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 groovy kinda frock

I’m sticking with the 70’s for this week’s #fridaysfrock; a psychedelia inspired maxi dress with marvellous fashion history.

70's Vintage Dress

While the vivid colours and groovy pattern could easily be mistaken for a 60’s garment, a few clues suggest it’s more likely to be a mid-70’s production.

Firstly, the silhouette of this slender beauty is more figure-hugging compared to the boxy, A-line style of the 60’s, and it is also has a flared hem.

Minis fell out of vogue by mid-decade, as designers experimented with length the maxi dress was borne and three-quarter length sleeves were rife.

Labels and tags are also a good place to start when playing the dating game – the Vintage Fashion Guild’s A-Z resource is a great free tool.

The tag on this frock says ‘made in England by Windsmoor’ and according to the Guide’s records suggests this was a 1970’s design.

1970's Windsmoor Tag

This vibrant dress also carries a care label, which wasn’t common until much later.

Windsmoor was registered as a trademark in 1939 by Lionel Green, who, with his brothers, had been running a wholesale clothing business selling directly to retailers.

The brand was, and still is, known for quality middle-market ladies wear. Today, Windsmoor is part of the Jacques Vert group and most of its outlets are niches in larger department stores.

It's all about the detail

I just love the flamboyant pattern and bold colours really pop, but sadly it requires a more petite frame than mine, as I estimate this dress is a size 8-10.

However, some lucky lady would make quite a statement in this dress - it would be certainly hard to ignore her.

This 1970's classic will be available for purchase from my stall at next week's Judy's Affordable Vintage Fair to be held in Leamington Spa, unless it sells on Etsy first that is!




If you love 1970's fashion and want a little more, check out my Pinterest board dedicated to the era.

Peace out!

Lisa xXx 

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Resources: Vintage Fashion Guild, Vintage Voyager, The Little Guide to Vintage Shopping by Melody Fortier.

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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My 1970's Vintage Valentine

It's been a while but #fridaysfrock is back, and today I'm showcasing a flirty 1970's maxi dress in lipstick red, perfect for an impending Valentine's date.

1970's red empire line maxi dress

Given the political and social changes of the 1970's, women's fashion was extremely varied - from Boho chic inspired by the 60's to dazzling disco, micro minis to maxis and everything in between.

This hot little number has no label, but the empire bust and exaggerated floaty sleeves scream 1970's. The elegant fit, vivid colour and chiffon fabric, makes this dress ideal as romantic eveningwear.

To complement this 1970's darling, add a floppy hat, oversized sunglasses and beads for the day, or a thin lurex scarf and dangling earrings for the evening. Farrah Fawcett flicks are a definite must.

If you love 1970's fashion and want a little more, check out my Pinterest board dedicated to the era.

Oh and don't forget to visit my Facebook page to hear about my latest vintage finds, pre-sale offers and competitions before anyone else!

Lisa

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

Past, present and future vintage finds and crafts

It's been a while but I'm back. And, as we begin 2014 I've been reminiscing about the year just gone.

2013 was a great. I finally put my passion for vintage and handmade jewellery making into practice by starting Make Me Pretty Shop on Etsy, and I began writing this blog.

Before I recap on some of my best vintage finds and crafts I want to share with you the best thing I made in 2013, my beautiful baby boy Joshua; he's a smiler!

Top 3 vintage finds

1. No doubt it's this gorgeous purple prairie dress by Paragi
2. Next it's this super cute mustard paisley shirt with ruffe neck
3. And, last but not least, this 1980s monochrome ra ra dress

Top 3 retro crafts

1. 2013 was all about porcelain - Wade Whimsies and tea cups / pots
2. Among my best sellers were these retro swallow bobby pins
3. And, a more recent make, these patriotic rockabilly hair bows

All clothes and accessories in my blog are available from www.makemeprettyshop.etsy.com

Now for 2014 I'm working on more bows, this time adding them to my jewellery, as well as necklaces with tiered rows of super cute spot and gingham buttons.

If you want to hear about my latest vintage finds and crafts, as well as generous competitions, mosey on over to my Facebook page.

I'd love to hear about your favourite vintage finds and jewellery purchases so please comment below.

Lisa xXx