Thursday 2 November 2017

Fell in love with a dress

In my previous post, I hinted at the fact that there was something going on at the charity shops on Saturday before last.

Yes, it was time again for that yearly event to promote their shops, the notorious Day of the Charity Shops (Dag van de Kringwinkel in Flemish)!

It's an event which is loved and hated in equal measure by any vintage aficionado, as much of the interesting stuff is being kept behind especially for this day, while on the day itself the shops are full of fabulous, yet often overpriced, goodies.



The diehards take up their posts at the shop's entrance well before opening time, pushing and shoving their way into the shop once the doors are opened, in order to get first dibs at the goods on offer.

Not us! No, obviously we are far too civilized and laid back for such behaviour!
Although I have to admit that, once inside the shop, all manners can be thrown overboard if anyone even dares going near the object(s) of my desire!

So, we walked in at leisure one hour later, past table after table groaning under the weight of vintage crockery, casting a cursory glance, then went down to the textiles department in the basement.


There, we were halted in our tracks by the display on the half landing. That dress! Minutes later, the mannequin wearing it was left bare, and I was on my way to the fitting rooms ...



I could have hit myself for not taking a before photo, but apparently the charity shop people did and posted it on their Facebook page, so this photo is courtesy of them.


The dress is just a tiny bit too wide on me, but there was no way I was leaving it behind. Surely, that's what belts were invented for?


I had the perfect boots to wear with it as well. And no, I am not trying to walk like an Egyptian: I was telling Jos I could feel the first drops of rain ...


From the same shop came these two vintage handbags.



At first, the black bag with the tortoise shell ring got us stumped, as we couldn't seem to open it. Then Jos noticed this hidden lever, which releases the opening mechanism, and hey presto!

It had to come home with me, even if for the unusual catch alone, as this is exactly the kind of quirky thing that I love, justifying why I've just bought another black handbag ...


For good measure, here's a closer look at the small but sturdy and surprisingly roomy tan leather handbag.

Jos bought this revolving device containing a barometer, thermometer and a hygrometer, for his small collection.



After our walk in the park, we drove down to a shop we only visit once or twice a year. By then, afternoon was well on its way, and we expected it to be stripped bare. Not so! Here too, there were endless shelves of vintage china, even more than at the first shop.

We noted there were hardly any gaps in the shelves, so we don't think much of it was sold. Serves them right, they should put  these things out into their shops all year round!



Jos browsed the cartons of vinyl, but didn't find anything he liked.

He then settled for a vintage portable record player. Not that we didn't have one yet ... This one will need some TLC.


After a cup of coffee and a slice of apple pie, we made a final round, and I found this vintage St. Michaels melamine tray.



Sunday was all work and no play. Oh, OK, just a little bit of play then: I had the day earmarked for the continuation of my wardrobe switch-over.



Dressed in this stretchy retro frock by Zoë Loveborn, I matched our Emsa kitchenware perfectly!



Here are my Summer frocks ready to be put into vacuum bags. I am only keeping out the ones which are tricky to iron.


Then came the fun bit, as one by one my long-sleeved dresses were taken out of the bags they've been in since late Spring.

As usual, there were the old favourites as well as one or two surprises I'd completely forgotten about!

I also took the opportunity to have a cull and fill a bag full of clothes to sell on.


There, don't they look nice hanging ready to wear in my wardrobe?


30 comments:

  1. People are getting wise to the shops price gouging for special events-they do that here when a shop is closing. Suddenly, the prices go up although the signs say "Sale."

    Love that brown and orange dress, and the bags are lovely. You're looking fab yourself with that great hair of yours. I haven't matched anything in my kitchen yet, but there's something to work towards.

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    1. Thanks for the compliment on my hair. That really made my day, as I'm always complaining about my hair ... As for the charity shop prices, after the event they leave out what's left for a couple of weeks, with reduced prices. If you're lucky, you can still find a bargain, but the nicest stuff is usually gone by then. xxx

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  2. You are just like me! I adore a piece that is really unusual. I love both of the bags you chose and of course that fabulous dress that looks like it was made for you.

    I used to shop on the Vintage Crawl night here but also learned they do the same thing as your vendors. Not cool.

    Your closet looks fantastic! So much work. Do you find vacuum packing all the dresses to be the best way to keep them fresh? I usually just pack mine between tissue paper.

    I've been putting off my big closet switch over but I need to do it.

    Suzanne

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    1. I can never resist an unusual piece and I'm often sucked in by quirky buttons or a self fabric belt. Any details that makes it stand out, really. The vacuum packing really is a space saving necessity, but I find it keeps my clothes fresh too. xxx

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  3. I can't say I have ever seen anyone dressed to match their egg cups!

    I'm thinking you have both been digging out a secret basement in your home, where are you putting all these gorgeous purchases?

    I love the Flemish word for charity shops and your new black handbag with the quirky catch, that vintage M&S tray is so pretty too! xx

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    1. Oops, you and Porcelina found me out! We do have to do a cull from time to time, though and redonate things we no longer love or use, or keep them for selling on at next year's flea market here. xxx

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  4. Wow your dresses are stunning! So many wonderfull coloured dresses. If you put them in vacuum packs , how many packs you use?
    I think it's great to have a dress that matches perfect with the eggcups :))
    You are the vintage queen, Ann ;)
    Huge hug, Tina

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    1. Thank you Tina. I think I've used about 7 or 8 medium sized bags in total, putting an average of 10 dresses in each one for summer dresses, less for winter dresses as they're bulkier. It's amazing how much space they save. xxx

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  5. The egg-cup matching is just perfect! And I love the barometer Jos bought. I too am starting to suspect a vintage filled bunker in your garden... I haven't finished my wardrobe switcharound completely yet, too much hard work! Xx

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    1. A vintage filled bunker, now that's an idea! I was quite late with my switcharound as well. Still have the skirts to do, though, but that can wait. As you say,too much hard work! xxx

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  6. Is it that time of year already? I remember you writing about vintage week as if it were yesterday. It wouldn't work round these parts, nobody gets it except for Jon & I!
    That dress is fabulous as is the tiny leather bag and the portable record player - we've got one, too - still awaiting repair!!!
    Your winter wardrobe looks very inviting, I'd love a rummage in there. Like mine - not a hint of grey to be seen! xxxx

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    1. Unfortunately there are quite a few people here who (think they) get it ... It can be a real struggle! We've now got not one but two record players awaiting repair ... xxx

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  7. that dress has *princess ann* written all over it! :-D
    and with this cool boots from your collection...... totally fabulous!
    matching the kitchenware is what every good housewife is looking for! i made myself a housedress with blue/white polkadot fabric to compliment the inherited "bürgel" ceramics..... ;-P
    if the tan bag were genuine leather i would steal it - im on the look out for a cool tan leather bag for years!!
    this season i change the wardrobe in small doses - putting away the summer dresses after the wash since 1.sept. one for one - and pulling out the woolies just in the moment i want to wear them..... no clue why. maybe i´m still hanging on the summer this year.......
    happy weekend! xxxxx

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    1. That's what I thought too, Beate. That dress was waiting for me, I'm sure! Surely, matching kitchenware creates endless opportunities ;-) My wardrobe change is almost finished now (just the skirts to do), but it's taken me longer than usual too! xxx

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  8. What a great dress. For special pieces, imperfect fit is something we tolerate. I love that revolving thing Jos got.

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    1. That's exactly what I think, Ally. Some pieces are too good not to buy, especially when the price is right. I paid € 8 for the dress, which I think is a steal! xxx

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  9. You're looking great in the Autumnal outfits you've shown. The colours are just perfect for the season.
    You obviously had a very successful day out, the barometer Jos found looks interesting.
    I did my wardrobe changeover a while ago, I always leave a few from the previous season just in case. I must say I'm very impressed by how well you store your clothes.
    I love the idea of having a day of charity shops, that sounds like good fun.xxx

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    1. I have so many clothes that good storage is a must, otherwise they'd take over, I'm sure. I also try to put them more or less by colour, which makes things easier to find. Ok, I admit, organized really is my middle name ;-) xxx

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  10. I am in awe of your wardrobe organization! Love the egg cups!!

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    1. Thank you Gisela. It's a necessity, and hard work, but so worth it. xxx

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  11. First of all, that rust dress is wonderful - perfect on you, especially with this belt! I also loved the little brown purse (or tan, as you say). And last, but not least, your wardrobe looks amazing, both Summer and Winter parts - so beautiful and well organized! I also am in the process of switching. I think I never convert fully - there are always pieces that hang out for the rest of the year, and ready to go when a new season arrives. :)
    <3

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    1. Thank you Natalia. Rust was a colour I didn't have in my wardrobe yet. I have some pieces hanging out throughout the year as well. It makes the transition to the next season easier and some things are just for all seasons, aren't they? xxx

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  12. I wish our charity shops did this sale thing! I've only ever known on shop to do it and that was with its vintage stuff...

    I love your dress; it looks so good on you! The black dress is gorgeous and it's true your egg cups match it!

    It's such a good feeling to have switched over successfully from summer to winter wardrobe. Yours is beautifully organised and so colourful.xx

    Have a great week.

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    1. Thank you Veronica. The egg cup matching was pure coincidence. Once I put on the dress, I immediately thought of our Emsa kitchenware. We have several other items of the same design. It's indeed a good feeling to have completed the switch over ... xxx

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  13. I'm going to a vintage fair next weekend - I'm so excited to see if I can find something as cool as your dress! It's fun to bring out the fall/winter and realize you'd forgotten about some of them! I love that part of unpacking.

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    1. I knew you'd understand, Sheila. There was a lot of ooh, I'd completely forgotten that one. Hope you'll find some lovely pieces at the vintage fair. How exciting ... xxx

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  14. I understand that you felt in love with that rusted color dress, it's a beauty! (and your boots looks perfect with it!), and the tan bag is lovely too!
    Obviously, I'm admiring your fabulous collection, it's amazing to see all those summer dresses neatly folded and prepared to be stored!. And I'm also having fun when meeting again with some of my Winter dresses!
    besos

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    1. The minute I saw that dress, I somehow thought of those boot. They're such a good match, aren't they? I was quite shocked to see how high the piles of summer dresses were, I must admit! xxx

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  15. That dress was a fantastic find! I wish charity shops did something similar over here - I'm starting to think either my local ones aren't getting vintage any more, or they're slinging it in the bin 'cos it's not making it onto the rails.

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    1. Slinging vintage in the bin? That makes me shudder. But I must admit that some of our charity shops hardly have any interesting vintage either. I can go weeks without finding anything decent. xxx

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