'How Much is that Doggie in the Window?'

This little chappie has been causing a few smiles on the faces of passers-by whilst I've been setting up my shop. He's patiently sat as good as gold in the window, with a little sign at his feet asking the question 'How much is that doggie in the window?'

Its taken several trips in the car to deliver all of my antiques and vintage treasures to Nostalgia at No.1, Shepton Mallet...and many hours of arranging (and re-arranging! - I could have gone on forever! ;-))

My aim for the shop is to bring the vintage collecting bug to all - I have items from £1, making it affordable for those on a tight budget (given the current climate!), as well as more precious pieces, and one-of-a-kind handmade items for those who like to feel they have bought something unique. I've displayed everything in a homely style, to inspire those who may not be creative or artistic, not to patronise, but to guide those who may not have considered vintage before, and to also make life-long vintage-lovers feel right at home. (A granny's attic style, rather than ostentatious.)

(The other window niche has the theme; 'There'll always be an England')

Would you like to come in?

(Full details of opening times and where to find me can be found on my website)

This is what the interior looks like as you enter. I've divided the cosy area into sections, which will mean I can hopefully shop for more stock with each 'department' in mind. The over-riding theme though is girly - with roses, cottages, florals, bygone romance and of course 'nostalgia' being given full rein throughout.

In the centre of the room is an old iron bed, which I shall use to display quilts, eiderdowns, cushions etc.

Two shabby old French boudoir dolls are happy to sit here and chat!

There's just enough space to move around the bed to entice customers to view all that I have to offer. The shop has wonderful cross-light, with it having windows on two sides, but this does hinder my photography skills a little! Hopefully you get a feel for what I was aiming for though?

'The bathroom' section is next to the bed and includes French soaps and sea shells.

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This corner is my favourite - it represents the ladies boudoir. Hopefully an ever-changing display of dressing table sets and glamorous accessories.

A lovely old arts and crafts style wooden dressing table helps set the scene further.

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Vintage sewing is displayed in the window, which I thought would give people peering in a flavour of what I am all about.

A scoop of vintage buttons to fill a bag, and at a pocket money price that won't break the bank!

In the other direction is my counter...

'Full to bursting' with vintage embroidered linens, lots of interesting ephemera and sewing equipment to have a good old rummage through.

On top of the counter is my lovely lady (not for sale) who is modelling some vintage faux pearls and shell necklaces. Behind her is my sewing area, which I can't wait to put into use! Its been a long time (for me anyway!) since I've been able to sew, with the shop refurb taking up most of my time, as well as constant phone calls to solicitors, insurance brokers etc...etc....I'll be glad to finally be settled in my new little world!

An old mannequin in front of the counter is smothered in an array of pretty brooches.

Although there are a few sparkly ones here, I've mostly been looking out for the more unusual and slightly eccentric styles.

Brooches are a bit of a trademark for me. I love adding them to my hand crafted items, as well as wearing them now and then too! - And they always make ideal little token gifts for special friends.

Behind the mannequin is what I am calling my 'family area'. Weddings and children are the main inspiration, with small handmade treasures as more gift ideas.

I've continued the old song lyrics in my displays inside the shop, with a caption 'Waiting at the church' placed beneath one of the original wedding photos.

A low shelf for 'little people' to have a quick read whilst Mum shops!

I also decided to have a small range of vintage costume available. (At this stage I thought it best to have a little bit of everything until I can establish what most people want me to try to source)

There's some 50's and 60's dresses, pinnies and accessories...

Including hats, scarves, gloves and shoes.

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All of which can be tried on in the fitting room that I created in the old store cupboard!

For the girl who prefers to accessorise her home more than she does herself, then there is a vast array of goodies on the painted dresser. From rose printed china from the Victorian era, to pressed glass from the 1930's to tempt her.

Paintings and prints are scattered throughout the shop and reaffirm the floral vibe!

Would you like a closer look?...

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'A nice cup of tea'.

I kept the small shelves to the left of the dresser, which were the previous owner's shop fittings - they just had a fresh coat of paint and now house a further selection of china and prints.

'Everything stops for tea'.

I've kept a few areas a secret from my blog, so as to hopefully surprise visitors when (that's, 'if', gulp!!) they call in! But I'll just show the French sofa, which I am using to display my handmade cushions...can't wait to start stitching some new ones too, to add to the selection.

I'm also keen to start thinking about Valentine's Day and hope to make some more of my pocketed hanging hearts for the gentlemen callers that may be brave enough to enter my nostalgic, but very girly, emporium(!!), to buy for their sweetheart.

(Thank you Marion from WSM!)

I'd also just like to thank all of those who have left comments, emailed me and sent cards to wish me luck for tomorrow...I am deeply touched. This is a big step for me, having been a 'home-bird' for over 22 years now! I can't wait to be out in the big wide world and to hopefully earn a living doing what I love most...And to share a 'proper' conversation, rather than having to type every word will be a great tonic too!

Thanks again for all your support - I'll be in and out of my blog when I can (I won't have a PC or laptop at the shop) - hopefully it won't take me long to make the required adjustments to my life! :)

Niki x