Thrift Inspiration, 80s Style

For some reason, I'm having an 80s phase for fashion and style, so any quality pieces I see on my travels, I'll be snapping up.

Sundays visit to the boot sale was very successful, with finds ranging from bags to winter knits, to leather to faux fur and to lace-a lot of these were inspired by looks from Vogue UK Novembers issue, so I'll be sharing these in future posts.

My 80s nostalgia fix was cured with this leather and suede jewelled bag by Stuart Weitzman-I love to look at an item and know exactly what era its from. I remember this bejewelled look everywhere, on dresses, corset tops, earrings and bags, with the stones even bigger than what's on this bag below!!

So for £2.50 I had to get it-very retro, but I just couldn't resist!!

What trends are you following this season?

Suits you Sir, From Simpsons of Picadilly

Another thrift find this week was this pristine condition longer length leather jacket by 'Simpsons of Picadilly'. I think its from the 70s and was from the St Francis Hospice charity shop.It is a perfect fit, despite me already having 3 black leather jackets in the wardrobe!

I'm wearing another thrift find this week of 'I love Ldn' tee, by Topshop, from Barnados charity shop, £2.99 and new River Island leggings, which have a faux leather panel down each side-these were £24.99.

Hope you're all having a good weekend-I managed to bag some great pieces at the boot sale today, but will share them in future posts!!

Thrift Find this week, some Jean Paul Gaultier for Winter

Yesterday I had a wander to my local Sue Ryder charity shop-it is the closest one to me, only ten minutes walk if that, but over the years I've found many a designer bargain in there-the main one being the Ossie Clark dress which is now sadly long gone.

Anyhow, I found this Jean Paul Gaultier dress which has a wintry pattern to it and not much hanger appeal-but on and belted with some thermal tights underneath, will be perfect for this coming season. It originally had a drawstring waist, but the previous owner must have taken it out. I do have a few dresses, but mainly summer ones, so this one will be a welcome addition to my wardrobe, rather than a 'repeat' buy.

It was £25.00, which is more than what I do generally pay, but when comparing what you spend in the high street it isn't at all, plus it is a nice amount going directly to my local charity shop, who I would be very sad to see go if rent increases mean they had to leave where they are now.

What is your best thrift find so far?

1980s, Elle and 25 Years of London Fashion Week

On my travels this weekend, I picked up this DVD of Back To The 1980s. Decade wise, this has to be my favourite era, as I have really great memories of films, fashion, holidays and general good living once leaving school at 16 in June 1985.

In my magazine collection, I have the very first Elle magazine, dated November 1985. In this issue, it celebrates the work of Katherine Hamnett and Azzedine Alaia and also London Fashion Week for Spring/Summer 1986.

Designers showing at London Fashion Week then included Wendy Dagworthy, Mark & Syrie, John Flett, Body Map, John Galliano and Rifat Ozbek.

With London Fashion Week just finishing for next summer, I thought I'd also show some pictures from Elle UK October 2009, which celebrated 25 years of London Fashion Week.

Past and present designers include Vivienne Westwood, Christopher Bailey, Gareth Pugh, Richard Nicoll, John Galliano, Paul Smith and Christopher Bailey.

Its amazing how the time flies and how trends have come full circle to be re celebrated every few season or years. My favourite trend from the 80s was definitely the bodycon look and I love how it is still in style now.

What is your favourite decade for style and fashion?

Thrift Inspiration, Brogue Way

This season, the mannish brogue is in trend.

Over at Net-A-Porter, they have a great selection, including some fabulous picks from Miu Miu, Maison Martin Margiela, Marc Jacobs to name a few. Here are a pick of my favourites there:

Churchs, £210

Marc by Marc Jacobs £290

At the boot sale on Saturday I picked up these Russell & Bromley brown leather brogues for only £10. They are very comfy and the weaved detail makes them a bit different from the usual style of brogue.

Will you be sporting brogues this season?