Tuesday, December 29, 2009

Charity Shopping in the Snow

I'm afraid you'll have to put up with the normal graininess of my photos when I'm away from home, but I've found a great source of natural light on a dark day - snow reflections! Yesterday afternoon and this morning, I nipped off through increasing amounts of snow to do a bit of charity shopping. Yesterday I went to the local, and probably best, area of Edinburgh Charity Shops, which is the 'village' of Stockbridge. They have a new 'Mary's Gift and Thrift Shop' for Save the Children, which seemed to me to be Charity Shopping Lite, but certainly was attractive.
It was in the more traditonal, but still superbly-presented, shops that I found my treasures. Do you spot a hint of crinoline? If you know me and my irrational prejudce against crinolines, you'll know that this is one I'm going to be prepared to sell in the Troc and Broc Vintage Shop. I also picked up this fine handbag, which needs some repair, and the lovely vintage tin. I may need some help with my vintage tin problem...
What is CERTAINLY not going in the shop is the mauve daisy tablecloth, which is under all the other finds. That one's going on our table when spring comes!Today, when there was snow in the air as well as underfoot, I went down towards Leith and found a great haul of books.This one is a beautiful coffee table book and, whilst I've seen plenty of good magazines of French homes, I don't have any books as source material.I've been avoiding 1990s decorating books, as the styles suddenly look so, I don't know, kind of coarse and lumpy, but I think this one, from 1995, is a classic and I will get a lot of use from it.And finally this one, 10 years newer, really fits the bill for what I've been looking for. Frankly, as I begin to read it, it seems to be one third nonsense, one third stuff I could find somewhere else, and one third just what I want.I'm very visual but I identify with the author's plea for homes that satisfy all of our senses and, indeed, for a life that rediscovers peace and contentment as priorities above novelty, change and materialism. I'm looking forward to reading on...

14 comments:

VintageVicki said...

Some excellent buys :) My fav charity shops are both closed until the new year - which is a shame as one has a couple of items in there my house needs for next christmas ;)!!

Have a happy new year in Edinburgh :)

Vicki xx

Michela said...

Well done! We knew that you would have done your best while in Edimburgh ;-)

Lululiz said...

I am sure you know what my favourite is out of all those fabulous finds.... the tin of course, my goodness, its gorgeous, and looks to be in such great condition as well.

Anonymous said...

Hi Floss! You always finds so great things.The books must be nice and that tablecloth with mauve flowers is so pretty :)

Jen Walshaw said...

Well done in craving the snow. The ice is leathal here and I dont fancy being on my bum again, so it will have to wait until later in the week. January is always such a great month in the charity shops as everyone has a post christmas clear out

Maison Douce said...

Great finds, Floss!! Love that beaded bag!!!
Isabel

Serenata said...

Some excellent finds Floss. I haven't ventured out of the house yet! Might pop out tomorrow depending on both motivation and the weather. I'm sure I've got a daisy cloth just like yours...will have to hunt it out to see. :-)

Josie-Mary said...

Great finds Floss.... I'm heading to the CS's next week, think they'll be bargains to be had with everyone getting rid of thier unwanted gifts...fingers crossed :) x

Carol said...

You've been a busy bee!! Some lovely finds. Love the Laura Ashley book - their things are fab.

Sarah - Red Gingham said...

Very nice finds Floss. I'd love to know what the crinoline cloth looks like but I guess I'll have to wait until you list it. That really is a little bit of a tease. Glad you've managed to pop into your favourite shops even if it's snowy.

Andi's English Attic said...

Great finds. I like the tin best, and I agree with you on the 90's books. How quickly they've become dated. Maybe I'll venture out tomorrow, fueled by your post and the comment by The Madhouse that January is always good for Charity shopping. xx

bellaboo said...

Lovely things you found.I haven't had time to do my usual rounds of the charity/antique shops here yet.That will come in the new year...although I keep saying I must NOT collect anything else..the house is at bursting point...but I can't resist!

Bellaboo x

Lola Nova said...

Oh my, what wonderful finds! That tablecloth is just beautiful! I'd best be getting out the camera as our snow is melting quickly.
Happy New Year!

Duchess of Tea said...

Happy & Blessed New Year darling.

Wishing you and yours good health, much happiness and vast fortune in the new year.

Love & Hugs
Duchess