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?
This is my H&M velvet blazer I thrifted last autumn for £5.50 and the jeans are vintage Lee Cooper with the distressing as a DIY job with the razor and cheese grater that I thrifted for about £2. My sandals are by Giles Deacon for New Look. The vest is my black M&S thermal cami.
The Balmain look really is about a statement jacket and totally distressed jeans, but I wanted to work the with the Vogue prediction and play my look down for a more wearable everyday look.
Will you be in distressed jeans this summer?
