Vintage Shops and Tea Stops...

Hubby and I have been out and about recently, combining my necessary buying trips with some time spent together...It can be easy to stay indoors during these colder months, but making the effort to go out, especially when combined with a little vintage shopping and regular tea drinking breaks, the days can become very enjoyable! ;-))

I thought I'd recommend a few of the places we've been to, and share their websites with you - Perhaps you'll find yourself in the areas we've been visiting and want to check them out too...
1st Dorchester:
Above is the Dorchester Curiosity Centre. If you were to arrive at the town and not know of its existence, you'd be unlikely to find it, as it is in the middle of an industrial estate on the outskirts. Inside are masses of individual units - When we visited, some were a lot better than others. A few have second-hand items that I wouldn't consider as 'vintage', but there was a fairly good mix, with just a few high-end antiques, but mostly 'collectables'. I bought a beautiful antique headboard, which I'll show at the end of the post. 

The Cafe at the centre was quirky, with all the tables and chairs being for sale. 
£3 for a large pot of tea for two :)
**
We also visited the De Danann Antiques Centre in Dorchester, where I bought a red velvet and satin lined box. (The cafe (fabulous retro caravan) was closed on the day we visited.)
**
2nd Exeter:

Fore Street, Exeter is the home of Hangar 124 - A vintage clothing shop for men. Fantastic displays and a good selection of stock, with friendly owner, makes it a treat to visit. Hubby bought a pair of cuff-links to add to his growing collection.

Close-by is Relevant, a vintage clothing boutique, owned by bubbly owner Willow, who dresses the part in 40's fashion.
Here I bought a bag full of French parcel handles (originally from an old pharmacy) and a fur collar. All very affordable.
**
We also paid a visit to Otto's, which I've mentioned on my blog before, but since our last visit, their stock seems to have changed to mostly 'mantiques'...Not so much my style anymore, but perhaps it may be yours?...

Since the last visit though, a cafe had opened up next door (previously an empty shop in need of renovation - they must have worked so hard!)...Time for another tea break in The Hidden Treasure Tea Rooms. There are some brilliant photos which give a feel for the place, here. 

Lastly we walked down the hill to Exeter Quay, where we called in at the Antique Centre there. I bought several old postcards. 

***

Here are some of the fruits of our expeditions!...

Here's the antique headboard that I mentioned...
I thought it would make a great pinboard and place to display some of my handmade fairy dolls.

The silk padding has just enough wear to make it extra interesting and I love the painted carved details. 

Several mohair scarves/shawls came from the charity shops on Fore Street, Exeter.

Love this red velvet box with satin lining...I shall use it to display small pieces of jewellery.

My own shop will be back open again towards the end of next week. After a de-Christmas of the displays, I shall be looking towards Valentine's Day and making some special keepsake gifts and handmade cards over the coming weeks.

Looking forward to longer days full of adventure...

Keep Warm! (Tea breaks are particularly good for this! ;-))

Niki x