My Day at the Manchester Vintage Fashion Fair

Yesterday was the eagerly awaited Manchester Vintage Fashion Fair.  It’s only my second visit and both times I’ve been blown-away by the merchandise on offer.  You can buy everything from clothing and textiles to vintage buttons, beads, lace, compacts – everything!

In addition to all the fabulous vintage merchandise, it’s a great opportunity to talk with the stall holders.  You can’t help but be inspired by their enthusiasm and love for vintage.  Here’s a photo of two lovely ladies that sold me my first items of the day.  I purchased four vintage slips including one by Janet Raeger.  Gorgeous!  If you’re reading this ladies, a big thank you!  I wish you every success for the future and look forward to seeing you both at the next fair.

These two stunning ladies sold me my first purchases of the day!

I also bought two vintage bags from the lovely Maggie of Garbo Antiques.  Maggie has an eBay store and she’s a Manchester gal so I’ve met her a few times.  She has the most amazing selection of vintage and her home is fair to bustin’ with clothes, accessories, costumes – you name it.  Here she is with two of the bags I purchased; a beautiful red leather bag (looks un-used) from the 1960’s and a divine blue satin evening bag from the 1930’s/40’s.  Thank you Maggie – look forward to seeing you soon!

The lovely Maggie of Garbo Antiques

I also purchased some delightful jewellery including one of my favourite purchases of the day, this lovely Art Deco beaded green necklace.  Exquisite!

Another of my favourite purchases was this beautiful coney fur stole which dates from the 1940’s.  Here it is along with the two very elegant stall holders.  I remember only one of your names!  Sorry gals, I know the lovely Gaye is on the right of the photo.  It was delightful to meet you.  Thank you!  Hope to see you again next year.

My coney fur stole along with the delightful stall holders (Gaye is on the right)!

Some of my purchases include:
1940’s brown faux fur coat
4 slips/negligees
3 Art Deco dress clips
1950’s bracelet
1930’s black velvet evening bag
1930’s pink crystal earrings
1950’s brooch (engraved with ‘Mother’)
1930’s decorative hair clip
Coney fur stole
Knitting bag with plastic handles
Red leather 60’s bag
30’s/40’s blue satin evening bag
Late 50’s/early 60’s green dress
Art Deco Green beaded glass necklace

And, last but certainly not least, are Carol and Chris Bates of Past Caring (carolbates@tiscali.co.uk).  What a lovely couple they are!  I had a really good chat with Carol who spends a considerable amount of time in the USA purchasing her divine vintage handbags and compacts. Carol – I could have talked to you all day!  Such an interesting lady and thank you for taking the time to speak to me and my American friend Beth (the lady that loves her plastic)!  Look forward to meeting you again very soon.  Click here to see more of Carol’s outstanding handbags.

A tiny selection of vintage delights from Carol and Chris Bates of Past Caring

I had the best time and can’t wait for the next fair.  I’m thankful they only come to Manchester a couple of times a year.  I purchased way more items than I intended but I love each and every one of them.  Thank you to every stall holder that allowed me to take their photo or one of their stall.  I appreciate it very much and hope you’ve enjoyed reading about my fabulous day out at the Manchester Vintage Fashion Fair.  Big vintage hugs to you all and see you next year!

Take your pick! Some of the offerings at the Manchester Vintage Fashion Fair

Sale Time at Catwalk Creative Vintage!

It’s nowhere near winter yet but that’s not stopping me from starting my winter vintage sale!  I’ve got loads of fabulous merchandise from dresses and shirts to handbags and nightwear.  Please take a look at the SALE rail in my Etsy boutique for more fabulous bargains!

For those who’ve yet to discover the delights of Etsy, you don’t know what you’re missing!  Go to www.etsy.com to find out more.  All you need is a valid email address and a PayPal account and then you’ll be ready to shop ’til you drop!  Payment is in US dollars $ but don’t worry if you don’t live in the States.  PayPal will exchange the currently automatically for you so it couldn’t be easier.  I’m buying all my Christmas gifts from Etsy this year

If you’re looking for great quality vintage, look  out for Vintage Fashion Guild members by typing the letters ‘vfg’ in the search box.

Here’s a small selection of vintage merchandise that I currently have on sale but there’s lots more in store!

$10 USD = £6.27 GBP at the time of posting.  All three frocks below for only £18.81 – amazing value!!!

Let's party like it's 1983! Blue Swing Dress, Black Velvet Dress and Geometric Dress - Only $10 each!

Vintage Nightgown $15, 60's Shift Dress $10 and Kitten Bow Blouse $10

80's Jacquard Jacket $35, 60's Lace Slip $10, 60's Plaid Pea Coat $35

Catwalk Creative Vintage merchandise can be purchase from Etsy or directly from the website at www.catwalkcreative.co.uk

Happy sales shopping!

The Perfect Vintage Shopping Partner!

No longer do I need to shop vintage on my own because I’ve found the perfect shopping partner!  Yes, and it fits neatly inside my handbag!  It comes in the form of a book and I received my copy today.  I’m delighted with it!  I first wrote about ‘The Little Guide to Vintage Shopping‘ in a previous post and I’ve been itching to get my hands on a copy.  This marvellous little book has been written by friend and Vintage Fashion Guild (VFG) member, Melody Fortier.

The Little Guide to Vintage Shopping by Melody Fortier

It’s ‘rammed’ full of hints and tips on buying vintage, from how to find the perfect vintage dress; styles of the times; construction; sizing; condition and care and much, much more!

If you can’t wait for Santa to bring you a copy for Christmas, you can go online and buy it  now!  Payment by credit card only.   Order your copy here for $18.95 plus shipping.  Or, purchase Melody’s scrumptious vintage clothing from her online store, Tangerine Boutique.  Prepare to be amazed!

Includes lots of fabulous images of vintage attire!

I’m now eagerly awaiting bedtime, when I can relax with a cup of tea and my perfect vintage shopping partner!  Cheeky!

Read more about the lovely Melody in this fabulous article from the The Vintage Shopping Guide.

New York Fashion: The Evolution of American Style

If you’re interested in the history of fashion, I highly recommend this fabulous reference book by Caroline Rennolds Milbank, published by Harry N. Abrams. inc.  New York Fashion, The Evolution of American Style has got to be one of the finest books around for defining the story of American fashion.

Fashion historian Caroline Milbank weaves social and cultural events with the changes taking place in fashion from the early 19th century to the late 20th century. The rise of designers, including Calvin Klein and Ralph Lauren, is charted from near obscurity to their current celebrity status.

The price new is around £77.00 GBP which is quite a considerable amount until you realise just how much information is contained in this wonderful book.   I was able to secure a ‘used’ copy for only £19.99 plus postage from www.usedbooksdirect.com (Leicester, UK) via Amazon.co.uk.  What a bargain!  I will devour the pages and enjoy this book for years to come!

Enjoy the pictures!

New York Fashion: The Evolution of American Style by Caroline Rennolds

Two-piece evening dress, made in New York circa 1856-58

1950's short evening dress by Charles James

Twelve coats designed by Helen Cookman in the mid 1940's

Sportswear designed by Tom Brigance from his 1938 Palm Beach collection.

Six variations on the chemise theme, designed by Mme Eta, a New York wholesaler, in 1923.

Flying the Flag for Vintage: A Champagne Birthday Bash!

Chatsworth House

I’ve recently been invited to my friend Amy’s, 40th birthday ‘bash’ at the end of October.  She’s actually having two birthday parties but this one is for girls only.  It’s a Champagne lunch at Chatsworth House in Derbyshire which is just over an hours drive from where I live.  We’re all travelling there by mini-bus (should be fun)! but at least we can enjoy the Champagne!  Chatsworth has been on its present site since the mid 1500’s and it’s the home of Lord and Lady Devonshire.

Of course all the girls will be dressing up and so I will be flying the flag for vintage! Here’s a photo of the beautiful Chatsworth House (more like a palace isn’t it?) along with the vintage attire that I’ll be wearing.  I’ve treated myself to a  lovely 50’s day dress from Vintage Attic and the delightful 50’s leather bag from Bonton Vintage.  I’m going to accessories further with a fascinator or hat and possibly the vintage 40’s silver-fox fur collar – it scares me a bit so we’ll see!

I do love a good party!

1950's Wiggle Dress from Vintage Attic

50's Black Leather Handbag with Lucite Clasp

50's Hat

Vintage 40's Silver Fox Fur Collar

My Vintage Inspired 'Garbo' Shoes by Red or Dead

Impeccable Service from Village Dry Cleaners!

I’ve been looking for the longest time for a really good dry-cleaners in my area and I’m delighted to report that I’ve found an amazing one – within 5 minutes drive from my home – result!!  I really didn’t want to risk taking this particular vintage dress to a standard high-street cleaners as it’s quite an unusual frock in that the underskirt is made from a thick paper-like material.  The dress itself is made from a heavy-weight satin.

What was so amazing about Village Dry Cleaners was the impeccable service I received.  The gentleman who served me, had been in the dry-cleaning business for twenty eight years and the fabric manufacturing business for many years before that.  He spent considerable time talking to me about the fabrics and treatments they use. Not only that, but within half an hour of my returning home, his son phoned me to talk about my business and again, explained their techniques and what they hoped to achieve. Now that’s what I call service!

I gave them my business card and because I’m in the business of selling vintage clothing, they included a discount.  I will definitely be taking my dry-cleaning there from now on!   They’ve been totally amazing and had my dress finished the very next day!

Here’s a before and after photo just so you can see what they’ve achieved with this very unusual dress.  It’s so very rare these days that I receive such incredible service and I so think they deserve a mention – even if they may be hundreds of miles from where you live!  However, if you do live in the Manchester area, I highly recommend Village Dry Cleaners, in Chorlton.  They are the best!

Before and After - Heavy-Weight Satin 50's Dress

Thick, paper-like underskirt