Recently I visited Spitalfields market, London, where Judy’s Affordable Vintage Fair was held. The events are held at the beginning of every month. I first heard of the market towards the end of last month, there was an event on Facebook that a few people said they we’re attending and I was intrigued. I joined the event immediately and scanned the Facebook pages to find out more about the market, I was instantly impressed and was looking forward to attending.
The market was a mixture of old and new, the newer items were obviously cheaper, Dresses from £12 and necklaces from £5, some stalls weren’t part of Judy’s Affordable Vintage Fair, only stalls with Judy’s label on were. Most of the stalls I did approach were vintage, selling lots of delightful treats.
One stall sold vintage inspired pieces, such as dresses for £12 with very sweet and modern prints but had that vintage reminiscence to them; this stall wasn’t part of Judy’s fair but I love my bargains. There we’re quite a few sellers specialising in costume jewellery, one woman made rings with scrabble letters and Lego blocks while others would sell vintage jewellery some dating back to the 1930’s.
I visited Daber Decades stall at the market, the small business specialises in 60’/70’s vintage clothing, I spoke to Sharon who runs the business, she was very humble and she told me she adores the 60s – 70s decades and is keeping it alive today with her wonderful collection. Her stock ranges from Biba to Mary Quant these were some of the biggest names in fashion back then and would probably be compared to todays Topshop. The clothing she had was good quality; I guess you could even say they were fresh from the past. You could easily tell the items she was selling were near enough new, hardly worn and left in the wardrobe.
I couldn’t resist trying one of Flavourtown’s tempting cupcakes; I chose to have the peanut butter cake. The gentleman at the stall recommended the apple cup cake, naming it his favourite. I thought they we’re a tad expensive, £2.50 for one, until I got home and had mine. The sponge was moist and what appeared to be icing, looked like it would be very sickly but I had judged these cakes completely wrong, the icing was the perfect garnish to top the cakes, it wasn’t overly sweet but perfect. It was probably the best cupcake I’ve ever had; I think Flavourtown must have magic in their kitchen because I would never be able to cook up something as fabulous as these.
Love Vintage Had an eye catching display; the whole stall was laced with little trinkets including perfume, jewellery and handmade cards. I was told how the owner loved to collect vintage pieces but was over run and decided to set up a business. I fell in love with the display, it was like a glimpse of fairytale scene, so many wonderful magical things. There was a small box that was over flowing with golden broaches like a miniature pirates treasure chest, my favortive was the little shelf dressed with perfumes, mirrors and other beauty products.
Another stall I visited, Old Pony, were selling had made brooches, the creator told me how he made these intricate pieces with a laser machine. He designed and made necklaces, broaches and for a barging price, necklace from £5, brooch from £3. Considering these are unique one off pieces, meaning they are in the same league as haute couture but much more affordable, it really was an amazing deal. If I had money when I was there, I would have infested in a Diamond necklace, much cheaper and glamours than Tatty Devine.
Unfortunately I didn’t go to the market with a huge amount of money so wasn’t able to buy anything other than my cupcake, I think I will be attending Judy’s Affordable Vintage Fair again in the future and take advantage of the bargains to hand. Although I wouldn’t describe the fair as expensive or cheap, Judy had it pretty accurate when she titled the fair as affordable.
Judy’s Affordable Vintage Fair is not only in London but there are a few scattered around the UK, if you are interested in visiting one of their events, head over to the website. The only advice I can give is to take plenty of cash.
www.judysvintagefair.co.uk flavourtownbakery.co.uk www.dadderdecades.co.uk
lillekins 