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 - Passing the Hat? No Way!

I find my friends' relationships with their mothers endlessly compelling. Our moms, live fun fair mirrors reflecting their daughters, are the first women to shape us, even in their absence. My friend Monica (pictured above) has inherited the easy grace of her mother Maria, as well as her eye for tip-top pre-owned fashions. When Monica returned home to Toronto for Christmas this year, her mom had tracked down, among many other first class 2nd-hand bargains, this made-to-measure mink hat. While fur is not for everyone, for me 2nd-hand fur is fair game. Mom Maria picked it up for just $10.   

The daughter on the subject of her Austrian mother (pictured above)--

"When her family's fortunes were lost during the War, her mother, my Omama, became a seamstress for well-connected friends. Omama could see an image in a magazine and replicate it. My mom has an even keener eye, I think, and appreciates great fabrics and designs despite not being a fashionista or following trends. Her tastes lean toward classic but she has a real appreciation for new takes on time-honored styles. When she visits London, countless days were spent walking up to Hampstead to find a gently-worn tweed, a Burberry coat, or anything that was Made in England. Clothing that's edgy, black and short, she calls 'punk.' She pioneered her way to Canada in the early sixties as a recently graduated physiotherapist. Some 50+ years later, she enjoys herself at estate sales, church bazaars in posh neighborhoods and charity shops..."

Together, Monica and her mother wrote this deliciously charming cookbook, The Viennese Kitchen, based on family recipes CLICK HERE. As this book illustrates, mothers and daughters make formidable teams. So I tip my hat to both of these talented, well-dressed style hunters. 

FOUND - A Ticket to Cheap Chic

I found this style guide at the Cancer Research charity shop in Kilburn CLICK HERE. I was in the area to see The House That Will Not Stand at The Tricycle Theatre, indeed the most memorable play I saw in 2014. I headed over early, hoping the buzzy high street would reveal some 2nd-hand secrets. Seems the stars were aligned on the day because I bagged a book apropos of the evening. The House That Will Not Stand is set in New Orleans, 1836. Following an era of French colonial rule, Louisiana's "free people of colour" are prospering, but at a price. This remarkable drama, brimming with vibrant and compelling female characters, stormed the stage, and my imagination for days to follow. So it seemed a cherry on my theatrical sundae to find a fashion book with a French connection and female author. I was a bit sniffy about this book when it hit the shelves, feeling I had it up to my oo la la with so-called French fashion supremacy. However, this is a terrific read full of specific and inspirational style advice, as well as small French shop recommendations. The book was £2, less than a tub of ice cream at the interval. 

Eurostar is currently offering £59 

trips to Paris CLICK HERE (book before 14 Jan)  

FOUND - It's Got All the Bells & Whistles

I found this Whistles jumper at the Barnardos charity shop in Chiswick not far from Turnham Green tube station CLICK HERE. There's a Whistles retail shop around the corner from where I found the stripy sparkler, making it all the more satisfying. I'm a fan of Whistles ethos and the feminine utilitarianism of the brand and its founder Jane Shepherdson CLICK HERE. Frankly I like the idea of buying women's clothing from a company headed by a woman. If I could afford Ms Shepherdson's fashions, her shops would be my high street home. Instead I always look out for the Whistles' label - the newer grey & white version, as well as the old school cream & pink one - on charity shop rails. While rewards are rare, as this find proves, Whistles is not unheard of in 2nd-hand shops. At just £5.99, this sweater sounds very good indeed. 

TRY THIS - Exhibit V&A: Walk This Way

I found this large coffee table book about shoes at the Oxfam on Marylebone Road. A dream shop, three quarters of its floor space is shelves of well-organized books while the remaining quarter is given over to high quality 2nd-hand clothing and accessories. Recently while in New York City I popped into the Killer Heels exhibition at the Brooklyn Museum CLICK HERE. Among other spectacular items, I was able to view up close the famed shoe-hat fashioned by personal style hero Elsa Schiaparelli. If you're planning a trip to the Big Apple do not overlook Brooklyn and its impressive museum. Along with a herd of historic footwear, the museum boasts a quirky gift shop where I walked away with this soleful bracelet made of plastic Barbie shoes. Buying new is not my style, but occasionally I give pristine fashions a 2nd chance. Interestingly in June, Shoes: Pleasure & Pain opens at the V&A in London CLICK HERE. I'm looking forward to the fancy footwork sure to be on show. Exhibits like these inspire our dress sense but also remind us that fashion marches in step with history and human endeavor. The shoe book was £8.99. 

To follow the V&A's 

Pleasure & Pain Blog CLICK HERE 

FOUND - Style You Can Take to the Bank

I found this Christian Dior coat circa 1990 in my mom's closet. She hadn't worn it in years and most of the shiny CD-inscribed buttons were missing. She happily let me have it, and while it took me ages to find decent button replacements, it was worth the effort. Through much of my life, my mom worked at The Metropolitan Bank, a locally-owned savings institution in the small Ohio town where I grew up. She 'dressed' five days a week, decked out in a skirt suit, heels and pantyhose. After years of service, the bank gave her this ring, another style marker in my mother's life that she passed on to me. 

I can picture her in The Met Bank, a good-looking, highly accomplished career woman who could count money really fast. To this day her style and confident attitude influences what I wear and who I am. Barbara Ann, my mother, looked formidable but feminine in this spectacularly long coat. Because I walk and take public transport, I've toughened it up, making the military topper urban, edgy, and just a little bit punk. Donning something that belonged to my mom feels as once stylish and safe. Nab a bit of kit from your mom, gran, sister, auntie or even your dad - it feels good to keep fashion in the family.

Happy New Year Style Hunters - 

All the Best in 2015!

TRY THIS - New Year, New Perspective

I find New Year's Resolutions hard to keep. This year, rather than trying to up end my world, only to find it crumbled around my feet, I'm simply adjusting my focus. In 2015 I'm going to,

1 Compliment friends more often. CLICK HERE

2 Compliment strangers, without appearing strange. CLICK HERE

3 Get off the tube 3 or 4 stops earlier and walk the rest of the way to my destination.

4 Return to my Thursday morning yoga class at the Brentham Club. If you live in Ealing, Victoria is an excellent instructor. CLICK HERE

5 Have a clear out. A little bit from every room will get bagged and donated to charity shops.

6 Eat only really good chocolate, dark, high quality. Once a week.

That's it. Oh, and I'll be posting 4 days a week in the coming year. I started my blog by posting 7 days a week, then dropped back to 5 days. Now that Huntress London is established, 4 days a week seems the perfect posting point. Thanks for your sartorial support and happy 2nd-hand hunting in 2015.