What I Actually Wore #122
Serial #: 0122
Date: 19/05/2013
Weather: 17°C / 62°F
Time Allowed: 10 minutes
Surprisingly, this is the outfit I chose to wear to Ikea! That makes me laugh. I must have been shopping for trivial items in the marketplace only. However, I do like it, mainly because the colours are so harmonious and soothing, with the different shades of grey. (The asymmetrical skirt is a blue-grey denim too.)
I’m pleased to see that linen long-sleeved tee – it is still in my closet, holding up well. I didn’t realise that it was this old! I bought two linen tops from Seed on one occasion; this dove grey one and another the same in a French blue. They were quite expensive investments, but it goes to show the value in buying good quality basics because they really do stand the test of time, both in appeal, and in the washing machine. I am also still wearing that grey wool cardigan because it’s so soft and cosy (sadly the label went into liquidation in 2011), but the skirt has had its day.
This is also still one of my favourite 1940s berets, or platter hats, one I bought on Etsy. The red is picked up in my lipstick and the ceramic jewellery, souvenirs from Barcelona.
That favourite 1960s bag is still in circulation, but both the socks and patent shoes wore out from regular wear. Those leather shoes I found in an op shop for around $12 (the label is now defunct). They were hardly worn and I was so chuffed to find them, so I was disappointed when eventually the patent began to become quite distressed. But then, in a thrifting miracle, last year I found another very similar pair, also barely worn, in an another op shop for about $20! The only difference is the leather on those is punched in a brogue style.
In this outfit, the cardigan, hat, bag and shoes were bought used. All my friends always marvel at the things I manage to find in second hand stores. They seem to think I have some extraordinary knack or magic trick, but the only trick is that I go often to browse in op shops. I rarely find what I’m looking for exactly when I want it. I simply go regularly – once or twice a week at lunchtime, and perhaps once a month on a Saturday. It’s not a huge investment in time, but it accumulates enormous dividends – in savings and bargains.
Items:
Cardigan: Satch
Top: Seed
Skirt: Obi
Hat: vintage
Socks: ASOS
Earrings: souvenir
Necklace: souvenir
Ring: NGV gallery shop
Bag: vintage
Shoes: Scooter
Photos: September 2013