Kate Powell was so inspired by the products she’d developed and launched in her 20 year buying and design career, that she’s combined her experience and passion to launch her own vintage-inspired venture, Bluebelle & Co.

Dedicated to unique and vintage-inspired products, Trafalgar Street’s newest shop is a collection of womens’ accessories and sleepwear, homeware, babywear, childrens’ clothing, toys and gifts.

Also home to the beautiful Kate & Aud boutique, the street, which leads down from the train station into the North Laine, is becoming a hot spot for vintage-loving tourists and locals alike.

“I think the street is getting much more of a destination and there’s a lovely eclectic mix of independents down there,” Kate says. “I decided on Trafalgar Street because I wanted a bigger space and for what I could pay on the rent/rates I would have ended up with a much smaller shop bang in the centre of town.”

The shop was a former art gallery and Kate wanted to keep to the light and airy feel for Bluebelle, drawing on her own penchant for the pre-loved:

“I didn’t want to use permanent fixtures and fittings in there, but instead combine my love of vintage and antique furniture and use pieces from my house and pieces I’ve picked up in flea markets all over the world.

“I’m a huge hoarder and it was the perfect solution to use things I loved, that could be changed all the time. It’s also a good excuse for me to buy more! I love using basic props but using them in a clever way like fitting chairs on the walls instead of shelves , or making a table out of two chairs with a plank of wood in-between.”

In-keeping with the surroundings, most of the products in Bluebelle have a vintage-inspired theme, ranging from vintage-style map bags, victoriana lace nighties, traditional childrens’ clothes, antique botanica and postcard prints and old stamps on ladies’ accessories.

Visit Bluebelle & Co online at www.bluebelleandco.com