Like an impatient child in a sweet shop [should that be shoppe? Depends on the sweet!] we’ve badgered and harassed our photographers for snaps from our Edinburgh return last week. AND NEWS JUST IN! They’re here [and by golly they’re good!]
With 1300 of you coming out, Scotland what a corker! Roll on September 22nd [Edinburgh] and September 23rd [Glasgow] for our return!
xVVx
Hello vintage fans!
Ever in favour of a good list [especially in visual form – HELLO!] we couldn’t help but share some of the wonderful bits popping up at Spitalfields of late. Set phasers to stunning and prepare to grab for the bank card…
Trader: Jarvis & Janis
Trader: Paris Accent
Trader: The Nines
Trader: Nordic Poetry
Trader: I Heart Vintage
Trader: Hickory Vintage
Trader: Jarvis & Janis
Trader: Sour Cherry
Trader: I Heart Vintage
Hubba-Hubba! To check out Saturday September 1st Spitalfields event, click HERE
xVVx
Greetings folks!
Now, like the bad bloggers we are [*slaps wrist for dramatic effect] we haven’t updated this for a while. And you know what? LOTS has happened! Reverting back to our essay days, we’ve got caffeine on a drip in order to power through and update you on all our goings on [short term fix, long term…well, i’m just going to drink more COFFEE fghjkhggjgfhgfdd#!!!]
So, where did we leave off? BEACONS fest you say? Well, we had a jolly old time! Clothes were sold, new friends were made and bands were harrassed until the wee hours. Safe to say, we never want to see a box of wine again [*shudder] but those memories which we do have – well, they’re certainly good ones!
Right, onwards and upwards!
xVVx
What’s that? *looks at watch dramatically* It’s FESTIVAL O’CLOCK AGAIN?? Yes folks, this weekend we’re heading for both BEACONS near Leeds and GREEN MAN in Wales for a jolly old time outdoors! Popping along? Be sure to give us a wave!
xVVx
That post-festy feeling – is there anything quite like it? The de-dreading of hair, the post-festival hose-down [and finding out that tan was more soil than sunshine] – a return to normal, no-nomads-allowed society where a breakfast of glitter and gin is, er, frowned-upon.
And so where have we been, you ask? We’ve been at WILDERNESS DARLING, running around the Oxfordshire countryside as part of the Vintage Fest 2012. Because many hands make light work, we roped in one of our bestys, trader Rag&Bow, to be our eyes and ears, snapping all the Wilderness happenings for the weekend. Like David Attenborough in a maxi dress [a sobering thought] here’s a few snaps from the event…
xVVx
Hello folks! This weekend, we’ve packed our bags and are Wilderness bound, bringing our stellar vintage marketplace to the Oxfordshire grounds. As every good event organiser does, we’ve been SNOOPING through the amazing things up for grabs, thinking ‘what can we fit in our suitcases?’ A difficult decision, here’s our top pick….
Trader: 631 the Ramp
Trader: Retro Bazaar
Trader: Jarvis & Janis
Trader: International Quality Kitsch
Trader: Retro Bazaar
Trader: Rag&Bow
Trader: Something Indie
If that’s not enough to take a walk on the wild side, we don’t know what is!
xVVx
Ready for our daily outfit fix, we’re back with guest blogger Rosie Steer and another set of envy-setting ensembles, fresh from The Old Spitalfields Market. Take it away Rosie- we can hardly wait!
“One of my favourite things about vintage fairs, markets and festivals is the people watching. I love to see the different ways people re-interpret vintage influences or channel retro elements in their style. Hopefully I’ve demonstrated the eclectic mix of styles at Judy’s Affordable Vintage Fair this weekend as I made a conscious effort to record a diverse selection of outfits! Part one of my Judy’s at Spitalfields street style post had a great response – thank you! Here are the rest of the prize-winning outfits…”
“This was one of my favourite outfits, particularly as the more I looked, the more styling surprises were revealed! For example, these gorgeous pink daisy print trousers are actually a jumpsuit fashioned into a pair of high waisted trousers – two outfits for the price of one! I made a mental note to try that tip, I think it looks really cool with the bralet especially with the clashing floral patterns. I really like the way a ladylike blouse has been knotted at the waist and used as a chic cover-up too. I also loved these tweed detail brogues, but then we all know I’m a sucker for a good brogue…”
“This lovely retro ’70s style paisley print initially caught my eye. A little unusual for a men’s shirt and I liked the combination of a casual untucked shirt with tapered chino trousers too, cleverly styled with a vintage scarf as a belt. John Lennon glasses finished a casual but put-together outfit.”
“More polka dots! This time mini ones on a retro midi-length tea dress, very 1940s. The dress was styled simply with mainly black pieces, a black cardigan, cross-body bag and mid heel that let the print do the talking. Accessories let the wearer’s personality shine through – a ladylike headpiece, lace print glasses and a slick of red lipstick.”
“Scarf print shirts are big news this summer and I saw several vintage versions at the fair. This green and blue Versace-esque style makes a bold statement and can be dressed down for day, as it is here with skinny jeans, aviator jacket and brogues, or dressed up for a night out with a pencil skirt and heels.”
“I love the way this fair-goer has used volume in her ensemble, balancing a voluminous blouse with skinny tailored trousers. The kitsch vintage print and button detail on the oversized blouse are really cute, but skinny trousers and patterned ‘brothel creepers’ toughen up the look considerably. Extra points here for the most striking haircut!”
“Even more polka dots! Ok, I may have a slight obsession… However, I couldn’t not take this girl’s picture. I love the oversized spots and the shape of this dress, a really unusual, ’80s-style double-breasted cut. The way this stylish shopper played with proportions by layering also stood out for me; the cropped trousers and bracelet-length sleeves under the dress add an extra dimension to the look.”
“The weather may have been rainy outside but this summery look brought a touch of sunshine to Spitalfields. I like the way an overtly girly pleated net skirt has been paired with a fun printed top in coordinating colour; the mushroom colour of the skirt is picked up in the print of the T-shirt. The straw trilby completes the easy breezy holiday vibe of this look – now where’s the sun?!”
“Some great use of colour here too: the block colours of the bright blue colour pop trousers and clashing peach converse and handbag are picked up in the colours of this ’80s-tastic stylised floral print top. I like the reflective aviator glasses and pink toy watch too.”
“I liked the use of neutrals in this lovely feminine outfit. Neutrals can be really hard to pull off, especially when several shades are involved, but this vintage shopper gives a lesson in how to work them. It’s all about contrasting textures to break up the look, such as floaty chiffon with a crisp cotton shirt in the above outfit, and choosing complementary hues: here the blouse is pink-toned and the beige skirt also has a touch of pink.”
“This has to be the most striking outfit of the day – WOW! This bold all-in-one is really ’80s, I love the unusual pattern and bright yellow hue. I enjoy the use of proportion here too; the exaggerated shoulders of the jacket balance out the skintight lower half of the outfit. The bag has to be one of the most impressive I saw at the fair and those platforms were definitely the highest heels! Kudos! What I liked most about this outfit was the way it perfectly summed up this shopper’s confident, bubbly personality.”
“Final outfit! I’m a real magpie for patterned shirts and this one really caught my eye. It’s from the vintage shop that the girl in the previous picture works in (these two are friends and probably the most stylish duo at the fair!). I like the oversized collar and unusual print – its owner described it as her “tetris shirt” which I thought was very apt – and the way it’s been styled with the cropped jumper and red leather pencil skirt. Fabulous loafer-style platforms and vintage bag too, and I love all the rings.
Thanks again to Kieran for asking me along, and to Sophie who managed the fair on Saturday and scouted some outfits with me in the latter half of the fair! I officially can’t wait until the next one. See you there!”
Well there we have it folks – outfit inspiration and a half! To keep an eye on Rosie’s other adventures, visit her blog HERE and, for anyone wanting a vintage fix of their own [alongside live acts and…wait for it…a DOG SHOW] we’re back at Spitalfields for a FREE event on Bank Holiday Monday! [Hooray!] For all the details, click HERE
xVVx
Oh vintage fans. You know what kind of day it is when you’re caught with your hand in the biscuit barrel and it’s not even noon. However, when the barrel looks like that, WHO CAN BLAME YOU? From trader s LOVE ME AGAIN, pop along to our EDINBURGH FAIR [if you’re north of the border] and grab it for yourself. Now, where did i put that Bourbon?
xVVx
Oh vintage fans, who we LOVE a challenge [especially when we’re the ones setting them!] Saturday past, we sent blogger extraodinaire Rosie Steer to the Old Spitlafields Market for a spot of street style [with a twist.] Only allowed to select TWENTY OUTFITS [oh the humanity if it all!] here’s how she got on…
“I loved this Sandy from Grease meets nineties grunge look. This stylish shopper balanced glamourous skintight trousers (American Apparel’s ‘disco pants’ I think) with a simple printed T-shirt, mannish, oversized denim jacket and black patent Dr. Martens. Look carefully and you will see the Olympic rings printed in her undercut hairstyle style – now that’s commitment to sporting style. Love the vintage doctor’s bag too.”
“Military influences were all over the catwalks for A/W ’12. A military style jacket gives a feminine lacy dress such as this one a tough edge. Nineties references are everywhere too, so this jacket ticks two trends in one. I spotted plenty of similar style nineties camouflage jackets on the retro-filled rails today so get down to the Affordable Vintage Fair if you want to snap one up! Top marks for the white Converse and sporty backpack too – practical and stylish.”
“This retro ensemble was a stand-out for me because of the sheer attention to detail. From the top of her beehive to the tips of her Mary-Janes, you have to reward this girl’s commitment to vintage. The chic printed shift dress and matching retro red accessories could give Betty Draper a run for her money in the ladylike stakes.”
“Clever accessorising adds personality to a simple black-skirt-with-white-blouse-combination. Pops of burgundy stand out against the monochrome base and chunky metal jewellery toughens up a school chic, girlish outfit. I absolutely love the attention-to-detail of this outfit, which carefully balances girlyness and masculine touches, for example the way chunky shoes are paired with cute ankle socks. I absolutely love the hat – especially with the co-ordinating pink streak in the hair!”
“The classic trench is hard to beat, and this gorgeous leather-trim trench gives a quintessential design a modern update. I loved how this stylish shopper paired hers with tailored shorts and a feminine floral shirt. Note the gold Western-style detail too – it’s all about the collar for next season. The neon belt gives a pop of colour and round retro frames top a winning look.”
“This ’60s style ensemble caught my eye – the anorak and skinny trousers are Mod perfection. I love the combination of khaki and dusky pink too, and the way the jacket balances the softness of the pink trousers and ditsy print shirt. I loved the brogues too!”
“The mixture of a gorgeously girly retro print floral dress with chunky boots is always a winner in my book, giving an edge to an otherwise feminine look. I like the cycling shorts underneath the dress too – a great way to increase the everyday wearability of shorter flirty frocks.”
“Polka dots have to be one of my all time favourite prints. This slouchy jumpsuit is a fun and gorgeously retro way to wear the pattern. I really like the pared back styling too – simple charm necklaces and classic Converse let the jumpsuit do the talking.”
“This chic vintage fair-goer told me her unusual dress was a Belgian vintage shop find. The slouchy shape and striped pattern are a retro take on this season’s pyjama trend. What I liked most about this outfit was the clever use of colour and prints. The green and grey stripe of the dress are picked up in the accessories: mint and green polka dot tights, mint floral tote and those gorgeous mint brogues. The subtle mixing of prints works because of the complementary colour palette.”
“Paisley was all over the catwalks for S/S ’12; from Stella to Céline, designers were championing the retro print. This colourful paisley print paired with the voluminous smock shape nods to seventies style, whilst masculine brogue boots keep the look fresh and modern.”
Crikey indeed! To see more from Rosie [and a sneak-peek of part two!] click here
xVVx
Oh Olympics, what a muse you are; not solely to all those [us included] sat on our bums or counting the 20 step-schlep to the biscuit barrel as toil [toil deserves treats – am i right folks? Am i right? GOBBLE GOBBLE GOBBLE] but also, an inspiration to small businesses, all jumping on the bandwagon to bring everything from Olympic cappuccinos to meal deals, sale rails to rail cards.
Tenuous connections aside, OH BOY-OH-BOY-HAVE-WE-GOT-SOMETHING-FOR-YOU! [apologies for all the capitals, i knew i should have gone decaf on my Wiggins Mochaccino – easy on the HOY milk! hohoho] You see, tomorrow marks the return of London’s BIGGEST free vintage market, courtesy of yours truly. Taking place at the Old Spitalfields Market – an area jam-packed with globe-trotting sports fans – how could we NOT do something GB-themed when so much buzz abounds? Cue brainstorm, a couple of calls and an idea is born.
NOW, it goes without saying that sprinting, punting and hop-skip-and-jumping – they are all prize-worthy skills. But what about that most devilish of deeds, the art of dressing well? According to the magazines, style bloggers and paparazzos out and about, there’s totes nothing to it; a cropped number here, a ‘statement’ jacket there [what statement that may be still baffles me – coat-gito erego sum, ‘I am a coat, therefore I am’] and bob’s your uncle, your done! Still, for us plebian clothes-wearers mooching about the streets, confidence doesn’t come so quickly. A royal pat on the back, enter our Olympic gimmick!
To cut an obscenely long story short, we’re giving out prizes AND £200 worth of vouchers to our best-dressed guests at Spitalfields! [hooray] Unfit to judge [our propensity to bribes rules us out] we’ve roped in two top-notch London bloggers to do the rounds!
X-Factor, eat your heart out – more particular than Sherzinger, more bloodthirsty than Geri [PS Ginger Spice as a judge? Seriously? Don’t remember ‘Look at Me?’ Mel B busy? Ok.] and with all the charm of Katy Perry, we give you our Judy’s GUEST JUDGES!
Hailing from bonnie Scotland, first up is fashion journo and blog afficianado Rosie Steer. Tipped by Grazia as “one to watch” [ominous!] Miss Steer is the creator of ‘Everything looks Rosie,’ a window into style in both St Andrews and now the capital and all the misadventures inbetween. Judging as sharply as the tailoring on her back, check her out here.
Adding a bit of the exotic to the mix, our second judge hails all the way from Brazil; photography junkie, fashion fan [and lover of fluffy dogs. And bubble wrap] Kesia Cardoso aka Miss Uma is the writer of Miss Uma et Les Pappillons, a fashion-come-lifestyle blog documented through polaroids and lovely shots, available to view here
Armed with £200 worth of vouchers, cameras, prizes and absolutely no brief at all, we can’t wait to see what turns up! And so, what to take from this blogpost? Just like the parable of Bing vsThanksgiving, sometimes gimmicks are worth investing in [especially if you get a medal!] Wardrobe open and Rocky soundtrack on – there are prizes to be won.
Judy’s at Spitalfields takes place on Saturday 4th August 2012 at the Old Spitalfields Market [nearest tube: Liverpool St] To RSVP, click HERE
xVVx