Business travel, street fashion and a smidgen of shopping

OK, when I say a smidgen of shopping, you know I'm stretching the truth. But that's alright when your amongst friends, isn't it? And hey, you all know me by now; I like to dress things up, play things down according to how good a story it makes...

So let's start with the travel, shall we? After a short boat ride to St Mary's I caught a small Twin Otter plane to fly the 15 minutes to Lands End airport, followed by a brief taxi ride into Penzance where my friend Nicky collected me from the railway station. She and I headed out to have lunch in a cafe overlooking St Michael's Mount. But let's just backtrack a moment. Nicky has recently moved from Cambridge to St Ives, and although we've been friends for many years I usually only see her when she visits the island. I know she drives, but haven't seen her car. "What car am I looking for?" I messaged her. "A red Mazda" she replied. I don't drive, never have, and don't know one car from the other, but at least knew I was waiting for a red 'un. Bang on 10am a little red car came whizzing into the car park. Hell, it was the hottest, cutest, little sports car I've ever seen!


The idea was for me to have a shot of Nicky with her car, but she protested so much about having a bad hair day that, of course, I just had to stand in for her.

St Michael's Mount is a big tourist attraction for those visiting Cornwall. You can walk across the causeway at low tide to visit the tiny island with its castle, garden, and cafe. Once the tide comes in you can return to Marazion by boat. Full details on the link above.




Nicky did offer to be my back-up photographer, but I thought it might be too big a commute to ask. She did a very good job though, so thanks Nicky x

We had a lovely catch up over a bite of lunch whilst enjoying the view across the bay, before I headed off for my first taste of the shops. I'm always a bit light-headed with excitement when I've been set free from island life. Don't get me wrong, I love living on the little gem of an island where I lead a pretty idyllic lifestyle (apologies if I sound smug, really not meaning to), but I also love the contrast and the buzz of the mainland as long as I know it's short-term. My first blitz of the shops can be a tad frenetic, and often results in a few dodgy items, as my style radar can be a bit rusty. I exercised an element of restraint this time, only buying a couple of well chosen bargain pieces. 

Next stop was to visit Sasha in Truro for a couple of nights. We shopped, laughed and had some lovely meals together before I headed off up North to Harrogate. I may have done a wee bit of charity shopping in Truro, but we'll cover that later. There was a slight hiccup en route, where I happened to fall asleep and missed the station that I was due to change trains, but it all worked out fine in the end. Fast forward to Harrogate railway station where I came across Lilly, a fan of Japanese fashion and culture which informs her clothes choices. I think she looks fabulous, and I adore those boots.



The next morning I went to the BCTF which is the only trade fair I attend. This wholesale fair showcases the very best of British craft and attracts gift buyers from across the whole of the UK. I hadn't been there long when I bumped into Rosie, another buyer. Rosie's style statement is bold, matching her ebullient, bubbly character. When I asked her to pose for my blog she brought out her fierce sunglasses and proffered her silver shoes as a starter. Great stuff!



The final fashionista I met on my trip was Sonia who I encountered on the train from Harrogate to Leeds. We snatched a couple of minutes on Leeds station before she had to dash off to work. She was quick to apologise, saying she wish she'd worn some better jeans. Her purple hair, immaculate make-up, retro shopping bag and funky patched jeans define Sonia's street style, without any need for apology. She's a cool cat as far as I'm concerned. 


So, back to the trade fair. One joyful discovery was shoe maker, Kate Hopkins-Searle see her website here. These Cinderella type slippers are actually ceramic shoes loving created by Kate over many hours. They're hand painted, some of them gleaming with a gold lustre finish and they are exquisite. Kate's talent is matched only by her modesty. I think they ought to be featured in an exhibition at the likes of the V&A, don't you? Or even Liberty's of London, maybe Harrods? Golly, if I could afford them I'd love to have them on display in my house.






My other favourite makers are the team from Zinc White who create jewellery, bowls and boxes out of art supplies ie. pencils, paintbrushes and used canvas. I absolutely love these pencil bowls. It's amazing what skill and imagination can create - so clever.





And so on to Harrogate itself. This Spa town is steeped in history, populated with beautiful, architecturally important buildings. Famous too for its vast parklands and gardens which are always immaculate. I love visiting there, and that's not just because it's been voted the "Happiest place to live in the UK", for the third year running. No, honestly, it's a great tourist attraction as a town, as well as having many historical sites of interest around it. And the great attraction for me, that being, the wonderful women of Harrogate who are very generous in donating some of their finery to the local charity shops in time for my arrival every spring. But I mustn't forget to mention the most popular eatery in the whole of Harrogate - Bettys - where the afternoon teas are legendary. This time I stopped by to purchase some macaroons for Sasha. The window display had caused a bit of a sell-out, but I did come away with a box of Champagne ones and also some in gooseberry. Both were greeted with equal delight by her.






By the time I'd shopped in my last port of call I had not only filled my suitcase to the point that I could hardly lift it, but also the two empty holdalls were fit to burst and I'd had to scavenge another bag for the overflow - what a lovely lot of loot I had. The trolley couldn't hold any more by the time I arrived at Truro station after my second sleepover at Sasha's.



I had to deliver the three bags on the front of the trolley down to the quay in Penzance so that they could be sent across to the islands by ship, as my luggage allowance on the plane was a mere 15kg. Apparently no extra allowances are to be made for out-of-control shopaholics like myself, ho hum. The flight back to St Mary's was a bit misty, but still good enough to take a few snaps on the way across. We departed from Lands End, flew past the Longships Lighthouse and some 15 minutes later the islands hove into view. A jet boat was waiting at the quayside from where we were soon whisked off for the brief trip to New Grimsby. The time from leaving the airport to arriving at my door was 45 minutes. Perfect. The bags, however, took a bit longer to arrive. Two days in fact, but none the worse for wear. 















My journey to get my shopping hit maybe takes a bit more effort than most, but the spoils make it all worthwhile.  




And finally here we have the big reveal. The haul comprises of -
1 pr boots, 5 prs shoes, 3 belts, 1 scarf, 8 handbags, 2 coats, 3 jackets, 10 prs coloured jeans, 3 prs trousers, 6 dresses, 1 cardigan, 3 skirts and 10 tops.

Of these only 5 items were from "real" shops (TK Maxx and H&M) and the remainder were finds in charity shops. Finds from the likes of Hobbs, Roland Cartier, Coast, Reiss, Calvin Klein and Versace. All in all a very satisfactory shop I think. Well, take a look and let me know if you agree. My next trip off island won't be until September, but I think I may have had enough of a top up to keep me going until then.




You'll notice that I'm still sourcing lovely pink items to expand my colourways along with some fabulous pops of orange too. My summer wardrobe is shaping up well, and I'm looking forward to showcasing some fab new outfits. See you all again on Wednesday x

My mainland outfit comprises of -
Coat: from Sicily. Faux leather jeans: H&M. Silver brogues: Office. Gloves: charity shop. Sunglasses: Quay Australia.
Share:

14 comments

  1. Wow...I guess I didn't realize that there is no real shopping on your island? But what great fun you had on your adventure!!
    Did you actually go to high tea? That's one of our favorite pastimes, I admit!!
    It must feel like Christmas with a haul like that? I'm absolutely salivating and can't wait to see the pieces styled up!! jodie
    www.jtouchofstyle.com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. The island where I live is only one mile by two, therefore has not real shopping as you say. This is about a three times a year event for me, when I shop til I drop. The next phase is to cull all of the redundant pieces from my wardrobe to make room for these. No high tea this time, although I've done it in the past when I was in Harrogate with my sisters. It was an absolute treat! I'm very excited with all my shopping haul and can't wait to get styling x
      Anna

      Delete
  2. Oooh, wow!!! But understandable since there mustn't be that many clothing shops on the isles! Can't wait to see you wear them. I LOVE charity shopping in well-to-do areas- so much nice stuff (I went to my previous town of residence which is so much richer than my current home town and found soooooo much I liked in ONE shop compared to not much in my current home town!) x

    Looks like you had an amazing time!!x

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yes, Kezzie, wow indeed. I had an amazing time, and will spend today getting my closet organised to fit this new influx in. It's definitely worth travelling to a well-to-do area when you're charity shopping, as you too have discovered x

      Delete
  3. This reminds me of an old friend of mine that used to fly to Toronto from Prince Edward Island about three times per year and we would shop non stop. It was a crazy fun time.

    One thing about living in a spot where there is no shopping is you aren't constantly tempted.

    I can't wait to see the new outfits you will create with your new finds.

    BTW...referring to the comment you left on my blog, I was in the ER overnight for severe chest pains. All the tests were done and thankfully no heart attack...but they still don't know what it was. I'm just happy it has passed. Thanks for asking!

    bisous
    Suzanne
    http://www.suzannecarillo.com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. That pretty much sums up my shopping lifestyle - no daily temptation for months on end, and then a crazy splurge until I can't carry any more! I'm so looking forward to mixing these into my wardrobe and seeing what happens.
      Glad to hear that you're ok. Very scary stuff, and not good that it's not yet resolved either. Take care x
      Anna

      Delete
  4. Anna, you certainly know how to shop! I can't wait to see what you've bought. I have dragged out my summer gear to see what I have (I can never remember) and I need to buy nothing. Will that stop me buying - no!

    Three lovely fashionistas; all very different.

    I loved the ceramic shoes and the jewellery - what a fabulous exhibition/fair. The views of the Scilly Isles from the plane are lovely. I must visit one day. It's on my to do list along with the Scottish Islands.

    Have a great week

    Veronica

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Oh Veronica, how boring it would be if we only shopped when we needed something rather than wanted something! And charity shopping doesn't seem to be as bad as real shopping, does it? Glad you like the snaps of the islands. I might see you here one day then x
      Anna

      Delete
  5. What, those aren't wearable shoes? So disappointed! I would be all over them. We have Twin Otter planes here (the seaplane version, for landing on/taking off from the water). What a lot of complications to get off your wee island (my island is massive compared), but what a lot of reward! 8 handbags? I was agog at the sheer number of items, until I read in the comments that you only shop 3 times a year, and that there are no shops on your island! In that case, well done - you are very restrained, hee hee.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Sheila you're a woman after my own heart by saying that I'm very restrained, when we both know I'm not! There's gonna have to be a bit of a sort out though to house all of these new handbags. Would love to have a proper dressing room like yours x
      Anna

      Delete
  6. oh my, how thrilling, breath-taking, exciting. That's what I call a shopping adventure.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. It was heady stuff at the time, I can assure you! Thanks for dropping by x
      Anna

      Delete
  7. It is amazing that you find so many things you like in such a short time. Well relatively short time. I grinned when I red "8 bags".. haha. I have read your report with great interest. Your life and the life on an island is sooo different from mine. Coming home with a lot more than your suitcase held going away is something I am familiair with. The first time I visited Dan (The Pretty Cute) in Turin I had to borrow her suitcase to log everything back.
    You had fun I could tell (always nice to meet and chat with friends) and you met some delightful people on your way.
    Greetje

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. One of the reasons I started my blog is to share what is a very different lifestyle from the norm, and I'm glad to find that others are enjoying it. The many years of living on an island have honed my shopping skills down to a fine art. I know immediately if I love something and provided the price is right will buy it without hesitation. When you're speed shopping there's not time to hesitate! The trip away was jam packed with lovely experiences and also was a great buying opportunity for the business, so a win all round.
      Anna x

      Delete

Created by bo design