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.
 

Savvy shoppers head to market!

During hard times there really is no better place to shop than at your local markets and that’s where all savvy shoppers should be heading. In my local Sainsbury’s Local they charge me 45p for an apple, down Chapel Market or Brick Lane I can buy a whole bowl full for just £1 and it doesn’t mean quality is compromised either! 

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The price of food has rocketed in supermarkets, but in comparison you feel the squeeze a lot less at the market and prices don’t seem to have increased by the same degree. On Friday I bought two average quality hollow fibre pillows for just £6 from Chapel Market in Islington, London, I don’t think even Primark can compete with that!

The week before I bought a fantastic silk warehouse dress for just £3 from a Portobello street seller on Friday. Not only did it help out a local trader, it also kept me off the high street and saved me from spending £30+ on a new dress that I’d probably only wear twice.

"Shopping at markets fulfils your fix and you don’t get guilt pangs afterwards" 

I’d advise any shopaholic to hit the market next time rather than the High Street and see if you can achieve the same. Look at this gorgeous DKNY skirt i bought at a Brick Lane sample sale, only £10!!

Not only will you buy more for your money, but you’ll also have a cleaner conscience. Getting ripped off on the high street makes you angry!

Another important point worth mentioning is that some traders at design and fashion markets like Spitalifields Market or the Sunday –Up on Brick Lane will also sell their products on the High Street but at a much higher cost. Yesterday I spoke to a stall holder from Celebrity Mirrors. He was selling his lovely compacts at the market for just £10, Harrods are selling them for £25. I cannot encourage people to do this enough!

If i haven’t convinced you yet, here are:

ILM's 5 top reasons why you should head to a market near you!

1. Shopping at markets supports the livelihood of local, real people, which means you’re giving something back to your community.
2. Markets are cheaper. You can find the same stuff as on the high street but at a fraction of the cost.
3. Markets offer an enjoyable and unique shopping experience. Embrace the culture! 
4. Take a bite to eat. How sick is everyone of Prêt a Manger, McDonalds, Eat, bla blab bla -try something different at your local market 
5. Fulfil your need to shop and have a clean conscience!

All you need to do is find out which market to head to? Roman Road, Chapel Market Islington, Leather Lane Market, Petticoat Lane, Camden Markets, Portobello/Goldthorpe Rd, Old Spitalfields, Greenwich, Brick Lane, Broadway Market to name a few, you really are spoiled for choice!