Bags of vintage, well kilos really...

What’s a Leamington girl supposed to do on a wet dreary day? Head to the Custard Factory in Birmingham her first Vintage Kilo Clothing Sale of course!

 After Make Me Pretty Shop’s first and highly successful stall at Judy’s Affordable Vintage Fair in Leamington earlier this month, I was in desperate need of a re-stock.

The Vintage Clothing Kilo Sale is ran by Judy’s Affordable Vintage Fair, in partnership with Europe’s biggest vintage wholesaler Glass Onion Vintage.

The event promised to bring over 5 TONNES of retro fashion and jewellery to Birmingham’s creative quarter, so earlier this week I excitedly applied for a traders pass.

Saturday arrived and with an impressive clear head the morning after Valentine’s Day, my boyfriend, baby and I headed north on the M40 prepared for a thrifty vintage haul.

We arrived in good time, parking was easy and the venue well signposted. Having signed-in I was quickly handed a large plastic sack and off I went hoorah!

There were rails rammed full of fashion from the 1970s and on, and bargain buckets of accessories, but I had come with a clear plan - to unearth wearable dresses.

I must say I wasn’t spoilt for choice, but then I did arrive 40 minutes into the traders’ session. However, if chunky knits are your thing you've been in woolly heaven.

 

With limited time – partner and baby already bored of waiting in the car – I did manage to bag some fab lovelies I’m sure my customers will adore.

I picked up 7 dresses in total, some quality homemades, two by Ms Chaus, a rather fetching Lady Carol from NY, and my favourite - a fuchsia pink and navy number by Tony Ruocco for Alper Schwartz.

The Tony Ruocco number includes a ‘union made’ label dating it between 1955-95. Given its style I’m led to believe it’s a 90’s creation, but the ‘pinked’ seam construction was typically seen in earlier pieces, so i’ll need to do some research and a proper inspection of my haul.

 All-in-all I’m satisfied with my purchases and enjoyed what was a well organised event and certainly a lot more fun than the cookie-cutter High Street.

It was great to shop in a quirky new location and meet the guys and gals from Glass Onion Vintage – Paul who sent me my traders pass kindly introduced himself.

 

I’ll be bringing some of my new finds back to the Custard Factory when I host the Make Me Pretty Shop stall at Judy’s Affordable Vintage Fair on March the 8th.

Until then, keep respecting style, respecting vintage Birmingham!

Toodles

Lisa x

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Resources: The Little Guide to Vintage Shopping by Melody Fortier, thecustardfactory.co.uk, google images.