Web & Nest Vintage: September 2017

Tuesday, 19 September 2017

Arm Candy

The easiest way to start incorporating vintage items into your wardrobe, whatever the style or period, is undoubtedly through quirky accessorising.

With vintage accessories, there is less risk of the unfamiliar. You don't have to worry about sizes or whether or not the length will be flattering, you can just swing it on and carry on your merry way.

Handbags are a particularly great vintage accessory to go for, and can totally transform the most run-of-the-mill outfit into something really individual and special.

Just pop in your bits and dance the night away!

Here are a few of the handbags and clutches currently available on Web And Nest (Etsy), modelled super professionally and perfectly by yours truely.

Seriously though, I'm a terrible model; focus on the beautiful arm candy.

First up, this great shoulder bag by Powder (1990's). The bold colour and the velour fabric make this a great bag for Autumn/Winter, and it's big enough to carry everything you could possibly need...unless you actually need to carry the kitchen sink around with you.

Ivy print shirt available here.

The next little bag is one destined for the Christmas party circuit! This small tapestry clutch by Bagcraft (1950's) is fun, timeless and classy.

For something with a little more fun, look no further than the Eighties. This "rag bag" seems to be handmade, with loads of small pieces of black fabric and lace woven through a plastic frame. A great twist on a little black bag.

Also handmade, this soft top handle handbag has a print that screams Autumn. Neutral, quirky and great condition!

If the neutral colour palate isn't your thing, this leather clutch has the perfect shoulder strap and a powder blue hue to die for.

And now for something a little different!

This is a bag that comes with a story; the woman who I sourced it from was very well travelled, and bought this in Indonesia in the 1980's. It's a great example of a handwoven Indonesian bucket bag - and, according to the previous owner, such bags were traditionally used by headhunters.

Such a great story if anyone admires it.

"Oh, thanks, it was made to carry human heads".

More tapestry! This shoulder bag is another great little accessory for Autumn, with a medieval vibe. Or maybe I just associate it that way because I found it during Tewkesbury Medieval Festival.
The human mind, eh?

I will lump the next two together, in the interest of moving myself on a little.

Plastic crochet style handbags, woven around a straw or paper frame.
The little black number is from the 1950's, while the white is from the 1970's (good old St. Michael!).

There are more bags to look at, and I'm always adding more! Visit bit.ly/webandnest for a look, if you fancy something a little different this holiday season.

Tuesday, 5 September 2017

Bristol!

My husband and I have continued our adventures around the south west of England this summer with a day trip to Bristol!

Bristol has been on my to-do list for years; I've always heard that it's such a young, bright and vibrant city, full of quirks and quacks.
Alas, I did not realise that Bristol is quite as large as it is - we had to settle for exploring one quarter. We picked the shopping quarter, because that's where we ended up parking.

I wish that I could say we had more of a reason than that, but it is what it is.

The shopping in Bristol made me wish I was a millionaire. You name the shop, and it is there.

From the shopping quarter, we strolled down towards the (apparently recently renovated, and as yet unfinished) harbour side. I could've spent all day stretched out in the sun people watching. There were some beautiful little bars and cafes, right on the water.
This guy seemed to like it.

The area around Bristol Aquarium and the science museum was beautiful. So many restaurants, and a swarm of children playing in the fountains.

Swarm? Is that the right word? It feels like the right word.

We were down around the harbour so that we could visit Bristol's first cat cafe! It is tucked down a little side street; totally hidden, unless you knew it was there.

Look at my little coffee! Paws!

Such a snug and cosy little spot, and only £5 for an hour! The cats seemed really chilled out and happy, and the ladies working there obviously doted on their little charges.

I made friends with the little black and white baby. So sweet.

I recognise it's sort of daft to pay to sit and drink coffee in a room full of cats, when I live in a room full of cats, but still. These were new cat friends, so, it's different.

And the coffee was nicer.

Bristol is famous for it's street art (Banksy, and the such), but I think most of the very impressive pieces are around the museum-y area, and my husband has firmly put his foot down when it comes to my museum addiction. Maybe next time!

We did see some colourful marvels, though.

And this little door.

Isn't that a nice little door?

A day in Bristol definitely wasn't enough, I am dying to get back and have a good look around the museums and art galleries. Maybe some pre-Christmas shopping, too?

Hint, husband, hint!