We've found some fabulous stuff on our charity shop jaunts over the last couple of weeks & the stockroom rails are positively groaning under the weight of crazily printed maxi dresses, capes, leather coats, tweed jackets and 70s dagger collared shirts but that's work and I'm on holiday so here's what I've added to my wardrobe.
It's all about me, me, me!!
I went a bit weak at the knees when I spotted a black velvet sleeve adorned with gold soutache poking out from a rail in the local charity clearance shop, in fact I nearly broke my neck clambering over a Black Country granny's tartan shopping trolley in my rush to get at it.
This exotic vintage beauty was a mere £3 and matches my favourite bag, a 1970s Pakistani tote I bought for pennies from a jumble sale years ago. I did think of it putting on the Kinky Melon rails...for about a second.... it might be boring old black but it's still a work of art!
I've got a couple of black wide-brimmed hats but neither feel quite right, one is so tight that it leaves a particularly unattractive red crease across my forehead when I take it off and the other is too shallow in the crown which means that if I go out wearing it on a windy day my hand is surgically attached to the brim to keep the bloody thing anchored on my head.
My latest hat isn't in the least bit vintage, its H&M and is still on their website, listed as Premium Quality Wool and priced at £17.99 but cost me just £3. I know £17.99 isn't a fortune but why on earth would you buy something and give it away unworn days later? The £15 I saved is the equivalent of three nights accommodation in Goa or eight pints of lager in Wetherspoons!! Now I've got one well fitting black hat I can donate the other two to the stockroom.
I loved these mad rose gold catseye sunglasses when I saw them on a neighbouring trader's stall over the festival season but, with a collection I struggle to contain in the dressing table drawer, felt £15 was an unnecessary extravagance. Spotting them in the 50p box on the charity shop counter, well....they were meant to be mine!
Like she needs another bangle, Jon said to the chap behind the counter when I asked for a closer look at the textured silver cuff in the display case underneath. You never know, one day there may be a worldwide bangle shortage and my arms will be naked, I replied, handing over my £2 coin. The 1950s ceramic hand was £1.50 in another chazza.
This House of Fraser 100% cotton, pom-pom trimmed duvet set (sorry, I couldn't be arsed with ironing it) was £2.49! It originally retailed at £80.
How about that then? Last weekend I was trading at Wayne Hemingway's Classic Car Boot Sale and just over a week later I'm in possession of a pair of his Red Or Dead shoes. My size (40), unworn and still bearing the original £65 price tag. Cost to me? £3!
More bangles? It would be rude not to! These are papier-mâché and from Kashmir - I know because every Kashmiri shop in every tourist shop in the whole of India have them in their windows. I couldn't resist the wooden frog earrings either. You never know when you'll need some amphibians threaded through your lobes. I remember the parrot earrings from the 1980s - not that I ever had a pair, I didn't get my ears pierced until I was 25 (in 1991). All three were 50p each.
This zingy 1970s Melamine spice set was still in the original wrapping (not Taunton Vale but a cheeky lookalike) and reserved especially for me by the lovely shop manager when I popped into the local hospice shop. It was £1.99 and will go in Gilbert next Summer. The set came with the original labels but, as you know, 1970s Britain was the land that culinary excellence forgot so only offered the choice of thyme, parsley, pepper, sage, ginger and salt!
My heart might belong to Barry M but I'm not adverse to trying new make-up if I find any decent colours in the 3 for £1 bargain basket. All the lipsticks were still sealed - not that I'd be bothered if they weren't. I've bought secondhand make-up ever since I was a teenager and I've yet to contract Syphilis, Bubonic plague or whatever else the hygiene freaks are scared of.
I can't resist a souvenir doll especially a raven haired, kohl-eyed Spanish senorita. My Dad used to bring them back for me from his business trips abroad. As soon as I got a new one I'd get it out of the box, inspect the construction of the skirt and check whether she'd got any knickers on. I wonder if that's where my passion for foreign costumes came from?
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| WEARING: Vintage kaftan (Age UK, £3); Maroon jersey maxi dress (Bought to travel around India in last year, new from eBay, £2); Stuart Weizmann suede ankle boots (Cancer Research, £2), Pakistani soutache tote bag (25p, jumble sale): H&M wool hat (£3, Scope); Vintage brass bangles & rings (mostly belonged to my Mum) |
See you soon!
What a great find that kaftan was, I've always loved your Pakistani bag. You never know, with total world chaos there could be a worldwide bangle shortage and we can't have you with naked arms...
ReplyDeleteCan you imagine...bare wrists? The horror! xxx
Delete3pounds!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! May gosh, the braid alone would coat 10 times that. I still can't believe people that sneer at buying second hand clothes. More for us!
ReplyDeleteToo right! People say that they don't go to charity shops 'cos it's cheaper to buy mass produced fast fashion made in dubious sweat shops! More fool them indeed! xxx
DeleteYou always have such incredible luck finding such great items! Gosh, nothing like that around here. Sigh.. I would be like a kid in a candy store looking at the Kinky Melon rails.
ReplyDeleteHave a good weekend!
Robin
Thanks, Robin! It does take a lot of rummaging through over-washed, tatty, modern gear before you unearth a gem like this top but the thrill of finding a gem more than makes up for all the fruitless searching! xxx
DeleteLook at you, you gorgeous creature! What spectacular bargains you've scored recently..your bag is the most fab accessory with new kaftan, loving the sunnies (thank god you didn't pay fifteen quid!)and the fifties hand too. xx
ReplyDeleteThanks, love!! I know, imagine spending £15 on those sunglasses and then finding them for 50p. With new stuff it's always worth waiting! xxx
DeleteThat velvet tunic top!!!!
ReplyDeleteThey go for mad prices on Etsy, I couldn't believe it! xxx
DeleteThose shoes!!! Swoon... xxx
ReplyDeleteI know! I couldn't believe they were my size either! xxx
DeleteFellow dolly-knicker-checker here! I'd also see if I could fit the new dolly into Barbie or Skipper's wardrobe (or any of my other doll's clothes).
ReplyDeleteThe stitching on that velvet tunic is called chikan. I have an Egyptian abaya that's similarly adorned.
I love the round bump toes on those pumps! Those sunglasses are fab!
xox
Ha! I did that too - and I loved Skipper far more than Barbie!!
DeleteThanks for educating me with the word chikan! I had no idea. xxx
I have the purple and gold version of your tunic in a full-length. I rarely wear it but now you've given me the idea to chop it into a top. Obviously you wear it better!
ReplyDeleteSparkly shoes-be still my heart. If there's a zombie apocalypse you can use the bracelets to lob at their heads, so best to stock up.
Ohhh, purple and gold sounds heavenly! I do come across the full length versions at vintage fairs occasionally but the short ones are far more useful - chop it up! xxx
DeleteGiggling over you checking for knickers on the dolls, I did that as well. My dad used to buy me them when he was a chauffeur at a local tannery and drove the bosses all over country. He once got the autograph of Lonnie Donegan when he was picking up one of the big wigs from the airport.
ReplyDeleteFabulous finds this week and sounds like you've had great fun xxx
Lonnie Donegan! My Dad was in a skiffle band in the 1950s and used to sing My Old Man's A Dustman to me when I was a little girl! xxx
DeleteLooking fabulous. I used to have a top like that in tasteful tie-dye velvet and black soutache with mirrors. I really regret giving it away especially after seeing yours. What fabulous finds. Jewellery is a must-have not a nice-to-have. :) Those shoes are gorgeous. You can never have too much glitter in your life. I once bought Red or Dead shoes from a shop in Newcastle in the 90's. They were SO expensive and the sole fell of them the first time that I wore them. I have still got them somewhere, still flappy though. I am in love with your racy red velvet bed. You minx. :) :) :) Xx
ReplyDeleteWhat a shame you parted with that top, why do we do it?
DeleteI always wanted Red or Dead shoes and its the first time I've found some in my size (that I like) in years of hunting. I'll be gutted if the soles drop off these, £3 or not! xxx
Wow! You got some amazing stuff at amazing prices. SOoooo jealous! Love the top that goes with that fabulous bag. The cats eye sunnies I would have wrestled with you for! And I adore those sparkly shoes.
ReplyDeleteBTW, I too used to look up under doll's skirts to check out what kind of knickers they were wearing, if any at all! What do you think that means?
Cheers :)
Theresa
I wonder if it's 'cos we're so clothes obsessed we like everything to be well dressed, including inanimate objects?! xxx
DeleteWow, that top! Me too with the knickers,
ReplyDeleteAnother knicker looker! Aren't we naughty? xxx
DeleteDouble wow! We certainly don't have such variety in my local Salvation Army. Nice work.
ReplyDeleteOur Sally Army chazzas used to be quite good although I haven't come across one in ages! xxx
DeleteI sold a full size caftan very similar to this that was amazing. It looks wonderful with your black hair.
ReplyDeleteThose sparkly shoes are the cat's pyjamas!
You've had some great luck thrifting.
I'm Jonesing for a go myself but this week I'm hunkered down strictly listing the stock I have. MAN that is boring!!! Ugh. I need to train my pug to do this so I can get back out and find some new treasures.
I think everyone looked to see if the dolls were wearing any panties. My Grandma sewed some for my doll.
bisous
Suzanne
I see the full length ones at vintage fairs quite often - my Mum always used to wear hers on Xmas day as she hated Christmas, couldn't be arsed to get dressed and the soutache kind of looked like she'd made the effort.
DeleteI far prefer the searching than the selling! xxx
I seriously do not know how you do it!
ReplyDeleteFor all the travelling my Dad did I don't recall him ever bringing me a souvenir doll, knowing my Dad it was probably because he didn't like them himself.
I had some Red or Dead espadrilles that finally gave up the ghost last year they did bloody good innings.
My brother used to get things like bejewelled daggers, leather hip flasks and bullfighting posters (strange choices for a child!) , I think I drew the short straw! xxx
DeleteWonderful finds, Vix! You've got me all eager to go out to an opshop myself! Xxx
ReplyDeleteGood luck in your rummaging, Jess! xxx
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ReplyDeleteSpam off....
Deletemost fab finds!!!
ReplyDeletebeautiful tunic, perfect hat, gorgeous jewelry, the right makeup to cheer up any autumn day and made for gilbert kitchen ware...... not to mention your fav dolls!
and do you look marvelous in your flamboyant ensemble!!
...and me having an ear worm now......... xxxxxx
Can't beat The Ramones, can you? xxx
Deletemy mother wore a maxi kaftan like yours in the 70s just fabulous to see one still intact and going strong. You have some great stuff there, I can see the frog earings coming out on halloween! The duvet was a giveaway, good quality heavy cotton bed linen is always worth making room for. I am having a weekend away and will be spending my money in Spoons with a bottle of red wine and a veg curry.
ReplyDeleteSnap! So did mine!!!
DeleteHope you had a fantastic weekend away, I do love 'Spoonses sweet potato, chickpea and spinach curry. They've just reintroduced veggie sausages and mash to the menu, highly recommended! xxx
I have to force myself to list endless dolls on ebay shortly , I really did need to have a bit of a cull , I keep finding them in charity shop carriers i had forgotten about ..lol
ReplyDeleteI always buy them 'cos I feel sorry for them, I can't help myself! xxx
DeleteGreat haul! I love seeing what people find. I adore the pom pom duvet set - why are they so expensive new?
ReplyDeleteI'm sure it's something to do with thread count - not sure what exactly! After being spoilt with Egyptian cotton sheets I found second hand a few years ago I can confirm that the cheap stuff just doesn't compare! xxx
DeleteYou're not the only one that likes second hand make up - we sell tons of it at my place.
ReplyDeleteI can't be trusted with anything white but I would have made an exception for that duvet set at a very nice price. Also, people iron bedding? Man alive!
Yep, I used to work with women who ironed their duvet covers and sheets, they were horrified to find out that I didn't! xxx
DeleteThat top is magic. Lucky you.xxx
ReplyDeleteThanks, Sally! xxx
DeleteYour chazzas have certainly come up trumps, unlike ours which are rubbish at the moment. That black velvet tunic is gorgeous, and how wonderful that it matches your favourite bag! My favourites are the catseye sunglasses, the frog earrings and the 1970s spice set, which will be perfect for Gilbert! I walked away from one of those ceramic hands a couple of months ago, then regretted it and sent Jos back for it during the week. Gone, of course ... xxx
ReplyDeleteI nearly walked away from that hand, too - I've already got one but it's full with all my rings - a girl can never have too many ceramic hands or stuff to store their jewellery! xxx
DeleteThose shoes are INSANELY gorgeous! Enjoy your time off, Vix x
ReplyDeleteThanks, Rosie! xxx
DeleteYou cleaned up! What a fabulous set of finds. That jacket is stunning, and obviously meant to find its way with you to compliment the bag you already had. I too find an inordinate amount of stuff still with tags on, often the more glam items - people were saving for 'best' perhaps? A party that never went ahead? I mean, make your own party if you want to wear them I say!
ReplyDeleteWe're finding loads of good stuff in the charity shops at the moment, people are having much more of a clear out than they did in the Spring I think.
I had a look at that Carnegie one-shoulder embellished dress you have, I agree that it's probably from the same collection as my neon orange one, it's got the same overall 'feel' to it hasn't it? Love it! Shame yours isn't my size otherwise I would have felt compelled to buy it off you and reunite the two dresses!
xx
It makes me sad to see fancy clothes with the tags on, too. Like you, I wonder why they don't just wear it anyway even if the party was cancelled. sparkly shoes are for any occasion!
DeleteYou'd have looked amazing in that turquoise dress. So much for bigger girls never finding decent vintage. I'm always finding amazing dresses too big for me! xxx
The tunic and bag are definite keepers. If those shoes were red you could click your heals together!! xx
ReplyDeleteI get lots of emails every time that bag features on my blog begging me to sell it - no way! xxx
DeleteLovely to see the bargains you've treated youself to. I'm so in love with those sparkly Mary Janes, £3? What a steal! Glad I'm not the only one who will try opened make up, there's hardly any decent bits round here at the mo though, so you got a good haul. Gilbert will look fab with the new spice rack too! xxx
ReplyDeleteWith my common sized feet I was amazed that those shoes had been in the clearance shop for a week without selling. Mad!
DeleteI'm always happy to find makeup, skincare and fragrances in charity shops. When I buy stuff I always stick to the same products so it's exciting to try new stuff! xxx
Gorgeous caftan, sparkly shoes, fun duvet...I really want to go shopping with you! You find the best stuff.
ReplyDeleteI don't have a problem with second-hand makeup, either. I just wipe off or sharpen off the used bit and enjoy my new stuff.
Exactly - just wipe it or sharpen it and use it with joy! xxx
DeleteHow glam do you look! Love the hat, I just donated a purple felt hat to a charity shop in town, as it gave me awful hat head and didn't go with anything I owned, it was modern, but very seventies in style. I'm more partial to little perch upon the head at a quirky angle type hats these days!
ReplyDeleteOh those shoes! Be still my beating heart! xxx
I bet whoever discovered your purple hat in the charity shop would have been thrilled with it! Hats are tricky, if they don't fit they're absolute torture and having big red creases across your forehead is never a good look!
DeleteSparkly, non leather shoes with buckles - you need some in your life, too! xxx
Oh my goodness didn't you do well!
ReplyDeleteThe tunic is fabulous and how beautifully it matches the bag - a match made in heaven for sure. A brilliant hat and blue sparkly shoes were an ace find - a bit like Dorothy's ruby slippers but blue! I can't resist a bangle either and you chose some lovely ones; the frog earrings are so cute. I never had a pair of parrot earrings either though I was sorely tempted...
Make the most of your break; it's so good to be able to do exactly what you want to do...
xxxx
I think you need to add some parrot earrings to your already fabulous earring collection! xxx
DeleteWHat an absolutely perfect set of items! The top is a dead ringer for your handbag- brilliant matching there. The trim on the duvet is SO you! I know what you mean about hats- I have similar problems!
ReplyDeleteI am SOOOOOO envious of those red or Dead shoes.I have been stalking pair after pair of those in silver on eBay- desperately seeking size 41 or 42 in the silver, so if you see any, please buy them and I will send you money!!!
The sunglasses are brilliant- how funny you saw them recently for so much more money!!
Hope you are well, xx
If I ever find those shoes in your size, I'll snap 'em up - promise! Stranger things have happened! xxx
DeleteIt's lovely to see your latest acquisitions.
ReplyDeleteThe tunic is gorgeous and right up my street, you look wonderful in it. The bag is a perfect match.
I love those canisters and the sunglasses too. xxx
Thanks, Sally! I'm always charity shopping and rarely keep anything but books for myself, it's nice to have a few keepers! xxx
DeleteLove the shoes.
ReplyDeleteMe, too! x
DeleteI think you should get some kind of prize for an epic thrift haul! I would have climbed over people to get to that velvet tunic too. Any time I find a doll I like at thrift store I check to see if they have any undergarments.
ReplyDeleteI can totally see you in that velvet tunic. I'll have to leave it you in my will! xxx
DeleteYou make some great finds! It seems as though everything comes your way if you wait long enough.
ReplyDeleteIt does, doesn't it? Although I did have to buy my clogs from the manufacturer as the secondhand ones went for the same price as the new ones did on eBay! xxx
DeleteThat kaftan is gorgeous, Vix! How perfectly it matches you bag too - what a find!!
ReplyDeleteHave a beautiful week!
Thanks, Natalia! I'm thrilled with it! xxx
DeleteSuch great finds! The kaftan is absolutely gorgeous and goes so well with your bag xx
ReplyDeleteAren't they perfect together? That bag's been waiting for its sister all her life! xxx
Delete