FOUND - His Obscenely Stylish Neck

I find I envy my husband his 2nd hand neckties. His colossal collection, gathered over time and travel, is a fantastical print riot. Although I often style neckties as belts, I remain wildly jealous of the daily opportunity this accessory offers him; a simple but effective way of adding a pop of pattern to his well-considered sartorial vibe. He sports magnificent motifs and outrageous colour combos discretely corralled in the defined confines of a strip of silk. I hear you shout, "Man up Huntress! Wind your neck in and just wear one!" I can and I do but day-in-and-day out it's not a look I can make my own. Alternatively I collect bangles the way Him Outdoors collects ties.  

A unique man-ccessory, the necktie is centuries old. Chinese terracotta soldiers uncovered in 1974 but created in 210BC are wearing a neck cloth that seems a precursor to the modern tie. But it wasn't until the 1920s that New Yorker Jesse Langdorf cut fabric on a 45 degree angle using 3 piece construction. This bit of haberdashing genius allowed the slash of fabric to lay flat after it was tied, no twisting and turning. And with that, the suit's contemporary companion was born. 

           

From quality vintage the likes of Lanvin to thin, unlined demob versions, my husband's collection is highly democratic. While my step-mom consistently finds skinnies that fit the bill, I don't posses the knack for spotting examples that he deems keepers. Rightly his penchant is evolved, specific and idiosyncratic. Indeed Supreme Court Justice Potter's constitutional definition of pornography, "I know it when I see it," aptly applies to my husband's very personal taste in ties.   

To See His Tie Clip Collection (naturally) CLICK HERE

TRY THIS - Liberate the Humble Hanky

I found these Liberty handkerchiefs at Mary's Living & Giving shop in Ealing. Their folded fabulousness quite nearly sings, "everything old is new again." For decades, squares of fancy fabric like this have served as sneeze guards, sun protectors, nose wipers and more. Hankies have been flirty props for pulling and when soaked in perfume, acted to mask the odors emanating from poor public sanitation. Shakespeare's Iago hatched a hankie-based scheme to dupe ole Othello into offing himself and his sinless Desdemona. WWII pilots carried hankies printed with maps to help them escape danger if shot down behind enemy lines. Hankie history is rich (cotton) indeed. But in 1924 when Kimberly-Clark introduced the Kleenex as an aid to removing cold cream, hankies everywhere must have quivered. Within a few years the company was inundated with letters from customers reporting that they were happily using Kleenex as disposable hankies. And with that, the fabric accessory began its journey toward obsolete oblivion. Pop to the present, and today the sustainability movement ensures that the forgotten handkerchief is environmentally correct. My husband wasn't a believer when I pushed a hankie into his perspiring palm one hot day, but he's changed his tune. In the heat of summer on a muggy train, hankies are delightful pocket luxuries. Dab your brow and take pleasure in the fact that sweat can be stylish. I'm keeping the hankie with the white trim, but the rest belong to the husband. The lot cost £9. 

To read Liberty's lovely, informative blog CLICK HERE  

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.        

FOUND - Nights Turn to Days With PJs

I found this silky pajama top at Fara in Ealing on Bond Street. I'll wear it with jeans and my Stubbs & Wootten embroidered slipper shoes (an Ebay find, maybe my best ever). Night time fashions became a daylight style statement a few seasons back with everyone from Louis Vuitton to Whistles showing jim jams out of bed and on the street. Smoking jackets, beach cover-ups and Oriental-style loungewear are the sign posts along the road to the latest revival of night clothes in broad daylight. It's a return that I welcome. The writer in me appreciates a tailored but slightly louche look - it's not who I am but maybe who I want to be. In 2015 pajama chic is a trend that's waning but its descent actually enables me to welcome it into my wardrobe with added enthusiasm. I'm most comfortable when I'm a little out of step with the latest craze. Behind the times, the bed times in this case. The top, and its rather small bottoms that will be passed on to my sister, were just £3.80.  

                  

TRY THIS - Style Out of the Blue 17

I find 2nd-hand shopping is as much about the experience as it is fab found fashions. Don't get me wrong, my heart races a little when I come upon a bit of retailing chaos. From the depths of disarray true treasures are often unearthed. However, a shop space that is light, bright and well-thought out is a special pleasure indeed. And none more so than Blue 17 CLICK HERE, not far from the Holloway Tube Station in North London.  

Shop owner John has been in the vintage business for decades, getting his start selling his mum's stylish frocks. He fondly recalls the Flip sales model - the first shops that sold American second-hand in the UK. Indeed the sale of 2nd-hand clothing has changed over the years, in fact John feels the availability of quality, stylish vintage has decreased, not just for buyers but for sellers like himself. 

But against the odds, John is gathering up the good stuff. The perfect fusion of thoughtful organization  and colourful commotion, Blue 17 offers an impressive selection of men's and women's vintage. As we chatted John's poetic refrain, "Retail is detail" seemed to describe his shop vibe perfectly. The light, large dressing rooms curtained with heavy vintage tapestry fabric are a lovely touch, for example.

The collection of 40s, 50s and 60s frocks is second to none. If prints give you palpitations then please pop in. Ranging in price from approximately £35 to £95, this is dress heaven. Full skirts, A-lines, bracelet-length sleeves, pleats, pearl buttons, fitted bodices - it seems there's something for everyone. Including Huntress.

This sheer 50s dress fit perfectly, like it was made for me. Fashioned from a water-colour flower print reminiscent of a Monet painting, I'll often dress it down with white brogues or occasionally doll it up with silver mary janes. At just £65 this Blue 17 find is my idea of 2nd-hand 7th heaven.  

Blue 17 is a Sponsor of 

Re:Tale a New Play by Anmarie Bowler

CLICK HERE for details

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 - The Definition of 2nd-hand Style

I find my husband's style sense both thoughtful and bold. While everyone in his office is wearing chinos and relaxed shirts, he wears a suit five days week. It's the punk in him - that tearaway need to be outside the everyday, to defy not just authority but the norm. So while his suited & booted, shirt & tied attire may look ordinary to you, in his professional but casual environment he's an iconoclast. Look closely, you'll see only white shirts, brogues by Doc Martin of course, 40 or 50s neckties with non-repeating patterns are preferred and there'll be a tie pin holding the look together. Not any tie pin mind, my husband has definite ideas about this little piece of man bling - definite, undefinable ideas. For me, his constant search for suitable ties and tie pins make him my favourite 2nd-hand wing man. Together we can quietly scourer a vintage market with an eye for one another's perfect finds. In addition to his own sartorial accessories, he's spotted countless fashion books for me and uncovered several sensational silk scarves. His interest in history and memories of his well turned-out granddad fuel his 2nd-hand clothing choices. Along with a gentle push from me of course. 

Does your partner find 2nd-hand

first class or third rate? 

FOUND - Paul's Positive Posy Power

I found this soft cotton Paul Smith shirt at the Octavia Foundation charity shop in central Ealing. I've loved Paul Smith fashions since moving to London some 10 years ago. Like pubs that don't sell food and 'riding on the right,' PS is quintessentially British. Everything I read about Sir Paul leaves me feeling nothing but admiration for the long-time designer. He once hoped to be a professional cyclist but a serious accident saw him hospitalized for 6 months. While recovering he met up with students from the local art college in Nottingham and there, a design career was born. THAT versatility of imagination is rare and enviable in my book. Smith says be unashamed of the work you must do to pay the bills in order to also do the thing you love - a realistic but inspiring affirmation for anyone who quietly creates in splintered and stolen moments, each and every day. The shirt was definitely a steal at just £7.99.

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 - A Duo from Daring Double Act

I found these Clements Ribeiro cashmere jumpers at the Octavia Foundation charity shop in central Ealing. While I'm fairly sure they're menswear, these short-sleeved sweaters are this woman's idea of weekend dressing perfection. Suzanne Clements and Inacio Ribeiro met on their first day at Central Saint Martins where they studied fashion design. After graduating with distinction the pair married and set up their eponymous label. In 1997 Vogue included CR in what the fash mag dubbed the "Magnificent 7," along with the likes of Tom Ford, Valentino, Miuccia Prada, Alexander McQueen, Yohji Yamamoto and Karl Lagerfeld. In 2000 Clements Ribeiro became joint creative directors at Cacharel (Huntress on Cacharel CLICK HERE), a 7-year association resulting in increased sales and critical acclaim for the French fashion house. In 2007, the couple left Cacharel to relaunch Clements Ribeiro. Bold and distinctive, these jumpers wear like warm, well-made t-shirts that look great layered or alone. They were $18 apiece - a bargain at twice the price.  

TRY THIS - Give A 2nd-Hand Gift

I found this little stickpin at the debut Antiques Market in West Ealing, just outside the Drayton Court CLICK HERE. I've given him to friends who are getting married tomorrow in up-state New York. They're legalizing their 14-year relationship at a ceremony in the back garden of their home, nestled among enormous trees and a babbling brook. A small but special affair, they're wearing tweeds among the Autumn leaves and in keeping with the theme, a fox motif adorned their wedding invitations. I'm sad to say I can't join them but this little what-not serves as a reminder that I'm thinking of them on their day. This gift is not about the cost, the truth is they can buy nearly anything they like and after years together, well, a toaster is out of the question. I know they'll adore this foxy gent for his animal appeal. He's well-made, stylish and full of character - very much like them. Antiques markets are great places to find stylish mementos to mark special occasions. 

See you at the monthly West Ealing Antiques Market 

tomorrow, 25 October CLICK HERE

FOUND - That Hat's Got My Name On It

I found this bowler hat at Retro Woman in Notting Hill. A clutch of shops selling 2nd-hand clothing and housewares, the Retros (there are several in the area) will buy your top-notch used items for cash. The hat is from Guerra, an Italian firm that's been making hats since 1885 - think quality, heritage, craftsmanship. I'd pitched up at Retro to trade in a Luella Gisele handbag; you know the one, seemingly classic bag sat inside a cage of S&M inspired straps? Stunning but completely impractical. Opening it was like a daily IQ test. I expected to swap her for a woman-friendly IT bag with an easy-open top. Once in the shop though I spied with my 2nd-hand eye this immaculate crimson topper. At the time, I was a few weeks from marrying, from joyfully becoming Mrs AJ Bowler. Really. I was thrilled with the idea that I would be Mrs Classic Style Accessory. From the Queen's Guards to the Quechua women of Bolivia, my new name was simple style excellence. Giddy with excitement, I turned over my Luella bag, the impracticality of my past, for the quirky but time-honored style of my future. 

Be sure to check out one of my fave fash blogs

Pull Your Socks Up CLICK HERE

FOUND - Uniform Style Really Works

I found these high-waist sailor trousers at a men's second-hand shop in Soho. They're made from heavy quality wool, and keep me warm as toast. All the buttons are working, they're not just for looks, and the wide legs hang beautifully. A lovely lace-up in the back of the trousers had to be removed when the waist was taken in but worth it for the custom fit. Don't shy away from items because they need mending or tailoring. If you've found a quality piece, the extra care needed will be well worth the effort. Check out Army-Navy surplus shops, 2nd hand men's wear and always be on the look out for 'former uniforms.' The utilitarian feel of 'work wear' can make an interesting style statement. These super dark navy trousers were £20.        

FOUND - My 'Boyfriend' Gets Shirty

I found this boyfriend shirt at the Octavia Foundation charity shop in Ealing, West London. If boyfriend jeans are a must, then a quality boyfriend shirt is a hero in the making. This one is made by Harvie & Hudson, a London firm founded in 1949 with the third generation of H&H's now at the helm. All their shirts feature mother of pearl buttons, not plastic and their bespoke shirts are still made at their Jermyn Street headquarters. This is a quality garment; made from light weight but textured hounds tooth cotton, it's nicely shaped along the bottom hem. Important, as I'll wear it un-tucked with slim fit, cropped denim. Charity shops are absolutely heaving with men's shirts, so be selective. A label that says Jermyn Street is a good place to start. Some wear is important. You want your boyfriend to be soft and even a little worn. Current/Elliot, a high-end cult denim label, is offering a good-looking mannish shirt for women that retails for £305. This handsome devil was just a fiver.

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FOUND - T-Shirt with the Feelgood Factor

I found this Dr Feelgood gig t-shirt in my husband's cupboard. When he bought it I didn't know him or the band, the Atlantic Ocean separated us. In 1971, on Canvey Island, Essex, Dr Feelgood formed an R&B group led by the energetic guitar riffs of Wilko Johnson, featuring the vocal interpretations of Lee Brilleaux. My husband's band - JB and The Wolfmen - perform Feelgood songs, in fact I heard my husband sing She Does It Right long before I had any idea who this Brilleaux character was, God rest his soul. When I wear this t-shirt, quite simply the coolest thing I own, men notice. Dr Feelgood followers are loyal to be sure and mostly blokes. My musical credentials, virtually nil, sky rocket when I don this faded bit of jersey. I pair it with a velvet blazer and occasionally a long red silk scarf. For the way it makes me feel, I thank the good Doctor and my supremely cool husband - it's simply priceless. 

TRY THIS - Dotty Ditty Rethink...

I found this silk bow tie at The Children's Society charity shop on Pitshanger Lane in Ealing. I cannot resist lovely slashes of silk so men's ties, simple and beautifully made, challenge my sartorial creativity. I want them, but how do I wear them? I could style this in the same manner a man would but frankly a red bow tie under my chin is not a look that suits me. It's too done-up, too stiff, too Bozo the Clown. Instead, onto the silk I'll pin my gorgeous, but unlikely cameo brooch - a piece spotted in an old jewellery shop in Harare Zimbabwe. Then I'll knot the tie at the nape of my neck and allow the ends to hang down my back. A masculine accessory made functionally feminine. Was I potty to buy this dotty ditty? No, it was just £4.59. 

Backdrop for photo, David Hockney poster from book found in Oxfam charity shop. 

TRY THIS - Applaud Your Man's Style

This is my husband's band JB and The Wolfmen playing the 100 Club, the iconic gig venue on Oxford Street. These blokes are 4 of the most stylish men I know. Do they wear hyper-trendy fashions studiously lifted from the pages of Gentleman's Quarterly? No. They buy clothes they like, clothes that suit them and they wear their selections with confidence and gusto. Occasionally a woman is compelled to 'dress her man.' I was. Once. Ages ago when I suggested JB adopt a preppy, East Coast American vibe, his face said it all. "Anything for you baby, but not that." Today I champion his look, hunting for the 40s and 50s non-repeating patterned neckties he likes and topping up his selection of slouchy suits when I find them on sale. I also unearthed his pride and joy, a dove grey fur-felt Fedora. Most men - even those over 40 - aren't tone deaf to style. But you gotta' let them sing their own song. 

FOUND - Not Just a Pretty Face

I found her in Bath UK, in the men's furnishings section of a shop called Vintage to Vogue (www.vintagetovoguebath.co.uk). She's a testament to the enduring appeal of ruby red lips and reminds me of the mascot atop the roof of The Kewpee, a burger joint in my hometown of Lima, Ohio. "Hamburger, Pickle on Top Makes Your Heart Go Flippity Flop" is the Kewpee's motto and I'm tempted to buy a Kewpee t-shirt emblazoned with this savory slogan (see www.kewpee.com). At this fast-food throwback the waitresses still wear white button-front dresses and sport hairnets and along with the best burgers in the world, they serve up slices of homemade pie; cherry, apple, pecan and peach. When 2nd-hand hunting, don't overlook peachy finds in the men's department. Quality leather bags, scarves, PJs, and little curiosities like her are often there for the taking. This porcelain lemon squeezer was sweet at just £10.