Today I bought...

Today I bought.... A peacoat, a shirt and a Marilyn Monroe book, all from my local charity shops. Total Spend: £13.99! 

The best buy has to be this navy peacoat, which I bought from The Salvation Army. I always find the best and oldest pieces here, and they have even given me a loyalty card, which put a big smile on my face :-)

 M&S St Michael Peacoat £7.99 - The Salvation Army.

The Peacoat is one of those classic and timeless pieces, that is simple, versatile and yet so effortlessly stylish, particularly in navy. I love the oversized lapel and shoulders, that give it that masculine edge I am quite partial to. I will definitely get my wear out of this; and originally from M&S - St Michael, I know it's a quality piece that will last to. 

Also from the same shop, is this 'granny' shirt, which I was drawn to by the print and colour. I love the lines of gold running through it, and plan to wear it over leather look leggings, with lots of gold jewellery, for a quirky, blingy look.

St Michael oversized shirt £2.99 - The salvation Army

Oversized shirts like this, are so unique and easy to wear, especially paired with the wardrobe staples such as skinny jeans, denim shorts or leather skirts/shorts/leggings. They can be buttoned up to the top for a boyish look, which is a key trend this season, or worn buttoned down for a more sexy look. Sometimes I even throw them on loose as cardigans!

Lastly I bought  this book called Marilyn, which tells the life and career of Marilyn Monroe. It is full of lots of beautiful images of the icon, portraying true beauty and classic glamour, and is a great source of inspiration, for retro inspired outfits.

'Marilyn' Book £4 - PDSA

Flicking through the pages, I found this image of Marilyn from 1954, in a peacoat with large collar similar to the one I've just bought. I love this image, she looks so effortlessly glamorous and chic, showing she was a true icon...

L x

Charity Shops: Undiscovered Vintage.

Recently graduated from Uni, I have found myself with little money to spend on clothes at the moment. So my housemate and I decided to visit the local Charity shops. Although it takes a little rummaging and a very honest shopping partner to re-ground you when you try on something totally horrific, (which you imagine, with a bit of alteration and a few accessories will look quirky cool -It won’t), Charity Shops are brilliant for finding cool vintage pieces that nobody really realises are, well, cool vintage pieces! Far cheaper than Vintage boutiques, Charity Shops are (with Hawk Eyes peeled) full of undiscovered retro pieces, at half the price. Plus spending your money here, is also giving to Charity! Bonus! Just remember the older the better; once you get past last year’s New Look and Primark stock, and the stigma sometimes attached with shopping in Charity stores, you can find some real ‘vintage’ gems…

Here’s what I bought today in my local Charity Shops in Portswood High Street:

St Michael Sunflower crop top 99p – The Salvation Army

St Michael Leather belt £1.50 – PDSA.

What do you think of this look? Does it have a 1950s feel?

Coincidently both these finds are by St Michael, which was the house brand for Marks and Spencer, from 1928 – 2000.  I sometimes find it difficult to guess which era some items are from, as similar trends have been reoccurring for decades. Although the designs of the labels are sometimes a clue, wouldn’t it be great if clothing had dates on them when they were made, like antiques or artwork?  What do you think?...

Happy Charity Shopping!

Loubee x