Tartan for Christmas

I'm back home for the holidays and whilst here had my usual snoop round the charity shops to see if I could pick anything up for the party season (all my sparkles and winter clothing is still in storage since leaving uni, boo). When I was browsing I saw this gorgeous cream and red tartan peeking out at me on a rail, I pulled on the skirt and realised it was ankle length and a fair few sizes too large. However because of the amazing quality of the wool and the shape it was easy to take in the sides and make into a shorter length on the sewing machine, this was just £3 and I'm going to use the extra material to make a cushion cover for when Becky and I move into our new home in a few months time.

I was particularly thrilled with this tartan pattern because I've always loved F.R.I.E.N.D.S and particularly some of the looks Rachel is seen wearing in the first couple of seasons (first aired in the early 90s). I've always wanted to recreate this tartan skirt look with a cream and red patterned skirt and this skirt is just the ticket! 

I also paired the skirt with this cream velvety top with a flattering sweetheart neckline (also a vintage find- St. Michel) which I also found on my trip to the charity shop for just £1. What did you wear this Christmas? 

Charity Shop Finds IV

Yes, you guessed it; it’s another Charity Shop Finds post from me! The urge for bargain hunting remains strong as I try to seek out all of the bargains to be found on this island before heading back to the mainland (England) next week. This post features a few things I've found over the past few weeks…

This cute vintage button down dress was £4. It was originally a size 16, unflattering, above-ankle length dress so I whipped the sewing machine out and took in the sides and shortened it to a more flattering length. I absolutely love the print and the style of this dress (reminiscent of some of Motel’s recent cuts) - it will look great with some low denier tights and black boots. (Excuse the poor ironing). 

This silver engraved collar necklace was only £2 and has absolutely beautiful detailing which makes me think it’s probably vintage costume jewellery- perfect for minimal accessorising.

As we all know, winter is now fully on the way and making its presence loud and clear. Never one to shy away from knitwear (more like run round a shop with armfuls) I bought two quite similar high necked wool jumpers in a deep red and cream for £4 and £2. The red one will be great for December and cream really does go with anything so will come in handy for layering. I also got this grey silvery cropped eyelash jumper for £4 (originally from Miss Selfridge) which is on trend for some 90s glam and will be something a little different to my usual leather jacket cover up for evening drinks.

Other recent finds include a See by Chloe blouse £3, boucle pencil skirt £4, black work trousers £2, boxed Pretty Polly stockings £2 (so expensive normally and they ladder so easily!), gold plunge top £3, blue sparkly backless dress £3. 

Charity Shop Finds II

So yesterday I went venturing out for a snoop in Les Bourgs Hospice charity shop once again to try my luck in finding some new bits and pieces. They had half price (half price at charity shops?!) on all of their woollens and so I made the most of this and stocked up on some amazing vintage finds for the winter. Firstly I found this lovely ribbed, high neck jumper which is also 70% lambswool which I think will definitely keep me toasty when moving to Manchester comes along this autumn! I love the pearl embellishment on the shoulders and the ribbed knit keeps this on trend, this cost just £2!

My favourite find was this absolutely incredible vintage navy wool jacket/cardigan with a black velvet collar and pocket flaps. This is fantastically made and, again, the knit is 100% wool. I love the gold buttons which add a bit of brightness to the jacket and, although a size L, this will look great unbuttoned as an oversized piece this winter. Again, this only cost £2! The velvet definitely drew me to this when I first saw the collar peeking out of a jam-packed rail, I’d say I’m somewhat of a velvet magpie when it comes to clothes which you shall see by my other finds…

This jacket is another unique velvety vintage piece which I snapped up for £6. I think I will take out the shoulder pads as they make the shape of the jacket just a little too boxy on my petite frame. I love the maximalism of this (just love channelling Henry VIII)- the all over gold and burgundy embroidery, the gold knot buttons, and the black velvet background; this is opulence and OTT at its best. Perfect for this seasons winter wardrobe.

Lastly I got this dusky pink velvet (again!) turban type thing which will be great for when I eventually am a grown up with a well-paid job and I go on a skiing holiday. However, for now it might be best for the harsh Northern winters that I’m going to have to get used to and will do as an alternative to some earmuffs. I don’t usually ‘do’ pink (and I don’t think I actually own any pink clothes!) but I got talked into this by my Mum and so we shall see if it actually gets any wear. If not, I’ll give it to my friend Kate who loves a nice bit of winter headgear (I’ll refrain from posting any photos of the woolly pompom headband circa Fresher’s 2k11).

This trip to Les Bourgs was perhaps my best trip yet- all my finds were incredible vintage quality for virtual pocket change. I’m a massive advocate for self-sourced vintage items, my boyfriend would call me a style snob but don’t we all love having a few things hanging in our wardrobes that no one else is going to have? And at such good quality? It’s so true when your grandma says that they don’t make clothes like they used to… ;)