FOUND - Scotland's Finest in West London

I found these wool trousers at the West Ealing Antiques Fair, courtesy of stallholder Lynn Atkinson whose stylish offerings included 2nd-hand fashions and vintage. From the House of Bruar, these straight ankle skimmers are classified as 'country clothing,' but I feel certain they'll keep this urban hunter toasty warm in the months to come. The House of Bruar is a throw-back, an independent department store that carries everything the discerning shopper might want CLICK HERE. Located about 70 miles west of Edinburgh, it's often referred to as the 'Harrods of Scotland.' Beautifully made, the trousers suffered from a few small holes. I'm sadly not a serious seamstress (if only) but was nonetheless able to mend the tiny flaws with ease. Keep an eye out for the House of Bruar label when 2nd-hand searching - it's good stuff. These pre-owned pants were just £18.  

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Thursday late night opening at the Shepherd's Bush shop

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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.

TRY THIS - Travel Decades Together

I found these suede 'made in Italy' low heeled shoes at Think Twice Vintage Shop CLICK HERE in Brugge. Spotted on my last visit to the Belgium chocolate-box town, their graphic, 80s-style caught my eye. Today Huntress and friends Alice & Susan are off to Brugge for a relaxing weekend of socializing and 2nd-hand hunting. Along with Think Twice Vintage, we'll pop into Madam Mim CLICK HERE, only my favourite vintage shop in the world, and pick over the Saturday Flea Market where I found my cherished Claude Montana sunglasses (Huntress Past Post, CLICK HERE). I'm part of a terrific traveling trio. At 30-, 50- and 70-years-old, our varying fashion flights of fancy, heartaches and dreams are sure to keep us chatting double time all the way to our destination. I highly recommend making friends with women of different generations than your own. Those behind you and in front enjoy points of view that you simply must see. My eyes weren't deceiving me when I found these. The Brugge shoes were only 3 euros. 

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 - No Fence Sitting For My Midi

I found this vintage taffeta midi skirt at The Cancer Research charity shop near Ealing Broadway station. Lined and Made in England, this electric blue skirt lit up my 2nd-hand hunting last week. Paired with my old faves - black & gold sculpted wedge heels - along with a white blouse, lots of jewellery and wide black belt, I've got date night with the Mister well in hand.  

I plan to debut my lady-like skirt at our traditional holiday shopping night, followed by dinner for two at Zedel CLICK HERE. After braving the crowds, he'll be happy to tuck into Steak et Frites and I'm dying to try the Crabe Mayonnaise. A few glasses of wine, conversation and Profiteroles with 2 spoons will do us nicely. Zedel is a wonder under Piccadilly Circus, "a grand Parisian brassiere transported to the heart of London." The 1920s, 30s and 40s greet you the moment you descend the wide, film-star staircase. From the classic coat check to the Art Deco cocktail bar, enjoy the side order of glamour, no extra charge. My Pastella skirt is perfect for the occasion and at only £6.99, I can spring for an extra dessert.     

TRY THIS - Shifting Gifts Your Way

My step-mom gave me these pinky vintage bangles. She reads Huntress London faithfully so like you, maybe, learned that I've a penchant for wacky wrist-wear. To date, thanks in part to her, my bangle count is over 60, including stretchy varieties, several sterling silver, 2 hand-beaded and dozens of fat plastic models. Passionately collecting a fashion item has been tonnes of fun. My bangle searches have lead me down so many interesting style streets. And bracelet pressies from friends and family offer lovely little insights into the gift givers themselves. I pair the new/old pink bangles with several blood red numbers from my collection for an evocative colour and shape combination. As the holidays approach, make sure everyone knows what YOU collect. They'll appreciate the helpful gift hint.

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.