Sunday 25 February 2018

Playing dress up

Disenchanted with Think Twice's offerings in the last couple of months, I hadn't made any purchases in any of their three Antwerp shops. Plus, I'd missed their previous sales days, which usually yield a few treasures, as they took place end of last year, just when I was enjoying my Christmas break.


In spite of having paid regular visits to the shops since returning to work in January, nothing really took my fancy, their stock being predominantly 1980s and later.

Scanning the rails, my eyes usually pick out any items worth exploring from a distance. Once in while, my heart started beating faster when I clocked a fabulous 1960s or 1970s print, only to be disappointed when said item turned out not to be even remotely my size.


So, when their sales email dropped into my inbox a couple of weeks ago, I patiently waited until prices were down to € 5, giving the shops a wide berth on the -30% and -50% days.

I'm happy to say that my patience has paid off, as I was able to buy both the delightful checked jacket and the colourful pleated skirt I'm wearing here for € 5 each! That's what I call a bargain!



The skirt is lined, and as it doesn't have a label, I presume it was handmade. With so many colours represented in the print, there's a wide range of tops for me to choose from. 

I hadn't worn this vintage blouse for a while, so it was high time it got an outing. I bought it at the sadly missed Blender Vintage Shop several years ago. I love its colour and print, as well as the rather unusual wide wing collar.  The burgundy beaded necklace, which you can just catch a glimpse of, came from the same shop.

Brooches on collar and jacket: various flea markets
Brooch on cardigan: Think Twice
Ring: retail
Belt: charity shop


Here's a closer look at the jacket. It's belted quite low on the hips and the belt loops are hidden under the pocket flaps. You'd expect these to be just flaps, but no: much to my delight they are actual pockets!

The great thing about Think Twice is that while the sales are in full swing, new items keep being added, right until the € 3 mark.

Someone explained to me once that the bags of clothing they receive at this point are considered second rate, but that's fine by me, as it's then that the most exciting pieces turn up. Who wants old tat from the 1960s and 1970s, eh? Well, me, obviously!


Here's the lovely Angelica modelling all the other things I grabbed for the bargainous price of € 4 and € 5.

I guess I don't have to tell you that the full maxi skirt with its fabulous print is Skandinavian. It is lined and quite heavy. Quite an eye-catcher, don't you agree?



Another maxi skirt, straight this time, and knitted in a cream and brown pattern.

The photos really don't do it justice. I'll have to do some outfit photos wearing it, so that you can have a better look.



This heavy wool skirt was Made in Germany and made me think of Beate

This was even harder to photograph, especially as it was quite a dark day. 

Strips of leather and folksy embroidered flowers are sewn in a chevron pattern near the hem and there are two elaborate fabric flowers with black sequinned hearts on the front.

I think it would go rather well with my red traditional German cardigan!



More flowers in this vibrantly coloured summery skirt. I can see quite a few possible companions among my Summer tops! 


Quite an unusual print for this 100% cotton lined dress, again made in Germany! I loved its chocolate brown-ness, the vibrant colours of the horsemen and the braided ribbon edge.

What I didn't like were the boring little buttons, which have been replaced by these in the meantime:



€ 4 surely was quite a steal for this gorgeous long-sleeved maxi, with its funky blue and white print, with the odd bit of yellow thrown in, and its solid blue wing collar.



On my way to the till, my arms full of stuff, I passed a rail of coats, when out of the corner of my eye, I spotted a flash of chartreuse and blue plaid. Bingo! This gem of a coat just screamed Swinging Sixties, Carnaby Street and yes, Twiggy! 


I didn't feel like queuing at the fitting rooms again (there are only two, and the queue as you can probably imagine very long) so I took a chance on it. Luckily, it fits, if only just. But hey, it's a Summer coat, and I'll probably wear it unbuttoned a lot of the time.



If I hadn't already been won over by its 1960s mod print and model, the label would have done so!

Here's what the Vintage Fashion Guild has to say:

"Lilli Ann was started in San Francisco in 1933 by Adolph Schuman, naming his company for his wife, Lillian. The company became known for their beautiful, elaborately designed suits and coats.

After WWII, Schuman went to France and it was during this time that the labels had “Paris” added to them. 

In the 1960s, there was a popular Lilli Ann Knits line, and a mod-inspired London line."

Not bad for € 4, I'd say! 



My last find was this grey shoulder bag, made from the softest of leathers, and decorated with what looks like a small tie. And look: not made in China, but in Canada! What do you think of that, Sheila and Suzanne?

Doesn't Angelica look elegant in her burgundy and grey outfit? I like to play dress up with her, and this is what she is currently wearing!

Do you have a dressmaker's dummy, and do you dress her up as well?

Linking to Patti's Visible Monday at Not Dead Yet Style as usual.

41 comments:

  1. Well this selection is first class, not second rate!! Such treasure!! The Lilli Ann for 4 Euros is the bargain of the year, it's such a collectable label. It's some of the other pieces that I love most though, such as that maxi dress with its almost wave like pattern, and the charming German black skirt with the embroidery. You really do have quite the eye!

    And yes, we have a mannequin, called Doris. She wears a selection of both mens and ladies clothing, though I believe she is currently undressed!
    xx

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    1. Thank you! It's a good thing for me that Think Twice considers these second rate, so that I'm always guaranteed some treasures once they have started their sales ... xxx

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  2. Oh my! Didn't you make out like a bandit? I'm so very jealous of all of your finds.

    That first bold full skirt in the green and black is amazing! Actually all of the skirts you picked up made my heart beat a little faster.

    You scored big time with that coat on the way to the cash. Should you ever decide to let it go please let me know.

    Isn't that funny how pieces end up so far away? Is that the first piece of Canadian vintage you've picked up?

    That store is a real winner. Good on you for holding out till the last on the best sale prices. I would have been tempted to get over there sooner.

    Suzanne

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    1. Thank you Suzanne. I'm very fortunate that all three of Think Twice's shops are within walking distance from my office. And yes, this actually was my first piece of Canadian vintage! xxx

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  3. Wow, everything is so wonderful! The German skirt with the embroidered flowers is so beautiful, and the collar on the blue maxi is incredible. A Lilli Ann for that price is a steal-I've paid much more for mine. They're very sought after in the US.

    Sometimes I think it is best to arrive at a sale late as people can clear away all the stuff you don't want making it easier to shop.

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    1. I've learned to bide my time ... As for the Lili Ann coat, I don't think they knew what they were dealing with! xxx

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  4. Ann you find wonderfull stuff. This Lilli Ann coat is amazing. I am looking forward to fotos you wearing all this gorgeous clothes :)
    Huge hug Tina

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    1. Thank you Tina! I'm sure my new finds will feature on the blog soon! xxx

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  5. Wow, Ann! Your patience sure paid off!;) What wonderful finds! I love all of your skirts! They are fantastic! I especially love the first green floral full maxi skirt. I love your Twiggy coat too! ;) You have such fabulous style, Ann! I look forward to seeing how you style all of your new finds! XXX

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    1. Thank you Sasha! Those are my favourites too! xxx

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  6. although i know how to make dresses - i do not have such dummy!
    the ones that work well for actually dressmaking are very expensive - even 2.hand - and then you have to find the right size.....
    i´m impressed by your newest wardrobe! isn´t it interesting how high quality the german clothes were back in the days? and that stuff was not cheap then. it changed significantly during the early 90s - to the worse of cause.....
    love the tweed jacket & pleat skirt "suit" - sooo chic - and i cant wait to see you in the german folky style outfit! :-D
    hugest hugses! xxxxx

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    1. German quality was LEGENDARY in USSR! If you got a pair of Salamander shoes, you consider yourself lucky, even if the shoes were 2 sizes smaller! :)))

      Lots of love, my dears!

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    2. I found my dummy at a flea market, and she was my size and all. She's called Angelica after my paternal great-grandmother, who was a seamstress! Oh, and now every time I find something made in Germany, I have to think of you! xxx

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    3. you had soo much look finding a matching dressmakers dummy at the flea!!! wow!
      <3 xxx

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    4. Yes, I know! I'd been looking for one for ages, but they were all far too expensive ... xxx

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  7. Didn't she do well?!
    I especially love that green skirt and the heraldic type print on the dress. The skirt is lovely on you.
    I love my vintage West German finds - I bought a maxi skirt with the craziest print ever last week.
    Lilli Ann dresses sell for insane prices, a girl I know bought a 1940s one for $250 on Etsy last year. Madness! xxx

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    1. I knew you'd like that green skirt, and you are right: it's fab with the Welsh wool jacket! My Lilli Ann being from the 60s, I presume it will be a bit cheaper than that. Not € 4, though, I'm sure the T2 people had no idea what they were dealing with! xxx

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  8. So many great finds there. So many beautiful prints. And you are so lucky to have found that plaid Lilli Ann coat, especially for that price. I'm jealous :)

    Theresa

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  9. Old tat??? Look at the quality of that heavy wool black German skirt. Gorgeous. (it might come in handy this week!) The groovy Scandi skirt is a superb find, ditto the chic Lilli Ann coat. I'm sure Dove Cottage must be bursting at it's seams by now? xx

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    1. I'm glad the shop people think it's old tat. It's their loss! I did re-donate 2 huge bags to charity, and put aside at least six handbags to sell at a flea market, so Dove Cottage is safe for now ... xxx

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  10. What wonderful finds! It was so good that you held out. I don't know what I like the most as they're all lovely. Fabulous maxi skirts and dresses, brilliant coat and such an unusual bag!

    I really liked your pleated skirt and jacket ensemble; what lovely colours in the skirt and as you say lots of tops to go with it...perfect!

    Hope you're keeping warm and have a lovely week.
    xxxx

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    1. Thank you Veronica! I always go scouting in the weeks before they're having a sale, and make mental notes of things I like, but don't want to pay full price for. xxx

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  11. Wow, Ann, you are a thrifting goddess. Your checked jacket is marvelous, and that colorful maxi - it's so groovy! Thanks for sharing with Vis Monday, xo

    -Patti
    http://notdeadyetstyle.com

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    1. Thank you Patti. It's always a joy to link to Visable Monday! xxx

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  12. Oh my goodness, what a haul! My favourite has to be the green print maxi skirt - what a fab piece that is! I like the blue maxi dress too, and the Twiggy coat.
    xx

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    1. Thank you Hazel! You see, I wasn't restrained at all in February. And all in the "want" catagory, I'm afraid ;-) xxx

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  13. There's so much to look at. My three favourites are the Scandinavian maxi skirt - gorgeous, the fab Lilli-Ann coat, just stunning and the beautifully made jacket, wonderful styling :-) xxx

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    1. I'd just told myself to stop buying coats and jackets, but I couldn't very well leave these behind, could I? xxx

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  14. WOW, Ann! You won the jackpot! I adore all your finds, where to begin? The plaid jacket is AMAZING! Love all the thoughtful details and wonderful tailoring. I just bought a wool scarf for my husband (secondhand, but perfect and so fancy) in similar rust brownish plaid. I love that green maxi skirt - I might be full of cheese, but the flowery design reminds me of Thai or Indonesian culture. Striking blue maxi dress with that collar (and I love the collar of your vintage blouse which you wear with that awesome skirt). And finally, the Lilly Ann coat! If only I could ever find something like it fitting me... sigh! :)

    I would love to dress up a dummy, but I can't think of a corner for it in our tiny and overstuffed home.

    Lots of inspiration, my dear! <3

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    1. Thank you Natalia! That plaid jacket made me think of you! And yes, I did feeel like I'd won the jackpot. It's been a while since I had such a haul. xxx

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  15. What an amazing haul! I love the dress with the horsemen on it.

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  16. woww, I do love your jacket and skirt (and I also love they were a bargain!), and they rock together!. I totally agree on so many colors represented in the print, such a lot of possibilities, (I think on purple!!)
    I'm particularly in love with that scandinavian maxi skirt and the plaid coat (coveting both of them so badly!, such fabulous prints!) and that maxi dress is also stunning!. You lucky girl!
    besos

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    1. Thank you Monica! I actually wanted to wear a purple jumper with the skirt, but then decided on a blouse and cardigan because, you know: layers! xxx

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  17. OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOh, didn't you do well! The Maxi and the Lilli Ann coat are fabulous-my own particular favorites!!!x

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  18. I am in love with that Skanidinavian skirt and the Lilli Ann coat - such fabulous patterns. Woot, Canadian leather goods are some of the best-lasting in thrift stores. How fun that you found one!

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    1. Thank you my dear! Had to think of you when I found that handbag, and of all the Essentiel Antwerp things you keep finding ... xxx

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  19. Oh my goodness, you really won at shopping, didn't you? The green skirt is my favourite, though that Lilli Ann coat is definitely the biggest bargain. I can't wait to see how you wear them all.

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    1. Thanks Mim. I can't wait for the weather to get better so that I can wear the coat! xxx

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