A little place called Lewes

Vintage faux fur coat // Vintage Greek goddess shirt // Tulip skirt from H&M // Black bow from ASOS // Blue cardigan from H&M // Hat from Topshop // Creepers from Underground

I went on a little day trip to Lewes the other day with Miss Sutherland, my friend from I Love It. If you don't know Lewes,  you can find it nestled in the South Downs, 7 miles from Brighton. The river Ouse meanders slowly through the town, which has a large selection of antique flea markets, vintage shops and a handful of beautiful boutiques containing colourful curios for the home and soul. Miss Sutherland and I had a lazy afternoon, perusing through the cobbled lanes, and she took me to her favourite shop, Wickle, and I fell in love with it instantly.

Maybe it's the Castle? Or the glimpses of the misty Downs? Whatever it is, there is something quite dark and magical about the atmosphere of this little town. It was quite quiet when we were there. But every year the streets of Lewes come alive with 80,000 people coming together with blazing torches and crosses to celebrate their biggest event, Bonfire Night. I haven't been yet but I have heard it is unforgettable.

Here are just a few things I love to do when I go to Lewes

• Munch down some brunch at the first ever Bills (they make the perfect poached egg)
• Head to the Snow Drop Inn for a roast.
• Visit Wickle on the High Street. (They sell gorgeous bits and bobs for home and family at really reasonable prices. They also have a cute little cafe at the back with mismatched vintage teacups and saucers, and offer scrummy homemade cake.)
• Visit Lewes Castle
• Have a picnic down by the river
• Visit Harvey's Brewery on Cliffe High Street
• Have a peruse around the Needlemakers and a coffee in the cafe.
• Lots of thrifting to be done. There are around 8 charity shops, Lewes Flea Market and Lewes Antiques Centre to have a nose around.

Photos of things I saw around Lewes (left to right)

1. Getting on the train to Lewes from Brighton Station
2. Beautiful bottles of pink lemonade at Bills 
3. Everything on the shelves at Bills have amazing packaging
4. I love these tins of amaretti biscuits
5. 1960s doll at Lewes Antiques Centre
6. Pretty pink bead detail on vintage dress
7. Teacups and saucers at Wickle
8. Vintage polka dot dress at Hobo Vintage in the Needlemakers
9. Cute 1950s plastic buttons I bought in a little antiques shop on Cliffe High Street

Hope this post has inspired you to visit this wonderful town.

Browse. Buy. Cherish.
AKA Hooting Miss Owl

WHAT I WORE: 50 Shades of Purple

Vintage blue blazer - found in local charity shop
Top - H&M
Jeans - Gap
Lilac High-Tops - Primark
Leather satchel - Found in Morocco on my travels

Since dying my hair lilac I have realised that all I want to wear are shades of purple and pink. High-Street shops have been filled with gorgeous items in beautiful pastels over the summer, so this hasn't been hard to achieve. 

Recent new additions to my wardrobe has been this spangly top from H&M (bargaino price of £3) and a beautiful handcrafted earring made from the talented John Moore. John Moore is a local Brighton jewellery designer inspired by nature. The colours he uses to dye the metals are vibrant and eye catching. Have a peek at his collection either on his facebook page or website.

Ta ta for now!

Feather earring made by the fabulous JOHN MOORE

ALL IMAGES TAKEN BY MY LOVELY HUSBAND.

PLEASE ASK FOR PERMISSION BEFORE USING ANY OF THEM.

THANK YOU!

Can you keep a secret?

There are three ladies who share a secret. And if you’re lucky enough to be in the right place at the right time, or if you know the right people, they might just share it with you. Sneaking from place to place spreading the vintage and nearly new gospel, Secret Store is operated by JH, FW and HW. Three friends with an eye for fashion, a stash of quality stock and collectively, a gazillion tons of fashion knowledge.

 

For the past few years, they’ve been quietly masterminding a revolution in home shopping and styling. Vintage Owl caught up with these mysterious entrepreneurs after their most recent operation at an undisclosed location in old Bright Town. 

Well, Hove. Actually . . .

VO: What is Secret Store?

SS: Secret Store is currently an invite only event selling high end, high street womens clothing, like Jigsaw and Whistles as well as independent designers and vintage. We provide a space for women where they can have the shopping experience, enjoy a drink with friends and get beautiful well-priced clothes and accessories. 

VO: How did it start?

SS: We met when we were working for Jigsaw. After several years of accumulating lots of clothes we started small evening sales for potential clients, family and friends. Five years on, Secret Store has grown and grown with the help of word of mouth.

VO: Do you think people are becoming more eco-conscious when they are shopping?

SS: Yes, definitely! People are aware of how much money they are spending. In our case, they like to spend their money in a place where they can buy high quality in a nice environment.

VO: What else does Secret Store offer?

SS: All three of us also offer personal shopping and styling on a one to one basis. We also source items on a request basis so our guests can make up a wish list and we’ll find what they’re looking for.

VO: What will be Secret Store’s next step?

SS: Next step is a vintage emporium. It wouldn’t be secret though, we’d tell you where it is! We’re currently looking to set up shop in several locations around Brighton and Sussex. Watch this space!

VO: Would you continue the Secret Store home shopping events?

SS: Oh, of course. But don’t tell anyone!

VO: When is the next event?

SS: It will be in May, at a secret location somewhere in Haslemere! And then a high summer event back in Brighton.

VO: How can people find out about upcoming events?

SS: Well, if you know someone who knows someone, you might hear about us through word of mouth. Or follow us on Facebook and Twitter.

VO: What garments are you currently coveting?

SS: I don’t particularly covet garments, but more looks. I currently love all of  YSL spring summer collection. I love the 70s look, high waist flares, high wedges. Mr Jacobs new collection – all those polka dots...I could go on...and on..!

VO: What’s your top tip for buying vintage?

SS: Search everywhere! You never know what will turn up. Where possible always try on, it is easier to see if there is anything wrong or any marks. Turn inside out and look at how it is sewn and finished, a good indication of quality. However, don’t dismiss if a little shabby as could be a homemade or a sample and therefore a one off!

Currently look out for 30s style dresses – so next season.

Secret Store Team

Solea Pumps £20

Jewellery designed by Nicci Bethnell

Mulberry Bag £120

All Saints leather shirt £50

Ralph Lauren blouse £40

Moschino belt

Chloé bag

Vera Newman scarves £10

Images taken by Jennie Davies and top image courtesy of Secret Store