Second Hand Rose

"Even clothes I'm wearing

someone wore before.

It's no wonder that I feel abused,

I never get a thing that ain't been used.

I'm wearing second hand hats,

Second hand clothes,

That's why they call me

Second hand Rose."

~ James F Hanley

My vintage wardrobe is growing, slowly but surely. Up to now, I have heavily favoured pieces from the 1970s, but this latest addition to my little collection is a whole decade older.

This gorgeous 1960s mini dress is from Peekaboo Vintage. A great take on the classic LBD, it is brightened up beautifully by a colourful, striped waistband and pretty, slit sleeves in rich shades of purple, red, orange, white, black and green. A deep, plunging neckline takes it from sweet to sexy, and a removable double rose pin on the chest draws all eyes to a sultry flash of cleavage.

I styled my dress with a great pair of turquoise Miu Miu shoes. The lush colour clashes beautifully with the dress; I love a funky colour clash, if it's good enough for Sex And The City's Carrie Bradshaw, it's good enough for me.

Get The Look:

Dress: 1960s Vintage Dress (similar)

Shoes: Miu Miu Python Effect Leather Pumps in turquoise (similar)

Photos: Kate Carpenter Photography ©

Pieces Of Silver

I've added another Emma Manley dress to my wardrobe. I know, I know; my name is Fifibaggins and I am a Manley addict! I just can't get enough of Emma's fantastic designs. They are so easy to wear, they are cool, they are different and I love how pieces from each collection are interchangeable. I'll be wearing these designs for years to come.

The stunning 'Lee' dress is my latest fix... er... purchase! It features a fantastic contrasting yoke and collar in a distressed metallic leather. The collar is hand cut with a scalloped edge and ensures that the dress is a real standout piece. One of my friends commented that it looked a little bit Country, a little bit Rock & Roll; the singer in me loves that! Cut in a flattering A-line shape, the dress features 3/4 length sleeves, silver button detailing to the front, an invisible side zip, dropped pockets on the front panel and is finished off with ties that can be tied back for a more fitted look.

I styled the dress with a pair of silver Miu Miu shoes I'd not worn for a while; I'd forgotten how fabulous they are & I can assure you I will be wearing them a lot now to make up for lost time! I finished the look off with a bright pink lipstick to add a burst of colour to my all silver ensemble.

Get The Look:

Dress: Manley 'Lee' Dress in silver

Shoes: Miu Miu Two Strap Shoes in silver (similar)

Lipstick: MAC 'Relentlessly Red' lipstick

Here Comes The Sun

Dear ol' Blighty has been teasing us with some Summery weather, just the odd day here and there but it has been enough to inspire me to buy some bright, sunshiny, Summery clothes; and they don't come brighter or more sunshiny than the aptly named 'Summer' dress by Savannah.

Made of 100% cotton, in a fantastically dramatic mustard/yellow colour, 'Summer' features a cool scalloped edge at the neck and hem and a gathered waist with a flared, girly skirt. It has a hidden zip at the side and three buttons on the shoulder.

Styled with gorgeous Miu Miu shoes in a wonderful contrasting turquoise colour, a feather clutch from ASOS and delicate gold/silver accessories from Alex Monroe, this is the perfect Summer date night dress!

Get The Look:
Dress: Savannah 'Summer' Dress
Shoes: Miu Miu Snake Effect Shoes in turquoise (similar)
Bag: ASOS Feather Clutch
Jewellery: Alex Monroe Daisy Chain Bracelet & Ear-Rings

Chalmont

This stunning lace and twill playsuit from Twenty8twelve is my perfect choice for a glamorous night out. This stylish piece features a lace body, a separate black silk camisole, fully lined shorts with pockets, a round neckline and a sexy open back. 

I wore it for date night with my Husband last night and paired it with fabulous Miu Miu python-effect shoes in turquoise for a vibrant pop of colour. The jewellery is my usual collection of much loved Tiffany trinkets.

I actually think this is one of my all time favourite outfits. It ticks all the right boxes for me; a shorts playsuit, black, lace, statement shoes in a great colour. Literally all of my favourite fashion things in one easy to wear look. Hubby liked it too! 

Get The Look: 

Playsuit: Twenty8twelve 'Chalmont' Black Lace Playsuit

Shoes: Miu Miu Python-Effect Shoes in turquoise 

Jewellery: Tiffany & Co Elsa Peretti silver jewellery

Candy Jeans

I find it really difficult to get jeans that fit me well so imagine my delight when I tried on some cheap as chips Topshop jeans that fit like a dream! The 'Leigh' jeans come in every colour & print you can imagine and I've already bought them in red and... wait for it... lavender! 

I hummed & hawed a bit before buying a lavender pair as I really wasn't sure I would get on with candy coloured jeans. I didn't want my legs to look like two sticks of rock!  I have to say however, that I absolutely love them! Lavender is the perfect Spring colour and lets face it, pastel, candy colours are everywhere this season, there's no escaping them!

I teamed my jeans with my newest Twenty8twelve purchase, the 'Idris' tee. The print is by T8Ts new Artist of the season, Talia Baldwin. I absolutely love the idea of wearing a piece of art! 

The cute little turn-ups on the jeans show off my treasured Christian Louboutin studded 'Pigalle 100' pumps to perfection. I bought these stunners on Net-a-Porter some time ago and they continue to cause quite a stir whenever I wear them. They are so rock & roll!

I have finished this laid-back look off with a silver Tiffany cuff and ring and Miu Miu sunglasses.

Get The Look: 

Jeans: Topshop 'Leigh' jeans in lavender

Top: Twenty8twelve 'Idris' Vest (similar)

Shoes: Christian Louboutin Studded 'Pigalle 100' Pumps 

Cuff: Tiffany & Co 1837 Silver Cuff
Ring: Tiffany & Co Elsa Peretti 'Sevillana' Ring
Sunglasses: Miu Miu Sunglasses (similar)

Jaya and the Bee

My love affair with all things Winter Kate continues unabated! My latest purchase from Nicole Richie's fabulous brand is the gorgeous 'Jaya' dress (in tangerine rose) from the S/S12 collection. Take a close look at the dress to see the very cool, unusual Elephant print!

I had to pre-order this dress so I waited very impatiently for what seemed a lifetime (it was only a month!) before it was finally despatched! It was worth the wait though & arrived just in time for a lovely night out at my favourite Thai restaurant & cocktail bar with my Hubby! 

I wore it with my (current) favourite shoes, the STUNNING torquoise Miu Miu python effect pumps. I love these shoes. They go with more outfits than you might initially think given the unusual, striking colour!

I finished my look off with the most neutral bag I own, the corner detail leather clutch from Cos (I'm obsessed with Clutches) & my treasured, iconic Alex Monroe gold Bumblebee necklace! I love this necklace so much I've actually named it. Betsey. What? WHAT?? 

Get The Look: 

Dress: Winter Kate 'Jaya' Dress 

Shoes: Miu Miu Python Effect Shoes 

Clutch: Corner Detail Leather Clutch 

Necklace: Alex Monroe Bumblebee Necklace