What a load of vintage!

Phew! I'm shattered, but buzzing after my first stall at Judy’s Affordable Vintage Fair at the wonderful Assembly on Spencer Street in Leamington Spa yesterday.

I was a little nervous, as Judy’s is the largest of its kind, hailed by the press as a ‘shopping phenomenon’ and it didn't disappoint.

As a newbie trader I didn’t have anything to compare the spectacle to, but the whole thing from start to finish - in my opinion anyway - was marvellous.

Judy’s was extremely helpful when booking and setting up, and they were pretty hot on the social media side too, helping me to promote my attendance.

As a vintage fledgling, I offered the first 20 Make Me Pretty Shop Facebook fans a free pair of my handmade retro fabric button earrings if they popped by.

I was pleasantly surprised to be given a prime spot, smack bang in the doorway, so I knew I had a great opportunity to attract shoppers early.

Local ladies were called upon to hand out flyers for the event, in exchange for vintage makeovers by the talented Chez Titine in a dedicated makeover caravan!

Promotion certainly paid off, as when the doors flung open at 11am hoards of vintage enthusiasts and curious shoppers flooded the building.

People in and around Leamington must truly respect style, respect vintage, as the day’s footfall was estimated at an impressive 1,300!

I was glad I took a friend to help man my stall as we didn’t get a breather until well after 2pm, so no vintage bargain hunting for us, not that I am complaining.

Needless to say my freebie earrings were snapped up early and my ‘goodie bag’ prize draw also went down a treat, netting me 30 newsletter sign-ups.

It was great to meet lots of new people - traders and customers - and share our love for vintage, but I was most pleased and proud of my handmade jewellery sales.

Jewellery is very personal, so it was really heartening my gems were so well received, given the time and love that goes into creating each piece.

Bestsellers were my fabric button earrings, paper flower statement necklaces, tea-set pendants and Alice in Wonderland cameos which sold out – oh me oh my!

Clothing wise, my main rail with gorgeous dresses from the 70s to the 90s proved popular, with one rather chic lady purchasing all 3 quality labels she tried on.

The sale rail also attracted quite a bit of attention from fashion students looking for a bargain or clothing in need of slight repair for projects.

All-in-all I learnt a lot. While the day was a success I now have a better understanding of what my customers like as well as ideas for improving my stall.

At the end of what was a very enjoyable and profitable day, I am sold on getting out and doing more events, so you never know you may see me in your town soon!
 
I mustn’t forget to say a big thank you to Steve Cook from Swale Photography who popped by to take some photos of my stall, clothes and event – thank you.

If you weren't able to make the event you've still got a few days left to enter my vintage photography competition to win a £10 Make Me Pretty Shop Etsy coupon.

Ta ta for now,

Lisa x

A vintage af-Fair Judy's style

Zippididoodah! I’ve signed up as a trader for Judy's Affordable Vintage Fair which is coming to Leamington Spa on the 8th of February.

I just can’t wait to share my gems with others who respect style, respect vintage, but I must admit I am a little nervous, as Judy’s is the largest vintage fair of its kind, hailed by the national press as a ‘shopping phenomenon’ – gulp!

However, I’m confident the vintage beauties I have to offer and the great atmosphere will scatter any butterflies on the day. And, of course sneaking a peak at the competition and picking up a bargain myself if something should tickle my fancy, will be a bonus.

I've loved vintage clothing since I was a little girl, playing dress-up in my mum's floral 1970s outfits and tottering around in oversized heels - of course it wasn’t vintage then it was ‘of the day’ - perhaps it’s the element of nostalgia which cemented my passion for older fashions.

It wasn’t until I left home and went to University that I started to buy vintage pieces myself, digging around charity shops and car boot sales, because I couldn’t afford anything else.

In fact, affordability is the main reason why I’ve decided to do a Judy’s event. Don’t get me wrong, I’m thrilled vintage clothing is in vogue once more, but some stockists do exploit this.

By its very nature ‘true vintage’ pieces are one-of-a-kind so to speak, I get that, and that rare, particularly old pieces in good condition or from certain designers are worth paying for.

My gripe however, is there are some selling older mass market, department store vintage items and charging way over the odds. That’s not to say these pieces aren’t valuable finds, after all, if you love it and you’re happy with the price tag then bag it!

I guess what I am trying to say is that it helps to be aware of an items true value to make sure you’re getting it for a fair price.

Judy’s Affordable Vintage Fair offers a selection of vintage, re-worked and handmade stalls all hand-picked by fashion experts and price checked to ensure shoppers are paying up to 75% less than high street prices for their vintage So, you’ll find a bargain guaranteed.

You probably won’t find the rarest vintage items at my stall, but if you hate the bland, the over-priced and are bored with cookie-cutter high-street fashion, you will find beautiful, affordable, functional pieces you’ll wear time and time again.

Anyway, if you live near Leamington Spa or fancy a shopping day trip, swing by The Assembly, Spencer Street on the 8th February. Facebook fans that visit my stall can bag a FREE pair of my retro fabric button earrings while stocks last.

Happy rummaging,

Lisa x

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