Flower power

This is a bit of a different post as it leads me ever so slightly into the world of interiors. Yesterday I was at the Portobello Sunday market. Each day at Portobello is different. Sunday is less for the professional vintage dealer and more for the eclectic type. In fact, I did a stall there for two and a half years selling new and vintage clothes, shoes, bags and accessories. I adored it. It's a smaller market with vintage and second hand clothes stalls cheek by jowel with book sellers and brick-a-brack stalls. It was in this context that I found this beautiful guilded fabric, lined and hemmed perfectly.

Who knows what I'm going to do with it but I had to have it. The turquoise blue with the pearly coral and purple is a killer contrasting combination. I could use it as a table cloth, bed spread, or glamorous picnic blanket lol. I don't really know but what I do know is that it's gorgeous and I will find a use for it one day. Being somewhat of a hoarder of beautiful things, some useful and some definitely not, I couldn't resist it.

Prep and proper

Yes, another jacket I hear you say but I couldn't resist this one. It's actually a man's jacket but kind of looks nice and boxy in a preppy way on a woman, especially with the sleeves scrunched up to the elbows. It's lightweight with quite a bright check pattern which works so well for spring, if it ever arrives.

When out diving for vintage treasure, I never discount the men's rails. Actually, when vintage shopping I never discount anything. A stall or vintage shop that at first looks uninspiring can often yield something rather special. I'm really looking forward to highlighting the burgundy red in this pattern with some complementary shoes or maybe a scarf. Actually that might be what I look for next time I'm out on the prowl, a nice burgundy accented scarf...wish me luck!

Aztec Chic

Today I'm loving my latest purchase, this crazy Aztec print cropped blazer. It fits like a glove and the colour pallete is just inspirational.

The perfect antidote to the grim and grey London sky. Another Portobello find, I can't say enough about how much of a treasure trove that place is.

I found this at today's Friday market which is more vintage specific compared to the Saturday market. I'm not into labels but appreciate great quality and being Jaeger and 100% wool this was a super find that will last forever. It's in perfect condition and I suppose it's always nice to buy British. Another example of how vintage allows you to stay uniquely on trend.

My velvet crush

When it comes to wearing something soft and sumptuous you can't get better than velvet. The deep pile just makes the most simple of items feel glamorous. Out of all the clothing you can get in velvet, jackets are my favourite. So now let me tell you about my new velvet piece that I just CANNOT wait to wear! I found it down the 'Bello a couple of days ago. I was riffling through the rails and my heart skipped a beat as I caught a glimpse of what I thought was a divinely refreshing twist on the traditional velvet blazer. My gaze focussed in as I moved ever closer to grab it before any other Potobello fashion hawk spotted it. It was like I was staking a claim on a potential beau, trying to beat the competition to it.

So now let me tell you about my new velvet piece that I just CANNOT wait to wear! I found it down the 'Bello a couple of days ago. I was riffling through the rails and my heart skipped a beat as I caught a glimpse of what I thought was a divinely refreshing twist on the traditional velvet blazer. My gaze focussed in as I moved ever closer to grab it before any other Potobello fashion hawk spotted it. It was like I was staking a claim on a potential beau, trying to beat the competition to it. 

My heart all a flutter, I slipped the jacket on hoping it wouldn't be too tight across the back...and for the love of fashion it fitted! Being a lover of all things luxe it was infatuation at first sight, so much so that I am now fervently filling my social diary just so I have an excuse to wear it out. On top of that, it was a veritable bargain. There's a hell of a lot of jacket for my money: the shoulders, the cuffs, the lapels, the paisley!!!

20/20 Vision

Watched 'Visionaries' on Sky Atlantic the other day. It was on Tom Ford and his meteoric rise. Great insight into the luxury fashion world and his design process.

You can never have enough bags

Giving in to my love of bags meant I had to buy this book. You truly can never have enough bags. A statement bag brings an outfit to life and never goes out of style. The craftmanship on some of these bags is just amazing.

I'm not really one for the "IT bag" because it more than likely means everyone has it or some kind of copy of it. I do however definitely appreciate the classics, if the purse strings allow that is.

Regardless of your budget though, a vintage bag is a great way of adding that spark of originality. That's why I love rummaging at second hand and vintage markets. One woman's trash is another one's treasure and there's nothing like nabbing that one-off piece that nobody else will have.

'Strike a pose'...As Madonna would say.

Currently loving my new book, 'Voguing'.

Being a lover of the 80's this book just ticks all the boxes. Talk about fashion inspiration for my next search for vintage gems.