Gosh, so I went to the American Apparel rummage sale yesterday. Well, I travelled there. In the rain and wind and my poor hair suffered because of it. But I soldiered on. The intention was supposed to be for me to wake up at 8 am, grab my sleepy-eyed friend Sarah on the way and get there for 10 – but, obviously, these things only work in theory. I got there at 1 – minus Sarah.      

I wandered down a jam packed Brick Lane, getting distracted by vintage stores, and spying lots of American Apparel shopping bags, I knew I was close – I could almost smell the tri-blend – only to get there and discover that the sale was shut down by Police. I did check in the morning, but I thought that it would have been reinstated in the afternoon after removing the offending shopaholics from the queue, but I was sadly mistaken. Me and a few other anxious bargain hunters congregated around the warehouse doors awaiting updates, but we were met with sad news – although it was bitter sweet as we were all given a 40% discount in store. Oh well, they’ve extended the sale so I’ll try again on Monday.  Also, much to my amusement, the riot was on bbc news. Crazed bargain hunters – if you don’t believe me, check out the video below. 3 arrests & 10 police injured. A riot. all in the name of fashion. Ri-donkulous.      

Had a productive day otherwise, though. I spent all day (9 hours to be precise) shopping and got some lovely bits; my legs did feel as though they were going to buckle and I didn’t eat, drink or go to the toilet all day  (I’ve always maintained that when shopping, you have to ‘earn’ such luxuries).      

I spent ages in Hunky Dory vintage on Brick Lane, which is a treat of a store, and not overpriced like most of the others on the street. The guys in there were so friendly and complimentary and I was loving the Motown classics blasted through an old jukebox. Was also highly amused that the changing room was literally a curtain under the stairs! Got a  tiny (no carbs to be consumed 24hrs before wearing) but gorgeous lace & glass-beaded skirt (it weighs a ton!) from there which I’m mucho happy with. I’ve taken some snaps of the store for you, and of my fabulous skirt (that I have named Clarissa) that I got to take home.      

I’ve been searching for a turban for about 2 years now, (not Sikh style, more 1950s Dior style) and have come to the realisation that I’ll just have to make one myself. So I hit up a fabric store and went a bit mad buying reams of fabric (below) for my turbans that I will attempt this week.  It took me back actually, I haven’t been to a fabric store for about a year and a half, and it brought back memories of racing around Fashion Avenue in Midtown Manhattan, sneaking my scissors in my bag and snipping off swatches in darkened corners. For my turban I’m going to rummage about the house for a brooch to stick in the middle of it. So excited. yay! My friends, and particularly my brother laugh at  the idea of me in a turban,  but I’ve learned to take no notice of their bewilderment. I would really love that vintage 1950s Christian Dior turban, but will have to make do with my homemade one. Mum used to wear them so I’ve informed her she will be helping me, much to her amusement/dread.      

I also made my way West later and Also got some cutie see through & spotted ankle sockies in nude and black from H&M which will go fabulously with those amazing wedges I bought the other day. And stocked up on some vests and a cashmere-wool dress in from Topshop boutique. I had a nude one which I loved which actually went missing. Very sad. I must look for that actually.    

Anyway, off out now. Got to allow myself 2hrs to stick my hair in rollers…      

Ciao      

xxx      

[all photos taken by moi]