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 🌼
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