Moving On

No sooner do we arrive in a new town and new home way out west in Henley-on-Thames, than I discover that our new street is home to an aladdin's cave of an antique shop (already purchased wooden toy trolley and blocks for Milo), an old-fashioned sweetshop, a fantastic second-hand bookshop (watch this space for the blog posts) - and that the cafe across from our house was hosting a vintage night. I think I'm going to fit right in!

Run by the Ministry of Vintage, there was champagne flowing, lots of designer vintage gear and lots of lovely people to meet. They'll also have a stand at Henley's very own vintage fair at the town hall on November 26th.

 

Pop-up and Popcorn

Rag&Bow, the 'roaming vintage store', is heading to super-cool Shoreditch bar The Book Club to host a pop-up sale tomorrow, with a screening of 80s classic flic Desperately Seeking Susan afterwards. I like the sound of Rag&Bow - selling affordable vintage rags from the 50s to the 90s, and even bringing its mobile shop to a home or hen do with a stylist on hand for fashion advice. 

A (mini) vintage date for the diary

Jesse's Threads

Californian vintage kidswear brand Jesse’s Threads is holding a one-off clothing sale for ages 1-10 this weekend in east London (July 31 & 31, 11am-6pm). Even if the 70s corduroy jump suits, dungarees and cute all-American denim jackets don’t take your fancy, it gives you an excuse to sample the delicious cakes at Violet, which is hosting the event in its charming London Fields cafe on Wilton Way. 

Violet cafe

Highlights from Vintage at Goodwood

We had a thoroughly enjoyable day at Goodwood on Sunday, even though there was a slight whiff of commercialism about the whole event and I was a little disappointed with the vintage fashion for sale (where were all the smaller niche sellers from Hammersmith Vintage Fair and the like?).

Having said that, there was plenty to love – my favourite bit was admiring all the weird and wonderful outfits worn by fellow festival goers – from 70s kitsch right through to whole families dressed head-to-toe in authentic 40s tweeds.

Vintage Husband loved all the beautiful vintage cars on show and we even found a Don Draper Cadillac in turquoise and white. Other highlights included the Puppini Sisters’1940s version of Beyonce’s Crazy in Love, tea dancing in the Tanquery Torch Club’s big top tent, and eyeing up the gorgeous vintage caravans dotted around the grounds.

The old fashioned fairground

The Vintage High Street

Vintage Caravans

The Mad Men-style Cadillac

Craft workshops

A picnic set fit for Glamping

Vintage Bride turns Vintage Wife

I must apologise for my absence over the last few days but I was somewhat caught up in a wedding whirlwind! Our day was the happiest of our lives and beyond any of my expectations. It was so wonderful to be surrounded by all our friends and family - seeing them enjoying every minute and supporting us with so much love.

I’ve still got lots of blogging to do – and of course, I will post up pictures of the day and all the vintage details – but for now, I will leave you with a snapshot of my vintage honeymoon wardrobe (inspired by the Horrockses exhibition). See you in a couple of weeks!

Straw Hat, Beyond Retro

50s swimsuit, Camden Passage antiques market

Vintage-style dress, Joules

Polka dot playsuit, Tara Starlet

Vintage dress, Spitalfields Thursday antiques market 

Vintage top, Camden Passage antiques market; Shorts, Beyond Retro

Horrockses vintage fashion exhibition

The latest exhibition at London’s Fashion and Textile Museum put me in a honeymoon mood – showcasing some fabulous 40s and 50s cotton summer frocks, swimsuits and beach attire from the archives of British design house Horrockses Fashions.

Set out in a seaside-themed display are perfectly preserved outfits plus original prints and sketches, alongside anecdotes behind a dress and when it was worn. The graphic print and colour looks so modern, it makes me wonder why they don’t re-launch the brand for today?

The museum is also running a programme of vintage-themed events to run in parallel with the exhibition, including make-do-and-mend sessions for reviving tired clothes.