High Street Hoarder to Charity Shop Chic

Welcome to my very own X Factor style 'journey'; From High Street Shopper to Vintage Lover.

 

As vintage has gradually infiltrated my wardrobe, I have had to come to terms with the fact that I can't afford nor justify filling my wardrobe full of reproduction or expensive vintage. Half of the fun of bargain hunting is bending everyone's ear with quite HOW cheap it actually was, so here goes...

 When I finally gained the confidence to brave full vintage attire,  I was desperate to kit my wardrobe out with amazing golden era clothing. This meant I was frantically hunting them down as it just felt so good to be wearing the clothes that I had wanted to for years. I remember the feeling of disbelief when I discovered the Collectif and Dollydagger websites!

 

How did I not know this was out there?! Because I had been hell bent, splashing the cash on fashion magazines and in high street stores in an attempt to 'keep up' with the ever changing trends. Another top, dress or pair of shoes that was always 'nice' but I never got that sense of pride for finding it, and could still never find anything to wear in my wardrobe.

 

WARNING: Old pictures alert...

 

Above I was beginning to brave something a little bit different...

 

And above is my very first venture into trying to vintage myself up. I remember watching a CherryDollFace tutorial and it taking me about 3 hours to do! This photo really does make me want a fringe!

 

I feel that I have gradually changed my perspective. I am now a keen bargain hunter, and proud to tell people that actually, my outfit did only cost £20! No longer do I continually buy magazines, I gain so much inspiration from reading other blogs, chatting on Twitter or watching films and learning about history. I really have turned a full circle to now; I am determined to see how good I can get for as little as possible, rather than proudly showing off a pair of £80 jeans or a top from All Saints. Both of which end up being thrown out. 

 

Here are some of my favourite pieces that I have found or made over the last few months:

 

I made this Rockabilly style top

Top: Oxfam £4.99

 Skirt: Vivienne of Holloway from eBay £20

 Shoes: Ebay £10

 Necklace Oxfam £1

£8 from Brighton Racecourse Boot Sale

 

Stork £4 and Coffee Set £5, both from Martlets on Western Road

 

I recently wrote a blog post about some of my favourite Charity Shops in Brighton, you can read it here!

 

Hannah xxx

 

Vintage in Brighton- Charity Shop Who's Who

As my purse strings seem to get tighter and tighter every month, I am continually finding myself browsing and buying in Charity Shops. I am lucky in that I have three right at the top of my road that each have something a little different, in fact I rarely stray further afield!

 

First up is the British Heart Foundation on Western Road, near to Waitrose. It seems that every time I go in here, I walk out with something! Expect to find plenty of clothing, with the shop sectioned into tops, skirts, trousers, dresses etc. There is currently a great knitwear selection in there at the moment. I must admit that this is one of my favourite charity shops as you will often find original vintage in here! Delve deeper into the shop and you will find a few small but well stocked homeware shelves. More often trinkets and smaller homeware items, these shelves often turn up trumps.

 

Turning right out of there, if you can make it past Sally's beauty supplies next door (where they sell super strong hairspray and Crazy Colour semi permanent hair dye), you will reach Oxfam. Always with a beautiful window display, inside there are always lots of dresses to browse through. There is currently a wonderful array of winter coats to choose from. I have had quite a lot of luck in here recently as they seem to have added more knitwear and skirts to their stock. I always find there to be a good selection of menswear in here too. Upstairs you can even find records!

Crossing the road, you will find the Martlets Furniture shop next to Taj. Whilst they do stock clothes, I am most impressed with their collection of furniture in here. With this shop in particular, I find it best to go in there as often as possible as it seems that stock regularly changes around. There is a huge array of wool and knitting needles, as well as books too!

Heading further into the centre of Brighton, I always make a beeline for the Martlets Shop on Church Road, near to the Corn Exchange. This outlet specialises in Vintage, and even has its own Instagram and Twitter feed! Search for 'vintagemartlets' on Instagram and @Martletsshops on Twitter. I am always spoilt for choice in this store! They are even having their very own Vintage Me Christmas Fair on 30th November at the Unitarian Church. I think it will be dangerous for the old purse strings but all for a good cause!

Do you recommend any other charity shops around Brighton? I am yet to let loose on George Street in Hove, and believe London Road is also promising!

 

Hannah xxx

Lazing on a Sunny Afternoon

A sunshine filled day off calls for a bike ride away from the busy lanes towards Hoves' Blatchington Road. Quite the vintage location, between the numerous charity shops expect to find home ware emporium Department, vintage store Bobby and Dandy and you should definitely squeeze in time for a yummy bite to eat at Ethel's Kitchen.

 

 

 

Today I wore:

 

Dress: Original 1950s Sun Dress-Ebay

Belt: Purchased a long time ago from Oasis

Bag: Vintage

Sunglasses: TK Maxx

Shoes: Rocket Originals

Head Scarf: Boo Boo Kitty Couture

 

May I just say how much I am in LOVE with my new shoes. There are no words! Check them out, mine are their Olivia style, which are comfortable and true to size.

 

We called into Bobby and Dandy and I couldn't help but pick up a small treat. I have had my eye on this brooch for quite a while so to see it sat there,waiting for me was just too much and I had to buy it!

 

 

On my way home I decided to call into Oxfam on Western Road to see if there are any bargains and picked up this pretty sun top for a mere £3.99. How could I resist?! I picture it with some Freddies of Pinewood Classics and my Rocket Original shoes (watch this space...). Excuse my shiny face- I am on a mission to fit nicely into my suit for Goodwood, so flew down the seafront on my bike!

 

 

Hannah xxx

A Truly Vintage Winters Look

Whilst many may complain about the influx of the snow over the last few days, I have to admit I have been a very excited vintage loving girl as it means I can get some of my favourite vintage pieces out!

This coat was given to me by my Mum, who found it in a charity shop around 2 years ago for a steal at £10! It is 60% cashmere, 28% wool and 12% polyester, so incredibly warm but I love the history that it holds. I believe it has a very forties shape to it, and has a very old label in it which says 'Lillian Smith of Lord Street, Southport'. My family is originally from Southport, and I even used to live on Lord Street! My Mum also showed the coat to my Grandma, who said that both her and her mum (my great grandma) used to shop there! I truly feel honoured to be wearing such a quality garment that holds so much history for my own family. I love vintage clothing as I am so fascinated by the history and stories that the clothes hold, and here is my own real life piece to hang onto. I can maybe even pass it on to my own daughter one day.

It certainly has come in useful this weekend in keeping me warm!

 

Here is the coat. My scarf is from Urban Outfitters and my shoes vintage from Snoopers Paradise in Brighton

 

 

My dress is a vintage reproduction from New Look

 

The above photos were taken just before we headed to Brighton Swing Thing. It was a great night, with lots of drinking and dancing...what could be better! We then took a stroll in the snow this afternoon, the coat got another wearing, but with quite a few more layers crammed underneath!

My lipstick here is MAC Ruby Woo

 

Peekaboo boyfriend...

 

I am now very happy to be back in the warmth with a roast cooking! Hope you have all had a fabulous weekend,

 

Lots of love,

 

Hannah xxx