MEAGHAN SMITH PERSONAL STYLIST

I was in the neighbourhood of one of my favourite op-shops in Melbourne yesterday so thought I’d pop in on the off chance I might discover a treasure.

And I did.  This embroidered shirt – for $5.

I spotted it soon after I walked into the store, which is what usually happens when I browse through op-shops.  I’m not one to spend hours going through every single item on the rack,  I can generally spot a beauty instantly.  My eyes go into quick scanning mode.  Here’s what I look for:

• Stand out fabric – beaded, embroidered, velvet, silk, vintage brocade, sequined or beautifully colored
• Label – I like to see where and by who it was made and whether it might be vintage.  I’m not looking for a County Road or Sportsgirl t-shirt, I’m looking for something unique.
• Quality of cut and fabric.  Not interested in anything that looks cheap and artificial.
• In Fashion – I keep my eye out for styles that I know are currently fashionable (At the moment it’s vintage Levis 501’s which I might be able to customise)
• Flaws – if I’ve found a beautiful fabric and pulled it off the rack, then I give it a once over to see if there are any noticeable flaws or stains…or whether it smells.
• Accessories – I look at both the womens and mens belts, bags, scarves, sunglasses and jewelry

You also need to use your imagination when you shop in op-shops, to determine whether something you find has potential.  One-of-a-kind pieces are hard to come by, but a good tailor isn’t.  You don’t want to walk away from a gorgeous 1950’s chiffon dress you saw for $20, just because you didn’t like the length or the neckline.  Grab it and then take it along to your tailor to discuss possibilities.

Of course we do need to remember that op-shopping is like all shopping.  You don’t want to just get caught up with the price, think it’s a bargain and then suddenly you’re filling your wardrobe with unworn junk.  There needs to be something about it that you LOVE.  It’s need to be flattering (or altered to become flattering) and it needs to represent the image you want to portray.  (ie. no point buying a beaded vintage caftan if you’re a strictly Classic dresser – it won’t get worn)

When I think about it, what I love about op-shopping is the thrill of the find.  Discovering something that is unique and interesting.  Finding a piece that I know nobody will have – like this vintage Christian Dior coat. (Found in a charity shop in Sth Melbourne for $40)  *It needs to go to my tailor to be restored to it’s former glory.

*This article was written in 2011.  I have since had the sleeves of this shirt cropped so they sit about my wrists.   You can see me wearing it here.

READ: “What I Search For On Etsy and eBay” here

Details of my personal styling services (Including prices) here

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image via here

I’ve been going to the races since I was a little girl.  My mum & dad would take me and my two sisters to the Melbourne Cup every year.  It was a big family outing to the city from where we lived in what was then, the country.  As a little girl, holding my mum or dads hand wandering through the crowds, the races were a visual feast for my little eyes.  We’d stand outside the Members Enclosure and peer in at the glamorously dressed ladies, marvel at the big beautiful colored roses and we’d find very entertaining the jokers dressed as superheroes or in cleverly designed outfits made out of beer cans.

It was this introduction by my parents, as a little girl, that fueled my love and fascination for racing and a racing social event, today.  I’m quite the seasoned racegoer now, but as a young woman in my twenties, beyond excited by a day at the races with my friends, I learnt the hard way.  I left home looking lady-like and came home red as a beetroot, shoes in hand, with the early on-set of a monstrous champagne headache.   Not a good look.  So I thought, after years of experience I’d pass on the things that I’ve learnt about surviving the races in style.

• You don’t need to dress traditionally.  You don’t need to wear a hat.  You should, however, try and dress so that you feel comfortable, chic and stylish – not exposing too much flesh and not like you’re going clubbing or the beach.  Remember it’s an event held during the day, so the dress is day wear, not evening wear.

• Don’t carry an enormous handbag.  Carry a small clutch or wear a small shoulder bag.   It’s more elegant than lugging around your big every day, carry all sack.

• Don’t overdo the fake tan. Remember the aim is for you to look naturally tanned, not resembling a mandarin.

• Carry lipstick, band-aids, painkillers and a couple of safety pins….just in case.

• Don’t wear shoes that haven’t been worn in – even if it’s just around the house while you do the housework.

• Don’t wear brand new, never worn shoes.  You’ll last an hour and you’ll want to go home.  If you don’t love or are inexperienced in wearing high heels, opt for a wedge – particularly if it’s raining.  The heel won’t sink into the grass and they’re much more comfortable than a stiletto if you’re on your feet all day.  Consider wearing gel cushions in your shoes and maybe even carrying a little pair of fold up ballet slippers  in your bag for the trip home.  DO NOT LEAVE THE RACECOURSE CARRYING YOUR SHOES AND WEARING NOTHING ON YOUR FEET.

• Wear shapewear so you don’t need to suck in your tummy all day.

• Slather on the sunscreen.  You don’t want to have to back up on Oaks Day, after Cup Day, with a sunglasses mark on your face.

• Take something to throw over your shoulders (a trench, pashmina or Nana’s fur cape)…..just in case it gets cool…..& put them in the cloak room.  Don’t forget to collect them at the end of the day.

• Have a very big breakfast and then don’t forget to eat during the day.

• Don’t have your first glass of bubbles til at least midday and alternate each glass with a glass of water.   It might seem like a great idea at the time to make the most of the free flowing drinks, but nobody wants to open the Herald Sun the next day and see a photo of themselves looking like this…..

Details of my personal styling services (Including prices) here

Get to know me and my style on Facebook here

..& Instagram here