Archive for the ‘Vintage and Fabulous’ Category

(Blazer and scarf: Dorothy Perkins / Tee: H+M / Jeans: Topshop / Bag: Matalan)

I always knew hoarding clothes was a good idea. I woke up to the refreshing realisation that I didn’t need the Zara blazer I had so desperately longed for these past few months. How could I have possibly forgotten this beauty for so many years? Honestly, I don’t think the poor thing has been touched since I had my first interview at 16. Does this count as a vintage piece yet?

So these past couple of days have been very hectic, what with all the hustle and bustle and fussle which comes with moving house. Now that I’m more or less settled into a stable routine, I’m hoping updates around here might be a little more stable too.

One thing I’ve always loved about changing location is the fact it gives you the opportunity to sort out and totally reinvent your wardrobe, ie. in with the new, out with the old, and resurrecting those long forgotten classics that went missing many a month ago. And believe me have I been doing some resurrecting!

Whilst packing up my belongings in preparation for my return to university, I decided I needed some sort of box or tin to encapsulate my accessories. As I searched high and low for a container of the right proportions, I suddenly came across a small sandwich box filled with rubbish. Perfect. As I peeled back the lid, I grabbed a handful of this rubbish and chucked it onto the bed. It was then that it struck me that the term “rubbish” couldn’t have been any less fitting. Long, elegant strands of pearls and crystal beads laced the bedclothes in an ornate fashion; dazzling and breathtaking beneath the mid-afternoon sunlight which splayed across the room. I couldn’t believe it. My deceased grandmother’s jewellery – how could I treat these treasures with such disregard?

I have to say, my grandma must have been one trendy chick. I can’t really remember her style as she died when I was just 5 years old, but from the stories I get from my mum I always envisage her as a woman of a smart, elegant style. She even used to chase women down the street to ask them where they got their skirt from. Brilliant!

Needless to say, I’m sure she would have wanted me to continue wearing her jewellery, particularly at a time when pearls can bring such a bold statement to an outfit. I can also now understand what is so beautiful about vintage jewellery, because believe me, I couldn’t think of anything more off putting than recycling dead-people’s garments! I totally get it now though. It might be a while before you find me donning vintage lace gowns and waistcoats and what have you, but I’m not going to say never!

Question: What are your thoughts on vintage clothing/accessories? Do you have any hand-me-downs from relatives which you really love and are not ashamed to wear?