Thrift Inspiration, Doing it Bottega Veneta way!!

When I think of Bottega Veneta, the first thing I think of is their gorgeous woven bags. I've always coveted a quality hand-woven bag, but Bottega Veneta is unfortunately well out of my price range. Current Bottega handbags typically boast clean lines, the softest Intreciatto woven leathers, and a classic palette-Wikipedias description, which I heartily agree with, LOL!

So I was extremely pleased to pick up a gorgeous bag by Cosci, which is also handcrafted in Italy-their woven nappa bags retail between 500-750 euros.

The bag below is the New Intrecciato medium bag, which is available at Net-A-Porter for £1315.

My bag is a mix of casual and smart-it has a slouch factor, but the fastening across the top gives an understated formal air to it. This was from the Haven House charity shop yesterday for only £3-I snapped it up!!

So, although I didn't need another handbag, I could not pass this lovely bag up and for a change I've started using it straightaway!!

Thrift Inspiration, Doing it Net-A-Porter style!!

Now its coming up to Autumn and Winter, ankle boots, particularly suede ones are really in trend and these Christian Louboutin Fifre 120 suede ankle bootees, available at Net-A-Porter for £765 are just perfect for any occasion.

These equally gorgeous ones are by Pedro Garcia-the Dorice boots at Net-A-Porter for a cheaper £280.

So it was great to see these in trend for autumn as I had thrifted these cute plum suede ankle boots in Spring. They were from the Cancer Research charity shop and were around £4.50.

I haven't worn them yet, but on routing through my shoes and boots for autumn and winter, I realised these will also fullfil my wishlist item of heeled ankle boots, but in suede and colour.

I really like the colour and style of these-not overly high for me and they will look equally as good with jeans as they will with a floral dress, cardi and opaques come the colder weather.

Thrift Inspiration, Doing it French Style!!

When I was deciding what to wear yesterday, I was feeling very 'Francais'. I knew I wanted to wear my pearls 'a la Coco', so on went my pearl stud earrings and my long pearl beads.

I also wanted to wear my newest Gaultier find from the boot sale last month-its a Gaultier 2 tee and was only £1.50. I decided to wear it with my See by Chloe flared summer jeans.

There was a slight chill in the air, so I decided to add my silk Orla Kiely scarf around my neck-it really made a difference to the wind factor, LOL!

So, ensemble complete it was off to town to try and get some boring work trousers. I managed to find some in Primark and I also picked up a lovely leopardprint dip dye scarf, a skinny studded belt, lace tights and a grey beanie-the total including the trousers came to £11.26!!

Wishing you all a fabulous weekend, whatever you are up to!!

All Booted up!!

As you may know, I had 2 items on my Fall wishlist-a denim shirt, which I picked up last week and the other was some heeled ankle boots in black. I'd seen some online, but am wary about buying, because of fit and comfort-I personally like to try and buy there and then.

So, a recent thrifting trip brought dividends as the 2 last shops visited yielded me 2 pairs of black leather as new ankle boots-hurrah!!

This first pair is by Dune and are slightly higher that ankle length, but thats fine-the fit is just right. These were from Norwood Trust charity shop and were £6.

So, after leaving the last but one shop I went into Sense charity shop and spotted these black leather Marks & Spencer ankle boots which were only £5!!

So, I'm totally booted up-I've a couple of pairs of flat black ankle boots already, knee length flat and heeled black boots, plus some French Connection brown leather and suede boots that I've had for a few years and barely worn twice.

How is your winter shopping coming along?

Dressing down in denim

Well, one item off the wishlist is a denim shirt. I picked one up last week at the Salvation Army charity shop for £1.50, the same day I found the Gucci loafers.

The denim shirt is by Ralph Lauren and I'm wearing it with my Diesel denim skirt. I toyed with giving this skirt away because of the short length, but I feel comfortable when I'm wearing opaques with it.

To me denim is a great way for casual dressing-what is your favourite dressing down outfit?