Vintage Favre Leuba Watch, Satchel Bag and Compact

I could'nt believe my luck when I found a Favre Leuba watch for £6. Actually, I've no idea when it comes to vintage watches but I could'nt resist this style. 

It was found with an outdated white strap and was'nt working. So I took it to the cheap watch repairer down the street. They were a friendly Afghan couple who shared an area with a mobile phone shop. 

The man opened the watch and said: "You don't need a new battery. This is a windup watch!" 

What a surprise! I took a closer look and saw tiny rhythmic moving parts. 

It needs winding every one to two days which is quaint and old fashioned. After all the years, it still runs like...clockwork. (Sorry.)

I was told the watch was older than me. In fact he liked it so much, he offered to buy it. Of course I said no. 

I picked this caramel leather strap from a basket of what looked like 100 random watch straps. The replacement only cost £5. 

I love over-the-body bags but my current one is too small to carry a book. I found this for £15. It's beat up and aged but that's how I like tan leather bags. 

Stratton Powder Compact from Ebay. Not to powder my nose but because it's gold and has pretty stars. I want to start a collection!

So old school. I love it.

Beaded Necklace and Vintage Floral Saucer

I have the tendency to buy matching things for my outfit and wear it out the store. It's instant gratification. And thanks to a black dress, I got this necklace for £10 at Designs in Hampstead.

Not sure what the lime beads are made out of but the center cluster is made from real pearls and Swarovski crystals.

And what else does it go with? This vintage floral saucer from the Hampstead Indoor Market for a quid. I'm collecting them to hold pillar candles and display dress jewelry. A nifty use for pretty saucers!

Vintage Floral Skirt and Cable Knit Sweater

Felt very much like a school teacher in the 80s when I put a belt over a cable knit jumper. I got the jumper from an charity shop for £5 and it's the softest and warmest I own. (American Apparel are currently selling similar sweaters for £57!)

The vintage floral skirt was from Oz. It was $4 and the elastic gathering needed to be replaced. The print was too pretty to ignore so I bought it anyway and fixed it myself.

The skirt was well worn in the 80s and now it survives two more decades and counting!

What's On Your Dresser?

Just having a little fun with Instagram. This is my dresser while I'm housesitting for a friend. It's actually a vintage vanity table with a light above the mirror.

I feel so girly rolling my hair up in bendy rollers in front of it. Remember them? I bought a pack of 6 from an op shop for $1 AUD but you can still get them in Boots.

For wavy curls, I use two at a time trapping the ends of my hair in between and I roll upwards. They stay secure while I'm sleeping and by morning, I have curls! No heat required and they last until I wash my hair. How's that for old fashioned hair tricks?

I bought the hair pick from a vintage fair in Hampstead. The pearl necklace and gold bracelet you might have seen from my previous posts. The elegant bottles of perfume are Penhaligon's. I've sampled them all and their scents are exquisite!

Chunky Diamante Pendant Charm

Just a quick post to show you this chunky diamante charm from the thrift shop. I got it for £5. When I'm not wearing it as a necklace pendant, its hanging on a cream ribbon on my mirror.

The charm might be vintage and the previous owner attached the spring ring. Anyway, I love it because it's got character and it's so sparkly!

Vintage Leather Handbag and How To Clean Leather Gloves

I never realised how great op shopping is in London until now. This week I found two amazing finds when I least expected it.

The black lambskin gloves were £3. I love the perforated design (OK, not warm but atleast breathable) and the gold clasps at the cuffs. When I asked the shop assistant how they should be cleaned, she suggested saddle soap. Sounded like too much trouble for cheap gloves but I bought them since they fit perfectly and I'll never find another pair like them again.

Now before everyone reels back in horror at the thought of wearing used gloves, I thoroughly washed them first. This was my no frills method:

1) Fill sink with warm water and add anti-bacterial hand wash to make it sudsy.

2) Immerse the gloves and repeatedly squeeze them to get the water to flush through. Don't scrub. Turn them inside out and do the same. Turn them back the right way out.

3) Rinse under cold water and squeeze out the excess water.

4) Dry by laying flat over a heater. Lay them on a towel if your heater is really hot. It should take an hour or two to dry, depending on the thickness of the leather.

5) When fully dry, moisturise with leather conditioner. I did'nt have any so I wore the gloves and massaged in sorbelene cream (non-perfumed basic moisturiser). A few coats will soften the leather and make it supple.

I don't recommend this technique with all leather gloves (especially if they are expensive, lined or not black) but since these were cheap, there no harm in doing it this way.

The gloves are now perfect and so unbelievably soft. I hope they last forever!

The second thing I purchased was this vintage leather handbag. The bow is cute and the detachable long narrow strap can be worn over the body.

The colour is truly eye-catching. I don't see it produced anywhere nowadays. It's difficult to capture it on camera because sometimes it looks antique fuschia and other times red violet. The best way I can describe it is that it's the colour of blueberry juice.

Oddily under halogen lights, the handbag looks deep magenta.

The bag was in new condition and a steal for £3! I love it so much, I carry it everywhere. The bag will become slouchier over time too. It's like a welcome gift from London. Heh heh!

How To Get Rid Of The Smell Of Vintage

Remember this Faigen clutch from this post? I did'nt realise until it reeked up my clothes, how musty it was. It was gross and the smell sticks to anything it touches!

Wanted to throw it out but tried an experiment first.

With anything vintage, if it's washable (or disposable!), try washing it in hot water. Chances are the smell is caused by mildew. If the item is not washable, try sunning or airing out the item. You could use baking soda to absorb the smells or as the last resort, Fabreeze.

I washed the clutch in hot soapy water but noticed the smell was still there. So I soaked it in a white vinegar and hot water solution for an hour to kill any mildew spores. I rinsed with cold water and propped it up in a sunny spot. The residual vinegar smell disappears once it was dry.

And the result? The smell is gone! Hooray!

Top End Slingbacks, Vicenza Wedges and Vintage Necklace

Please excuse these dodgy photos as I was too impatient to wait for daylight before taking them.

Summer's around the corner. Today I was melting in my beloved uggs so its time for warm weather shoes. Here is my latest op shop haul.

Top End Snakeskin Leather Heels $6 AUD - In pink nude and cream which goes with everything. I never had a chance to indulge in the nude heels trend until now! Unfortunately the straps keep slipping off my heels so I need Foot Petals and strappy strips.

Vicenza Red Slingback Wedges $4 AUD - comfy shoes made in Brazil and these were pristine. The leather is super soft calfskin.

Vintage Goldtone Necklace $5 AUD - Not usually a fan of wearing gold but when worn with a plain outfit, it blings the look tastefully. I like how unique it is :)

Vintage Spotted Sun Dress

A magnificent find at the op shop, even if I say so myself!

I was pecking around for a colourful girly dress. It will be for an upcoming trip to Singapore where it's hot hot hot!

Narrowed it down to two dresses, one from Dotti and one vintage.

Put them side by side and examined for faults. Found a hole in the Dotti dress and was missing it's belt. The vintage dress looked like a hospital gown. Both went back on the rack.

Disheartened, I scoured the dresses one more time in case I overlooked any gems.

Lo and behold, I found a pretty sundress and best of all, it was vintage! Could'nt believe my luck. The dress is made of heavy duty cotton and is well constructed. It stood against the test of time, especially compared to the Dotti dress.

I could tell it was vintage by the pattern and fabric. It has an old skool silver zipper. It was smocked at the back.

You could imagine Charlotte from Sex And The City wearing it.

Very pleased to have found a vintage dress which was'nt grandma-esque for $3 AUD!

Op Shop Haul

HALF PRICE SALE AT ST VINNIES!

All priced in AUD. Starting from the top, left to right:

Wicked Sista Aqua Toiletry Bag - Brand new with tag. I need a bathroom bag for an upcoming trip to Melbourne. The best feature is the detachable clear zip bag inside which you can carry in handbags. $1

Vintage Grey Leather Handbag - Retro design with adjustable strap so you can wear it long or short. Oddly has Russian words in gold print inside. I wonder who the original owner was? $2.50

Plaid Scarf - Classic print and super soft. $1

Striped Boatneck Top - I said no to this last week but at half price, I NEED it! $2

Satin Animal Print Cosmetic Case - Brand new with tag and the print is so damn cute. Could not resist for only 50c!

Rebecca Davies Designer Top - Desperately needing more warm clothes for work. This top is embellished with pretty lace and satin roses. $3.50

Awesome haul for $10.50!

Vintage 80s Oversized Knit Cardigan

Winter is truly here. Today I made trip to St Vinnies and browsed through the knitwear with vigor.

Found a totally snuggable, slouchy teal knit cardi. It's super long but the batwing sleeves fit perfectly. The knit is multicoloured with red and navy flecks. 

While I've embraced the mainstream grandma cardigan look, this is one of a kind. Who cares if the style will be out of fashion by next season, it only cost $4.90 AUD! 

Ahhhh...I love Op Shops. Quality unique clothes for a bargain and supporting a charity. Plus it's environmentally friendly to recycle clothes.  

Each visit is like a treasure hunt. You never know what you'll find!

Vintage Handbags

I was delighted to discover that St Vinnies has opened in Auburn. They had a 30% opening sale and there was ALOT of stuff in their inventory.

The above is a soft patent navy Faigen clutch ($2 AUD). I've been watching a lot of Sex And The City lately and Carrie's vintage handbags inspired me to buy this.

I recently saw the new Miu Miu stamped leather bag and remembered how practical long narrow strap purses are to wear. Isn't this cute?

Below is a another recent vintage bag purchase ($2.50 AUD). Not as satisying as the Miu Miu but it serves the current tartan trend and the strap does not annoyingly fall off my shoulder.

Vintage Tan Corset Waist Belt

How's this for a blast in the past? Was umming and ahhhing over this vintage belt at the op shop. Was I brazen enough to wear this wide asymmetrical '80s belt?

Admittedly it is cheap-looking but meh, it's only $3 AUD. The belt is in good condition but the metal hook has oxidised. I actually like it tarnished because it makes it look aged.

Bought it to co-ordinate with my turquoise Yeojin Bae minidress. While taking modelling shots, the theme song to Jem was stuck in my head. Do you remember Jem and the Holograms cartoon? I totally loved that show while growing up!

"Exciting adventures, fashion and fame...Jem! Jem is my name!"

Italian Floral Bustier Top

An op shop purchase for $4. It's an Italian branded bustier top which you zip yourself in from the side. The summery floral print caught my eye. Its short and low cut - definitely not the type of garment which my body shape can pull off.  Reminds me of the fashion from Romy & Michele's High School Reunion of the '90s!

Pretty buttons and frilly trim
The pursuit of a unique bargain took over and I purchased without rationalising. It had a built-in bra where the pads were slightly protruding for some va-va-va voom cleavage. When I tried it on, the white pads stuck out even more, making it look like they were falling out. Skanky-esque!

Trying to co-ordinate was a challenge. Firstly I got rid of the ridiculous looking pads. Now how the heck can you wear it having no boobs and flabby guts? This is the best I could come up with in a hurry but I shall keep trying!

Blue Paisley Cotton Slip Dress

I picked up this colourful dress from the op shop for only $1!!! 

Love the eye-catching blues and it feels light and soft. A half size too big but I still wanted to make it mine! 

No matter. I shortened the straps and repaired a small fray while I was watching The Simpsons tonight. I even sealed the raw ends of the satin strings and now it's a perfect little dress.

Could be worn casually with the brown leather belt pictured (another op shop find) and flip flops. Or I could glam it with a sequined cropped cardi and strappy heels. 

Tan Leather Braided Belt and Thin Gold Mesh Belt

Another visit to the op shop and I have two new belts for my growing collection.

I've seen alot of braided belts which remain in the store because they have been done to death by cheapo imports. They are in lurid colours, poorly constructed and designed for the "trend of the moment". This leather belt is none of the kind and is a steal for $4 AUD. It's understated in style and goes with all of my casual bottoms. It has the worn-in look like it becomes even more beautiful with age. 

Not sure what enticed me with the soft gold mesh belt aside from the $1 price tag. Perhaps it's how it moves fluidly between my fingers. It glimmers and being thin (1cm in width), there is a balance so it does'nt look overly blingy. Looks good with a black dress. Unfortunately as I was trying it on today, the slider flew off and is lost somewhere in my room. 

Scaling the floor with a torch proved to be futile. 

Italian White Leather Peeptoe Slingbacks & MAC Satin Cosmetics Clutch

Picked up these two beauties from the local op shop today.

These Louboutin-esque stilettos are in excellent condition and I wished so badly that I could fit into them. They are summery and look gorgeous with a dress. Too selfish to pass them by so now that I've taken some shoe porn, I'll list them on Ebay. Any size 8.5ers out there? Come and get 'em.

At first I thought this was a very chic pleated satin clutch but inside was a MAC cosmetics label. Guessing it was a gift with purchase and you can keep your make up brushes in there? It doesn't fit all of my brushes anyway so I'm going to use it as a evening clutch.