FOUND - Blogs Keeping Us in the Pink

This from my pal, actress Gretchen Egolf:

"Recently on my way to see my friend Anmarie’s utterly charming and smart play, RE-TALE, I found I had a little time to kill before curtain-up so I popped into the Marie Curie charity shop just steps away from the Hen & Chickens theatre in Islington. In honor of the play and Huntress London (I'd been surfing the blog that week), I was inspired to buy this scene-stealing Diane Von Furstenberg number. Seen here at a film premiere, I felt picture perfect wrapped in DVF's fuchsia wool winner. The dress was just £40. I'd like to thank the Academy, the charity shop, Huntress London, my family..."

I'm flattered that Huntress inspired Gretchen. Her hot pink pick got me thinking about the blogs that inspire me. There are so many but here's a stylish sampling of what I've been clicking on lately:

Kerry Taylor Auctions website & blog CLICK HERE features an online catalogue that is glorious. KT's latest fashion auction is scheduled for 28 April and even if you can't afford to buy, the viewing days prior to the auction are FREE. The blog itself is full of fash history and style ideas. Read and Learn.  

I'm a big fan of Caroline Jones, of Knickers My Own CLICK HERE. She's wearing clothes from Cancer Research Charity shops for the whole of 2015. That's 365 days of 2nd-hand chic. She's good at it too, Caroline makes charity shop style look easy, modern and cool. In the process she's raising money for Cancer Research - I like to think of her as a sartorial philanthropist.

I'm from the American midwest state of Ohio, so a virtual visit to Kent State University's fashion museum feels like coming home. The Online Catalogue CLICK HERE allows you to browse their collection, and oh my what a collection! Lovely photos coupled with informative descriptions. It's a nice way to wile away a Sunday afternoon. 

Not surprisingly I'm both a regular reader and contributor to the Oxfam Fashion blog CLICK HERE. A relentless team of 2nd-hand style bloggers provide great ideas, content and photos, making this blog an eclectic style read. Contributor Britishette CLICK HERE is a personal fave, and writes her own rather compelling blog as well.  

Clea Broad CLICK HERE is not just a milliner, not just a florist but a style story teller. Her creations have the power to transport you to an imaginary fashion paradise. I love looking in on her, virtually. I'm always uplifted by Clea's latest and greatest.  

What style blogs are you reading these days? 

FOUND - Jacket that Drives Me Wild

I found this silk jacket at the new Fara shop in Islington near Angel tube station. It's a product of Shanghai Tang, purveyors of Chinese-inspired fashions for men and women, as well as homeware. Save small light red stains under the arms, this overcoat is perfect and when I wear it the minor flaws are nearly unnoticeable. But it's the defects that fill me with a feeling of freedom to style this topper with abandon, rather than wearing it carefully, with conservative concern. Once or twice I've bought, owned and drove a new car, and each time I've breathed a sigh of relief when my sparkling auto suffered a knock or ding, usually in a shop parking lot. Rather than despair, I found myself feeling like my motor was becoming a useful set of wheels rather than a model kit car that needed protecting at all costs. With high-end clothes my feelings are remarkably similar. Now that it's got a dent, I won't have to save my silk Shanghai Tang for best. Instead I'll wear it over a black bathing suit on holiday, pair it with casual denim and drape it over a summer shift. This luxury fashion becomes all the more luxurious when I've license to wear it recklessly. It was a just £10.     

TRY THIS - Lady Luck x 2 At Auction

I find live auctions an exciting alternative to shop-bought style. And with that in mind, I recently spent an afternoon with Tracie Vallis the Fashion, Fur & Textile expert at Chiswick Auction House (this busy buying pro is also the Toy, Teddy & Doll expert). It was an eye-opener, watching her prepare for the upcoming sale slated for Tuesday 24 March CLICK HERE. Of course fashion 'know-who' is part of Tracie's DNA. Her mother was a model in the 60s - getting her start after being crowned Miss UK 1962. Tracie recalls weekly visits to Biba, Mary Quant and Carnaby Street, zooming about London town in her mom's red Mini. Once she grew up and grew interested in fashion, her mum handed down some of the best-of-the-best fashions from her own wardrobe. Tracie admits she didn't always look after the now-iconic clothing she donned back in the day - lesson learned. 

But before our conversation could continue, Tracie took a phone call and downstairs we scurried, off to meet a client. Enter Ruth rolling a discreet travel case behind her, what would turn out to be virtual Pandora's box of eye-popping pieces. As she unwrapped and revealed all that she intended to sell, I was beguiled by an elongated red fez with faux fur embellishment. Turns out this incredible hat was made for an Yves Saint Laurent runway show when the great man was still among us.

             

Ruth, a Brit living in France, worked for Mr Saint Laurent - part of a sales staff of 13 employed in the showroom for Rive Gauche during the "collections." She also worked for Sonia Rykiel, Chanel, Hermes and others. She describes her fellow showroom staffers as a "traveling circus, going from house to house." She felt particularly appreciated by the boss, Mr YSL, and considered herself part of the Rive Gauche family. Ruth also worked for the International Herald Tribune for a time and her own family founded Kitty Copeland, a once popular dress-maker. 

Spending time with Tracie and Ruth was delightful. Listening to these women - steeped in style - talk designers, trends and tribulations was the kind of informed chit chat that leaves me speechless. Listen and learn Huntress! Whether to buy or just browse (which I highly recommend), VIEWINGS for this particular auction are:

Sunday 22 March noon to 6pm, 

Monday 23 March 10am to 6pm and 

    Tuesday 24 March 10am to 11.45am     

CLICK HERE to see auction catalogue 

FOUND - Charity Shop's Just the Ticket

I found this silk scarf at Mary's Living & Giving shop in Richmond, South West London. Its slightly subversive illustrations are courtesy of Adam Dant, a Jerwood Drawing Prize-winning artist, heralded for his Hogarthian graphic interpretations. I work at The National Theatre and coveted this scarf when it appeared in The NT Book Shop CLICK HERE. I wanted it but walked away stung by the +£100 price tag. It's since dropped to £70 but that's still a "center stalls" price and I've more of a "back of the circle, with a partially obstructed view" budget.

So last weekend I felt like a Tony Award winner when I found this quirky accessory brand new with box for £15 at Mary's tiny charity shop gem on sunny Richmond Green. Yes £15! And here, in this scarf, the real beauty of charity shop hunting is revealed. That right-time-right-place my-lucky-day exhilaration that makes clothing more than clothing is the hallmark of shopping 2nd-hand. Every few months I find something I adored new on the cheap in a charity shop. From a Boden full-skirted dress to Jigsaw satin shoes, patience has paid off. My advice - bide your time, train your eye and style trophies can be yours. 

          

FOUND - Country Cool in Steamy Soho

I found this cotton, unlined, full skirt at Bang Bang on Berwick Street CLICK HERE. Designed by Aquascutum, it's beautifully made, and once paired with a thin denim shirt and my Mulberry belt CLICK HERE, will combine for the sort of English preppy vibe that is right up my fashion thoroughfare. For Spring style I'll top the Aquascutum skirt with my old faithful Burberry trench. These two classic Brit brands are retailing rivals so I can't resist wearing them well and at once. I'm nothing if not a style peacemaker. The skirt was £15.  

TRY THIS - Collar Public School Chic

I found this man's shirt at Mary's Living & Giving shop in Ealing. It was made by New & Lingwood CLICK HERE, not just a shirt maker but a men's outfitter dating back to the 1800s. Miss Elizabeth New and Mr Samuel Lingwood established the company in 1865. A female founder, and unmarried at that, is unusual for a 150-year-old men's clothier (she would eventually make an honest man of Samuel). Located in Eton, New & Lingwood were official outfitters to Eton College, the renowned English public school. By 1922 the company had opened a shop in Jermyn Street but it was sadly destroyed in the Blitz. After the war N&L situated itself on the corner of Piccadilly Arcade where it remains to this day. 

A quality garment, this shirt is softened to perfection from previous wear. If you buy only one thing in charity shops, make it a versatile, well-made men's shirt. It will be your perfect beach cover-up, sleep shirt and casual denim partner. Tied at the waist in the summer or hanging out of a cropped jacket in winter, quality shirts, as Miss Elizabeth knew, well serve stylish men and women alike. This cotton candy striped 2nd-hander was just £6.99.  

FOUND - It's My Cuppa' Silk Skirt, OK?

I found this Orla Kiely lined, silk skirt at The Cat Charity shop on Pitshanger Lane in Ealing. Kiely is an Irish print designer who experienced success after Harrods bought her degree show. She'd been designing for Esprit but with encouragement from her husband established her own label in 1997. Today her simple but evocative repeating patterns can be found on everything from backpacks to bed sheets, and on anyone from The Duchess of Cambridge to Huntress London. This skirt's colour combinations grabbed me from the get-go and once I realized it was OK (Orla Kiely), I snapped it up feeling both smug and lucky. I'm almost embarrassed to admit that it wasn't until I pinned it to the fence to click this picture that I properly saw the coffee pot pattern. For me, this skirt was a series of interesting circles and spaces, conceptual rather than actual. I pride myself on my eye for detail but the strong imagery initially eluded me. All's well, as I am the consummate coffee drinker - me and joe are the best of friends. If you're looking for a relaxing spot to sit and enjoy a mug of java in Ealing, my patch, might I suggest The Electric CLICK HERE. In addition to quality coffee, the staff are friendly and the view over Haven Green, well, green. My 2nd-hand find was £14.99. I've plenty left in my pocket for a black Americano and maybe a slice of banana cake.

For more Orla Kiely CLICK HERE  

FOUND - Bags of Personality & Pedigree

I found these 2 gorgeous handbags at the Avenue Vintage & Antiques Market in West Ealing near the Drayton Court pub & hotel. The top bag from Ferragamo is soft leather with a fabulous braided handle. In 1923 the young, talented Italian Salvatore Ferragamo bought out the Hollywood Boot Shop in Santa Barbara California. And the rest is history. The bottom bag is from Whiting & Davis CLICK HERE, an American company founded just outside Boston in 1876. By 1880 an errand boy, Charles A. Whiting had joined the company, quickly rising through the ranks. 

In 1892 the boy Whiting would weave the company's first metal mesh bag, a fashion sensation that would make the firm's name. Among W&D's many stylish partnerships is their creation of mesh bags for Elsa Schiaparelli starting in 1937, their release of accessories inspired by Cleopatra starring Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton in 1963 and the leather bomber Michael Jackson wore in 1983 in the video for Beat It that featured ring mesh in the shoulders. Today the company primarily makes jewellery - ensuring collectible status for its mesh bags. And indeed both bags came from a personal collection. The wonderful, chatty stallholder was selling off some of her obsession. I assured her these pretty purses were going to a good home. The two together cost only £55. I'm looking forward to visiting her stall again, the last Saturday in January. See you there? 

FOUND - Scotland's Finest in West London

I found these wool trousers at the West Ealing Antiques Fair, courtesy of stallholder Lynn Atkinson whose stylish offerings included 2nd-hand fashions and vintage. From the House of Bruar, these straight ankle skimmers are classified as 'country clothing,' but I feel certain they'll keep this urban hunter toasty warm in the months to come. The House of Bruar is a throw-back, an independent department store that carries everything the discerning shopper might want CLICK HERE. Located about 70 miles west of Edinburgh, it's often referred to as the 'Harrods of Scotland.' Beautifully made, the trousers suffered from a few small holes. I'm sadly not a serious seamstress (if only) but was nonetheless able to mend the tiny flaws with ease. Keep an eye out for the House of Bruar label when 2nd-hand searching - it's good stuff. These pre-owned pants were just £18.  

Change Your Clothes For Good. 

Tweet @TRAID #SecondHandFirst Week 

Thursday late night opening at the Shepherd's Bush shop

CLICK HERE for MORE 

FOUND - Slacking in the Men's Dept

I found these soft wool flannel trousers by Polo at the RSPCA charity shop in central Ealing. I'm sure they're menswear but they've a female figure-flattering cut, plenty of hip space and are decidedly high waisted. More and more I hear friends lament the lack of slacks (my mom's word) with waists that begin above or even at the waist. Why hasn't this style desire filtered down to the main stream fashion world? I wonder, is the FFI* listening? Don't wait, just make a point of carefully trolling the men's rails in your local charity shops. If you come upon a pair of quality trousers, try them on, you've nothing to lose. Men's trousers are naturally cut higher in the waist and if you can find a style that allows for your hips (assuming you've got 'em) then you're walking away happy. These Ralph Lauren bottoms are the foundation of an Annie Hall inspired look I've in mind CLICK HERE. Pants - a paltry £3.50.

*Flippin' Fashion Industry

FOUND - Cashmere Cover Uncovered

I found this cashmere jumper at the Fara Charity shop in Chiswick near Turnham Green Station. It's the most beautiful shade of butter yellow, in good nick, with no moth holes. The only label in the garment is in the side and indicates the jumper was made in Scotland. Success! You can count on the Scots for quality cashmere. I found it in the men's section of the shop. TOP TIP: Always pick through men's 2nd-hand, always. This softie is marked XL but if this is a MAN's extra large, I'm a pot plant. I suspect it's a woman's extra large, and while not actually overly big, it's spot-on for me. A sumptuous basic, perfect for travel and layering. It was £12.

FOUND - Bagging A Little Italian Luxury

I found this Frette silk fringed bag at Traid charity shop in Shepherds Bush (www.traid.org.uk) over the weekend. Traid is relatively new to the charity shop scene; their shop in Shepherds Bush is large, well-stocked and maintained, boasting a friendly staff who were creating a particularly effective window display the day I was in. Frette on the other hand is an Italian textile company that's been knocking about since 1860. In 1894 Frette created the Holy Virgin table cloth for the alter at St Peter's in Rome; however, they may be best known for the luxury linens they've supplied to the likes of The Savoy in London, The Ritz in Paris and The Plaza in NYC. Today a Frette queen-size bed set costs in excess of £300 and their men's pyjamas the same. This company is all about luxury, classic products elevated by their incredible craftsmanship. They are, after all, the firm that originally supplied linens to the famed Orient Express. This silk Frette bag was just £4.99.

TRY THIS - Separate Your Separates

I found this Tory Burch skirt at Oxfam in Ealing, a place that over the summer has been the site of some spectacular finds. This is what the fashion world refers to as a 'separate' or 'coordinate.' More than likely it had a matching piece - a jacket, blouse or cardigan by the same designer made specifically to 'go with' the skirt. If the coordinating piece had been available I would have bought it however, I almost never wear my matching separates together. I find the matchy-matchy look too predictable, too dependant on decisions made by the manufacture. I want to decide how I'll wear a piece. Styling your clothes should be fun, an adventure, a creative dance. Enjoy, even relish stamping YOUR style on YOUR wardrobe. I'll wear this skirt with a crisp white blouse, wide black belt and black wedge espadrilles, and finish it off with an armload of mismatched bangles. I wonder how you'd style this skirt? It was just $6.99.

FOUND - Trendy With Vintage Pricetag

I found these Bally trainers at the Octavia Foundation charity shop in Putney. There's a common misconception that charity shops are full of musty-smelling vintage and straight up junk. Granny gear and chipped teacups. Okay, sometimes, but there's style gold as well. Week after week, I find high-end, big brand fashions at a fraction of their original price. Last week I found a Mulberry belt for £3, this week Bally trainers that retailed when new for £250. High-end style finds bring a smile to my face. So do quirky vintage pieces. What about that musty smell, I hear you sniff. Here's the trick; spray the offending item with white vinegar, then just let it air out. The vinegar will evaporate quite quickly and with it the pong. Wash as normal. You may need to apply and dry more than once, but I assure you this eliminates eau de vintage. But never mind vintage, today I'm bang on trend - call me Mrs Current - in these all-leather kicks from the famous Swiss shoemaker. Nearly new but sporting a vintage price tag, they were just £15. 

Tweet a pic of your best charity shop find to

@annielistening #best2ndever 

FOUND - Silk Shirt Switcheroo

I found this silk t-shirt at the Octavia Foundation charity shop in Ealing last week. It's by Pure Collection, an on-line retailer specializing in cashmere & silk clothing, (www.purecollection.com). This particular shirt retailed for £79 when new. It's actually a v-neck tee but when I tried it on I immediately saw the neckline didn't suit me. Disappointed, I found it difficult to walk away from this quality silk staple. Creativity kicked in. I turned the top back to front and hey presto, I had the perfect silk CREW neck t-shirt that did suit me. I often wear cardies the wrong way round with the buttons running down the back. It's an elegant look that works well with a straight pencil skirt. The easy movement of this silk t-shirt pairs nicely over jeans or tucked into wool trousers. The old switcheroo comes through again. Pure silk for a few pounds. The top was 4 quid. 

Tweet a pic of your current favourite 

2nd-hand gem to @annielistening #best2ndever 

FOUND - Better than a Pig in a Poke

I found these Gucci loafers at The Black & White Shop, 21 Broad Street in Bath, UK. It's a great little place, featuring a mix of quality brands, vintage and just interesting stuff. It's primarily clothing but there are some fun housewares as well. On the staircase that leads up to a tiny men's department is shoe after shoe after shoe arranged nicely by size, although I spotted these classics in the front window. After you pop into The Black and White Shop, head just a half a block down the hill to The Pig and Fiddle, a laid back pub serving a pulled pork sandwich that's one of the best to ever cross my lips. The Gucci's were just £30. 

FOUND - The Quiet American

I found this Tory Burch ribbed jumper in the Octavia Foundation charity shop in Ealing. Tory Burch is an American designer who founded her brand in 2004 with one store in Manhattan. She now has 120 shops and a presence in 3,000 retailers across the globe. Her celebrity fans include Jessica Alba, Blake Lively and Cameron Diaz. And still the Tory Burch label is relatively unknown and under-appreciated in the UK. Tory's got a J Crew pre-Jenna-Lyons vibe, preppy, with a bit of Lilly Pulitzer's moneyed-Miami look thrown in for good measure. TB ready-to-wear is starting to turn up in UK charity shops for peanuts. My mom adores Tory so this will be passed on to her. I should keep it until Christmas but I'll never be able to wait, so pleased am I with this fashion find. Don't tell anyone it cost just £6.       

FOUND - Grabbed Bab's Fab Bag

I found this handbag at the Octavia Foundation charity shop near South Ken Tube station. It's Barbara Hulaniki for Coccinelle. The Polish-born, English-raised illustrator and designer is the founder of the iconic 60s/70s label BIBA, a fashion phenomenon that almost never got off the ground. After several failed attempts, Hulaniki and her husband gave it one last try, creating a gingham dress with a round cut-out back. It was a hit, selling thousands, and so began BIBA's success. With David Bowie and Marianne Faithful as regulars, it's no wonder the modest BIBA shop in South Ken grew into a 5 story department store, complete with restaurant roof garden. Coccinelle is an Italian brand founded in 1978 (2 years after BIBA shut its doors). Known for high quality accessories, Coccinelle's partnership with Barbara has ensured the simplicity of their handbag range remains eye catching and fresh. This bag was £24.

TRY THIS - Damaged Goodness

This is the frayed sleeve of my classic Burberry mac. I found it 12 years ago at a stall in Camden Market. I'm not a strictly vintage hunter, there are any number of up-scale contemporary labels that I covet. But even if I were loaded to the gills, I don't think I'd buy high-end brand new. I find lightly worn up-scale fashions far more interesting than those that are pristine and untouched. Along with this beloved Burberry, I cherish my soft cashmere jumpers that boast neat, tiny repairs, my Mulberry bag that's worn where for years it's rubbed against my side and my 2nd-hand scuffed up Gucci loafers. Each posh but lived-in piece retains its fashion status while hinting at a more mysterious story, a checkered past. Don't summarily dismiss damaged goods - some flaws are invaluable assets.      

FOUND - Red & White Equine Finery

I found this silk Celine scarf at a Cancer Research charity shop in Ealing, West London. Husband-and-wife team Richard and Celine Vipiana founded the label in 1945 and their first shop in Paris began life as a children's shoe store. In 1967 Celine's current logo was unveiled; a horsey pattern based on an 19th century American engraving that Richard found in a book. Gallop ahead to 1997 when Michael Kors takes over as lead designer at Celine, duties that today fall to Phoebe Philo. Consistently a red-carpet favourite, Celine finally opened its first London flagship in March 2014. Some charity shops know the difference between a horse and a hole in the wall. And some don't. Either way charity shops are consistently a happy hunting ground for high-end scarves. This one rode in at just £2.65.