Tuesday 4 January 2011

My Recycled Wardrobe



I can't remember the last time I bought a brand new item of clothing from a regular shop.  The January sales just don't float my boat. When you're used to buying high quality vintage pieces for under a fiver even a 75% discount doesn't seem that attractive and the racks of identical stuff make me shudder. I hated wearing a uniform at school and there's no way I'd choose to wear the same as anyone else in adulthood.
 I'm content rummaging through cast-offs at car boot sales, charity shops and jumble sales for a unique, eye-catching garment. Everything I own is found by happy accident, or by friends who know me well. Each morning when I pick something out from the wardrobe to wear I can instantly recall my feelings when I found it and the price I paid.


I love the clothes I own and I never get bored or disillusioned with my collection, they are like old friends, we've been together ages and share a history. Many garments have been with me for years, travelling around the world together and shared many drunken nights out and wild weekends.


This silk scarf was bought from a local vintage shop for £1 in November. It was a freezing cold, snowy day and I'd met a friend for a quick pre-Goa jaunt around the town's charity shops. After I bought this we spent the rest of the afternoon in Wetherspoons, too cold for further shopping.


I nabbed this 1960's Finnish Hokka Modell wool coat from a sea scout jumble sale on a swelteringly hot midsummer day in 2008. The bizarre lime, orange, purple and navy colour combination means it tones with almost everything I wear it with and it always looks fresh and exciting. Not bad for 20p!

Last December Barnardo's had a stacks of Urban Outfitters stock donated. These tights were originally £12 but priced up at a bargainous 48p. The vintage Dents' leather gloves were 20p from a car boot sale in 2007, it was a humid August day and the lady was glad to get rid of them and thought I was mad for even thinking about my winter wardrobe.

 If you're not already a convert why not make 2011 a year of second-hand shopping?

63 comments:

  1. You are describing exactly how I feel about clothes. I do not remember last lime I was in a regular shop either.
    This coat must be the best piece i have seen yet. The colours are so amazing.
    Once I asked you about your ebay name.Once I cannot get into your wardrobe i might be able to get into your shop.
    I can send you my email address if you want.
    XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

    ReplyDelete
  2. Vixcita,
    gorge colorful wool coat..brings out your eyes and hair color..your hair has a certain wave to it now..scarf,gloves todo looks always so stylish mamas..yes, I went to the sales and some were ok ,cause I'm used to the boot sale prices and charity shop steals..you truly are an inspiration amor.

    ReplyDelete
  3. For the first time, last August, while in Houston with The Chook Man's business trip,
    I totally scored great clothing pieces from a vintage shop. {I'm usually after the house bits}
    Boots, Skirt, Dress, and some awesome brown leather boots.
    I even found a ring.
    Throw in a lovely crystal candlestick holder,
    and for about $40 total, I had beucoup choices.
    I am totally in love with your coat!

    ReplyDelete
  4. Ah gorgeous Vix! That coat is perfect.
    Love your hair with a wave in it also.
    I do love a bit of sales shopping, but I always go for the crumpled clothes in a heap pile. And always find a gem in there. Those unloved clothes always hide something nice for me.

    xx

    ReplyDelete
  5. You look fantastic in that coat, you really carry off bright colours well! love Annie x

    ReplyDelete
  6. That coat is oh so beautiful, I am forever enchanted by your second-hand finds as you well know. When you can find a coat as lovely and well made as this, it really does put the high street ones to shame.

    Love the colours here so much, you never fail to inspire me. It's funny I thought it was only me who remembered exactly how much (or how little) I paid for something :)xx

    ReplyDelete
  7. Vix! I just adore that gorgeous coat! I'm a sales fiend myself but am always happiest leaving things to the whims of chance in a charity shop - it's like a treasure hunt holiday! xxx Comtesse xxx

    ReplyDelete
  8. i love the purple and gold color scheme! =)

    http://pinkchampagnefashion.blogspot.com/

    ReplyDelete
  9. I've been to the sales - bought nothing. I used to find so many great cotes from charity shops but the last year hasn't been goodat all. Maybe my bit more "generous" size doesn't help.

    I love your jacket. Especially as it is from Finland :)

    ReplyDelete
  10. I must admit I do love browsing charity shops, I know what you mean when you get that feeling of getting a bargain. I need to find out what jumble sales there are in this area as I never see any advertised!
    That silk scarf is gorgeous xx

    ReplyDelete
  11. Not cotes...clothes. Not easy to type when you've got wriggling toddler in your lap :)

    ReplyDelete
  12. You look adorable. Happy New Year!

    Love,

    SB

    ReplyDelete
  13. I wouldn't even know how to shop regular retail. In the USA, shopping has been "gamed" so badly--first the clothes are made at the expense of some poor person in a third world country, then they are placed on a rack in a swirl of over-stimulation, they are over-priced, and then consumers spend many hours trying to "game" the price. I find that shopping in "thrifts" feeds my sense of a treasure hunt. And, like you, I tend to shop off season.

    ReplyDelete
  14. omg, that coat was 20p?! seriously, Vix, the vintage gods love you!!
    and the tights - what a bargain!! the outfit is fabulous!

    ReplyDelete
  15. great coat !
    i have just found your blog and like the way its set out
    please could you check out mine and give me some tips ?
    Ashley
    http://wise-rabbit-says.blogspot.com/

    ReplyDelete
  16. Exactly! Agree with 2011 being the year of charity shopping!

    I'm not as good as you at buying second hand unfortunately, I still get tempted by the high street but this year I'm promising myself to buy less than ever! x

    ReplyDelete
  17. Dearest Vix, fabulous choices and colour combos as ever! You will definitely like something I'm sending you! I will try and go to the PO tomorrow.

    I watched Upstairs Downstairs on Sunday and loved it, give it a go. I'd Sky plussed it but now realise I have iPlayer on the Wii which is a definite bonus as I hate watching things on the laptop.

    I love that you don't buy anything that anyone else has and you're brilliant at putting things together. I'm still wading through my wardrobe. I'm totally skint this month so I have no excuse but to do the last leg of my life laundry and finally arrange my wardrobe into sections so I can actually find anything. The lights gone in there too and there's so much black I just reach in and grab the first thing I like the feel of. I've discovered tons of things I really want to wear. Not much of it is sensible or daytime. Like I care!

    Let's catch up on the phone this week, Love C xx

    ReplyDelete
  18. fantastic bargains I'm with you on the clothes thing I hate buying new and love a bargain from a secound hand shop or boot sale ,timeless items that you have for years are far better than keeping up with the crowd
    lovely coat
    xx fee

    ReplyDelete
  19. Vix you are an inspiration, you always manage to look so glamourous and original x

    ReplyDelete
  20. Love the coat!
    I know what you mean about being able to recall the feeling, price etc of each piece of vintage clothing. My friend thinks it's really funny when she compliments me and I reply with a run down of where it was from and how much it cost. I'm always suprised that more people don't remember the details of their clothes, or if they don't want to share the info. I tend to directly ask people who don't tell me and they seem to find it really rude. I like to know where things are from and how much they cost, because if they're particularly barganious I think it's really excitng x

    ReplyDelete
  21. I love checking out your blog to see what you're wearing, you're a true original. Have a peaceful New Year.

    ReplyDelete
  22. I know exactly what you mean. I love all my vintage clothes, I can remember where I got them, how much I paid and quite often they'll come with a story, especially if they're being sold on by their original owners.
    I actually think I've forgotten how to shop in 'normal' shops now. Good! I certainly couldn't queue outside Next from 5am for their sale like my friends did!!!
    I love that coat....total bargain.xxx

    ReplyDelete
  23. I love your coat Vix its wonderful! I can't remember the last time i bought a new item of clothing either, i can't wait for the carboots to start, Sunday mornings just arn't the same. xxx

    ReplyDelete
  24. The coat looks wonderful. I'm going to try to explore second hand shopping this year. Went along to the local charity shop this afternoon but it was closed (we get an extra day's bank hol in Scotland). Will try again at the weekend. xx

    ReplyDelete
  25. I am a total convert I do love a good second hand bargain, I have a lovely stash of vintage dresses I think they are the main thing I buy vintage. I also shop out of season, its one way to get a good bargian. I cant beleive your coat was 20p this has to be one of your greatest finds yet! x

    ReplyDelete
  26. Great gloves. Well, the whole thing is fab. Only I'm going to go off the page here and say the coat should have huge wooden buttons.

    ReplyDelete
  27. I am a total convert too - no new, just secondhand and vintage. My mum has been doing it for years, she's an expert! I can safely say there's no going back! I'm also learning to sew and my fabric stash is also secondhand and/or vintage. The only thing is I've got in a bit of a mumsy rut with regards actually wearing most of my wardrobe so I plan to take a leaf out of your book and start to dress up! New Year's resolution is to 'try harder' - covers a multitude of sins! x

    ReplyDelete
  28. Darling,you totally float my boat!!
    I sooo agree.I had a wee nosy at Farmers(department store) a couple of days ago to see what tights they had on sale,but I just wasn't in the mood, and new doesn't excite me at all,except for tights,usually!Why o why anyone wnats to have similar clothes to those around them,I don't know!
    that coat is simply sublime,I adore it and it's wonderful colours!A coat that goes with eveything,now that's heavenly!!!You just look fabulous,you always do!!
    I'm soooo desperate to catch up,but have been out every night!I'm in tonight,though.....gonna man the 'puter!!!
    LOVE Helga xxxXXXxxx

    ReplyDelete
  29. Yes, secondhand is great, and when it's a bargain (which it usually is), it's even better. Love that coat on you. The silk scarf is a stunna too. And a quid from a vintage shop is very good value.

    ReplyDelete
  30. this coat is so gorgeous! it looks so good with this awesome scarf...
    i can't wait for summer to get amazing second hand bargains on flea markets... sadly, there not enough second hand/thrift-shops in my new home town.
    http://wardrobexperience.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
  31. Love today's outfit, Vix. I love my second hand shopping, too - although I buy new as well (though not nearly so often as I once did), I always get far more buzz from a bargain second hand find! xx

    ReplyDelete
  32. Vix, everything about this outfit rules and I want every piece! The coat is awesome and I loooove that scarf. The colors are so bright and you look fabulous as always. I wish I could go thrifting with you.

    xoxo
    Psychedelicsister

    ReplyDelete
  33. That print is fabulous. I love your style, so eclectic!

    xoxo
    Miss Neira

    ReplyDelete
  34. firstly, you look amazing! i feel that i could steal that coat from you! of course, if you don't mind. secodnly, i agree in 100%! polish second hands rarely offer original pieces from, in example, 60s, but you can buy amazing pieces mostly from british or amercian shops. it's a real bargain: clothes are unique (the possibility that sb will wear the same is looooow), and they anticipate polish trends as well. but still, i often buy things in regular shops...

    ReplyDelete
  35. Love your blog. I've been reading it since December and I think you and your style of dressing and living are extraordinary. I'm obsessed with fashion and I love thrift stores.
    Que tengas una buena semana,

    ReplyDelete
  36. Wonderful kalediscope coat and love the hot pink gloves and bird print scarf! You are such an inspiration!

    ReplyDelete
  37. I actually adore your blog! I got into charity shop shopping a lot in 2010 and will be continuing this in 2011 - I love all the items that I found! Need to go to a few more car boot sales though...

    ReplyDelete
  38. Hi my dear-you are such a constant inspiration Vix, I adore your outfits and your stunning finds, this coat has to be one of your best winter bargains, it is so stylish and covetable. I love to get inspiration from the catwalk and places like Net-A-Porter and then go and try and thrift a similar piece. I have been tempted by sales pieces, but not the prices-i still want to pay silly money at the charity shops and boot sales for the better quality items that are out there. Thanks for your splendid posts, I just adore your style and vision and you're a gal after my own heart xxx

    ReplyDelete
  39. I totally love all your clothes too and have already decided to make 2011 my year of DIY and vintage shopping. For the fun, and to set a signal against super-inflated VAT. You're a great inspiration, Vix! xxx

    ReplyDelete
  40. Seeing your clothes as old friends is such a wonderful way of thinking, really inspiring for a wardrobe plan 2011. And the colour combination of that coat is fantastic!

    ReplyDelete
  41. 2011 is my year to buy and wear second hand clothing. Got to cut down on spending stupid amounts of money on clothes and save for our wedding. I know I can get great tips off you! xxx

    ReplyDelete
  42. It's great to have you back injecting colour into these dull days!

    Happy 2011 to you too. x

    ReplyDelete
  43. I love clothes that are a wonderful mix of colours like your coat - they seem to go with absolutely everything and liven everything up too. Where do you find things for only 20p? I'm sooo jealous, we never seem to have any jumble sales near us and prices in most of the charity shops are becoming a joke ;( xxx

    ReplyDelete
  44. I love ur scarf..I would love to buy vintage stuff but its not that readily available in my area and to be honest its easier and less time consuming to walk into a store and grab something:(

    ReplyDelete
  45. Fantastic outfit and a testament to second hand shopping as the way forward. Your coat is gorgeous and bright and the scarf is a wonderful print.

    Working in a shop I know all to well the mentality of sale shoppers. It's crazy, they wouldn't give it the time of day 2 weeks ago full price but knock a fiver off it and they suddenly love it. Don't get me wrong though, good strong lines often go in sale and it's great to pick those up, especially if it's something you've lusted after but not indulge on.

    x

    ReplyDelete
  46. You really are the queen of bargains Vix, I need to come out your way sometime! I mostly wear secondhand nowadays, but still like new shoes so I've been snapping up loads of bargains in the sales to do me the rest of the year. x

    ReplyDelete
  47. Twenty pence for a coat! Twenty pence! Your attitude towards clothes is inspirational. I'm already a bit of charity shop junkie but in 2011 I want to be a bolder and braver dresser (though I am still allowed to buy a pair of black skinny jeans this week right?)

    ReplyDelete
  48. I couldn't agree more Vix - I don't understand people being afraid to look different... I am afraid to look the same - and even more afraid to not be true to myself! I never want to wear something to 'blend in' to a crowd... that seems like selling my soul.

    And I love the history that comes with my vintage items (and like you, I can remember where and when I bought it, what it cost and how I felt when I found it). I am bored out my mind by new clothes - they are so dull and uninspired.

    You look beautiful as always in your coat of many colours - and I agree, your hair looks especially fetching today! And I LOVE your gloves.

    Sarah xxx

    ReplyDelete
  49. Ah but just think Vix, if everyone was as second hand savvy as you, there wouldn't be enough vintage things to go around! ;-)

    I like that coat an awful lot. Just goes to prove that summer is the perfect time to start stocking up on winter wear!

    ReplyDelete
  50. The colors are amazing! what a great coat/tights!
    I have tons of catching up to do!
    xXx
    Reva

    ReplyDelete
  51. You look amazing! Love your coat<3

    ♥ kisses ♥

    http://thrilloftheheel.blogspot.com/

    ReplyDelete
  52. I think that coat may be my favourite thing that I've seen you in yet! If you ever get tired of it, send it my way! Golly!!!!! Possibly my favourite outfit!!

    I am hanging out for my next day of busking, so that I can hit the op-shops again as they start to re-open after the christmas break. Possibly suffering from withdrawal symptoms!

    You're outfits are a constant source of inspiration for me!!

    xox

    ReplyDelete
  53. I love reading your posts always so many great things you find.I also cant deal with buying new has no appeal to me at all I much prefer my opshopping.My dream would be to go to the UK and USA and do some hunting there.

    ReplyDelete
  54. Ooh, I do love a second hand bargain anyway. I definitely think there is a lot of merit in shopping for 'out of season' clothes as people don't really want to buy winter woolies in the middle of July... meaning better bargains for those who are thinking ahead. Hoorah. BTW, what do you have in your hair? It's fabulous, I love it! xx

    ReplyDelete
  55. I'm also one of those crazy (but smart) people who buys winter coats & gloves in July. Such deals! Your coat is gorgeous...those colors are a perfect cure for dreary winter days.
    - S

    ReplyDelete
  56. Just lovely !
    Vix, you've got the perfect wardrobe !

    ReplyDelete
  57. Vix, you're back! Sorry if I'm totally out of the loop, have been out of the blogosphere the last couple of weeks with all the Christmas/New year madness!

    Absolutely love the colouring in those photos, they're gorgeous!

    How was your trip?

    ReplyDelete
  58. what a lovely coat ! I love his colors. I love clothes that have a story too.
    Have a lovely and beautiful 2011 !!
    http://selenite.weebly.com/

    ReplyDelete
  59. Oh my word...20p!!! Incredible coat hon.
    Agreed, I'm on a thrifty/vintage shopping mission in 2011 *determined face*
    xxx

    ReplyDelete
  60. Wow, 20p for a coat takes some beating! Stunning gloves, too. All you need is for Pearl to buy you a couple of those t-shirts, and you're all set...

    (laughing at the bit about Wetherspoons - what with that and the bar boot sale I'm building up a picture of you now...!!) xx

    ReplyDelete
  61. vix you look red and green hottness! this is your best! even though i haven't been frequent i seriously love this look. the coat colors are amazing. the tights make the plaid look so eclectic too!

    ReplyDelete

Thanks for reading and for leaving a message. Please don't be anonymous, I'd love it if you left a name (or a nom de plume).

Lots of love, Vix