WHAT I WORE: Blanket Scarf/Poncho

 WHAT I WORE 

PONCHO > THRIFTY FIND 

LEATHER LEGGINGS > H&M 

HAT > BEYOND RETRO

BOOTS > NEW LOOK

BELT > BEYOND RETRO

TOP > WHISTLES

I'm SO in love with the 'Blanket Trend' at the moment and it has been the perfect excuse to put on my green blanket poncho I found at a car-boot sale over the Summer. It was a bargain find, only costing me 50p!! 

The trend was first spotted on Burberry's A/W14 catwalk and high-street shops have fallen suit since and replicated their own variants, making it a very affordable trend for us fashionistas. This will definitely be a look I will be embracing more this A/W. It is perfectly boho and chic, and easy to style. The key is to layer and pair with a belt.

What do you think of the Blanket Trend? 

Big love,

 ALL IMAGES WERE TAKEN BY GABRIELLE HINTON & SUBJECT TO COPYRIGHT

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WHAT I WORE: Finding the perfect dress

I had a bit of a shopping haul at Beyond Retro last month. I bought a green maxi dress (which needed some work to it) and a 70s brown velvet jacket. As you can see from my pictures, the length of the dress was quite long and unflattering but there were little design features I just fell in love with when I saw it hanging on the rail.  Especially the über cute velvet peter pan collar! I just knew if it was shorter it would be perfect. So, with a little bit of DIY know how, I set about customising the dress.

It didn't take long to-do once I'd decided how long I wanted it. I carefully removed the excess and then re-hemmed the skirt using a sewing machine. It was done in under an hour and, voila, I had a dress I loved and adored. Don't you think it looks SUPER cute shorter? Plus it now goes perfectly with my new 70s jacket! LOVE IT! 

So, the moral of this post is; don't be too hasty if you find a garment that isn't perfect when your thrifting. With a little thought and skill you can make changes and customisations that will turn it into something you'll love forever. It's certainly a cheap and easy option to keep your wardrobe up to-date. If your not particularly brilliant with a sewing machine, getting alterations done for you are not too expensive these days. I highly recommend Alma's Alterations in Brighton. Only costs from £12-£20 (depends if there is a lining) to shorten a dress and she also offers a dressmaking service if you want something made from scratch.

Do you like to customise garments you've thrifted?

Big love,

P.S I got a curling wand for Christmas (thank you Mr D!) so I've been having fun making my hair curly. You can see the results in my 'after' photos. Best pressie ever! Tutorial coming soon :)

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PLEASE DO NOT USE WITHOUT ASKING  PERMISSION

THESE IMAGES WERE TAKEN BY PETE DAVIES

A little place called Lewes

Vintage faux fur coat // Vintage Greek goddess shirt // Tulip skirt from H&M // Black bow from ASOS // Blue cardigan from H&M // Hat from Topshop // Creepers from Underground

I went on a little day trip to Lewes the other day with Miss Sutherland, my friend from I Love It. If you don't know Lewes,  you can find it nestled in the South Downs, 7 miles from Brighton. The river Ouse meanders slowly through the town, which has a large selection of antique flea markets, vintage shops and a handful of beautiful boutiques containing colourful curios for the home and soul. Miss Sutherland and I had a lazy afternoon, perusing through the cobbled lanes, and she took me to her favourite shop, Wickle, and I fell in love with it instantly.

Maybe it's the Castle? Or the glimpses of the misty Downs? Whatever it is, there is something quite dark and magical about the atmosphere of this little town. It was quite quiet when we were there. But every year the streets of Lewes come alive with 80,000 people coming together with blazing torches and crosses to celebrate their biggest event, Bonfire Night. I haven't been yet but I have heard it is unforgettable.

Here are just a few things I love to do when I go to Lewes

• Munch down some brunch at the first ever Bills (they make the perfect poached egg)
• Head to the Snow Drop Inn for a roast.
• Visit Wickle on the High Street. (They sell gorgeous bits and bobs for home and family at really reasonable prices. They also have a cute little cafe at the back with mismatched vintage teacups and saucers, and offer scrummy homemade cake.)
• Visit Lewes Castle
• Have a picnic down by the river
• Visit Harvey's Brewery on Cliffe High Street
• Have a peruse around the Needlemakers and a coffee in the cafe.
• Lots of thrifting to be done. There are around 8 charity shops, Lewes Flea Market and Lewes Antiques Centre to have a nose around.

Photos of things I saw around Lewes (left to right)

1. Getting on the train to Lewes from Brighton Station
2. Beautiful bottles of pink lemonade at Bills 
3. Everything on the shelves at Bills have amazing packaging
4. I love these tins of amaretti biscuits
5. 1960s doll at Lewes Antiques Centre
6. Pretty pink bead detail on vintage dress
7. Teacups and saucers at Wickle
8. Vintage polka dot dress at Hobo Vintage in the Needlemakers
9. Cute 1950s plastic buttons I bought in a little antiques shop on Cliffe High Street

Hope this post has inspired you to visit this wonderful town.

Browse. Buy. Cherish.
AKA Hooting Miss Owl