The Biker, The Stationer, The Jeweller and the Twee...

Claire's method of transport- the Vespa!

Celebrating our own fabulousness is often an overlooked pastime due to busy work schedules, family life and just trying to deal with everything life throws at us! So when the idea floated about for a light hearted afternoon of tea, cakes and conversation, four busy ladies jumped at the chance to close the laptops, put down the glue guns and indulge!

Getting together to whip out the vintage china was Joanne of Vintage Twee, Claire from the lovely English Wedding Blog, Anita Mistry of the fantastic It’s a Mistry Design Studio and of course the hostess herself,Nia of Nia Fiori Designs. The location was perfect. Nia’s home is in the beautiful town of Hayfield, Derbyshire which, with its rows of stone

cottages, rolling hillside and according to legend, in 1760 even had its own witch, proved to be the perfect place to pour the traditional British brew and set the world to rights with a slice or three of cake. Joanne brought along some Vintage China plates which she has gathered from antique fairs, shops and markets whilst Nia provided the gorgeous tea pot and cake stands. Showing that the modern woman really can do everything, Nia spent the morning baking and turned out an incredible rum fuelled carrot cake with lemon and orange icing not to mention delectable scones with clotted cream and jam! The ladies chatted about how each of them followed their dreams to become self employed despite nerves, trepidation and downright fear! Hearing Joanne talk about it this evening co-incided with a conversation I had with my own boss today who came across a book her grandmother owned in the 1920’s and was madly inspired by its words. The book was entitled “Willpower” which, as you can imagine was probably very unusual and quite possibly frowned upon for a young woman of that era to be reading. The phrase which stuck in her mind from the book and which she repeated to us all before a day of sales today was, “I can, I will, I dare, I do”, So for all the budding entrepeneurs out there, remember that line and it will take you as far as you will allow yourself to go! It took her grandmother to the ripe old age of 96….

Don’t forget to check out the websites of todays lovely ladies for bridal inspiration, advice and calligraphy from Claire, beautiful, unique jewellery from Anita and a range of stunning stationary from Nia. Of course, Vintage Twee will be uncovering some summer delights very soon so keep an eye on the website as you read it here first!

Nia "road testing" her own baking..

A Bird's Eye view of all things chic and unique

Fur shrug courtesy of Lovely and Vintage

 On Sunday 30th January, Vintage Twee had a stand at the most coveted event of the year so far, the Vintage Chic Wedding Fair. Located in Birmingham's newly renovated arts and media hub, The Custard Factory, the venue for the fair, The Old Library was built in the 1850’s but fell in to disrepair during the mid 20th century. Luckily for us vintage wedding lovers in 2001 it was renovated after receiving funding and now stands as one of the cities most versatile and unique event space- you can even hold your wedding here!
Helped by the lovely Nia of Gallery6 Studios, Vintage Twee began to meet future brides from the Midlands and the fair was soon in full swing with talk of all things lacy, vintage and tea-related! In particular our Party Picks proved to be extraordinarily popular with packs flying off the stand! Now coming in a range of colours, they are an easy way to add a little fun to your special occasion!

Now, proving the desire for something unique at your wedding is still burning strong, the stalls were an amazing range of the loveliest vintage styled products any bride could wish to see! A few Vintage Twee favourites are pictured here and as you can see fun was to be had! The exhibitors all had the same thing in common- the responsibility to provide brides with that special something to make her wedding day full of elegance, glamour and of course, vintage chic!



Cotton and Crumbs



Vintage Glamour Days



Beautiful tea cup ring

One of our favourite vendors was the talented Amy, from jewellery company, Blanche and Lola. Creating the most beautiful jewellery from authentic vintage pieces, each Blanche and Lola creation is individual- you will never be caught wearing the same thing as anyone else!
Hand crafted and original, combining vintage with modern, the collection includes the gorgeous tea cup ring, the vintage carousel necklace and stunning pearl necklaces. A new contender on the vintage jewellery and accessories market, be sure to check out the website for that special piece for your big day!



Vintage Carousel Necklace
Available from Blance & Lola

Lovely vintage necklace, perfect for brides
Available from Blance & Lola

 So it seems we have Mr Alfred Bird, the inventor of our favourite winter warmer, custard, to thank not only for the sweet yellow dessert we all love, but, for the fantastic Custard Factory where we got to meet some great people, share a passion for all things vintage and of course, dress ourselves up all girly and gorgeous!

Sparkle down the aisle with Yarwood-White..

As my own wedding is creeping nearer by the day (19 to be precise!), all thoughts have turned to the finishing touches to my outfit… the jewellery. As a wholehearted supporter of handmade wedding accessories, I used my never ending stash of wedding magazines to scour for the perfect place to buy them from.
It didn’t take long before I spotted the stunning Yarwood-White jewellery and eagerly went online to check out the range. From tiara’s and headdresses to earrings and necklaces, Clare Yarwood-White has hit the nail on the head when it comes to making beautiful, eye catching and affordable wedding jewellery.


My vintage chic wedding demanded classy, individual and memorable jewellery and I desperately wanted something I could keep forever and hopefully pass on to future generations. After countless hours gazing at the choice on http://www.yarwood-white.com/, I chose the gorgeous Fern Drop earrings and the Modern Heirloom bracelet- the magpie in me was drawn to the sparkling crystals! My correspondence with Yarwood-White has been professional and timely, each email I have received from Clare and her team has instilled in me nothing but confidence in their products. 

Like an excitable little girl on her birthday, when my order arrived I couldn’t open it quickly enough! The jewellery is even more beautiful than it is on the website, the delicate crystal and pearls just ooze glamour and sophistication. I tried them on with my wedding dress at the weekend and was mesmorized by the bracelet twinkling under the lights and the earrings peeping through my hair. I love them so much that I have now decided I need more! The lovely Clare is helping me design a bespoke necklace to compliment my dress- I literally can’t wait to see it!


Vintage Twee wouldn’t hesitate to recommend Yarwood-White jewellery for any brides big day, party or just as a well deserved treat! The products are made from quality materials and packaged beautifully. They make you feel truly special and valued…. and it won’t make a huge dent in your budget!

For a chance to meet Clare, check out her gorgeous accessories and discuss any of your own requirements, pop along to the Oxford branch of the Ellie Sanderson Boutique on Thurs 23rd Sep, 5pm-9pm. Clare will be there along with other fabulous accessory designers, glasses of bubbly and free hair trials by Philosophy Hairdressers! Yarwood-White are also pleased to advise there will be 10% off any orders placed on the night! All I can say is ladies, be prepared for the hardest decision of your lives..!