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.