Pleasant wonder is no loss of time

I'm not generally very good with change.

I like what I know, I like routine, I like the safety.

 But sometimes, a big old shake up is just the thing. 

 Before I moved, Nina asked both Simon and I whether we would be sad or lonely on the days when she, Claudia and Owen were at the other parent's house. We both replied with an amused but emphatic no!

I can't vouch for Simon, but for me, those days have a strangely unreal quality to them. Time opens up in front of me, space to be filled in any manner of my choosing. Of course work commitments continue, and all the usual chores still require attention, but there have been times when I have a day off, no particular plans, and I wake up without an alarm and lie for a minute in the dark, excited by the prospect of suiting myself, from start to finish of the day. I can't quite find the words to articulate how it feels - it's liberating, but slightly overwhelming, so much choice almost makes me anxious until I remind myself I don't have to cram a million things in, I'll have days like this on a regular basis now. 

It's... a bit trippy. 

1970s dress and cardigan - charity shopped 

Something I did on one such day was go for a walk in our local park and visit Meersbrook Hall, an 18th Century Grade II listed house. Since the 1950s, the hall has been home to council offices, but the Parks and Countryside department has now relocated and this year, the keys to the building were handed over to the Friends of Meersbrook Hall and local charity Heeley Development Trust. They plan to refurbish the house and develop it as a thriving community resource, remaining in public ownership. 

It was the first time I have ever set foot inside the Hall.

Nina's year group at school had an art exhibition on display, inspired by the work of John Ruskin.

Nina's picture. 

Walking home in the dimming light of late afternoon, the low cloud looked like mountains in the distance.
 

But as much as I am relishing some solitude, I am making the most of my social opportunities too...

 
well, it would have been rude to ignore this talented young man, don't you think?

My shop's Christmas do was a night out at a burlesque show. 

My feathers weren't quite as impressive - love those fans!

1950s cocktail dress - gift from Wayne at Mooch

Feather fascinator, bracelet and 1950s crystal necklace - charity shopped

With Heather, Mel and Jo - the most glamorous charity shop team ever!

And while we're on the subject of leggy birds in feathers - look at this beauty, spotted on the River Sheaf the other day. Watching him take off was a joy. 

Ruskin had it right - pleasant wonder is no loss of time.

Linking - for the first time in ages - to Patti's Visible Monday.

xxx

A tale of two skirts

If my blogging form of late were to be graded, it would probably score a poor D- (and that would be generous). The dog didn't eat my homework, I've just found it hard to summon up time, energy or inclination. 

Must Do Better, and I intend to try.

I'm in a skirt phase at the moment, and these two have been on high rotation, especially for work.

1950s wool jacket, Hobbs wool skirt, jumper and scarf - charity shopped

Boots - retail (sale)

1950s brooch - flea market

 1970-80s St Michael skirt, top, cardigan and scarf - charity shopped 

Boots - retail (sale)

Vintage Windsmoor faux fur coat - vintage fair

Despite the fact that tartan isn't my favourite print, I do like the colours and the different shapes of these two skirts. 

 I've worked some extra hours lately, covering at other shops and doing some sorting and pricing of stock for the vintage shop. It opens on February 15th, but I have next week off for half term, so yesterday was my final day at my old shop. 

Doors close, doors open.

We've had plenty of rain and howling winds, but the sun does occasionally shines; Owen and I took advantage of a break in the clouds to head to town. He needed a haircut as badly as I do.

 And because I like nothing better than a busman's holiday, I've managed to find time to peruse the charity shops and nab myself some vintage treasures.

1960-70s enamel pan

1970s maxi dress

1960s vinyl bag

1960s sewing pattern

1950-60s Franpear lurex sweater

1960s Petite Francaise silk duster coat

That last one was the real bargain of the bunch - an immaculate vintage slub silk coat for £2.50? Now that's why I go scouring the rails of charity shops on my days off. 

The ever-useful Vintage Fashion Guild's label resource informs me that Petite Francaise was probably a British label, started in the mid-1960s, producing beautifully tailored dresses and matching jackets.

My old tan boots have started to let the rain in, so I was pleased to find these Hush Puppies at half price as a replacement. The old boots will still be fine when the weather allows. 

I'll link to the lovely Patti and her Visible Monday gathering, and I'll be round to see what everyone has been up to as well. 

It's been a sad week. George's funeral was a highly emotional occasion for everyone, but a warm, personal and beautifully thoughtful tribute to a lovely young man. And I'm sorry to be leaving my little team of staff and volunteers at Nether Edge.

Onwards, upwards...

xxxx

Blue's the hue

Guess what?

I got the job!

A shiny new hair colour and a new job, all in one week.

1970s German-made dress - vintage shop

Boots and belt - retail (sale)

Bangles - charity shopped

As pleased as I am to be offered the job, I must confess to feeling a little anxious. There are plenty of unknowns about this enterprise, and I am sacrificing the comfort and convenience of my current post. Still, nothing ventured...

Being part of the team setting up a new shop will be hard work with a raft of challenges, but it's an exciting prospect too.

I don't have a start date yet, but I'll let you know when I do. 

On Saturday, Nina and I went on a reconnaissance trip to Broomhill, the suburb of Sheffield where the new St Luke's vintage shop will be opening.

This is it; still empty and awaiting a refit. (Sorry about the lousy photo, it's all reflection of the bus pulling up and the shop opposite. Oh, and there we are too!)

 

 Broomhill is a smart area with plenty of leafy streets, and Victorian houses ranging from little terraces to huge villas.  

 It's where I lived during my first year in Sheffield as a student. The small shopping centre is busy and thriving; despite the inevitable presence of a Costa, Boots and Sainsbury's, there are still plenty of independent shops, cafes and restaurants to add diversity and interest.

Of course there are charity shops...

and a couple of decent pubs which are still going strong 33 years after I first discovered them.

I think it's a good location for a vintage shop; the area has a significant student population, but there are professionals and families too. There is money here (and two fee-paying schools), the houses aren't cheap, and it remains a popular area.

The prospect of Mum's new job made Nina jump for joy.

We wandered through the Botanical Gardens...

enjoying the last of the roses, the autumn colours, and the friendly bear.

Well, you can't blame the bears.

And look what I found in the PDSA charity shop;

this beautiful late 1950s/early 1960s lace cocktail dress.

No doubt it would have been an expensive dress in its day; I paid just £7.

(Interestingly, there was a Betty Jackson for Debenhams dress in a very similar style on the same rail, priced at £9. 

Go figure...)

So it was a successful afternoon out, and I am only having the occasional anxiety dream about the new job. Wish me luck!

I'll be joining Patti's Visible Monday as always.

xxx

Hazy shade of winter

We're having a snow day today; the kids' schools are both closed, and although that has scuppered my plans for the day, it's actually rather useful to have some enforced time at home. 

I'm finding that working an extra day in the charity shop has blown my blogging schedule (not that I ever really had one) and I need to find a new rhythm.

My hazy shades of winter this week match the garden; green, black and white.

Left:

Windsmoor faux fur coat - vintage fair

1970s Berkertex dress and boots - Ebay

Wrap cardigan - gift from Tania

Necklace and bangles - charity shopped

 

Right:

1950s dress - gift from Vix

Coat, cardigan and 1920-30s brooch - charity shopped

Boots (NEW!) - retail (half price)

New boots; get me. The lace-up boots on the left are on their last legs (ha!), and my poor feet can't manage a walk to work and standing up all day in heels any more.

 

So I've been looking for a pair of knee-high black leather boots for ages; plain, no buckles, studs, flaps or fringes, low-heeled, long enough not to appear mid-calf length on me, and within my price range. The charity shop gods have failed me, Ebay prices have escalated too high for secondhand boots without the possibility of return if they don't fit, so I rather reluctantly bought new.

 

For £50, I have exactly what I wanted. I feel hugely self-indulgent, but pleased too.

Although naturally, secondhand shopping remains my One True Love.

1950-60s (I'm guessing) Austrian-made rainbow glass necklace - £3

1970s Pierre Cardin silk scarf with hand-rolled edges - £1

1970s navy leather bag - £4

 

In addition to writing a blog post, it has also been good to be at home today to get this little lot washed, ironed and ready for Ebay;

 

 

1960-70s dresses, plus a 1960s wool skirt suit. 

 

The couple who have been donating all the vintage stock to our charity shop hadn't been in since Christmas, but turned up yesterday. Sadly, the task of sorting out their relative's house has defeated them, and they have employed a house clearance firm to take the rest, so these are their final donations.  I'm a bit gutted, but can sympathise completely with how overwhelming they found the job, and our local hospice has done very well out of the treasures they gave us.

And I have loved sorting through them.

So many dresses...Good labels too, Wolsey and Wetherall are classic British heritage brands, and along with the Carnegie, Cresta and Susan Small frocks, they would have been expensive items in their day.

 I'm Ebaying these on behalf of St Luke's, but rest assured I left plenty more on the rails for the discerning charity shopper looking for vintage - 1950-70s coats, dresses and suits galore.

Before the snow.

So bear with me, while I get to grips with what amounts to a part-time job, albeit one which is unpaid. (I'm not complaining - I love it!) 

 

And I'll catch up with you all as soon as I've photographed and measured all those frocks...

xxx