Vintage Event: Tunbridge Wells Pantiles Vintage Fair

The last weekend in July was Tunbridge Wells vintage fair. The fair lasted Saturday and Sunday but I was only able to make the Saturday so I was determined to make the most of it!

Since the weather has been so lovely I decided it was time for another outing for my Vivien of Holloway Kitty dress (It's currently on sale too!). This was my first ever VoH dress and I bought it for my graduation but I love it so much I have been wearing it every chance I get.

I also wore this red/pink vintage hat. My favourite type of hat is the the sort that sits on the back of your head, I'm not quite sure what they are called but I've been a bit obsessed over that style since I watched bomb girls. I've had this one a while now it was a lucky eBay buy :)

The Pantiles is not a huge area in Tunbridge Wells, but they managed to pack quite a few stalls into the area. Enough to keep me going anyway :)

Good ol' Laura Ashley dresses, shame they're not in my size...

Part of me did want a tea-cup pin cushion. I am normally against the use of beautiful old china but I do admit that the odd random mismatched piece needs using somehow.

There was also entertainment on the bandstand

They also had some vintage cars, I couldn't resist doing a picture

I did find some amazing vintage glasses though. I've been looking for some genuine vintage specs for a while and I didn't dare buy any of eBay as I really wanted to try them myself before I bought them. Although that does cause problems when you are trying glasses that are not your prescription... I could barely see myself in the mirror so I had to take some pictures so I could see how they looked!

Both pairs are 1960s and it only cost £20 for them both :) I do still need to get them re-glazed however.

I also got 3 dresses. The green one looks a bit rubbish on the hanger, but it was a lovely fit and a nice warm fabric so I will be putting it away for the winter. The other two will be great for the summer.

Last but not least I also got an early plastics choker necklace from around the 1960s that I actually had a jewellery specialist on another stall look at (cheeky I know). I'm pretty sure it was a total bargain at £5! I just loved the colour though, I love the combination of yellow and blue so I know I will be wearing this necklace with all my blue dresses.

I love a good vintage fair, but there aren't too many around me, can you recommend any good ones?

Outfit details:

Dress: Vivien of Holloway

Shoes: M&S

Hat: Vintage via eBay

Belt: Hell Bunny

Bracelet: Vintage

Gloves: Vintage

Sunglasses: North Laines

Vintage Events: Leyburn 1940s Weekend and Vintage Accessories

Hi everyone!

A few months ago I went to the Leyburn 1940s weekend. I only went for one of the days but there was still lots to do; shopping, dancing, speeches, a parade and re-enactors. I had a really great time despite the slightly iffy weather.

I wore a coral dress by Pearl Lowe at Peacocks. It is a lovely dress with a very vintage inspired shape, but the print and colours make it look quite modern and the shape of my cardigan was not very vintage at all. I think when I was choosing what to wear I didn’t expect other people to go so 'all out' when dressing for the event!

Thats not to say I didn't have a good time - I did, however, I made the decision then and there that for the next 1940s event I attended, I would dress more appropriately. It just so happens that I am attending Pickering 1940s weekend next week. I have heard that this event is huge for re-enactors and vintage enthusiasts so I very much wanted to dress the part.

I have two outfits in mind for the event (depending on the weather of course) and I went shopping last weekend to find some choice accessories for the event.

I attended the New College Durham vintage and antiques fair that I have written about previoualy here. It is not typically an event for looking for clothing, but for finding accessories, it seemed to be the perfect place for bargain hunting!

While rummaging around I managed to find three hats, one a genuine 1940s hat, a vintage faux pearl bead necklace a vintage broach and a beautiful mink stole!

The stole is a simple gorgeous fit, it has a gap over th shoulder so that it fits perfectly - I was so pleased when I found it. (What made it better that all of the above cost less than £60!)

Hopefully with a lovely vintage hat and a classy stole I will look like I fit in at Pickering. I'll post soon and let you know how I get on!

Vintage Events: Judy's Affordable Vintage Fair - Durham

Hi folks!

So last Saturday (the 28th) I visited Judy's Vintage Fair in Durham Students Union. Now I'm not sure how long Judy has run an event in Durham, I'm just pleased that it's been long enough that the event seems to be in the swing of things by the time that I moved to the North East.

I attended one of the sister events at Brighton and while the Durham event is smaller there is no shortage of bargains to be found. (Judy has events in lots of cities - you can find a list here - scroll down)

In Durham, much like in the rest of the UK it has been raining, so I chose to wear my trusty teal raincoat, long boots (I didn't want to ruin a nice pair os shoes on the muddy lane) and a trusty navy tea dress from Monsoon.

The fair, while taking up a fairly small area in the basement of the Union, was packed with sellers and clothes rails filled with goodies. Prices varied a lot depending on age style and colour but the most expensive thing I looked at was around £65 - I dare say they were more expensive things, I probably just missed them. But there were also rails for £10 dresses and id say the average price was around £20-30.

I didn't spend much time looking at the scattered items of lingerie, or any shoes or jewellery but there was a fair selection for those interested. There were even cupcakes available for £1.50 from Cakes and all things nice.

I'd say for the £2 entry fee, or £1 if you're a student, there was lots of choice and it would be easy to spend a hour or more rummaging. Stall owners were friendly and helpful and there were a fairly good selection of sizes not just the tiny tiny items you find at a lot of vintage fairs.

So what did I get?

Well I had a fairly good day of thrifting, I bought a blue dress from the fair I believe it is probably from the 1970s but I simply loved the colour! I also bought a mushroom polka dot day dress that had all of its labels removed so I have no idea where it is from, it is made of a thick cotton fabric and some very light padding at the shoulders.

I also went on a little bit of a charity shop hunt and managed to find a lovely teal coast skirt and red polka dot blouse. Last but not least, and this is cheating a bit, is a blue and white summer dress from monsoon. Technically my mum bought this dress but she said we could share it which is convenient given that we are the same size - its just to pretty not to share!

Anywho, that's it for now, bye for now!