Working in a charity shop hasn't dimmed my enthusiasm for chazzing; in fact, I'm always interested in checking out how other shops do things.
And picking up a bargain too, of course.
Like this 1980s textured jacket, mine for a fiver.
The sheer pleated skirt is by Stirling Cooper, a British boutique label which began in the late 1960s and initially featured Anthony Price and Sheilagh Brown as designers.
Here they are in the Stirling Cooper* shop, which you entered through a dragon's jaws.
Oh, the divine decadence of Swinging London. And how much do I love that dress?
(*Not to be confused with Sterling Cooper, the fictional advertising agency in Mad Men.)
I had always assumed the skirt was from the 1980s, but thinking about some of those sheer designs I saw at the Yves Saint Laurent exhibition last month, I wonder if it's older than that?
A selection of Stirling Cooper clothing from the 1960-70s.
I'd love to wear this skirt with the tight-fitting ruffled polka dot blouse and platform shoes (top row, centre).
The jacket is easier to date, it's from Monsoon's 1980s Twilight collection.
The nipped-in waist and shoulder pads are a nod to a 1940s silhouette, and I love the flattering shape.
Monsoon has been around for over 40 years now and still has a presence on the high street, along with sister company Accessorize.
I'm a bit of a vintage label nerd, I love researching them.
Since clothing manufacture in the UK largely ceased after the 1980s, you can pretty much assume that most items with a Made in England/Great Britain/UK label are vintage. That, or a high end heritage brand, but even then, companies like Burberry, Jaeger and Mulberry only make a proportion of their goods in this country.
1970s Stirling Cooper sheer skirt and ankle boots - Ebay
1980s Monsoon jacket and 1950s diamante brooch - charity shopped
Speaking of vintage nerdery, I am hoping it will stand me in good stead; I have just applied for a new job. St Luke's are opening a charity shop specialising in vintage, and will soon be recruiting a manager and deputy.
If ever a job had my name written all over it, it's this one. I have so many ideas fizzing around in my brain, I might explode. I'm waiting to hear whether I have got an interview or not.
I'll keep you posted!
xxx
