Cake It On!

 

On a rainy British summer evening, don’t let our typically bi-polar weather put you off getting out and about to see the delights that Shoreditch has to offer. The drizzle may keep you out of the beer gardens and away from the roof-top film screenings, but there’s one place you’re guaranteed to feel cosy and cared for: Crimson Heart Vintage Shop and Café. It’s in the delightful snugness of this vintage venue that I choose to throw my retro style ‘Avon’ tea - party event called “Cake It On!” every 3 weeks.

During this make-up bake-up, ladies descend into the cosy basement café and grab tea and cake, or bring their own bubbly, and settle down into the snug sofas with their Avon catalogue. Tunes such as ‘Lipstick On Your Collar’ and ‘Lipstick, Powder and Paint’ complete the atmosphere. With their feet up they can chat among themselves and compare products they’ve recently purchased, and they can go into my vintage vanity case of delights and try the products before they commit to buy. I’m always on hand to give out information about ‘Avon’ and their products, and I always organise little quizzes and raffles which mean you could be taking home free gifts that evening. The ladies also receive the products they ordered at the last event and get to try them straight away.

‘Avon’ was established 125 years ago and it’s this history that inspired me to run these vintage events: there are no other Avon ladies selling this way in London. The theme constantly changes (and with it, so does my outfit!) and I then tailor retro hair and make-up tips to suit. So far we’ve had a 1950’s night, a 1940’s ‘Blitz Party’ special for those Victory Rolls, and even a 1920’s silent- film style evening to name a few. The next one is especially to raise money for Breast Cancer Crusade: Avon asks reps to throw a ‘pink’ party for the charity so I have gone one better and chosen a Pink Ladies theme. The evening will involve the ‘Grease’ soundtrack, a raffle to win a pink pamper pack of goodies, quizzes and games and of course lot’s of pink bubbly! We also have free manicures and hand massages! So come down and be one of the Pink Ladies for the evening, and take advantage of this unique event which only happens in Shoreditch.

Carla Valentine (The Tease Maid)

(Pink Ladies party, Friday June 29th, 7:00pm @ Crimson Heart, 87 Leonard
Street, Shoreditch, EC2A 4QS. Nearest Tube: Old Street
www.make-upbake-up.blogspot.co.uk for details and info on all events)