17 May 2009

Screaming into a box

Confession. I've returned to my usual out of all control habit which is raiding many a charity shop, military style all in a state of pure utter excitement. Rapidly flicking through an array of pic & mix of patterned prints: polka dot, check, florals, triangles, rainbows, elephants ( itchy knitted elephant jumper, anybody?). Scrunching and analyzing fabulous and not so fab fabrics, beginning with tighter than tight Lycra, to tweed or not to tweed- tweed, shine on silks and sickly sweat it out silks ( the half polyester variety, vile. Nope and NO way am I putting my body through the hell that is polyester perspiring!).

Two hours in and with one loud empty, angry stomach ( I foolishly skipped and replaced a good breakfast for a poor cardboard flavored cereal bar: pointless and I won't be making such an error again) the most sensible thing to do was probably admit defeat, give up and head home.
Oh no the stubborn thrift half of me wouldn't allow this, 'continue rummaging, what are you a weakling? Happy to surrender to the depressing variety of clobber on those rattling rails. Look, look and look again.'
OK, OK I will, enough already firstly I must grab a snack...yum veggie wrap...alright back to Oxfam.

Speed straight pass those bloody disappointing rails, for I've no love for you anymore (or at least today) I poke my head around the corner of the enormous sorting room, where the lovely Oxfam elves ( I've nicknamed my Oxfam pal's 'elves' as they often remind me of Santas little helpers. They do such a brilliant job and vital job too) have the mighty task of editing through the sea of black bin bags. Shifting through stacks of boxes, and there lay the thrift treasure, 'come on through my love, take a glance, your welcome to' Oh good god, I've been invited to step over the thrift line, 'Can I? Thanks! I'll just take these two for now, Oops am I being too greedy?'
'No you'd be doing us a favor weekends are busy we need an extra pair of hands, and you seem to know your fashion stuff! Judging by your recent picks.' Mmm...shes seems to have a bit too much faith in my very much to be questioned magpie methods: did she not witness me grabbing the hardcore 80's beach ball print dress two weeks ago?
Whatever, time to crack on and battle those intimidating box's, why did I opt to pinch two of these gigantic box's? One would have seen me through Xmas! I must admit my eyes spotted some shockers from the first box load ( far worse then that knitted elephant jumper, and trust me, that was hideously awful if not slightly disturbing?).


photos thrift treasure: two waist coats, total-£6

Hours later the moon is now beginning to appear ( almost, the sun had began to set) my arms ached, thanks to the hundred tons of dreadful denim one had to constantly lift, reject and destroy ( I've come to realise from this painful experience denim does indeed, have a 'to use by' expiry date). Towards the end of box two I couldn't help but feel the charity shop had it in for me: what with the non existent results, from flicking through the rails of clothes. Just as the assistant stood by the door giving me a look of 'why, did I ever allow that pain in the ass into the sorting room?'
Sequins shined light seductively via the large fragile hole on the side of the box, I lacking elegance and there for grace, pulled and pulled aggressively at this piece of stunning fabric...Who-a, and cue scream (with my head stuck in the box) a late seventies vintage waist coat, followed by another waist coat caught up in the others delicate embroidery.
Charity shop, let's not bicker again eh!?

24 comments:

Unknown said...

I love those vests, great finds!!!

Allthismore said...

I love the first vest! kind of balmainish. great finds!
chels x

prettyneons said...

Oh thank you's.
I can't get enough of second hand fashion at the mo!
PeAce & BoWs...
prettyneOns X
:)

Diary of a Young Designer said...

love the detail on the vest! ANd I, like you can't get enough of second hand stuff, I just can't find decent thrift shops at my area, gotta save cash and go on a shopping adventure!

xo
Sophie

Mo said...

mm.. cardboard box breakfast bar? i've had my share of those, lol. That first vest reminds me of Aladdin, a little. Alexander McQueen had something like that. Great finds!
(i'll probably be scouting thrift stores soon because school is almost over!

xoxo Mo :)

Anonymous said...

really cool. second hand shopping makes so much fun. you find everything a interesthing piece. and nobody else have the same

Couture Carrie said...

Loving your finds, darling!

xoxox,
CC

LenoreNeverM♡re said...

Fab finds...at such great price!
Great NEW week darling...hope you'll find more treasures! XO*

fASHION mINUTE said...

Ok, the vintage waistcoast is a tricky one, even the Balmain'esque ones. I'm Indian and so I always run the risk of looking too 'ethnically-costumed' when I don those things. You know? But, I bet it looks great on you!

DaisyChain said...

You are amazing. I love love love them!

prettyneons said...

ha ha wow thanks, I fear my head may get too big...ouch can't get through the door...jokes!(:

Hope your all having a OKish day.
PeAce*
prettyneons xx

Winnie said...

Hey those waistcoats are worth all your rummaging, they are gorgeous.

prettyneons said...

Thanks, it was hard work finding these!
I'm still exhausted,I'm kidding =)
PeAce*
Xx

Emz said...

Cute! haha. So you have a job in a fun place? You probably get first pick too right? Cuz you see the merchandise first!

Joshy said...

super hott vests!

Tatiana Nguyen said...

i can already picture 3000 outfits with those treasuress!! :D

xx

prettyneons said...

Hi (:
believe it or not, I've not even got around to wearing these items!
*Sob, I shall though.
PeAce*
prettyneons x

chloe said...

ooh, the embroidery is lovely! lucky finds indeed, especially after the tough rummaging! x

Wanderlusting said...

Great post - fun story! I really, really have to get myself thrifting but I know I have to gear up mentally and physically for it! No rushing!

Shes Dressing Up said...

I love this post, exactly how i feel when on a charity shop mission! I wish I had some elf friends who would let me over the sacred line into the back room!!

tdw said...

The next designers of fashion Olivia and Mariam, two teenagers who love Fashion, Designers and Photography, come on and see us :) it's juste the beginning but If you help us to be famous, you don't regret;)

Come On !
Xo

Silje said...

Thanks for comment!=
The gray west with all the wonderful pearls is great!=D Any outfit would look cooler with that on!=)

Diary of a Young Designer said...

Hi! Just wanted to let you know that I tagged you! Questions are in my blog and I also linked to you!

xo
Sophie

Jen said...

Fantastic find!!