They normally start with just one innocent item that somehow calls to us ~ something about it that fills a gap in our hearts and homes. Then (for me at least) an obsession starts and the need to find more of the same or similar in order to create little families of objects that all belong together grows and grows. Sometimes, collections happen quickly and others take years to gradually come together. As both a dealer and personal collector it is often hard to decide which of those precious finds to keep and which to pass on ~ but often it is equally easy to make the choice ~ and last weekend I found a treasure that is a keeper....
Edwardian silk wedding shoes ~ the bows are still perfect...I love all that is wedding related ~ many moons ago I had my own small business styling and organising weddings and the fascination for this romantic occasion has remained. I wonder who would have worn these shoes?
So...I thought that I would put together a small display for my stall at the Vintage Fashion & Textile Fair in Bath this Sunday. Brace yourselves ~ lots of photos (might want to make a cup of coffee!)
glass diamante tiaras from the 1950's/1960's
a selection of lace trims, old flower corsages and fabrics
c. 1920's French florist's silk posy holder
lustrous ivory silk satin ribbon still on its shabby reel
one of my own handmade miniature pillows ~ an antique French silk brocade with old silk ribbon and a carved mother of pearl button
old wedding photos ~ a perfect reference for fashions of the day
handbags always feature heavily in my displays as they are one of my favourite accessories ~ both old and new!
this one is a little shabby ~ but perfect for display
a rarely found original 1930's large cake topper ~ still in its original box...
as were these 1950's wedding shoes...
...complete with their matching handbag
more shoes ~ much later dating to c.1990 ~ handmade and a collector's item for the future!
I am a button hoarder ~ my evenings are spent sewing them onto little cards for display...
My mother will be with me as usual with her wonderful collection of original vintage costume jewellery dating mostly from the 1950's & 60's ~ something blue for the bride?
handmade lavender filled hanging heart with a Swiss embroidered monogram c.1900 on vintage white linen
the perfect sentiment...
glass diamante tiaras from the 1950's/1960's
a selection of lace trims, old flower corsages and fabrics
c. 1920's French florist's silk posy holder
lustrous ivory silk satin ribbon still on its shabby reel
one of my own handmade miniature pillows ~ an antique French silk brocade with old silk ribbon and a carved mother of pearl button
old wedding photos ~ a perfect reference for fashions of the day
handbags always feature heavily in my displays as they are one of my favourite accessories ~ both old and new!
this one is a little shabby ~ but perfect for display
a rarely found original 1930's large cake topper ~ still in its original box...
as were these 1950's wedding shoes...
...complete with their matching handbag
more shoes ~ much later dating to c.1990 ~ handmade and a collector's item for the future!
I am a button hoarder ~ my evenings are spent sewing them onto little cards for display...
My mother will be with me as usual with her wonderful collection of original vintage costume jewellery dating mostly from the 1950's & 60's ~ something blue for the bride?
handmade lavender filled hanging heart with a Swiss embroidered monogram c.1900 on vintage white linen
the perfect sentiment...Until next time...
Ali
x
Ali
x
What a brilliant display..my only regret..I was in Bath 2 weeks ago for the weekend and will miss this fair. Good luck though your stall will look awesome.
ReplyDeleteJenny
Hello Ali
ReplyDeleteBeautiful, beautiful post! Thoses edwardian shoes are stunning. You really have built up quite a collection of beautiful wedding treasures.
I look forward to seeing your stall next week!
Warm wishes
Isabelle x
Such lovely collection you have.....I love it.
ReplyDeleteStill have your heart in my room and it always smell so nice and it is so beautiful.
Love your items
Nice weeekend
Lots of wonderful things! I'll see you there on Sunday.
ReplyDeleteHi Ali
ReplyDeleteWhat a collection of gorgeous items, it almost makes me want to renew my wedding vows just to wear such beautiful things!! I would have loved to come to the fair but am unable to, it sounds delightful. Good luck and hope you do well.
Jo xx
just to say, ive just found your blog, its so pretty and lovely and awesome, can't wait to read through all your posts!
ReplyDeleteWhat a truly beautiful post Ali - I enjoyed it so much...and having been lucky enough to have seen your wonderful items in the 'flesh' at the fair, I am now kicking myself that I didn't buy myself a few treats. (I know why, I was worried about hubby waiting outside for me and so couldn't concentrate! - NEXT time I shall come in alone and allow myself the time to relax, enjoy and select some goodies!)
ReplyDeleteAnd just to say, I particularly like your photo of the two pretty hand bags - definitely worthy of being made into a wedding card! ;-))
Niki x
Hi Ali
ReplyDeleteSo lovely to see you back, I've just been catching up on your posts! Hope all went well at the fair.
Mel xxx