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?

Joining in with the Red Leg Brigade

Whilst on my travels this weekend, I thought I'd combine my two current favourite trends-leopardprint and red jeans.

After seeing the gorgeous Wendy's post on Inspirational Ladies in Red, I thought I would wear mine to show solidarity of the red leg brigade.

Its a very popular look of the moment, the lovely Kate is doing Red Legs Too and wonderful Mrs TNMA also debated on Red Hot, or Not?

I suppose it really is much like marmite-you either love this trend-or not!!

As my red jeans by H&M were thrifted a few weeks ago at the boot sale for only £2, I felt I wasn't really losing out too much if after a couple of wears I didn't feel right in them. The fit of them are a skinny straight leg and although I will wear them as part of a winter/spring look, I think I'll feel more stylish wearing them in summer with a striped tee and ballet pumps.

H&M red jeans from the boot sale, faux fur vintage leopardprint coat, Uniqlo camel wool sweater from the boot sale, Gucci black loafers, gifted Louis Vuitton holdall.

My other accessory-but not a style choice, is my white bandage-I woke up in the early hours of Saturday morning in such pain, I think I've pulled a muscle and I'm left handed too, so its been rather cumbersome and painful at the moment-at least my regular doses of anadin is keeping the pain at bay now :-(

It didn't stop me from finding some pieces for my new vintage Etsy shop though-I've still got some work to do before the launch in April, but can't wait!!

I hope you all have a stress free and pain free relaxing Sunday!!

Forward Planning by Shopping my Wardrobe

Its the time of year where plans are made or invites are received for forthcoming events and occasions. My mum is celebrating her 75th birthday this year so we have decided to mark the event by doing something we've not done before and have always wanted to do.

So I'm booking up a day trip on the British Pullman Orient Express for us. I'm really excited as it should be a really unique and special day out!

Of course, I had been wondering on my outfit of choice-do I buy something or wear something I already have. So I scoured the wardrobe and unless something else really special appears before I go this is my outfit of choice, which I have tried on and am happy how they both look together:

Topshop ivory tuxedo jacket, thrifted last year for just £3 in Clacton on Sea.

Marc Jacobs silk tea dress, not worn for ages and thrifted about 3 years ago at Help the Aged charity shop for £5.

I'm not going to make a point of shopping for an outfit as for a change I'm looking forward to wearing these pieces.

Have you any special events this year which you will shop your wardrobe for?

Gold Shoes for Summer

When picking a pair of versatile stylish shoes for Summer, gold is so hard to beat-not only is perfect for day or evening wear, but it goes with virtually any colour outfit and certainly glams it up too. The main decision is-flats or heels?I am still yet to purchase a pair of gold flat sandals for Summer, but I am drawn towards either a pair of gladiator style or maybe an embellished pair. Then again, a little heel is very tempting too!! Here is a pick of some of my favourite styles which would be gorgeous for Summertime:

Les Tropeziennes Herod, £41.60

Ash Karen Sandals, £133.60

Les Tropeziennes Gladiators, £38

Havaianas, £24

Frida £130

There are fabulous trends to be had for this Summer, ranging from embellishment to neutrals to colour blocking, but a metallic colour shoe or sandal is my first choice this Season.

What sort of style and colour of sandal or shoe are you considering this Summer?