You're gorgeous

For the first time, Sheffield and I played host/ess for a blogger meet-up yesterday. 

Between us, my adopted home city laid on a vintage fair and other vintage shopping opportunities, the obligatory Wetherspoons lunch and cocktails, and some glorious sunshine!

 Jarvis let us down badly and failed to show up, but then he wouldn't have got a word in edgeways!

Gisela, Vix, Sara, Tania, Em and Sandra - ready for the fun of the vintage fair in the Town Hall.

But first...

This time, I said to myself as I made my way to the station (early, I hasten to add), I'm prepared.

I have gifts for everyone;

I have already taken some outfit pics;

and I am going to take loads and loads of photos of our day.

Look, I'm starting on my walk down to the station.

Here's Andrew Motion's poem on the side of a building at Hallam University;

 here's Harry Brearley, the father of stainless steel, for which Sheffield is famous (painted by Faunographic);

 and here's that wonderful water wall at the station, looking beautiful in the sunshine.

And rather perfectly matching my outfit too.

1970s angel sleeve maxi dress - vintage market (£5)
Bangles, necklace, flower and most of the rings - charity shopped
Sandals - retail (sale) 

 And then this happened, and it all went to pot!

Gift exchanging at the station; we all did so well, we didn't really need to go shopping at all.

That was God, trying to strike Em down for her blasphemous ways, but she's made of stern stuff.

And the police weren't required on this occasion, always a blessing.

After that, the photos all got a bit blurry and random - I know, despite all my good intentions. I clearly can't shop, talk, and take photos at the same time.

The Town Hall has some beautiful features, and was packed with vintage sellers.

Vix tried on the phallic mushroom dress in Mooch Vintage, where the delightful Wayne was very welcoming and friendly.

We raised a glass to absent friends in Wetherspoons, and we all wore something pink for our darling friend Krista, who was with us in spirit and in the form of a photo, there at the end of the table!

We missed you, Krista!
  

 
So after seeing Sandra off, we had a final drink and chat.

Thank you so much for coming, ladies; as always, it was a joy to see you all!


Now; do you want to see the treasures which came home with me? There were gifts galore, and the odd purchase or two...

Nail varnish, beautiful floral fabric, a pin cushion, and a helpful sewing guide from Em;

and a shedload of vintage patterns and sewing notions from Vix.

(These girls are encouraging me in my burgeoning sewing addiction - it's brilliant!)

So many goodies from Sara; 1970s-style lurex vest top, Best of Jackie book, Hello the Mushroom tote bag, 1970s secretary dress, vintage faux fur collar, and a Mango handbag.

Amazing vintage tapestry and vinyl bag, nail varnish, notepad and scarf from Gisela;

the coolest little pot from Sandra;

and a wrap cardigan and 1960-70s dream of a maxi from Tania.

As we all commented, there really was no need buy anything else after we'd exchanged gifts, but of course we didn't let that stop us.

I found;

a 1970s polka dot chiffon maxi dress, a tooled leather bag, and a Krista-licious velvet jacket (for days when a denim jacket just won't do!)

What a day; I loved it! When can we do it again?

We were nothing if not highly visible, so I'm linking to Patti's Visible Monday.

Visible, and gorgeous!

xxx