Hello everyone
Wowzer – it’s actually warm and sunny here in the UK so I bought two (more!) lovely charity shop summer dresses today. But this post is not about the dresses it’s about the best vintage and pre-loved shop in the whole of Brighton. Yes, last week I went to the wonderful Emmaus in Portslade, which is just outside Brighton. Do have a look at their Instagram page. Oh my word, this place is a treasure trove of delights.
Mr F bought a nearly new pair of trousers for £4! You might see those when we go on to London (ha, not sure when that will happen) and they will certainly be worn on our June cruise. And I bought this neat looking skirt, also for £4.
The skirt goes well, I think, with my black tights and the Rieker boots, which were also bought from Emmaus in January for only £7. I swear these boots were unworn when I bought them, and I’ve worn them a lot.
See how I’ve got my old yellow top out to wear in the sun, and how this picks up on the yellow in the skirt.
I do love yellow although I also think orange and bright pink are my colours for 2024!
I won’t wear the skirt bare-legged in the summer as it’s just a tad too short for that but it’s great to start thinking of summer clothes!
Now what about this beauty?
Does it look just a little bit dull and old-fashioned? Well, you’d be right about the latter adjective as the Emmaus label said that this dress is a 1950s dress and consequently it had a vintage price at £30, but I think it was very much worth it. Just look closely at the material.
It is a heavy brocade and feels lovely to touch. It has no label and is obviously hand made.
I think £30 is just exactly what the price should be. The dress is pristine and immaculate with not a single worn area anywhere. In fact it is perfect.
It is a beautiful dress and I am so delighted with it. I wore it with black tights (I may change that to flesh colour tights) and my cruise pumps, which unfortunately really hurt my feet when I put them on. It’s the first time I’ve worn them for several years tbh, and my feet have obviously changed shape so I shall be looking for some new shoes to go with this kind of dress. Mind you, I did wonder what the outfit would look like with me wearing red Doc Martens?! Also I can see that I mustn’t wear my yellow Fitbit, which looks a little incongruous with this outfit!
The dress will be worn on the cruise no problem, but where else can I wear it? Hmm, it deserves to be seen. Where would you wear this?
How’s things? We are still not 100% and btw, I think it’s crackers the way our government is behaving as though the pandemic is over. It. Is. Not. We are, though, beginning to behave as normal but we are careful and watch that we don’t do too much because if we do there are consequences.
That’s all for now, but you will be hearing from me later this week, when we do another collaboration for Tell Us About It.
With love, Penny, the Frugalfashionshopper
I love the red dress! It’s beautiful and the lace gloves look great with it. But, not Doc Martens, even if they are red, please!
Ok, although I still want a pair of red boots! The dress is fabulous – such a lucky find. Thanks Penny 🙂
Pen! Fab frock (I may have already said that!) 🙂 Why not put a link to this blog onto Emmaus B&H FB page? I bet they’d love to read it/ see the photos too xx
I’ve contacted Emmaus through FB message and sent them the link. Also put a photo of the dress on Instagram and tagged outfit@emmaus
It is such a fab frock!!! Thanks Lorna 🙂
Terrific buys! They look marvelous on you…especially the red dress! Like it was tailored for your slender shape!!!
In the States, there is a blogger who writes Barking Dog Shoes (barkingdogshoes.com), who reviews “comfort shoes” which are more stylish. I have found her reviews quite helpful. There are several European brands mentioned in her reviews.
Good to hear that you are feeling better, yet taking precautions! Me, too.
Keep taking care, Penny!
Charlene H
The red dress is amazing and so beautifully made with its seams and darts – just lovely. As the weather gets better I think we’ll see fewer cases. Also everyone over 75 can have a booster and I’ll be booking one when I am contacted.
You take care too, Charlene and thanks as ever 🙂
Well I would wear that lovely dress with black combat boots and a denim jacket and where it anywhere.
That should be wear it anywhere 🙂
I think you’re right – a denim jacket (or a black hoodie) would be just the right look for certain occasions. Will aim to style it that way as well as prettying it up for a cruise. Thanks Lise 🙂
I just love it when you stumble upon a great thrift store and can get such amazing deals. And a dress that was made by hand?? Truly something to treasure because there is a lot of love in it.
You know all the young girls would pair it with a denim jacket and white sneakers to wear it out and about for a casual day. There’s no use just leaving it in the closet, right?
XOOX
Jodie
http://www.jtouchofstyle.com
Ah ha, a denim jacket, nice one Jodie! And white sneakers as well, yes, that would be a great look.
Our charity shops have changed so much over the years and are no longer scruffy and untidy, most are like little boutiques and very cute. But this one is extra special as it is in a converted chapel and kitted out beautifully and then the clothes they offer are amazing.
Thanks Jodie xxx
Fabulous bargains from Emmaus,apparently they also collect large items free of charge (check local websites)
Have you tried a black necklace with your red dress,I think that would look very dramatic!
Yes, the Brighton & Hove branch has a huge furniture and bric-a-brac area as well as their fab vintage and pre-loved area which is in a converted chapel.
You know I think you’re right about the black necklace – it would go well with the black lace gloves.
Thanks Hilary 🙂
Oh, Penny! You look fabulous in this skirt ensemble…why won’t yellow be your color in 2024? I think “yellow” when I think of you! But, orange and pink are good, too! As for that dress, while I wouldn’t wear it gardening, I would wear it anywhere I wanted! And, I would wear it with Doc Martens if they’re comfortable! I think this dress can stand up to anything as evidenced by your lace gloves. I say, dress it up and dress it down. I wonder…could you add a black studded belt to it? I can’t quite see where or if it has a waist. But, that would add some edginess to it, too.
I’m so glad you’re feeling better. I hope the warmer weather continues for you.
https://marshainthemiddle.com/
You’re right Marsha I think you can dress it up (for a cruise) or dress it down (for an art gallery trip or something similar).
And that warmer weather has disappeared which sounds rather like your weather which I read has been very up and down recently!!! Hope the plants survive! Thanks Marsha 🙂
Beautiful dress Penny, you look great in it.
Thank you so much Charmaine 🙂
Lovely red dress Penny and I do like the new skirt with the yellow cardigan. Yellow really suits you.
I’ve bought three new, not ‘pre-loved’, dresses recently in Woolovers sale, something I very rarely do. Their eco viscose jersey is a really heavy silky fabric so I have succumbed. My new meds are working and I’m tolerating them so far so determined to be more positive about the future by buying again but that also means adhering to the ‘one in one out’ discipline. Getting an eye test today as existing specs seem to be falling apart & that’s one thing I can’t do without!
Great to hear you’re tolerating the meds – three cheers for that! And three cheers for buying those dresses – why not!
I too am having an eye test and possibly getting new glasses and just because, not because I need another pair, but you know, why not!
I have to tell you I loved Magpie Murders – it was really excellent – Lesley Manville is wonderful.
Hi Penny, What an interesting vintage dress! It fits you so well,and the colour is lovely . I love handmade older clothes and remember well making by hand a two piece out of 2 yards of Liberty print , it was a “remnant” 36 inches wide ,I could just squeeze my 34 inch hips into the skirt ! I was so proud of ir .I was 18 then in 1957 . Not so thin now!
I have only been to Emmaus once but will certainly go again. Have you seen all the excellent quality furniture ,and books and ornaments , I could easily spend a day there. I love their work ethic, I,m sure you know that most of the people there work for their accommodation and meals, I was told. And they learn a skill at the same time. What a brilliant idea, to help people who would otherwise be homeless.
I am still missing the wonderful Martlets Hospice charity shop that was in Lewes up until Covid . Have you heard if it will return? Very best wishes from Judy in Brighton
The fit of the red dress is beyond amazing as it fits like a glove. Ah yes, I too made clothes – not any more! Bet that two piece looked good!
I do recommend Emmaus as there is so much to look at and not only clothes. There’s a decent cafe too. Yes, I know people who volunteer there and I may have more of a connection with Emmaus quite soon! Will tell you all about it when I know more.
Yes, it was so disappointing that the Martlets closed the Lewes charity shop as it really was an excellent place. And there’s no sign of the shop opening again – it’s still empty.
Thanks Judy 🙂
I love that red dress Penny! A bit envious that you still have stores around where you can get really nice clothing like this without having to resort to new, massed produced fast fashion of usually inferior quality, My major purchase has been a new pair of athletic shoes. the old ones were getting kind of worn out. I wore them for a wonderful trip into Manhattan last week with my daughter. We finally made it to the Monet exhibit. It was to have been my Christmas gift but weather and illness caused it to be postponed. Perhaps a good thing as the weather was lovely and we could do a fair amount of walking in the area. A lunch at a Parisian style cafe. Actually the whole Easter weekend was special. The entire family could not be together but had a brunch with my son and family in a nice local restaurant on Saturday and then I made breakfast for daughter and her husband after which we went out to the country to see the horses. It is very beautiful here in New York right now, so many trees in blossom. flowers in bloom. That is it for now,
Love, Darby
Yes, I’m sorry that you can’t find that kind of shop where you are. Most towns and even cities have these charity shops which aren’t like your larger stores – they’re just like little boutiques and they’re really nice to shop in. Emmaus in Brighton is unique as it’s larger and based in a converted chapel and beautifully kitted out. And then there are the pre-loved clothes offer which are so good and not at exorbitant prices either, even the vintage clothes.
I loved reading about your Easter celebrations – ours was far too quiet – all because we weren’t 100%. We will try to have more of a family Easter next year.
The blossom everywhere is lovely isn’t it. Thanks Derby 🙂
Wear it in your style Penny! That’s the best. Love the skirt too. I don’t think we have ever been to Portslade, might go in September though. The weather here is horrible, way to cold for this time of the year. I want to enjoy the sun!
Emmaus would be very easy to get to with a Sat Nav and would take about 10 minutes by car from the centre of Brighton. Once there it is very accessible as Outfit@emmaus is set in a large converted chapel and would be easy to navigate, and there is a cafe too.
We had one day of lovely near summery weather, the heat of the sun was just so uplifting, but we are back to cold weather with a lot of rain and clouds interspersed with some short sunny spells. Still wearing winter coats out!!!!
Thanks Nancy 🙂
Such wonderful finds: I like that you showed us a close up of the dress: that is a beautiful fabric! Definitely will be nice for your cruise and I hope you find a pair of shoes that will look nice with it and won’t hurt your feet. And yes to Doc Martens with it.
http://www.chezmireillefashiontravelmom.com
Wow! The dress is just plain gorgeous and you look gorgeous in it. Have you any elbow length gloves to wear with it? It looks like a posh evening frock to me and long gloves would go well. On the other hand with a long sleeved tee shirt underneath and red Doc Martens; I think it would look pretty funky, too!
Love the skirt, too, and the yellow cardi was a great accompaniment. I didn’t notice the yellow in the skirt till I saw the close up photo…
We have an Emmaus here and visit it pretty regularly. The clothes aren’t always that great but they have fab furniture, jewellery and an excellent household stuff and books section.
xxx
Oh yes, I think Doc Martens would be perfect with the brocade dress. It’s lovely on you. The shop sounds like a real Aladdin’s cave. The skirt and yellow cardi look perfect too x
I love your dress and skirt too 🙂 Love how you have styled both looks.
What great finds – that skirt is a great choice as is the dress.