One Saturday morning I got up earlier than I ever normally would and got myself on a train to Birmingham. A £10 return was a total bargain and I needed to pop up and see my pals at Le Keux Vintage Studio.

Too Early!

Hitting Brum around 930, I ambled around the Bullring for a short while before hitting Bills Diner for a spot of breakfast. Let me tell you, their Eggs Benedict is the absolute best and I added a cheeky Cumberland sausage and some beans to get me through the heavy day ahead.

As it was the girls birthday in a couple of weeks, I needed to get their presents and what better a time to get them; a massive shopping centre and hundreds of shops.

Baby Bear wanted Sportswear and some perfume, so I hit The Fragrance Shop.  Olympea Intense was what I was looking for and I asked the salesperson the cost. I could get a 30ml bottle for £51, a 50ml bottle for £53 or an 80ml bottle for £80!

Olympea Intense

Well it was a no brainer, wasn’t it. I asked for the 50ml bottle.

‘Oh, sorry we don’t actually have any of it!!!’

So why did you tell me what I could buy if you don’t actually have any stock?

Oh well, onto the next shop, Nike for a hoodie Baby Bear wanted. One problem though….. they didn’t have that either!

Two strikes. Can I go for a third?

Little Chick wanted some Jeans from TopShop. Yes, you have guessed it….. Not in stock either.

Oh well, I decided to cut my losses and popped to the Rag market as I needed a few bits. Mainly buttons. Vintage Looking buttons, at that!

However, on the way round the Market I came upon some hat stalls. Well, if you know me, you will know that I can’t resist a good hat. And I found an amazing hat seller, Crystal Hats. This wonderful lady had the best selection of hats I think I have seen in a long time.

I immediately saw a black hat that I fell in love with. It had a vintage vibe and a stunning embellishment and I was sold. The seller Christine was so friendly and I was struggling with my knee (and walking stick) and she gave me a seat.

Vintage Style Hat

We sat talking about hats and my love of them and then she showed me a second one. A pink jockey like cap which reminded me very much of Penelope Pitstop.

When Christine showed me some matching silky fur rimmed gloves, I just couldn’t resist them both.

Penelope Pitstop

Leaving the Rag Market I was stunned to find it absolutely tipping it down. Stair-rods in fact!

I headed back into the main town, where the German Market was. Stunning wooden Chalets, hand made ornaments, food, hot mulled wine and more. It was simply fabulous.

Stunning German Market

Unfortunately it was still hacking it down and I needed to pop over to Le Keux vintage salon. It was about a ten minute walk to Digbeth, and I knew I wouldn’t be able to get an Uber easily. It was heaving!

New Hats

Thankfully I had bought a woolly hat from Primark that I didn’t mind getting wet. It took me about 10 mins to walk to the Salon where I was due to have a look around for an up and coming photoshoot.

I had taken my vintage style wig from Carl Brown with me as the Salon was going to style it for me as I might use it in the Photo shoot and I wanted to check out the sets in order to work out what outfits to take with me.

Le Keux Salon

Boudoir,  Diner, Hair Salon, Kitchen and more. There was so many to choose from that I need to get my head into gear and work out just what I want to take to the shoot.

Sets to Use

Leaving the salon it was still pouring down and had grown dark. The football had just let out and there were hundreds of people milling about. I ordered an Uber but had a wait of around 20 minutes and then the road was just gridlocked.

Boudoir Set

Heading back to New Street Station, the Uber took forever and let me out a little way from the station as there was just no movement. By this point, my trouser legs were soaked, my shoes totally drenched, leaving me frozen and uncomfortable. There was a little more shopping I wanted to do, but I just couldn’t work up the enthusiasm and I stayed at the Station until my train was due.

Cooking Time

The problem with the cheap £10 return was that I needed to go early in the morning and return late in the evening. However, I had achieved quite a lot during the day, apart from the lack of birthday presents.

Eventually my train arrived and it was actually pretty empty. Sadly it was also the train that stopped at every poxy station between Birmingham and Home. Over 1hr20 mins later, I eventually arrived at my station and dodge the rain to get to the car.

All in all, it was a pretty good day, even though I was soaked.

Pretty in Pink

The best was yet to come; getting home I took off my shoes only to find that the dye had stained my feet totally black. I looked like I was wearing ballet flats when in fact I was barefooted!

Thankfully, the house was warm and dry and there was a cold glass of wine with my name on it!

Till next time,

SPSG xxx