Talented Robyn

Yesterday I visited the studio of Robyn de Klerk who is a fashion designer who I met through a friend (thanks Nicola). She had some really great ideas about my wedding dress and also showed me some of her very cool and pretty clothes. She shares space with another talented lady, Tammy, who makes gorgeous handmade jewellery. You should go and see them! A good time to do just that would be next Thursday, 8th April from 3 till 7 when they have a sale evening. They also have a regular sidewalk sale on Fridays and will be having this next Friday too (runs till 4 and then they move back upstairs till 7 again!) They are right next door to 44 Stanley. If you're facing the entrance, go left and up the stairs. If you want to contact Robyn, her mail address is robyndeklerk@gmail.com and she can give you all the details! Have fun!

you call it sourcing NOT shopping

When you are broke but still want to have the joy of shopping, you call it sourcing and you know that you will only own these bags for the sweetest and briefest moment. I really SOURCED a good few bags last week. Here are some highlights! Watch the blog for details of when and where I will be selling these babies and their friends!

a vintage burgundy

Just for Tracy (my best customer and most loyal blog reader), I looked through my collection and have found 5 burgundy bags of different descriptions. So here goes.

The top bag is made by Topaz, has one of those cute handles with the press studs so that it can be worn shorter or longer (pictured here in shorter mode). It has 2 main internal pockets, and is lined in grey, it is in perfect condition.
The next bag is a brighter red than the rest, but still a gorgeous winter shade. It is made by Cameo. It is lined in brown and has a shoulder chain in gold tone. It has some scuffs and cracks, looks distressed. This reflects in the price.
Next up is a structured, 50's style bag. It is made by Vitali, lined in brown and in fair condition. It has a short strap, to wear over your forearm.
Last bag is again made by Vitali, it is lined in burgundy with a shoulder chain in gold tone. It is in perfect condition.

Number 5 is the cute ruche fronted clutch pictured a few days ago. Thanks for taking a tour of my collection of burgundy bags!

wedding shoes

I won't post a pic of my gorgeous wedding shoes as beloved is a follower of my blog, and being the traditionalist that he is, sometimes, does not want to see any part of my outfit before the time. Suffice to say, I have bought them, and I love them! I got them on Friday from a shop called "Wizo Wizebuys nearly new shop". It is in Raedene, and worth a look if you are in the area. So that is one more task off the mammoth list! Yesterday we went to the Oriental Plaza for beloved to look for a suit for the big day. He didn't find one, but I am quite impressed that with 6 months to go, he is probably closer to an outfit than I am!

a new and old clutch

I have bought quite a few bags recently to replenish my stock. This one is a new favourite. It is a burgundy clutch in very good condition. Will post the others as soon as I have taken their photos.

mr Blahnik, I presume?

A friend of mine recommended a visit to Annabel's vintage in Westcliff, and so off I went late last week. It is housed in the most beautiful space inside a home set in a garden that made me want to break out a lawn chair and a jug of Pimm's. There is a mix of new and pre-loved clothing, mostly more up to date than (what I call) vintage, all very good stuff and nothing that looked like it had been worn more than twice! The space is airy and everything is laid out in pristine fashion, which is definitely not what I am used to in the Joburg world of vintage. There were some lovely handbags, did not look at the sunglasses but there looked to be a great collection. The very best bit is the shoes. Dior, Chloe, Valentino, Manolo Blahnik, Prada, Jimmy Choos. Seriously well priced, seriously gorgeous. Your inner Carrie will go wild! If you want to visit (and you really should!), best to call ahead on +27 11 486 2600

pretty Hungarian purse

I really love this little purse with all its flowers and curliques. The clasp also has gorgeous black stones (unfortunately you can't see them in the pic). The details are magic and I suppose that is what I love about vintage! It has a label inside telling me that it was made in Hungary. B.E.A.U.T.I.F.U.L. That's all.

Found things

I have developed a small obsession with found items. Weird and wonderful whatnots that lie around in tiny boxes because you never know what to do with them and they are too pretty/whatever to throw in the landfill (I mean, bin). I have started to collect these odd buttons, broken earrings, beads, etc and put them in a pretty bag. The intention is that I will find time to thread them together and make something strangely beautiful or at the very least strangely strange. NOTE: Thank heavens, this obsession has not gone as far as saving fuzzy tic tacs that I find in the bottom of vintage bags. Although, to be honest, if that ever happens, I won't tell.

something sushi

My very clever,funny and talented friend, Dominic, is a chef and she has started her own business doing catering for parties, launches, etc. One of the very cool things she offers is that she can come to your home and teach you how to prepare certain dishes. Last night she taught Sam and I to make some sushi. This was my birthday gift from her and it was super special and super delish! I think I need a bit of practice to produce these bite size yummies, so I will be arranging another evening later in the month. Any takers? Thanks chef on the run! Be sure to visit her website www.cateringchef.co.za

Goodbye sweet Corde

I sold this bag on the weekend. Though I do love it, I believe it has gone to a good home. It's an English brand called Corde, and these are really interesting bags made with a material that is corded in various geometric shapes. I reckon this one is from the 50's. I saw one exactly like it in chocolate brown on an English website, and nearly fell off my chair at the price. How easy would it be to get through customs with a suitcase full of vintage handbags, do you think?

I heart junksale

So yesterday was the junksale @ deerhunter which is a very cool shop in Greenside, Johannesburg. When you walk over their threshold, you feel like you slipped on a banana peel and fell into your 80's fantasy toybox. Its all kinds of awesome. Once a month they invite other vintage dealers to sell outside their shop and make a little street market vibe. I think this is the best example of "co-opetition" that I have ever seen, invite people vying for the same customers and everyone benefits: customers and sellers! Yesterday was a slow-ish day, but I still sold a few beautiful bags and some vintage gloves which will make some faces very smiley. I bought a very cute brooch (Pic above) from a girl who handmakes very funky jewellery. I wish I had bought a black long sleeved dress, I will have to pop along to the shop on Monday and see whether it's still there. My friends and family (Sam and Maya, pic) also came by to say hi♡! All in all a fun day.

boo for colds and snotty noses!

I am so sick of having a cold. I wish I could lie in bed all day, drink whiskey and wipe my crimson nose on these beautiful tissues. But instead I will go around and infect others.... there, I feel better already.