Motivatation to declutter and to keep things too!

Hi everyone!!

I've not been spending as much whilst thrifting as I did last year. The things I've bought so far in 2009 combine rare designer finds (such as the Issey Miyake jacket and the Wale Adeyemi graffiti skirt), trend items for summer (denim mini skirt, leather skirt, 80s style pastel floral bodycon top) and things I just saw and immediately fell in love with (green Eiffel Tower purse and Moroccan leather belt).

So, when things are coming in and overfilling the drawers and wardrobe, a declutter is in order.

I've decided not to part with any of my vintage and designer goodies, they have their place in my wardrobe and won't be parted with. Inspired by the gorgeous WendyB, I've realised I need to keep hold of my good quality items, as I have regretted giving quite a few things over the years.

It does pay to invest in designer, good quality items, be it by thrifting, sample sales, sales in general or Ebay. Check out this article in the Guardian of famous ladies who have items still going strong after 10-15 years!

My high street stuff that I've had enough of now is ready for a new home and thats what gets sorted out.

A couple of weeks ago, I gave my sister in law my faux fur lilac Jasper Conran jacket, a black Mango leather blazer and a navy heart print Jaeger blazer.

Well, to say she was pleased is an understatement-I received a phone call of thanks, a text of thanks and a Thank You card of thanks!!

This really motivated me to sort out more of my stuff for her-when its appreciated like that, its a great incentive to give more and declutter at the same time too!

So, I sorted out a nice bag for her which included 3 cardis, 1 jumper, 2 pairs of trousers, a dress and 3 pashmina scarves.

How often do you declutter and do your unwanted items head straight for the bin, charity shop or family and friends?

Souvenir before the trip!

Whilst thrifting last weekend, I couldn't resist this gorgeous little mini bag/purse, which is a souvenir from the Eiffel Tower, Paris-the lining is in fuschia pink with the Eiffel Tower logo woven into the lining. For £2, it was a 'petit cadeau' I couldn't resist.

Its quite coincidental that I've just booked with friends at work to go to Paris for the day on the Eurostar this May. I've not been before, so am very much looking forward to it and as my title says, I've got the souvenir before the trip!

Layering in stripes

Another thrift find last week was this grey and black striped cardigan by TU, from my local Sue Ryder charity shop for £4.95.

Its great to use as a layering piece, I'm wearing a black stretch dress that I got at the boot sale last year for £1 and a black polo body, tights and shoe boots.

The length is ideal, as it's nearly knee length and I didn't have any cardis that long in my wardrobe, so this is a welcome and versatile piece that I'm sure will go with lots of different items.

Outfit Post

As it was half term last week and there was not a lot of activity-barring some housework and general chilling out, I thought I'd show you my thrift finds from last week.

The trip took place in 2 parts, in which I bought the jeans and grey top 2 Saturdays ago and the belt last Monday-I had to go back for it as I'd run out of cash first time round!!

The grey top is by Tommy Hilfiger Heritage Denim and was £1.50 and the jeans are Sass & Bide for £3.99, from the British Red Cross Charity shop.

The belt was a must have. I hid it on my first trip right under the big pile of belts, intending to return if I still wanted it. Years ago, I visited Marrakesh in Morocco and in the souks I bought 2 lovely leather belts. Goodness knows what possessed me, but I gave them away to the charity shops some years later. So, when I saw this one which is virtually identical to my original one, I just had to buy it-I'm not going back to Morocco in a hurry (mores the pity, its a gorgeous place to go!) So as well as having it for nostalgic reasons, I thought it would go with my summer vintage dresses, as I don't have a brown studded cinch belt.

Awards for you!!

Hi there!! A big thanks to Tanya at Captivate Me and Janet Taylor for the following awards, they are much appreciated and are featured on my blog as a constant reminder of the lovely bloggers who come to visit me!!!

I nominate the 'Fierce' award to:

La Mimi

Kate-Make Do Style

WendyB

I nominate this 'Love' award to:

Skye-Skylark and Son

Marian-House of Style

Lenya-The Fashion Loving Stylist

The Unique and Chic award goes to:

Winnie-Diamond Canopy

LaCouturier

Silje