Little bow peep.

I'm working this weekend, and don't have anything to look forward to except for dinner with my parents tomorrow. So, I'll hark back to better times and post pictures from Wednesday (my most recent day off work).



This bow blouse was actually in the Port Fairy haul, but I forgot to post about it last time. It has a strange little plaid print that I really like. I think it's from the '80s, but can't be sure.





I find I have a lot of trouble putting together outfits that are 100% secondhand. Having a huge wardrobe accumulated over my lifetime (and being a hoarder, so never throwing things away) means that I tend to mix up vintage with things that I've bought new (prior to this year, of course!).

I have the most trouble with shoes. Does anyone else have this problem? I find that shoes are always either not my size, too beat up to wear, or give me the heeby jeebies when I touch them (let alone wear them!).

However, I DID manage to thrift an awesome pair of almost-new black Doc Martens in my size the other day. Having been a teen when they were cool the LAST time around (how old am I?!?) I will always have a soft spot for Docs. They are also perfect for the overseas travel I am planning, and I'm glad I didn't resort to buying boots new. More on that later!


Blouse: vintage? from Port Fairy op shop
Cardigan and jeans: gifts from my mum
Beret: gift from my man
Bag: ebay
Shoes: bought at a shop in Werribee in 2005 or 2006

Off the High Road

So on Sunday, we went to see one of my favourite bands in the whole wide world play in Northcote. It was actually quite hot so I was able to break out this sundress I've been itching to wear. This look was breezy and casual and perfect for a gig in a pub on a hot day.

I got this dress from Retrostar - a huge jacked-up-prices vintage store in Melbourne city.





(forgive the pictures, the boy thought it would look artistic taking photos through a wire fence, and couldn't be convinced otherwise)

I have mixed feelings about shops like Retrostar. On the one hand, I appreciate that it can be handy to have a bunch of wonderful vintage all in one place, and that the prices are appropriate for the time and effort taken to source the clothes. It's also instantly gratifying to find so much great stuff in one place.

The main problem I have with these stores is that I am terribly indecisive, and there's just too much to decide between (I've also been known to suffer dizzy spells in huge stores such as Savers). Also, it kind of takes away the thrill of unearthing a rare treasure.

Nonetheless, I still like going to vintage stores on occasion, especially this year when I can't buy anything from a boutique. It's nice browsing racks and racks of beautiful clothes. This dress was the first thing I ever bought from Retrostar, and I'm glad I did because I really love it, but I probaby paid a bit more than I can afford for it.

Just one more picture, because it's a bit funny, making me look like I'm in a zoo, or prison, or something!




Dress: vintage via Retrostar
Cardigan: from a store that was closing down in the city a few years ago
Shoes: given to me by my mum
Necklace: self made, from an earring
Bag: ebay

Of crochet and hems

Today was one of those days I had trouble getting dressed. It wasn't cool enough to wear a jacket, and wasn't warm enough to ditch the stockings. None of my clothes wanted to cooperate. I had to change my outfit about five times before I would leave the house...



One thing I've learnt through years of op shopping is how important lengths and hemlines are. Being short, many clothes absolutely swamp me in length. And most vintage clothes tend to err on the long frumpy looking side, needing serious hemming. This floral dress started life mid-calf length and looked sadly late 90's, but it got a quick hem job and now I'm really glad I gave it a chance.



This cream crochet jumper came from a tiny op shop in Williamstown, and actually has elbow length sleeves. Sleeves which would suit someone tall and willowy, but look absolutely awful on me. I was on the verge of boomeranging it back to the op shop (but I loved the scalloped crochet pattern far too much) when on a whim decided to roll up the sleeves, and now it's far more wearable.



Being unable to shop for new clothes this year, means that I've had to broaden my sights when I'm op shopping - meaning that now everything gets scrutinized as to its chop-ability... and my sewing machine is getting much more of a work out than it used to.




Dress: second hand from K-mart
Jumper: vintage from Williamstown op shop
Tights: my sisters old school tights... they are starting to wear a bit thin!
Shoes: vintage from Port Fairy op shop
Belt: my mum's belt from the '70s
Camera: my dad's vintage Smena