My British Bargains and Back Garden!

I am finally home again! Its summertime and all the little stone houses are covered in roses, and the supermarkets are full of yummy berries so everything feels very English and I love it. Although this is not technically my back garden, it is as close as possible. The back wall of our actual garden is a big cliff that forms into the back wall of Blenheim Palace, which means as residents we get access to palace grounds whenever we want so its about a 2 minute walk for me to be enjoying this not only sprawling but old and beautiful park-I am planning on getting more photos of the stunning trees they have here for my next posts.

So this is the little crop of huge copperbeech trees just as I come into the park.

....and that is the view of the main palace is, just had a huge game fair on so lots of cute little medieval style tents dotted around. The main palace started to be built in 1704 (I think-I should probably check this stuff but been there a million times and sure I'm close enough!) because John Churchill (familiar name?) whooped the French at the Spanish Succession-bit better than a medal! He became the first Duke of Marlborough, and currently up to number 11. Winston Churchill was born here and they are all buried in the little church across from our house. So much history!!!

This is my favourite part of Blenheim Palace, this bridge is HUGE it looks small in the picture but its not. You can see a couple of doorways on each side and these 2 'apartments' are where the young royals used to hold parties, especially in the Summer.

 and this is all the wrong way round because we walk from the back, but this is the main entrance that leads to the cute little historic town of Woodstock, which is where I will be walking to send off my ebay goodies when I do move back

The little sign reads 'Views and Postcard of Blenheim', very picturesque.

This is the famous pub 'The Bear' and you can see why the Aussie pubs just dont match up-Sorry!

Now for my finds of the week! I headed off to a little carboot this morning, and struck gold which I honestly did not expect after seeing the 20 car boot sellers in a little grassy field but these caught my eye instantly.

Punch Magazine 1945-1956

 I was told there was about 50 (actually 88) of these and they had been sitting at their parents house for years. £5 for the lot and includes heaps of special editions and all in really good condition.

 Its so funny to read the old adverts, especially for brands that are still around that I know so well!

 You get some pretty good ones....

 ...Really? I thought it was always a dull and uninspired option when you don't even know what sort of choccy or wine someone likes....

Bulmers cider, apparently it 'suits all the family', not a phrase I would commonly associate with alcoholic beverages but then us Brits are famed for a drinking culture for a reason-we start young.

1930s Plum Silk Velvet Dress

 Here are a couple of pieces from my collection I have back here, its been fun going through all the pieces and been cleaning some others ready to photograph but this is one of my favourites as such a pretty colour, fabric and fit!

1930s Pink Silk Velvet Cut Glass Button Dress

I am obsessed with these buttons and has the most amazing cut and back ruffle. The colour is almost neon, which I find nice in such an old piece because darker tones seem to be much more common.

Collar Work on 30s Velvet Dress

As black never photos well just took a picture of the collar on this beauty, the pearl and rhinestone work are stunning and the dress keeps up with the standard pretty well.

More Car Boot Finds

Cute little picture with frame-I can buy house stuff now as don't have to worry about bring it home-I AM HOME!

Cookie Cutter Sets

 £1 for the lot- its like someone knew I just forked out £20 on squeeze bottles, edible glitter, pearl dust and fancy colours for icing and was gagging to play with my new found cookie skills.

Silver belt with sea creatures AND a mini watering can (can you ever have too many watering cans how ever impractical the size?) all for 50p and below, for 10p, thus getting myself a whole 2 pence of the original purchase price-tailors chalk! It looks unused too.

Now my final items for the day which was pretty chuffed with, these 2 seal presses-which I was advised would make lovely doorstops-£1.50 for the 2 and weigh a ton. I have already e-mailed someong to try and get some replacement text blocks with my logo on-I love the classic font they used on it!

Next blog will be my from my trips to Paris and Amsterdam-my wallet hopes that I don't have too much to show you but not sure I can hold myself back-first proper holiday in 5 years and its Paris-I want EVERYTHING in that place.

If you like you flea market finds remember to drop by:

Sophie @ Her Library Adventures on Flea Market Sunday
Erica @ Fashion Recycled on Thrifty Friday
MissieLizzie @ Me and My Shadow on Magpie Monday
See you there and thanks for stopping by!

Finds BEFORE My Blog Days!

So I had a shit week. Everything was going well, all on top of my work, looking forward to joining in the new listy thing on Mondays but then....my hard drive dies. Beware those of you with automatic updates as I am not alone-it over loaded hard drive and ended up costing a fortune. I hate Microsoft so much right now. I know hating is not a good word to use but feel its very justified here. So I didn't manage to get much time to go out hunting, I found a few treasures but thought I would also share with you 5 of my best finds before my blogging days.

Vintage 80s Chanel Dress

I was so close to really crapping myself when I saw this dress. It does not fit me, I am far too broad for something so pretty and dainty but tried to photograph all the little features on it! It just feel nice to own one, for now!

30s Navy Crepe Lace Trim Maxi Dress

I don't like using the word Maxi to describe such a nice old piece, it feels too trendy. At the same time what are you supposed to say? Full Length? I don't feel that does this justice either, sounds too stuffy. I love this dress and apart from the tiniest tear on the lace collar its in perfect condition!

Fabric has a nice heaviness to it so drapes very well, a really beautiful fit with all the gathers!

Vintage 40s Stud Smocked Novelty Print Dress

Check out all the stunning details on this beauty! Very unusual little round studs allover bodice, with quirkiest print and really nice original knotted belt...

The wide shaped waistband again fits like only 40s dresses do and these photos do not do it justice!

Vintage 40s 50s? Miami Robes Dress

This piece is a real stunner. I have never got around to repairing the zipper but at some point I will as frozen up and so cant try it on-which is VERY annoying but this one cant be a rush job-its worth much more time invested to try and save current zipper or find a perfect replacement!

Vintage 50s Hawaiian Playsuit

This was and insane bargain and looks unworn, totally mint condition. I wish I could tell you how much these cost but its at the risk of you all hating me and you wont come and visit my blog anymore which would suck.

Now onto my bargains for the week...

60s Floral Embroidered Pink Dress

How cute is this! Love the bright psychedelic flower embroidery, very 60s! The perfect party dress I think!

70s Sheepskin Coat

This is my best find in a while and its all mine. I hate the cold so this thick fully lined coat will keep me warm all winter long and will probably be so conditioned to Australian temperatures that will end up wearing it in Summer back home in England.

Vintage 80s Neon Garden Jumper

Just couldn't say no to this because its just super loud and colourful and warm. I like colourful things!

50s Roulette Bag

Okay so its a little bit tatty, but its so darn cool. It has little pearl counters and rhinestone studs as counters and the fabric looks quite old-must be 40s or 50s. I always appreciate if anyone else knowledge about these things or can correct my dating skills!

Vintage 70s Green Leather Bag

Well its just so disco, I love bright green too! If I happen to go to a 70s disco BBQ I can also take these along....

Vintage 1976 Meat Tenderiser and Seasoner Set

Not sure how much meat will be left after giving it pound with this one but they look cool don't they!

Old Sewing Needles

I say needles like I have more than one in there, I don't-which is a bummer but the packet is still aesthetically pleasing.
And next the reason why I don't like to model clothes over winter??

Vintage 80s Vivian Chan Shaw Jumper

Its just so warm and I cant take it off! I love oversized jumpers, especially in cold weather!

As I enjoy the wonders of not having lost my entire years worth of computer stuff I can now get to see everyone else finds (touch wood) at the weekly blogs of:

Sophie @ Her Library Adventures on Flea Market Sunday
Erica @ Fashion Recycled on Thrifty Friday
MissieLizzie @ Me and My Shadow on Magpie Monday
See you there and thanks for stopping by!

Restoration Project Part 3- Bleaching Silk

So I have had one busy day, I really wish some parents remembered that zoo keepers are there to look after animals not children but it was a crazy day with animals being squeezed, trampled, stolen, chased, poked with sticks and even smuggled in. Never had both of us had such a bad day at work! I however couldnt resist getting my photos sorted for my blog post to show you how I have been going with my dress!

So after rinsing yet again in another soak and white vinegar (also great for removing suds) I still saw so many stains, so I thought sod it I will commit the ultimate sin, using bleach on silk! I tested an area on the hem with a cotton bud and came up perfect.

My scientific brain told me if I worked super quick then gave it a rinse in a bath full of a silk protein based conditioner it would be okay. Guess what? Nearly perfect! I will re cotton bud the remaining stains and give it another go but hardly any markings left, and still soft and beautiful. It needs an iron but will save that till totally stain free. So there we go, myth busted, I bleached silk.

1930s Wedding Dress-Nearly Restored!

So I have a few more items I have fully restored-my 30s taffeta dress was badly marked but seemed like a natural dye I soaked it ( in wool mix for about 6 hours) and although lightened the colour it evened out all the marks...

30s Taffeta Dress & 60s Cheerleader Sweater

..and the sweater I used good old oxygen stain spray (home brand!) and works a treat on polyester and acrylics!

So Many PRETTY SKIRTS!

Next up some great skirts I found, the first one is the best handmade skirt! It is from the 60s and some bohemian lady had crafted out of different squares of fabrics-some look quite 40s and it fastens with a metal zip. Next is a very chic Austin Reed pure silk golfing skirt, with really nice pocket detail at sides, and lastly a fantastic 80s one with cartoon horses and button up bustle piece at the back-so unusual!

70s Young Edwardian Dress and Diane Freis 80s Dress

Next is a 70s dress by Young Edwardian (American Biba inspired) with velvet trimmed matching belt, and a gorgeous boho Diane Freis flutter sleeve dress, and a nice little mod stripy dress (below)-cheaper than a cheap coffee!

70s Caramel Candy Stripe Dress

Victor Costa 80s/90s Linen Crop Jacket

I just love the super bright colours in this, bought it for $2 in a crumpled mess but looks so nice all pressed!
Finally a cute little orange purse for 50 cents!

Check out everyones finds and play along over at Sophies and thanks for visiting and joining in the fun!

Introducing Afro Poodle...

I got a few nice bits of clothing today, but spent most of the clothing budget on my 2 dresses in the last post! Today I went to a few garage sales, one of which was a vintage collector of many years who was heading south and selling up. They had some seriously amazing things, like 70s bamboo bar table and stools, and heaps of stunning furniture, all out of my price range but I picked up a few tiny little pieces that where bargains.
First one I spotted across the room and fell in love. This amazing big neon pink fur straw stuffed poodle has lost his tale, has a really old looking japanese label, and the best face ever! It is so silly but I just love it and have been instructed to adorn him with some gourdy jewellery, which I promise to do.
Next up I couldnt walk away without grabbing these stunning bakelite (?) buttons with floral designs. I love the old plastic, its so shiny and looks like sweets!

At another garage sale got this fun little Diane Freis shirt.

Last but not least this gorgeous little 1940s hat with rabbit fur pom poms. It has a strap to hold it onto your head and a big veil thingy down the back (sorry I am sure there is a more technical name than thingy) looks so chic but very eccentric, and is on my list of things to wear to Paris next year.

Hope you all had fun this week, tomorrow will be posting pictures of my old (possibly edwardian) dress I am going to destroy as going to be a zombie bride for the kids halloween party at work tomorrow. Zoo keeping in a full length layered gown will be interesting, dont worry it is all ready very ripped and beyond repair so might as well use it how its ment to be used-cant be too precious about these things, besides-poo washes out much easier than all the age stains I got out of it before! Its probably going to be a very hot day-I think I am mad, back up pirate costume at the ready.

Check out Sophies to see who won the flea market find of the year and voting closes at midnight tonight!

Hey big spender...

Its not often that I spend a vast amount on clothes. Anything over $15 too me is pretty expensive, however I feel that sometimes I am not spending as such, just trading.
I had a Norma Tullo dress in my collection. Seeing as others where advertised at $300 I listed mine at $199 and sold almost instantly. To me the dress gave me no buzz what so ever, I know its one of the most collectable Australian designers and it was almost mint and from the best period, but it was black (bland) man made fabric (yuk) and was overall in my opinion, boring.
With my earnings I got these 2 pieces off ebay. They where advertised as approx 1940s, but think especially the green one could be 30s. They are silk, and although have some very minor faults, nothing that is not a super easy repair. I had to win this green one as its for my mum and perfect for her, so really chuffed I got it for what I think is a very good price.
If I am selling someting in order to buy something else I feel like its a trade, and in a way my initial purchase of the tullo dress, is what I paid for these two. I love these dresses a million times more than the tullo one, maybe I just lack taste and style but I dont really care as better to wear things that make me happy than try and look cool.

The back beading panel is just so chic, and love the print of people! There is a water mark on the bottom hem-looks easy to get out from experiance, and back seam needs to be reinforced but has enough room in the waist to handle a good strong repair. I wonder where this would have been worn in its day!

The edge is all gold engraved metal! The shaping of this dress is just so pretty. They certainly do mke things like they used to, but my zoo keeper wage would NEVER afford anything close to this bought new.

Now just have to wait for my exciting little parcel too arrive!