Alcester

The other day I was reading on the internet about other local, Warwickshire towns. One which particularly took my fancy was one called Alcester. The website described it as a vibrant high street with lots of antique shops and tudor buildings. It sounded perfect, so on Saturday we decided to take a trip over and check it out.

It wasn't that far to travel, just beyond Stratford really, and parking was free which is always a bonus. I donned that 40s-esque frock that I bought in Evesham earlier in the week, but it was so cold that I wouldn't dare take my coat off for an outfit shot, so you'll have to take my word for it.

Anyway, we arrived in Alcester mid-afternoon, and to be honest it wasn't as good as we hoped. The first thing we needed was a refresher (yes tea and cake is always my first concern) so we popped to a nice little cafe by the church where we had the most divine cream tea. Seriously, that was probably the best cream tea I've ever had. I'm not one for taking photographs of my food when I go out, but this scone-zilla was so huge that I had to share.

Afterwards we had a potter around the high street. It was picturesque ok, but there were no antique shops, we even asked one of the locals and he said there were none. There was a good selection of charity shops, and in one I bought the most divine vintage glasses but alas I left them at the shop to pick up later and managed to come all the way back home without them. Needless to say I was gutted. There wasn't really enough to keep us in Alcester though, it's a bit sparce once you have done the charity shops and the tea shops, so en route home we stopped off in Kenilworth for the last hour. We didn't get anything there either really, and the weather was so bad I was just glad to be home during the evening.

Today I've woken up with the most astounding back pain, but I still managed to list a few of my handbags on eBay. I'm trying to make enough money for some dresses I have my eye on. Hopefully later I'll be able to list one or two things on http://www.bebopaloulouvintage.com/ too. If you're not following us on twitter then search @bebopaloulou because when I get to 500 followers I'm going to do a special 15% off code.

Frock on Friday

Hello everyone. We're having a very wet drought round these parts, it's dull, it's grey, it rains non-stop, but when I had to pop out today to visit Angie and do a few bits and bobs I would not let the weather get me down, and I layered on the undergarments and this fabulous dress. Hubby bought me this dress a while back (yes, he buys me frocks when I'm not around) and I instantly loved it, but despite that it's never been out of my wardrobe, until today. With its pale colours on a black background, the way it falls over the curves, and the tie at the neckline that you can't actually see in these pictures, I think it gives a nice nod to the 1930s style. I'd love it if it were perhaps just a little bit longer because then it would feel more 30s, but hey we can't have everything.

Of course, I had to add a cardy and a mahoosive coat before I could go anywhere, but that's not the point, at least I know I looked nice under it.

Earlier in week Roisin nominated me for a versatile blogger award. Describing me as 'the epitome of versatile blogging' I was flattered, so thank you Roisin. I now have to pass the award onto some other bloggers, and then share 7 facts about myself with you.

My bloggers are Redressing, who aside from being a lovely helpful person, is wonderfully stylish and writes about fabulous vintage inspired posts, with lovely pictures and useful information.

Peetees Palace, Krista just exudes energy and her bouncy personality comes out all over her blog. I'm looking forward to her visit to the UK in September, and hoping I'll get to meet her.

Helga Von Trollop, one of my all time favourites, a lady who knows how to have fun, and knows how to look good doing it.

Camelias and Crinolines, a fantastic sewist and all around Stylista from New Zealand. Her vintage inspired sewing projects never cease to make me swoon.

The fabulous Miss Simmonds Says, I love her charity shop finds and her eternal quest for vintage... not to mention 2 cutie pie dogs that sometimes crop up in the photographs.

I have loads more favourite blogs, but those are 5 you should definitely pop along and check out. Now, for the facts, I'm going to try and keep this short and sweet as I'm sure you don't want to read extensive boring facts about me, so I'll try to keep it to tidbits.

1. I hate Marmite (no explaination needed)

2. I tried to be vegetarian once, it lasted about a week. I love meat too much.

3. I am one of life's collectors, if it's remotely collectable I will. Current collections include vintage silk scarves, matryoshka dolls, vintage powder compacts, handbags, vintage brooches, vintage china, hats.

4. I drink my tea and coffee black, but love a cappucino. I know, a total contradiction

5. My dream holiday destination would be Cuba

6. I used to be crazy about rollerblading, I was really good but I damaged both of my knees doing it, and now they click forevermore.

7. If money were no object I would love to live in Guernsey.

So, there you are, great blogs and useless facts. What a fab finish to a Friday. Have a great weekend people.

Vintage Fashion, Cakes and Cocktails

Here in the UK there's a magazine called The Lady, which according the website is Britains longest running weekly. I've often seen it on the shelves of the shops, had a flick through and decided that it's really not aimed at someone like me. By that I mean someone who isn't around 70 years old. Anyway, while pottering around on Twitter tonight (yes, I do spend a disproportionate amount of my time on Twitter) someone linked to The Lady's new website. Now, I've not been paid to mention 'The Lady' website, but since I really enjoyed it I thought that some of you would too, and you know me, I like to share.

I popped along and had a look and frankly I'm amazed because the website certainly appears to be aimed directly at me. There is a fashion section which has a selection of articles on vintage fashion, including makeovers and original tips from the magazine from the 1920s onward. Then there is an etiquette section covering aspects of modern manners. Recipes including cakes and of course delicious cocktails.


From http://thelady.co.uk/

I spent about half an hour perusing the website, entered a competition to win a bottle of vodka and a cocktail shaker, signed up to the newsletter and added the link to my favourites bar. So, if like me you've looked at The Lady and thought, thanks but no thanks, and you have a passion for the vintage lifestyle, then I would really pop along to the website and check it out. I can't speak for the magazine, but if the brand has overgone a transformation I'll definitely be checking it out.

Evesham

Today I decided I fancied a trip out somewhere, and preferably somewhere different to where I usually go. I didn't fancy the usual Leamington, Kenilworth, Warwick or Stratford. I don't deal so well with the hustle and bustle of Birmingham and Solihull wasn't really floating my boat, so I opted for a completely new to me place, Evesham. 

Evesham Abbey


Evesham is in Worcestershire, right on the edge of the picturesque Cotswolds it's just under an hour drive from here, and I had heard that the charity shopping was good too.

I rolled up in the early afternoon and was immediately struck by the picturesque Tudor buildings, and also Evesham was slightly larger than I was expecting it to be.



Tudor Buildings



Ye Olde Banke

After a cuppa and a warm scone in a cafe called 'Butlers' (that name reminded me of on the buses), I made my way along the main high street. My first stop was a fantastic home clearances shop. This is the second time this week I've stumbled upon a home clearance shop, and it makes me wonder why my home town doesn't have one? I'm sure there are home clearances here in Coventry, so where do they go? The one in Evesham was a great little place to rummage around and the prices were reasonable too. I managed to bag this Alfred Meakin commemorative trio, in fab condition, for a mere £5. Of course, it means that one of my cups and saucers has to get evicted from the display cabinet as I really have to keep a strict one in one out policy with that, but I have been after a nice commemorative something  or other for a while, and this is perfect.

We weren't far along that main high street when we started stumbling along charity shop, after charity shop, after charity shop. I didn't count how many charity shops I found in Evesham, but there were a lot. I didn't really find much in the first few, but was happy with my trio. Then I stumbled upon an antique emporium called 'Magpie'. This was fabulous, I saw so much in there that I'd have bought were I flush but something that particularly caught my eye was the most fantastic dressing table set that was enamelled solid silver. It was perfect and I've never seen anything like it. The lovely woman in the shop was happy to let me see it closer and handle it, but there was no way I'd ever have afforded the £650 price tag, albeit it was worth it with all that silver. Someone who gets that set will be a very lucky girl indeed. I also saw some amazing vintage radios in there, but no vintage record player alas and so my search continues.

I stumbled on one particular charity shop that was not only inexpensive, but pretty damn good. I picked up a stash of vintage sewing patterns, some that hadn't even been used, a spice rack which I've been looking for forever to house my vintage china spice jars that I found in another charity shop about 3 months back, some silver plated butter knives and of course teddy bears for the dogs.

We had a peruse then along Evesham's other main shopping street, which had more high street sort of shops along it, but it was in the charity shop there that I managed to bag this beautiful 1940s esque dress. You can't see how 1940s like this frock is on the hanger, so you will have to take my word for it, but I'm looking forward to wearing it.

After a look at the river and a snack it was time to head home. The weather had been kind and I wanted to get back before rush hour and before the weather decided to turn again.

En route home I collected a parcel from the post office, it was this gorgeous Crabtree and Evelyn gift set that I'd won from Crabtree and Evelyn on twitter last week, and that was just the perfect end to a lovely day.

I'd definitely recommend taking a trip to Evesham if you're ever around Worcestershire way.

Why I Wish I Hadn't Missed the 1970s

There's a programme on TV at the moment, a series, called 'The 70s'. Now, being born in 1981, I narrowly missed that decade, but watching this programme has made me realise that I would have loved to have been around then. Okay, there were miners strikes (which carried over into the 80s), powercuts, high inflation etc etc etc, but there was so much that I would have loved.

1. Coventry (my hometown) was the centre of the huge two-tone movement with major bands coming out of the city, like The Selector and The Specials. 

2. Men could wear makeup, long curly hair and pink trousers and rock out and that was okay. Women still fancied them, men still wanted to be them

3. Kick ass rock chicks were holding their own in the glam rock stakes.

4. Abba (this one needs no explanation)

5. Not only was looking like Margot Leadbetter acceptable, it was positively encouraged.

6. DISCO

7. My two all time favourite musicals were released in the 1970s.

That is why I wish I hadn't missed the 1970s!

Vintage Smoking Ads

I'm no advocate of cigarettes. Aside from a week long experimentation at university, when I decided that actually smoking is a bit gross, very expensive and most definitely not 'me' I've never smoked, nor had the urge to.

More and more is being done now to dissuade the masses from smoking. Smoking bans, bans on large shops displaying tobacco products and health warnings printed all over packets, taking a puff is becoming increasingly taboo.

Rewind then to the 1940s when the Camels advert proudly stated that more doctors smoke camels than any other cigarette. Hell, it even looks like Dr. Death might be recommending a lifetime of smoking to wee Tommy there.

In fact, I'm surprised more children weren't smoking back then given that even the Disney characters of the day were sporting cigars.

The BMA would have a field day with all this nowadays. The trend continued through the 50s and 60s though, and shows like Mad Men which give a really good social commentary on those decades demonstrate how much that smoking was a normal part of everyday life. I think the people in Mad Men are the beautiful people, but really, would you fancy a kiss from Mr. Ashtray breath there? No thanks.

In fact, even during the 70s the smoking campaigns were still going strong. Trying to woo the ladies? Here's a tactic you probably don't want to try... unless you get your kicks from being slapped in the face by the lady you're trying to woo.

Once again, it just demonstrates how different society is nowadays and that despite my absolute adoration of everything vintage, some things are really best left in the past.

Bubble Burst

So folks, after all of the hard work I mentioned last week, Tuesday's outcome wasn't really the one I was after. Nonetheless you've just got to pick yourself up, dust yourself off and get on with it hey? Everything should be a learning experience. I was disappointed yesterday though, but spent the evening with a glass of wine and a copy of Homes and Antiques, allowing me to wake up with an up and at 'em approach to things today.

Anyway, I did pop out for a bit of a potter in Warwick today, and although I didn't have a great deal of time there I did manage to check out a few second hand shops and antique shops. I love the shopping offer in Warwick. In the first charity shop I found some fantastic vintage Cherry B glasses. I already have some Babycham ones that I picked up a while back, and for much cheaper than I've managed to find them anywhere else, so these Cherry B ones will fit in nicely. I think I'll keep them in the china cabinet though because I've been really clumsy with glass just lately, I've broken about 3 glasses in 2 weeks.

Then, in the antique shop I found these tremendous vintage playing cards. I think they may be original 1950s ones, and each one has an 'exotic model' on them... from Hollywood no less. I love them, they are totally kitsch and even though we only actually ever play cards when we go camping, I don't care, these are fab and unique.

I've not got anything hugely exciting lined up this week, but if you get time then pop over and check out my item of the week on the BeBopaLouLou blog.

Domestic Goddess... In Training

This week has been another one that's flown buy in a blur of me being terribly busy. I have an important engagement on Tuesday, which I will tell you about after Tuesday if it all goes to plan and so I've been doing a lot of work and making a lot of effort in the hope that it all goes well.

In between though I took myself off to my usual hairdressers, and asked for something a bit different. I wanted something with a short blunt fringe that I could grow into a bob, and I came out with this fabulous 1960s esque do.

Thankfully my hairdresser knows my penchant for vintage and isn't afraid to do what I ask on my hair. When I popped to a few shops afterwards I had several compliments from strangers, so that was nice.

Aside from that, I've been doing my level best to become a domestic goddess this week by attempting lots of different recipes. I'd found myself (as I sometimes do) getting stuck in a food rut, so I dug out some of my cookery books and so far this week my experiments have included:

Nigella's choc chip chilli
Jamie's Earl Grey tea loaf,
Jamie's toad in the hole
Jamie's Empire roast chicken, and
Jerk pork chops cooked in Cider, inspired by a Jamie recipe.

Needless to say all of these recipes have been well received by hubby and some of them even by the step-children, which really is an achievement. I well and truly feel out of my food rut and I've got some more recipes (yes, mostly from Jamie) up my sleeve this coming week too.

Yesterday we all took a trip over to Stratford. Since it's been non stop work around here with the decorating, the launch of http://www.bebopaloulouvintage.com/ and the project I'm currently working on we haven't had much leisure time, and hubby decided that we really needed a day out. It was lovely, and as luck would have it there was an antiques fair on in Rother street too, where I managed to say hello to some people I follow on Twitter.

We had a gorgeous cup of tea from vintage china in the Emporium tea rooms, and then spent an absolute age in the vintage accessories shop where I bought this confection. I was so enamoured of this that I wore it straight away.

Along with another fabulous compact to add my collection of vintage compacts. As luck would have it, the one I was using had just run out of powder, so I've cleaned that one up and returned it to my display and once the seive is dry I'll be using this 'Melissa' creation as my daily powder compact.

So, as you can see, my lack of blogging of late hasn't been because I've emigrated or anything exciting like that, but more that I've just been tremendously busy. I am hoping that normal service will resume soon.

Renovating a Vintage Display Cabinet

Hello folks. Sorry for the lack of blog posts around here, I'd like to say it was all because of the fact that we were launching http://www.bebopaloulouvintage.com/ on Sunday, but there were other more technical issues too, like the fact that I'd almost brought my laptop to its knees by not being a good housekeeper and not maintaining my system properly. It seems ok now though, and so I'm back.

I don't think that my appreciation of vintage bone china cups and saucers, and vintage inspired cake stands is any secret. When we recently decorated our dining room, however, I decided to look out for an appropriate means of storing and displaying my modest (ahem) collection. I love those little french cabinets, but it seemed they were always really expensive. Then, one day when we weren't actually looking for one I happened upon this. It was grim, stained and unloved... but much cheaper than these things are ordinarily. I could see beyond all the grime though and knew I could overhaul it, particularly as all the damage was cosmetic.

On a later shopping trip I dashed into Laura Ashley, and into their bargain bin where I found this wallpaper. I decided it was perfect for lining the cabinet and at only £4 I couldn't leave it.

So, one sunny day (that was a while back) I began the overhaul. The first thing I did was to remove all of the shelves.

After wetting the aged and stained papers which lined the cabinet I was able to easily remove them and set about disinfecting the entire interior of the cabinet. Then it was left to dry in the sun.

Using the shelves as templates I was able to cut the wallpaper out to fit each sehlf, and then glued this in carefully using ready mixed wallpaper paste.

I measured the back panel and cut a piece of the wallpaper to fit, before gluing that in. When all the pieces were glued it was left to dry, then all of the shelves were replaced and the cabinet cleaned once again. I kept the original dark wood because the rest of my house is filled with dark wood items. If I was going for the really shabby chic look I might have painted the cabinet in chalk paint too.

After that I could fill the cabinet with my lovely pieces, and fill it I have. I am now banned from buying any more vintage china because I have nowhere to put it.

It does go to show though, that with a bit of imagination and hard work you can create a beautiful item for not too much cash.


More tea vicar



Cardiff

It's been a while since we've been to Cardiff. With everything that's been going on in the house in terms of decorating and stuff, it was just impossible to get there. We were quite excited then on Sunday to be taking a trip down to collect step-daughter, who was coming back for the Easter holidays.

It seemed to be something of a pattern last weekend that I got to wear things that had been bought for me for Christmas and that hadn't been worn before. I was kind of glad it was a bit chilly as it gave me the opportunity to wear this vintage three piece Basler tweed suit. I love this, it's very warm and pretty quirky too.


Shoes - Deichmann; Bag - Vintage; Suit - Vintage (Basler)
Sunglasses - Gucci; Beret - Oasis; Scarf - Vintage (Jacqmar)

 Anyway, our first stop was the vintage shop (of course), for all the times I've been there I've never noticed a huge corner of sewing patterns and notions, so I immersed myself in there. Now, the other week Retro Chick did this blog post about glamorous vintage style night wear, and this is a topic that I'm fairly passionate about as I think modern nightwear is really dull and unglamorous, so imagine my joy when I found not one, but 2 vintage sewing patterns for night dresses. I almost leapt about the shop.

I can't wait to give these a go, the thing is they are so old that they are the perforated sort of pattern so I should have fun in trying to do those. Of course, I'll be sharing results on here once they are done.

After a lovely lunch it was more pottering around Cardiff. I had hoped to find a new notebook in Cath Kidston, but there was only one and it wasn't really floating my boat. I always end up in Urban Outfitters too, and I don't actually like the shop, it's not very me, but it is a place step-daughter likes. It just so happens though that I found this fantastic book.



It's got 10 patterns for iconic dresses as worn by Bette Davis, Marilyn, Stevie Nicks etc etc etc. So, another sewing related purchase and another reason to be itching to get my sewing machine out. I've got a couple of busy weeks ahead, but after that I think I'll be off to Birmingham fabric shopping and digging out the old sewing machine to see what sorts of wonderful vintage pieces I can make for my collection.

Anyway, that was about it from Cardiff this time, it was just nice to be able to get there given it's been such a long time.

Belated Anniversary Shenanigans

You may remember last weekend when I told you about our wedding anniversary, but we hadn't gone anywhere because we were still in the midst of decorating and so thought we'd save it until the following weekend.

Well, Saturday evening we decided to head out and celebrate our anniversary in nearby Kenilworth. We had pondered the idea of going to the Saxon Mill in Warwick, but after a short afternoon jaunt to Kenilworth on Saturday we decided that was the place. So, Saturday evening came and we got all suited and booted ready to go out. I finally got the wear this vintage suit that hubby had bought me for Christmas last year. I was a bit concerned about going out to eat in a white wool frock, but then I figured if I don't wear it I might not get around to it, and I shouldn't have so many unworn items in my wardrobe. I did feel very swish in this coupled with my Jimmy Choos and a vintage handbag.


Shoes - Jimmy Choo; Dress suit - Vintage; Bag - Vintage

 Hubby looked rather dapper too as always.

Anyway, we arrived in Kenilworth about 9pm, and went straight to a meditteranean restaurant called Ego. It was fab, the place was bustling and there was a guy playing sax too which all added to fantastic atmosphere. I had the most gorgeous tagine, I love Morrocan food and should really learn how to make it myself. The portions were huge and by the end of the meal all I could fit in was a tiny macchiato and then it was time to move on.

A few friends have mentioned The Kenilworth to me before, but I have to confess I hadn't been to this swish cocktail bar. We arrived late, and had to wait for a table because they don't allow people to stand, and the whole interior is decorated in a very decadent black and silver. The music being piped out is all very jazzy 1920s feeling and the cocktail list extends to about 30 pages ranging from about £3.50 for a non-alcholic cocktail up to over £30 for something that sounds like it would result in an evening in casualty to me.


Espresso Martini

Anyway, I was driving this time, so again I was on non-alcoholic cocktails (I wonder will I ever get to sample an alcoholic cocktail in one of Kenilworth's many cocktail lounges) but hubby indulged in a lovely espresso martini, followed by a Miss Holloway... yes it is named after Joanie from Mad Men, and from the sip I had tasted rather divine.

After all that it was pretty late in the evening, and time for us to head home having had a beautiful meal and a fun time in the cocktail lounge.

Vintage Recipe from the 1930s - Baked Bananas

The other night I was flicking through my copy of 'What Every Woman Should Know' from the 1930s, I think I've mentioned before this compilation of snippets from the Daily Mail from the 1930s. Anyway, whilst flicking I found a super simple, cheap and actually not that unhealthy recipe for a desert and thought I'd give it a whirl.

The exact guidance from the book was:

Bananas may be baked in the oven in their skins. Cut off the ends first. When the skins burst take them out, peel them, and serve with a sprinkling of sugar, cream and lemon

(What Every Woman Should Know. Lifestyle Lessons from the 1930s, Daily Mail)

I thought I'd elaborate though as these are some pretty stark instructions.

1. Cut both ends off a banana. Place the banana on an oven tray and bake at gas mark 5, on the top shelf.

2. After 10 minutes turn your banana carefully so that the other side can cook, but take care not to squash it as the banana will have started to soften and the skin will be blackening.

3. Once the banana splits (this took 20 minutes for mine, but I guess it will depend on your oven and the ripeness of your banana), remove it from the oven and peel carefully.

4. Serve with cream, honey, yogurt, ice cream or anything else you fancy and enjoy 1 of your 5 day.

Product Review: Betty Buff, Strawberry Smash Body Scrub

Last week I received a free tester sample of strawberry smash sugar scrub from Betty Buff. This particular flavour of scrub is going to be a new addition to the Betty Buff range, which already includes such mouthwatering flavours as Scrummy Choco sugar scrub and shea souffle moisturiser.


Shea Souffle Moisturiser - £12.00

 Ellie, the brains behind Betty Buff has suffered from eczema, and as such has a passion for delivering products that don't contain all the nasties that can aggravate the condition, like colours, preservatives and perfumes. She has developed a range of products that are so natural that they have a best before date on them. I can guarantee though that even if you aren't an eczema sufferer, you are definitely going to want to get your hands on some of the Betty Buff products.

Besty Zesty Sugar Scrub - £8.00

All of the Betty Buff range comes in these nice jars, and I personally really like the retro feel of the artwork. I'd certainly be happy to have these on my bathroom shelf. Of course though, as my previous reviews have revealed, it's what's inside the packaging that matters, and here again you are not going to be disappointed. When I received my free sample I was eager to smell it and test it out, and as I twisted the lid off and stuck my nose in (as you do) I was struck with how strawberry like this smelled. Now, I know, that's a daft thing to say, it's Strawberry flavour after all, but how many times have you bought toiletries in a shop that are apparently strawberry flavoured and when you get home all you can smell is an inferior laboratory created smell that really isn't that much like strawberries at all? Well, that certainly wasn't the case with this, when I smelled it my first thought was of strawberry jam and cream teas, fresh scones, picnics, Wimbledon and summer. I swear, my mouth actually watered.

Once I got this into the bath and used it, I found it to be as lovely as I expected. The scrubs are made from all natural sugar, and the whole scrub has a really nice texture. It's rough enough for you to know it's doing some good, but not so rough that you're scraping skin off with it. In addition, the Evening Primrose Oil contained in the scrub leaves a nice fine sheen on the skin, not terribly oily, but you know, nice, soft and smooth. Then there's the smell... did I mention the smell? I did find as well that a little goes a long way with this product.

I don't personally suffer eczema, but I do suffer terribly sensitive skin. If I use scrubs from places like the Sanctuary, Body Shop etc I will ordinarily itch at best and break out at worst. I had no problems with this scrub at all though, I didn't itch once and I was just left with lovely soft skin. I would definitely recommend this product, not only is it a fabulous totally natural product which is lovely to use, but Betty Buff is an independent business too, and I think it's really important to support our fabulous independent businesses.

With summer coming up, I'm definitely going to be sloughing off my winter blues with some scrubs from Betty Buff, and I wouldn't hesitate to recommend them to someone else. Strawberry Smash Scrub is now available from Betty Buff priced at £8.00 a jar, although for a limited time the Betty Buff website has a 50% discount offer for Easter which is available until 5th April. I've ordered the divine choco scrub... it is Easter after all.