BONUS POST - Sassy 70s Take To Stage

My friend Alma Costa is a fellow 2nd-hand hunter, a talented actress and now Huntress London's latest Guest Blogger. Over to you Alma --

I'm currently playing Charlotte in a production of Chekhov's 'The Cherry Orchard' at the New Wimbledon Studio. This is my third show with PK Productions and artistic director Patrick Kennedy. Patrick likes the out-of-the-ordinary so his approach to Chekhov's classic was bound to have a twist. This Cherry Orchard is located somewhere around London in 1976. As soon as I heard the idea, I got excited about the potential for the costumes AND I couldn't resist an opportunity to guest blog on Huntress London.

Designer Rosie Motion had a blast (from the past) looking around vintage and charity shops, and this is just a taste of what Charlotte ended up looking like. I have to thank Patrick for making the part of the governess fun for me - he gave me free reign to play her as a real 'free spirit' who prances around with her imaginary dog (actually an old teddy bear), splashing about in a paddling pool. The loud costumes reflect her character. Charlotte loves to pattern clash, but then, who doesn't?

Catch The Cherry Orchard's final 2 shows 

TODAY at 2.45 and 7.45, CLICK HERE for TICKETS

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 - Scarf that's Cream of the Crop

I found this ballet-pink chiffon scarf at Mary's Living & Giving shop in Ealing. On one end, in lovely script it's branded Guerlain. The perfumer is the creator of Shalimar, the scent my beloved grandmother wore and the one I wear now. The truth is this scarf serves as more of a cosmetic than clothes. I wear it at the neck tied in a bow to the side, allowing its soft colour to brighten my face. Lots of us smear on bottles of makeup, lotions and potions but nothing compliments the complexion like a milk white, ballet pink or soft coral sheer scarf. It's an old fashioned idea that still works a treat. The little wonder was one pound. 

Vintage Hot Spots in Ealing 

Revealed on Northfield News CLICK HERE

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

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 - 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.  

BONUS POST - Hi Concept Low Down

I found this remarkable handbag in my local Ealing Oxfam.  A partnership dream team produced this bit of plastic fantastic.  Melissa, the contemporary shoemaker, joined with fellow Brazilians, designers Fernando and Humberto Campana to create this circle of style. Melissa is the famed cobbler responsible for jelly shoes of all shapes and hues. The shoemaker has partnered with everyone from punk queen Vivienne Westwood to renowned architect Zaha Hadid, developing brogues, sky-high heels, ballet flats and more, all in molded, soft, durable plastic. 

The Campanas, high-concept furniture designers from Sao Palo, patterned this Melissa + Campana bag on their iconic Favela Chair.  The word ‘favela’ came into our collective consciousness recently during the World Cup in Brazil. Favelas are akin to South African townships, American projects and British estates; the places where poor people live and attempt to form communities.  Research indicates that when new in 2005 this bag sold for US$100. I scooped it up for just £3.99.

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