Making it work

Reclaiming

your style

There will come a time in your life when the joy of shopping, that regular twice season buy of refreshing your look, that inner smug of wearing something you saved up for or had your eye on, suddenly and without warning it’s gone. I can only describe the feeling as holding an invisible balloon, which I carried from shop to shop through happy splurges and heart beating anticipated sales, has now cruelly & slowly floated up into the sky leaving me standing empty handed, lost & confused.

Mainstream overload

Overwhelming

So much mainstream fashion has become so easily identifiable that it becomes a uniform. The rise of platforms such as ‘Mango girls’ or ‘Zara women’ and the increased use of fashion influencers, where the clothes are modelled on younger models has left the question ..what about me?
I’m 54 should I still be wearing the same clothes as girls or young women.

Overloading
Money doesn’t buy happiness love or health. But the longing of not to be forgotten or unwanted by an industry you not only worked for but also care passionately about is hard. Women need support, help, assistance and please some understanding that we are out there …still.

Enough !!!

This Summer I’m going my own way, I cannot waste any more time on depressing trips to shops buying things that will ‘just have to do’. I can’t keep purchasing items that look great on other people. The reality of age (and I have happily accepted the fact that running three times a week and swimming two mornings will not turn me into Kate Moss) will remain.

Options

Returning to my love of vintage
Enjoying and rewearing my current wardrobe
Updating or remaking my own
Thrift or charity shop
All of the above ✔️

Building a new look wardrobe

I have a passion for vintage that started about 40 years ago. When I go on holiday I love a good rummage around retro markets or thrift stores. I have treasured items from a garage in New York & a $2 shirt from Brooklyn. In London I’m very lucky to walk to Portobello market every week. It never disappoints and Sunday visits to Camden are much anticipated.

I cannot count the amount of times I have been stopped & asked about the vintage clothing I wear. When you wear clothes or shoes that have already had a life you feel the love and history behind your purchase. They add a glamour the high street can not offer and an individual look that is your own. Not something you bought because your social feed or local shops thought was the must have dress or colour of the season.

I have always loved vintage clothing, I found that wearing one off finds I’d found in vintage markets, jumble sales etc ..made me not only look different but feel like I had unlocked a door to finding my way in the hectic world of dressing.

The joy of vintage

Standing out

Glamorous colours in this vintage tunic dress from a charity shop for £6.50, It works because it’s very loose, flattering length & a classic neckline. The bag is also a charity shop find & the glasses £2.

Cotton

Keeping cool I picked this up in Brighton two years ago for £10. It is 100% cotton I wear over white jeans and denim shorts on colder days. The red buttons and bracelet sleeves add just enough detail. It’s very loose and comfy perfect for now.

My denim Marilyn jacket

Bought in the famous Camden Electric Ballroom over thirty years ago. I paid £15 for this handmade jacket, it has been on my travels, moved from wardrobe to wardrobe we are still together. It holds many personal memories for me of happy Sunday mornings.

The chicest style icons from Kate Moss, Alexa Chung to Bianca Jagger have used their love of vintage to stand out in the competitive fashion industry. Their unique edge adds a touch of mystery a whiff of sophistication & interest in their choices.

Choosing your look

Oh the frill of dressing up for a night out, and the adrenaline of those new shoes, the adornment of diamonds still comes a close second to that moment you find that vintage garment. The absolute joy, the search, the fulfilment of laying your hands on a gorgeous one off outfit.

Best vintage choices

The choice can be overwhelming and you’ll need a touch of imagination and the patience of a saint before you embrace your own uniqueness. The best investment for garments are vintage denim, leather, beaded or embellished cashmere and coats either trench or camel cashmere.

Vintage checklist

Labels

The labels most desired are Hermes, Dior, Ysl, Gucci, Chanel and Louis Vuitton. It’s essential to check and do your homework before investing.

Condition

Essential checks for moths, zips, lining, sweat stains, heels & smell.

Embracing vintage

Bella Hadid

Vintage Dior with modern accessories. Vibrant colourful and making an entrance at her birthday party.

Vogue

Kendall Jenner

J.Paul Gautier from 1994 the gorgeous style and classic print put this dress on the front covers.
Grazia

stand out vintage

Jennifer Anniston had the pick of every major fashion house to collect her SAG award in 2020. The cream bias satin gown sent every fashionista into a spin…vintage. The 21 year old Dior dress was designed by John Galliano in 1999.