Shopping and Stokesay

Guten Tag!

I had a great time in Berlin and will blog soon about the incredible experience. The weather was tropical; I became so overheated that I decided to channel Zelda Fitzgerald's fountain exploits, in a less energetic but still daring way, and sit in a fountain in the middle of a busy square! It was refreshing; I did get some aghast and inquisitive looks from people, but I'm used to that wearing vintage often.

I decided to post today about a great day I experienced a while ago. I had heard about this vintage shop in Craven Arms known as Berties. It's a beautiful and fascinating shop, with incredible dresses and a friendly and knowledgable owner, who also sources clothing for television programmes! 

 My mother, very kindly, took this picture of the front of the shop, how elegant does the mannequin look, I tried to ask her about any tips for posing, but she was far to aloof and only interested in her own exhibitionism and gaining admiring glances from passers by. Also within the picture you can see the glowing vintage lampshades that exude glamour and adorn the interior.

The shop is presented as  if it were a glamorous old film set, with exquisite wallpaper, and beautifully displayed accessories, one could not help but feel that you had entered a small boutique in the 1920s and one was going to be served by Louise Brooks or Clara Bow.

Whilst there I couldn't help but purchase a forties umbrella;

a 1940's dress with amazing neckline detail, which one can see better against flesh;

two bags, including this luxurious 1960's beaded evening drawstring bag;

and a vibrant red glass bead necklace. 

After this hedonism and rampant consumerism we headed to the nearby Stokesay Castle, a fortified medieval manor house. It's an English Heritage site, and I had the fortune of an effusive welcome from the gardens and the ancient abode, with its breathtaking views, blooming gardens and astounding architecture with grand and intimate interiors. For more information about this property and visiting check out- http://www.english-heritage.org.uk/daysout/properties/stokesay-castle/

With regards to my outfit, I decided as the sun had finally decided to make an appearance and the flowers were in bloom, to opt for a 1940s colorful cotton dress adorned with blooming blue flowers, which I embellished with a 1940s blue necklace and accompanied with a red cardigan from Laura Ashley and my reproduction 1940's shoes by Aris Allen.

 

That's my dad avidly listening to the device that spouts out information regarding the house and its history.

 

A riot of colour pervading the flowerbeds.

 

The borders were heaving with vegetation and flowers, intruding onto the footpath and almost appeared to be buckling the stones with their vitality and fecundity.

Looks like I wasn't the only one wearing vintage! My clothes were modern by comparison. Who doesn't love a pointed hat?

Yours,

Evalily Harlow xxx