Remixed Recycling

THE FIND:

 Dress: Vintage 1960s homemade crimpolene

Jacket: Vintage 1960s homemade crimpolene

OUTFIT #1

Booties: Corelli @ Williams

Bag: Vintage K.E. Munro

Bangles: Tree of Life

Watch: Vintage Movado

OUTFIT #2 (REMIX)

Heels: Bon Bons patent Mary-Janes

Bag: Vintage 1950s plexi

Bangles: Tree of Life

Watch: Vintage Movado

THE FIND:

Dress: Vintage 1960s homemade lace & cotton

OUTFIT #1

Heels: C'est Bon pointy-toed glitter

Clutch: Bon Bons glitter

Bracelet: Vintage Kellie's Antiques silver

Cuff: Wallace Bishop silver

OUTFIT #2 (REMIX)

Heels: Betts glitter platforms

Clutch: Bon Bons glitter

Bracelet: Vintage Kellie's Antiques silver

Cuff: Wallace Bishop silver

Sunglasses: Shades Sunglasses Kiosk

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I was delighted to find 2 homemade vintage gems during a recent jaunt to the Ipswich Antique Centre. One good hand-wash & a few small alterations later, I have (at least!) 4 amazing 1960s style outfit options - some perfect for the current season & some to herald the fast-approaching Springtime... 

When it comes to fashion, one of the eternal questions is always: How do I wear vintage without looking like I'm about to attend a costume party? For me, it all comes down to the mix. Although I love my vintage jewellery & have added it to each of these looks, I always make sure there's at least one funky, on-trend element to counterbalance such as neoprene topped booties, glittered platforms & clutches or clear plastic sunglasses. I also keep in mind the fact that fashion is cyclical by nature & many vintage cuts are similar (if not identical) to those being sold in high-street stores, meaning people would have to do a double-take or even ask in order to determine an item's true origin. 

In addition to the environmental aspects of choosing to shop for vintage clothing - for me, it is the ultimate form of recycling - I personally love the sense of history that comes with a vintage dress & the many unanswered questions that accompany it: Did the wearer make it themselves or did their mother or grandmother make it for them? Was it for a special occasion? What adventures did they have when wearing it? These questions provide fuel for my "once a literature student, always a literature student" imagination & make putting an outfit together feel that little bit more special...