My Perfect 'It' Dress-Vintage 70s Jean Varon

Since I sold my Ossie Clark for Radley maxi dress about three years ago-something I did regret, but as they say 'c'est la vie', I've been after a vintage original maxi and have never been able to find the perfect one-until now.

Scouring Ebay, I found this gorgeous black maxi floral dress by 70s designer John Bates, aka Jean Varon.

The floral print is just so similar to the prints produced by Celia Birtwell for Ossie Clark back in the day. The maxi dress is my perfect length and style and just what I've been wanting for such a long time:

I just adore the print, florals against a black background are a huge favourite of mine

I do have an Ossie Clark dress, but its not a maxi, so this really fulfills my longing for a designer 70s vintage dress

What item are you hankering after this Summer season?

Thrift Inspiration, Comfy Style

Because I'm up and out early for the boot sales now, comfort and warmth take priority over style- I wore my wellies on Sunday and when I came home they were thick with dust, normally its mud!!

So it was just a change of coat and boots for our trip into London and we had a lovely stroll around the Tower of London, before taking a leisurely drive through St Johns Wood and West Hampstead.

I'm wearing a Pauls Boutique parka, thrifted from the boot sale, cowboy boots also from the boot sale, Jean Paul Gaultier tee from the charity shop and M&S leggings.

Our drive back took us past London Zoo, so I had to snap the giraffes, they are so cute and what lovely skins they have, stylish forever, lol!!

When does comfort take priority over style for you??

Happy Mothers Day!!!

Hi everyone, hope you're all having a lovely Sunday and for all the mums and grandmas out there, Happy Mothers Day to you All!!

My day started off very early, we were up and out by 7.30 to the local boot sale and the morning was gloriously sunny and perfect for finds and people watching whilst eating my breakfast there.

Then back home to see my boys, who made sure I had a card from each of them, plus a lovely teddy bear, a candle and some flowers-aah, my boys are so gorgeous!!

Lovely hubby had given me some money to treat myself and I found a lovely vintage sequin top on my travels which has peacock feathers on each shoulder:

So this was my pressie of choice, always clothes!!

We've had a lovely day, we visited St Katherines Dock, The Tower of London where we had a wander and then we stopped for a quick drink before taking a leisurely drive to Hampstead and a tour of their charity shops and some lunch.

I'm now back home and relaxing after being on the go, but its been such a wonderful day.

Wishing you all a good week ahead and heres hoping the sun stays with us too!! xxx

Thrift Inspiration, Carrie Style

As you all know, I'll be opening my Vintage Etsy shop very soon, I am hoping it will be within the next couple of weeks.

One of the main trends for summer is the Midi skirt and in this weeks Grazia they are showcasing the new Whistles version called Carrie which is already being offered on a restricted basis while stocks last-its the It skirt for 2011!!

Gemma Bunston, Whistles designer and creator of the Carrie skirt-the Midi version is £110

I am really pleased to see the pleated Midi in trend, as this skirt below will be featured in my Etsy shop. Its a vintage Frank Usher and the colourings of it will prove to be very versatile and stylish as it can be worn as a summer piece or with boots and a black sweater and jacket for winter:

Vintage Frank Usher Midi Pleated Skirt, £35

It just shows how trends come full cycle!!

The skirt is a modern size 10 and fits my model perfectly, who like me is a size 10 too!!

I so hope it will go to a new home-if anyone is genuinely interested in it before it goes in the shop, send me an email and you could be the lucky owner of this gorgeous skirt!!

Thrift Inspiration, Net A Porter Style

Spring is here-hurrah and hopefully this means lighter jackets, even if we are still layering. Over at Net-A-Porter, I've noticed Khaki is still a popular style following on from last year, featuring not only in jackets, but jumpsuits, dresses, shirts and trousers/jeans.

I like khaki jackets as they make a change from denim and leather ones and can be worn with anything, including denim and leather. Here are my favourite picks available at Net-A-Porter:

Paul & Joe Sister, £200

Zadig & Voltaire, £325

Bird by Juicy Couture, £355

My khaki jacket find from Autumn 2009 will be reappearing this Spring, its by Mexx and was only £3.99 from the PDSA charity shop. Its very light and I could wear a sweater quite easily underneath for cooler days and dress down a floral dress with it too:

What versatile item will you be getting out for Springtime?