I’ve recently been spending some time in Stroud, which is just over half an hour away from Bristol by car. Aside from the myriad of charity shops there are to explore – recent finds include this pretty swallow print top – there is one place that I can’t help but visit every time I’m there.
A Stroud vintage emporium divided over two floors, every inch of space in Time After Time is used to display jewellery, clothes, homewares and accessories dating from the early 1900s to the 1980s. Vintage shops can often suffer from too much clutter, but at Time After Time every single item has its place, from fur stoles to china teapots. Bowler hats are hung from cupboard doors and delicate beaded evening bags and printed mirrors line the stairwell.
Husband and wife owners David and Sandra have run Time After Time for six years, perviously organising vintage fairs in Gloucestershire and Oxfordshire, and have both been involved in the fashion industry since the 1960s – there is an adorable photo of the couple from the 1970s can be seen on their about page.
Each piece that makes its way into the shop is handpicked – with David sourcing the clothes and Sandra picking out (and designing) jewellery. Trips to source new pieces take place regularly and David assures me that it’s the best form of retail therapy.
It’s unusual to find a vintage boutique that covers menswear, womenswear, accessories, homewares and jewellery and that does it with such aplomb – you could spend hours looking at trinkets or chatting enthusiastically about 1950s bridesmaid dresses and barely even scratch the surface of this treasure trove.
While Time After Time has been a recent discovery for me, it’s no secret to designers and creatives including Cath Kidston, Philp Treacy and Lily Allen, all of whom are regular visitors to this quaint duck egg blue shop. The last time I visited the shop a selection of 1920s dresses had just arrived, but they were strictly off limits until after Lily had seen them and called dibs on them for her new music video.
If you’re ever in Stroud you have to visit this shop as you’ll find a million and one things you want to take home with you! Have you made any new vintage shop discoveries recently?
Time After Time, 30 High Street, Stroud, Gloucestershire GL5 1AJ. Open 10am –5pm Monday–Friday, 9am–5.30pm on Saturdays.
Wow it looks like a right treasure trove! God job this isn’t near to me as I fear I would spend a shed load of money in there…. :p
Oh wow this shop looks amazing and stuffed full of treasures! What a lovely place to spend an afternoon :) xX
Hi SJ – always lovely to see you at Time After Time. We’re blushing from all of your compliments…
You were a week too early to meet Ms A. Maybe next time.
Don’t forget, sweet readers, we’re just a short trip down the M5…junction 13! Come along and meet us.
All the best, Dave.
Looks like a really beautiful shop. Proper little treasure trove!
There’s also Strangeness & Charm Vintage shop in Gloucester Street, Stroud. This is an equally brilliant vintage shop with thoughtfully curated vintage, which is reasonably priced too. Another reason to visit Stroud!
http://www.strangenessandcharmvintage.com/
Thanks to you wonderful people The Sunday Telegraph Magazine (Stella) has just voted us a one of Britain’s best 50 vintage boutiques. Golly gosh!
You can find the feature here.
http://fashion.telegraph.co.uk/news-features/TMG11241233/Britains-best-vintage-fashion-shops.html
Much love, David & Sandra at Time After Time
A fabulous place to visit, David and Sandra Ireland are so worm and welcoming to there lovely little shop. I’ve spent many a happy time looking at all the amazing quality vintage item’s that they have to offer there and have left with as many a treasure. A bright spot to stop off at in the Cotswolds. Undoubtedly the best vintage boutique in Stroud. I would also like to say a big thank you to Emma and Jethro, David’s vary handy assistant’s thank you for all your help. Grate photo’s but it dose not beat being there in person. Many thanks’ Jay