I bounded out of bed bright and early and hopped in the shower.
Pulled on my jeans, sandals, a top and sweater...
I was ready to go early so I hitched a ride into town with Mr. HB on his way to work.
Ten minutes after driving to town I was breakfasting on hot oatmeal and sipping a decaf Americano at Starbucks.
Located near our historic Chinatown I sat at a table by the window, a great location for some "people watching" observing the fashionable folk as they passed by the window.
I was on a shopping mission to find two mugs.
I've been on a bit of a breaking spree and thought I might find some beautiful replacements for those that were beyond repair.
One of the drawbacks of having hard granite counter tops is that crockery rarely bounces off, it fractures instantly.
Black Toast Pattern designed and made by Emma Bridgewater
I found the mugs and bowl at The Knightsbridge Shops.
Have you tried Lapsang Souchong Tea?
It's a bit of an acquired taste and quite a change from mainstream orange pekoe tea.
I purchased this wee box at Murchie's on Government Street.
The label describes the tea as "pan fired" from China with an intriguing smoky flavour...
Murchie's Teas has a great website if you like tea.
They carry a wide assortment of teapots, cups, and coffee paraphernalia.
You can enjoy elevenses, afternoon tea or lunch at Murchie's
at peak times be prepared to wait and stand in line
as this is a popular spot with the locals and when tourists are in town the crowd swells.
I grabbed this Tee shirt as it is awash with colour...
I plan to pair it with jeans and my lightwash denim Gap jacket.
Red white and blue, a classic combo...
The Union Jack is undeniably bold and recognizable.
You'll be seeing double Jacks if I carry my straw tote!
more red white and blue...
I retire the straw tote after summer is over and store it for next year.
Pristine navy blue vintage leather handbag circa 1980.
Lined in leather, beautifully crafted, lovely detail with long gold chain handles and a tassel.
Can be worn as a cross body bag for hands free shopping.
L. J. Simone of New York.
I've never owned a navy bag before and thought that maybe I should leave it on the shelf.
All my bags are black so why not shake it up a bit?
"Push the envelope Hostess and dip your toes into a tiny well of inky blue..."
So with that in mind this bag is mine and I will now be consigning a few of my other bags.
My rule is that when "something new" comes into The Humble Bungalow "something old" needs to go...
Hope you have a fabulous weekend.
Thanks for stopping by...
I feel so much more connected when you take the time to leave a comment and if you are too shy consider sending me an email at bungalowhostess@gmail.com
"Do one thing every day that scares you."
~ Eleanor Roosevelt ~
35 comments:
I love Murchies! Such a fun tea shop. You look darling in your Union Jack tee and I love that tote! Sounds like a great day!
I can't help but love Emma Bridgewater's china.
I have a weakness for all things navy...it is a bit more forgiving than black for me. Lovely bag.
The dishes are fabulous, but where did you get that awesome navy bag?? I love it!
I first heard good things of Emma Bridgewater from DaniBP and you have a very fine set Hostess and also like your double-Jack tote & tea-shirt. I've been drinking a lot of Earl Gray with brown sugar in the am which I prefer over coffee.
Good old Murchie's. I'd not thought to check them out online. Great bag. Love the pattern. I love navy paired with black. So chic.,
Whenever I am in Victoria, I like to look in the Knightsbridge Shop. I am planning to retire the summer clothes next week. This week, I have been weeding my books. I did my one thing that scares me today. I applied to volunteer at the Vancouver Writers' Festival and said that I was willing to take care of French-speaking authors. Perhaps I will get a chance to be francophone literary chic! Your navy bag is great. I think that you can wear it with many of your pieces. The Union Jack is such a Victoria thing. Do you think Scotland will vote for independence? That certainly would change things.
Those shoes are great! The colours made me smile. I know the Knightsbridge Shop - it's very near my office so I can easily pop in to be tempted any day of the week!
I think I may have mentioned in an earlier comment that we spent part of our honeymoon (38 years ago) in your city. Somewhere there is a photo of us having lunch in Chinatown. For some reason total strangers recognized us as newlyweds and insisted on taking our photo--and sent it to us afterwards. You live in such a wonderful city! I know you enjoy it.
One other comment--concerning tea--have you every tried Bigelow's Constant Comment? It has been my favorite for years.
"a tiny well of inky blue" . . . such a beautiful way with words you have, Hostess.
And because the lovely tweed jacket you have shown us on the blog, today I took the plunge and bought a lovely similarly styled jacket, from Betty Barclay. I'm saving it for my special occasions. It is my first jacket without a collar. But I love the detailing and quality German construction.
The sales clerk (also the buyer and the manager of the store) was so helpful and made me feel fabulous with her wise suggestions. I purchased several "investment" pieces and learned so much from her. She's been "dressing" business women and mature women for many years and knows just what will update one's look while still being oneself. I was delighted to have her kind attention for most of the afternoon. I felt it was a privilege to learn from a real professional in the field. And just after having thought about wardrobe planning and gleaning ideas about core wardrobes from several delightful blogs! And just before I made some expensive "mistakes"!
For example, here's a simple idea I gleaned from her. She pointed out that a jacket is a big investment. To extend this into wardrobe planning, each jacket should coordinate with three "bottoms" (skirts or slacks) and then with five tops. This basic start gives variety to one's outfits.
Unfortunately she's about to retire so her clients will no longer have the benefit of her long years of experience.
Thanks again, Hostess, for all the topics you engage in on the blog. They are such fun and I find the discussions often enlighten my decisions.
Mugs and tea are wonderful things to ponder on these cooler days. I like to begin my days with Twinings' English Breakfast Tea and a pretty china cup and saucer.
Enjoy your weekend.
Honey Bee
I love those navy, red and white sneakers of yours!! I wish I could find a pair...
BTW...your "navy" handbag looks "green" on my computer!!
Lovely to see the Lapsang Souchong tea - it's one of my own favorites, especially in these damp and chilly September days we've been having on the other side of the mountains. But definitely an acquired taste - not too many people want to share a pot of it with me :)
I commented yesterday but don't see it? I love your tee shirt, it's really fun. And I adore Emma Bridgewater pottery.
I've been needing a bit of encouragement to "go shopping" since I have bought almost nothing this year. And here you are! I'm making a little list, little because I'm only replacing things at this point. Thanks!
Murchie's lapsang is my morning tea - straight up! If you like it, get the loose - the tea in the bags doesn't cut it, IMO. I'm buying more this weekend, as I'm scraping the bottom of the barrel in the mornings!
What a productive day you had! I've not heard of the Knightsbridge Shops, but I'll be looking. I do admire the Emma Bridgewater mugs. I find going downtown to be a road trip - something intentional, not just spur of the moment to pick up one thing. There's so much to see (and buy) down there. Murchie's is an iconic spot for tea.
I too am one of the rare birds who enjoys Lapsang Souchong tea, especially in cold weather. It tastes like fall smells. Ummm. And I have some of those Emma Bridgewater Black Toast mugs too--aren't they fun?
Well, I am a "Yank" and a bit of a history buff, so I don't think I will wear the union jack, but I do love the sneakers. I enjoy reading your blog!
Love those runners! Glad to see you shaking up the black.
I made a tea run today too, I am very fond of Peet's tea, they have lots of interesting types but I usually get English Breakfast tea. I love the Emma Bridgewater dishes and it is a good thing for my budget that we don't have a shop carrying it nearby! I think it could become an obsession.
Have a nice weekend.
Lapsang souchong must be an acquired taste, too smoky for me. Love my plain English or Scottish breakfast tea! Love your tee and your bag with the Union Jack. And I agree, one thing in, another out.
Love, love, love that handbag! I am in Paris now, and keep passing a handbag store with many vintage Chanel bags in the window. Although the quilting pattern is different, it has the same luxurious look about it!
I'm the only person I know that enjoys Lapsang Souchong. Most people find it tastes like smoke, and burned leaves. I did read somewhere that Prince Charles enjoys Lapsang. I purchase mine from Mariage Freres; which I feel is a "must" for you to visit, when you're in Paris.
Hello, I have just caught up with a couple of your past blogs and, your skin looks wonderful!
You have mentioned that you suffer from rosacea.I remember that you have done a post on your skin care regime, but I was wondering if you would care to do one again.
thank you. Linda C.
Our custom tea blend here is 4/5 Russian Caravan to 1/5 Lapsang Souchong. Russian Caravan is a slightly smoky black tea and I like to punch up the smokiness just a bit with Lapsang. Lapsang is also wonderful for cooking with . . . .
I simply love Murchies!! Navy will be great with all your black and white. And of course with your Unions Jacks!! I seriously love your straw bag!!
How is the "something new comes in so something old must go out" philosophy working out for you ? Do you choose based on how old an item is, or number of times worn ? I understand your lack of storage space, but I would have trouble making a decision.
Value Village (The VV Boutique!)
I do wonder what the people of Scotland will decide...personally I hope they stay together. Quebec has been ruminating over this option for many years...and I think we need to keep our French Canadians in Canada.
I cannot recall having tasted Bigelow's Constant Comment Tea...I'll look for it.
You sound like me...it is so close yet I don't go shopping there very often. I think I should make it a regular date as there are so many wonderful places to find things and great spots for teas.
Sunds like you may be tempted to pop in and buy one!
Have fun in Paris.
Honey Bee your day sounds like fun...I appreciate the quality of Betty Barclay garments and we have a local shop W&J Wilson's on Government street that carries her line. You'll feel great wearing some polished items that suit you...having a savvy store clerk at your disposal for a shopping spree is such a bonus!
It is a difficult question to answer...often I am just tired of something or it is lacking it's original lustre...space is the main reason that I keep things "in check" here at home.
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