FOUND - Classic Coat Is A Real Belter

I found this classic safari jacket at the Cat Charity shop on lovely Pitshanger Lane, Ealing. It was created by Poivre Blanc, a French company founded in 1984 and best known for ski and tennis gear. Safari jackets however are a much older proposition, probably dating back as far as the 1800s when military officials wore them in far flung tropical climates. By 1968 Yves Saint Laurent re-imagined the utilitarian garment, revealing it in his Saharieene Collection. And when model Veruschka was photographed for Vogue wearing the YSL safari jacket, mini-skirt, floppy hat and low-slung belt CLICK HERE, sartorial history was made. My 2nd-hand jacket came with a matching belt that I'll wear with a dress or trousers. Pairing this jacket with my military belt (yesterday's post CLICK HERE) adds interest and an air of high-end. I'll pop it on over cropped, faded black jeans and pointy leopard-print flats. I bagged this useful classic for just £4.99. 

     

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 - Beauty Buys, 2nd-Hand to Boot(s)

I find beauty products wildly enticing but often disappointing, not to mention expensive. I've 5 cheap and cheerful winners - one that I even picked up recently in a charity shop. 

DRY BRUSHING - This a time-honored way of exfoliating. An invigorating way to start the day, you'll experience increased circulation and smoother skin. Body brushes are widely available and far more economical than jars of goopy, gritty exfoliating products. Dry brush your pins before shaving for super smooth, glowing limbs.

PALMERS COCO BUTTER - A luscious cream that comes in any number of formulations, I prefer the super concentrated stuff. Palmers does what it claims and smells like a Butter Fingers candy bar, a favourite sweet that I stock up on when visiting the ole' USA.

L'OCCITANE SOAP - When did soap become retro? When over-perfumed, wasteful shower gels hit the market. Nothing makes me smile in the shower more than a newly unwrapped cake of bubbles. I stock up on preferred brands - L'Occitane and Claus Porto - when I find them on sale. Soap lasts and lasts, making it highly economical. The 2 tiny brand new bars here were actually found in the Cat Charity Shop on Pitshanger Lane in Ealing for 50p. Talk about pre-owned pleasures!

FLORIDA WATER - This 19th century invention was made for men and women, so its scent is spicy, citrus and fresh. It's what was once referred to as an After-Bath-Splash, and is particularly refreshing in summer after being cooled in the fridge. The name refers to the fabled Fountain of Youth said to be located in Florida. I found this at the Ealing AfroEuro Hair & Beauty Shop at 209 Uxbridge Road (available on Ebay and Amazon too).        

HOLLYWOOD FASHION TAPE - These double-sided pre-cut strips do one thing really well. That bra-revealing gap in your button-up shirt? This keeps it closed, letting your shirt lay against your bosom flat and happy. I buy loads when I'm in the US but it's easily located online too. 

FOUND - Pre-Owned Pastel Perfection

I found this Mondi cotton blouse at the Cat Charity on Pitshanger Lane, Ealing. Mondi started life as a knitwear company in Munich in 1967. The name comes from the Latin word "mundi," meaning "world." The company expanded beyond knits, growing in the 70s and 80s in large part due to loyal and high-profile customers like Princess Diana.

In the 90s the face of Mondi was Christy Trulington, and by 1995 Mondi sold its wares in 54 countries world-wide, through 2300 specialty shops, 100 company-owned stores, 200 franchises and a capsule collection on the Queen Elizabeth II. But recession hit the company hard and troubles followed. It remains an eclectic brand, cosmopolitan and daring due to the diversity of designers Mondi employed. Lookout for it in charity shops - this double breasted blouse was just £1.  

#SecondHandFirst 

  @Traid CLICK HERE for Details    

FOUND - Skirt with a Checkered Future

I found this Cacharel pencil skirt at the Cats Protection charity shop on Pitshanger Lane in Ealing. The French brand Cacharel was founded when John Bousquet in 1958 decided to leave his home in Nimes to go to Paris where, in a tiny studio, he would design his first collection. It was a resounding success and Cacharel was born. Maybe best known now for its wildly popular perfume Anais Anais, the likes of Clement-Ribeiro and Eley Kishimoto have created the ready-to-wear label's quirky but feminine look. This skirt, while relatively new and practically unworn, gives off a distinctively retro vibe. The gingham (stretch) fabric is reminiscent of French style-icon Brigette Bardot. The versatility of the skirt is easily illustrated by the variety of shoes that coordinate nicely with it. A kind of 'wow basic,' this skirt is capable of sending any number of style signals depending on the mood of the wearer. From a contrasting print blouse to pulling it on over all black - the possibilities are endless. No more skirting the issue, it was £5. 

The Northfields Jumble Trail CLICK HERE is 

            this Saturday 10am-3pm. See you there!            

FOUND - Velvet Ghost in The Machine

I found this blouse at a charity shop that raises money to protect cats, located on Pitshanger Lane in Ealing. It's from Ghost, an iconic British design house founded by Tanya Sarne and Katherine Hamnett in 1984. Praised for its unique use of rayon, the well-known Ghost dress had a crinkled texture making it incredibly easy to wear and pack. The idiosyncratic Ghost look has been dubbed a 'quiet revolution' and considered a key moment in fashion history. In 2006 the label was sold and Sarne left the company. This velvet apparition was given to my friend Susan who first told me about the brand. She wore Ghost in the 80s and has loved it ever since. The label inside this top says 'Made in England,' confirming its pre-2006 status. It wasn't scary at just £5.