Shops / Shop of the Week
Shop of the week: Something Elsie, Wapping Wharf
Something Elsie is a vibrant explosion of curated 80s and 90s vintage clothing and accessories.
Owner Kate Seymour named the store after her daughter, Elsie, who was just two-years-old when she began her business, 12 years ago.
The shop stocks a variety of dresses, skirts, jackets, denim, patterned pieces and more, for a unique and sustainable shopping experience.
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Before moving into her current unit at Wapping Wharf, Kate began trading at Tobacco Factory market in 2013, when she found a love for vintage clothing from her grandma.
Speaking to Bristol 24/7, she said: “It all started with clearing out my grandma’s wardrobe. She had some amazing vintage clothing. So, that’s what I started selling at the very first market.”
After success at the Tobacco Factory stalls, she then opened a pop-up shop on North Street.
Her business proved popular to the Bristol public, as she added: “It was really successful, I was only meant to be in there for six weeks, and then it went on for three years.”
A glimpse of the jewellery range and vintage racks in store – photo: Holly Lambert
In 2019, Something Elsie moved into its current unit in Wapping Wharf, to deliver sustainable fashion to customers.
Kate carefully selects her suppliers, to ensure everything is both good quality and reasonably priced, coming mainly from European providers, as well as some American sellers.
“Recently, we’ve started to do more alongside the clothing, so we’ve got a lot of candles, bags and gifting options.”
Talking about her growing experience in the trade, she said: “Doing the markets was a really great way to start because I could really try things out.
“I’ve always just wanted to do something that brings a bit of joy, and to create something that I would like as a customer myself to come into, so I try to keep all the prices as reasonable as possible.”
Quirky sunglasses are an absolute must have accessory for any good outfit – photo: Holly Lambert
After 12 years in business, Kate still completely loves what she does. She added: “It’s just a really lovely thing to do and have nice customer feedback all the time.”
Kate has lived in Bristol for 15 years, in Southville, where she raised her daughter.
Something Elsie is currently running a sale on clothing, which will continue through January and February. The sale features up to 50 per cent off clothing, and up to 20 per cent off on jewellery and accessories.
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Her opening times are Wednesday midday to 3pm, Thursday and Friday midday to 5pm, Saturday 11am to 5pm and Sunday 11am to 4pm.
Something Elsie, Unit 20, CARGO 2, Museum St, Bristol BS1 6ZA
All photos: Holly Lambert
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