Depop January Preview

It's January-well, it's actually almost February but better late than never! If you followed my blog at all last year then you'll know I love posting lil teaser blogs on pieces you can expect to see in the upcoming months over on my Depop (here). This is a series that always gets great feedback and of course, just helps to build hype around clothing drops over on the store. So, I figured why not carry it into 2020?! Here is your January Depop preview!

After thrifting a ton over in Queenstown and Cromwell during Christmas and picking up some groovy pieces in Masterton too, my stock is actually overflowing. Hence the HUGE sale, which is still very much alive over on my Depop and Insta store! There you'll find 30+ items are still 50% off (which is literally the biggest discount you can give an item on Depop). There are still so many fun pieces left to pick up, so don't miss out!

In the process of clearing old 2019 stock for exciting new pieces, I've also been getting back into regular clothing drops this month. I'd love to start narrowing down some specific days that you all want me to drop clothes on. Having a consistent drop day would be ideal, it's just figuring out what works best for everyone! I've had such a great response already after my little holiday hiatus and it feels so great to finally get back into it.

Over 2019 I learnt so much about the kind of pieces you all love to see on my store and what sells the best. Of course, this is always changing as trends come and go but it's good to have a base to work from at the start of 2020. I know that this year I want to grow, change and develop my store into something completely different. If you read my Summer Updates blog post (here), then you'll know that a new name for my store is very much on the cards! It's something I've been mulling over and brainstorming about for a while because I want it to be perfect. I'm also super keen to start branching out into a lifestyle collection (retro homewares etc), a stronger focus on my vintage 1960s/1970s drops, lookbooks, more consistent drops, a new website and more!! So, it's gonna be an exciting year for Bella Foster Depop!

Thank you to all those that supported my store last year and helped me grow it into something that lets me support myself financially, as well as do what I love! I'm so beyond excited for what's to come this year and I think you're going to love it. So, watch this space...
See my Depop here and Insta store here.

Bella 🌼

California Dreamin

Photos by Fran (here) and Matt (here)

If you've ever read this blog before or you know me in person then you'll probably be aware of my complete obsession and love affair with the city of Los Angeles. I visited California for the first time when I was really young, so I could barely remember it. But when we eventually returned during the Winter of 2015 I truly fell in love. Since then I've only been back twice and every time I leave I'm ready to plan my next trip. Some of you may not know that I actually have family over there, so that's even more of a reason to book a flight. But, a third family trip to Cali isn't looking likely so I've had to take things into my own hands...

Yes-this is my official (very exciting) announcement and something that I've been pondering over, planning and just bursting with excitement over for a while now. I'm going to Los Angeles! By myself! It's terrifying, amazing and so dang exciting, I just can't wait. I've been dreaming of LA ever since my last trip in 2018, which only lasted a few days. So, my flights are officially booked and I'll be heading to the city of angels early March 2020! I'll be staying in an Airbnb (which I'll talk more about when I'm home, for obvious security reasons). I plan to be completely independent, flying, travelling within the city and looking after myself. But it's also nice to know that I'll have family close by if I need a little company.

I'll be in Los Angeles for exactly two weeks, that's two weeks all on my own on the other side of the world. Without my family, friends and Ben I'll be entirely dependant on myself and that's absolutely terrifying. But, I hope that throwing myself into an intense experience like this will give me a confidence boost to travel more in the near future, whether that's solo or with other people.

So, other than trying to not die and maybe catching up with my cousins, what will I be doing? Lots and LOTS of thrifting. This trip is about me and my personal growth but it's also for my business. Last year my Depop and Instagram store brought me an entirely new source of income and it's something I want to continue growing and improving this year. I've thrifted for my store all across New Zealand, with pieces from Auckland, Wellington, Kapiti, Queenstown and more, but this will be my first international thrifting trip!

I also plan to take a ton of photos, so many photos that you'll probably be sick of seeing me pop up on your feed! Some of my most successful prints and photo series' have come from California and I plan to shoot a whole new series while I'm over there. I can never really plan what I'm going to shoot, I just kind of turn up somewhere and start snapping. But, I'm picturing American diners, retro signs, Venice Beach, pastels and that classic warm Cali light that just never gets old.

So, in between thrifting expeditions across the city and plenty of photoshoots, I want to see more of California. I'm currently in the process of trying to figure out a way to bus from Los Angeles to Palm Springs for a day or two. Palm Springs is my all-time favourite place and a spot that I didn't feel I had enough time to fully experience back in 2017. I'd love to spend some quality time there taking pictures, checking out stores and maybe even going on another mid-century house tour! It'll also be great to just soak up the general atmosphere, meet interesting people, eat interesting food and completely step outside of my comfort zone.

Of course, I'll be keeping this blog as up to date as possible and I'll share more with you over the next couple of months leading up to my trip. But, for constant updates, while I'm over there make sure you're following me over on Instagram (here). This experience is going to be crazy, probably stressful at times but overall super exciting. I can't wait to explore a city on my own, with no time constraints or obligations. I'm yet to sort out my full itinerary but I know I'll definitely be visiting the Rose Bowl Flea Market, plenty of Goodwill stores, Santa Monica, Venice Beach and hopefully Palm Springs. I'd love to hear any suggestions or recommendations if you've explored Cali too, just flick me a message I can't wait to share more as the months, weeks and days before my trip count down, so stay tuned!

Bella 🌼

Eighteen! Styling Birthday Flares

Look at those flares!! For my eighteenth birthday last month, I was lucky enough to receive two beautiful pairs of pants from my parents, one being vintage and the other from Rolla's. See here if you want to read more about my birthday and here for a lil showcase of the gifts I received. So, I thought it would be fun to show you how I styled each pair in my day-to-day life, especially for a more casual, Summer transition outfit! So with some help from both Ben and my Grandmother to get these photos, here it is!

Rolla's Eastcoast Tan Cord Flare
I had been lusting after these pants for a while, which is unlike me as I'm usually not a fan of anything that isn't second-hand. But, I've found it increasingly difficult to find pants at thrift stores that I actually love wearing and ordering vintage online can always be risky. So, as my birthday was approaching I decided what better time to finally grab myself a pair of Rolla's! Made in Australia, I'm a huge fan of this denim and pants brand, I love all of the styles they create and their flares are perfect in every way. I ordered the tan cord flares in a size smaller than I would usually wear and I'm so pleased that I did because they fit perfectly. I did this as I figured the cord material would stretch and I really wanted a pair of high waisted pants that would fit me well without a belt.

I've already worn these flares a ton and they've quickly moulded to my body and become so comfy. The high waisted fit is really flattering and they flare out perfectly on the leg, creating such a vintage 70s look, despite being brand new. Even though I am a huge advocate for buying second-hand I do think there's a lot to be said about having a good pair of pants that just fits you perfectly. Plus, I know I'll be living in these babies for at least the next few years, if not forever, so I think it's well worth it. If you're thinking of picking up a pair of Rolla's I would recommend sizing down, especially if you don't want to wear a belt with them! See the tan cord flares here.


1970s Vintage High Waisted Limoncello Flares
On the opposite side of the pants spectrum, here are possibly the most beautiful pair of true vintage flares I've ever come across. It was risky finding these online, but as the waist measurement was exactly my size I figured it was a safe bet. I couldn't be happier with these epic yellow flares, the colour is even more gorgeous in person and such a unique shade of yellow that I know will complement so many pieces in my existing closet perfectly. I found these flares from a Los Angeles seller, Look Vintage (see here) and my overall experience with her store was so positive, a great shipping rate, super fast and these pants are just amazing.

I love that rather than being a thicker denim material, these flares are made from cotton, so although they're not too light I think they'll be ideal for Summer evenings. I can't wait to style these with my collection of button-up shirts and halters in the Summer. I'm also dreaming of a full yellow look with some huge wedges and a funky headband!

Bella 🌼

Second Hand Finds & Birthday Gifts - November

If you hadn't heard it was my eighteenth birthday back on the 24th! Exciting times, which involved lots of friends, food and strange town experiences (read more here). I was also super lucky to receive some really lovely gifts from my family and friends. I'm so grateful to have such thoughtful people in my life who seem to know me and my taste so well (maybe with a lil guidance from me...) I've also picked up a ton of new clothing items for myself throughout November, justifying them as birthday presents from me to me. So, I thought I'd share a few of these purchases and gifts on here for anybody that's interested. Most items are second-hand but I'll link anything that you can find today!

The Typewriter
Probably one of my all-time favourite possessions now, my beautiful vintage typewriter. Gifted to me by my wonderful friend Fran, who I'm sure you've all seen plenty of here on this blog. Fran spent that day with me on my birthday and surprised me with a very large and heavy parcel, which she had carried with her all the way on the train. I opened the original case to find this absolute gem waiting for me inside. I'm not even sure how to describe the colour, it's sort of a murky blue? Anyway, I love it! Ben and I had plenty of fun playing around with it and writing each other messages and it's really just lovely to have in my room (thanks Fran)!

The Crochet Cushion
Another gift that I will take with me to my grave. I have been searching for a crochet cushion like this one for so long, they're super 70s and I love the tactile nature of the crochet material. However, I found that most vintage stores were selling them super expensive and I'd never come across a proper one in an op shop before. So, when my 97-year-old great grandmother gifted me this original 70s crochet cushion that she made herself I was pretty stoked. Not only is it beautiful and will remain by my side forever but it has such a lovely meaning behind it. The thought of my grandmother pouring over the crochet detailing on the flowers back in the 70s makes me smile.

The Leafy Plant
This was a random purchase and something I really don't need, I already have way too many plants that I can't take care of. But when I discovered this orange and brown canister at an op shop in Petone I simply couldn't resist. Initially, we really struggled to get the lid off and I thought my plant pot dreams would be crushed forever, but eventually, it gave way (wow, this is a really interesting story). So, we found this cute lil leafy plant to pop inside the pot/canister and now she's a true mid-century beauty and she's thriving on my bedside table (for now).

The Orange Gingham Shirt
The Monday after my birthday, Ben and I spent the day in town, window shopping and trying on clothes we were never going to buy (one of my favourite things to do). We went round all the classic Cuba Street stores and then I stumbled across this orange gingham shirt in Recycle Boutique. I usually try and restrain myself from buying expensive vintage but this one was on sale and such a looker! I love the cut and colour and it really reminds me of something Jackie off That 70s Show would wear, so it's perfect. I actually wore this piece out to my birthday dinner at The Beijing and felt like a true 70s woman.

The Yellow Turtleneck
One of my less exciting purchases, but a basic that I was lacking in my closet. Even though we're heading into Summer, I love stashing turtlenecks away for those chillier days and evenings. I had never found a good yellow one before, so when I discovered this guy on Depop for just $6 I had to grab him!

The Blue Vintage Shirt
During our post-birthday-window-shopping-expedition, we came across a vintage store just off Cuba Street that I had literally never seen before. We'd driven past it many times when looking for a scooter park, but the facade is so unassuming I didn't think much of it. But my gosh was it a treasure trove. For what looks like a compact building from the outside it just keeps going and going and it's absolutely jam-packed with stuff. Although, poor Ben got such bad hayfever he had to wait outside. Not only did it have plenty of exciting brick a brack and nic nacs but an entire vintage clothing room! Which is where I found this gorgeous vintage blue collared shirt. It's a really similar fit to my orange one which I wear a ton, so I figured it was a sound investment.

The Limoncello Flares
These bad boys were my big birthday present from my lovely parents. With some guidance from me (okay-I ordered them), I received my dream pair of limoncello flares! They weren't cheap but they are incredible. Purchased from one of my favourite Depop sellers over in Los Angeles (here), they were something I'd been eyeing up for a while. It's so hard to find good vintage pants in my size as I find a lot of 70s flares online tend to be way too small. So, when I found these on Look Vintage in my exact size I knew they had to be mine. Keep your eyes peeled for a post on how I styled these flares coming soon...

The Vintage Chain Belt
After my birthday weekend, I travelled to Wanganui to spend some time with my great grandmother (more on that soon) and of course, to hit the op shops. Wanganui is full of great op-shops and this quirky lil cafe/vintage store called Article. I had heard of Article before and even tried to visit with Ben but it was closed at the time. So, I was stoked when I found it open and I was not disappointed. Inside you'll find a retro lovers heaven, with Formica tables and racks of vintage clothing, as well as coffee and eats to enjoy from the incredible location of the old Chronicle building. So, I ended up grabbing this vintage 70s chain belt with tortoiseshell chain pieces and I'm obsessed! I had been looking for a belt exactly like this for so long and every version that I found online was crazy expensive. You'll be seeing this belt in basically all of my outfits in the future.

The Pink Crochet Bag
I cannot tell you how long I have been looking for a pink crochet bag! Again, when watching That 70s Show, I noticed Jackie wearing one with an all-pink outfit and I fell in love. If you know me then you know I already have quite the crochet bag collection but I was severely lacking a pink one. Ideally, I wanted to find one that was entirely pink but I think I can get past the random patches in the middle. I found this bag from a seller on Smokey Bandit (highly recommend).

The Ultimate Cowboy Boots
It doesn't take a genius to figure out that I was on a manic hunt for the ultimate pair of cowboy boots for pretty much the entire year. If you follow me on Instagram then you know. It was so difficult to find a pair that I liked, that wasn't falling apart, not too expensive and that actually fit me. I guess cowboys have really big feet?? But after months and months of searching, I finally found them and in the most unlikely place. I was sifting through the racks in Savemart Levin when I discovered them and almost squealed I was so excited. They fit, they're leather, dark brown, sturdy and the perfect length. I cannot wait to wear these all throughout Summer with dresses, shorts, skirts and flares, such a great find!

The Rolla's Eastcoast Tan Cord Flare
Yes-I got them. These pants are the first non-second-hand piece I've welcomed into my closet all year. These flares were another lovely birthday present from my parents and I have to say they're officially my new favourite pants. If you regularly buy vintage or second-hand, then you'll know just how hard it is to find a good pair of pants that actually fits right. I count myself very lucky when I come across a pair of pants at the thrift store that really looks good on me. So, there is something to be said about buying new pants and even though it's not something I plan to make a habit of...they're pretty dang nice. They fit so well and flare out perfectly, they're super high waisted and made from a quality cord material that literally feels like you're wearing pyjama pants (in the best way possible). I do plan to get these pants in black and pink when they come back in stock, they're so good.

The Bad Love Blue Floral Halter
Probably my favourite birthday present, this handmade halter from local business, Bad Love is so beautiful. I discovered Bad Love a few weeks before my birthday and knew that I wanted one of their incredible halters as a gift. Made in NZ from second-hand bed sheets (so cool) each halter is unique and so well made. I do plan on creating a whole separate post on Bad Love and their halter tops (maybe with a lil interview) so I won't rant and rave too much now. But guys, you gotta get one.
Shop Bad Love here.

Bella 🌼

Ferdinand Vintage

This post has been a (very) long time coming. But, finally, welcome to Ferdinand Vintage! I was super lucky to spend the day with the lovely Virginia at her new store on lower Cuba Street. We'd been following each other through Instagram and Depop for a while and I always loved catching her latest clothing drops and when she announced that she'd set up shop in Cuba Street I was super excited to check it out!

Her shop may be small but it is jam-packed with so many vintage and second-hand treasures. When I entered Ferdinand Vintage for the first time I was overwhelmed by beautiful colours, prints and textures and I ended up scoring a stunning little 60s dress from her that I'm completely in love with. Virginia has decked out Ferdinand with the theme of an intimate bedroom or living room space, with a retro-style dresser housing lingerie pieces and picture-perfect green velvet armchair or 'the boyfriend chair'. I was immediately struck by how cosy the space felt and Virginia's goal to create an intimate shopping experience was one that I was super in to. Along the front wall, I found several racks full of amazing and unique pieces. Ferdinand isn't pigeonholed to just one style, you'll find anything from vintage, 60s and 70s to contemporary or early 2000s pieces.

I found that Virginia and I had so much in common and a bunch to talk about, we got on like a house on fire! So, spending a day at Ferdinand playing dress-up with all of her incredible pieces was such a great experience. I picked out a huge pile of all of my favourite items and began piecing outfits together. My absolute favourites would have to be the chunky brown boots with the flower cut-out and that incredible warm-toned 70s dress! I had so much fun trying on all of the clothes and trying to find my least awkward pose for the camera (still not my strong suit). I'm also a huge fan of the groovy orange vest with a crazy cool card suits pattern. I really had to restrain myself from taking that one home with me...

As a fellow Depop seller, I could relate to so many of the struggles and triumphs Virginia talked about. But, it was really interesting to hear about the physical store side of things. Obviously, this is any online sellers dream and having a physical space to see your stock and meet buyers face-to-face would be so awesome. However, it was fascinating to learn about all of the work and behind the scenes admin that goes into a place like Ferdinand. Especially as it's just Virginia in there on her own. Whilst balancing uni life, friends, family and selling online, she also has a whole store to tend to. It's a lot.

Currently, Ferdinand Vintage isn't open for customers, but Virginia has a super exciting idea in the works that I think you're all going to love. It's something that creates a truly new and unique shopping experience, unlike anything else here on Cuba Street. I'm a huge advocate for supporting local and growing businesses like Ferdinand and it makes me so inspired to see a young person, like myself out there doing it, taking risks and being creative. So, go check out Virginia's store! You can find Ferdinand on both Instagram and Depop, where you can purchase any of her available stock. Or, keep your eyes peeled for the re-launch of her Cuba Street store coming soon!

Ferdinand Vintage Depop
Ferdinand Vintage Instagram
Ferdinand Vintage Facebook

Bella 🌼

Playschool - A Depop Lookbook

It's about time I shot another Depop Lookbook and once again this one features my beautiful friends Taara and Stella! As we head into Summer and my Depop store begins transitioning into shorts, skirts and dresses I wanted to show you some different ways of styling Summer looks and how each piece looks on different body types too! This Summer you'll find groovy coloured shorts on the store, along with matching tanks and tie-up cardigans. I also scored an incredible vintage matching set that you're gonna love! So, keep your eyes peeled...

As always, I love the blend of retro style with contemporary trends and details from 90s and early 2000s fashion. I don't like pigeonholing the style of my store too much and I don't think there are any rules as to how many or few styles you can mix into your closet. I've been loving knee-length shorts at the moment and already have a few for sale on the store (see here and here). I also adore the way they look with some chunky boots or better yet-cowboy boots! Stella wears the slime green knee-length shorts coming to the store soon, paired with some groovy white boots that will also be available in the next few weeks. It's such an unlikely combination but I love it, especially with the black and white contrast stitch tank!

Something you'll be seeing a lot of on the store (in any season) is bright, vibrant colours. I love the way that Stella wears the bright yellow vest with the yellow plaid cotton shorts. That clashy look is so fun and perfect for warmer weather. You'll find plenty of yellow, as well as orange, red, purple and of course, green! Taara wears my favourite lil slime green crop (coming soon), with the green Paul Frank slide belt available on the store now. Even though it's Summer, I always like to have funky pairs of pants in rotation, they always come in handy. Taara also wears the 1970s cream flares, which will be coming to the store later this month.

I try to stock as many items on my Depop store that can be mixed and matched to create multiple different looks. Everything you see on Taara and Stella can be switched around to create completely different outfits with unique colour schemes! I love a good statement piece, but it's made even better when you can pair it with multiple different bits in your existing closet. Taara wears the vintage red plaid shorts, which I'm so obsessed with! These shorts look great with a simple shirt, or a milkmaid style top like the one see in this look. I would also style these plaid shorts with some knee-high boots for a more retro look.

I'm super excited for Summer and all of the fun new pieces that will be coming your way! I'd love to style some more shoots over the Summer too, showcasing my clothes on different body types and with outfits to (hopefully) inspire you. So, if you're a Wellington gal who wants some free shots in some funky second-hand clothing (+ a lil discount on the store) then reach out to me and we'll set something up! You'll be seeing plenty more of these gorgeous humans, Stella and Taara too!
Read below for individual items and Depop links.





(All images belong to Bella Foster Depop and you can find original listings here)

Groovy 90s Does 70s White Boots - coming soon
Retro Lemon Yellow Vest - $35 nzd
Slime Green Vintage Shorts - coming soon
Fluffy Orange Bucket Hat - $38 nzd
True Vintage 1970s Red Plaid Shorts - $52 nzd
Lemon Yellow Puffed Sleeve Milkmaid Top - $42 nzd
1970s Cream Flares - coming soon
Green Paul Frank Canvas Slide Belt - $32 nzd
White Knit Vest w Black Contrast Stitch - $22 nzd
Vintage Yellow & Blue Cotton Shorts - $49 nzd
Slime Green Crop Cardigan - coming soon

Bella 🌼