Tuesday Twinkles // Treasures to behold in Bristol.

I went home this weekend, back to my old haunt in Boscombe. It was so lovely to see everybody and it allowed me to gain some perspective. Although having only been away three months, I went back and nothing had changed, it was so nice to be welcomed back with open arms as if I still lived around the corner. Everyone was of course asking how I was and how I was getting on living in Bristol, I found myself repeating the words "well I don't get out the office much" and it dawned on me I have become very comfortable behind my screen in the online world but I haven't been making the effort to become acquainted with my new city!

iPhoneography by Fishee Designs. Corner of The Old Bookshop on North Street, Bristol.

I took the afternoon out of the office this afternoon for "research purposes" with Lauren. We decided just to go have a 'Look' around. One of my worst skills in life is to 'just have a look'! But off we went down to North Street, somewhere I have heard mentioned a few times since I moved here, but haven't got around to visiting yet. I love to explore new parts of town and spontaneously exploring is even better. Bristol has so many different quirky areas and every time I go out I find such amazing places and I am going to make it my mission to inform you all of the fabulous places I find. Do you have any suggestions for me to check out and report back on?

iPhoneography by Fishee Designs. North Street, Bristol.

We got a bit lost between West Street, South Street and North Street but eventually we found somewhere to park at the bottom of South Street. I didn't know if I was coming or going, up or down! It was quite late in the afternoon by the time we got out so we just casually wondered with no real goal in sight. We trundled in and out of a few charity shops, finding some lovely bits. We had tactfully come out with very little cash between us to avoid breaking the 'Only Looking' rule. One great place I will definitely be going back to check out, when I have some pennies in the back pocket, was the very jammed packed but very well organised Vintage shop, Rachel's. She stocked everything from beautiful antique furniture and chairs to hats and accessories. Although you may have to have a slow and careful browse to find the really good bits its a delight in the process.

iPhoneography by Fishee Designs. The Old Bookshop.

We stumbled across a brilliant bit of graffiti and realised it was actually a bar people had mentioned to us both, The Old Bookshop.

     "...the newest port-of-call for the discerning ladies and gentlemen of Bristol. Enjoy fine food and drink, an intimate musical experience and the artistic talents of our local community."

Unfortunately it was closed when we passed by but we have made a mental note to get down there soon for an evening of wine and food or Saturday Brunch.

iPhoneography by Fishee Designs. Bed by The Bed Workshop, The Old Pickle Factory, Braunton Road, Bedminster, Bristol.

All within a couple of roads, I was drawn in by a big vintage looking sign quoting antique beds. As Brad and I have been struggling a little sometimes to adapt, going from each having a double bed and duvet to ourselves to having to share it every night. But thats adapting to live together after 3years long distance I guess! I have had my eye on a few vintage metal framed beds so I thought it worth having a look. And OMG! I have never seen more beautiful beds in my entire living life. They looked liked they belonged in the most luxurious of hotels. Hidden away in the attic of The Old Pickle Factory at  The Bed Workshop, were these stunning Louis IV beds that had been lovingly restored to their former glory. We both fell in love with about 3 each and each picked the bed we were going to have in our bedrooms.. In our wildest dreams! With each bed at a price tag around £1500, obviously not a bad price at all for such beauty but just a price tag somewhat out of our reach, for now.

iPhoneography by Fishee Designs. Bed by The Bed Workshop.

iPhoneography by Fishee Designs. Bed by The Bed Workshop.

We were so overwhelmed with the finding of the bed shop, we came out to darkness not realising how long we had been in the dream land.. Had we actually got in to the beds and gone of to sleep?? Were we dreaming? Nope it had just got dark and the shops were closing. We wandered along a bit further getting more aware it was starting to get a bit cold and we were hungry, but we popped in a couple more charity shops. To top off the the most curious day, in the last charity shop we browsed in I found the a gorgeous sweetheart neckline dress with almost pink leopard print type design on the silky silver material. Ok, i'm not sure that sounds great in writing with my poor description, you have to see it really.. I'll update a picture when I wear it! It was luckily in my size, well a tad big but nothing a belt won't fix... AND IT WAS ON THE £1 RAIL! Steel! I haven't had a steel like that since my Lanvin vintage blue shirt dress I got at a car boot last year, also a £1! God, I love a good bargain!

It just proves its good to get out the office and discover places!

Where have you discovered lately? I'd love to hear about your great finds!

xx