Flowers, Dots and What-Nots

I'm getting to a new stage in collecting old clothing.
I'm forgetting where I've picked up many of my second-hand bits and pieces.
It's a bit sad really as so much of the pleasure in wearing something I love is remembering where I got it from, recalling the thrill of pouncing on a treasure, the delight in finding out it fits and then giving it some playtime with its new wardrobe pals.
I made the navy, spotted skirt recently but I can't for the life of me remember where I got the white, 1970s, Mexican-style, embroidered top or the 1970s tooled leather handbag with the chunky buckle.
So annoying.

But I'll never forget finding the boots.

They're tricky to snap using Photo Booth but I've given it my best shot.

My god, they're straight out of the late 1970s!

They're fully lined in a gorgeous black and white cotton paisley.

I was at my local shoe repairer called The Shoe Hospital earlier this year, an incredibly charming old-school repair shop straight out of the 1940s.

It's a bit gloomy and a little dusty and has ancient, wrap-around glass and wooden counters, old signage and Brad the repairer/shoe-maker, a young guy who will tell you honestly whether your shoes are repairable or a lost cause (goodbye ruined black platforms!).

I digress.

I spotted these darlings in the window with other pairs of boots and old shoes lovingly restored by Brad and up for grabs!

They fit my size 10 giant canoe feet - thank you god!

Twenty-five bucks later, they were mine, all mine.

The brown and black leather seems to be woven into a zigzag pattern and they fit perfectly around the ankles.

They're labelled "Zerep - Made in Spain".

I seem to get more wear out of them in the summer months as the cotton lining is cool and I love the look of these boots with shorter skirts and dress.

They want to be seen, not covered up with winter trousers and maxi skirts.

This was taken before stepping out the door to run a stack of pre-New Year errands today.

(Little one reading patiently in the background there).

The hat seems to be either Indian or Middle Eastern - navy velvet with gold cord embroidery and mirrors.

It cost $1.

I wear it constantly.

As for the other details, I piled on metal bangles, rings, a yellow bead and seed African necklace plus an 1950s orange glass bead necklace and shocking blue feather earrings.

The bag has been screaming to be used - isn't it lovely?

It's really sturdy and I love the strap length, the tooling and metal wear.

So much colour with which to greet the New Year - goodbye 2010 you rotten old bugger, hello 2011 you minx!! 
I wish you a year of wonder and excitement all you gorgeous creatures.
Desiree xoxo