New Beginnings.

What a relief! After 5 long, stressful days in Sydney, I’ve finally found a place to call my home at Bondi beach. Having lived in concrete city, London, for the last two years I was craving a sea change, so I’m very happy! I’m moving into an unfurnished apartment, which for some may be a daunting prospect but for me, I’m revelling in the fact that this “shell” is my blank canvas. A fresh start. And I cannot wait to start furnishing it with all the things that I love, staying true to my vintage heart.

PS Find more home inspiration here. 

Sourced : Drop Anchors & Non Clickable Item

Trend Forecast : Collar Necklaces

Yay! Finally something I’m excited about. Collar Necklaces – need I say more? I am a major fan of Peter Pan and Tuxedo collars but these luxurious and detachable necklaces are oh so beautiful. Seen on runways for Louis Vuitton and Chanel, I’m positive that these babies will be a must-have item for your wardrobe.  

Sourced : Fashionology

Vintage Stores in Rome

Abiti Usati Vintage is exactly how I like my vintage stores - packed to the brim with beautiful fur coats, sequin dresses, fedoras, shoes and designer bags. Oh, and if you’re looking for a pair of Converse you’ve come to the right place. Situated on Via del Governo Vecchio, it is a little tricky to find but once you’re there you will be tempted to stay for hours and try on every piece. They even have a really good selection of men’s jackets in the form of Barbour, denim and military to keep the boyf well entertained while you choose the perfect ensemble.

Via del Governo Vecchio, 35

Rome

Just a little down the road from Abiti Usati is Vestiti Usati Cinzia or “Cinzia”, a little boutique-style vintage store – something I’m not really keen on – but nonetheless has really beautiful and lust-worthy pieces. Most of which are too beautiful to sell, unfortunately. I saw the most amazing pair of crochet bikinis (although a little too risqué for my taste) a sequin brassiere (which my lovely friend back in London would go nuts for) and a stunning crochet sun-hat with flower appliqué which I instantly fell in love with – it truly spoke to the inner hippie in me, until I realised that it wasn’t for sale. Cinzia is not exactly how I like my vintage but is certainly well worth the visit.

Via del Governo Vecchio, 45

Rome

Thrifting Adventures in Spain #3

I spoke about the best €4 I’ve spent ever here, now I need to introduce you to the best €3 I’ve ever spent - my fringed Navajo bag. I love everything about this bag, the colour, the fringing and it’s big enough to store all my goodies. Here I’ve worn it with an aqua vest (singlet) from H&M and vintage high waisted shorts. Also, don’t you love the backdrop? Barcelona is a hub for the graffiti and street art scene where you will find huge, colourful characters, scenes, and messages on the most unsuspecting walls or storefronts.

Thrifting Adventures in Spain #2

Probably the best €4 I’ve spent, ever. This is why I love thrifting so much, you can find some absolute incredible things for a steal. I spotted this mid-length pastel printed skirt tucked away from view and I knew it had to be mine. Here I’ve worn it with a white, cropped Topshop vest (singlet), brown belt and the perfect accessory - a frozen yogurt topped with strawberries and nuts – yum yum. 

Photos taken by Roger Rabbit

Vintage Stores in Barcelona

One of the things that I love to do while I’m on holiday is to scope out the vintage in that city or town. Whether it is in the form of thrift stores or vintage boutiques, I’m not picky. And to my surprise and delight, Barcelona is full of hidden vintage gems. Yesterday I stumbled across two vintage stores; Holala Ibiza and Retro City and found myself in vintage heaven.

Holala Ibiza

Probably my favourite store of the two, it was an amalgamation of clothing, art and furniture in the heart of Barcelona. I was thoroughly impressed with the collection of flares in all the colours of the rainbow, kimonos, 80s dresses and tie-dye tees (which are festival must-haves). And for the men out there it was stocked full of baseball and leather jackets, Hawaiian shirts and denim and checked shirts. One thing I love about going into a vintage store is the furniture and homeware section – think colourful school chairs, interesting lampshades and 80s vases and ornaments. And the best thing about Holala is it has an outlet just down the road.

Plaza de Castilla 2


08001 Barcelona


 


Retro City

Set a few hundred metres down the road from Holala, it is much smaller than Holala and if you’re into rummaging (which I certainly am) you’re destined to find some incredible pieces. Here, menswear rules with the entirety of the back section of the store dedicated to men’s t-shirts however ladies do not fear, they do have an incredible selection of skirts, hats and shoes at very reasonable prices. 

Carrer dels Tallers, 51

Barcelona, 08002

Photos taken by Jessica Rabbit