We've traded in Bristol loads of times but neither Jon or I had ever actually explored the city until last Saturday when our mates, G & T, suggested a day trip. The Bank Holiday weather was characteristically filthy but no matter, there's always a Wetherspoons when things get too wet, and in Bristol's case, there were two!
We admired the eco installations
and the Parisian-style locks on the bridge.
We explored the chazzas and vintage shops....
Wandered around the indoor market.....
Found some colour to counteract the gloom outside.
Enthused over architectural details
Spotted a Banksy
and plenty of pretenders.
We got soaked to the skin....
But had a fab day (we really did, they're just pretending to be miserable, honestly!)
You'd have thought that any decent vintage in a hip and happening city like Bristol would have been picked over by hipsters and they'd be nothing interesting left. Wrong! I spotted this jacket on a Reduced to Clear rail.
I've bought (and sold) vintage Quelrayn jackets and coats before but this one's a bit special, made from top quality Irish Tweed from Donegal, stocked by Selfridges and designed by Christopher McDonnell, one of the coolest British designers of the late 1960s/1970s.
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| Courtesy of Miss Peelpants |
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See you soon.
Many congrats to you and Jon on your 24th 'never had a wedding' anniversary, Peter and I have just celebrated our 24th 'never had a wedding' anniversary too. I'm thinking that next year would be a good opportunity for a significant 'never had a wedding' silver anniversary celebration. Glad to see you enjoyed your soggy trip to 'Bristle' (as us 'ere West Country natives tend to pronounce it.)
ReplyDeleteFancy that, we're never had a wedding twins! Happy non-anniversary to you & Peter, too!
DeleteLoved Bristle despite the weather. xxx
My Grandfather was from Bristol. Fun to see some photos.
ReplyDeleteHappy non wedding anniversary! We are one year ahead of you guys marking our 25th this year. For the sake of legal papers though we did get married. Much easier when looking for work in another country.
bisous
Suzanne
Was he? It is a fantastic city, edgy and hip without taking itself too seriously.
DeleteI can totally understand why you made it legal with you both coming from different countries. 25 years? You were a child bride. xxx
Oooh,a Happy Never had a Wedding Anniversary to you both, lovelies! Twenty four years, eh? That's fecking good going. My old man always gives the armed robbery line when people ask how long we've been together!
ReplyDeleteI love Old Brizzle. Isn't it fab? We lived in St Paul's for a while in the Eighties. You've made me want to go back for a proper look around for old time's sake.
Isn't Rag and Bone brilliant? My house basically! Have loads of Kinky fun in Lahndahn.
Loves ya!
xxxxxx
St Paul's is fab, I love it round there. Maybe we need a day trip together if only to hang around Rag and Bone and lust over their stock. xxxx
DeleteAh, happy non wedding anniversary to you both! That jacket! What a great find! I also like the look of that shop! I just bought a massive church crucifix in Friday but I slipped and fell and he got broken. I don't know if he'll sell now so I'm trying to think of a space for him. He's very big though. The house looks like a monastery! xxx
ReplyDeleteAren't I a good girl, not keeping it?
DeleteI like the sound of your crucifix, sometimes breaking something has a happy ending if you get to keep it.
Rag & Bone run workshops and sell fancy coffee as well as having incredible stock. You must go. xxx
Happy non-wedding anniversary to you both. Ours is in two weeks, but we made it official because you can't share health insurance in the US unless you're married.
ReplyDeleteIf I thought I could fit one arm in that jacket I'd have bought it off you, but alas, after seeing it on you I know it would be a no-go. I'm supposed to stop buying brown and tweeds but (and I know you will understand and hear the agony in my typed words) *It is so well made!* I knew you'd understand.
I looked at the photos first before going back to read, and shame on me, I didn't read, "Flicks" the first time I glanced at the video store sign. I REALLY need my eyes examined! But really, how great would that be for a shop name?
Happy non-wedding anniversary to you both. Ours is in two weeks, but we made it official because you can't share health insurance in the US unless you're married.
ReplyDeleteIf I thought I could fit one arm in that jacket I'd have bought it off you, but alas, after seeing it on you I know it would be a no-go. I'm supposed to stop buying brown and tweeds but (and I know you will understand and hear the agony in my typed words) *It is so well made!* I knew you'd understand.
I looked at the photos first before going back to read, and shame on me, I didn't read, "Flicks" the first time I glanced at the video store sign. I REALLY need my eyes examined! But really, how great would that be for a shop name?
Ha! That would be a great name for a shop.
DeleteI love brown and tweeds and well made stuff, I think that's why I get so excited about vintage menswear, it's often beautifully constructed.
You would look amazing in that jacket and you've got about a million things to wear with it.
If we needed health insurance here we'd have tied the knot years ago, with our dodgy joints we'd have been bankrupt! xxx
Ah Bristol is the best place for a day out (even a very damp one) there are so many fab chazzas and vintage shops and some wonderful buildings. Glad you all had fun and congratulations to you and Jon! XX
ReplyDeleteIt's ace, isn't it? So glad I got a chance for a proper look rather than driving through it at 7am or peering at it through the window of a venue. xxx
DeleteBristol looks fabulous despite the shitty weather, I knew you'd have a great day out. Chazzas and Spoons, street art and cool architecture to look at, and a smattering of vintage thrown in, what more could you want?
ReplyDeleteLoving that jacket, you are showing great resolve by handing it over to the Kinky rails!
Congratulations of all those years of non-wedded bliss, who needs a ring and a frock like a meringue?!
Love you! xxx
Bristol's a fab place, we loved it. We're a right old pair of city slickers this week, aren't we?
DeleteI do love that jacket but keep reminding myself of flights and adventures but I'll be dead jealous of the woman who buys it. xxx
Happy unanniversary to you!!! Bristol is somewhere I'd really like to visit!!! It looks v nice and I love that Banksy, it is so clever!!! Well done on finding the jacket, I trust in your vintage-hunting senses!Xx
ReplyDeleteYou'd love it Kezzie, there's some great shops and loads of things to look at. Banksy is really clever, isn't he? xxx
DeleteHappy non-anniversary! On April Fool's Day no less. x
ReplyDeleteSays it all really! Thank you. xxx
DeleteCongrats on the anniversary! Looks like a fun outing even with the rain. I'd have a hard time giving up that jacket though. :)
ReplyDeleteThanks, Laurie! Sometimes I amaze myself with my willpower (but not all that often!) xxx
DeleteHappy 24th! :) Ohhh Bethnal Green, not too far a journey for me, I'll try and pop by and say hi! :) xx
ReplyDeleteOooh! That would be fab if you did. x
DeleteYou're a week early! I'm not going there until next Thursday! It's so fab these days. If I were going to live in another city in the UK, Bristol would be it. It's got everything (including most of my Somerset mates). Shame it rained all day! But glad you managed to smile despite it. Yes, the vintage there is plentiful and well priced, although the chazzas are a bit optimistic. Well done on that jacket. It fits you perfectly, good job you've got a will of iron and exciting travel plans. Aw, happy anniversary love birds. You are perfect together. Doing anything nice? Xxxx
ReplyDeleteOh no! Shame we can't go back! It is a fabulous place, I can totally understand why you'd go and live there.
DeleteWe did notice that the vintage shops were considerably cheaper than the vintage sections in the charity shops next to them especially that blinking Sue Ryder!
A night out in Walsall with real ale and a curry, what change the habit of a virtual lifetime!! xxxx
I think I'd like Brizzle, I've got a cousin there who keeps inviting me, I really should go. Looks like you had all the ingredients there for a top day out. What a fab find your jacket was...and talking of jackets, I like your friend's Welsh tapestry one. Happy Unanniversary tomorrow. Thought of Jon today when I heard The Charlatans on the radio. Have a great day in the big smoke (wishing I'd booked the day off work now) xxxxxx
ReplyDeleteYou would like it, Fi! Loads of great photo opportunities and some good and well priced vintage shops.
DeleteA mate messaged Jon this morning to tell him he was on Radio 2 and a couple of hours later the postman delivered his royalty cheque. Nice one.
Shame we'll miss each other, maybe next time? xxx
Oh Vix and Jon - happy 24th non-wedding anniversary!!!! Much much love!! xox
ReplyDeleteThanks, dear Carol! xxx
Deletemwhahaha, wish you a Happy Anniversary, fabulous couple!, have a nice celebration doing whatever you enjoy!! and stay living in sin with lots of love!
ReplyDeleteLovely to see something about Bristol and so many colorful and funny details that caught your eye!!
besos
Glad you enjoyed sharing our Bristol trip! Have a fab weekend. x
DeleteYay - congratulations and raised glasses of wine to your 24 years together. My parents met in Bristol when they were both living and working there, so it's somewhere I've been visiting all my life to visit family friends. Great city. This year will also mark my folks' 25th anniversary.
ReplyDeleteIt seems like the early 1990s was a great time for lurve! xxx
DeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteGoing to Southport tomorrow for a dirty weekend. Chazzer shopping on Lord Street and a show at night, The Hollies.
ReplyDeleteHappy NHAW anniversary. We had a 10 year trial run before getting hitched on Miami beach. Now after 37 years we can both safely say we wouldn't be without each other xxx
You pair are such an inspiration! Very cool wedding location, I shall be quizzing you about Miami at Stockport.
DeleteHave a fab time in Southport! xxx
As you know we have a soft spot for Bristol too and trudging the streets in the pouring rain the last time we were there didn't dim it in the least.
ReplyDeleteHappy Never Had A Wedding anniversary to you both (we are only 5 years behind you in the blissful unmarried bliss, best way to be if you ask me!)
Testament to a great place when it's still fun in the rain! x
DeleteHappy Non-Wedding Day, you two. May you have 24 more years!
ReplyDeleteBristol looks like another pretty English town/city. Even in the rain.
He's already spoilt me with a card made from the cat food box! Ain't love grand? x
DeleteI love exploring when the weather is rubbish, you get to browse without knocking elbows and usually get interesting conversation with the volunteers in the chazzas. Bristol looks ace. Happy non wedding anniversary to you both! xxx
ReplyDeleteVery true, nothing more annoying than being jostled. I think everyone was in Spoons, took ages to find a table. xxx
DeleteLove Bristol! Funnily enough, we celebrated our non-wedding anniversary on Good Friday - or rather, we didn't...we both forgot! 34 years, three kids, various pets and three mortgages later, and it still feels like yesterday. Happy non-wedding anniversary to both of you!
ReplyDeleteA belated happy non-wedding anniversary to both of you, too!
DeleteThirty four years, three mortgages, three kids and a menagerie proves that you don't need a ring or a flouncy frock to be committed. xxx
Many congrats to you and Jon on your 24th 'never had a wedding' anniversary, this year we will be celebrating our 26th 'never had a wedding anniversary'
ReplyDeleteThanks Vicky and same back at you! xxx
DeleteI fully expect to turn on the tv any day and see the new hit show "Jon and Vix take a trip" I KNOW it would be a hit. What a fun fun day. And happy never-had-a-wedding-day to you two!!!! Woohoo!!!!! (After ten years of sin we had to make it official to get the benefits for our kids. whatevs.)
ReplyDeleteThey'd need subtitles if we were on the telly!
DeleteYou put the kids first, that's the right thing to do. xxx
Happy 24 th!!!!!!!!
ReplyDeleteSo do the kids in Bristol look sharp as a pistol like the song says?
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Squeee!!!!
Bibi xox
Voted!
DeleteThe Bristol kids are very sharply dressed. It never ceases to amaze me that in a country as small as ours there are style differences in every city we visit. xxx
Lovely pics of Bristol I lived there during my infant/junior school years but haven't seen it since; it's got a lot to offer by the looks of it, not least vintage shops. Congratulations on your special anniversary I hope you will celebrate in style. Betty
ReplyDeleteIt is a great place, Betty. Didn't know you'd lived there as a child.
DeleteReal ale and a curry for us, the style to which we've been accustomed for the last 24 years! xxx
I have always wanted to know what Bristol looks like as we have bye passed it some many times holidaying down south , Thanks for the insight , Lovely photos as usual , Congratulations on being together for almost your silver lol, xxx
ReplyDeleteThanks, Shabby!
DeleteIt is a great place with some gorgeous architecture. xxx
Happy anniversary guys 24 years is wonderful :-) You have showed Bristol lovely I adore that sweet shop I visited it a few weeks ago with Vicky and loved seeing the keys on the bridge to. Bristol for me was always hospital visits for my hips in the past but we had a great day out the a few weeks celebrating her birthday and that little market area with the brick shops was fabulous, have a great day today, love dee xx
ReplyDeleteThanks, Dee! I remember seeing your photos on Facebook after you and the girls had a day out in Bristol after popping in to see us, I was very envious! xxx
DeleteCongrats!!! 24 years together, something works!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Sue! xxx
DeleteHappy Nonniversary!
ReplyDeleteI'm slowly learning to love Bristol. Its size tends to overwhelm me, but the more I explore it, the more I like it, and the more I get a sense of its geography. It's got so many interesting shops and things to see.
Thanks, Mim!
DeleteCompared to the sprawl of Brum, it seems very compact and easy to negotiate. There are some fantastic shops, too. Good to see so many indies rather than the same old chains. xxx
Yes, I really appreciate the spirit of Bristol. It's got a genuinely anarchic and independent character. People there treasure their venues (cat pub!) and their indies, and the city is all the better for it.
DeleteDid you say cat pub?! I'm definitely going back now. x
DeleteIt wasn't set up as one, the landlord just owns an awful lot of cats and they are allowed in the bar: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-bristol-34871580
DeleteHappy non-wedding anniversary! We are a few years behind: we were married for 21 years in February. Have never been to Bristol, only having by-passed it on our way further south. How "good" of you to pass that jacket on. I would be rubbish at selling, though I should really pass on some stuff as well. xxx
ReplyDeleteThank you! You should call in next time you visit, there's always lots of vintage fairs and flea markets going on as well as a plethora of vintage shops and chazzas. xxx
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ReplyDeleteShall raise a toast to you and Jon at the after work gathering: congratulations on the 24th anniversary of a spectacularly successful partnership!
ReplyDeleteYour crisp photos of Leeds' cityscapes reminds me of Chicago in September, sleek and gray and shiny outdoors, snug and colorful inside the little shops. Once upon a time there was a wonderfully funky hotel attached to the House of Blues...
Leeds? Bristol!(I've just been visiting Curtise's blog and she's been exploring Leeds.)
ReplyDeleteThanks, Beth! Easy to get mixed up with both of us blogging about UK cities.
DeleteQuaint little shops certainly seem more inviting when its dull and wet outside. Even a collection of vintage eye baths seemed attractive in comparison with the drizzle outside. xxx
Congratulations on your Notnanniversary, wheres the 24 year old
ReplyDeleteNotawedding snap?
Thanks, Katie! Photography was such an expensive hobby back in the 1990s, we rarely risked precious film on pictures of us, most of our albums are all scenery from our travels. xxx
Delete24 years of non-marital bliss! Congratulations. You two are so good together.
ReplyDeleteOne of the reasons you do so well at the second-hand shops is that you know so much about the history of clothes and labels. Knowing what you're looking at means you can spot the best things that others might miss. And that fantastic jacket is a case in point!
I've wanted to go to Bristol since falling hard for their music scene in the 90s. Lucky you for being able to just pop on over! Sounds like it was a great, albeit rainy, day! xo
Portishead, Tricky, Massive Attack and Roni Size were huge when we first got together and we still love them now. Like the music, Bristol is similarly edgy and cool.
Deletexxx
Happy Anniversary you lovely people. Beautiful jacket, I do love a bit of Donegal tweed. Xx
ReplyDeleteThanks, Lou! Donegal Tweed is rather fab, there's loads of different colours in this one. xxx
DeleteHappy unmarried bliss day!!
ReplyDeleteThank you! xxx
DeleteUnendingly joyful wishes to you both on this magnificent occasion! May another twenty-four years and many, many more beyond that be yours to come!
ReplyDeleteBig hugs,
♥ Jessica
Thank you, Jessica! xxx
DeleteAdding yet another city to my virtuol passport. Some day again, the real deal though even I know a passport is not required between cities. Eastenders used a phrase "Not Wife" whatever one says, finding someone to spend your life with for years let alone decades is a marvellous thing. Happy Cheers to you both. My 15 year old wants the jacket.
ReplyDeleteI quite fancy being a Not Wife!
DeleteGood to see that the 15 year old already has great taste. xxx
happy un-anniversary to your both! that jacket! and are you in a pair of jeans in that top photo?! xo
ReplyDeleteThanks, Jan! No, they're 90 denier tights. I don't own any jeans, I sold my last pair about three years ago. xxx
Deletecongrats to your anniversary!!! <3
ReplyDeletebristol looks fab - and your day out with friends enviable! ok., beside of the rain :-)
much love! xxxxx
Thanks, Beate! With good company and great surroundings you hardly notice the rain. xxx
DeleteFirstly - Happy Non-Wedding anniversary to you both!
ReplyDeleteMonkeychild and I went to Brizzle too this week and virtually followed in your footsteps, although she preferred the taxidermy in the museum to the shopping.
Bristol's one of my favourite places and back in the day I used to go clubbing in Roxy's and watch gigs at The Bierkeller and The Granary amongst others. Still go to the Colston Hall though, saw The Cult there back in February - it brought back many happy memories of watching Motorhead there xxx
We'll have to go back and have a look at the museum, your Facebook photos looked ace.
DeleteJon's got a few rock and roll tales about Ian Astbury, he stayed with him and his girlfriend in LA in the early 1990s. xxx
First, congrats on your non-anniversary-anniversary! We met in August 1992 so it's also 24 years together. I am crazy for that new jacket, and for the Banksy art - that's a brilliant one. xox
ReplyDeletePatti
http://notdeadyetstyle.com
1992 must have been a magical year, Patti! xxx
DeleteAwww congratulations both!! I just looked up 24 and that's either Opal or Musical Instruments?! I haven't been to Bristol for a while, but used to work there, and my little brother lives in Clifton (posh bit!). xx
ReplyDeleteMusical instruments? Jon doesn't need any further encouragement in that department!!
DeleteClifton is gorgeous, lucky bro'. xxx
Hi Vix, congratulations on yours and Jon's 24 year anniversary of unwedded bliss! You both make a great looking couple, love you both. That coat you bought looks great on you btw. ;-)
ReplyDeletep.s. the Banksy artwork was hilarious, love it!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Cherre! xxx
DeleteHappy never had a wedding anniversairy! Glad you had a good time in Bristol. I love wandering around but don't go there nearly as often as I wish! Definitely need to plan a vintage shopping trip soon, actually I think there is a fair in a few weeks that I hope to visit.
ReplyDeleteI think Judy's and Loulou's have both got fairs on in May. Unfortunately both clash with our other bookings but we will be in Bath on 15th of next month. xxx
DeleteHappy Non-wedding anniversary! 24 years with the same person, and still enjoying each others' company is definitely something to celebrate. Bristol looks like a nice place for a walkabout, and good vintage pickings make it even better.
ReplyDeleteIt's uber cool, Shelley with an amazing musical history (Portishead, Faithless, Tricky), we loved it. xxx
DeleteHappy un-wedding! (my Dad used to always declare he had un-birthdays so I thought un-wedding kind of fit!). Rich has family in Bristol and they were in NZ a couple of months ago and invited us to stay - hopefully we can make it sometime - see you guys there? :)
ReplyDeleteYou'll have to come over and visit Rich's relatives - and call in on us, if you ever want to leave Bristol! x
DeleteBelated congratulations to you both! Andy and myself have been together twenty years this year xx
ReplyDeleteThanks, Melanie! xxx
DeleteHappy non-wedding anniversary! It baffles people sometimes when they find out how long me and Sam have been together and how we have no plans to get hitched. Each to their own I say! Bristol looks like a lovely city, I've never been but would love to go there and explore one day.
ReplyDeletexx
p.s. it was lovely to see you last week at Bethnal Green!
Hi Sarah! it was lovely to see you and to meet your Mum last weekend.
DeleteYou should get yourself down to Bristol, you'd love it. xxx
Aww congrats to you both xx
ReplyDeleteThat jacket is a great find!
ReplyDeleteMany happy returns on 24 years unmarried! You're an inspiration!
Happy late never had a wedding anniversary!
ReplyDelete