A thing of beauty is a joy for ever:
Its loveliness increases; it will never
Pass into nothingness; but still will keep
A bower quiet for us, and a sleep
Full of sweet dreams, and health, and quiet breathing.
Its loveliness increases; it will never
Pass into nothingness; but still will keep
A bower quiet for us, and a sleep
Full of sweet dreams, and health, and quiet breathing.
Keats.
What can I say to you about Alison's shop in the Cotswolds, if I had to sum it up in one word that you would all think, gosh I have to go there then it would be 'heavenly'
Alison opened her shop about a year ago now and sells Vintage Textiles, haberdashery, sewing collectibles, beautiful handmade gifts, antique jewellery and Furniture and Decorative Interior Pieces to name a little bit for you.
There are fashion items that Alison buys in that have that vintage look but are new and with delicate colours and so wonderfully feminine to boot.
You stand outside and the shop entrance and front window displays get you excited before even
crossing over the mat.
Inside whilst I was in there some ladies came in and gasped as they walked through the door, when Alison said there was an upstairs as well, well the excitement on their faces was amazing. Alison stayed open late on this day because of The Cotswold Vintage Fair and some of the traders and vintagers came along to have a browse and buy, and buy we did!
On the wall behind the cash desk, which Alison painted herself and distressed before she opened ( it was an ornate dresser base and is curved and has the drawers the other side for her to put all her paper and wrappings in and on, is painted words from Keats and the words are at the top of this page, it sums up a beautiful vintage shop and all the beautiful things that
are contained within and the happiness and contentment that these gorgeous items bring to our lives.
delicious....
Walking around this shop which embraces you with calm and beautiful atmosphere is a great way to spend an hour I can tell you. Everywhere you look there is something cleverly placed in such a way that it is a must have. Alison has a talent for dressing a shop with flowers and cushions and the lighting has been thought out to make the shop even more cosy and inviting.
If you would like to go visit Alison in her shop then these are the details.
Betty & Violet
Vintage Boutique
14 Cotswold Court
Broadway
WR12 7AA
You can also shop online at www.bettyandviolet.com this is a happy thing to have if you can not make the journey to the Cotswolds but if you can go then do because the village of Broadway is stunning with great shops (not high street ones .. little independents) cafes and gorgeous pubs with accommodation. You could easily make a weekend of it sometime. Alison also stocks Jeanne d Arc Living magazine, books and goods.
After packing up and making the journey from Toddington and the vintage fair Ali turned up at her shop around 5pm to stay open later to let us all come and have a look. Alison's mum was in the shop most of the day with a lovely lady who works for Ali part time. The shop was buzzing with people and I was there snapping away with my camera and of course picking up a few bits along the way too. I bought a magazine and
some 1930's milliner flowers and some gorgeous angel wings. Then I bought a dress ... so I did do some more shopping in the Cotswolds and was not that restrained as you
will see.
I would like to show you some of the magazine that I bought. This is a coffee table magazine and to keep, in fact I would go so far as to call it a bookazine because it is something that you do not throw away. The photos are beautiful and it also has recipe's in there too as well. You can buy these from Ali and I believe she is the only place here that sells these but do not quote me.
Since buying it I have read it from cover to cover twice! and I will
be trying a few of the recipes that are contained within its pages too as I also love cooking as you know. I have photographed a few pages for you so that you can see the sort of things that await you as you turn the pages of this fabulous vintage read.
As you can see from a few of the photos it is very beautiful and gives us lots of ideas on displays, cookery and more......
The angel wings that I bought are really gorgeous made of wire and covered in lace. The milliner
flowers that I have started to collect are scrummy and tiny so can be added into a sampler .. amongst embroidered flowers too and it will give dimension as well as protect them and display them.
I will show you the dress another day as it does not look anything being photographed as I did but I will find away to show you. It is
beige colour for the Winter and I want to put cream with it so we will see or maybe chocolate colours but Ali wears her over jeans and I thought maybe leggings so that is photo for another day. .....
I hope you have enjoyed your little journey through this beautiful Cotswolds boutique and that I have given you enough to make you want to go and see for yourself how wonderful it is. One thing is for sure you will get a warm welcome and a gorgeous Ali smile.
Hope you have a wonderful day and as always Happy Stitching! XX
Would love to visit Betty and Violets Sarah. She does have an eye for décor and beautiful things.x
ReplyDeleteSally
DeleteYes Alison really does and it shows in her displays. Upstairs in the shop I could have moved in happily!!
We are going to the Cotswolds Brocante in September and trying to organise a night over in Broadway so that we can all have dinner together and of course go to the shop again!
It is so worth the travel...
Sarah xxx
I will go visit, but I will save up to go as I know It will be worth it. I am popping into Frome on Sunday afternoon for the Magpie market. Leith and I taking dad for a day out. I would love to go to the Cotswolds event, have fun 🎠
DeleteHow lovely Sally .. might just might bump into you.
DeleteSarah xxx