Market-ing

Again, it's been a little while, but here I am again.
I've finally got some time off work- a whole week! I feel like Christmas and Birthdays have come all at once.
So I'm filling this week with all the things I've been wanting to do, that I used to do when I was at university and had all that spare time (students, you really do have a lot of free time..!). Plus all my friends are away (thanks guys! well jel.)

Yesterday, I visited a couple of old haunts which I realised I haven't been to for about 2 years.
One of these was Covent Garden.
'What!?' I hear you say? Yes, I live in London, I work next to Covent Garden. But when you work there everyday, you actually don't get to SEE it.
So that's what I did, I visited Covent Garden.
I had a fab time wandering around the flea and antique market at the Jubilee Market Hall. There were so many great stalls. I'm a massive fan of vintage jewellery so I was in my element with many of the stalls there, and there were some of the highest quality designer pieces I have seen in a while, from Chanel and Dior to Trifari. They were exquisite to look at and were safely banked in my mind memory for when I'm earning millions ;)

One stall I found had some great vintage designer treasures, including a Balenciaga logo bag (next on my wish list!), but it also had an array of French Sole ballet pumps all new and waiting for new owners.
Much to my disappointment there were none in my size, however, there was a pair of denim boots. They fitted me perfectly, were brand new and were a bargain £45. (RRP £200, check the website ladies!).
I couldn't have been happier with my new boots, and I will certainly be a returning customer, as the stallholder is a regular.

Boots: French Sole
Scarf: Silk from Camden Market

I then spent the afternoon at Camden Market. This place used to be a regular stop for me. Alot of my friends weren't really into Camden, so I'm quite used to roaming the market streets here by myself.
I have to say though, that when I got there, I was disappointed.
Where had all the good stuff gone?
Granted, it was 2 years since I had been here, and there had been a couple of fires in this time, and of course things change, but really?
I have never seen so many stalls with the same mass manufactured stuff. My heart sank as I went around the stables market, as this as my favourite part, just seeing printed t-shirt after printed t-shirt.

After I really thorough search I finally found a cute little stall that satisfied what I was after. It had great dresses and tees that were wardrobe staples, but in the end I decided on a scarf. A simple black scarf. I know it sounds boring but I find that what I tend to do is see basics in black, white and grey, and I shy away from them because I always think I have loads of things like this. It turns out I don't so I decided to get something I both needed and wanted. (Isn't that a first!).

All in all, I was happy with my day out marketing around, but couldn't shake my disappointment with Camden. I hope that it will rise again to be the individual place it used to be, and that this is just a phase...

What are your thoughts? Are markets not what they used to be?

Westwood Ho! Stockport Vintage Village Fair

Eros Handbag with
Linda Farrow Sunglasses

Yesterday I made a return to the Vintage Village in Stockport. I always love a visit to VV- be it just to browse or to sell. I haven't been there since November so I was excited to see the old market hall again. I was even more excited because the theme of this month's fair was dedicated to British designer Vivienne Westwood.

Customers and stallholders alike were dressed in tartan, and punk inspired pieces, and there were many lovely ladies showing off their Vivienne Westwood + Melissa Shoes (including me!).
I was attending this fair as a stallholder, with my vintage clothes and

accessories 'business', 'Eclectique Chic'. I'd decided to have a mid-season sale to move some stock on in order to make room for new beauties. This proved a successful tactic- who doesn't love a sale!?

I had loads on offer, Valentino, Escada, Balenciaga, Celine, Dior as well as Westwood, and some great unnamed vintage pieces as well as vintage high street names and boutique brands- fashion to suit everyone.

Vivienne Westwood Tie

My first sale of the day was a Vivienne Westwood red tie which my dad had given me to sell from his ever-growing tie collection. The man I sold it too was looking super trendy, wearing a black shirt with leopard print collar (of which he informed me was from Topman!). I was very pleased to have kicked off the day with a sale of a Westwood design!
A highlight of my day was selling a Dior beauty brooch- it was super cute with a bow and said 'Christian Dior'. A very nice guy bought it as a treat for his girlfriend- I hope she loves it.
The market also had a visit from a Steampunk group (I had to google that when I got home...) but they looked great. The image is Victoriana/ futuristic inventions. I got chatting with a very nice couple (who were dressed more towards the Victorian half of the definition) of which the lady had a full-on bustle part of her dress, and the gentleman had a spectacular embroidered coat.
Of course, I could not finish my day without a purchase! On top of my normal haul from Stuart Thornley Cake Design (best cakes ever!), I'd had my eye on these fringed boots from Mint Vintage all day and after some hints to my very kind boyfriend, they were coming home with me!

Leather Fringe Boots from Mint Vintage

Thanks to the organisers of Vintage Village for making each fair so different and enjoyable!

Vintage Village is on every second Sunday of the month in Stockport: www.thevintagevillage.co.uk
Mint Vintage on Facebook: www.facebook.com/MintVintageManchester

Chorlton Pub- Open for Vintage!

Last week I visited home. Although it was even colder than London, it was nice to be back in the North and to see my parents.
We visited Chorlton, just near Manchester, to go to the Beech Road Vintage fair. It's a pretty small affair to be honest, but something different.
The stalls are inside, and outside The Beech Inn which is great because once you've had a look round, you can relax with an afternoon drink.

What I liked about this was the fact that it was in a traditional pub. With the way things are with British pubs at the moment, it is great to see a different approach on getting people in!
So although there were only a small amount of stalls, it was a great arrangement of stock.
I came across a new trader which I could have bought a fair few items from if they had fitted! (See: http://www.greenhouse-boutique.com/ to snap up some of their quirky indie style items.)

I ended up buying a couple of pieces from a trader I regularly buy from. One of a Kind vintage clothing always end up tempting me whichever fair I come across them at!
My first buy was an amazing vintage Swedish shirt. It's 100% wool and is approx. 1970s. The pattern is very Escher like. (I'll get a photo when there's some good light!).
My second buy from One of a Kind was an LK Bennett patent leather pouch. Although it's not vintage, I had to have it. I love these little pouches- I use them for everything, Ipod, make-up, hair clips etc. And I was very happy to bag that for £5!

So that's that! Although it seems a humble offering, sometimes the smallest purchases are the most useful.
I'll also definitely be going back next time I'm home, as I also picked up some local produce from the farmer's market that was on the same day- ever tried champagne mustard? Neither had I until then!

Vintage Fashion Fair London

So I finally decided to make a trip to Primrose Hill to visit the Vintage Fashion Fair.
I've only been once before and it was over a year ago. My memories were of a relatively small set up, but with exceptional quality vintage clothes, jewellery and accessories.
I'd been meaning to go for months but it always seemed to fall on a Sunday where I was busy.
Anyway, this month was my month to go!
It was a pretty grim day weather wise, but once I arrived, my mood was brightened.
I should mention that I had a free ticket for entry- a great incentive for a trip out. If you sign up to the mailing list, you could get a ticket for free entry to the fair in your inbox each month (although these are limited!).
The first stall I looked at was full of exquisite pieces from Celine, Fendi, Charles Jourdan and Dior. There was a stunning Dior off the shoulder dress in grey which was just the element of perfection for practical, yet on trend and timeless fashion. At £200 it was certainly an investment, but alas one I could not enter in to this month.

Anne Thomas Ceramic Pendant from Vintage Fashion Fair

I spoke to some lovely stallholders, who were enthusiastic and interested in what they sold. Sometimes you come across those who don't seem to have an interest in what they are selling, or seem to care, they just want money. I personally feel this is a mistake, especially with vintage fashion. Each piece has a story or detail behind it that needs to be passed on to it's new owner.
The fair didn't disappoint with regards to choice of high quality pieces and is certainly one of the best places to get something in excellent condition that stands out in terms of design.
Although I could have bought many things, the blurred line between 'willing' and 'able' (economics speak, yes?) became perfectly clear to me with rising bills this month, so I had a humble yet delightful buy from this fair.
Although not a vintage piece, it was certainly a new and unusual find for me. This necklace has a ribbon and metal chain, with the pendent of a fashionista being made out of ceramic. The stamp on the back says 'Anne Thomas, France' and with further research, I found this designer to have a great back-catalogue. The earliest this piece can be is 2005.
I snapped this little lovely up for the tiny sum of £6. Bargain if I ever saw one.
So if I were to give you any advice, it would be to definitely make a visit to Vintage Fashion Fair London, and to also keep your eyes open to things you haven't seen before. Visiting vintage fairs is one of my favourite things to do, mostly because I always find something different and unique. They say you learn something new everyday, and I am finding more and more that this is true.

Vintage Fashion Fair London dates can be found on their website: www.vintagefashionfairlondon.co.uk

Profile of Designer Anne Thomas: www.annethomas-accessoires.com/?page_id=265&lang=en