old is the new black

I've been putting off this post for three months. Not because I didn't want to write it, but because I was waiting for just the right photo to justify the giant call I'm about to make. I'd like to introduce you to a couple that are very special to me. Please show your delight in meeting... My New Boots.

thanks to Neenish Arts for the photo! Click here for more of her lovely pics. 

Lovely, aren't they?

You might remember I made a commitment/resolution at the beginning of 2011 to buy all my clothes either fair trade or second hand. I was feeling confident but for two things: bras and shoes. Both of which I loathe to purchase at the best of times. I hate trying them on and I always come away with the same thing. In the case of bra's, it's the Berlei t-shirt bra and in the case of shoes, it's black ballet flats or those ugly canvas things (which I love).

So, bras and shoes. The hardest part of my challenge, but also the part I most wanted to get right. Despite my second-hand shoe fear, I had been keeping my eyes out for some new winter shoes/boots that were clean, in relatively good condition and didn't look like a gift from my grandmother. I was about to give up when Neen of Neenish Arts lured me to Dresses & Drawers, a vintage store in Port Adelaide. I didn't believe in love at first sight until I saw them.

I highly recommend this store. The prices are reasonable and the quality of the stock is high, high, high.

The boots cost me $50, plus $12 for some shoe conditioner to keep them in tip-top shape. This is about half the price I'd pay for shoes in a number of shoe store chains and the quality was so good my local shoe-man informed me that if I look after them, they'll last me 20 years. Woot!

Here comes the big call: I will never buy brand new boots again.*

Kate xx



*Not entirely true, this will in all likelihood happen. However, my fear of second hand shoes has mellowed and I am going to attempt to shop vintage and op for shoes that can be worn with socks. I'm still a little freaked out by second hand sandals.