Posts in Category: shops
Savvy fashion finds
Its usually gemma that sets the tone for salvage fashion on the blog, but i have recently picked up a few great items and thought i’d share. It was also a welcome excuse to try and take nice pictures of clothes without having a model – not sure if i’ve quite achieved it though!
May i just point out that the lovely vintage hangers peeping out were a skip rescue by my bin-loving friend Ally. This vintage Jaeger jacket was a few quid in the local charity shop. it had massive shoulder pads so they had to go, but otherwise it was waiting to be loved.
This grey linen Jigsaw dress was from the London charity chain (an oxymoron?) Fara. I was so impressed by their careful selection, decent prices (and by that i mean charging what items are worth), and shop layout. Going through a grey and yellow phase…so glad i can now don my mustard wedges to glam up this dress! On reflection, the dress probably could have done with an iron pre-shoot!
Ok so this isn’t actually a charity find but it is second-hand from a great wee online shop called vintagechild. I rarely buy clothes online but this bird-print, mid-waist dusky pink dress from around 1950 is my favourite wardrobe item ever! It is ultra-chilled to wear – any occasion.
I have a voluminous scarf collection, and am rarely to be seen without one come rain or shine. I love this italian silk poppy print scarf, perfect for summer days.
I am getting lots of wear out of this one – a lightweight Ralph Lauren scarf that seems to go with just about anything.
Had to add in this one – discovered in my grandmother’s cubby hole as she called it. Her original ‘hair in rollers’ scarf, i clearly remember her wearing it. But now its mine! luckily she isn’t online herself to find out i nicked it. Though she does often say ‘i can hear the grass grow and can see to belfast’ so i guess my sins could well find me out where she is concerned….
Vignettes 4
Every thursday there’s a secret place one can go in Edinburgh to buy wonderful things. This place is not well publicised and for good reason. I once wrote about it here on the blog and was berated for ‘spreading the word’ with abandon. Suffice it to say that you need cash, time, and a good strong pair of elbows.
The following finds are the best of the bunch, and the stories behind them.
I’m always on the look-out for vintage Tala. They have re-released some of their classic baking products, but its the originals that really are the icing on the cake (he he). So when i saw this quite unusual cake tin, i was not going to let it slip through my fingers. It came to me for £10.
The real beauty is in the restoration job i achieved on it. Here is an instagram of it before i attacked it with bleach (no surprises there). Looks like someone was using it as a tool box (the cheek!). I had to sacrifice the lettering a bit to get the grime off, and then paint them on again afterwards. But it was worth it to bring up that beautiful duck-egg blue colour.
I’ve written about clocks before in this series, but am not intentionally building a collection. However that does appear to be the case… I bid (small clue as to whereabouts) on a box of rubbish and won it for £1. Within it were these fabulous clocks. The first one i absolutely love – looks to be around 1950s in origin, and ties in nicely with my current birdie phase.
These little retro travel clocks were lurking in the bottom of my box of surprises. Aren’t they funky?!
I got these vintage Salter weighing scales for £1. Bargain!
Also in the box – this silver cake stand, plus a centre-handled one to match. I will add this to my very small and reasonable cake stand collection.
Antiquing in the rain – Drummond Reid Antiques
This weekend I took a delightful little tour around some spots I’ve recently found or heard about with my friend Cassie of Olive Owl Art. If it’s a rainy Saturday afternoon- antiquing-snoop around in NI you’re after, this is your guide!
First up, a real treat, recently popped up in Belfast City centre – Drummond Reid, just off of the Ormeau Road on Sunnyside St. They have moved in from Saintfield in the last number of months, and I’m glad they did! You’ll find a really broad range of items from classic to shabby chic to funky retro if one may describe ‘antiques’ as such! They have caught the vision for the current rage on mid century furnishings and have some fab examples..
in and old Church hall.. on Sunnyside St
'G plan' nest of tables
Mid Century Sideboard.. a beaut!
In love with these SOLD chairs 
Re-upholstering.. fabulous!
Pair Tulip tables - so 50's!
This is for you sis.. Cornish Blue Collector
The owner hard at work, and delighted to tell you anything you need to know!
The owner was full of facts about his stock, and happy to share them. Nice to meet you!
Moooom, not more!
Next we popped in to ‘Smithfield Market’ out the back of Castlecourt. I wouldn’t plan a trip downtown just for this, but if you are in the area, nip in and take it in, it’s a bizarre few aisles of shops/units. The antique shop is possibly too much for even Mary Queen of Shops to organise, but is worth a dig. However, everything I wanted the owner seemed to want too, and there isn’t much room to browse, think this one is for collectors who really know what they’re after!
We picked up a flyer that day for a Collectibles and antique fair on the Lisburn road, which it appears is on every second Saturday here. So we mooched on over. It was a few tables in a hall affair, and well worth the look. Its amazing how many collectors/dealers there are out there, and in this kind of setting the prices are still reasonable.
I got this great, and very official ‘Miller’s’ guide for £2 so I can at least own pictures of 50′s items, if I cant fit them in my home!
Millers Guide to 1950s
Here’s a good link to a guide to some other places if you’ve still got the energy!
And I’m excited to find MKVintageUSA who I mentioned in my last post will be at this fair in Newtownards this weekend.. maybe see you there!
Someone who knows*, tells me Ballinderry Antiques is worth a look too, want to come?
*This person shall remain nameless as he’s meant to be on Ivan’s side!
Vintage Homebird
The Salvage sisters have had the delight of a few days on the same side of the shuck with Lucy being in Northern Ireland for a few days.
After the trauma of actually having to clear some things out that we couldnt possibly salvage or find room for, at the car boot, we undertook a little intentional rambling around NI to unearth some new treasure hot spots I’d heard about on the vintage circuit.
vintage homebird
I have never had a reason to go to Greyabbey before, but that is where the lovely Keri Johnston has opened the most beautiful space to retail her very attuned collection of vintage, retro and kitsch memorabilia. After a gorgeous drive about 20 mins out of Belfast hugging the coastline, we were excited to find this little town has a plethora of antique shops and the like. With the warmest welcome, we pottered through the three room space on two levels, laid out to eye watering, heart quickening, I want-all-of-it perfection.
Keri’s enthusiasm and warmth is exuded throughout her shop to inspire you even more than the fabulous lay out. Get on down there if you get the chance.
Watch this space for our next treasure ramble..
Anthropologie edinburgh
I am very excited about next week’s grand opening of Anthropologie on George St, its only shop out-with London in the UK. Originally from Philadelphia, it showcases a wonderful treasure-trove of beautiful fashion and interior pieces. Each store is independently run, with unique styling and window displays to really make you linger…
Their range is vast and eclectic. Check out this page of cushions, some fabulous wallpapers, lush rugs, or see these styled warm-weather rooms to get more of the flavour and feel of their styling.
And a few pics to inspire…
Retropolis
I had to get straight onto the blog to share my latest delightful furniture purchase from my latest salvage venue. I occasionally pop in to Drum Farm Antiques near the city bypass, and was pleasantly surprised during yesterday’s visit to find a new business adjoining the warehouse called Retropolis Antique and Vintage Emporium. Only 4 weeks old, they have a great spread of furniture and trinkets, either lovingly restored or in need of an imaginative friend. as it happened, i was late for a meeting so i didn’t get to ponder and pontificate in my usual way over the cabinet, an eclectic paring of glass-topped and shelf-bottomed loveliness, formerly a shop fitting. But it was love at first sight and there was no need for deliberation, especially at the enticing price of £70 including delivery later that evening. Luckily there was a rugby match on so that i could spend the evening staring at my new illuminated friend, dreaming up possibilities whilst Malkie was otherwise occupied.
I have opted for a cutesy china/enamelware combo for the display, but i’m sure this is merely the first incarnation of many. I have tried to keep it simple but also make the most of a great display opportunity. But i’m wondering if i should stick to a few signature wow-factor pieces….what do you think?
Goodies 2
So my glee in Belfast’s sources continued on Sunday in the most excellent collaborative of iconic, collectible vintage and retro pieces I have ever seen under one roof, at the Retro Rooms. There are lots of great photos at this link, but here are my most covetable, jaw dropping, stamp-my-feet-i-want-it items.
I have a chair fetish, and here are two of the best samples in the best colours I have ever seen in real life!
A pair of these Vintage Danish 1970 swivel Egg Chairs in Danish Blue wool from Original Compulsive Design..
Danish 1970's Egg Chair
This original Eames Chair by the same people.. in my ultimate colour..
Eames Chair
And here is what I got.. this image care of Frock Around the Clock blog
Coupe Glasses
Peuter Candleabra
I was delighted to meet the lady at It’s Vintage Darling, who hales from my townland Co. Armagh, with wares from her Armagh shop, and got this long hunted for candleabra complete with pink candles, yum. And Coupe champagne glasses, a collectable for me..Cant wait to visit..
Finally no day out is complete without a few remnants..
Crochet blanket
This mustard crochet blanket funks up a tired old chair in the nursery..
And unless Im mistaken this pink and mint lace linen is quite original, or else died in the wash! Love it.
Baby pink linen
Hints of Pink
Picks out my touches of pink very well.
I’m tickled pink! x
Vintage in the Country!
I was ever so excited to hear about the ‘All things vintage’ fair being held at Derry’s in Annaghmore, on Feile FMs ‘Saturday morning show’ with ‘Frock around the Clock’ interviewee Becky Moore.
Being a local girl I endeavoured to visit my Granny and then get on down there, and I did! It really was a treat of all things vintage, from designer vintage frocks and authentic american vintage jewellery, to antique, retro and kitsch collectibles of all descriptions, alongside some incredible repro furniture including outrageous felt covered vignettes and glorious chaise longues.
A Salvage sister day out is not complete without a great tea room with exquisite iced buns to smear into our new collectibles, if we are 1 years old, as my budding salvaging partner Lucia did. She was also very taken with the great live jazz music, creating a fabulous atmosphere for us to bop around whilst my eyes were darting everywhere for the next inspirational find! (pics of my finds to come, as my camera is temporarily on holiday!)
You could even get ahead for your night out with ‘Pin up’ hairstyling available on the day. The beautiful 50′s up styles they were creating are a good thing, as this weeks Sunday Times Style magazine tells me that this is a season to get adult and polished – chic, elegant and grown up are this seasons buzz words apparently. ‘Think Mad Men Women, soignee 195o’s girls with up dos’ Read more about the stylists, and the fact that UTV will be featuring this great day shortly at the Derry’s blog.
Also dont miss Frock Around the Clock Vintage Fashion and Textile fair at the Holiday Inn, Ormeau Road, Belfast this Sunday the 26th September.
[slideshow]
All photos courtesy of Derry’s own Cathy Haughey so far, as unfortunatley as I mentioned above, my camera went home in someone elses bag from holidays! Miss you!
A Belfast favourite for useful finds..
Here are my recent ‘practical’ purchases from an amazing church based project that I love,East Belfast mission.
The first for a fiver, the second fifteen. I love anything to do with round/ oval mirrors or frames.
I can see this little bland guy as my new bathroom book stand and cabinet.. mags in a bathroom, essential!
Really fancy this painted up as a funky retro vanity unit.. My jewellery definately needs an inspiring shop fit, where I’ll be inspired to pluck each piece up anew!
And a little ‘after’ view for you. The contrast shade should maybe have been brighter.. went for grey/ aqua tones, and a blue/grey glass knob.
The colours were inpsired by a recent trip to a magnificent pebble beach in Donegal on a treasured visit with Salvage sis Lucy. I ‘salvaged a few’ to add feature to the bathroom.
I’ve since evolved this little cabinet with some birdy decals.. I recieved a beautiful little note with this design, and just knew it had to be saved from the bin or a dusty shelf!
too cute to trash/stash
Birdy decals
The Glory Hole
I was delighted to recently discover a new place to forage for finds. The Glory Hole in Innerleithen, Scottish Borders, is the source of these latest treasures – a selection of collector’s Cornishware, and a beautiful vintage embroidered tea-cosy to add to the respective collections. To get into the shop, the owner had to come out the front door, there being only one passage though the precarious piles of suitcases, door-knobs, lettering stamps, china, carpets, silverware and furniture. I know where I’ll be spending my lunch break these days…
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