FOUND - Sincerest Form of Flattery?

 

I find ethnic-inspired fashion captivating. It engages my imagination and sets me off wondering, probing, researching. Whether a mock jade necklace or a tartan scarf, a java print blouse or Native American beaded bracelet, I'm drawn to styles that tell a story other than my own. I'm well aware that "the story" is highly managed and edited by the Fashion Industry. Very few of my ethnic fashions are authentic - made AND worn by the cultures they claim to represent. These 2nd-hand finds are a re-telling, a fashion adaptation. But is there anything entirely original? Influence can be subtle but it's unceasingly influential. In fact it seems to me the Fashion Industry would self destruct if it weren't able to call on the creative output of other cultures. That said, non-Western manufacturers, large and small, are producing ethnic fashions for a real and virtual tourist market CLICK HERE. They're adding their own twist - often an act of subtraction - to their own culture, Westernizing their fashion output to suit our perceived tastes. And what of designers like Yohji Yamamoto and Issy Miyake? Rather than capitalizing on the stereotypical exoticism of their culture, they travel a very personal creative road, in an effort to navigate their idiosyncratic vision rather than ethnicity's preordained path. My fake jade necklace - made of stone - was £4.99 at Oxfam in Ealing. A fiver for your thoughts on ethnic-inspired fashion?

TRY THIS - Ladies, You've Been Framed

I often find the graphic designs of album covers sing with style, and none more so than these. Bought several years ago at Ealing charity shops - La Traviata from Oxfam and Madame Butterfly (below) from Fara (both less than a fiver) - they were framed only last week at the Accession Community Shop & Picture Framing Studio in West Ealing CLICK HERE. Accession is an interesting local enterprise, a partnership between Ealing Council and West London Mental Health Trust. It seeks to support over 80 individuals with mental health and learning disabilities through opportunities to work. The West Ealing Accession shop, nicely laid out and filled with quality secondhand chic, also features an open plan framing workshop. There, people are learning this useful craft. Thrilled with the result, I'll hang these pleasing portraits in my dressing room. The framing cost was a rather reasonable £28 per album cover. Thanks Accession! 

TRY THIS - Book Your Place in Style

I find I'm in need of confession. Forgive me but I bought a glossy fash mag. Huntress London preaches the pleasure of fashion books rather than glossy pulp but over the weekend, in a moment of madness, I gave in to the fleeting allure of April's Vogue. The day before I'd picked up Shoes, a good-looking little read from Ealing Oxfam, so nestled on the sofa with a cup of coffee, I prepared to spend the afternoon style surfing. I dove into Vogue, enjoying a feature on author Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie (loved the dress she was pictured wearing, her own creation) and cut out a useful compilation of UK vintage shops courtesy of woman-in-the-know Harriet Walker. Otherwise, the magazine was the Cara show. No less than 5 adverts, 8 pages of editorial, as well as the cover featured Ms Delevingne. Please Alexandra Shulman, give us different faces, bodies, shapes, skin colours and attitudes. Cara is stylish but we're saturated, thank you. 

I moved on to my little book. From the Renaissance to the Swingin' 60s, from button-up boots to Doc Martens, from Chuck Taylor to Imelda Marcos this publication is packed with facts, illustrations, photos and inspiration. Did you know that between 1927 and 1960 Salvatore Ferragamo produced 20,000 shoe designs and Charles Jourdan is credited with creating the stiletto? 

Lesson learned. Practice what you preach Huntress! Secondhand books provide far more fashion inspo and info than the predictable pages of fash mags. And my solid shoe book was half the price of the latest but lacking Vogue.  

For more style book recommendations read 

Huntress London for Oxfam Fashion CLICK HERE 

TRY THIS - Public Displays of Affection

I find myself anxious to buy Mary Portas' memoir Shop Girl - but in true Huntress style, I'll wait until it turns up in a charity shop, ideally one of Mary's Living & Giving shops CLICK HERE. In the meantime, I found what I think must be her first book on the shelves of my local Oxfam for just 99p. This is a fantastic addition to my style library - well worth it if only for the photos. While Mary began her career at Harrods, the retailing renegade came to prominence at Harvey Nichols where, among other things, she elevated window dressing to an art form. As Director of Marketing, she understood that a shop's glass frontage was not only its most economical advertising tool but could be its most compelling.      

You wouldn't want to judge this Thames & Hudson publication by its cover. Looking a little like a study text, it's actually brimming with inspiration, facts, quotes and images from around the world.

I was recently chatting with a shop owner who said he found it difficult to conjure the style vibe of 1990s. Windows, published in 1999, encapsulates the decade with ease. It's like looking back over your shoulder. There it is, that indefinable era. The one that still hides out in the darker recess of your wardrobe.

British designer Paul Smith is quoted in the book, saying, "With windows you have just a few seconds to get someone's attention; visual humor is the most effective way, transcending the barriers of both language and budget." And I couldn't agree more. 

The shop I ran from 2006 to 2010 boasted a big, bright shop window that I tried to use to maximum effect. So when the former PM and his wife moved in around the corner, I couldn't resist the opportunity to welcome them to the neighborhood. While Mrs B never popped in, this cheeky window display made the newspapers, as well as industry publication Drapers. Now that's clearly marketing that money can't buy - right Mary? 

TRY THIS - Make a Date with Paste

I find myself longing to sew, paint and draw, but sadly I'm unskilled when it comes to manual crafts. I'm tempted to say I've two left hands but aren't southpaws well-known for their artistic dexterity? While I can turn a phrase, turning-up a trouser leg is well and truly beyond me. 

However, it is possible for the craft-less to conjure a project. Glue stick at the ready, I cobbled together these party invitations all by myself. Old black & white postcards spotted at Oxfam in Ealing are my foundation. Interesting bits and pieces cut from magazines and free catalogs are added. Place, paste and like magic it seems even I'm crafty.

        

Party details - date, time, place - are simply handwritten on the back of the cards. Popping with personality, I think these rival any store-bought variety. The 12 old postcards were 10p apiece and the glue stick a pound. The feeling of DIY pride - priceless.

These unique little mementos remind everyone that we're off to Zedel's CLICK HERE in March to celebrate my friend Susan's 70th birthday - paper scene stealers that perfectly suit the stylish septuagenarian tucked in our handbags.     

FOUND - A Cheap & Charmful Armful

I found this stack of plastic bangles at Oxfam in Ealing. I often talk about searching out quality; well-made 2nd-hand pieces, fashioned from silks, wools and brushed cottons that have been looked after by previous owners are what we hunters want. Now and then however, quality is trumped by quantity. These eight plastic, oddly coloured bracelets, combined with 4 wooden ones I already had, make a strong stylish statement that I think Muiccia Prada would find appealing. Their clink clinky sound is sartorial music to my ears. Their £1.98 price tag, an artistic miniature for the eyes.   

TRY THIS - Exhibit V&A: Walk This Way

I found this large coffee table book about shoes at the Oxfam on Marylebone Road. A dream shop, three quarters of its floor space is shelves of well-organized books while the remaining quarter is given over to high quality 2nd-hand clothing and accessories. Recently while in New York City I popped into the Killer Heels exhibition at the Brooklyn Museum CLICK HERE. Among other spectacular items, I was able to view up close the famed shoe-hat fashioned by personal style hero Elsa Schiaparelli. If you're planning a trip to the Big Apple do not overlook Brooklyn and its impressive museum. Along with a herd of historic footwear, the museum boasts a quirky gift shop where I walked away with this soleful bracelet made of plastic Barbie shoes. Buying new is not my style, but occasionally I give pristine fashions a 2nd chance. Interestingly in June, Shoes: Pleasure & Pain opens at the V&A in London CLICK HERE. I'm looking forward to the fancy footwork sure to be on show. Exhibits like these inspire our dress sense but also remind us that fashion marches in step with history and human endeavor. The shoe book was £8.99. 

To follow the V&A's 

Pleasure & Pain Blog CLICK HERE 

TRY THIS - Button Down Wrapping Up

I find wrapping Christmas gifts oddly satisfying but crazy expensive. You can easily spend more on the packaging than the present. This season beautiful buttons are adding graphic spark and texture to my holiday boxes. Whether accumulated from clothing or bought in charity shops, buttons are easy-peasy, cheap as chips package toppers.

From your local charity shop scoop up old maps, sheet music and vintage magazines - it all makes for effective but inexpensive wrapping paper that can uniquely personalize a pressie. Be sure to save the coloured tissue paper often found wrapped round make-up and skincare products bought online. And I hang on to countless short pieces of ribbon, too small to tie in a bow round a box but perfect as "button bands." 

Other creative coverings? A green Oxfam bag makes a festive holiday wrapper and I even pressed a piece of wax paper that covered a blood orange into service. Start collecting buttons, bits and bobs for your cheap and crafty Christmas presentations.   

FOUND - Bright Sparks and Heel Deals

I found the Oxfam Chiswick Boutique on sparkling form when I popped in to preview their pre-owned pretties last week. If you're not sure, their Christmas Late Night Sale Celebration is TOMORROW, 5-9pm. Here, on the left, sequins a la Krystle Carrington, Dynasty style (£90). On the right, my personal favourite - Made in Hong Kong - elegant encrusted 60s sheath. It's a wool dress with the most spectacular embellishment I've ever seen (£250, and worth every penny). If you only go to the sale to see this frock, you won't regret it.  

From one dynasty to another, pink pumps that are satin stunners. These Alexander McQueen sky-high heels (£60) are simply outrageous. They aren't perfect, to be sure they show some real wear and tear but honestly that's what makes them more than just a pair of trashy heels. McQueen's muse, Isabella Blow, was well known for abusing her high-end heels, wearing them on London's cobbles with destructive results. If Issy could do it, so can you! Huntress is a firm believer in a little bit of Damaged Goodness (CLICK HERE). See you at the sale --     

Oxfam Boutique Chiswick Sale Night

Thursday, 4 December, 5-9pm

Follow @OxfamBoutiqueW4 

BONUS POST - Made in The Shade Of Red

I found Look-at-Me reds hotting up at the Oxfam Boutique in Chiswick. The shop's late night sale is now just days away, in fact Thursday, 4 December, from 5-9pm. If a crimson Christmas is what you're wishing for, then spare your blushes and pop into their 2nd-hand celebration. This blood orange number from LK Bennett is only £38 and the real coral necklace just £40. 

Tree trimming in trousers this year? A Nicole Farhi velvet jacket is like fine wine. Better with age. Pair if with almost any trousers and silk slippers for a smoking-jacket ensemble that would make Noel Coward proud. It's only £80.

  

The elegant detail of this Diane Von Furstenberg silk shift is spot on. Team it with fab flats for minimalist style under the mistletoe. Over skinny jeans or sparkling stockings, you'll be wearing this racy red DVF long after Santa's returned to the North Pole. Holiday dressing is a piece of (Christmas) cake in this £90 stunner. 

This and so much more at the Chiswick Oxfam Boutique 

Late Night Shopping Event, Thursday, December 4 from 5-9pm. 

Follow @OxfamBoutiqueW4   

FOUND - Save-The-Date Chic in Chiswick

I found Chiswick Oxfam Boutique awash in sparkle and anticipation as its staff prepared for the shop's Late Night Shopping event scheduled for Thursday 4 December from 5 to 9pm. Huntress was given a sneak peak at the 2nd-hand holiday style finds that the Oxfam team have been holding back in preparation for this chic celebration. I was especially excited by a See by Chloe silk shift (£90) & vintage, Made in Hong Kong, sequin-encrusted sleeveless top (£60). Rachel, the shop manager, Renata, the shop social media expert and volunteers Mary and Lizzie were welcoming, friendly and helpful. This shop has a great vibe - I've been in repeatedly and it's lovely to see locals taking pleasure in pre-owned clothes for a good cause. 

Looking to do casual elegance over Christmas? Might I suggest Jimmy Choo flats? These studded stunners (£100) are just another of the spectacular 2nd-hand beauties available in a week's time. So MARK YOUR CALENDAR: Thursday 4 December, 5-9pm - Nibbles, Drinks, Smiles and Style. Oxfam Boutique Chiswick is very near the Turnham Green tube station. Out of the station go left and at the main road go right - you'll see the shop next to Whistles. Extra Christmas Cheer? Make a dapper donation - drop off last year's party dress (and more)!

Huntress London will feature more sneak peaks 

from this stylish sale in the coming days 

FOUND - 2nd-Hand Hats Off To Top Girl

I find friends and colleagues brimming with stylish ideas and 2nd-hand daring. Emily, friend and colleague, is an aspiring writer, comedian and professional gadabout originally from the Canadian prairies. She moved to London three years ago, compelled by the misguided notion that her life would turn into a Richard Curtis film. She's stayed because it turned out far better. Emily, take it away -

After making an atypically pragmatic decision to chop off all my hair in preparation for a trip abroad, I found myself at a loose end in Kensington with a brand new visa in my passport and a brand new style on my head. I’ve always loved hats but as someone with big, curly hair, I’ve found it difficult to find toppers that don’t make me look like a newly-purchased Christmas tree that’s only had its bottom half unbound. However, with a lot less hair I was free to enter the great world of millinery and, when I saw this £10 hat in the Gloucester Road Oxfam, I fell in love. It's the work of Peter Bettley, a man who I gather has been designing for everyone from Selfridges to the royals for the past 39 years. I’m sure my hat is more high street than Her Majesty but I don’t think I could love it any more even if it had royal provenance. I wore it to a friend’s house the other day and she described it as ‘very Mary Poppins’ to which I replied, ‘I assume you mean practically perfect in every way?'

Mark Your Calendar: 

Oxfam Boutique Chiswick ** Merry Shopping Night

Nibbles, Drinks, 2nd-hand Style, 5-9pm Thur 4 Dec

Follow @OxfamBoutiqueW4

FOUND - I Felt Like A Little Kid, Again

I found this oddly appealing brooch at Oxfam in Ealing. Its futuristic look typically leaves me peeved, but the funky felt feel enabled me to remember, as 2nd-hand fashions often do, a moment from childhood. When I was in 2nd grade we were required - with parental assistance - to cover a cigar box in felt, filling it with felt circles, squares and triangles. A hands-on way for us to understand basic shapes. I sat imaging the madly multi-coloured felt box I would make as me and Dad drove to Jo-Ann Fabrics. Once in the shop, Dad insisted my box be covered in black felt as a way of showing off the primary-coloured shapes he said we were going to cut out. I was immediately in tears, angry that he was dictating MY project. I wanted a sky blue box, darn it! I wanted shapes of all colours. The car-ride home was a silent protest and as I look back, I suspect my Dad was more than a little amused by my heart-felt fit. The thing is when we sat together assembling the black box, my sulking turned to a smile. What we made was the primary school equivalent of a Mondrian painting; I loved it and reveled in my classmates' subsequent envy. My father hasn't always been right about everything, but at an early age I learned he had a fine, reliably arty eye. This felt future/past brooch was only 99p. 

My brooch adorns a jacket lovingly made by

The Rose in West Sussex, one of the few places

Huntress shops for NEW fashions, CLICK HERE  

TRY THIS - Won't Leave You Feeling Flat

I found these Cole Haan 'kilties' at Oxfam in Ealing and the book I bought new (yes new!). Author Hannah Rochell's wonderful shoe illustrations make En Brogue a unique read worth the retail price CLICK HERE. Hannah eschews heels in favour of fab flats; she can recommend a no-heel, highly-stylish option for every occasion. My kiltie cobbler Cole Haan was founded in Chicago in 1928 - it's an American favourite I find under-appreciated in Britain. Look out for beautifully made Cole Haans in your local charity shop and scoop them up whenever you find them. Hannah's book is the perfect pressie for the flats-fanatic on your Christmas gift list. And speaking of Ho Ho Ho, be sure to check Cole Haan's website featuring Sharon Jones & The Dap-Kings' hot holiday version of White Christmas CLICK HERE. 

FOOT NOTE: 2nd-hand shoes just £7.99.

FOUND - Watch Out, Big Kids About

I found this rubbery kids watch by Tikkers at the Oxfam Boutique in Chiswick. I loved the bendy, soft feel of it and the childish style that says, "relax, you're off the clock." As a youngster I was a good student, loved school, studied and earned high marks. But there were two activities that nearly eluded me - tying my shoes and telling time. I remember at 10, even 12-years-old sticking my lace-ups in front of my mom to tie in a secure double bow before bounding out the front door to the school bus. Time telling? It was the variety of ways for stating the same time that sent my head spinning. "Quarter after 10," "ten fifteen," "15 minutes after ten." Sure it seems simple now but as a chatty 7-year-old I struggled with the infinite language of time. Of course I finally mastered both tasks but whenever I'm asked for the time of day or tie a loose shoe lace, I smile and feel young again. This kiddy ticker was only £9.

TRY THIS - Have a Laugh & Learn Too

I found this 'paper covered edition' at the Oxfam book shop just round corner from Turnham Green tube station, west London. The funny but to-the-point title caught my eye. The inside cover claims author Gaylord Hauser "...writes in a racy style about such widely differing subjects as sex, anemia, hay fever, varicose veins and forgetfulness." All that? Sign me up, this sounded too kooky to miss. Turns out health guru 'Dr. Hauser' was wildly popular with the Hollywood set but highly criticized in his lifetime (1895-1984). His claim, among others, that wheat germ, brewer's yeast and black treacle are bedrocks to a long-life diet were derided. 

"The Duchess of Windsor wears clothes of great simplicity...the last time I saw her we discussed clothes and she agreed with me..."

The American Medical Association were against Hauser, and the sugar and flour industries feared his ideas would kill sales but the likes of Marlene Dietrich, Greta Garbo, Gloria Swanson and the Duchess of Windsor eagerly sought his advice. Our man Gaylord is the consummate name dropper, making this read like a conversation with a desperate-to-impress cocktail party wannabee. It's a hoot, old-fashioned and occasionally outrageous (women over 50 should never wear red according to Hauser). He was however ahead of his time for over the years the Doc's health ideas were found sound. While it's hilarious self-help, Look Younger, Live Longer is also an informative pep talk in praise of taking care of the best thing you'll ever find - you.                

TRY THIS - Divide Up The Gem Quarter

I found this metal necklace at the Oxfam just off the Kings Road, London. Its weighty loops pack a graphic punch that really appeals. In my jewellery box there are 4 types of bling, each the stylish finish to my favorite looks. My first trinket type is dubbed simply EXPENSIVE due to its rarity and quality. For me this includes the 10 carat amethyst I bought in Zimbabwe and the Tiffany hoop earrings I gave myself as congratulations on a new job. Next up, SENTIMENTAL treasures. These can be expensive or less so because it's the memories they represent that make them valuable. My mother's class ring CLICK HERE and my wedding ring which belonged to my husband's mother both tick this bling box. The next category is what I call COLLECTIBLE and includes costume knickknacks that have become sought after as well as skillfully hand-made jewellery that's nothing short of art. My small but beloved collection of Lea Stein brooches CLICK HERE typify this category. Finally there's high street ornaments (ideally found in charity shops), those that I reverentially refer to as JUNK JEWELS. These should be irreverent, striking and most importantly cheap. The well-stocked gem box will feature all 4 categories of jewellery. Eye up potential treasures carefully and spend wisely. My loopy junk jewel necklace, just £6. 

Before you head out the door, find an 

Oxfam in the area you're off to - CLICK HERE  

FOUND - Making A Case That's On Point

I found this homemade eyeglass case at Oxfam in Ealing. I love needlepoint. An easy-peasy project resulting in a highly effective graphic design, a point not lost on the fashion industry. In 2012 everyone from Dolce & Gabbana to Tory Burch showed needlepoint looks. Ornate dresses and handbags featured the time-honored stitchery. Me, I like the 80s preppy needlepoint belts that tended to feature seaside themes - whales, sailboats, buoys and anchors. I'm also head-over-heels for needlepoint flats from Stubbs & Wootten, CLICK HERE to view their rather charming website. These beauties don't come cheap. I managed to find a less-than-perfect pair on Ebay some years ago for £80. They're a personal favourite, as I oddly prize high-end that's a little down at heel. To see Huntress Post "Damaged Goodness" CLICK HERE. The eyeglass case holds extra appeal, along with my specs because someone sat on their sofa and made it. Like me, they longed to create, to invent, to be useful with their hands. And maybe like me, their skill level is wanting. All the same they stitched up a perfect, useful, lovely, handmade object. A lot of work (and heart I suspect) that cost just 49p.

FOUND - Pop-Bang-Fizz, Oh How Fab It Is

I found this velvet, embellished clutch bag at the Oxfam in Ealing. The stones are real, the silver and gold threading spectacular. In the latest Vogue UK, Julia Hobbs coins an interesting and rather useful style term; the Fizz Buy, "the utterly rash, entirely exciting, heart-pounding purchase that defies ordinary logic." This splashy bag is full of it. Okay I need another clutch bag like I need a net umbrella. To boot, this black beauty is rather small; phone, keys, lippy - that's it. It "defies ordinary logic" indeed. However, the workmanship, quality and high wattage elegance left my "heart pounding." Charity shops are THE place to look for Fizz Buys - off the rails fashion finds that aren't what you need but definitely what you want, but when purchased 2nd-hand don't drain your purse dry. I'm likely to team this with a mix of casual (jeans) and glam (silk blouse). But I'm tempted to pair it with my large leather caramel-coloured Hobbs "Kelly" bag, re-purposing the clutch as a highly ornate organizer. I'd fill it with cards, pens, a notebook, and then slip it inside my handbag - snap! Every day fizz for just £4.99. 

The puffin in the photo is from Audubon's Birds of America book   

TRY THIS - Double Belted Double Time

I found this double wrap belt at Oxfam in Putney. It's a quality accessory that I'd never buy new, the expense would be too great. My friend Lucy accuses me of "living richly." What she means, I think, is that I manage rather nicely on a shoestring budget. She respects my choice of time over money because I seem to rarely go without. I once competed hard for the best office jobs with the highest salaries, indeed I whirled round the hamster wheel of regular work. Today however, I forgo potential money in exchange for more time. My purse is lighter but I've hours in the bank for writing, thinking, creating, blogging, yoga-ing etc. I work in a customer service position at a theatre where any number of people have also chosen time over money. My friend Susan, someone who stepped outside the mainstream work circle some years ago, has a belt just like this. Maybe it's part of the uniform all us "time earners" wear. It was $8.99 and it's about time I wear it.