by cecylia on December 28, 2011
One of my saddest memories was when I lost a pair of Chanel sunnies in a change room a couple of years back. I must admit, I was known to be the scatter brain in my family. Since youth, I have lost a few beloved jumpers Mom knitted for me, a couple of silk scarves that disappeared from my head, neck and bag, and let’s not start on my jewellery disappearances. I have no idea where these pieces have ended up, in a loving fashionista’s closet, or in an opshop :) And so for years, I abstained from purchasing designer sunglasses because I was bound to lose them, sooner or later. But when I saw these Versace shades at OPSM, I could not resist. They are the perfect shape and colour, etched with heritage but oozes modern sophistication. Pure love at first sight.
You know how much I love op shops, there is always something incredible to be discovered there – like this wool skirt. My high-pitched squeal could not be contained when I spotted this holey wool maxi! A vintage gem, never worn, tag still in place. I tried it as a tube (strapless) dress but the holes got in the way – too much view. So it will serve me as a skirt only. It does restrict my tomboy strides, so I have to walk like I have bound feet.
Versace sunnies (OPSM), Cashmere top, vintage necklace (last seen here), Lasso belt, Manahé skirt, Christian Dior bag (last seen here), Sonia Rykiel shoes (last seen here)
Most of this outfit have come from op shops- my tips for finding unique, quality treats from thrift stores are:
- Have patience. Don’t visit op shops in a rush. Look at everything. EVERYTHING. You just don’t know what’s hiding behind that stack.
- Read magazines before you head to the shops. The visuals in your memory will help your selection process with current trends, colours and styles. I am much more fruitful when I’ve flipped through fashion mags.
- Only buy it if it fits, unless your best friend is a tailor. If it has stains, abstain! Not everything can be removed by Napi-san. If you buy woollens or coats in summer, stock up on cedar balls.
- Try it on, look hard into the mirror, close your eyes and imagine your wardrobe. Will this piece go with at least 3 things you already own? If not, you’ll more likely to give it to another op-shop than wear it.
- And lastly, there is a reason why certain things are in opshops. Never forget this! I have been thrifting for nearly 2 decades, learning from past mistakes and this has become my op-shopping philosophy. Do remember that some things end up in opshops for obvious reasons- they no longer fit, they are not loved, they are smelly, their owners are gone, but there are also some pieces there for not-so-obvious reasons: they are missing clasps, buttons, zips, elastic bands, lining, hems, or have faulty components, and even stains in places you’d never check. So pretend you’re a parking inspector, check everything carefully and be brutal.
Hope this helps with your next visit to the local op shops. Cheers to a greener, fashionable future! xx
P.S. The
Rokk Ebony competition is closed and the
$150 voucher is heading to winner Ellen as we speak :) New competition this Friday!
by cecylia on November 2, 2011
I scored this skirt in a vintage store in Berne, Switzerland 3 years ago and have not worn it since. Have forgotten how incredible it is – the print, the colours, the length and the duo pockets! They are big enough to fit books, pens, phones, candy… It paints a picture of the export of chocolate from Mexico to Spain! (I’m eating chocolate as I write this post!) Never expected to learn history from a skirt now, did we?
Actually everything I’m wearing is vintage, I’ve had these kitten heels for over 10 years, love them to death! Thank God the Mid Heel is back, with its sensible feminine charm and practical walkability. My sunnies are vintage, last seen here. The stripey top is an all-time favourite, although I’m eyeing off this cashmere version by Crumpet majorly as it’s much softer and luxurious. And I’m sure you’re wondering where the 7 Dwarves necklace is from – I found it at the Oakleigh Sunday Market (open every Sunday morning), can you imagine how excited I was when I discovered it underneath a pile of beads and trinkets? EX-CA-VATION! The snakeskin bag (last seen here) was a gift from my mother, a keen thrifter also. I made this gold florette ring 10 years ago, when I used to have more free time.
But aside from the vintage eye-candy, can you tell me what you think of the hair cut? Ok so I didn’t brush my hair this morning, but I am utterly in love with the new texturised bob, thanks to Mr. D from Silky Waves in Port Melbourne. Mr. D comes from a family where over 75% of its members are hairdressers! He is a perfectionist and also adores Vidal Sassoon. I’ve never before trusted anyone else this much with my hair, but with Mr. D, I’m happy to let him decide what’s best for me.
Silky Waves 236 Bay Street Port Melbourne (03) 9646 9446
I hope you are having a beautiful week, on Friday I have a very very marvelous surprise for you! Watch this space :)
by cecylia on September 28, 2011
I can only imagine your pupils dilate and the sheer amazement on your face when you see these pieces, because they are pretty much the same feelings I had when I laid eyes on this amazing collection, designed by Cardona Bonache. This is their 3rd collection, or ‘lesson’, as Mr Cardona and Mr Bonache calls. These photos were taken at Paris Fashion Week last year in September, when I went to visit the Felder Felder twins. This show room housed some seriously hip designers, Alexander Wang was on the floor below. Each season, the Spanish duo creates a collection based on a couture tailoring technique. They define, explore, and translate the idea, the technique into real wearable garments. For their SS11 collection, ‘Bellows‘, the boys created symmetrical pleats and folds and developed stiff and shiny fabrics which retained the bellows even when worn. In couture, a ‘bellow’ is a side fold consisting of 2 parallel fabric folds used to increase depth, its function is to create volume and generate movement in garments. I was so tempted to order the entire collection but in the end I chose the shoes- in cream. And I’ve been waiting for my shoes to arrive so I could post this up. But to this day, I am still waiting for them…Perhaps they have been forgotten, folded away, somewhere…
Outfit: vintage silk blouse, Karla Spetic wool skirt, Miu Miu jacket/dress, Jil Sander patent sandals.
How have you all been? I’ve been a little out of photographic action due to a viral assault, I promise as soon as I get better, I will get out and get some outfit photos for you. Until then, virtual hugs and kisses!
by cecylia on September 23, 2011
A few weeks ago I went to Premiere, Melbourne’s boutique trade show event for international and Australian labels at the Royal Exhibition Building. It reminded me so much of our previous buying trips to the City of Lights, I feel a little Paris-sick. This is why I wore my Vionnet heels (last seen here), one of longest-established French haute-couture houses that started back in the 20s by Madame Vionnet who transformed the way women dressed by rescuing them from their corsets into elegant bias-cut dresses (which she invented) that showed off their natural forms. She was dubbed “Queen of the bias cut” and “the architect among dressmakers“. I am so pleased that the couture House has been revamped by head designer Rodolfo Paglialunga and will do everything I can to support Vionnet. It is truly legendary!
Outfit: Twenty8 Twelve silk jacket, available here, vintage Citi blouse (see a similar one by Robert Rodriguez here), vintage Sporty Eight skirt, vintage earrings, bag and belt, Giuseppe Zannotti for Vionnet shoes. More Vionnet shoes (ON SALE) are available here :)
It was so great to catch up with the gorgeous Rebecca McGeoch, designer of Gasparre Cashmere. Her next winter luxe cashmere collection is so chic and wearable I cannot wait for AW12! Oh, poor Theodore wasn’t allowed in…how I wish that Melbourne could become more pet-friendly like Paris one day, soon!
Have an awesome weeekend y’all! I’m working as a vet on both Sat’day and Sunday and catching up with friends afterwards. To stay connected, come to my Facebook page and follow me on Twitter where I will tickle your fancy with adorable shenanigan updates. I promise.
Adieu!
