Fashion week has been and gone, like a skinny whirlwind with extra long eye lashes. Whilst I get terribly excited about the new trends, I never follow them to the letter. Jeez, it would be impossible to keep up for a start. With fashion shops churning out new stock every week, it all gets a little too much.
I thought I'd let you see inside my wardrobe and show you how I like to wear it! It's a huge mix of vintage, designer and high street, 85% of my wardrobe has been bought in dress agencies, charity shops and vintage fairs for a fraction of the full retail price.
It is possible for you to look on trend AND not have to sell your soul to the Mastercard devil.....as I've told you previously, it just takes a little searching and a sprinkle of patience.
First out of the closet comes my Ossie Clark for Radley dress with a Ceila Birtwell print. This little honey will never go out of fashion as far as I'm concerned but this season, she's giving the prints trend a run for their money! I'm going to belt her right up, wear her with my boots until Spring, then make like the girl in the Flake advert and go dreamy by adding some gladiators sandals and a fedora when the weather turns a little balmy.... For a super 70's look, my vintage fur or sheepskin gillet with this has me coming over all Rolling Stones.
I've also been known to crack out the Zara faux leather gilet and Pierre Hardy shoe boots too.
And after Ossie comes another 70's fave, Jean Allen. These flares are so damn wide, it just looks like a maxi-skirt when it's on. Another nod to the print trend, I like to keep it simple with a black vest and heels.
If it was nippy, I'd be adding my black biker jacket. You could give the clash trend a go and wear it with a Breton stripe too.
I've had this wee beauty for a few years, picked up in a charity shop. It's a Kenzo kimono jacket from the late 80's. Kimono jackets are big again this Spring and you can either go a little light and whimsical with them, or more structured like mine. Why, with this one, I'm even doing the clash prints without even trying.....
Next up is my fab Christian Lacroix knitted maxi. It's actually very Missoni! I love to wear this with my black leather blazer and some boots. Equally, it's great in the Spring with sandals!
Now and then I have sourced something a little bit fabulous. Like when I found this 1968 Biba lurex long cardi in a local vintage store. I've worn it with skinny jeans but also with leather shorts and long boots to properly get into the 60's vibe. I'm thinking its previous owner would have rocked it with hot pants and go-go boots!
One of my favourite evening outfits comes courtesy of some vintage Gucci and Yves Saint Laurent. Both dress agency buys, the white leather jacket is bang on trend for this season and is in mint condition! I nearly fell over when I found it. The skirt is made up of velvet ribbons all threaded through the top of the material. A total work of art and makes me feel a million dollars!
When I'm feeling ladylike, I'm loving my cashmere Biba jumper (a few seasons old EBAY purchase), my Frank Usher vintage gold maxi and a 1950's fitted jacket. Hair piled on top of my head, I feel like the Lady of the Manor.... if only I was more Downton than Downtown.....
On the weekend when I'm generally working in the boutique, comfort is key. A maxi skirt (as you can see my faves) is great for covering up my white legs. This one from the 80's, with my Converse, Earl Jeans denim and my Mulberry Bayswater for a little bit of colour, makes for a super comfy day on my feet!
Lastly, my fave Chanel jacket from the mid 90's (bought through a dress agency called Very Boutique that I follow on Twitter - yes you can get bargains all over the place people!). I like to wear it with leather skinnies, a bit of bling and unfeasibly high shoes.........
