These Boots

Dress - People tree

Cardigan - Knitted by my great aunt for my mum in the 70s

Hat - Made by my grandmother

Necklace - vintage, gift

Boots - Vintage, Charity shop

Listening to - Spiraling - The Unthanks 

To me winter dressing generally consists of wearing as many layers as possible, which means it's a bit tougher to stay stylish piled under jumpers, scarves and coats. The one thing I really get excited about is wearing boots! I think boots are my favourite shoe generally, and I tend to add a new pair (or two) each winter. I found these very bright purple Chelsea boots in a charity shop for £7, and although they are a little big, I kind of love them already. I am quite fussy with boots and only like pull on or lace up ones, so Chelsea boots  and dessert boots are my current favourites. The dress is a little short for my liking, but its very well made and People tree are a great ethical fair trade brand. It makes me happy to know my clothing comes from such a responsible source. I can't believe it's been a month since my last post. Since then I've had a birthday and been to Bruges for a short holiday. A lovely city but very cold when we were there. I really enjoyed walking everywhere and sampling plenty of the local beer and chocolate. Now Christmas is closing in and I'm trying to fit in some last minute Christmas shopping around all the other festive activities.

How to get dressed for under £2.00 *

* does not include tights

This post is a celebration for my love of jumble sales. Jumble sales are a great untaped resource for the vintage lover. Many people visit charity shops and car-boot sales, but I have yet to hear of many people who enjoy a good jumble sale as much as I do. Jumble sales have one massive advantage over all other forms of vintage shopping and that is they are cheap, and I mean cheap. You generally pay around 20p entrance and then clothes/scarves/belts are all 20p, shoes and bags 50p each. Books range from 10p-50p and bric a brac depends, but it's rare to spend over a pound on anything that's not large or electrical. They are great.

Of course some are a waste of time, and on occasion I have come away with nothing, but there is always the possibility you will find some real treasures. The best thing I have ever found at a jumble sale was a pair of black and silver satin dancing shoes form the 1930s in excellent conition. They even have diamante clasps, I can't wear them as they are about a size 3, but I love them, and they cost just 10p, which makes me love them all the more. Based on these excellent prices, this post was originally meant to be 'how to get dressed for under £1', but the because of shoes the prices didn't quite fit. Still stylish for £1.50 isn't bad. I'm hoping to make this a regular blog feature, maybe once a month. This first one is dedicated to checks, the trend that refuses to go away.

Felt Hat: Gift from Grandmother
Flannel dress: (Hemmed) Laura Ashley, Jumble sale, 20p
Leather boots: Jumble sale, 50p
Leather bag: Jumble sale, 50p

Crochet scarf: Gift from Grandmother
Check shirt: Jumble sale, 20p
Snap front skirt: Jumble sale, 20p
Leather boots: Jumble sale, 50p
Leather bag: Jumble sale, 50p

I've had the flannel dress since March, but had to wait until it was suitably cold to wear it, I think it's 1980s Dorothy Perkins, I had to hem it as it was originally well below the knees. The check shirt is a boys' age 12, but I quite like the lose fit. The skirt actually makes me a bit squeamish - it's made of suede. I would never buy something like this new plus I think I look a bit too much like a cowgirl in the last outfit. Oh well. I do love the boots though, I think I actually squealed when I caught site of them. They are the perfect brogue style boot, dark brown and nicely worn down so they are very comfortable. They are my new go with everything shoes.