Monday 15 November 2010

The Sunday Carboot


Last Sunday I went to my first ever city-centre carboot. When you're used to carbooting in a huge grassy field set in rolling countryside on a warm summer morning, its a bit of a shock to the system to find yourself in a grey concrete industrial estate on an icy winter's day! Nevertheless, I found many a bargain - although admittedly, it took a while to find them amidst stall-upon-stall of wholesale household products and dodgy electronics.

The find of the day was this little leather suitcase, for... wait for it... 20p! I pounced on this case when I saw it - I don't know how it hadn't already been snapped up by vintage buyers earlier in the morning. It now resides on top of two other leather suitcases on my wardrobe; you think I'd have enough of these by now, but I'm not going to say no at 20p!


I was also lucky enough to find a working 1975 Roberts radio! It's a true piece of eye candy; the red leather panelling and wooden sides are reminiscent of an era that I so wish I was a part of! It's a shame that some of the buttons are missing on the top, but it still tunes in perfectly and has a lovely tone.

Sat next to my radio in the '70s corner' of my room is a Sadler tea (or coffee?) set. I loved the tall upright design and the retro styling, which, funnily enough, almost matches my gaudy curtains! The lady was selling a whole set - with pots, more mugs, and a jug, for £3, but I had to persuade myself not to buy them all as I'd never have been able to carry them home. I feel a bit guilty for breaking up the set...

And finally, a pretty sleeveless lace top with brown shell buttons. It really reminds me of something that Zara might sell! It needs a bit of taking-in, but I can foresee it being a summer staple of mine (yes... already thinking about the summer...). I can't wait to wear it buttoned up and tucked into my brown shorts!

Sadie xxx

P.S. I've got a brilliant giveaway coming up - open to international readers too! Keep checking back!

17 comments:

Cait said...

The flea market in Edinburgh is pretty much the same, no charm at all but its the finds that count. And these ones certainly count! I think the cheapest I've ever found a leather suitcase was £7 so your is a BARGAIN! I love that radio too.

Jessica said...

uwahhhhhhhhhh... you got incredible stuffs !!!! :D :D and the leather suitcase for 20p??? wow!

Joanna said...

How lucky! These items are great! I absolutely love the radio and suitcase and for such a cheap price I can see why you snapped them up right away. I love posts like these! :) xxx

Unknown said...

Wow this photos are amazing!
I love this vintage stuff!

http://vicissitudinilombarde.blogspot.com/

the girl in the bowler hat said...

Wow wow wow! You always find such great car boot sales. I must pay a visit to one soon! I love the suitcase and the radio, both are perfect.

xxxx

Anonymous said...

Love the blouse. Great finds!

Ellie said...

oh my! That suitcase and the roberts radio are fantastic finds :) well done you for braving the inner-city carboot! x

Ife said...

Wow you must have looked hard and well because you came backwith some great finds !!

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Georgie said...

Lovely finds, espesh the lace shirt! I really need to go to a carboot again soon bloggers are always raving about them!
xx

Emma Jade said...

Oooh that lace shirt looks lovely!

moloveschips said...

wow i love that suitcase-imagine all the journeys it has been on and all the goodies it's carried around!! i could ponder forever-a little bit of history for 20p love it!

Phara said...

Wow, that radio, what a find!
And love that cute lace top too.
It's so fun finding those special things.
X

The Quick Red Fox said...

Wow Sadie what amazing stuff! I can't believe that suitcase was 20p, I've been on the lookout for one but they've mainly been over the £20 mark! That radio is great too.

I haven't been to our city centre carboot yet. I'm from rural North Yorkshire and like you, can't imagaine visiting a carboot in Birmingham city centre!

Ours is held by shops selling knock off undies, fake chains and cheap toasters; but I'm thinking it may be worth a look in now!

Foxy
x

Dina said...

Great buys! I am jealous. My usual car bootsale is over till next year so there's only one near me that is on during winter and its poo!! Full of the same sellers every week selling over priced stuff :( boo! x

Louder Than Silence said...

Oh my goodness, I'm so jealous of your finds - especially the Roberts radio!
Sally x

Unknown said...

Wow, what a great haul! i have paid way more money for vintage suitcases not nearly as nice so that is the star purchase for me!

Lucy said...

woooowww... i never cease to be amazed at how much good stuff people manage to get at car boots and for cheap! 20p?! seriously!! crazy. all your bits are wonderful and i'd love to have them all!
carbooting must restart (when it gets warmer hehe)
xxx