Atelier Mayer

Hi there!!

As everyone knows, I adore vintage designer fashion and I preferably like to source it by thrifting from Charity Shops and Boot Sales. I also like Ebay, but I spent a lot last year on items, which although I do not regret, don't want to do from now on.

I've just come across a delightful website called Atelier Mayer, which sells online vintage and antique clothing. Not only that, it gives an insight into Vintage Buying, Designers and Icons and Decades in Fashion.

It really is a minefield of information and even if their prices are rather high for you, the information on offer is definitely worth a read, if you are into vintage.

I particularly liked their answer to 'What is Vintage Fashion?' I have been intrigued as to what decade 'vintage' starts from. I'll let you find the answer, click on their website and see for yourself!!

Viva La Thrifting!!!

Thrifting is something I've done for years now and the thrill and anticipation is still there, regardless of whether I come home with a bargain or not. I enjoy the journey-that is, the day or afternoon, of trekking from one charity shop to another (or through the stalls at the boot sale), listening to other folk picking up their bargains or listening to the music playing in the shop. Its real 'me' time, where I can hope to catch a bargain but if not, c'est la vie, there is always next time.

It was my love of thrifting that initiated the blog-as well as my love of Ossie Clark, as I often read in awe the gorgeous WendyBs blog, until I decided to go for it and do my own.

Well, its soo fabulous when you find 'the perfect bargain'. Its very rare to capture something that really takes your breath away and gets you running to the till, in case the shop girl takes it away from you, declaring that actually, its not for sale after all, LOL!!

In the week, feeling rather down, I decided to go thrifting in my local town after work, as I just wanted some time to myself. I started at my beloved Salvation Army, nothing doing, so trekked over to the 3 others further in town. Still feeling like I didn't want to come home, I mooched into the high street shops and back into the Salvation Army. There it was, waiting for me-'my perfect find'.

A 1980s vintage wool Issey Miyake 'Plantation' deconstructed top/jacket!! As soon as I picked it up and saw the cut, design and quality, I knew I had to have it. I didn't even try it on, I just sprinted to the till, paid up and headed home!!

Issey Miyake is a Japanese 'Modern Master' along with Hanae Mori, Rei Kawakubo (Comme Des Garcons) and Yohji Yamamoto, who each have left mesmerising impressions on international style with their groundbreaking work, proving that Asia is full of inspiration and unique styles over the last 60 years.

Its very hard to capture the cut and drapes as the black doesn't photo that well, but the last picture gives a better idea of how it fits. It truly is a stunning item and one which I will covet and treasure for years to come. Funnily enough, after taking it after after the photo shoot, I left it unbuttoned and it looks gorgeous as a jacket too, so a really great item and I view as a real piece of art. Topshop have some tops online now that are very similiar to the draping of mine, so it shows how timeless this top really is. It also gives me back the belief that there are true gems to be found thrifting if you look hard enough.

My first 'eureka' thrift find was an immaculate Ossie Clark maxi dress for £7 in my local Sue Ryder about 4-5 years ago, which I sold to raise some money to pay off debts. I do regret it, but it was meant to be at the time, I suppose.
What has been your best find-be it thrifting, online, ebay or from a high street shop or designer item-what is that item that made you go all weak at the knees and desperate to have in your wardrobe?

How Darling!!

How about these for jelly plastic shoes? They've certainly come a long way from those blue and pink flat ones that originated in the 80s, LOL!!

Vivenne Westwood has collaberated with Melissa for her Anglomania line and these are going to be available at Harvey Nichols for £70-how cute indeed!!

Pictures:Grazia

Ladies in Denim

I love denim and it was great to see Roisin Murphy and Chloe Sevigny in their Wrangler jeans and jacket.

I love Chloes jacket, its a great cut and fit and this style goes with anything.

Will you be in denim this summer-if so, jeans, a jacket or skirt and what wash will you go for? I'm into a faded look this summer and already have a jacket from last year and at least 3 pairs of jeans, its just a skirt that I'm after now.


Pictures:Graziafashion

Statement coats at Net-A-Porter

Net A Porter have some gorgeous statement coats in their sale. If I don't track a vintage statement coat down this year, I'm seriously thinking of saving up for one in their sale this time next year. Here are my favourites:

Rick Owens Lilies £276.49

Vivienne Westwood Anglomania £186



McQ £329

Helmut Lang £256.92


A winter coat is a serious investment piece and if looked after can last many years, so although the initial investment may seem steep, the cost per wear will come down quite rapidly!!