke this promise. However, I found this lovely think blazer in the same charity shop. Costing me £4.99, in a high street store such as Topshop, you're likely to pay no less than £60 - I'm currently in the process of customizing this, I've got various cuts and colours of leather to sew onto the elbows to make elbow patches (with some help from my lovely Granddad)
^
This cute little cream embroidered thick aran cardigan has been a lovely little addition to my wardrobe. In fact, it's now a favourite of mine. You may recognise it from one of my previous posts as I wore it on my 18th birthday. They had quite a few of these in the charity shop, I must admit when I found this as well as the tweed blazer and the pussy-bow long lined blouse, I was really impressed! We all know that in Topshop you would pay around £50 for a cardigan this thick, and with this much detail. As I previously have purchased one of the aran cardigans from there for £55. This little one cost me £4.99.
^
When I worked in Topshop, I remember when it was time for me to get my uniform. I was so desperate a cape EXACTLY like this but it was £95, and I wouldn't ever spend that much money on an item of clothing unless I had more £'s to back it up with. As they say "if you've got the money, why not?". However, this beauty caught my eye on one of the racks in the same charity shop, it's SO thick (even though it's a Size 20) it gives a beautiful baggy, oversized vintage look to any outfit. It looks so cute with black tights and a chunky pair of heels with a little vintage dress underneath. So pretty. And guess what? At £4.99 I have to say once again, SO IMPRESSED.
^
Along with all of the clothes they have in there. They also have a little cabinet under the till meaning you can browse cute little items like jewellery, powder mirrors, household accessories as you're paying. And this happened to catch my eye just as I was buying my items. How cute it is? I'm a sucker for anything floral, shabby chic and vintage. This was just the cherry on top. It's an adorable little powder mirror made by 'Stratton' (made in England) - now me being me, I told my Nan and Granddad about this amazing buy and my Granddad happened to mention how his Mum had one but with a blue floral pattern on the front, except it was boxed and was given to my Nan when my Great Grandmother passed away. He couldn't find it in the end which was a shame. But we did spend time researching the brand name 'Stratton' and found that they still sell now, and the price they sell at is between £25 to £35. And I purchased this one for *drum roll please?* £3. Bargain right? It was the perfect little addition to my shopping trip!
The Salvation Army is now my new favourite place to find lots of vintage goodies and fashionable clothes at a perfect price. In fact, I'm popping in there after work tomorrow for a quick browse (that could be fatal, I'll probably end up leaving with bags full!) - however, if I pick up anything tomorrow that catches my eye, I'll be sure to let you all know and blog away!
Are you guys second hand shoppers?
What's been your BEST charity shop buy?
♥
Sunday, 8 January 2012
#4 - New year, more lusting!
What better way to ring in the New Year than seeing this as you visit Mulberry’s website!
So it’s the start of 2012 and I couldn’t help but go sneaking previews of more things I’m going to be lusting over this year! These things usually consist of items I know I’m never going to able to afford! So I’ve decided to blog about a few of my favourites to start of a brand new year!
Starting off with one of my favourites from Christian Louboutin’s Autumn/Winter collection last year, these beauties. I think every girl would love to own a pair of Louboutin’s. The first time I saw these I thought they were adorable. I wasn’t keen on the material at first, and in all honesty I wouldn’t wear them very much, but they’re absolutely gorgeous. So cleverly designed.
Second of all we have my all time favourite from 2011, the Mulberry Tillie Tote. It’s so cute. It’s one of those bags that’s practical yet stylish at the same time. It’s not too big and not too small. It’s one of those ones you’d want to wear with everything! Very expensive, and not to everyone’s taste, but if you have the money then why not splash out on a gorgeous handbag?
You can never ever fault Alexander McQueen. This is just simply stunning. The colour, the style, the layers of chiffon, it’s just beautiful! It’s the perfect kind of top to tuck into a pair of shorts in the Spring/Summer. Or even just to wear with a pair of skinny jeans or leggings. I love it. No words to actually describe how beautiful it is.
Aaah. The Mulberry Harriet Clutch, part of Mulberry’s latest arrivals for 2012. Simple yet elegant. I love Mulberry, again, another fashion label I cannot fault. I love this though, especially in Khaki. They also do it in Cream but this colour is so fresh. I’d tend to use it more in Autumn/Winter rather than Summer. I think the Cream Clutch fits Summer, colour wise. I saw it and just fell in love. It’s so cute.
Another pair of beauties from Christian Louboutin. Perfect for all year round. I don’t think I’d ever want to take these off, I may actually sleep in them. They’re stunning. They’re the type of shoes you’d expect to wear if you were a Princess, like Cinderella. The Swarovski crystals complete them, especially the colour. They’d go with any type of outfit, casual, dressed up, dressed down. Gorge.
Another favourite from Mulberry’s new arrivals for 2012. I think this is so vintage. You can find similar, and for cheaper as well. But the style of this is just adorable. It’s just perfect for Spring/Summer and again, perfect for day/night wear. The shape/style of the dress itself is simply beautiful. It’s plain, yet chic.
Another favourite from McQueen. Lusted over one of these gorgeous scarves for such a long time! I especially love them in this colour though. I’d definitely wear it more in Spring/Summer, the colours are adorable and as much as you can find similar, the original is always going to be better.
Mulberry, Mulberry, Mulberry. Matching with the Harriet Clutch, this Satchel is so vintage. A lovely colour also! It would also look so cute with the Effie Dress, it doesn’t match too much as the colours are slightly different. Satchel’s are always a favourite of mine, Mulberry or not Mulberry I love them but this one just so happened to catch my eye. I love thin strapped Satchels, I think it makes the bag itself stand out more.
I love Reiss. And I especially love this. For Faux Fur I really like this. I don’t usually like the look of it but I really like this. It looks so cute with the outfit that the model is wearing in the photo! And it’s just a really cute, vintage addition to your wardrobe. This is actually currently in the sale on the Selfridges website - http://www.selfridges.com/en/Womenswear/Categories/Coats-jackets/Ivana-faux-fur-coat_952-10025-657007IVANA/ - simply beautiful.
As much as I’d love to keep going with what I’m loving from last year, and this year’s Spring/Summer 2012 collection already! I think I’ll leave it as that, as I think I’ll be here all night otherwise!
“Fashion anticipates, and elegance is a state of mind … a mirror of the time in which we live, a translation of the future, and should never be static.” - Oleg Cassini.
#3 - Spring/Summer 2012.
Who’s ready for Spring/Summer 2012?!
Despite the fact Christmas and New Year have only just passed, I’m already looking forward to seeing what Spring/Summer 2012 is going to bring to the stores fashion wise! By the looks of things, some of the things we still love are going to be joining us in Spring/Summer this year! Some of the key items we’ll probably still be seeing are the Wide Leg pants, Tuxedo Jackets, The High Slit Dress, and The 60′s Peter Pan Collar!
Having done my research all evening, it also seems that some of the fashion trends for 2012 are going to be consisting of key pieces from the 1920′s and the 1960′s!
1960′s:
- Anything made out of lace, especially structured heavier lace pieces.
- Peter-pan collars.
- Ultra-short hemlines. Low-slung belts.
- Monochrome instead of colour: plenty of white, cream, black.
- Effortless sexiness with unfussy hair and winged-out eyeliner.
1920′s:
- Beading and Fringing
- Drop-waists
- Kate Moss for Topshop
- Short bobs
- Flapper headbands
Aside from the Fashion in 2012! What kind of colours will you be wearing? Anything from 2011 that you’ll be bringing into 2012?
I was also interested in finding out what kind of Nail Colour’s are going to be ‘in’ for Spring/Summer 2012 and it seems like some of the colours from Spring/Summer 2011 are making a big comeback!
I was also interested in finding out what kind of Nail Colour’s are going to be ‘in’ for Spring/Summer 2012 and it seems like some of the colours from Spring/Summer 2011 are making a big comeback!
One of my personal favourite Nail Colours is Models Own beautiful ‘Nude’ colour. I purchased this around February 2011 and have gone through 5 bottles since! It’s definitely one of the best colours out there and it goes with everything. I always use Models Own nail colour, they always have beautiful colours and it’s THE perfect nail varnish for a good finish with no smudges or marks.
Some of the other colours and designs that seem to be making a comeback this year are Deep Burgundy’s, Rose Pink, Milky White, Honey, Cherry Red, Preppy Coral, Chartreuse, Fifties-style Red, Fancy patterns such as Sequin Tips/Glitter, Chrome Hologram, Pearl, Moody Ombre effects, Jockey Stripes and Half Moons, Tribal V Shaped Manicures, Geometric Checkered Manicures and Black Swan Graffiti – for pictures etc go to http://www.harpersbazaar.com/beauty/spring-2012-nail-trends#slide-1
What about make-up?! - I’ve been peeking on Harpers Bazaar and http://www.fashionising.com/ and most of our much loved make up favourites from 2011 also seem to be creeping into 2012!
Lip Colours: Red, Crimson, Dark Chocolate Red, Coral, Scarlett, Matte Fuchsia.
Eye Liner: Modern Cat Eyes, Dramatic Lines and Endings, Flicks of Colour, Swoops and Squares, Double Lined, Cinematic Cat Eyes.
Eye Make-Up: Extreme Smudged Smokey Eyes, Starry Night Inspired Eyes, White Silver Metallics.
Cheeks: Suntanned, Peaches, Carefree Glow, Creamy Pink, Apricot Blush, Hot Coral.
Eye Liner: Modern Cat Eyes, Dramatic Lines and Endings, Flicks of Colour, Swoops and Squares, Double Lined, Cinematic Cat Eyes.
Eye Make-Up: Extreme Smudged Smokey Eyes, Starry Night Inspired Eyes, White Silver Metallics.
Cheeks: Suntanned, Peaches, Carefree Glow, Creamy Pink, Apricot Blush, Hot Coral.
ACCESORIES!? - Ornate Bracelets, Geometric Bracelets, Array’s of colourful Scarves, Retro-inspired Sunglasses, Marbled Box Clutches, Statement Necklaces, Cuff Bracelets, Black Leather Envelope Clutch Bags, Eye-catching Rings, Printed Clutch Bags, Midwestern-inspired Necklaces, Tribal.
How do I make my feet look gorgeous? - Flat, Chic Sandals, Strappy and Chunky Heeled Shoes/Boots, Platform/Wedge.
After hours of looking on various fashion blogs about what we can expect, fashion wise in Spring/Summer 2012! It seems that some of our favourites will still be selling in the stores!
To find out more information about Make Up, Fashion, Heels, Accessories, and Beauty Tips for 2012, check out the following links I’ve provided for you to make sure you’re looking on-trend this Spring/Summer 2012!
#2 - Studded Shorts & Chunky Heels.
Ok, so a few months ago I became OBSESSED with studded shorts. I’d seen them in magazines, on models, etc. They’re not everyone’s cup of tea but I think they look really cute and vintage. So I decided to make my own! All I did was get an old pair of skinny, light blue Levi jeans and cut them into the shape of shorts. Reworked the front so they looked frayed/distressed, and bought a pack of 100 clothing studs from Ebay for £3.99. It was really easy to do. I’ll talk you through the steps of how to create the near-perfect studded look on shorts.
Step 1 – Find an old pair of jeans, preferably an old, oversized pair that might be too big for you to create the oversized look once the shorts are cut to size. Cut them to the shape you’d like and make sure you feel comfortable in them whatever length you may decide to create.
Step 2 – Reworking your shorts to create the distressed look is the perfect way to create the studded shorts look. Get yourself a pair of dressmaking scissors, or a sharp knife (please don’t hurt yourself!) and choose the spot where you want your shorts to look frayed, the most popular area to fray shorts is at the bottoms, but you can fray them anywhere. Lay your shorts on a flat surface that won’t be damaged easily (please make sure you iron the shorts first). Hold the scissors/knife vertically and begin to fray by rubbing up and down with the end of the scissors/knife in a vertical motion. You should start to notice the layer of cloth/stitching will begin to wear off and start to come lose, continue along the bottoms of the shorts (both sides) to create the look you desire. P.s, if you wash and dry the shorts and you’re not happy with the design you’ve chosen, repeat the process again to create a more ragged and distressed look.
Step 3 – Studding your shorts! (The final step!) – for the look I created, I purchased studs that look like this.
The two teeth at the sides help to pierce through the thin layer of the jeans so they come through the other side. With either a knife, or preferably a thimble, push the two teeth towards the material so it’s pushed into the material and locked into place (if you don’t do this properly you’ll find that they’ll scratch your skin depending on the area of the shorts you want to stud.) Repeat this process to create the studded look anywhere you choose to place them.
Annnnnnnnnnd, ALACAZAM! Studded shorts are created and finished! This is what mine looked like.
As for the 2nd part of my blog post – the Chunky Heels. These studded shorts look perfect with a pair of thick black tights, an oversized aran jumper, or top tucked in, and for gorgeous feet, these beauties:
I purchased these about 2 months ago for £29.99 from a seller on Ebay. By far THE best purchase ever. They go with practically everything and look gorgeous. The heel is 5″ but they’re not uncomfortable at all! These, in my opinion are the perfect shoes to match the perfect outfit!
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