Nan Knits and Charity Shop Tips

There's a coldness in the air...... but I don't care. 

'As the Rush Comes' Motorcycle (Armin Van Buuren Mix)

It's happened. Winter. Well I suppose if seasons behaved as they should then technically we are in Autumn, but in all honesty does it matter? When it's cold and wet, and only get's colder and wetter I don't think anyone really cares what we call it. All we can be sure of is we are going to wake up in the dark, and come home in the dark in a viscous cycle of absolute darkness.

Despite the weather, Winter does bring around a whole host of fashion opportunities, to name but two on the top of my list, tights and layering. Tights mean everything can get shorter without the risk of being arrested for indecent exposure, and layering means you can wear all of your favourite items at once. I'm pretty sure in fash-land this isn't what is meant by layering, but it does mean the indecisive dresser has it easy in the morning as if in doubt, wear it all...you'll need it! 

So what will I be buying? Knitwear. I love a good nan knit, and I am already scouring the charity shops to find the chicest of them all. Frequenting charity shops means I have noticed a change in the once haphazardness that was, in it's place I think I detect a subtle hint of fashion awareness? The knits are held back until the weather changes and the bikinis and second hand swimsuits (seriously?!) are placed in an unlit corner towards the back until we can face the fact, (post-Christmas indulgence) that the beach body of yesteryear will be required to make an appearance once more. *sigh* Anyone that has avoided charity shops until now, I urge to you to give them a try at this time of year. It's easy and cheap! Charity shop knitwear can often mean a higher quality garment at a fraction of the price you would pay for it from a store. All you need to do are follow a couple of simple tips:

• Don't be afraid to search in the menswear of childrens wear sections. Menswear jumpers are great for the oversized slouchy look, and can often be found in chunkier knits than the womens. Childrens jumpers often feature retro and kitsch prints that will look great worn with a shirt poking out of the bottom and sleeves rolled up.
• Think outside the box. If there's something about the jumper that attracted you in the first place, buy it. I can almost guarantee change from a fiver, which means you can afford to experiment. If it's too oversized, belt it, wear it off the shoulder or layer it over leather leggings as a dress. Crazy print? Clash it with a modern print like a punchy floral.
• Read the label. It sounds silly but this can be a great way to find a hidden gem, look for 100% wool, or Cashmere jumpers for the real bargains.
• Get a heads up, have a look at what's in stores at the moment for an inspiration on key colours, knits and shapes if you're a bit scared of free-styling it. Charity shops can be a great way to pick up trend basics like this genuine, surplus Military jumper I picked up in the mens section of my local YMCA.
• Lastly relax. We're not dealing with big bucks and a complete fashion investment, so if you get it home and it isn't for you, give it straight back to charity and the cycle can continue.

I'll be sharing some of my nan knit purchases in the next post or two, I'm hoping to amass quite the collection.

In the meantime...Happy shopping!

KDx

Attention! Tackling the Trends: Military

'It's now, or never'

Calyx & TeeBee "Elevate This Sound"

This time of year is a hard one to get your head around, the weather is changing and you contemplate swapping your wardrobe round and examining what knitwear you can salvage from last year. Whilst across the pond New York is currently in the midst of Fashion Week, showcasing the trends we will all be wearing come Spring/Summer next year. So bare with me while you fathom out this post. I am concentrating on the sudden drop in temperature and what we will all be wearing this season. (Next year can wait until another post!) 

Cast your mind back to February, when Fashion Week was highlighting the trends for this Autumn/Winter (Do keep up!) Military featured heavily in varying incarnations on the runway at both New York Fashion Week as 'Urban Utility' in more modern cuts and paired back colours at Alexander Wang and Victoria Beckham, and on home turf, khaki was spotted at Topshop Unique and Margaret Howell in London.

Image: Telegraph.co.uk

With all this going on my head, placing myself on a self imposed shopping ban for the month of September, not for any particular reason other than to test my moral fibre, was never going to be an easy task. Please don't be mistaken in thinking this is going to be an opportunity for me to gloat, because I failed. So early on too. I'd like to think it was for a good cause-literally.

This military jumper came in courtesy of the YMCA charity shop on the high street close to work at a bargainous £4.49. It was also retrieved from the mens section, though I don't think something such as this is gender specific. This jumper ticks the trend boxes as a genuine military item, it's better than any replica that can be found on the high street.

 

This is how I plan to wear the jumper, styled up with cut-off denim Levi shorts, a vintage belt, heeled M&S ankle boots and a serious spike necklace from H&M. Judging by the weather situation, the addition of tights will be greatly appreciated. I also think this would look great with a white shirt collar poking out over the top.

Which trends are you going to be wearing this Autumn/Winter?

KDx