I am now a spender!! I can't help but buy things. Although thankfully I have actually learnt a great deal through the Flipping Thrift challenge.

Friday 29 October 2010

Out my window

There is always something going on outside of my window. This time it was a mini photo shoot, east London style – no new clothing here. Actually I think even a borrowed flannel shirt.

I love the offhand yet playful and cheeky styling. Even perhaps a bit nonchalant – “I’ll wear what I want”. That is the attitude ‘round here – except the soldier of course.

My take from this is definitely the Mickey Mouse sweeter and the ankle boots worn back with shorts. Anyone want to trade a Mickey tee or sweater? Oh I know - a Mickey brooch!







Thursday 28 October 2010

Laughing out Loud!!

Yesterday I lent my umbrella to a friend with no hesitation as I was sure I had a spare and wasn’t planning on venturing out again. That evening I get an invitation to The Connaught bar in Mayfair. Rushing out the door, I realise that there is no spare umbrella and the only option is an oversize golf umbrella, bold red and black and splashed with the Wilson logo. Well there was no way I could handle that on the tube and no way had I wanted to walk through Mayfair with that monster. So I left without an umbrella embracing double high hopes that it would not rain on me.


On exiting the tube, the vision in front of me was frightening, wet brollies and wet people shaking themselves off as they descended into the underground. The rain was clearly not settled and I had to get to The Connaught respectably and preferable not drenched. A tempting £2.50 umbrella was staring me in the face and the voice inside me was saying “buy it! Buy it!” It was temping but I am stronger than that. Then a thought crossed my mind “what if I find one”. In that same breathe, there in front of me was a beat-up umbrella that deserved one more outing before it’s mangled self was binned.


Pacing through the refined Mayfair streets with my surrogate brollie I was in absolute hysterics – I could not believe that I was actually doing this. Yes I got looks, stares and complete bazaar confusion walking by me, especially when I stopped on the street for a little self-timed photo shoot.


You know those uncontrollable fits of laughter from deep down within your stomach, the ones that make you laugh so much your stomach aches – that was me and I loved every minute of it. And well the best part was I was on my own and that is the first time I think I have ever shared such a funny funny moment with myself.


I got to the hotel with dry hair and yes I did bin the brollie at the corner before. And you ask me too, was that a better option than the big golf umbrella??? Hmmm
NAO xx



Nao xx

Thursday 21 October 2010

I’ve been meaning to tell you about my suede fringed skirt

Have you ever owned a piece of clothing that you love even after its second year cycle? Can you wear it year round? Do you wear it for the 70th time and someone comments, “wow love your...”? And then you say “whaaat, this ol thang”. Well I do. It is my (with deserving capitals) Suede Fringed Skirt.


This little gem was purchased 2 years ago from the lonely sale racks in Sportsgirl. I found myself an absolute bargain and a real treasure. I am truly in love with this skirt for its standalone glory and versatility.




And it’s also a dancing encourager (not that I need any encouraging)
    




Here’s a hint for the thrifty – find yourself a unique standout piece of clothing that is a great fit on you and most importantly, something you feel really good in. If it is bold in its shape or colour then always team it back with less bold items so that you don’t over-style the outfit and it compliments your silhouette. For example – my skirt looks best with a tucked in fitted tee. Try it. XX NAO


And while I'm at it, I will give Sportsgirl Australia some recognition here.  I do love them.

Monday 18 October 2010

Make friends not debts...

I certainly could not avoid retail in NY so I decided to treat it like visiting a gallery. I suggest you try this too, especially visit the best of the best. So what if you can’t afford the $8,000 dress or the $6,000 dinner set, if you’re not buying you can certainly look, admire and appreciate.

Bergdorf Goodman was my first stop. Instead of scouting out the latest fashion on the floors below I tripped up to the 7th floor to admire the home collection. There in front of me stood a divine individual dressed impeccably in his Italian wool check suit - introducing Joseph. Joseph and I began conversing in fashion passion jargon of all the things we loved. I had so much fun and I don’t even feel sad not to have bought anything. I have a new friend instead!!

Joseph tags his suit an investment piece, not doubting for a second that the initial outlay had not paid for itself. I can’t recall how often Joseph has donned his suit but I know for sure that the lovely crafted shoes are five years old, with one resole job they are still going strong. Joseph loves his shoes so much that he is proud to tell their five year tale.

On a non fashion note Joseph introduced me to a talented photographer and heirloom jewellery designer, Monica Rich Kosann. I am in awe of her family photography, it’s so engaging and charming. http://www.monicarichkosann.com/photography/

Tuesday 12 October 2010

Newww Yooorrorororokkkk!!! daa daa dadadad daaa daddddddddddd ...

I’m in New York and what a slap in the face not being able to make a purchase from one of the many luscious boutiques dotted throughout the city. Ouch!!
On a more positive note, not spending so much time swiping the credit card allowed my eyes to readjust away from clothing and shoes to other wonders of NY. What an amazing city, here are a few NY moments I took captive.











Wondering the Highline I was fortunate to meet Douglas McRobb a photographer using film to capture unexpected New York subjects. Douglas sees beauty in the most interesting subjects that are really not obvious until his photos captivate you.  Check out www.douglasmcrobb.com.  Here is my favouite: