TRY THIS - You May Kiss The Bridesmaid

Once again my friend Alma - actor and frequent guest blogger - offers her insightful 2nd-hand style observations to Huntress London readers. I Do - love a wedding. Don't you Alma?   

"I find myself cast in an unexpected role, not on stage but in life - I am a bridesmaid. Maybe it's a role I should have considered sooner, but growing up in Italy it really wasn't a star turn I ever contemplated. As a little girl, dreams of the perfect wedding weren't something I imagined. My debut on a West End stage, yes, many times; a walk down the aisle, never." 

"So when one of my best friends asked me to be her bridesmaid, I entered a highly unfamiliar world. I love this girl and I'm really excited for her big day, because in her case this is a dream come true, so I'm keen to embrace the wedding-sphere." 

"Unfortunately, our first bridal mission did little to win me over to the white side - a wedding fair at the soulless Excel Centre in East London where the first stall to welcome the bride-to-be was hosted by Weight Watchers. I could bore you with 5 paragraphs on the myriad ways in which that stall galls me, but this is not the place. Instead, I want to tell you about the perfect antidote - The National Vintage Wedding Fair CLICK HERE." 

"The venue, lovely Stoke Newington Town Hall, looked picture perfect decked out in well-chosen vintage stalls. The fair was small, friendly and full of good ideas. The exhibitors were approachable and everyone had a chat with us without a hard sales push. Offerings ranged from photographers to prop hire, wedding dresses to stylists, all with a vintage angle, naturally."

"Where at the Excel the entertainment was provided by a woman in a wedding dress singing the Disney anthem 'Let it Go,' here we were delighted by the dulcet tones of Rose Lancaster CLICK HERE and effervescent wartime trio The Victory Sisters CLICK HERE." 

"We had a long chat with self-proclaimed "professional hoarder" Mandy of Something Borrowed Something Vintage CLICK HERE who, apart from having THE best business card ever (attached to a tea bag), hires out vintage china and other items to give a special touch to any wedding venue. Lula & Rye CLICK HERE offer a similar service with a hipster edge if that's your style."

"My personal favourites were the dresses. To my mind they were simply stunning vintage dresses - right up my street - that just happened to be white. If you don't mind your special dress being worn ahead of your big day, then you can expect to find a beautiful, unique and affordable frock. Bristol-based Heartfelt Vintage CLICK HERE stocked beautiful lacy dresses, Vintage Trousseau CLICK HERE offered rather elegant looks and Sally Lacock CLICK HERE really caught my eye."

"All in all we had a lovely day and came away with a few useful contacts and good ideas. I'm certainly feeling steeped in wedding spirit after seeing things through rose-tinted, vintage glasses."

"As I said to the bride, it will be just like putting on a fabulous show. The next few months will be spent sorting out costumes and props and on the day, as a bridesmaid, I'll help the leading lady get into costume, hair and make-up. I've got to remember my blocking and make sure no one misses their cue. Seems as a bridesmaid, I'm perfectly cast."  

For more information on National Vintage Wedding Fairs CLICK HERE.

TRY THIS - Cracking Krakow Vintage

I find I'm thinking of Krakow as Easter approaches. It was there that we picked up these beautiful hand-painted wooden eggs. They come out in Spring to mark seasonal renewal and ubiquitous bunnies. The vintage belt is also a product of Krakow - a fab find from one of the city's 2nd-hand shopping spots (sadly now closed). Vintage is new to Krakow, it's a growing fashion habit that's offering young women in particular a way into small business ownership. Odra - embossed on the gleaming gold belt buckle - is a river, a football club, a computer brand and a village in Poland. Secondhand that's word perfect. It cost about £8, and is a stylish souvenir of a long weekend in cracking Krakow.  

FOUND - A Tale of Two Knit-ies

I found this cashmere cardie at the Fara shop near Angel tube station. Bright, warm and versatile, this button-up jumper is perfect for Spring in London. I'll pair it with tonally matched accessories, including an armload of my trademark bangles. This colourful classic isn't perfect, there's hole in the sleeve - but I'll customize it, sewing a silk patch over the offending imperfection. This fashion project was only £6.80. 

I found this neutral cardigan at Fara Ealing on Bond Street. Double-breasted with a semi-shawl collar, it's got a great vintage feel. A cashmere and wool blend make it a stylish Spring separate too. I'm constantly surprised by the quality knitwear available in charity shops. Cashmere is the latest staple I've added to my list of never-buy-new fashion faves. This beige beauty set me back just £6.80.

FOUND - My Style Staple Supreme

I found this denim shirt at the Children's Society charity shop on Pitshanger Lane in Ealing. This one (I have several. Okay 5.) is made by Lee, a company founded by Henry David Lee in 1889 when he opened his first garment factory in Salina, Kansas. Throughout the 1920s Lee unveiled various denim innovations, most notably the zipper fly. In the 30s and 40s the company continued to grow, becoming America's number one manufacturer of work clothing. Even more than denim trousers, denim shirts are a must have for me, working seamlessly in almost any circumstance. Paired with slouchy wool trousers and I'm an urban Land Girl. With a sequinned skirt, the denim shirt transforms evening gear into daytime chic. It multi-tasks as a bathing suit cover-up, making my luggage that much lighter. And under a cashmere or wool jumper, it allows me to layer like a pro. My denim shirt selection includes dark washes, light washes, short sleeve, slim-fit and over-sized. I only hunt for classic denim brands - Levis, Lee and Wrangler. I urge you to get hold of a denim shirt - perfectly worn 2nd-handers are easy to find - and put it to work in your wardrobe. You'll wonder how you've managed without it. My latest "cannot live without" shirt was just £4.99.  

      

TRY THIS - Style That's Going, Going, Gone!

I found this Marilyn Anselm for Hobbs coat via a live online sale hosted by Chiswick Auctions CLICK HERE. I had every intention of popping into the fashion sale at the auction house but it simply slipped my mind. From home, 30 minutes into the event, I registered online and started monitoring the LIVE event. It was almost like being there, all the anticipation typical of any auction was present on screen. I watched nearly 100 lots go under the hammer; everything from Hardy Amies dresses to vintage fans, hardly-worn high-street fashions to handbag collections. 

It was mesmerizing. Most lots sold but when a reasonable opening bid was not offered, items were left unsold. Caught up, I clicked through the lots, identifying a few fashions I thought I'd like to own. The auctioneer started with an opening bid, but I quickly learned if I was patient, he might lower the initial starting point. "I'll take £60 *silence* okay then £50 *more silence* what about £40? No bidders?" His question prompted me to act. With one quick flick of my finger I'd bid £40. Down went the hammer and the lot was mine. The next day I popped into Chiswick Auctions to collect my bid-for booty. I'd actually won a trio with that one bid; my lot included this Winter warmer, as well as a black Jaeger knee-length coat and skirt, ALL for £40. The black coat was passed on to my mate Monica for Christmas and the skirt was gifted to Susan. Auction buying - items sight unseen - was a risk, but I highly recommend the occasional fashion gamble. 

Chiswick Auctions is hosting Fashion Sales 

on 17 Feb and 24 March. For more info CLICK HERE

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 - Tan Trousers That Deliver Me

I found these Gap khaki trousers at the Scope Charity shop in Wimbledon. Two things I find wildly frustrating: styling khaki trousers and dressing for a long haul flight. While I consider myself a creative, fearless and problem solving stylist, if I start an outfit off with khaki trousers, I always end up resembling a UPS delivery man. United Parcel Service advertisements once asked "What can brown do for you?" Nothing man, I just can't do tan! And when jetting to America, I'm burdened with one gnawing thought. What will I wear? I've tried donning a dress on an international flight but found the loose frock gradually morphed into maternity gear. I worried non-stop that someone on my travels would ask me when I was due. So trousers then? Right. I don't do leggings (ever) or trackie bottoms (outside the gym). What about jeans then? No, thank you. A waistband embedded and reprinted on my skin leaves me feeling like a branded cow. Wool trews? Linen slacks? No, no, no, I need all weather bottoms. Who knew delivery man chic would solve my flight plight? These floral khakis are out-of-this-world but easily paired with a cotton jumper or denim shirt. They're soft, loose but close cut, with no killer denim rivets and wearable in varied weather conditions. BA? It's Huntress, I'm ready to depart! These packable pants were just £8.99. 

TRY THIS - Attack Charity Shops Like a Pro

I found this Breton pullover at the Trinity Hospice charity shop in Putney. This work shirt turned style staple, thanks to Coco Channel, has been worn by everyone from F. Scott Fitzgerald to James Dean, from Audrey Hepburn to Patti Smith. This one is made by Hublot, an elusive brand in fact. It's the name of a high-end watch manufacturer, but this Hublot garment doesn't seem at all connected to the tickers. Never mind, it's a quality item. Bretons are now ubiquitous, every Tom, Primark & Harry are cranking out cheap stripy tees. The heavy fabric, classic cut and creamy colour makes THIS one a classic keeper, as well as an example of quickie chic shopping. When I'm pressed for time but can't resist the charms of a charity shop, I narrow my search. First I scan the rails for Breton strips and denim shirts, both versatile wardrobe heroes for me. Then I quickly peruse the shoes, only looking for my size. Quick step and go! Finally, I eye the spines of 2nd-hand books on offer in search of fashion reads. That's it, I'm out. Sure, there may be other pre-owned pleasures I've missed, but when time is of the essence I edit my hunt to a few fab faves. This sea-worthy shirt, spotted and striped, was just 3 quid. 

You've only got 10 minutes. What 3 items would you 

   look for in a compellingly well-stock charity shop?    

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 - 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!            

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.

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.

FOUND - Is This Seriously Barking?

I found this at the Oxfam in Ealing, complete with a hang tag marked 'sample' and note indicating the garment was in 'pre-production.' This well-made wardrobe staple - a t-shirt - may never have been put into production. It's nice to imagine it as a one-off but who knows for sure. As kids, my sister and I chose Peanuts bedspreads for the room we were required to share after my little brother was born. We preferred Snoopy, Lucy, Pig Pen and the gang to Mickey and Minnie. In high school, I was the awkward center on freshman girls basketball team. Everything about this tee is me. But how to style it without looking like a 7-year-old? I'll wear it in Autumn with sleek trousers and a cropped black military-style jacket. Pairing it with 'serious,' highly-tailored pieces will play well against the light-hearted graphic. I relish the challenge of giving this silly shirt a seriously stylish edge. It was just £3.99.       

FOUND - Pinch Me, It's Another Belter

I found this ribbon belt at a charity shop while on holiday in Del Ray Beach, Florida. I love creatively integrating preppy touches into my look and I've a soft spot for lobsters. The crustacean was first made a fashion/pop icon by designer, innovator and artist Elsa Schiaparelli. A rival to Coco Chanel, Elsa's fashion risk taking and practical outlook on those who copied her designs - she was flattered - make her a personal hero. In 1937 Elsa asked her friend Salvador Dali to design a lobster graphic that she would then incorporate into fabric that she used to make a dress - not just any dress, but the dress Wallis Simpson wore in a famed Vogue photo shoot. Dress, designer, and lobsters all made more famous by the woman who brought the monarchy to its knees. For more on the fascinating life and designs of Schiap (as she called herself) read The Little Book of Schiaparelli by Emma Baxter-Wright or Schiap's autobio entitled Shocking Life. The belt was $3.   

Today is Oxfam's Vintage Friday. Tweet a photo of your vintage dress include #vintagefriday and text VINTAGE to 70066 to donate £3 to Oxfam.     

FOUND -Normcore? Bore Me Some More

I found this jacket, part of a French paper firm's uniform, at a tiny vintage shop in Deal on the Kent coast. I think it probably qualifies as 'normcore.' Normcore is what the Fashion Fluffs are calling the trend they've started that entails anonymous, 'normal' dressing. White gym socks and plain trainers with jeans typify this look. Apparently it's a way for super fashion insiders to disguise their ultra-knowing style sense by cloaking it in threads that send no discernible sartorial message. I'm tempted to celebrate this self-obsessed trend if only because I switched off to messages from the mainstream Fash Pack a few years ago. With normcore they've stopped sending messages? Three cheers for normcore! But the patronizing absurdity of it leaves me once again disappointed in an industry that never fails to wear its contempt for its audience on its sleeve. I add a bright coloured pocket square to this jacket and call it work wear with flare. Normcore? Snore. The jacket was £28. 

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 - French Fancy in The Attic

I found this vintage cotton nightie at Le-Grenier, a small but perfectly formed 2nd-hand shop at 146 Bethnal Green Road. It's a feast for the eyes. Hand-picked, lightly-worn but interesting, story-laden and desirable Gallic clothing and housewares await you. Now I'm a westside girl, I rarely go further east than the Southbank, but over the weekend I made my way to Rich Mix to enjoy a new play a friend wrote and directed. Alighting at Bethnal Green tube station, I walked up the road marveling at the plethora of shops offering sparking saris of every description. The bold colour combinations, flashy trimmings and opulent weaves were inspiring. Then, with the theatre nearly in sight, Le-Grenier quietly asked me in. At the back of the shop on a small rail this simple cotton a-line frock presented itself. The peachy-pink trim, so feminine. The crisp white cotton, so inviting. It's just the prettiest thing I've owned in years. A bargain at only £20. Make your way to Le-Grenier, let's support London's independents.

TRY THIS - Used Jeans: Pants or Perfect?

I haven't bought new jeans in over 5 years. A key style item never bought new? Controversial, clever, crazy? In the past 10 years denim has shot up in price - £100, £200, even £300 for a pair of these casual trousers isn't unusual. Levi Strauss must be turning in his grave. Denim is a hard wearing fabric making it a perfect pre-owned find and these days styles are more versatile - we wear them rolled up, cuffed, faded, dark, ripped, frayed, straight, flared etc, etc. When I was in high school the rules around denim were so much stricter; you wore straight leg jeans, that dragged the ground, full stop. Long jeans were tricky for me, as I was 5'10", age 14. Now jeans are often worn to show off shoes making short denim not only acceptable, but au courant. When hunting, I seek out classic brands - Levis and Wrangler - but I try on nearly every decent pair of 2nd-hand jeans I find in my size. Fit is the key and often after someone else has stretched and washed a pair of jeans they end up perfect for me. The five pre-owned pairs here range in price from £8 to £20.   

TRY THIS - A Real Belter: Never Buy New

I bought these belts 2nd hand, 5 of the 6 in West London charity shops, all in the last 3 years. From left to right they are a Ralph Lauren horse bit belt, a Paul Smith brown leather, an Etienne Aigner with a lovely horn-like buckle, a brown suede number from Jigsaw, a big buckler from a 2nd-hand shop in Krakow, and an unbranded black suede favourite. I can't remember the last time I bought a belt brand new. They're a great buy-it-when-you-see-it item. I always quickly peruse the belts in any flea market, charity or 2nd hand shop. Quality examples consistently turn up. Very often they've never seen a waistline or show few signs of wear. But if they do need a small repair, it's generally the sort of thing your local cobbler can fix easily and inexpensively. I buy wide belts with chunky buckles to toughen up my full skirted, feminine dresses. None of these belts cost more than £20. I wonder if there's anything you NEVER buy new?