(Second hand) dress for business

In another life I was a financial auditor. Yes I promise. Not always fun, never easy, quite challenging. Let’s just say that I do like blogging better… Stylewise, it was quite strict and if at times I hated how restricted my work wardrobe was, now I kinda miss the business chic look!

So when I found this Zara number in Cancer Research UK charity shop, it reminded me of the good old days. And actually I love this dress! I call it my Victoria Beckham dress (okay, it is Zara but still, the style?)

The below-the-knee length gives it a glamorous flavour, a bit Mad Men-y, and it’s a good change from my usually shorter dresses.

And then, there are the secrets pockets. And you already know of my love affair with pockets of any kind… I have not really found the right occasion for the dress. I don’t think I will wear it to bring Stella to school or run errands with Nino (suddenly the below-the-knee thing might not prove too cute). But maybe for a business meeting one day? Or just a fancy night out!

 

London Walls 37

Got back from France last night, and left the little ones with their grandparents. For one week I am kids free. Chris and I have tons of plans: dining out, go to the movies, and mostly do as much sport as we possibly can. I am looking forward to discovering London with all the time in the world.

Went to Shoreditch (of course) to gather a little inspiration on the walls. I was not disappointed both by the giant spread and the small graffitis that you can barely notice. Unpretentious yet, always interesting. Hello Bambi!

Fun in the sun

It is not so often that I get to shoot in the sun, but when it’s here, it’s really here! Last weekend in London was like that, hot and sunny. So I was excited to wear this second hand summer dress from Kimchi Blue.

I found it in Sue Ryder charity shop on Essex Road. I paired it with a second hand leather belt also from Sue Ryder. I love to belt it up!

I found the Aldo sandals in Cancer Research UK on Upper Street. Finally, the Marc Jacobs bag is my first second hand purchase on Ebay. And I love how it adds a pop of color to the whole outfit.

This was the perfect sunday outfit to go around the city. The best part is that the Kimchie Blue dress has pockets in it, but you can barely tell. 

Choose (second hand) pink!

Another day, another second hand outfit. This time for Stella! Not only did I stop buying new clothes for me but I also find amazing children’s clothes in charity shops and second hand stores. It makes even more sense for the little ones as they grow out of it so fast, sometimes after wearing some items barely a few times!

I found this dress sometimes in the past few months, I think it was winter, but as it was size 3 to 4, I got it and put aside for summer. And voilà! It is from Zara Kids and I found it at my local Sue Ryder charity shop (for about £3)!!

These shoes are killing me! Stella was so excited about it. They are from one of my favorite kids brand: Catimini. I love their style, it’s just a bit over my budget for children clothes. Now, I found them at Fara Kids in Chiswick for £4!

So there you go, Stella is dressed for summer for £7 head to toe. And I got a few more dresses in the shops. Yes, sometimes we do try to stay away from the pink. Still, sometimes, we choose pink! Isn’t color block still a thing?

Second hand leopard prints

This whole animal print thing is working for me, I start to like it a lot. It gives me an edge, an attitude almost (hold your horses, woman!).
Anyway, I am nuts about this Michael Kors tunic. Hello embedded jewellery!

This works for me and here is why: because of my kids I almost never wear any necklaces or jewellery (I know I know, I might be using them as my excuse, plus I don’t wear this top to hang out with them…).

I paired the top with second hand jeans from 7 for All Mankind. I like the sparkle on the pockets 🙂

Found them in Sue Ryder charity shop for about £10!

So, for me, this is clearly an evening look. Perfect for a date with my man. I am not ready to take the leopard print on a daytime stroll…but I am working on it!

PS: I am selling it here for £35!

Britishette & mini Britishette 35

Summer is officially there! For Stella, it means ice cream season started. Can’t blame her, this is serious business….

In Croatia, we had our little mother-daughter ice cream moment every afternoon. Love it (notice the second hand Karl Marc John beach dress 🙂

The next two months will be all about parks and bikes, beach and swim. We are looking forward to a great summer. If the sun could follow everywhere we go, it would be perfect. Also, introducing this lovely second hand Kate Moss for Topshop white top…

Guest blog: Louise’s secondhand outfit

I am very excited to introduce you to a fellow charity shop addict: Louise from Pauper to Princess. Louise is actually a charity shop consultant, which means she is helping charity shops to look their best to sell more and better! Sounds like a dream job to me!

Today Louise is presenting a second hand only outfit, perfect for an evening out with the girls! Love the bright colors!

Here are the details:

Black and white lace & ruffle playsuit: £3.95 – Lewis-Manning Hospice charity shop, Poole High Street, Dorset

Bright green clutch Oasis bag: £2.99 – Age UK charity shop, Ashley Road, Poole High Street, Dorset

Pewter kitten Heel woven sandals: £2.75 – Julia’s House charity shop, Poole High Street, Dorset

Lime green & gold earrings: £1 – Primark (on sale)

As a freelance consultant, Louise organises events, does interior design, media coverage, staff training and more to optimise the capacities of local charity shops. Check out her site for more info and also tons of second hand inspiration!

I’ve never been to Dorset, but when I do, I’ll make sure to hit Poole High Street! Won’t you? Thank you Louise for the fab outfit and the tips on where to shop!

Zebra prints

I’ve noticed that animal prints are clearly in this summer. The thing is it was also trendy a year ago, 2 years ago, etc… Consequently I found all that I needed in the charity shops to follow this new old trend 🙂

I found this basic French Connection dress at my local Cancer Research UK charity shop in Angel. Very simple, easy to wear, and with POCKETS (you know how I feel about pockets).

I wore it to a recent trip to the Glober theatre as it gets quite warm in there on sunny days? But obviously my hair didn’t really survive the wind on the Millenium Bridge… Oh well….

I paired the dress with second hand wedges from Jigsaw. I love the espadrille sole. I am a big fan of espadrille anything. It must be my French side…

London Walls 36

There is new street art in my hood! Very excited, I love it! What do you think? This curious piece is located right off Cross Street in Islington.

 And i found this painting off Holloway Road. Interesting to say the least…

C’est (secondhand) chic!

I was immensely happy when I found this top in Sue Ryder charity shop on Essex Road. It is from Sonia Rykiel, a designer I find very interesting. I do stripes a lot (like, a lot!) but this was different!

I love everything about this knit, the color, the bling, and also, I love the buttons in the back. Very 1960s…

 Sonia Rykiel is a cool designer, but I never thought I would wear some clothes from the brand. Probably because it is not even remotely in my price range. Yet, thanks to the charity shops, here I am!

 It is a casual top, but with a twist. The only thing is that Nino really likes the bling as well, so I can’t wear it with him, or else he will eat it…

 It may be possible that I enjoy a quote in French from time to time… (this and the stripes addiction, I am hopelessly French…)

Don’t forget to have a look at Britishette’s Closet to see and buy some of my best charity shops’ finds!