With a number of massive photoshoots coming up in the next few months, my other thrifting ambition has been to gather props.  When working with a stylist, props are usually rented from prop houses - enormous warehouses full of stuff.  However, being a one woman show and operating out of the semi-back of beyond, I tend to use what I have.

In many ways, the back of beyond is what helps me.  There doesn't seem to be the same market for vintage here as there is in other parts of the country, so I can keep to my very modest budget.  The bicycle above--- £5. With its dark green and gold paint, I was smitten as soon as I saw it and it took only a small bit of begging for Kevin to agree that we NEEDED it.

"But wait", I hear you say, "Don't you already have a vintage raleigh?" Well, yes, I do.  But its blue and been photographed to death, so I *needed* another one...Obviously. 

Plus look, it can store important work stuff.  Multi-functional as well as beautiful.

I am not sure I can say the same for the accordion I bought a few weeks ago.  Its sole purpose is to be a constant source of amazement for my children.  All they want to do is play it...much to the delight of the neighbours, I am sure. The vintage suitcase, on the other hand is exceedingly useful as it store all of our shoes in the hallway. 

And act as perch for weary souls eating their ice cream while Mama  tries to take pictures.