Collections

One of my indulgences in life are old books, photographs and cameras. I need to realy start trawling those treasures hidden in small towns. Love these pics below.

THRIFTY DRESSING..

With interest rates sitting at an all time high, and the cost of living climbing every day, many of us have had to rethink our spending and modify our budgets accordingly. Gloomy thoughts I know, but here are some ideas on how to spend your money wisely and keep yourself looking fashionista rather than recessionista!

 Plan your purchases carefully - before rushing off to shop, have a look through your wardrobe first to identify what it is you really need. Shopping with a plan means you’ll stay focused and make fewer mistakes like buying duplicates of what you already have, or impractical pieces that don’t work with anything.

 Accessorize - if you can’t afford a big shop this season, invest in a few key accessories - fun costume jewellery, shoes and a bag in the latest styles and colours will update your look without breaking the bank.

 Shop your closet - (or your mother’s closet). With trends coming and going faster than one can say Louis Vuitton; it’s highly possible you have this season’s must-have item lurking at the back of your wardrobe from when it was 2001’s must-have item. Revive these gems rather than buying them again, and save your money for other things.

 Shop the sales - while this can be a scary prospect for some (visions of crazed women wrestling over the last cashmere jersey comes to mind) it’s a great way to restock your wardrobe without spending a fortune. Get friendly with the assistants at your favourite shops so they can let you know when the sales start. That way you’ll be first in line for that cashmere jersey and not have to get your wrestle on!

 Sell things you no longer wear - clothes in your wardrobe you never wear? Perhaps with the price tag still attached?? Round up those “guilt items” and post them online, or find a consignment or second hand store in your area and get rid of them. You’ll have more space in your wardrobe and some cash in your pocket for a few new pieces. Try Arigato Boutique on Kloof Street or Second Hand Rose in Claremont, Cape Town.

 Host a style party - clothes swopping parties (called swishing) are the latest craze, and a cost effective and eco-friendly way to replenish your wardrobe, get rid of bad buys and of course a good excuse for a party! The trend seems to be taking off locally too, with Cape Town based company Fashion Exchange hosting fabulous clothing exchange events.

I'm a little teapot, here's my spout.

One of the things I love collecting are teacups and saucers. I want to throw a vintage tea party together once I have collected enough. This one is from Vintage Collectables in Rondebosch.

Book club

Here some great vintage reads. Locally, you can buy online through Kalahari.net and take2.  SA does unfortunately not support Amazon. Exclusive books and Wordsworth also stock some of them.

The Changeling - 1928

The costumes in this movie are so classic, stylish and sophisticated. Angelina Jolie plays Christine Collins and is poised, elegant and feminine. The entire movie is shot in 1928 New York and my favourite outfit is the brown one. I love her hair style and smoky eyes and red lipstick.

The real Christine Collins.

Close up of the hat. Love the detail. Brown coat with fur collar and brooch. Make up and hairare impeccable.Similar hats are available from Foshini this season.

The coat again with fur detail on the sleeves and here you can see her shoes as well and the clutch bag. Elegant, brown leather gloves complete the ensemble.

Delicate ladies watch as an accessory.

Second favorite outfit. This time with a peach coloured hat, and different shoes. Love the detail at the bottom of the dress.