The antiques shop with no name

The antiques shop across the road from my house always has a treasure or two in its window or on the pavement outside, and I've been meaning to take some pictures for too long to mention.

So I popped in the other day and told the owner (a very charming silver-haired gent) about my blog. He  was delighted for me to take some pictures, with the understanding that I don't include the name of the shop. But, I ventured, don't you want the publicity? Oh no, he said, we don't like any kind of publicity, we only do word of mouth!

So here you have it - some anonymous pictures from the antiques shop with no name (on Friday Street, Henley) - shhhh!

Pretty Knits

One of my favourite birthday gifts for Milo was a gorgeous handmade knit cardigan from Emma Embery (whose boutique I featured recently). I love the perfectly embroidered mini cars, balloons, the striped grosgrain ribbon and colourful buttons - can't wait for him to grow into this one! 

Birthday Tea

I'm sorry I've been absent for a while - somehow motherhood and part-time work seem to have taken over! Here are some pictures from Milo's first birthday tea. We were so lucky with the weather so our little courtyard came into its own. We pegged the alphabet flash cards as bunting on the washing line, got the vintage deck chairs out and there were homemade cakes and jelly. I found the cute striped paper cups, plates and polka dot napkins from the gorgeous French website My Little Day, which peddles a fabulous range of children's party paraphernalia with the emphasis on taste rather than tack!

I love these vintage-inspired flash cards by Japanese artist Junzo Terada - given to Milo by the impeccable gift-giver Mrs Biddle. My favourite is Mme. Jaguar resplendent in on-trend animal print! These cards also make great alternative bunting pegged up on a washing line (see next post - Milo's party tea.)

Made with Love

This pretty package arrived at my door today, containing one of Claudine & Compagnie's gorgeous handmade vintage-style collars that I had sent for after coveting on Bleubird Vintage. It was so beautifully packaged, with a handwritten note from the designer Johanna Van Daalen, that it reminded me of the joys of buying online! All handmade in Belgium, Johanna's collars and bow ties come in gorgeous pink, blue and turquoise chambray cottons and Liberty-style florals - guaranteed to brighten up the drabbest of outfits.

Vintage in Reading

Reading may not be a city known for its vintage delights, but there are a few quirky little shops to be found just by the station in the old fashioned Harris Arcade. There's a couple of vintage shops, an eccentric old toy shop and this little gem of a boutique run by milliner Adrienne Henry. 

Taking the 20s cloche as her starting point, Adrienne handmakes a range of vintage-style hats with cute details like contrast stitching or vintage brooch appliques, while also stocking true vintage hats alongside. She offers a bespoke service too for specific commissions. I loved the way she had cleverly merchandised her wares among piles of hatboxes, military memorabilia, unusual hat stands and antique suitcases and toiletry sets. 

Liebster Blog Awards

What a lovely surprise to see that I have been nominated for the Liebster Blog Awards by Whitney at What Whitney Did Next, I feel truly honoured!

My task now is to nominate five other blogs (with up to 200 followers) that I love - well I have to say it's been easy to choose my favourites. Take a look and be inspired -

Albert and the Lion

Postcards from Battersea

Wolves at the Door

Sally Likes Doodling

On the First Day of Marriage

If you are nominated - pass the award onto 5 other blogs with under 200 followers.

Write a post about it and link back to the one that nominated you.

Leave a comment on the blogs that you nominate.

Hide and Seek boutique

I've been up north on the Wirral this week and popped by Emma Embery's new boutique and workshop, Hide and Seek, in Irby Village. If you've been an avid reader of this blog you may remember Emma's pretty studio space and the beautiful vintage-inspired hairpin she made for my wedding, as well as her gorgeous knits for Milo (see below post for the cardigan that seems to grow with him!)

Emma's shop is a magpie's dream inside - with every nook and cranny filled with things to treasure: her own lace and jewel embroidered shawls and dresses, jewellery made with antique pearls and gems, lampshades up-cycled with vintage fabric appliques, hand-knitted and vintage children's clothes, and a few bits and pieces from other local makers. She also hosts creative workshops such as vintage-inspired jewellery making and embroidery where you can wile away a couple of hours drinking tea, eating cake and brushing up on your crafting skills.