Showing posts with label thrifting. Show all posts
Showing posts with label thrifting. Show all posts

Friday, April 18, 2014

Houndstooth

Goodness it's been a while since I've done a post. I've been very busy lately, trying to dedicate a balanced amount of time to everything and it just doesn't seem to be working out very well. I am hoping that my posts will soon go back to being more frequent. Anyhoo, though things have been quite stressful lately finding these few things in the charity shops in my town this week felt like a lovely sigh of relief. 

This beautiful vintage green and navy houndstooth suit seemed like a gift from the gods when I saw it hanging on the racks in Lifeline. I quickly swiped it up and took it to the change rooms, praying that it would fit me. And what luck! Never has a jacket fit me so well. And for once I can actually see my hands whilst wearing one. With it's cute peterpan collar, pockets and all, I bought it for just $12.00. At the counter the woman next to me said that she had a suit exactly like it in the 60's but with pants instead of a skirt. She would wear it with bright lime green shoes. How perfect. I'm now on the look out for some to go with it. 

This dress was a sweet little thing to find; not vintage but you can't beat a houndstooth pinafore dress for a cute 60's look. I'm thinking a red polo neck with a matching red beret? I nearly flipped when I saw these vintage strap silver shoes from Grace Bros. Ever since I made this post I'd been pining over a pair of silver shoes. The compact was from a few weeks ago. It has little silver flowers and pearl detailing on the top: a nice little addition to my growing vintage mirror/compact collection. 

 And lastly, I acquired this vintage glasses case. It won't fit much, and certainly not any of my sunglasses. But my little 'Marianne' shades fit it in there very nicely. 















Sunday, November 10, 2013

Blonde Haired Woman in a Bright Green Skirt

During an outing on Friday afternoon the boy had to make a quick trip to the printers. Having not been for what seemed too long, I took the opportunity to visit all the second hand stores in the area, five to be precise. When it was time to come looking for me, by chance having no credit left in his phone, he had to pop his head in the door of each store and ask the person at the counter "Has a blonde haired woman in a bright green skirt by any chance been in here?" Of course each of them said yes, and typically I was found in the last store.

Outfit:

- White lace blouse
- Vintage green skirt
- Vintage white purse
- Scarf from Catherine (see here)
- Black ballerina flats
- New hair cut with Françoise Dorléac in mind

Whilst in this last store, a Salvation Army charity shop, I began conversation with one of the women who worked there. I was informed that the next was the shop's birthday and to celebrate everything would be half-price. Rather excited I made plans to come back again, but had a quick look inside anyway. And goodness I'm glad I did.

Earlier that day I had only been looking at my vintage collection and noticed that I had not any vintage maxi dresses. Whilst browsing I came across this beautiful cyclamen coloured dress. Really, the camera does not do this dress justice. It was a great find for me because I'm quite short, and maxi dresses never seem to fit me, but this fit just right. And for only $7.00 it was a steal. I could have waited and got it the next day for only $3.50 but I was too afraid that it would end up in the clutches of someone else. I also bought myself three burnt orange espresso mugs and saucers by Gempo Fine China - Japan for only $1.50. Pity there was no fourth.


Coming back the next day I found many things:

The above pair of shoes -  $1.50.
They are very tiny, at size 5. I couldn't believe I could fit into them.
It made me wonder, if I can fit into these why can't I fit into these?!

Brocade dress - $5.00


Cisada dress with original tag still intact - $2.50
It has splits right up the side which at first did not appeal to me, but after thinking of pairing it with a pair of black tights like Edie here in a similar looking dress I fell in love with it.

Powder blue chiffon blouse from Suzy Speed - $2.00

Vintage white wrist length gloves - $2.00
Vintage white over the elbow gloves - $3.50

Saturday, April 28, 2012

Navy Shorts and Shoes

 Outfit:

- White blouse
- Navy shorts with giant bow on the waist
- Frilly white knee high socks
- Vintage navy shoes
- Vintage navy bag
- Pearl earrings
- Cameo brooch with bow



I went looking for treasure this Thursday, and though I did not end up going to all the stores I'd hoped to, I still came home with some wonderful things!

 This neat dress. I was a little reluctant to buy it, as it didn't fit me quite as good as I'd hoped, but it reminded me too much of this dolly.

I literally pounced at this little hot pink hat-box shaped plastic wicker bag when I saw it. And it was only $3.00! Really, the picture does not do it any justice. I cannot wait to wear it with my vintage pink beads.

Now this was lucky. At Supanova, (which I mentioned here), I found a pair of white PVC Go-Go boots, something that I've wanted for years. However, I've been trying to save and they were a little too dear for me so I let them pass. But the thrifting gods blessed me with a black suede pair in exactly my size for only $7.00! I'm glad I waited! 

Wednesday, April 4, 2012

Thrift Finds and Jaffa Flavoured Ice Cream

Outfit:

- Black mini dress with peter-pan collar and white trim
- White tights
- Black block-heeled mary-janes
- Vintage white bag
- Black ring
- White bow shaped barrette



This past week I just couldn't seem to find my teasing comb, and it's left my hair completely lost. So, I actually tried something different with my hair for once. No, it's nothing fancy, but it is a change for me! I am notorious for my inability to wear different styles - mainly due to my laziness, but I was really quite pleased with the results. It's also been a long while since I've worn this dress, and I forgot how much I loved it. And luckily for me, I got compliments from strangers all the day for it (which certainly made up for the funny stares that I happened to receive all day too).
Anyway, yesterday I went thrifting, and I think that I may have come home with the biggest load I've ever had.


Brown suede lace-up boots - $8.00
These are not usually my style, but they fit me just right and seemed like a nice change.
Yeah, I know. It's a terrible picture (not that any of the others are any better).


Vintage tapestry bag with chain - $2.00


Chocolate brown satin blouse with false diamond buttons - $4.00

In the glass cabinet in the store where I bought these, there were also three beautiful pairs of gloves. There were black satin elbow-length ones for only $3.00. I wanted them very much, but then I remembered that I already have a pair of mid-length black gloves and two pairs of elbow-length black lace gloves. But that didn't stop me wanting the vintage pair: tan suede elbow-length gloves with three silver buttons on the wrist. They were absolutely beautiful, but unfortunately a little too dear for me. I had to let them pass.


I was then lucky enough to find these! A pair of chocolate brown suede over-the-knee boots, and for only $9.00! I've been dreaming of shoes like these all my life, and hoping every time I enter a second hand store that the perfect pair will be waiting there for me. Lo and behold, I was at last blessed with them yesterday.


In another store a lady called me aside and showed me this most beautiful 1960's nightie with a matching brunch coat, by a brand called Texwear Lingerie. I tried it on and it fits quite nicely, and the material is so beautiful. It reminds me of a little china doll's dress. I had to have it, especially when it was only $12.00. The pictures really don't do it justice.

Polka-Dot Trench Coat - $9.00

Black lace up boots with buckle - $3.00

As soon as I saw these I immediately thought of this man.


Vintage Jewellery Box - $4.00
I've been meaning to buy another vintage jewellery box, as my first one is getting quite packed. I'd come across a couple but they just didn't seem right for the job. This one is near perfect, and coincidently looks very similar to my first one.


When I purchased the box, they lady at the store forget to remove the contents. I didn't realize until I came home that day. And within it was this beautiful little vintage brooch, among other little odds and ends and charms.


Satin night gown with lace trim - $2.00
I am completely in love with this.

I had so many bags that day that at one of the last stores I visited I left without one, and had to rush back to get it! Walking home was also a bit of a job, especially in heels. I had to take them off and walk the way home in tights.

While I was in town, not only did I buy a Jaffa flavoured ice cream, which was amazing, but I also picked up my tickets for The Bootleg Beatles. I really cannot wait to see them, and I'm having such difficulty trying to pick out the most perfect dress to wear.

That night my sisters and I all went up to a family friend's place for a swim and tea. I was telling her about my wonderful finds of the day, and then she brought down her jewellery box. She let me choose anything I wanted, and I will treasure them like I do the first vintage jewellery box she gave me. Here are just a couple of the things she gave to me.


When I saw these I immediately thought of this darling:



(Images: 1. 2. )

Wednesday, March 21, 2012

Stumbling Upon Gold

Outfit:

- Green button-up blouse
- Navy blue jeans
- Vintage tan leather belt
- Vintage tan leather lace up boots
- Vintage tan bag
- Locket


Inspired by Pattie darling:



Today I found some of the most wonderful things!

I decided to venture to my local antique store, as the last time I went there was when I went to see the daytime session of "Breakfast At Tiffany's" just over a month ago. I wasn't expecting anything. I was intending to just have a little look at the clothes, but something caught my eye. Something very wonderful! "Rubber Soul". I'd know that album by the cm2. I ran towards it and picked it up, looking closely to see that it was only $25.00! I began flipping through the stack of LPs before me, hoping for more gold, and yes! "Abbey Road"! And for only $20.00! The only other times I've seen these albums in record stores in my area they've been priced at least twice as much as this. Though my mother already has "Rubber Soul", and two copies of "Abbey Road", I decided to buy them to add to my own personal collection. For that price I'd be mad not too!
I also found a copy of "All Things Must Pass" for $45.00, but it's condition was not too fab. It was all stuck together with sticky tape and written all over with pen. I decided to leave it and spend big for a beautiful copy one day. I told my mother about it when I got home. She then informed me that her copy of this album had never even been played! I knew she had it, but gosh this was a surprise!




I also tried on a few pairs of shoes, but none of them fit quite right, nor was there anything really that I could afford at the moment in the clothes section. I began walking to the counter, still wonderfully pleased with my finds, and then GASP! It got better! The most beautiful dress I could ever dream of. It was only $34.00. I had to try it on. It is a little tight, and the inner lining had been hemmed up unusually high, but it was too beautiful to pass. It looks so perfect hanging in my wardrobe, and I could never had asked for a better colour!


I also had a little visit to some of the second hand stores in my area. I found a pair of vintage red clip-on hoop earrings for $1.00, and my day got even better when I found something I've always wanted. A vintage black velvet choker with a cameo. And for only $3.00.
The first time I ever saw one was in my first year of primary school. It was 'Federation Day'. This meant that we all dressed up in clothing inspired by the early 1900's to celebrate the anniversary of Australia's Federation. At assembly, the principal stood before us all, and around her neck was a black velvet choker with a cameo.
I meant it when I said I've always wanted one.



Today my sister and I were also planning to buy tickets to see a Magic Show, but they were all sold out by the time we got there. And I was thinking of wearing my new dress to it too.

The rest of the afternoon was spent up the coast with my sister getting her laptop fixed and drinking a macadamia milkshake. When we were walking out of the shopping centre I nearly flipped in my shoes when I happened to glance up in a men's clothes shop window and see a picture of Pattie by David Bailey in a grid formation on a sweater! I couldn't believe it, and I wondered how many people passing by would recognize her. I didn't get to see which shop it was as we were in a hurry, but there you go.


And just now before I started making up this post, I received a script from my agent to see if I'm good enough to go forward into acting. I will have a screen test, will be assessed on a variety of things such as script interpretation and emotion, and I will be judged by a directing crew. I really can't believe that I'm doing something like this. It makes me wish very much that I could have done a Screen Test with Andy Warhol. Though I'm very nervous, I'm crossing my fingers that all goes well and something wonderful comes out of it! I want my 15 minutes of fame!