Saturday 9 June 2018

All because of patience

More often than not, I am not the most patient of people.

Being forever strapped for time, I haven't got the patience to queue in shops, wait for unreliable public transport, be stuck in traffic or put up with cold callers, who, I'm sure, have all put me on their to-be-avoided list by now!

However, I'm the complete opposite when it comes to shopping. If we need something for Dove Cottage, for instance, I'm always prepared to look around the charity shops first, rather than rushing off to the high street, or worse, joining the crowds at the Swedish warehouse of sameness.

Take my beloved vintage wardrobe. We trawled around charity and consignment shops for many months until finally, in March 2015, I met the wardrobe of my dreams!



And then there is clothes shopping! As an almost exclusive second hand shopper, I usually go shopping without any particular expectations, and it is the element of surprise, the stumbling upon that one, unique, serendipitous find which makes my heart beat faster.

But once in a while, there is something which is on the wish list residing at the back of my mind, for which, as with the wardrobe, I am biding my time.

I'd been looking for a particular style of red skirt for well over a year but, even though red skirts aren't exactly a rare commodity, I hadn't come across the one, in the right shape, size and material. Until two Saturdays ago, that is. It was on the same day that I found the cape-sleeved vintage maxi, so it must have been my lucky day!



The skirt is an A-line midi length and has a pleat at the front, half hiding a row of buttons. It strongly reminds me of a skirt I had back when I was about 15. The top I wore with it was the same style as the one I paired the red skirt with here, but in plain white, with a red placket and collar, and showing just a little bit more cleavage. I remember getting wolf-whistled at when I rode my bike to school, something which had never happened before and, feeling embarrassed, it was a long time until I wore that top again with any confidence.

Another item on the wish list was a jumpsuit.

The chances of finding a vintage one had always been very slim and new-to-me ones weren't turning up at the charity shops either. As they have been back in fashion for a while, I'd even ventured onto the high street but I hadn't been able to find anything I liked. Even when it comes to fast fashion, I am very particular and not willing to compromise until I find exactly what I want.


One particularly hot day, I was returning from a work-related errand, when I walked past a recently opened shop here in Antwerp, one I always vowed I wouldn't be seen dead in. Consequently, ever since it opened, I'd been avoiding it like the plague but, as it was still early morning and it looked relatively empty, I walked in, relishing the coolness provided by the air conditioning.



And there it was! It wasn't skimpy as most jumpsuits I'd seen in the shops, it had sleeves and a print I instantaneously liked. Still not expecting too much, I made my way to the changing rooms, but I needn't have worried as it fit like a dream!

Although it came with a tie belt, I chose to wear it with a yellow vinyl one, piling on some coordinating jewellery.


You might have spotted the groovy bracelet I'm wearing. That was picked up during a short charity shopping trip last weekend. There was an accompanying pair of earrings (which I won't be wearing as my ears aren't pierced) and a necklace too, and the whole lot went for the crazy price of € 1,50.



I also found some lightweight short-sleeved summer tops and two cardigans.



The print of this vintage C&A frock might be a bit more demure than what I'm usually going for, but its cotton fabric and fresh green and blue print will be perfect for hot Summer days. Its skirt had a row of boring buttons down the front, which I replaced with more fitting, pale green ones from my stash.


The day's final find was a Devon Blue Ware teapot which was sitting rather forlornly and feeling sorry for itself amid some other blue and white pottery on a shelf. Apparently, it had been there for quite a while, as we could only just make out its price, € 0,50, on its faded label.


And now, let's look at last Saturday's outfit.


My Diolen dress has a full-on print of bright Summer flowers, in red, acid green and light blue. I admit that it got somewhat neglected, as I don't think I wore it at all last Summer.

Feeling a bit off that morning, its fiery print was just what I needed to cheer myself up.



My accessories, a lavender blue belt, sky blue flower corsage and light blue necklace helped chase my mild case of the blues away.

In order to balance out all the blues, I wore my mustard yellow short-sleeved cardigan on top.



You might recognize my wicker bag, which I picked up at the huge flea market back in May.

Sadly, one of its handles broke off while we were out shopping, and it's now awaiting repair.


I can't finish this post without showing you the wonderful canvas peep toe wedges I was wearing.

They are Tamaris and a lucky sales bargain from a couple of years ago. A pair that should definitely come out a bit more!

I'm taking my jumpsuit to Patti's Visible Monday at Not Dead Yet Style!

43 comments:

  1. Ohhh Ann you look stunning in this jumpsuit. It was very good to go in this shop :)
    Your last saturday style with so many flowers is amazing. And I love this polka dot peep toes. So cute :)
    I wish you a great weekend, a very huge hug Tina

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    1. Thank you Tina! Can't believe it's the weekend again by now. It seems I left a bit more time between posts, due to holiday preparations ... xxx

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  2. It's funny, I was thrifting with my Mom in BC when I was away recently and I needed to find an outfit for her for an upcoming wedding. In the 80s she had a jumpsuit that she wished she'd held onto and she told me she wanted to try to wear a jumpsuit to the wedding. Like you I thought there would be no way I'd find a jumpsuit in a thrift store other than the spaghetti strap numbers I'd seen around from H&M. Unbelievably I came across three jumpsuits! One of them even fit her, she is super short at around 5' 1" but she decided against it and I found two other outfits for her. I, however, decided to buy one of the jumpsuits for myself! Ha!

    I love your groovy jewellery.

    Suzanne
    http://www.suzannecarillo.com

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    1. I'm sure that, now that I've finally found a jumpsuit, they will start turning up in charity shops. Happens to me all the time :-) xxx

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  3. Love that jumpsuit-it reminds me of 30's beach pajamas. I understand your philosophy regarding waiting. If you spend enough time buying second hand you eventually get what you desire.

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    1. I've always loved those 30's beach pajamas, which is why I think I was attracted to this particular jumpsuit. xxx

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  4. That vintage wardrobe of yours is awesome, Ann! Isn't it the best feeling when you finally find what you're looking for? Speaking of, you look fabulous in that jumpsuit! I love how you've styled it with the groovy jewellery. Your last outfit is gorgeous too! I love the colours and the print and you've accessorised fabulously (as always!). I love those spotty wedges and the wicker bag is fab: hopefully it'll be up and running again soon! ;) XXX

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    1. Thank you Sasha! After three years, I'm still very much in love with that wardrobe! xxx

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  5. What a beautiful red skirt. I agree that serendipity is a fun part of thrift-shopping.

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    1. Thank you Ally, that is of course why I love thrift-shopping so much! xxx

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  6. the jewelry set is divine!!
    and you new tropical jumpsuit looks gorgeously vintage - what a find. i too hat a red pleated skirt as a kid and wore it with a white top with red placket and sleeve trim - with white hearts on the red bands :-D and a blue club blazer and red beret (mom hated that look-she was very into jeans)... your skirt will be very versatile with all kind of styles!
    the C&A frock looks so airy yet dressy - something you´l never find in todays clothes - i would wear it to dead in this hot summer. and i vividly remember when this bright colored, black lined flower prints had its moment - loved them right away and still do!
    sweetest shoes!!!
    tons of hugs! xxxxx

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    1. I gave the earrings away to a friend and she gave me a beaded necklace in return! I can very well imagine you in that outfit, and I've got so many tops I can wear with that skirt, the possibilities are really endless. xxx

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  7. I'm almost the opposite of you when it comes to shopping, but it isn't really about shopping - more about the passion of collecting things (I recognize it from my past collections). I buy what I like where I like and when I like - of course, if I can afford it. :))) We just went to IKEA yesterday to look at book shelves which are much needed at our household. :)

    But I admire your patience (and passion!) for all things vintage, and your selection of clothes and furniture is amazing! Your wardrobe really is a dream wardrobe! Must be so heavy - perfect for someone who settle down, not for us nomad types... IKEA will do for now! :)

    Where to begin with your beautiful outfits? The jumpsuit is the most unexpected - and such a great fit! Love love the way you accessorized it! The red skirt and top are a striking combination! And of course I love the floral dress with yellow cardi! Your accessories are always unique and colorful, groovy too! You are always a joy for the eyes, dear Ann!

    Love <3

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    1. I agree that nothing beats IKEA for book shelves, and admit that most of ours are from there as well. I never thought I'd look good in a jumpsuit, so I'm glad I stumbled upon this one, even if it's not vintage. xxx

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  8. I love your Diolen dress, the pattern is vibrant and eye catching and your jumpsuit really suits you, the leg length is perfect.
    Your determination to wait for the right thing pays off because your house looks wonderful. I feel the same about my recently acquired G plan table and chairs, it's definitely worth waiting for something you love. xxx

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    1. Ps love the Lloyd Cole ref! It was a favourite of mine and I've been singing it ever since :)

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    2. So, so pleased that you got the Lloyd Cole reference. I was wondering if anyone would. But of course, it had to be you! God, how I loved that album, it was on constant rotation. Takes me right back! xxx

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  9. I'm agog with wonder at your wardrobe - I love it! I also scout and wait for the perfect item to come along, but yes, part of the allure of second-hand shopping are those serendipitous finds! Love the jumpsuit, and your bright day dress! Happy week to you, my dear!

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    1. Thank you Sheila! I'm still so pleased with that wardrobe, and the good thing is it was only € 65, whereas one of a similar size at IKEA would have cost me several hundreds. xxx

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  10. Love the last dress!! So pretty! Sorry to hear the strap on your basket bag broke. I've had similar experiences when wearing vintage jewellery with glued in bits.

    Oooh, looked at the dress again....it's definitely the dress of my dreams!

    Happy thrifting ;)

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    1. Glad you love the dress! And isn't it a bore when that happens with vintage jewellery. I have had this happen to me too. xxx

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  11. I love waiting and biding my time for the perfect item. I'm currently on the look out for a summer hat, a wicker basket, and a floral skirt... when these items turn up they'll be all the sweeter for the wait!
    I love your Diolen dress, I think the print must be my favourite of all your prints!
    xx

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    1. I think people tend to want instant gratification, which only lasts a moment. Like you say, it is so much better to wait. If I'm honest, I had fallen out of love with that dress. So glad I gave it another chance. xxx

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  12. I love to wait and search too, and then get inspired by something completely different. Love, love your new jumpsuit and your accessories are perfect! xo

    Patti
    http://notdeadyetstyle.com

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    1. Thank you Patti. I love being inspired by something unexpected! xxx

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  13. I am in awe of your wardrobe. It's huuuuge! I had a similar experience with my bedroom dresser, which is a vintage sideboard, (I think it's probably 30s pretending to be Edwardian), that also came for a charity shop. It took me about 5 years to find the right one - and it had just been slashed to half price because no one else wanted it!

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    1. Thank you! It is quite huge, but I have to admit that I'm still not able to fit everything in. xxx

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  14. Your wardrobe is magnificent Ann, built to last unlike most of today's furniture. You look gorgeous in the jumpsuit, what a great find, also loving the jewellery and wicker basket...all the rage according to the newspaper fashion pages, all the top designers have produced them this year, some going for thousands!

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    1. Thank you Fiona. Yes, I've noticed wicker baskets are all the range. I've always loved them and have picked all of mine up from charity shops and flea markets. Can't imagine paying so much, though, that's absolutely crazy! xxx

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  15. Often the most unexpected places have just the right thing as that fabulous jumpsuit proves! It's perfect on you!
    I'm all about the wait. I'd rather go without than compromise on something cheap and nasty just for the look.
    I love your wardrobe and that wicker basket which reminds me of the one I passed on to Lynn! xxx

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    1. Knowing the shop (it was Primark, of all places) that jumpsuit will probably fall apart after a couple of wears. I'm thrilled to bits that I found it, though, even if I feel I have to keep justifying myself for going into that shop! xxx

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  16. Patience is indeed a virtue when it comes to vintage hunting. As is a trained eye, which you so expertly demonstrate!

    You look fab in that jumpsuit, great print on it. I had to resort to a modern, non second-hand purchase today - flip flops for trips to my local swimming pool! Needs must sometimes if you can't find something in the charity shops.

    Xx

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    1. Thank you, but so do you! I bought a pair of flower printed sneakers from the high street as well. xxx

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  17. Ooh that Diolen dress has my name all over it along with that basket and the wardrobe haha xxx

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    1. The basket is awaiting repair, so I cannot bring it, and unfortunately the wardrobe doesn't fit in our car, haha xxx

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  18. You know I am swooning over that wicker bag. I am also amazed at your beautiful wardrobe. That is a stunning, forever piece. I am also very patient when it comes to shopping. LOL. I really love the jumpsuit that you found and also that fabulous red skirt.
    ❤️❤️❤️
    Elle
    https://theellediaries.com/

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    1. Thank you Elle, that was the bag I bought the day after I read your post on them! And that wardrobe is really one of my best finds ever. Still not enough spaces to fit everything in, though ;-) xxx

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  19. You have done well! Every now and then you do find some great things on the High Street your jumpsuit is a perfect example.

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    1. Thank you Gisela! I never ever thought I'd buy something from ... Primark! xxx

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  20. So much fabulousness! I love your skirt and the jumpsuit is very pretty and such a nice colour. Loved your dress with the yellow cardi and all your lovely accessories. I hope you can fix your bag. What a bargain that teapot was...

    xxxx

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    1. Thank you Veronica! Yes, that teapot was such a lucky find, especially since I found a Lynton & Lynmouth jug at a flea market a while ago! xxx

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  21. How gorgeous is that wardrobe?!! I have an antique cherry wood and glass cabinet that I just had to have. I've since turned a more modern approach to my decor but I would never get rid of it. It just has to blend in!xx

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    1. Thank you Laurie! I think that a good piece of antique furniture works well in a more modern decor. xxx

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