Many of you are engaged in "No Spend October" on Instagram, where you're shopping your closet and not going near the shops or those pesky online retailers. I'm afraid I'm still spending, but to enter into the spirit of the thing, I've put together a really ancient and partially thrifted outfit!
I would like to introduce you to my "Rupert Bear trousers." I've had them since the early 90s. They were a purchase from Next in the early days when Next sold really good quality distinctive clothes. The Rupert trousers (my name) are essentially Oxford bags of the type David Bowie wore in the Hunky Dory period.
The corduroy coat reminds me of the 70s and was thrifted late last winter and not worn until now.
I like brown and beige but they haven't been in vogue for years, it seems. Come on Pantone, spare us the lemon curry and give us some brown! Brown is more flattering to the older face than black and I definitely prefer it to navy, which always seems a prim and prissy colour to me.
On a side note, you may have noticed my hair is a different colour. I was getting a bit bored with the blonde highlights and for winter I like to have warmer colours. So my wonderful hairdresser, Jodie, owner of Mustard & Co, did some colour blocking with Davines' organic colours, introducing warmer shades of red and caramel. And no bleach! Immediately the colour seemed to make my skin come alive so I am very pleased with it. See the full story on my Facebook page.
Sharing this post with Visible Monday at Not Dead Yet Style; Catherine at Not Dressed As Lamb; Fake It Until You Make It at Fake Fabulous, Creative Mondays at Claire Justine, Emma at Stylesplash, Jess at Elegantly Dressed and Stylish, Ashley and Laurie Link Up, Fabulous Friday at A Pocketful of Polka Dots, and Fancy Friday at Nancy's Fashion Style and Top of the World Style at High Latitude Style
The faux fur trimmed jumper is also a Next purchase - not quite so old, about five years I think. The faux fur stole, which I think is madly glam, was a Christmas present last year. The gold ankle boots are last winter's. The only new item is the leopard print bag from Next (out of stock).
Sharing this post with Visible Monday at Not Dead Yet Style; Catherine at Not Dressed As Lamb; Fake It Until You Make It at Fake Fabulous, Creative Mondays at Claire Justine, Emma at Stylesplash, Jess at Elegantly Dressed and Stylish, Ashley and Laurie Link Up, Fabulous Friday at A Pocketful of Polka Dots, and Fancy Friday at Nancy's Fashion Style and Top of the World Style at High Latitude Style
I love browsing through vintage shops,
ReplyDeletethere are so lovely and unique pieces.
Your look is amazing the bag is my personal highlight.
I adore how the look is effortless and in the sametime classy.
take a look at my BLOG and also INSTAGRAM
Fabulous outfit, Gail. I agree that beiges and browns compliment our skin as we, er, "mature"! I absolutely love the hair! I felt you looked different but couldn't put my finger on why.
ReplyDeleteI remember fondly the old Next (think they bought out Kendals). In the late 80s I bought a fabulous navy tweed (sprinkled delicately with pink) skirt suit. The suit had a nipped in waist (I had one BITD!) with a navy leather buckle, the revers were leather and the skirt had a leather buckle too. And the leather was REAL and so soft. I loved that suit and I wish I still had it, though it wouldn't fit of course! I also bought two crepe few chine blouses, in sludgy pink and blue and both with interesting detail. Ahhh, happy memories.
Sorry to hog here but I think you can see I was more than a little in love with early-Next!! I guess for that quality now their prices would be upped astronomically.
Hugs, x.
I bought a wonderful black crepe dress Mary that had bugle beads at the bottom. It is the most superb quality - you would never know it's Next. For many years I never wore it, it was always too tight, but finally, about 2 years ago, I was able to wear it and it still looked modern. Next have got a new initiative now where they're showcasing up-and-coming designers. I've got a shirt and it's very good quality. I'll be writing about it soon.
DeleteLove the trousers Gail, wider legs are so flattering whatever your height and actually allow room for real women that have THIGHS!
ReplyDeleteOh this is such a great look, Gail - love the trousers! You've inspired me to shop the closet more now, xox
ReplyDelete-Patti
http://notdeadyetstyle.com
Wow! That's awesome Patti!
DeleteI love everything about this outfit, Gail! I'm also a big fan of brown - it's so flattering isn't it? And you hair looks gorgeous! You're right, it's the perfect colour for you :)
ReplyDeleteSuzy xx
www.suzyturner.com & www.yogadocious.com
Some people hate brown though - maybe that's why it hasn't been fashionable for so long.
DeleteBoth outfits are great, I had some super wide leg trousers that I chucked out, they would be a perfect addition to my wardrobe now! Good luck with #nospendoctober . Thanks for sharing today. x Jacqui
ReplyDeletewww.mummabstylish.com
It's funny but these are the only wide legged trousers I ever got on with. I try flared and wide trousers nowadays and they make me look small and huge of thigh!
DeleteVintage and thrifted couldn't be more up my street Gail. But first, yes I have to say how lovely your hair looks. The warm tones are so flattering for your complexion too. I could snatch that fur stole right off you - it's a fab touch of glamour and one that would work so well in my wardrobe. And those gold boots too! You're looking fab, absolutely fabulous one might even say!
ReplyDeleteAnna x
Thanks Anna x
DeleteYou put all the fantastic and classy pieces perfectly together!
ReplyDeleteMany thanks for your kind comment on my blog. Do you want to follow each other?
xx from Bavaria/Germany, Rena
www.dressedwithsoul.com
Definitely, you have great style!
DeleteI think the brown tones suit you very well. Amazing trousers and a lovely faux fur top - you look great in them. And shopping the wardrobe/closet is such a good thing - we should do it more often!
ReplyDeleteYou're right Penny, and next October I will do the challenge properly and not spend on anything - so every fashion post will be "vintage" or thrifted.
DeleteI had a similar coat! About 16 years ago, I wore it the first time I visited the uk with Gerben. I just remembered that. Ha ha. I love the bag too and you own trousers from the previous century? Wow, I wished I had saved some items.
ReplyDeleteJust a few month ago I gave away a huge bag of clothes to a charity shop and now I'm regretting it because I need a glam skirt for a jumper I've bought, and there were 2 such skirts in the bag! But I don't have enough room for everything.
DeleteGive me those trousers! I love them! I'm with you on the Brown factor Gail. I always prefer lighter Tans, Camel or Brown anyday. I think this is a great look. xx
ReplyDeletewww.vanityandmestyle.com
Thanks for linking up to Top of the World Style. Great look. It's ageless and timeless. Well done, lady!
ReplyDeleteEverything old becomes new again! I wish I had some of my great 90s pants and sweaters/jumpers and could still wear the size I was back then. Ha!
ReplyDeleteVery chic, trendy look, Gail. The gold shoes are icing on the cake.
I'm a big fan of thrifted clothing and brown. I agree, I also believe it is very flattering. So many people can't stand brown.
ReplyDeleteAre those gold booties from TopShop? I think I have the same ones bought on super sale.
I remember Next from when I lived in London and it was quite posh way back then.
Love the whole outfit and the new deeper tones in your hair. My stylist also uses all Davines products and colour for my hair.
Suzanne
http://www.suzannecarillo.com