Monday, January 26, 2009

Where Did You Get That Hat?!


I had promised myself that this year I would stop buying glossy magazines and put my pennies towards wiser or more necessary investments. So, I was rather cross when I found myself flicking through February's edition of 'Homes & Antiques' in the supermarket this morning! - But I'm actually quite glad that I did, as I suddenly spotted an article on vintage hats. I confess that the copy did find its way into my shopping trolley and will be my treat this evening in front of the TV.
If you have read my blog in the past, you may know that I have a passion for millinery lovelies and cannot resist these old floral confections, with their diversity of style, colour, shape and materials.
What surprised me with the magazine article though, was that the photo shoot appears to have been staged at 'Bea & Evie's', one of my favourite shops in Frome.

I haven't read the piece yet, but I feel sure I'm going to enjoy my indulgence!
There is also a review of last night's episode of 'The Antiques Roadshow' that was filmed in the Bishops Palace Gardens at Wells. Another of my local haunts!
My second treat of the day was waiting for me when I returned from my shopping trip. A brown paper parcel tied up with string! Whatever could it be? I wasn't expecting anything in the post...

It was a Valentine's Day gift from Monica! Beautiful handmade cards and a box of chocolates...I will be spoilt this evening! Thank you again naughty lady - you are very kind.

***
Something else that I wanted to share with you - I never cease to be amazed by the vintage discoveries that can still be unearthed. Hubby and I were actually in Wells on Saturday for a few hours and called into 'The Trading Post', there. It's a little rough n' ready inside, so I was pleasantly surprised to find this beautifully hand painted tray in one of the furniture salerooms.
It's quite large and weighty, even before loading it with afternoon tea, but is delicately painted with a soft moss green background and a limed oak frame.
Another surprise find over the weekend was this c1950's plaster lady with pretty floral costume and a spill holder behind her.
I feel lucky that she lacks the usual chips and missing chunks that is so common a find on these vulnerable plaster statues.
And then there were these tiddlers! I am reliably informed that these miniature buttons would have been made during the time of the queen's coronation. They are fabric covered and appear to be unused - something that I shall soon put right!

And to finish, one final surprise of the day: This evening I was catching up on reading some of the comments left on my blog recently. I came across one published on the 'Tighten the Purse Strings' post below. It was from 'Millie'. I duly clicked on her highlighted name, expecting to come across another blog that I had not yet discovered, but it lead me nowhere. I feel touched that a complete stranger would write with such sincerity and kindness, that I just wanted to thank you Millie on my blog.
It is one of the nicest comments that I have received in a long time and I am gratified that you would take the time to put your feelings into words on my post, especially when it sounds as if things are not so good for you just now.
I am very grateful for all the comments that I receive on my posts. If truth be known; English lessons at school were never my strong point, so it is flattering to me that I have visitors to my blog who enjoy my wittering(s)!
Hope you have a wonderful week - I have lots of sewing that I need to make a start on, which I hope to do tomorrow...
Niki x

20 comments:

  1. what a beautiful post Niki...i see you sold all of your adorable dollies:) they really are sweet...i love old hats too...i just have trouble finding them loaded up with flowers for a good price here...yours are so lovely!!!

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  2. I think you were justified in buying that magazine today, Niki (I would have done the same)! Your collections just amaze me (I do love having your calendar in our kitchen ~ I catch little glimpses of your treasures when I walk past it each day, and I imagine what it must be like to live on your gorgeous home)! Hubby and I were just talking the other day about the things we'd do in London on Sundays, when things seemed to be quieter there. I remember there was a little outdoor flea market of sorts near an old church in Piccadilly... I was not into vintage at the time - FOR SHAME (well, it was nearly 15 years ago)! lol To think of all the treasures I walked past! =O

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  3. My grandmother was a milliner and I love old hats. In fact, I have a rack of old hats in the hallway. My Aunt Emma always wore a hat and it always had a little veil. It was a flat hat that curved around her head - sometimes leaves that curved around. Anyway, I enjoyed the pictures. God bless. Linda

    http://twosucculentsisters.blogspot.com/

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  4. I can always count on coming here and seeing beauty....spending time on your blog is uplifting! Have a wonderful week and thanks for making my day more beautiful!

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  5. Hi hun!
    What a wonderful day you had! I love that tray. What a darling find. I love to see all of your "pretties". I recently went to a flea market and hubs and I purchased quite a bit of lovelies. I haven't had a chance to post them but I hope to have them up tomorrow.

    Hope you have a great day!
    Deanna :)

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  6. I'm going to have to hunt that mag down in my corner shop. I love hats, I am a hat lady. I try to wear one whenever I get the chance.

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  7. Kiki good for you girl-whats a little magazine now and then gonna hurt right? For inspiation I say! I love hats too and often try to imagine the gal who would have worn them. I so enjoyed your post today-so much wonderful pretty things to see-thank you! Hope your week is awesome girl!~Smiles~Tam!

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  8. Love hats but they do not suit me so l just admire from afar,as always your blog is a delight to read have a great week.
    Pat

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  9. Too many lovely things to look at it Niki (if that's at all possible!) The hats look so good, wish we wore them more these days (I do shove a woolly beret on my head every morning, but it's not the same, is it?). Those buttons are a real find, can't wait to see what you use them for ... Have a good day and hope you enjoyed your magazines, I'm sure you deserved them. Take care
    Kimx

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  10. Anonymous11:32 am

    Oh what wonderful hats and I need that magazine as well. I too have thought if I stopped buying my darling magazines I would have more money but then I wouldn't be a very happy person so as far as I see it it is money well spent. Luckily me husband agrees!! What wonderful treasures you unearthed as well, it must be very happy time at your household! Thanks for sharing even though i am more than a tiny bit jealous of the way you have planned your evening!! Enjoy! Kiss Noises Linda Lilly Cottage

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  11. Oh my! Photos of it! It is YOU who are naughty, Niki!!! :))) Thank you...
    Your finds are stunning- never seen any button like these before! And the wooden tray is gorgeous (by the way, I'm painting one with pink roses, too! Hehe, parallel lives...)
    Your sweet words for Millie are precious!
    Hugs, and enjoy your treats!
    Monica x.

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  12. What a pretty post! I love the hats!!! I have a cute one from that era that is from Bloomingdales! Enjoyed my visit!

    Hugs, Maryjane

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  13. I love all your finds!!! Especially the wooden tray with the handpainted roses... I so enjoy visiting your blog!
    Isabel

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  14. Gorgeous post as always.. now we will watch this space for miniature hats in the dolls house? teee heeee
    lizzie x

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  15. HAHA! The lure of the magazine. Every month I try very hard not to think about what I spend on the odd magazine! Just think of the books I could buy! But they are fun with a cuppa and a bar of chocolate - my little indulgence.
    LOVE those flag buttons. What a great find! t.x

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  16. I thought of you when I picked up my copy of Homes and Antiques. It is fast becoming my favourite mag and while this article was great, I am sure that you could have done one even better with your collection!

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  17. I love old hats too, it's such a shame that people don't really wear hats anymore, except at weddings. Maybe we should have an online 'Mad Hatter's Tea Party'!

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  18. I was a little crafty this Christmas. I gave my mum a year's subscription to 'Homes and Antiques'...knowing full well that she will pass it on to... moi!! ;-)

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  19. Anonymous12:05 pm

    My book has arrived - hurrah! I am drooling over it as indeed, I drooled over the same BBC Antiques magazine that you mention. What wonderful inspirational pictures in both!

    I am just re-decorating my kitchen and, at the very moment, am having my lovely retro looking cream range installed to complete the look.

    Thanks for all your wonderful photos and inspiring prettiness! x

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  20. you know when i visit here i just feel as if i went out to visit,you make us feel at home.Its better than a magazine and cheaper too lol not that it stopped me from coming home with the december issue of Victoria taht i had resisted all through xmas only to weaken in almost february.Ahhh but a girl must have a secret vice!
    Adore your hats mayhap i need a new collection !

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Thank you for finding the time to visit me...
Niki xx