Vintage in the Shires Easter Fair

On Saturday 19th April I took Make Me Pretty Shop for a short trip (round the corner) to a Vintage in the Shires fair at the Royal Pump Rooms in Leamington Spa.

Event Poster

It was quite a dreary and cold morning and it was the Saturday before Easter, but having secured my pitch thanks to a cancellation and with virtually no travelling required, I was optimistic.

Royal Pump Rooms, Leamington Spa

I hadn't yet done a Vintage in the Shires event, but heard they were popular. Trevor was very pleasant to deal with and pitch price reasonable and the venue is one of my favourites in town.

Upon arrival I was thrilled to find I had the first front facing table in the Assembly Rooms - not going to miss me there!

I quickly began setting up my stall, and although I had plenty of time I still buzzed around like a blue arsed fly trying to get everything ready and introduce myself to the other traders.

Craft display shelving

I was excited to try out some new shelving I purchased only the day before from another Blighty Bazaar trader - Pam Thomas from Oopsadaisy Retro.

Paper flower statement necklaces

I didn't have time to upcycle them fully, but I did add some lovely lace edging. With it being Easter and all I used the shelving to display my latest handmade paper flower statement collars.

It was a bit of a Blighty affair as us girls had the centre aisle. My stall was next to Angela from Miss Angel's Vintage Emporium and she was next to Amy from Blighty.

The morning started off slow footfall wise and the hall was rather cold, so I spent most of my time eyeing up Angela's cosy coat! 

It was a bit of a gamble doing a fair before Easter to be honest, with many people away for the holidays or nursing hangovers from Good Friday.

Luckily Nat and Chris from the Lindy Diner at kept our spirits up with some improptu dancing.


Come lunchtime I'm pleased to say the good people of Leamington soon appeared and the hall quickly filled up with those looking for a bargain.

Amy from Blighty Bazaar

A 'Chap' of Distinction

For me at least, it turned out to be a good day for handmade jewellery sales as opposed to vintage, but the fab couple at Chaps of Distinction appeared to be doing well with gentlemen's attire.

Once again my tea set inspired jewellery went down a storm, as did my hair accessories and kooky rings.

I was happy to sell a gorgeous rockabilly-inspired red faux pearl and charm necklace to a lovely local lady, who also commissioned me to make a matching bracelet, which I did this morning.

Rockabilly-inspired charm bracelet

All-in-all the event turned out to be a success and I am very glad to have taken a punt on it.

With some spare cash in my pocket I've invested in some lovely new pieces to craft and sell.

Don't worry if you couldn't make it on the day though as I sell my items in Blighty Bazaar on Kenilworth Street for those of you who are local, or on Etsy for those that are not.

And, please remember I do accept requests for custom pieces of jewellery so don't be afraid to ask should you need something different for a special occasion or gift.



 Catch Make Me Pretty Shop at my next fair - Judy's Affordable Vintage at The Custard Factory in Birmingham on Saturday the 24th May.

Lisa xXx

All things bright and beautiful

On this occasion Laura Ashley made them all. While it's not quite spring, my latest purchase for Make Me Pretty Shop is so bright and beautiful that I couldn't help but share it with you early.

1980's Laura Ashley Vintage Dress

A canary yellow and white Breton / candy stripe dress with original buttons and coordinating waist tie, just add a wicker basket and you'd be in competition with the Easter Bunny for super cute status.

This vintage lovely is a 1950's reproduction - one of today's most popular categories - but is actually one of Laura Ashley's 1980's designs - the giveaway is the label.

Courtesy of Vintage Fashion Guild

The brand's labels have evolved over the decades, making them easy to date.

The label on this dress holds the green circle, font and floral spray, with 'made in Great Britain' stitched underneath.

If you're unsure if you've found a genuine piece or of its age, check out the Vintage Fashion Guild Label Resource. 

Another helpful guide for specifically buying vintage Laura Ashley is Style Me Vintage author Naomi Thompson's blog. 

Her top tip for buying vintage? Look for quality items with an instantly recognisable design heritage that will retain their wearability, value and levels of demand; Laura Ashley certainly fits the bill. 

This bright little number is currently being offered for a beautiful pre-sale price on my Facebook page, where my fans get first refusal before items hit my Etsy store. 

For other vintage gems and handmade crafts sign up for my newsletter or get social.

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Love Lisa x