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!

Another Addition to Australian Vintage Collection!

This week have been getting more and more excited about my trip back home. Its only 3 weeks away and am already starting to pack my bag. I have all my little trips to Paris with mum and Amsterdam with my mates booked and honestly don't think I have ever done anything so exciting in my life which is weird as I am going home to do what I always used to do. There is something weird about moving across to the other side of the world. It sounds terribly 'cliche' but you do start to know yourself more. However much I love the nice weather and the beaches, I start to know what is important to me, much of which is back home. I have been trying to cut back a little due to holiday but my tactic of offering half of what ever the price was today seemed to pay off for once so could still pick up a few fantastic goodies.

Vintage 80s PRUE ACTON Pure Silk Crochet Dress

This is just gorgeous dress by the legendary Prue Acton. Very pale pink silk with crochet panels and matching belt. I have got so many amazing Australian vintage pieces I was thinking of selling at the same time before I move back-not sure how to go about this one so any ideas appreciated, I am so bad at marketing.

60s Dollyrockers by Sambo Maxi & Cream Velvet Suit

I am not sure if the suit is very me, I quite like the jacket but the velvet is so amazingly soft and its very nicely tailored. Comes with matching skinny trousers that are a little too tiny for my 'well built' (chunky) legs which is a shame else may have tried to jazz it up a little. This Dollyrockers dress was one of my top finds of the day though! 

40s Tweed Wool Wasp Waist Blazer

I like this, may be a bit 'clay pigeon shooting' but I like how English it makes me feel. Love the tailoring too with flare at the back and nice finishing to buttons.

80s Purple Plaid Mini Dress

Getting to the point where if I twist too much I put my back out so its a pain taking these back photos but somethings have such nice little details I have to try and do them justice! I like it when they use patterned fabrics like checks and stripes and have them running in different directions. 

80s Sun Dress and Gym Bag

Having a Miami circa 1988 moment, you either love it or hate it, and if you love it (and not just for a themed party) chances are you were either not born or too young to remember the actual decade.

70s Mexican Felt Embroidered Poncho Cape

Another addition to my Wardrobe-Not far off being able to outfit everyone for my own 'Ugly Betty Party'. I should have cropped this more though, the edge of the camera lens looks like a really creepy set of teeth. Whoops.

For more thrifty finds check out 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!

Collecting Colourful Velvet Dresses

Hello everyone, hope you all had a great Easter and enjoyed many chocolate treats!

This weeks top find is not mine, but again its mums. She got this for £6 at a UK charity shop. I am sure its 40s and in mint condition with a label!!! It must be in the genes or something. Cant wait to see it when I get home in July!

1940s Beaded Shift Dress

80s CUE Dress, 70s 'ORANGE' Layered Rose Dress & 60s Rainbow Floral Mini

My best finds from last week which I at least got to photograph properly. The Cue dress is fantastic, all of them perfect too!

60s Royal Blue Velvet Party Dress

So I have a red one, a green one, a fushia one, a black one and now a blue one! Hooray! I love velvet so much.

60s Daisy Mod Dress-So Cute!

I love this Dress-Daisy trim on the collar cuffs and waist, really nice tailoring, super bright blue-all the bells and whistles!!!

Vintage Silk Priest Cape

Has anyone ever really gone there with religious inspired fashion? Or has it been a bit taboo? Who cares-Im going to rock this as a mini dress, may take a while to catch on as a mainstream look though!

80s ZOZO Dress and Mondi Pink Star Blouse

I love zozo since I found my red spotty dress many blog posts back, know nothing about the brand but its 70s-80s Australian I think, any info from those of you that lived here/where alive then would be much appreciated.

50s Nude Illusion Lace Dress and 70s Cord Jumpsuit

Gorgeous Nude effect 50s lace dress with bow waist, and bright cherry red cord jump which just make me want to go hang at a service station and fill peoples cars for them.

English Hunt Cotton Curtain Fabric

Just because one day I will have the best dress from this fabric, in a very British mood due to royal wedding (how amazing was that dress!) and so could not say no to this print!

Thanks for stopping by and for your comments! Head over to Sophies site to see everyone elses!

The Posh AUSSIE Op Shopper!

Well this weekend have been picking up lot of Australian vintage including an amazing piece from Vivian Chan Shaw, a legendary knitwear designer in the 80s. First ever find of hers and its a beauty. Its a 2pc with amazing long cling maxi skirt and layered top to make a dress, however the pieces are so striking its great to wear as separates I love the skirt!

1980s Australiana: Vivian Chan Shaw Purple 2pc, Dickie Ney Kookaburra Jumper, A-HA Floral Strapless Dress

I love the cute little Kookaburra Jumper and a classic floral strapless party dress with boning in it!

1950s Rockabilly CHERRY Knit Cardigan

My favourite find of the week, I love this cardi! Covered in cable pattern and big bobble red cherries over front arms and neck. Just so cute!

Stunning 1950s EMERALD Velvet Party Dress

Love this dress too, really bright emerald green and its in mint condition (dirty mirror again not dress!) I love the shaping to the bust-very bullet style with pretty check pattern over skirt.

1980s/90s Vintage Silk PARIS Dress

This dress is just so well made and fit perfectly, have to look up brand later but is very well finished and just feels expensive, my theory is if you can afford to have a Paris address you cant really afford to make crap clothes.

Vintage 30s? Crocodile? Bakelite? Purse

I found this, and its in very good condition with what looks like crocodile leather and a bakelite clip, could be wrong about this-no bag expert, any ideas anyone? Would guess early 30s from art deco style clip.

50s? Rhinestone Metal Purse

Again no purse expert, but seen so many things like this, but this was different. Inside looks hand sewn silk, very good condition. No label but the whole bag is very heavy and you can tell there is layers of fabric between inner and outer, rhinestones look similar to 30s/40s buttons with a surround to each on, nice working clip too. only about 4 missing rhinestones overall, easy fix I think. Any ideas on age? It looks to be of pretty high quality but no labels or anything to help.

1970s Italian Leather Platform Heels

So so pleased with these! I cant believe I found some vintae heels in my size, and they are groovy 70s platforms!!! I love the square toe on the, make my feet look dinky from above, plus they go well with my every growing collection of hand knitted socks from mum!

Thanks for stopping by, and for all your nice comments, I really love reading them, thanks so much!

For more finds and to join in the flea market finds head to Sophies page!

St Patrick's Day Vintage Burlesque Costume

Yet again have been a lazy blogger-and the only reason I sort of got this in on time for St Patricks day is because I am on QLD time. First blog in a while as on holiday in Noosa and was working lots before had to get all my Easter goodies ready! Found some excellent pieces on holiday from the 40s-70s so cant wait to share them all when I get back but there is a nice pool and a sauna here so time better spent elsewhere!

However here is my little nod to St. Patricks Day, I dont think will be wearing this till I return home as a little too hot but its one of my favourite pieces!

Vintage 40s/50s MGM Irish Burlesque Costume

Really pretty layering under the bodice,and back does up with velcro, I guess for speedy costume changes! Not sure what film it was from due to verbal history-but did used to have a certificate with it (long gone) and labels would match what was told!

So Happy St Patricks Day and check out my finds either this weekend or next-depends how tired I am!

Ossie, Ossie, Ossie....

I have been having fun this week repairing some precious items and finding treasures forgotten (sort of). After buying a '1950s' dress off ebay for 21.50 at a bit of a punt as was badly marked and my heart sank when arrived covered in bright red ink marks and heaps of grubby black marks. After a bit of spot treatment with various stuff on cotton buds and a good soak its come out gleaming new! As a bonus it is a beautiful 40s piece with full set of buttons and totally original with full circle skirt (took me hours to hand sew the hem last night to secure it).

I also came across a little jacket I had forgotten about which reminded me how far I have come. I knew nothing other than the obvious when I first started out, it was my eye for quality alone that made me discover pieces before I knew of the label. I would always be surprised when I came across a piece I thought was special to find it truly was and it would often lead me onto finding out more about other connected labels too.

Anyway I had to list my these 2 special dresses-unfortunately not found at a flea market or charity shop (still dreaming one day....) before I list my finds.

Happy Birthday to me... well a little late but this is what I got from my mum! She has become a vintage hunter now, and a rather impressive one at that. Needless to say these are 2 of my most prized dresses, Ossie Clarke is one of my favourite all time designers if not the top one so I hope these will grown in number over time-dont think I could ever have too many Ossie Dresses!

OSSIE CLARK For Radley Moss Crepe Red Dress

OSSIE CLARK Moss Crepe Brown Maxi Dress

....so apart from my 21.50 ebay dress these are my flea market finds this week....

GORDON KING 50s Style 70s Novelty Greek Pots Dress

Super cute 50s 'PIN UP' style top this is very unusual print, but very nice cut with nice cut to skirt in what I sure is rayon as hangs really nicely.

Vintage 80s KAMIKAZE 'Southern Comfort' Novelty Print Dress

This is such a cute little dress for only $2!!! You cant see the print on this picture well but its covered in abstract mermaids, guitars, music notes, fish on plates and flying pelicans. Really nice cut with a full skirt too-cant go wrong at that price but was chuffed with this!

ADELE Vintage 50s SEASHELL Bag with Lucite Handle

It may have a slightly chipped shell but this bag is just fantastic, 50s kitsch at its best. Otherwise this looks unused!!!

Vintage 80s/90s? Rod Alexander BLACK LACE Suit with Beads

Not heard of this name before, could find very little out but this suit is amazing. The skirt is super full and goes with so many other things too! A bargain find at Vinnies yesterday!

Vintage MALCOLM STARR Velvet FLOWER Applique Bolero Jacket

So when I found this little jacket for $4 on the childrens fancy dress rail I had no idea what this label was but I thought it certainly needed saving from certain death just because it was so cool, and it wasn't a kids size, but old ladies put my dresses through as 'tops' or 'skirts' all the time in charity shops so pays to be on the look out everywhere. I was pretty surprised to find out its actually a rather high end piece and in mint condition. The colours are so bright and velvet so soft, I want it to get colder so I can wear it! Always check fancy dress!!!

Velvet Layered 'CUPCAKE' Skirt

This has nothing to do with cupcakes, other than when I wear it I feel like one, I like dresses and skirts that do that. Not a cheap Barbie cupcake mind you but the sort you get in really expensive bakery's in the top streets in town when even the casing is decorated with ribbons. Although is verging on a gothic cupcake-probably with blackberry in it or something, getting off the subject now-but its a gorgeous piece-maybe modern but I dont care heaps of layers trimmed with ribbon that fades between pinks and purply blues and very nice full shape.

Vintage 40s IVAN FREDERICK Lemon Shirtwaist Dress

Formally trashed and now sparkly new, this beautiful dress is so simple but classic. Made out of a heavy fabric of what I believe to be Rayon its got a full skirt with gorgeous turn up point cuffs. Photos do not go this justice but it really is stunning. Yay for ebay and soap!

FASHION 2001 Book-1982

This is so funny, written in 1982 its the view on every top top top designer of the time on what fashion will be like in 2001. Interview each have an outfit from the designer to illustrate what they think it will be like. Needless to say-very 80s.

Vintage Box 'O' Pins

I needed some new pins, couldn't say no to these shiny beauties for $1.
Last but not least, after being instructed by mum to 'keep my eye out for nice buttons' I have found these sets, all glass, I especially love the yellow lattice ones with B.G.E Orig written on the back!

Thanks for visiting, and to everyone who leaves comments so thank you so much for your time!