London

Sunday at the Vintage Fair

July 9, 2012

Yesterday I took a trip down to London, quite unexpectedly. Basically what happened was that on Thursday night I got an email from Lakota offering me the tickets for me and friend to attend the Primrose Hill Vintage Fair so it was a nice unexpected surprise! I called my friend Maud, bought train tickets online and there I went.

The place was really nice, in an area of London I had never visited before and very quiet even though Camden and its confusion is right next door to it. The building was called the Cecil Sharp House and is also home to the English Folk Dance and Song Society. We didn’t get to explore much more of it but I loved the reliefs at the entrance. (more on that later)

The Fair was small but with a lot of good quality goodies. Some of the items there were absolutely to die for and the majority quite affordable.

One of my favourite stalls was filled with beautiful accessories and clothes made from reworked and recycled vintage items. I was fascinated by the green parka with the fur hoodie lining and the sequin and beaded vintage embelishments running down the back… the name of the creator of these beauties is Ruth Milliam and you can find her Etsy Shop HERE. I had a quick chat with her and she told me that the website and all that is still under construction but I’ll definitely keep an eye out as her work was very inspiring.

What I wore for the day. I was sticking out like a sore thumb.

Bow – H&M
Coat – Tintoretto
Brolly – Primark
DressAsos (get it really cheap now, it’s on sale!)
Shirt– H&M
Bag – Primark
Tights – Internaçionale
Shoes – Predictions
Morrissey Necklace – Pretty Cuckoo

Did you notice the sculpted stone behind me? That’s what I was talking about earlier. It depicts some of the characters from English folklore and my favourites were the Hobby Horse and the Fool:

And you ask, how do I know the names and what they are? Simple, one of my favourite horror films is the Wickerman (the old one, not that Nicholas Cage aberration) and these characters appear in the story. The name on the stonework is Gordon Herickx and it was made in 1951.

We then went for a stroll around Camden Market, where I hadn’t been to in 10 years or so. It was very crowded and full of tourists so we didn’t stay long. I did go in a shop and tried this dress on:

It is made by Iron Fist and even though I don’t normally like their stuff, this one caught my eye in the window. I liked the humour in it – a cutesy dress with a skeleton print. But at £60 I thought it was a bit excessive for a jersey dress made in China. I thought I’d take a photo for future reference as I may try to get it on sale or eBay. If you see it anywhere just let me know!
Anyways, this is what I did buy:
From the vintage fair, a horrid 70’s dress whose collar and lapel caught my eye, more than anything else. It needs a little care and taking in around the chest area but other than that it fits perfectly. 

This bracelet that given the style, it must be from the 50’s. I saw the “leetle aneemals” (I like saying this with a silly accent) and was immediately smitten. The lady who sold it to me told me it had belonged to her mother, and that kinda made it more special.

On the way out we stopped by the sue Ryder charity and picked up a few books. I also got one by Bill Bryson but I left it downstairs and I’m lazy. The World According to Mike Leigh was an interesting find, I started reading it on the train back and quickly got into it. I like Mike Leigh’s films a lot so I thought I’d give it a read and I am not disappointed.

Also got a dress with these little dudes on from Camden Market. This pattern seems to be all over the plave but I don’t care – just look at them, how cute are they?

Apart from that I picked up a few basics that were on sale from American Apparel and then went home with Maud, where we just sat on the couch, watched Ghost World and felt hungover (had a couple of Cosmos the previous night) for the rest of the afternoon. It was a lovely day spent in great company and I couldn’t have asked for a better way of spending Sunday. Thanks to Maud for coming along with me and to Lakota for the giveaway on her blog!

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14 Comments

  • Reply helen at thelovecatsINC July 9, 2012 at 18:31

    aah, that feather shouldered dress is amazing!!

    from helen at http://www.thelovecatsinc.com // @thelovecatsinc

  • Reply señora Allnut July 9, 2012 at 20:36

    that vintage fair seems to have been fabulous, love everything: the place, the garments, and your outfit!
    Sometimes I would like to be in London, just now!
    besos

  • Reply Joni James July 9, 2012 at 21:10

    A vintage fair? Awesome! And you certainly don't resemble any sore thumb I've ever seen. You look adorable!

  • Reply O meu pensamento viaja July 9, 2012 at 21:49

    Adoro essas feiras. Em Londres não perco Portobelo Road.
    Tu estás linda!
    Beijo

  • Reply Diana Teodoro July 9, 2012 at 22:06

    Que feira maravilhosa!:) Adorei a pulseirinha! <3
    Beijinhos,
    Diana do http://thegirlwhocouldntbeafashionista.blogspot.ie/

  • Reply Megan July 9, 2012 at 23:25

    Love all the animal motifs. Such a cute bracelet.

  • Reply Sin12012 July 9, 2012 at 23:41

    Adorei a pulseira nova .
    O teu estilo é magnifico e fica – te bastante bem . 🙂

    xo ,
    Ana Catalarrana
    http://Sinbowtie.blogspot.com

  • Reply Jean at www.drossintogold.com July 10, 2012 at 00:46

    How I would've loved to stroll around with you! A perfect day from the look of it. I love some of the items you show and will definitely be checking out the Etsy site you mentioned.

    As for “sore thumb'? Ummm…why? I think you look fabulous and if they weren't up to snuff, so be it.

  • Reply Connie July 10, 2012 at 01:36

    You have access to the best stuff. I am envious. I love your saddle shoes. I HAD TO wear them in elementary school & I hated them. Now I Love them!!!!
    Connie*

  • Reply Allison July 10, 2012 at 04:08

    OMG now that vintage fair looks amazing! Although small, I can tell there were some quality things there!!! The pieces you picked up are so lovely!!!! I adore that bracelet with the teeny, tiny animals on it so much!!! And that dress is fabulous- I think a better choice that the overpriced china-made one (although that's cute as well, but I'm a sucker for vintage, what can I say???). I can't wait till that Etsy shop gets set up- I already looked and nothing is there yet!!
    🙂
    Allison

    P.S. I'm having an INTERNATIONAL $75 Shopbop giveaway on my blog, so don't forget to enter! 🙂
    A's Fashion Files
    $75 Shopbop Giveaway!

  • Reply Melanie July 10, 2012 at 07:37

    I would say you are not a SORE thumb but a lovely lighthouse of a thumb. I love what you wore to the vintage fair. So many beautiful things… You got some great pieces. Can't wait to see the dress on you.

  • Reply Andrea Deal July 10, 2012 at 12:29

    Love your outfit and the birdy dress!

  • Reply The Style Crone July 10, 2012 at 13:03

    It looks like you have bunny ears on your pink phone! Very unique and clever touch. I always enjoy your display of photos, and you did not disappoint. I love your 'bow' headpiece! And all the items that you chose. Sounds like you had the perfect day!

  • Reply Vix July 10, 2012 at 15:45

    What fun! Did you get to meet Lakota and Clare? That would have been a fantastic day out.
    I absolutely love that 1970s frock and the animal belt, two things I'd have fought you for if I'd gone. You look splendid. I was looking at those tights in Internationale the other day, now I've seen how good they look I might have to invest in a pair! xxx

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