Gonna change our ways...

We're currently planning our summer lookbook, (which is super exciting by the way) and will be doing things a little different this time round. Last time, we took pics of clothes that were already for sale, and because you trusty custys love to shop, a lot of our stock sold before the lookbook was live.

This time round, we are holding off on uploading summer stock until the lookbook is shot and delivered. That way, you get to see how we would wear it AND have the opportunity to buy it hot off the press. Are you as excited as us??!! Here's some of our lookbook inspiration so far...

All images from We Heart It

Beach adventure or picnic in the park? hmmm, decisions, decisions!

Pedantic and precious...

Soooooo, we updated our blog (you like?) and ticked the 'Arial - all fonts' option, but it appears our body text is still in 'Times'. Can anyone help? I really hate a mismatched blog.

Lusting over...

After a slow and quiet weekend on the buying front, we settled in late Sunday afternoon to watch 'Get Him to the Greek' - Judd Apatow's latest satirical movie starring Russell Brand. It was ridiculous, stupid and mind-numbing but shit it was funny! Just what you need on a Sunday to end the weekend.

While watching the flick, beneath the drug-fucked faces, wide-eyed John Dory eyes and outlandish outfits, I realised Russell Brand is actually a mega babe! The movie definitely doesn't factor him high in the style stakes and he is known to dress funny and pull stupid faces in his 'real life' too. He has admittedly, taken far too many drugs over his time (I've read his autobiography) and it shows, but strip this back and he is undoubtedly, a beautiful man. Agree or disagree?

The Little Big Markets...

We've been busy planning, plotting and proposing to the local council here at gran's loose change and we are very proud and excited to announce the launch of:
Brought to you by gran's loose change and Idiom Boutique, starting this November, The Little Big Markets will be your must-visit Saturday stop in Mount Maunganui.

Here you will find a collective collaboration of local fashion designers and stores, artists, vintage stores (www.gransloosechange.co.nz and Idiom Vintage), baking, crafts and of course, we are opening the floor to you too.

If you've ever visited the Glebe or Bondi markets in Sydney then you will have an idea of what GOOD markets are. Heaps of stalls with heaps of interesting things - clothing, jewellery, accessories, baking, art, crafts and more. We will confirm regular stallholders in the next few weeks but we are also open to one off stalls - are you thinking of having a garage sale? Why not come to the Little Big Markets and hit a huge and eclectic customer base all at the same time!

We have been in talks with a lot of local stores and designers and have a good lot interested in stalls. What this means for you is sale stock, seconds and samples! And ALL at the same place! Oh my!

Are you interested in a stall at the Little Big Markets? OF COURSE you are! Email Kelly, hello@gransloosechange.co.nz or Rachelle idiom@vodafone.co.nz for an information pack. We are looking for interesting and unique stalls that will keep people coming back and we want to hear every customer say 'this the best market I have ever been to'. Join us on our adventure!

The location has been approved by 11/12 councillors and we are waiting on the final yes (when the aforementioned councillor returns to work this week) when ALL will be revealed!

P.S The Little Big Markets will be held every second Saturday throughout summer with dates and venue to be confirmed this week. Excited much?!

glc news...

We have two exciting things to tell you.

1. The Style Hive has a link to our site on their blog. And the Style Hive is super cool. Based in Welly, Nina, the founder, has a love for fashion and an eye for style. Check out her blog here.

2. The Black Magic necklace by 2Gypsies was worn by the drummer of Dum Dum girls (listen to their sweet sounds here) on a recent tour with MGMT and Vampire Weekend.

How's that for coooolllll? Congrats 2Gypsies! To get your own 2Gypsies piece of goodness shop here.

Dress me up...

Lads of late are stepping outside of the square, gone are the days of Chucks being appropriate as dress shoes or Desert Boots being interesting enough to wear day to day. International style blogs and runways are seeing the return of the brown leather dress shoe and we've been seeing a bit around little ol en zed already. Lucky for you, we have a few pairs right here on gran's loose change for you to check out.

Images from Lookbook.nu

Cultural Tourism dress shoes

Better we go along leather brogues

Please note all shoes on gran's loose change are measured heel to toe on the outside. If you have any questions please email us on hello@gransloosechange.co.nz

How to: shop second-hand this summer

I am counting down for September 26th when daylight savings ticks over and we finally get an hour’s extra light at night. Why? Because that means summer is just around the corner. And summer means long, balmy nights; beach hair; swimming in the ocean; mojitoes; fresh fruit and barbeques - and also means a whole new wardrobe for gran’s loose change, our loyal customers and me too of course!

Summer days change the way we shop for vintage – we start hitting the garage sales as well as the op shops and we start to hunt deeper than we would in winter. Shopping for second hand clothing in the summer is a lot harder than the winter. Oversized knits; leather jackets; booties; and shirts for the boys are in ample supply but when it comes to summer, it starts to get a little bit trickier. Never fear, it just means we have to be more committed, more dedicated and have our eyes on the ball.

Just like the new trends and styles from leading designers, vintage follows trends too; only it has its own spin, which is what dressing in recycled clothing is all about after all! If you’re shopping for vintage this summer, be sure to check out www.gransloosechange.co.nz, we upload new product weekly and you have to be QUICK! If you prefer to shop for second hand and vintage clothing yourself, here’s a few tips and key styles to keep your summer wardrobe fresh, unique and on trend.

Florals
Floral dresses, shirts and skirts are gems to find and when you do, they are usually in impeccable condition. They add colour to any outfit and make you feel like a true, blue summer stunner. Look for skater style dresses, sweetheart necklines and A-line skirts. They are a bit fun, a bit cheeky and a lot sweet! Check out the range of dresses on gran’s loose change here.

Harem pants
The alternative to wearing jeans once it starts to cool down at night - I have been living in my grey marle harem pants already (and it’s only spring!) Team them with strappy sandals, a cami and add a cropped blazer or leather when it starts to get colder and voila! Comfort and style in one. Second hand stores have fab harem style pants, although you may not recognise them to start with. They won’t be as tapered around the ankles as you’d probably like but take them to a tailor and in 10 minutes, your harem pants can be sewn into perfection. Check out the retro aisles of op-shops to find these hidden gems

Neutrals
Beige, nude with a layer of beige is super hot this summer (I wish I could wear it myself although I just can’t bring myself to move away from black. Hmmmff). Look for flimsy shirts in the 16+ section of op shops and wear them tucked into shorts, oversized over bike shorts or over your favourite dress. Layer shirts and dresses up over the top of each other and don’t be scared to try something different. Beige shorts and a white singlet teamed with tanned summer legs? Yes please! (Gala Gonzalez KILLS it in neutrals here)

Sheer
The return of the slightly cheeky sheer is back with a vengeance. Be brave with a bandeau or even just a bra underneath a sheer shirt or singlet and team with denim cut offs or jeans. Look in the shirts section of the op-shops not the dress section as this is where you will find the best buys.

Aaaahh summer... Happy shopping.

As published on FashioNZ.