Monday 16 February 2009

Prettiness

There's only one remedy that can bring a bit of cheer to these dark, dank, dreary days for me . Pretty things.

It's at this time of year I find I yearn the most for borders full of blooming beautifulness, pots of cheery daffodils, dainty floral brooches, jugs of flowers, pretty fabric, feminine dresses.
Oooh the list could go on and on so, after a ridiculously long and busy week at work, I escaped for some hard earned me-time on Friday to search out some of the above.

Oh and what a good time I had. Time and funds were short so I headed straight for our charming little town for the Friday market and some food shopping with the lovely stall holders.
I love the hustle and bustle of the busy weekend and Wednesday market days, the noise, the banter, the friendliness but it was nice for once to really have the place almost to myself and quietly browse.
The butcher had time to chat and helpfully suggested I bring a tupperware box along for my mince order to help with their cut down on plastic bags. But even better, one of the chaps from the greengrocers carried my hundred weight of fuit and veg all the way back to the car for me. Can't quite imagine that sort of service at the supermarket.
And then I discovered a whole new treasure - the Friday Indoor Trestle Market, full of beautiful vintageness! The Saturday morning Collector's Market is my most favourite start to the weekend but I had no idea that there was a smaller, indoor version on a Friday - what a treat.

There were several vintage book sellers with everything from 1st edition Blyton's to historic maps, some sellers with antique jewellery and fine china and some more crafty stalls selling cards and pretty things, but it was the retro clothing stall that caught my eye. I have bought a pretty necklace from this lady before so my hopes were high and I was so excited to see this beauty on her stall

And this is what I came home with. Terrible picture but hope you get the impression. I adore this bracelet, even though a few of the stones are missing it's still a beauty (and just a fiver!) It catches the light beautifully and I find myself transfixed by it - just like a magpie!

Woody and I are off to this super dance again in a few weeks time and I sHall wear my new piece of vintage jewellery with this floaty dress I found for £2.50 in my favourite junk shop. Do you think it'll look the part?

16 comments:

Leisa said...

What a great bracelet Steph. I think you will look great in the dress. The market sounds just wonderful!

Pixiedust said...

Bracelet and dress are both gorgeous, what great finds. xxxx

Pipany said...

Hello Steph. What a lovely time you had and such gorgeous finds too. I love the bracelet and, like you, never mind if a few stones are missing. Hope you have a great time at the dance.

Sun has been out here the last two days and has even had some warmth to it. the light quality is changing to that freshness of early Spring which is just wonderful. Long may it continue. Have a good week xx

Hen said...

Wow, that dress is gorgeous. I never see lovely things like that in charity shops. Both things will look great...
Hen x

claire said...

What great finds. I love the bracelet and the dress is fabulous :) X
As Hen just said I also never find anything like that in charity shops!!

MelMel said...

I love your vintage bracelet and the dress is so amazingly pretty!
Just my kind of thing! Enjoy your dance!
xxx

P.S the word varication is retro....LOL!

Pink Feather Paradise said...

What wonderful finds, our friday market is full of cheap jack stalls, nothing beautiful, generally just tat!
We use to have a wonderful market when I was little, Mum & Dad use to run the fruit and veg stall...
I love the bracelet and the dress is beautiful... enjoy your dance

Alex x

Bertie Meadows said...

What lovely finds, that bracelet is gorgeous. I love a bit of sparkle. You'll be the belle of the ball.
Bertie x

This Vintage Life... said...

Oh, lucky you Steph...why can't I find things like that in charity shops! And I love your bracelet; so what if a few stones are missing...it's enjoyed a life. I wonder how many other dances it's been to?
Deb x

Alchamillamolly said...

Gorgeous dress, gorgeous bling! you will be a gorgeous girl! My Dad always says 'when you trip the light fantastic'.

Funkymonkey said...

Your bracelet is so very pretty and will look fabulous with your dress. I'm someon else who never finds such loveliness in charity shops.I'm in the mood for shopping right now but 'nice' shopping if you know what I mean - shopping for 'prettiness'.

Tracey

Sal said...

You're going to look really beautiful at the dance...hope you and Woody enjoy yourselves ;-)

gayle said...

Oh I love that dress, it is so old fashioned and vintage looking.

Anonymous said...

For some reason every time I came to your Blog it looked like you hadn't posted since December - then I followed a link from another blog and realised you have, very strange. So I've just caught up on your posts from this year - gorgeous dress..
lisa x

Lulu said...

beautiful bracelet..Love the pic of the outdoors market..i love pics..

American Homemaker said...

I love pretty things too and what a great dress :)