Is there anything more exciting than the anticipation of a Vintage Fair about to begin..? The almost sanctified silence of the Shoreditch Town hall was like the proverbial calm before the storm when the doors opened at midday – as soon as David Bowie boomed over the speakers, the previously silent stalls erupted with life. Shoppers excitedly descended on them to seek out those unique finds that get all your friends jealous when they say ‘Ooh, where can I buy one of those?’ and you say, ‘You can’t…it’s vintage’ with a smug smile.
The Vintage Fair travels to over 20 cities across Britain, as well as to various festivals, and the number is increasing all the time. Over the summer in particular their diary at www.thevintagefair.com is very full so you’ll see an event in a location near you nearly every fortnight or so. Shoreditch is one of the more recent venues added to their portfolio, and it’s such a great part of London it’s not difficult to see why! And the best thing is that entry fee is only £2 with many a bargain hiding on rails or in boxes, so it won’t break the bank like some other vintage fairs around London (which you need to take out a mortgage on to attend!)
After your second wind of shopping, the next way for you to get off those tired legs again is to sit down and be pampered by Lipstick and Curls, the retro styling specialists. You may have had rolls in the tea shop but now it’s time for rolls of a different kind – Victory Rolls or any other style you might fancy. Natasha the founder can be contacted via http://www.lipstickandcurls.co.uk/ and if you like what you see on the site you can make yourself an appointment with her at the Vintage Fair.
I found myself going back round the hall so many times as I kept seeing something new that I’d never noticed on a previous circuit, and I spent the whole day like a wide-eyed Alice in a vintage wonderland. Look out for the next event on June 16th and get on their mailing list for offers and competitions. I’ll probably see you there – I’ll be the one in the retro blue prom dress chasing the antique pocket watch dealer and painting the roses red,
Written By : Carla Valentine