Flatlay: Pairing together neutral shades for winter

I love the neutral colour palette in today's flatlay. There's something about this combination which feels beautiful and romantic. We've had a few very cool, wet days in Perth this week - it seems like we're finally getting a hint of winter on the west coast. That's cool, winter. It's only the end of July, no pressure. That in mind, I haven't been in the mood for bright colours this week, so I've been working with some of these cooler neutral colours. They're basics that go with just about anything. Think browns, greys, black, white, beige, etc.

In general, I think neutrals can convey an air of sophistication and elegance. That being said, they can become boring if used exclusively, or if they're untempered by other types of visual interest  (things like texture, detail or even silhouette). These pieces were an easy pick because they're happily layered with other colours and I've been able to pair them with leggings / tights, depending on the weather of the day. I find that the more neutrals you incorporate in your day-to-day wear, the easier it is to build outfits from only a few pieces. A colour combination that I've been loving this winter has been soft pink and grey - it's a beautiful pairing.

For me, the colours in this flatlay conjure images of cozying up in a log cabin on a soft rug, warmed by a roaring fire. But that's just my overactive imagination (and totally wishful thinking!) How about you?

The look:

Jane Debster pink heels - Vinnies - $4
Novo flats (new with tags) - Salvos - $4

Flower tunic - Salvos - $2.25
Evolve bird top - Salvos - $3.25
Cellini Sport handbag - Salvos - $4 (Total score, it was new! These things retail over $100 at Myer / David Jones today)
Rose necklace - Vinnies - 50 cents
Sportsgirl floral skirt - Vinnies - $1.25
Picnic brown top - Save the Children - $1.50

How to: Thrifting for better quality brands and fabrics

My wardrobe is full of well branded, good quality items. The best thing about it? I've spent next to nothing putting it together.

I love that secondhand shopping is gradually becoming more en vogue, not only in Australia, but around the world. This shift means a number of things: Shoppers are more conscious of how and where they spend their money and they're acknowledging that clothes don't necessarily lose their value, simply because they're pre-loved. Changing my perspective on having items of quality over quantity, and slowly my wardrobe, I've realised how much more practical and versatile a wardrobe of quality is! Use these tips (below) and you will always be well dressed, no matter how many times the item was worn before you scored it

1. Quality bargains last far longer

I won't deny it, trendy and fairly inexpensive chains like H & M and Topshop stock a large number of stylish clothing items to choose from, but they don't last very long. I remember buying clothes from Forever 21 when I was travelling a few years ago. While they were gorgeous to begin with, they soon lost their shape and buttons were popping off left, right and centre. Realistically, you get what you pay for at these stores. When op shopping, check the content label at the neck, in the waist band of the jeans, or in the left side seam to determine a fabric's content and care instructions. As a general rule, natural fibres (silks, cottons and wools) will stand up better than synthetics. I'm a fan of natural fibres, so I prefer cotton or wool (mostly cashmere) sweaters over acrylic because, not only do they feel better, but the fibres retain their shape and withstand repeated washing cycles. Now, I know. It's getting harder to find quality 100% wool, 100% cotton items secondhand. For some items this might not be a big issue, but if you're hunting for a quality winter coat, you may want to purchase garments with the highest wool content that your budget will allow. 

2. The fabric just feels better

One of the wonderful perks of filling your wardrobe with quality items is that the fabric simply feels better. These fabrics are generally softer and hold up to spills and everyday wear. Better quality items are normally made of materials built to last, so naturally they should look and feel better. The best part is that buying secondhand won't necessarily extend your budget any further than a cheaper material would! So take the time to look for quality pieces, you won't regret it. Once you have an eye for spotting quality clothing, you'll be able to find bargains all over the place.

3. Your clothes will hang better

Ever noticed how more expensive items (when you buy retail) seem to fit your body shape so well? It's because these items are built with higher quality and design in mind. Hunt for clothing of quality material, it will lay against your body with elegance and good structure. Just be mindful to purchase items in the correct size!

4. You will love what you own

Owning a number of high quality items lets you love what you own, without feeling remorse for buying items at full, retail price (poor bank card...) You can look at your wardrobe and see it as an investment, an expression of who you are. Clothing says something about you, what you like, and what you prioritise about your appearance. I love that I can show the world part of who I am through my style. 

5. You've saved so much money!

This is possibly one of the biggest returns for the economical shopper today. You can expand your wardrobe for so little money, leaving you with a lot of options to choose from through the season. When you take the time to carefully select what you want to buy, you'll spend less on impulse purchases and splurges and save more money in the long run. Remember, having a wardrobe of quality when thrifting takes time. Start small, donate items you don't love and replace them slowly. One of the ways I find good bargains when I visit an op shop is to take a list of things I'm looking for with me. That might be basic, staple quality pieces, or a specific coloured top. Look for pieces that will last a long time and can be worn often. They don't have to be designer items, just hunt for quality and durability.

I'd love to hear your thoughts on having a wardrobe of quality versus quantity and where you stand! Do you prefer one over another?

Thrifted find: Genuine leather Avelar vintage bag

I fell head-over-heels for this bag at the Salvos last week. It had been sitting on a shelf behind the counter on my first visit, but a phone call had forced me to leave earlier than I planned. What luck to find it on the bag rack only a few days later! (And for only $25!) 

This is a wonderful, genuine leather handbag made by Avelar in Guadalajara. The bag's interior is roomy and comes with three separated pouches, plus a pocket that comfortably fits my phone. The outside is made with a beautiful tooled leather in an abstract flower pattern.

It's clear some fine Mexican artisan craftsmanship is behind this bag. It's made in a beautiful refined shape and sits well and has been lined with a soft suede. On the whole, a very practical and beautiful vintage bag - I'm a firm believer that good design never goes out of style! 

I've done a bit of Googling since, and I get the impression these bags were doing the rounds sometime in the 1970s - a few different designs are doing the rounds on the internet today and they're valued between $100-350! That being said, I think I was very lucky to find this one - this bag has little-to-no wear on the outer edges and the inside is in great condition. I think it has kept its beautiful vintage charm and will likely last me for many years to come <3

The look: 
Avelar leather bag - $25 (Salvos - Greenwood)

If you know anything else about these bags, I'd love to know! What was your favourite bag find at a secondhand store?

OOTD: Homestead ruins

The weather and light can be unkind at times in the Australian winter, but we're pretty fortunate in Perth to be graced with cool, bright days most of the season. Style-wise, I find myself drawn towards something emanating warmth. Mustard yellow has endless possibilities and is a beautiful colour for the autumn / winter months. But the colour often gets a bad rap because not many people know how to wear it. I love yellow, but find my fair complexion is much better suited to warmer or burnt colours like mustard. With that in mind, I love this top, it's bright and warm and the texture is delightful! Good job, mustard blouse. I will appreciate you, even if no one else does. Plus you were a steal at only $1.50 from Vinnies! It was nice to team it with the thick Sportsgirl skirt (Salvos - $2), tights and faux-leather Rubi Shoes boots (Salvos $3.25). 

What about you, lovely readers? Are you pro or anti-mustard?

A little history for you: Perry's Shed ("linhay") was built before the death of George Shenton Snr in 1867. The linhay at Perry's Paddock is now referred as Perry's Cottage and Stables and was listed on the State Register of Heritage Places in 2000. Though the linhay is now in ruins, it's a beautiful example of the vernacular Georgian architecture of England, adapted to local conditions and built with local limestone. Perry's Paddock was named for John (Jack) Perry, who bred racehorses and held race meets on his property at the site. The paddock is part of the Yellagonga Regional Park, with a number of pretty walking and cycling paths open year round to visitors. Nice spot to take a few photos!

Photos © Reg Vardy

The look: 
Suzanne Grae mustard blouse - $1.50 (Vinnies)
Sportsgirl grey/brown skirt - $2 (Salvos)
Tights - my own
Tree of life necklace - my own
Rubi Shoes brown boots - $3.25 (Salvos)
Vintage-look ring - $1.50 (Salvos)
Brown shoulder bag - $3.25 (Vinnies)
Bird earrings - $2.25 (Salvos)
Total damage: $13.75