Holiday Love Pt.2

Not to say we ducked out from all xmas dinner prep, but my sister's dog Beabee began begging for a walk just as the potato peeler appeared.... perfect! Bristol is home to some magnificent structures {most of which I try to convince Ashi were built by my Grandfather}. Actually, only one man can be credited for the mighty Clifton Suspension Bridge. This pioneering piece of engineering was completed in 1864 and was the love child of Sir Isambard Kingdon Brunel. The clear sunny day and great viewpoint across Bristol and the Avon Gorge made for a perfect christmas outing.  After chasing Beabee in circles we headed back just as the roasties were going in the oven... All that was left was to sit back and prepare for another kind of gorge! Don't worry we did the washing up!

The Brit

Holiday Love Pt.1

We've returned from Bristol after spending a few blissful days overindulging in  all the things that make the holidays so darn sweet; our lovely family, mulled wine, grandma's baked Bramley apples, roast dinner { x3} ... and of course Bailey's... although there's nothing new there. I officially had my first knitting lesson from grandma and I am hooked! She's been knitting since a very young age and can turn out some amazing pieces, so I'm in good hands. Throw in some sunny winter walks {photos to come} and holiday cinematic classics {Edward Scissor Hands!} and well, looks like we had ourselves a very Merry Christmas. 

Hope you're holidays were just as sweet!

xo Ashi

Bicycles Are Red Hot

Looks like Christmas came a little early for the Brit...

For a mere £20 and a little handy work, this fabulous vintage Falcon bicycle has got to be his best second-hand score in a long time. I love the emerald green, the perfect retro racing stripes and that and Army & Navy bell is well.... perfection! Only thing is, he's been so excited to ride the thing that I've been getting coaxed into going on winter, seaside bike rides {brrrrr}. It's all fine and dandy until you can't feel your face anymore. Although his excitement is quite infectious. Heck, with a bike that beautiful, I'd even endure a little frost bite {okay, maybe a nibble} for a cruise.  

xo Ashi

Craftwerk

Sometimes a girl really can have it all.... A weekend filled with thrifting, crafting and winter bike rides {wait until you see the Brit's amazing new vintage bike!} throw in some retro films {Last Tango in Paris} and a tin full of biscuits.. really what else can you ask for? I snagged this amazing antique frame from a flea market in Brighton. The trim and gold detailing are gorgeous, sadly pieces from the trim had chipped off. The frame itself is a rustic olive green colour, so the Brit had the brilliant idea of grabbing paint from one of those toy model shops {you know, the ones with the mini tanks and trains that people assemble and paint} to fill in the gaps. Looks like a perfect match.

We've been dying to frame these prints we bought from Jack Dylan at Pop Montreal over a year ago {we even had them with us on our road trip} I guess we knew one day we'd find the perfect home for them....  Jack has been a fixture in Montreal's music scene, as he has brilliantly illustrated most of the city's show posters for years. Safe to say we're very pleased his prints made it to Brighton {and our walls} in one piece!

Hope you had a lovely weekend!

xo Ashi

The Artful Dodger

It's amazing just how much of this outfit was 'borrowed' from other people's closets.... 

I especially loved the sideways look the Brit gave me when I stepped out in his favourite scarf; knit for him by his Gran {awe}. Pretty impressive no? It's one of those thick, tightly knit ones that doesn't let any breeze through. The good news is his Gran is teaching me how to knit over the holidays. This way I can knit my own fancy scarf to wear on the days that I'm tired of wearing his!

Beret: thrifted wool pom pom beret

 Sweater: cream cashmere sweater from mom's closet

Scarf: knit by the Brit's Gran {yes I stole it}

Skirt: vintage plaid pleated school girl 
Tights: Urban  Outfitters 

Boots: thrifted vintage brown leather booties

Heart of Gold

I don't really know where we got the idea from... to go outside, collect a bunch of Maple leafs, spray paint them gold, string them together and hang them as a mobile.... but boy was it fun! Spray painting is somehow a very satisfying art {except when you get it all over your hardwood floors ~ oops}. This simple D.I.Y adds a little woodsy sparkle to any holiday home! Now what to do with the left over can of liquid gold? Ideas anyone?

xo Ashi &  The Brit

Hats Off to You

I adore style blogs {especially the ones with a focus on vintage or recycled fashions}. I can spend hours clicking through them, admiring the gorgeous photographs and reading the clever anecdotes that reveal the bloggers mood when putting together their outfit. The idea of keeping a visual diary that documents your look as it changes through the seasons, the moods and years, to me, is so inspiring. Looking back at all my personal wardrobe snaps, I can't believe how much my style has changed. I also can't believe how shy I have become when it comes to stepping in front of the camera! You see, the Brit has been encouraging me to keep a regular style diary to share with our lovely readers {with a closet full of vintage it makes perfect sense}.... I don't know if it's a winter thing {we all know how much I hate the cold} or if I'm just out of practice, but the girl who has spent her entire career in front of the camera has suddenly got stage fright! I find it so awkward 'modeling' my outfits in the shots and then when it comes to choosing the photos, oh boy, the criticism is endless.... although I must say photographing an outfit is an incredible way to realize what works and what {eeeek} totally doesn't. So... my {vintage} hat goes off to you fearless style bloggers who brave the cold and the self-criticism and make it looks so darn easy. I admire you. My attempt at documenting my look today lasted five minutes as I ran outside, whipped my jacket off, attempting a few dorky poses and ran back to sulk into my soup {sigh}. Maybe, I'll have better luck tomorrow.

xo Ashi 

Treasure Hunting

It's funny, while the Brit and I were gypsying around on our road trip last year we often talked about the kinds of things we both wanted in our ideal neighborhood. Of course I was all about the thrift stores and yoga studios while the Brit craved access to local produce and an outdoor, seaside life. Great cafes, tons of ethnic fare and a vibrant music scene were also at the top of our list; along with tons of antique shops to poke around. 

Fast forward to our lives now and you could almost say we've manifested this perfect locale. The more we get out and explore its nooks and crannies the more we realize how spot on our new hood really is. It also helps when you've got cool antique shops like Dodo Vintage around the corner. Run by a really sweet couple, this former horse stable turned furniture shop features the rare kind of whimsical antique pieces that still feel fresh and modern today. These guys are great to chat with, as they have tons of cool anecdotes about their collection... PLUS we've been kindly invited back to do a My CoCoon Vintage shoot in their lofty space! Now if that's not neighbourly, I don't know what is.

xo Ashi

Shop Preview

I simply had to share this lovely, handmade vintage number from the shop with you. This dress, to me, is as close to holiday perfection as possible. It may not be a sparkly or glitzy number, but there's something about this delicate, gothic, lace 1950s dress that brings a touch of beauty and warmth to the dark, cold winters. Isn't that what the holidays are all about after all? Simply gorgeous. 

xo Ashi

Let It Snow!

Ooops I brought the snow back with me from Canada. 

Now, unlike Canada, here in the UK everybody freaks out and shuts everything down at the first sight of snow. Fine by me if it means the Brit doesn't have to go to work because of the ahem... 'storm' {a.k.a half a foot of snow}. Also lucky for us, our favourite local bakery Treacle & Co stayed open, so we could tuck inside, sip tea and snack on their delicious homemade treats... all while drawing up plans to give our home that well-needed holiday touch. So far we've got the 'Nat King Cole, White Christmas' record on repeat, decked our bedroom out in fairy lights and ordered ourselves an eco-friendly Christmas tree. Not bad for the first week of December! How are your holiday plans coming along?

xo Ashi