The Spoils

I can't get over how hot it is at the moment, I know it's summer but that doesn't always equal sun. I'm so happy to be having a real summer this year, all the barbeque's and Pimms and lying about in the sun. Watching the football and the tennis and visiting Brighton and eating frozen yogurt on the beach.  Aside from these activities I have been doing a good bit of thrifting lately. Here are some of my recent finds.
  
These brooches - I feel rather bad about the cream one because it was fine when I bought it and for who knows how many years before that -  but having been in my bag for a day it came out broken, oops! The other one is just so sweet. The charity shop (oxfam) had a few different ones, all made of old embroideries put into different sized  frames. Again I almost didn't buy it, but I'm so glad I did. I mean it's a bluebird. How could I not?

This bag -  I'm never sure I will use clutches, I prefer bags with straps to keep my hands free but I have a few more formal occasions to dress up for this summer so I think it would be a great bag for that.

These Books - I think I just liked the cover of the D.H Lawrence book and the bird print would look nice as a dress. Although I have been trying to read a bit more poetry. I collect these little observer's books. There are a lot of them. So far I have: birds eggs, birds, wild flowers, trees and shrubs, pond life (my favourite) and now astronomy.

These patterns -  I found these and also some great old photos in one of my favourite shops, Snooper's paradise in Brighton. The blouse has buttons up the back and the pink or black shift looked fairly average until I looked closer and saw the scalloped hem. I've wanted to give scalloped hems a go for a while and now I can. I would also like the first navy polka dot dress exactly as it is.

This chocolate  - a little gift from my sister. Elderflower and chocolate, actually a very tasty combination.

That's all for now. On a different topic, I can never seem to find any vintage shoes these days, does anyone else have this problem? Charity shops seem to have less and less stock that is pre-1980's generally but vintage shoes are getting especially tough to find. Also I just wanted to say a big thanks to Lisa for featuring me in her fab five post. I am so thrilled to be featured, especially alongside so many stylish bloggers. Thank you!