TRY THIS - #ThriftyShifting in Islington

I found Fara's newly opened shop in Islington, near Angel Tube station, nothing short of 2nd-hand heaven. Light, bright and well-organized, the space is the former home of Fara Workshop. The Workshop closed last month - while a clever concept that saw donated clothing re-worked, re-made and resold, the idea had run its course.

Among other things, Fara Islington features a special section of retro clothing - although most of the charity's vintage donations go to the superb Retromania near Victoria Station. This is one of London's hot spots for true vintage - filled with both men's and women's clothing, Retromaina is unlike any other charity shop in London, catering to those of us who long for quality brands and designs from the past. 

The new Islington shop has a relaxed urban vibe all its own, in part due to fashion-conscious shop manager Zane. On the day I popped in, she was looking terribly chic in a full skirt - black with huge white spots - and flat black boots. I get a little thrill when shop staff are super stylish. They provide unique value-added inspiration.

Everything from the cool lighting to the hip music - played not too loud, thank you - is spot on at this, the latest of Fara's 50 shops. If it weren't for the one-off nature of the stock, you'd be excused for thinking the Islington branch was a commercial high street establishment and not a charity venture. 

Did I find some pre-owned pleasure? Of course, and in the coming week I'll reveal my best buys. If you pop into Fara Islington, and you should, treat yourself to a cuppa' at the excellent cafe, Saint Espresso next door. First rate coffee and 2nd-hand style - indeed my heaven on earth.   

Tweet your fab Fara fashion finds to 

 @FARAcharityshop #thriftyshifting   

TRY THIS - 2nd-Hand in Ole' Amsterdam

Today we find my friend, actor and ever-stylish Alma, serving as a Foreign Correspondent for Huntress London. Direct from Amsterdam, here's what she's uncovered -

"My other half turned 30 this year and I decided rather impulsively to book a trip to Amsterdam. Nicknamed ‘Venice of the North,’ it could not have made a better impression on us. Perfect Spring weather, lucky restaurant choices, delicious beers and endless corners to discover on foot, all contributed to the memorable 3-day city break.

And then there was the 2nd-hand shopping. I was hoping there would be a vintage side to Amsterdam, and I’d already asked Huntress for tips but I needn’t have worried. By simply walking around the city, we effortlessly stumbled into all sorts of 2nd-hand and antique establishments. But with only a hand luggage allowance, I had to choose wisely.

While desperately seeking style in the disappointing Waterlooplein Markt, my clever man spotted the Kilo Shop CLICK HERE where 2nd-hand items are assigned a colour, the colour is assigned a price per kilo, items are weighed and the price calculated. This proved a lot of fun and imagine my delight when two gorgeous paisley shirts (my new obsession) weighed up at only 10 Euros! Ker-ching. I also picked up a lovely neckerchief in a 2.50 EURO box which works a treat in a ‘We Can Do It’ poster kind of way. I can’t recommend this shop highly enough; beautiful stock, friendly staff and value for money. 

Day Two and I discovered Bis CLICK HERE, a chain of three shops. I explored the Lady’s Vintage Fashion branch at Sint Antoniesbreestraat 25d, a very classy shop with legit vintage stock and a sales assistant wearing a full 50s sailor’s outfit (probably from the shop next door, Bis Vintage Army Fashion & Basics). I thought I’d just be looking because the price point was out of my league but then I spotted a selection of classic raincoats, something I’ve always wanted. Sadly I've never managed to find the right one. I tried a couple on but again, no luck. Then my eagle-eyed man picked one out for me and while it didn’t look like much on the hanger, the boy’s definitely got the knack because it fit like a glove. With no price tag attached, I imagined the worst but Sailor Lady only wanted 50 EUROS for it, a fair price for a well-made classic that I'll wear for years. The following day, our last in Amsterdam, I swanned around town in my new/old raincoat feeling like a million bucks. 

On the the last day I found Episode, a well-organised European-wide charity shop CLICK HERE which looked a bit like Beyond Retro here in London; fashionable retro, not super cheap but not overly expensive either. Here I found dungarees, a staple I've long searching for (unsuccessfully). Seems I've the figure of a Dutch woman because for a very reasonable 29 EUROS these slipped on like they were made for me.

There were many more shops that I didn't buy anything from but which still deserve mention. Zipper, similar to Rokit in London and Carla Palermo, a mad selection of pretty frocks and kimonos, just for the fun of it, both on Huidenstraat. Harvest & Co CLICK HERE for vintage home wares and furniture, very expensive but a beautiful place to browse. And if paper and stationary are your thing don't miss Papier CLICK HERE pricey but absolutely stunning."

TRY THIS - Reactionary Style

I find myself much in the company of actors lately. Rehearsing my play Re:Tale, debuting at Hen & Chickens in Islington 24-28 March, I am surrounded by drama. The quartet of actors and director Brigitte Adela of Written Foundations bring a positive intensity to the rehearsal room, an honest vigor that I'm finding rather stylish.

Carrie Hill CLICK HERE

How often do the world's most photographed models stare lifelessly down a camera lens? It seems contemporary fashion often requires expressionless faces that tell no tales. 

Laura Glover CLICK HERE

But actors, while indeed acting, brim with potent emotion. They're engaged in every word uttered. They naturally search for truth in their work, a search I find mesmerizing. It's difficult to take your eyes off these women as they continually act and importantly, react.

Zena Carswell CLICK HERE

Reactions, subtle but fierce or clashing and unexpected, add texture to who we are as human beings. Nothing is a stylish as a woman engrossed in the world she inhabits. (Even if it is the make-believe world of a stage play). Why not wear the beating life inside us like a giant wooden bangle or shocking pink top coat? The body language and expression of a corpse may be all the rage but it's a modern look that wants for character.  

Liis Mikk CLICK HERE

 CLICK HERE for tickets to Re:Tale, 24-28 March

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 - Lady Luck x 2 At Auction

I find live auctions an exciting alternative to shop-bought style. And with that in mind, I recently spent an afternoon with Tracie Vallis the Fashion, Fur & Textile expert at Chiswick Auction House (this busy buying pro is also the Toy, Teddy & Doll expert). It was an eye-opener, watching her prepare for the upcoming sale slated for Tuesday 24 March CLICK HERE. Of course fashion 'know-who' is part of Tracie's DNA. Her mother was a model in the 60s - getting her start after being crowned Miss UK 1962. Tracie recalls weekly visits to Biba, Mary Quant and Carnaby Street, zooming about London town in her mom's red Mini. Once she grew up and grew interested in fashion, her mum handed down some of the best-of-the-best fashions from her own wardrobe. Tracie admits she didn't always look after the now-iconic clothing she donned back in the day - lesson learned. 

But before our conversation could continue, Tracie took a phone call and downstairs we scurried, off to meet a client. Enter Ruth rolling a discreet travel case behind her, what would turn out to be virtual Pandora's box of eye-popping pieces. As she unwrapped and revealed all that she intended to sell, I was beguiled by an elongated red fez with faux fur embellishment. Turns out this incredible hat was made for an Yves Saint Laurent runway show when the great man was still among us.

             

Ruth, a Brit living in France, worked for Mr Saint Laurent - part of a sales staff of 13 employed in the showroom for Rive Gauche during the "collections." She also worked for Sonia Rykiel, Chanel, Hermes and others. She describes her fellow showroom staffers as a "traveling circus, going from house to house." She felt particularly appreciated by the boss, Mr YSL, and considered herself part of the Rive Gauche family. Ruth also worked for the International Herald Tribune for a time and her own family founded Kitty Copeland, a once popular dress-maker. 

Spending time with Tracie and Ruth was delightful. Listening to these women - steeped in style - talk designers, trends and tribulations was the kind of informed chit chat that leaves me speechless. Listen and learn Huntress! Whether to buy or just browse (which I highly recommend), VIEWINGS for this particular auction are:

Sunday 22 March noon to 6pm, 

Monday 23 March 10am to 6pm and 

    Tuesday 24 March 10am to 11.45am     

CLICK HERE to see auction catalogue 

TRY THIS - Give Mumsy Real Meaning

My Mom

I find fashion jargon occasionally baffling. The word "mumsy," for example, has come to stand for a vogue-less clothing look. For much of the Flippin' Fashion Industry (FFI), mumsy means thoughtless, feeble and ineffective dress sense. And while recently Dolce & Gabbana sent models accessorized with babies down the runways of Milan Fashion Week, this headline-stealing stunt did highlight the fact that women with children are normally anything but thoughtless, feeble and ineffective. 

Me and Mom, 1965

My mom raised three children, supports and delights in her grandchildren, built a banking career, opened a clothing shop, buried a husband, remarried, perpetually seeks new experiences and takes pride in her rather chic appearance. With humor and panache she shines in a world that would just as soon make septuagenarians like herself invisible. If mumsy means style-less, then my mom is un-mumsy.

Me and Mom 1998

But when did mumsy's meaning get so muddled? Shouldn't this term be applied to those whose determination and experience is offered with creative concern? Let mumsy signify strength, sensitivity and style. That's surely what it's meant in my life. Shouldn't an industry keen to court women make "mumsy" high praise? Language is powerful, but never more so than when it's misused. I'm left wondering why the FFI continually insults women who, for many of us, were our first style icons?  

Mom and Me, 2013 

TRY THIS - Public Displays of Affection

I find myself anxious to buy Mary Portas' memoir Shop Girl - but in true Huntress style, I'll wait until it turns up in a charity shop, ideally one of Mary's Living & Giving shops CLICK HERE. In the meantime, I found what I think must be her first book on the shelves of my local Oxfam for just 99p. This is a fantastic addition to my style library - well worth it if only for the photos. While Mary began her career at Harrods, the retailing renegade came to prominence at Harvey Nichols where, among other things, she elevated window dressing to an art form. As Director of Marketing, she understood that a shop's glass frontage was not only its most economical advertising tool but could be its most compelling.      

You wouldn't want to judge this Thames & Hudson publication by its cover. Looking a little like a study text, it's actually brimming with inspiration, facts, quotes and images from around the world.

I was recently chatting with a shop owner who said he found it difficult to conjure the style vibe of 1990s. Windows, published in 1999, encapsulates the decade with ease. It's like looking back over your shoulder. There it is, that indefinable era. The one that still hides out in the darker recess of your wardrobe.

British designer Paul Smith is quoted in the book, saying, "With windows you have just a few seconds to get someone's attention; visual humor is the most effective way, transcending the barriers of both language and budget." And I couldn't agree more. 

The shop I ran from 2006 to 2010 boasted a big, bright shop window that I tried to use to maximum effect. So when the former PM and his wife moved in around the corner, I couldn't resist the opportunity to welcome them to the neighborhood. While Mrs B never popped in, this cheeky window display made the newspapers, as well as industry publication Drapers. Now that's clearly marketing that money can't buy - right Mary?