Vintage Shopping in Oxford and 50th Birthday Bash
at Browns on Saturday, 28th August 2015, and we had gone by car and
bus from Pear Tree Park and Ride, riding on the upper deck for the inner man
who drove us there; he simply cannot resist the impetus to watch everything
going on around him and smile at what he views.
First of all a Latte at the coffee vendor in
Cornmarket Street, just past St. Michael at The North Gate, on the corner of
Ship Street, which was so handy when I realised that’s just where I needed to
be. Ship Street that is, for that’s
where shop Unicorn - find them at - 5 Ship Street, Oxford OX1 3DE or via online at vintageoxford.com - I can find no telephone number presently; full
of vintage clothes and run by Eva, which is situated towards the end of the street and just past
another handy coffee and food establishment.
I stood in the doorway of Unicorn and gazed in amazement for it was absolutely
packed-out with clothes with customer standing room down to a minimum, for
about two people, plus its owner and maybe one other. That’s why I remained in the doorway, looking
about me, quite dazed! Well I was out of luck for 1940’s
to 1950’s style items as Eva told me they were presently stocking 1960’s –
1970 style so that was rather disappointing.
However, imagine my delight at finding this rather good looking handbag
in the window, squashed against several others of lesser quality. Eva kindly took it out for me to check it out
and yes, I thought, that just might do!
Well, I decided to leave it there for now while we went on with my search
for something suitable to wear, with the oddest of thoughts making themselves felt; perhaps I could make a vintage-style something to wear??? Here's my photos of Unicorn..
Thinking thus, we made our way to Darn It and Stitch in Blue Boar
Street, off St. Aldates – find them via ‘phone – 01865 242779 and via online – www.darnitandstitch.com and at – Blue
Boar Street, 6 St. Aldates, Oxford OX1 1DL - which was only open-closed because they
were having their frontage newly painted a nice blue colour. One of their team members was on hand and she
very kindly showed me their Vogue Catalogue of patterns for vintage style items,
of send-away-for-patterns. Now I’ve used
their patterns before and they are not made for overnight sew-ups which was
another disappointment to deal with yet this kind lady made another brilliant suggestion
that I go to the Covered Market and look for charity shop Katharine House
Hospice who just might have some suitable vintage item of clothing in store for
me to buy. Well, that sounded a good
idea, so off we went again with the dear SO wondering aloud how soon it
might be before we could find some interesting lunch venue!!!
We also visited Crabtree and Evelyn, another fave. shop, for photos, their Blackberry Green Tea and a cup of their Chamomile Tea with a crunchy biscuit.....
The Covered Market was bustling and busy with other seekers of that 'something special category' who always seem to congregate in this fascinating market
place. We made our way past a few gatherings,
that good corner china gift store, a nice-looking coffee place where I suggested
He might pause awhile and then, turning another corner, I came face to face
with a bright looking Fresh Clothing Shop, which is, reputedly, one of Oxford’s best independent
vintage clothing stores and – wow – I now find myself agreeing with this statement. Fresh is owned and managed by Angela, who with
her team of enthusiastic staff, provides an excellent customer experience,
giving helpful advice on her wonderful array of both vintage and contemporary
stock, with shoes to match, and enjoyment from start to finish. I can’t wait to visit Angela again in Oxford
but, of course, there is her online site to view and buy from, for when one is
just too busy to go a’visiting! Well,
Angela found me several lovely frocks to trial and of course I definitely came
away with one, although I could easily have bought two or three but…..that
would have been rather naughty of me to buy so many. I mean, a girl can only wear one frock on any
occasion and, it’s always good to leave knowing a future visit is a certainty!
Here’s a few of my photos of Angela’s smashing shop which you may find
at – 3&4 Avenue One, The Covered Market, Oxford OX1 3DX – on ‘phone 01865
243242 or via their email at – freshoxford@yahoo.co.uk
or via – www.freshoxford.com....
Leaving Angela at Fresh we finally walked off for lunch, finding it at Morton’s of New
Inn Hall Street, where he had a savoury Panini and I plumped for their polenta
orange cake – Mmm. Delicious – plus two Lattes, watching the world saunter by
from their open windows…find them at - 22, New Inn Hall Street, Oxford OX1 2DW …'phone 01865 721673 and online via - www.mortonsatwork.co.uk.....
Departing Morton’s we walked down to St. Michael’s Street to Arcadia
for the prettiest of greeting cards, books, gifts, photo-frames etc. which they
stock and display with great style.......
Find
them at – 4 St. Michael’s Street, City Centre, Oxford OX1 2DU – on ‘phone 01865
241757 and via online at – www.yelp.co.uk/biz/arcadia-oxford. I absolutely adore visiting Arcadia and once,
long ago, found a pink chintz jug which I coveted and which my dear, late
departed, sister gave me as a Christmas present that year. Its presence now graces my grandmother’s
Welsh Dresser alongside other precious bits and pieces…….
Well, we had now walked full-circle, finding ourselves once again by Ship
Street, close by Unicorn’s jam-packed premises.
OK coffee time again for him while I fly down Ship Street to claim my super
handbag. Luckily, he’d finished his
coffee in good time to rescue from me the embarrassment of no cash and no
signature on my card, preventing cheque payment, which he solved by offering
cash. Phew…the handbag was mine and it
was just about time to dash off to Brown’s for our family party’s birthday bash
for my 50-year-young niece who arrived fashionably late but ready to party.
The party was great, we had some good eating and a lively atmosphere to
enjoy and Annette enjoyed opening her many presents and…… suddenly it was time
to come home.
We’d had a great day, enjoyed great shopping, great food and great
photographic opportunities but after all that, it was jolly good to get home
and watch TV for a while!
I shall be wearing my Fresh vintage frock this week for our WI Centenary Anniversary celebrations at Oxford and at our own Adderbury WI Centenary social evening for is very exciting for all members. It's going to be a splendid week...
Daisy xxx
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