For this month’s Thrifty Six blogger collaboration, it fell to me to set the theme. I’ve been participating in various blogger groups for a number of years now and inevitably it gets harder to choose a theme that we haven’t covered before. Whenever I’m stuck for inspiration I think about what I’m really enjoying wearing right now. Well, as you probably know I’m obsessed with vintage clothing, particularly late 60s and 70s styles. As this group is all about giving preloved garments a new life I thought “Step Back in Time” would be a fitting theme!
I’m pretty sure more and more people are buying vintage because there’s an abundance of sellers on eBay, Etsy and Instagram. Now non essential shops have reopened in the UK we can visit charity and vintage shops again too. I can’t wait to go vintage shopping in Manchester’s Northern Quarter again!
My recent vintage acquisitions mean I was spoilt for choice with this theme (the benefit of getting to pick it!). I included this dress in my first TikTok, along with the plaid dress and floral print maxi. I’ll be featuring the fourth one tomorrow. I’ve only uploaded two TikToks but they’ve both been a step back in time to the 70s…maybe I should do one for the 60s too! Unlike the floral print dress, this one is in immaculate condition. I love the contrast of the solid red and polka dot prints. The big collar is a gorgeous detail too. It fits perfectly, which is always a huge relief when buying on eBay.
Keeping firmly to the preloved theme I’ve teamed the dress with a bag I bought on eBay several years ago and a pair of mules I bought in a charity shop last year for £1! Buying shoes for £1 is like taking a big step back in time! I know some people baulk at the thought of wearing second hand shoes but if they’re in good condition and well sanitised I don’t mind at all. It’s a great way to find a bargain and reduce stuff going to landfill!
SHOP THE LOOK
Dress and bag from eBay | shoes from a charity shop | Moschino sunglasses
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The Thrifty Six is a group of six international fashion and lifestyle bloggers and influencers from all around the world. We share a love of buying preloved clothing and accessories. Our aim is to demonstrate how to be stylish in an environmentally friendly way. We take it in turns to choose a theme and at least one item in our outfit that fits the theme must be preloved or thrifted.
“Biba and the Goddess of Bohemia…
I’m captivated by this early 70’s bohemian fusion; beatnik meets London ‘it girl’ with a hint of wealthy glamour-puss. The artist, the romantic and the jet-set elite unite in this decadent fashion furore…
The quixotic spirit became embodied in 1973 when Biba opened its first store on Kensington High Street.
I long to travel back in time; I’d adorn myself in every glorious creation from elegant gowns to curious loon-pants. My true persona would live – I am the Goddess of Bohemia…”
“This outrageously colourful 60s jumpsuit that makes my heart skip a beat, is a favourite of mine. I got it from a vintage-seller- blogger friend, Joy of @joyouscloset. This lady’s collection blows me away every time. Styling it today for you along with this lavender leather jacket I adore-got this from Sharde of @twiggynchic- another online reseller who’s got my tastes covered.”
“I thrifted this vintage houndstooth sheath dress a few months ago and it was perfect for this Back in Time theme. I paired it with a more modern houndstooth blazer (also thrifted) and my really old, vintage inspired burgundy bow heels. But this look also has a Back in Time vibe for me because this is how I used to dress many moons ago when I worked on Wall Street.”
“During my spring break in Las Vegas, I visited my favorite thrift store and stumbled upon this beautiful magenta dress. It fits like a glove and was only $15, so of course it had to be mine! I accessorized with this watercolor-esque hair scarf and this vintage bag I found in my grandma’s closet. Not exactly sure which decade I’m stepping into with this outfit—I think probably the 60s?—but I’m loving the vintage vibes nonetheless.”
“This is a very beloved pre loved dress by Diane von Furstenberg. I adore that woman. Not only is she so beautiful , but her dresses are absolutely gorgeous! Why does this one step back in time? Because I bought it in Lewes a couple of years ago. You have to know that I totally love the UK. I want to live there if I could. I have been there about 30 times and for the last 20 years Gerben and I go there every year, and often twice and sometimes three times a year. But it is now 18 months ago since our last visit and I want to go so bad! So wearing this dress really feels like step back in time, to the time where we could go to the UK whenever we wanted…”
Emma, what a fabulously fun vintage dress! I love this bright red and of course the whimsical polka dots are simply amazing. And those shoes! Yes, please. I buy so many shoes second hand, it’s ridiculous! I just spray them down with disinfectant and hang them on my back fence to air out before I wear them! Haha. Such a great theme this month!
Shelbee
http://www.shelbeeontheedge.com
I can’t wait to shop in second hand stores either. It’s so much more fun. I can’t even find nice items in,, normal,,stores. I think the younger generation is much more aware of the invirement now and buys more and more pre loved!
The moment I clapped eyes on your dress on Nancy’s blog, I was smitten, so I just had to come here and tell you! What a stunning dress it is, Emma, and well done on finding it! xxx
I love your dress!
Jennifer
Curated By Jennifer
I wanna go shopping with you. I love your style. You look so dang gorgeous!
You all look so amazing! And those shoes were such a deal! I would get secondhand shoes too as long as they are in good shape!
This is such a fun and unique dress! I love the polka dots and bright color, and you chose an amazing theme. I hope you enjoy finally getting to visit charity shops again!
Miles of smiles,
Grace
gracefulrags.com
I love this dress and you know that!!! How fun is this group of ours?!!!
Thanks Lucy! It’s a fab group, so much fun 🙂