Tuesday 17 February 2015

Modelling Mod


It's been something of a relief that most of the magnificent haul of vintage clothing recently donated to the charity shop has been too small for me. 
 
Disappointing in some respects, yes, but the fact that most of the pieces didn't fit me made it easy to part with them without a backward glance, and of course they have made very good money for the hospice.

But I confess to a little yearning for a couple of them...

these two 1960s beauties, for instance.

They've got that cool Mod vibe going on, and I was tempted. Enough to give them a bit of a road test this week.


1960s Courtaulds dress, bracelets and tights - charity shopped
Boots - retail (sale)
 
 
Black'n'white grooviness, including Mary Quant and Diana Rigg. 


1960s Tricoville suit, shoes, tights and beret - charity shopped


More fab Mod frocks.


I look like a Sixties air stewardess, which of course is a good thing, as my favourite ex-hosties Fiona and Connie know!




Charlie reckons I should get my own colour scheme and stop being a copy cat...

 
and Min agrees.

Despite the fact that I do love the style of both dresses, I don't actually adore them on me. Blame the period bloat, or my overflowing wardrobe, or my general arsiness, but I'm just not feeling either of these outfits. The high necklines bother me, and I feel less like me in them than I should.

So away to Ebay with them (after a wash, obviously!) 
 
 
And while I'm in a dissatisfied mood, here's another thing.

What is the deal with charity shops and new goods? Why do so many of them insist on flogging bought-in stock, usually of poor quality but with inflated prices? I can understand selling Christmas cards, maybe diaries or calendars; and I can even forgive Oxfam its range of fair trade gifts and toys. 

But isn't the USP of charity shops the fact that they are all different, with a unique and ever-changing (secondhand) stock; and don't their customers understand that it always worth a look because they never know what they might find? When charity shops fill their precious display space with new bags, hats, scarves and gloves, customers are seeing the same goods in every branch. And I would hazard a guess that anyone wanting a trapper hat or pair of earmuffs has already bought them by mid-February.
 
To me, it feels like a fundamental misunderstanding of why customers choose to go to charity shops, but I'm interested to know what do you think.
 
(I'm hormonally grumpy, so it's probably best to agree with me. Today, I heard Claudia hissing don't make her angry! at Nina, when she thought I was out of earshot. Just saying.)
 
xxx
 

52 comments:

Becky said...

I'm always a tad bit glad when all the goods are too small because it's so hard not to keep everything! Our thrift shops are doing the same thing with new goods, too. It hasn't become overwhelming though, and they are at discounted prices. I can totally see why the mod black & white dress tempted you... But, if it's not totally you, then good to let it go!

Mother of Reinvention said...

I love the black and white dress. You look great in it, in both of those outfits actually, but if you are not feeling the love then it's best they go. I don't know about the new stuff in charity shops either and it is normally a whole load of tat. Don't think I would buy any. Saying that one of the shops near here had a whole load of new stuff donated from M&S. I love that you can find stuff that not many/any other people have in charity shops. Xx

bahnwärterin said...

:-D
you are sooo and totally right! ;-)
no really. we don´t have charity shops her beside of oxfam and humana but that practice seems strange to me. for such half-dead stock we have special shops here, but they´r usual shops, not the charity/2.hand kind.
for you dresses - as someone with some wood in front of the hut (too) i know what you mean - thats the reasons i don´t wear much 60´s: highest necklines, shortish skirts and the whole style is not made for curves.....
xxxxx

Suzanne said...

I haven't seen any charity shops selling new items. It seems very weird. What blew me away was the fact that a couple of the shops I go to aren't in fact charity at all! They are owned privately for profit but then say they give a certain amount to some charities. That really turned me off.

I LOVE those new red shoes you are wearing! You and I feel the same way about a high neckline.

bisous
Suzanne

Jayne H said...

I like both those outfits but I know what you mean about the high necklines bothering you. Sounds like your girls have got you sussed! xx

Patti said...

Your daughter knows your mood, eh? Smart lass.

I think you look wonderful but I agree about high necklines. they tend to irritate me all day. At "my" thrift (yes it's mine now that I volunteer there : > ) we almost never get any "new", save for some soaps and lotions from the hotels. I prefer the older, more varied stuff as well. xox

Melanie said...

I laughed about Claudia's warning. Heh. I like high necks and sometimes like to button my blouse all the way up for the nerdy gross look. But when I picture you I see flowing flowery maxis and lurex and faux fur and fabulous freedom, not tidy little high-neck things. So ba-bah to them. Thanks for the peek though! The thrift shops here are not selling new stuff - yet. Not really. Some sell artisan pieces but it's not a trend. I hope it never is!!

Sheila said...

One of the consignment stores I don't shop at much anymore carries this new spangly junk. I just want to say to them, "You're scaring your customers away!" It's awful stuff, even worse than what's in the mall.

I love the black and white dress (and kitties), but if you don't feel 'em, move 'em on.

Connie said...

I know that the 70's are really the look right now but I LOVE the 60's. You have the pose down pat and it really is a fab look for you. But then, you look fab in EVERYTHING. I wish I had been a stewardess in the 1960's. Those were the swinging days. Even still, my first uniform was designed by Edith Head. https://www.pinterest.com/pin/247557310737241579/

Unknown said...

I adore those dresses, and I think they look perfect on you! But if you don't love wearing them, you shouldn't. :)

Goody said...

My sister used to mark out the calender on the fridge with red X's to indicate when everyone should steer clear of mother. We'd get barked at for some random thing, go check the calender and nod our heads, "Oh yes, of course."

Anyway, you don't sound grumpy-and yes I agree. We only have a small bit of that in our local thrifts, but it would irritate me.

Did you get any catcalls from dirty old men in that red white and blue outfit? That seems like the sort of thing that would get the over-90 set all hot and bothered. I do like both of them, but yeah, there's soooo many clothes out there waiting to be worn, why waste time on the ones you don't love?

Beth Waltz said...

Might one suggest that you grant the Courtaulds dress a brief reprieve? Your legs like it. A lot.

Overheard in a charity shop: "Oh, I've saved so much on these xxx, I can buy this [new item]". At least here the new items on offer are diabetic socks, underwear and trinkets for children; items usually purchased new with surplus funds.

thorne garnet said...

Sometime I'll see a whole rack of new t-shirts(with logos) of some company that went belly up. Which seems odd. Maybe the shops think more people will buy the new stuff, some people around here wont buy used clothes, because they're "dead peoples clothes".

I like the blue number

Natalia Lialina said...

I agree with you! I'm always slightly annoyed when I see new stuff at Goodwill. I wonder what percentage of their profit comes from it. It's definitely not the reason to go to Goodwill to me, but who knows what others buy.

I love both dresses - the blue is brilliant, and the black one even though a little serious, so completely charming. I love high neckline actually, love turtlenecks for instance, and both of my LBDs were with high neckline (just thought of it thanks to your post). But I also agree with your guideline - to feel 100% you. Or more. :)

xxxxx

Olga Rani said...

I too am not a big fan of high necks. I like how you look in the black dress but how you feel in it that's another question. If there's uneasiness or some discomfort of course it's better to let it go. How nice your newly purchased red shoes look with the blue dress.

hippyatheart said...

You look amazing, but if it doesn't feel right, they have to go! xx

Ivy Black said...

I love both those looks on you, but if yer not feeling the love yourself, they have to go. Someone will snap them up. New stiff in chazzas always pisses me off. Most of ours now do it and some give over a large part of the space to accommodate nasty fake hair, bags, gloves, scarves, and some of the nastiest earrings you will ever see! We also have shops that sell racks of new clothes...catalogue seconds I am told. It defeats the object of a good rummage for a secondhand find. I'm not a fan of the high neck either. They annoy me and I feel like punching someone....mind you, lately I feel like that whatever I wear!!
Loves ya!
xxxxx

Anonymous said...

Oh gosh I'm head over heels for the Tricoviille suit....oh my. I don't mind a high neck line, it might have something to do with breastfeeding all these years and have my boobs easily accessed.

Oh and I'm also going to say I completely agree with you. X

Vix said...

I think they both look wonderful on you but, if you aren't feeling it then its far better that they go. I love the mod style but on me, they feel a tad too formal. I can't imagine running for a bus or knocking back a pint in a knitted two-piece.
Yes, the Oxfam stuff's great but those shoddy trapper hats, multi packs of dishcloths and mirrored buddhas are horrible. They're always reduced in the end, too.
Love you! xxxxx

Melanie said...

Wow, that black number is gorgeous! And there are those shoes again :)

That annoys me about charity shops too, the sheer amount of new things. The ones here in town simply looks like each other nowadays so I rarely go in them anymore. The one that was okay in the past now looks like all the rest and another doersn't even look like a charity shop anymore, you'd only tell if you looked at the shop sign, it just looks like a boutique. I think that's the Mary Portas effect.
The charity shop which supports the rescue where we adopted Bob and Belle looks like a proper charity shop, ie - a bit ramshackle!
xxx

Sue said...

I love the black and white outfit on you, it looks wicked. But I hear you about the high neck thing, I cannot do high necks, feel like I am being choked. I totally agree with your sentiments on charity shops. Some of them forget their stock is donated and that they are actually raising money for a cause. Bless your daughter and her be weary of mum comment. Go forth and be as hormonally grumpy as you want, you are so excused as I so understand!!

Melancholy and Menace said...

I think you carry the mod look off perfectly, and those outfits look great on you, but when you're not comfortable in something, it has to go! xx

Jane and Lance Hattatt said...

Darling Curtise,

Perhaps when you are feeling more yourself, you should just reconsider the blue outfit.

It looks totally a period piece on you, suits you and can take on different moods when teamed either with the jacket or, as you have done, with the cardigan. Just above the knee gives it a girly feel without being too young looking and, with those utterly delicious red shoes, it is a real winner in our eyes.

The black and white can go back on the rails as it looks rather dull.......but, the stripy number is worth a second chance, surely! We do not even remember this look being so interesting even the first time round. It does look fabulous on you! Wear something long and dangling from the neck to offset the high neckline......everyone and everything deserves a second chance!

Elizabeth Yule said...

In absolute agreement with you re: charity shops selling naff, (probably made in China,) poor quality new goods. The two main culprits here are Age Concern (or are they now called Age UK?) though they also have a nice selection of second-hand items, and Sue Ryder who seem to sell nothing but new items. Consequently, I've stopped even bothering to go in there now.

Am totally with you on the high necklines issue, too. Can't abide anything tight round my neck, always feels like I'm just about to be strangled.

Angels have Red Hair said...

The blue stewardess outfit is STUNNING on you ... just saying ;0)
xx

Miss Magpie said...

I too think you should keep the blue outfit I absolutely love it and secretly wish it would fit me.

I think it's the random crappiness of the new stuff I hate and the fact some shops seem to give over more and more space to it.

I can't bear rollneck type tops either, that goes back to being a child of the 70's when my Mother dressed me in rollneck jumpers all the time. Yuck!

The Vintage Knitter said...

I steer away from high necklines as they can make me look as though I have a mono-boob - not good. This is a shame as I love 1960s dresses (especially your black and white number) and most have a high neck. Gah!!!!

Chazzas and new stuff - gets my goat every time. Sue Ryder is my numero uno culprit for this as they have guitars (?) and bales of bland tea-towels, with British Red Cross fast on their heels selling very twee 'retro' stuff.

Fee said...

What a shame that you don't feel comfortable in these outfits - I think you look fantastic in both of them!

Ulla-Marie said...

All women in England should have a mods part of their wardrobes.

Anonymous said...

The blue one is absolutely gorgeous !!! I really love it !!

mondoagogo said...

I think both of them look great on you, but if you don't feel comfortable then best to let 'em go.

I know what you mean about selling new stock cos it's usually really tacky and cheap, but that being said I bloody love the needles and pins they sell at Sue Ryder, they're the sharpest and strongest I've found and much cheaper than anywhere else.

Fiona said...

Well Curtise, having read all the above comments I'll give you my two penn'orth, for what it's worth.
I think you look pretty damn good in both these outfits. I don't think the black is dull at all, especially against your red hair.
But I agree that if you're not feeling it, pass it on. I'm quite a fan of a high neckline myself as I feel the cold and nowadays it hides a scraggy neck! Love the hostie pic but realised with shock what an anorak I must be as I was trying to name the aircraft! (FYI Boeing 707 at the rear!) What a saddo. Chazzas that sell new tat are to be avoided...end of. xx

Forest City Fashionista said...

Both of the dresses look nice on you, but the black and white is a bit "stiff" for you. I do like the blue and white one with the red cardigan instead of the jacket - that outfit looks very much like you!

A couple of the larger chain thrift stores here often carry new crap, which annoys me to no end. If I want new plastic crap made in China I'll go to the dollar store.

I chuckled when I read Claudia's warning. Stupid hormones!

Forest City Fashionista said...

Both of the dresses look nice on you, but the black and white is a bit "stiff" for you. I do like the blue and white one with the red cardigan instead of the jacket - that outfit looks very much like you!

A couple of the larger chain thrift stores here often carry new crap, which annoys me to no end. If I want new plastic crap made in China I'll go to the dollar store.

I chuckled when I read Claudia's warning. Stupid hormones!

diaryofapennypincher said...

You look amazing in both of those dresses, but if they don't feel right then best to make room for things that do! I have also noticed the growing trend for new, market quality tat on sale in charity shops, seems they are trying to be all things for all people. It doesn't work for me either!

Señora Allnut said...

love both dresses, (that kind of graphic prints are my cup of tea) and they really fit you nicely, but if you don't feel fabulous wearing them, it's better let other people enjoy them!. And love that you've worn them for a test!
We've got just two charity shops here in my town, and they're set up in warehouses and ran in a messy, untidy way. I think they don't care too much about their customers!
besos

Peaches McGinty said...

I promise I will do my best not to make you angry ;-)
I actually really like both outfits on you, the black dress, all that detail and what looks like fancy fringing at the bottom, bliss! and your hot stewardess outfit! but, yes, you are right! if you are not feeling them! then off they go! I haven't been in a chazza in a couple of weeks (I'm saving like a bastard at the mo) but there does seem to be certain shops who are offenders of the tat (ie new stuff, it is tat, I'm sorry) the last one I went to just pissed me off so much I left, with a huff, please! I just want your old smelly stock! x x x

The Style Crone said...

I adore the black and white dress on you, but I know how it feels when it's "just not right." You know best, even though you look ravishing from here.

No new goods in thrift shops here, and hope that doesn't change. I'm with you on the idea of unique and secondhand!

freckleface said...

I've waited a day, but I'm still hoping not to make you angry! :) i promise I'm not just sucking up when I say you look so cute in the red white and blue. So cute! But, I totally get it, it's not just how you look, it's how you feel that matters and we need the real Curtise to shine out. I think high necks favour ladies with more discreet bumps on their chest, if you get my drift. Cor, I'm with you on the new stuff in chazzas. Forget it. I don't want a boutique, I want one step up from a jumble sale. I don't want your researchers to polish up the treasure and style it to within an inch of its life. I want to discover it for myself. How else am I supposed to feel all smug and clever? Xxxxxxx

kobieta niewidzialna said...

Big temptation of 60' , t'was my beautiful world.:)

The Small Fabric Of My Life said...

You suit those styles so well. I love the primary colours.

Mrs Bertimus said...

You look groovy baby!
I always think it's awaste of shelf space r that should be filled with second hand treasures indeed! X

Emma Kate at Paint and Style said...

Glad to hear it's not just me who frightens children during half term. I agree, they're not you as the neck is too high. If you've got 'em, flaunt'em, don't squirrel them away!
Never look at the new stuff in chazzers, except for cards. They do nice cards. xxxx

Porcelina said...

I actually love the 60s air hostess look on you! It's fab!!

And yes, I don't get the point of the same stock in every branch, particularly when it's items you can get pretty much everywhere else...

x

valerie said...

That black & white dress is fab. Very stylish.
As to charity shops selling new items - I'd agree with you. Despite nabbing loads of bargains in charity shops over the years I do have some gripes about them. Selling new things is one of them. Christmas or Easter cards, yes. But various scarves and bags - nah. Nothing's very unusual and it's the kind of thing you'd see in masses of other places.

at my dressingtable said...

Oh Curtise I love the black and white dress and the blue outfit is awesome too ! ,yes I know what you mean about charity shows selling new stock, thank you for your lovely comments always appreciated , best wishes xxx

Helga said...

The black, the black, the black! Bloody love that. It looks like a great fit?
The suit is totally swoon worthy too......ha, the best and worst thing about chazza shopping is the sheer quantity of clothing one ends up with for feck all!! Not to mention shoes, bags, blah blah. I sometimes get overwhelmed by my outfit choices, but I wouldn't have it any other way.
LOVE! XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

Helga said...

The black, the black, the black! Bloody love that. It looks like a great fit?
The suit is totally swoon worthy too......ha, the best and worst thing about chazza shopping is the sheer quantity of clothing one ends up with for feck all!! Not to mention shoes, bags, blah blah. I sometimes get overwhelmed by my outfit choices, but I wouldn't have it any other way.
LOVE! XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

Catherine said...

Oh that tri-colour one is fantastic! I love it! The opp-shops around me luckily haven't started that trend. they do sell Christmas cards and rosary beads and saints bits but otherwise their pretty good. the only thing that annoys me or makes me sad for the shop themselves is when they try to go upmarket with not so upmarket goods. there are some trendy Red Cross shops in the city where all the hipsters live which have lovely young ladies at the till and they play records and sell genuine vintage with cute vintage red cross posters, but too many times I've seen the old Lifeline or what have you shop go for something similar in the not trendy parts of town and sell regular chain store stuff for $10 each. say for a t shirt. that makes me sad cause firstly they are in the wrong market - they need to be near the hipsters for that kind of stuff, and secondly, they make no money for the charity and shut down having wasted lots of money. oh my...

Catherine said...

Oh that tri-colour one is fantastic! I love it! The opp-shops around me luckily haven't started that trend. they do sell Christmas cards and rosary beads and saints bits but otherwise their pretty good. the only thing that annoys me or makes me sad for the shop themselves is when they try to go upmarket with not so upmarket goods. there are some trendy Red Cross shops in the city where all the hipsters live which have lovely young ladies at the till and they play records and sell genuine vintage with cute vintage red cross posters, but too many times I've seen the old Lifeline or what have you shop go for something similar in the not trendy parts of town and sell regular chain store stuff for $10 each. say for a t shirt. that makes me sad cause firstly they are in the wrong market - they need to be near the hipsters for that kind of stuff, and secondly, they make no money for the charity and shut down having wasted lots of money. oh my...

Mim said...

I hate it when charity shops sell new stuff. I go to charity shops precisely to find old stuff! And it's not as though the stuff they sell often had a particularly strong design, it's just pointless tat. I'd rather have pointless secondhand tat.

Vintage Bird Girl said...

Oh I so agree about charity shops and the new stock. Endeavour stores over here have gotten really bad, there are racks and racks of brand new clothing from Zara and Macy's, I'm certain it's the stuff that doesn't sell, but they try to flog it off at such inflated prices!

Now onto the outfits, I am absolutely smitten with the red, white and blue combo. If that fitted me I'd buy it in a flash. I love that mod style on you. Sorry for my lack of comments since our holiday, it's been hard to get back into the swing of day to day life! Xx