FOUND - Coat From Another Time & Place

I found this cotton jacket at the Cancer Research charity shop near Ealing Broadway. It reminded me of the sort of thing that hung on hook in our garage when I was a kid in small town Ohio. My mom would have pulled it on before jumping in the car to zoom up to the local grocery after realizing she didn't have enough milk or eggs or tinned tomatoes. It's the perfect weekend topper; relaxed tom-boy style. When my husband spotted me wearing it, he said, "Nice Harrington." Not more cockney rhyming slang I thought. But it turns out this jacket is a Harrington, the sort of coat James Dean, Frank Sinatra and Rodney Harrington made famous. Rodney is the fictional character played by a young Ryan O'Neal in the 60s blockbuster TV soap opera Peyton Place. Rodney, a kid from a well-off family falls for Mia Farrow's character, Allison MacKenzie, a girl whose father is in prison. Ryan-as-Rodney wore a jacket not unlike this one, and it was consequently dubbed the Harrington. Not long ago I read Peyton Place, the book-come-film-come-TV show that caused a huge stir in the 50s when it debuted. It was once considered trashy and trite but today on reflection Grace Metalious' novel is nothing short of a classic, much like the jacket it inspired. The price of Peyton Place weekend chic? £10.        

TRY THIS - Button Back Spring Green

I found this wool cardigan at the Cancer Research charity shop in Ealing Broadway. The perfect Spring green, this stylish Jaeger staple was Made in England and features all the little details that define the best of the brand. A grosgrain ribbon runs along the inside of the button holes and the buttons themselves are perfect metal petals. 

The great Diane Vreeland of Harper's Bazaar and Vogue always wore her cardigans back to front. Try it, I do, often. Turn them round and wear them like a long sleeve t-shirt - your transformed topper will make a surprisingly stylish exit. I'll pair this one with black crops and pointy flats for a colour block look that's at once contemporary and classic. This richly-hued cardie was a paltry £4.99.

TRY THIS - Be Inspired by the Flapper in You

I found this book at the Cancer Research charity shop in Putney. I'm not alone, I don't suspect, in my fascination with the 1920s, a "dangerous generation." The 6 women featured in Flappers include socialite Diana Cooper, activist Nancy Cunard, actress Tallulah Bankhead, dancer Josephine Baker, painter Tamara de Lempicka and 20s flag bearer Zelda Fitzgerald. 

"None of them got as far as they wanted, and they all had to settle for being artistic rather than artists."                     The Guardian 

I'm particularly drawn to Zelda - the wife of F Scott - for like me, she was an aspiring writer born in Alabama. My Southern roots aren't deep. I've no independent memory of the small military town, Ozark, where I was born. But it is in fact the sheer brevity of my early time in Dixie that makes the place and its people all the more compelling in my head. My mother tells a story of finding a snake in my baby shoe one morning and recalls the real poverty they faced trying to make ends meet on my father's Army salary. Accounts of Zelda's life and my own recreate the American South in my imagination, at once dark and garish. It's a mysterious never-never landscape that I cannot resist visiting.      

For the full review of Flappers in The Guardian CLICK HERE

FOUND - A Ticket to Cheap Chic

I found this style guide at the Cancer Research charity shop in Kilburn CLICK HERE. I was in the area to see The House That Will Not Stand at The Tricycle Theatre, indeed the most memorable play I saw in 2014. I headed over early, hoping the buzzy high street would reveal some 2nd-hand secrets. Seems the stars were aligned on the day because I bagged a book apropos of the evening. The House That Will Not Stand is set in New Orleans, 1836. Following an era of French colonial rule, Louisiana's "free people of colour" are prospering, but at a price. This remarkable drama, brimming with vibrant and compelling female characters, stormed the stage, and my imagination for days to follow. So it seemed a cherry on my theatrical sundae to find a fashion book with a French connection and female author. I was a bit sniffy about this book when it hit the shelves, feeling I had it up to my oo la la with so-called French fashion supremacy. However, this is a terrific read full of specific and inspirational style advice, as well as small French shop recommendations. The book was £2, less than a tub of ice cream at the interval. 

Eurostar is currently offering £59 

trips to Paris CLICK HERE (book before 14 Jan)  

FOUND - It Booked A Place With Me

I found this big, gorgeous, fashion book - circa 1986 - at the West Ealing Antiques Fair in a stall hosted by the Cancer Research charity. If you read Huntress London regularly, you know how much I appreciate style inspiration between bound covers for the price of a glossy magazine. If you ONLY pop into charity shops in search of second-hand style bibles, I say bravo. This one features photography from famed snappers Horst P Horst, Cecil Beaton, Irving Penn, Karen Radkai, Norman Parkinson and others. A fantastic find for a fiver. I'll let the pictures speak a 1000 words.

 - 

Find more fab fash photos

 at The V&A's Horst Exhibit 

until 4 January

FOUND - No Fence Sitting For My Midi

I found this vintage taffeta midi skirt at The Cancer Research charity shop near Ealing Broadway station. Lined and Made in England, this electric blue skirt lit up my 2nd-hand hunting last week. Paired with my old faves - black & gold sculpted wedge heels - along with a white blouse, lots of jewellery and wide black belt, I've got date night with the Mister well in hand.  

I plan to debut my lady-like skirt at our traditional holiday shopping night, followed by dinner for two at Zedel CLICK HERE. After braving the crowds, he'll be happy to tuck into Steak et Frites and I'm dying to try the Crabe Mayonnaise. A few glasses of wine, conversation and Profiteroles with 2 spoons will do us nicely. Zedel is a wonder under Piccadilly Circus, "a grand Parisian brassiere transported to the heart of London." The 1920s, 30s and 40s greet you the moment you descend the wide, film-star staircase. From the classic coat check to the Art Deco cocktail bar, enjoy the side order of glamour, no extra charge. My Pastella skirt is perfect for the occasion and at only £6.99, I can spring for an extra dessert.     

FOUND - Making a Break from the Pack

I found this 100% silk top at the Cancer Research charity shop not far from Ealing Broadway Station. It's from Jigsaw, one of my preferred high-street retailers. Jigsaw, Toast, Boden and a few others create clothing that occasionally capture my imagination. It's their shops that leave me uninspired. Rails and rails of what are referred to as 'size runs' hang with lifeless organization; two size 8s, three size 10s, 3 size 12s, 2 size 14s and 2 size 16s. Repeat with dresses. Repeat with trousers. Repeat. Lined up like identical inmates waiting for day release, they take on a mob mentality. The lack of diversity on the rails leaves me stifled. Each piece's individuality is muffled as the spectacular order imposed on the merchandise serves to blind me to any sartorial potential. Of course, the sea of sameness inspires many shoppers, compelling them to reach for their wallets. But not me. Give me a rail full of one-offs, a riot of colour and texture, singing chaos and dancing diversity. Give me a typical charity shop selection and my style sense soars. This Jigsaw top, hanging hopefully between a purple cotton t-shirt and an 80s green print blouse, was just £5.     

FOUND - 2nd-Hand Songstress Style

Not surprisingly, many of my friends are also 2nd-hand hunters - it seems we gather in groups to compare style notes and admire one another's finds. These talented women are also actors, directors, sculptors, painters, illustrators, musician & songwriters. 

Enter Cassie, who found both the hat and skirt above at the Cancer Research charity shop on Portobello Road. A double-bubble hunting hit. (Do forgive the technical jargon.) The hat is unbranded so Cassie embraces its mystery. The skirt - by Fenn Wright Manson - will be transformed on her. Think Stevie Nicks with a dash for Mimi from La bohème for flavor. The skirt was £9 and the hat was £6.   

"With these pieces I'm channeling my love of all things fin de siecle. I think I make that association because velvet always feels so ostentatious and luxurious to me, whatever form it takes," Cassie reveals.

Her artistry? Below a spectacular video recalling, for me, sumptuous fashion illustrations of the 20 and 30s. Listen up - it's Cassie's music, both her voice and song providing the stylish underscoring to these inspiring moving pictures.     

If you're interested in original music for your fashion video, advertisement or artistic project, or just love Cassie's music (like I do) CLICK HERE for more.   

FOUND - Another 'Never Buy New' Belt

I found this belt at the Cancer Research charity shop near Ealing Broadway Station last week. I've said it before and I'm sure to say it again; never buy a belt new. Fantastic, high-end and simply well-made waist cinchers are easy pickings in charity shops. This one quite possibly my best buy ever. Best ever - really. There it hung among other cheaper, less enticing belts; you look at a few frogs before you find a perfect pre-owned prince. I saw, I wondered, I hoped. And there on the back of one of the straps, imprinted into the leather, the word Mulberry appeared. I nearly fainted. The belt reminds me of Lauren Hutton, the 70s model who originated the gapped tooth smile. She who typified the safari chic this belt is channelling. And Mulberry?  Only an English classic. How much, you ask? I fear you won't believe me, but it was just £3. Honest.

TRY THIS - Charity Shop Haggling?

I found these high waisted Pepe jeans at the Cancer Research charity shop in Ealing last week. They were a bargain so it never occurred to me to haggle over the price. But this week I watched a woman stomp out of a charity shop when the manager wouldn't sell her a dress for less than the marked price. My friend Susan, the very definition of discretion and manners, has been known to ask for and be granted a discount on charity shop fashions. If you seek to haggle, save it for items that are higher priced; Susan, for example, would never quibble over a 6 quid pair of jeans (in point of fact, she'd never buy jeans, not her look). I suggest you become a regular in a charity shop before asking for a discount. Loyal customers are more likely to be granted the little favours they seek. And if the manager is unable to accommodate you, thank her for considering your request. Real style starts with a gracious way and understanding manner. Yes, these jeans were just £6, no haggling required.

FOUND - Bless My Cotton Socks

I found these Falke socks at a Cancer Research charity shop in Ealing, unworn and still in their original packaging. Falke is a German company founded in 1895; contemporary products, including gloriously coloured tights, are sold at Harrods, Harvey Nics, Neiman Marcus and other hoity-toity retailers. A wool/cotton mix, these socks are anatomically correct; there's a little 'L' on the left sock and 'R' on the right. In nearly every charity shop on the planet you'll find a basket of miscellaneous bits & bobs that the shop manager can't figure out how to display - that's where I found this fancy footwear. So step lively and start rummaging through baskets, boxes and bowls. These cost a pound a pair. 

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.