The 20/80 Syndrome

I'm in a wardrobe dilemma.

I have a beautiful wardrobe of clothes that is suffering from the 20/80 Syndrome. This precise syndrome entails wearing 20% of my wardrobe 80% of the time.

I love thrifting, I think you all know that by now!! I love the thrill of obtaining a quality piece, be it a dress, jeans, jacket, boots, bag or accessory at a very low price and its a double bonus if its designer or in trend.

I also love blogging and showing my new purchases-some of them get worn regularly, a lot of them come out for a photo shoot and don't get worn again.

As it comes to winter, I'm in my usual uniform of woollies and jeans or leggings, with the jacket of the day chucked over the top. Unfortunately, my current lifestyle doesn't allow regular outings of my lovely dresses, mores the pity. I wear a uniform for work, sort the kids out after school, do food shopping and housework and at the weekends I generally chill out, go to boot sales and/or charity shops and catch up with remaining housework.

Summer is great for my vintage summer dresses as this is when I do go out and about to different places-but I have ample that I've worn and a lot of gorgeous 'collection' dresses that I haven't!

My Ossie Clarks, Celia Birtwells, Jean Muir, Leonard, etc all hang patiently waiting in the wardrobe. Waiting and waiting.

Its leaving me perplexed I must admit. I do sometimes wish I had a different lifestyle to show off these pieces, but I will say it won't change anytime soon as I don't intend changing my job. I really like what I do and am happy enough. I don't yearn for a career in fashion, nor do I really enjoy selling clothes. I had a stint of it on Ebay and I would do it as a one off, but I can't see myself as a vintage clothes seller.

So, this is my dilemma. I love all my stuff, but its not being worn. What to do then?

Well, I'm certainly only going to buy in future what I need. This isn't a 'credit crunch' post, as I'm not looking to cash in on my designer collection for the money-I'm not desperate to raise funds at all. Its about me being perplexed with having a wonderful wardrobe that is suffering from the 20/80 syndrome.

I have enough storage for my things, so that makes me say hold on to my clothes, but on the other hand is it worth keeping if I know realistically I won't be wearing the majority of it anytime soon.

I'd be so interested on your thoughts on my situation-do you also have a similiar situation?

Also, this dilemma doesn't stop my passion for thrifting. The boot sale season is near on finished now, so I've a few months to ponder on this. I think I need to stop going to boot sales, but I love them, LOL!

I visited a lovely new blogger today and her post really struck a cord. She asked' What is it about shopping and obtaining that satisfies me, and if thats even of real value to my Life? A question indeed!!

Thrift Inspiration, doing it Gucci and Etro's way!

Layering is a key trend for Autumn and what better way to do it than with a gilet (or if you prefer to call it a vest or waistcoat). They are the perfect combination with a folksy dress, jeans and top or a lovely floaty skirt. My favourites are from Gucci, Etro and Joseph, although most designers and high street stores have them this A/W 08.

They also come in different textures, materials and styles-sheepskin, wool and fur being the most in trend at the moment. I found this lovely handknitted gilet at the St Francis Hospice a few weeks ago for only £2.50. I love the trimming, it is very soft and fluffy!!

Etros gilets are great too-I love the look above best, as it works well with jeans. Not sure if the one below is real fur, so although I like the style I most probably wouldn't wear it for that reason alone. Will you channel the gilet look this autumn-go for it!!

The Times List-Being a Recessionista

The Times seem to love a list. Todays is 50 ways to being a Recessionista. I've shown my picks, click on my title link to view them all!!

A splurge at vintage boutique Rellik=Clearing out your granny's attic

A romantic mini break=A weekends worth of DVD box sets and takeaways

Buying into the Military look=Changing the buttons on your winter coat

Dry cleaning your statement blouse=Airing it in the garden

The 7/8 trouser length=Chopping the bottoms off of last years skinnies

Shopping on Oxford Street=Shopping in the charity shops of Oxford

New hairdo=New parting

Having it All=having to choose the one, utterly perfect thing you just have to have this month

Investing in a new season Gucci folk dress=Wearing a skinny jumper under a summer smock

New Shoes=New heels and soles for your Jimmy Choos

Do you have a top tip for being a Recessionista?

Boot Sale Saturday!!!

Well, another Saturday, as it was dry hubby and me decided to go for a brisk walk around the boot sale, it was freezing first thing! Winter is definitely setting in, I think!!

Here I'm wearing one of the grey tops I got last week, which was only 50p. I love the little gold and diamante studs which make up the skull and crossbone. I'm also wearing some diy grey wool armwarmers. These came about from a dress a couple of years ago that got shrunk in the wash, so I kept the sleeves as warmers to layer up an outfit!!

These are the biker ankle boots from last week too, which were £1. They are soo comfy, I'm yet to wear them though.

Todays bargains were few and far between, it is definitely the end of boot sale season, I reckon. Still, I picked up these gorgeous leather and suede sheepskin lined boots for £1-I think they're from the 80s. They are a little too small on the right boot, hopefully my big foot will stretch it out!!

I also got this Muppets Animal top for 50p. I'm loving grey tops at the moment, I think because its such a neutral colour and goes with anything!! I can see this with a studded belt and jeans or leggings and my black leather jacket!!

If you've been shopping this weekend, hope you picked up some great bargains!!

Thrift Inspiration, doing it the JPG way!

The A/W 08 collection from Jean Paul Gaultier showcased his love of print and design, particularly in an artistic way-I love this first look especially.

This 80s/90s jacket by Jean Paul Gaultier is so reminiscent of this years trend. I got this last year from my local Sue Ryder Care charity shop. I adore the designs used-snakes and mythological ladies and creatures, it is a picture in itself.

The best bit was it was only £5!

Have a lovely weekend everyone!