It’s Thursday’s Fashion Day, and this week’s Polly Dolly features pleats. I’m not a huge fan of pleats, because realistically, if worn at the bottom, they emphasise my hips, something which I really would rather not have. So, I had to be a little bit creative and chose a light shirt with minimal pleats on the front. There are two different styles that I could wear this shirt. For a more classic work style, I teamed the shirt with these black wide-legged pants and beige mary janes. To finish off the look, I added a structured beige handbag, a black freshwater pearl ring and a beige trench coat. The trench is also featured in my second look – a more easy going, playful style. This time the pleated shirt was paired with a wool zigzag vintage style skirt and wedged knee-high suede beige boots. I’ve added a satchel to finish of the look. I love the detailing on the bag, which goes really well with the skirt.
In this week’s second part of Fashion Day, I’ve chosen to feature how you can actually achieve the current or upcoming trends at a really low price – just by going the pre-loved fashion route. I set myself the challenge of finding a tan ensemble for the tan trend and a colour block outfit for the colour block trend that will be huge next season. On Tuesday, I went down to Savers to see what I could find. This was the second time I’ve ever been to a Savers outlet. There are a number of stores in Victoria and unlike the other OP shops I’ve been to, all the items are classified accordingly. They’ve got signs to show where the books, shirts, pants, shoes, and accessories are. The tops are placed according to their style – long sleeved, shirts, t-shirts, sleeveless and then according to their sizes. The same goes for the skirts and pants. The one in Frankston has two levels, with the women’s section on the ground floor and the men’s, children and shoes upstairs. The clothes are also placed according to their colours, which makes it a lot easier if you’re look for something specific. In Winter, the jumpers, sweaters, and cardigans are place at the front and these are then switched around for Summer. Very customer friendly! So what did I manage to pick out in that one hour?
For the tan trend, I managed to get this beige shirt from Temt ($6.99), a mixture of grey and cream wool skirt ($7.99), Alannah Hill jacket ($29.99), red belt ($2.99), striped bag ($6.99), tan leather boots ($17.99). All up this whole outfit cost $72.94. Great for work and all still in tip top condition.
For the colour blocking trend, I picked this bright yellow cardigan ($7.99) and teamed it up with a fuschia t-shirt ($4.99). Keeping in mind not to go overboard with the colours, I chose this yellow cotton skirt ($5.99) in a lighter shade. The bright magenta bag ($4.99) goes very well with the light purple suede boots ($14.99) and the fuschia t-shirt. Total cost: $38.95, making it a great outfit for Spring.
I did end up purchasing that wool skirt and ruffled top featured in the Tan trend ensemble. Couldn’t resist it, the wool skirt was a bargain at such great quality – yes it was 100% wool! I may have to alter it slightly to fit me, but that’s something I can do easily. I also nabbed myself a velvet Jag jacket for only $12.99. Too cute to resist. Great with my skinny jeans worn tucked into some knee high leather boots – very Country and Living!
9 comments
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Ames
May 12, 2011 at 4:34 pm (UTC 10) Link to this comment
I love your set but OMG your op shopping has stolen my heart. I want to go shopping with you!
Donna McMaster
May 12, 2011 at 8:04 pm (UTC 10) Link to this comment
Hi Norlin,
Thanks for visiting our store… thrilled that you found some great stuff. Really liking the looks you’ve put together!
Hope that we get to see you again soon.
Cheers,
Donna McMaster, MD Savers
Gypsy
May 12, 2011 at 8:26 pm (UTC 10) Link to this comment
I agree with Ames, everytime I enter into am op shop I never see great things like these, I have heard the op shop in SA Anzac Hwy has great gear, when I get time to go to Adelaide I will be venturing hopefully I will find good clothes.
baublesb
May 12, 2011 at 8:42 pm (UTC 10) Link to this comment
@Gypsy
Bummer. So it really pays to really look at what each OP shop has too.
Actually, I was just as amazed! The way everything was set out made it easy for me to go and look for specific items. Especially since they were also arranged according to their colours. The only downside, as with going OP shopping anywhere is that you won’t necessarily find something you like in your size. I found a gorgeous single breasted corduroy jacket from Lilli for less than $20, but it didn’t fit me.
baublesb
May 12, 2011 at 8:44 pm (UTC 10) Link to this comment
@Ames
Hahaha…Thanks Ames! Glad you liked the items I’ve picked. I actually saw the beige top as I was still talking to the store manager who was sharing some information with me. I’ve yet to go to their other stores, I heard the one in Brunswick is a lot bigger and I bet you they would have quite a number of funky items!
baublesb
May 12, 2011 at 8:45 pm (UTC 10) Link to this comment
@Donna McMaster
Thanks Donna. I had a ball. I even got some quality tops for my girls. They loved what I got too. Maybe I should share that on my other blog!
Nic L-D
May 12, 2011 at 8:58 pm (UTC 10) Link to this comment
Great to meet you Norlin, and thank you for visiting our store in Frankston. The outfits you put together are great, wish you had left the mannequins dressed like that….. and all the others too!!! Til next time….. Nic the Retail Sales Manager…….
baublesb
May 12, 2011 at 9:05 pm (UTC 10) Link to this comment
@Nic L-D
BTW, just realised how much time it took to dress the mannequins.
Thanks for having me! You were very helpful and I could see how nice your staff were too! Maybe next time you can call me in to help dress the mannequins!
Melissa @ Suger Coat It
May 15, 2011 at 8:41 pm (UTC 10) Link to this comment
Those boots in the first set are ahhh-maaazing! And I love the colour blocking set. Especially the boots {again!!} and cardigan.