Antiques on Sunday

Ally Pally Antiques and Collectors Fair, Feb 9 2014

I Love Markets heads to Alexandra Palace Antiques Market one Sunday in London. Sunday was traditionally antique day when I was growing up and there was always a local fair or market to visit. Nowadays antique fairs are on the decline, so it was great to visit the Alexandra Palace Antiques and Collectors Fair yesterday, for a taste of Sunday morning bargain hunting.

Ally Pally Antiques Fair (as it's better known), has been going for years and is one of the last remaining antique events in London. Venue hire, expensive stall rates, the recession and a fading generation of antique traders are all factors which threaten the industry. When I used to stall at the fair with my Mum over 20 years ago, there were so many more stalls, all crammed into the huge space, compared with today.

Mid-Century Ceramics, stall holder

Deco Lighting, stall holder

Jewellery in abundance at Alexandra Palace Antique Fair

Despite its shrinking waistline the fair is still a pleasure to visit and it's a real treat to find so many wonderful stalls under the one roof. For those that arrive earlier there are definitely bargains to be found, and from all periods. There's an abundance of jewellery, mid-century, deco, ancient artifacts and ceramics - so really something for everyone.

Vintage Shopper

The fair attracts many different types of people too: families, tourists, young trendies and geeky collector types, all on their own personal and indulgent shopping discovery.

Vintage Tartan at Ally Pally

Price ranges are good too, so even if you don't have much cash to splash, you can still manage to enjoy yourself. I, for example, bought myself a lovely 60s monochrome silk scarf for just four quid.

Madame Fifi Presents her vintage flair

The arrival of The arrival of Pop Up Vintage Fairs London certainly adds a fresh dimension to the fair, attracting a younger generation of antique goers and traders, which is important. They take about 40 stalls, situated at the top end of the hall. It's always a pleasure to buy from those that are passionate about the era they represent. If you love discovering something from a past life then this is the market or you! Early bird entry is £12, or pay £6 after 9:30am. Find out when the next fair is here. A few additional extras that might be of interest... Brocant Antiques Roadtrip 24-27 April. A four day road trip taking you to Belgium and France. Markets galore, including Amiens in France. The Vintage Bazaar Decogirl, jewellery and accessories you'll love!

Clerkenwell Vintage Fair

Yesterday, I Love Markets attended the Clerkenwell Vintage Fair at The Old Finsbury Town Hall. Now, being a lover of vintage clothing, this place resembled some sort of heaven. Situated in the large and very extravagant town hall, it was the perfect place to house all of these amazing clothes. I was astonished by the variety of products up for grabs. All kinds of clothing sourced from the 1920s up to the 80s, and mostly in very good condition. My only problem was I tend to get attracted to the 1940s clothes, where the women were evidently much smaller than today!  

Beehive was there selling 40s style dresses! 

 Vintage tea dresses from the 1930s & 40s and 50s were the main attraction, with hats; fascinators; gloves and jewellery available also. One of the stalls carried vintage Chanel; Pucci; Hermes and Ossie Clarke. Although way out of my price range, I did enjoy snooping around and admiring these well kept treasures. 

5-6-7-8 Vintage was at the fair selling her beautiful hand picked vintage clothes.

My favourite aspect of the day, was seeing a tailor/alterer have her own layout. This is such a good idea, as I find the only problem with vintage clothes is that they always need a bit of altering to get them fitting exactly how you want them.

In the back of the venue, there was a tea room set up with freshly baked cakes and scones. A lady dressed in her 50s gear, sung old fashioned tunes, whilst everyone enjoyed their cups of tea. 

I would definitely recommend anyone who loves vintage clothes/accessories to give the next fair a visit. It has been probably my favourite fair so far, and I came away with two dresses and a blouse! 

Discover London's best vintage markets at I Love Markets!

Furtastic Vintage!

I couldn’t resist starting off the New Year by visiting Judy’s Affordable Vintage Fair at Old Spitalfields on Saturday. I’ve been to Judy’s before in Bethnal Green and the quality of the stalls this time around at Spitalfields was a lot better and still all pretty affordable. January is definitely the time when stall holders have their own sales and annual blitzing. So many sellers told me “this all isn’t my usual stuff but…” 

I guess what’s nice about stalling at “vintage” markets and fairs in comparison to a regular fashion market is that it should attract a dedicated following of vintage fanatics who are keen to spend their money! Like 1940's lady of war, Sarah from Germany (below). 

Vintage does often offer a cheaper alternative to tourists on a low budget but as a seller of vintage it’s always much more rewarding when you sell something to someone who really appreciates it. 

As a shopper fur was definitely on the menu for me. I fell in love with this beautiful knitted cape and it’s Peruvian boho decoration. 

At £55 unfortunately it wasn’t within my budget and there is always the worry of being targeted by self-righteous fur police for wearing it! There was an abundance of beautiful fur jackets and accessories and lots of beautiful people not afraid to be wearing it.

I also LOVE these 1940s real fur broaches from Blondie’sRetro Vintage. This could spice up any plain old jacket or even handbag. A steal at just £12. 

 Personally, I don’t think there’s anything wrong with wearing vintage fur, you’re simply recycling. It’s not an attempt to make a statement or an invitation to enter a moral debate. Fashion is all about what looks good and let’s face it, vintage fur looks hot!  

Other Market Trends Spotted!

Paisley! and quite a lot of it in every shape and form! Loved this girls leggings.

Vintage knits were a popular shout too. The high street are selling their own modern versions, but you can’t beat the real thing. 

Shopping vintage is all about shopping authentic after all!

Judy's Affordable Vintage Fair takes place at Old Spitalfields Market every first saturday of the month. Stall holders from this fair can register their presence here, at www.ilovemarkets.com/spitalfields. To find out more about Old Spitalfields Market and surrounding markets click here.