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 - Stone Cold Black Gold

I found these black COS heels at the RSPCA charity shop in Ealing. How often do I hear doubtful hunters remark "yeah but you can't find current fashions in charity shops" or "you never find the stuff you really need." Don't these covet-able courts crush those old chestnuts? COS, Collection of Style, is a Swedish brand founded in 2007. Simple, striking, superior design is what it brings to the British High Street. Who doesn't need black heels? And these were hardly worn. 

Even though you're wearin' them citified heels, I can tell by your giant steps, 

you been walkin' through the cotton fields - 

                                        The Rolling Stones

A quickie inventory of my wardrobe reveals Reiss, Cacharel, Jigsaw, Boden, LK Bennett, Hobbs, not to mention Mulberry, Churches and Bally. All FOUND lightly used in charity shops. The trick is looking often, which needn't take ages. Lunch hour, Saturday morning, day off, while on holiday. The more you do it, the quicker you'll get at it. You might even consider volunteering at a local charity shop. And make sure you buy it when you find it. Don't hesitate if the item (and the price) is right. These trendy high street heels were only £8. 

FOUND - It Warmed Up Coco

I found this Rodier cardigan at the RSPCA Charity Shop in Ealing, 27 High Street. It's woven from wool and acrylic with a label that advises Made in France. Pieces made in Europe, England and USA are more likely to have the fashion pedigree a schooled vintage hunter seeks. Rodier is indeed a French brand established in 1848, distinguishing itself initially by reinterpreting Kashmir shawls for the European market. Some 75 years later Coco Chanel, when raiding a Rodier warehouse, found acres of unused knit jersey fabric to which her name became synonymous. Rodier was a real innovator in fabric weaves and without Rodier, Coco may have never found the inspiration she needed to change the fashion world. Look out for this label, it's just one degree of separation from fashion royalty. This wardrobe must-have was just £5.