Discover Vintage Blog

Catch up with our FOV antics!

05/02/2012 13:41:00

After a fabulous weekend at The Festival of Vintage, everyone at Discover Vintage is enjoying browsing through photos, sharing stories of various encounters and missing it already!

Ohhh all the hard work really did pay off - what a joy it was to see our visitors all dressed up (we have to say that there were some AMAZING outfits milling round!) Picking winners of our Best Dressed Competition was a nightmare - far too many to choose from! We were in awe at the level of attention to detail paid!

Despite the weather being typically British, the turn out was spectacular! The vibe was energetic and fun with everybody getting involved, dancing, shopping, taking workshops - we couldn't be happier!

Our exhibitors were as fab as ever and we would just like to say a HUGEEE thank you to all those involved with the event! We cannot wait to do it all over again at Epsom Racecourse on 23rd September - watch this space for more info! In the meantime, sit back, relax and enjoy our snaps....

DV x

The Festival of Vintage is coming!

04/18/2012 13:20:00

Discover Vintage is buzzing with anticipation and excitement as The Festival of Vintage returns to York Racecourse at the end of the month (28th & 29th April)!

We have sooo many wonderful things planned for you - be prepared for the time of your life folks!

Let me talk you through a few areas...

The UK Home front

Learn all about the Home front in WW2 with wonderful interactive talks and displays from Bombed out Washday who will be exhibiting and talking through the work of the National Emergency Washing Service as well as the Womens Timber Corp who will be there doing a short talk and display on the life and equipment used by the girls of the Timber Corp - not to be missed!

Make Do And Mend

We have a great selection of workshops available on both days, where you can learn a new craft - who wants to have a go at up cycling unwanted vintage items? We do! Trust us when we say that you will be amazed - this is a very clever skill to have! Workshops include making fascinators, paper crafts and ribbon flower brooches PLUS fab demonstrations from Craft Experts on upcyling cushions, suitcases & hat boxes as well the more traditional skill of Rag Rug making! Here's who to look out for: Coolcrafting, Lucy's Boutique Barnsley & Piperty.

Vintage Cinema

Film Fun will be showcasing their brilliant collection of quirky new items, public information films and 8mm movies - these treasures add the perfect dash of visual context to the event and are bound to fill you with national pride!

Live Music & Dancing

We have some FAB performers all lined-up ready to entertain you!

Don't miss...

Saturday

Sincerely Yours - a mother & daughter duet bringing you some of the best wartime hits

Madeline Brown - a wonderfully authentic 1940s style singer & entertainer

The Polka Dots - a modern twist on the epic Andrews Sisters

Sunday

Lola Lamour - specialises in the beautiful sounds of the 20s-50s

Jump Jive 'n' Wail - covering 30s, 40s & 50s music

Saturday & Sunday

Samantha Hughes - stunningly passionate vocalist bringing you hip sounds from the 1950s-60s

The Groove Diggers - their aim? To be as authentic as possible...Real Raw Rockabilly anyone?

You don't want to miss ANY of these acts! They are all uber talented... now, you can't say we don't treat you! We also have some fabulous DJs - look out for DJ Galaxic Bob and Vintage 78 Gramophone DJ!

So....who is up for a bit of dancing? As an important part of our weekend, we are offering you the chance to learn various vintage dances (all included as part of your ticket) including...

The 1940s Jive, Triple Time Lindy Hop, Lindy Charleston, Shim Sham, Jitterbug Stroll, Balboa & Collegiate Shag - whether you are a beginner or experienced dancer there will be plenty of new moves to learn! Look out for GI Jive who will be offering lessons in the Nostalgia Hall Stand throughout Saturday & Sunday.

Fashion & Beauty

Ohh my-oh-myyy what treasures we have waiting for you......

To get you all in the vintage mood make sure you pay a visit to the super talented Bethany Davies at The Vintage Beauty Parlour where Bethany and her team will give you a hair & beauty make over - vintage style of course! Pick an era and watch the transformation begin! You can book an appointment in advance - all you have to do is follow the link provided.

Then make sure you also stop off to meet Naomi Thompson for a bit of vintage styling advice - she will share with you all the tricks of the trade to get you looking like the vintage siren we all know is just bursting to pop out!

Also not to be missed is the Festival of Vintage Fashion Show (running three times each day). Hosted by Vintage Emporium in association with Glory Days Vintage & Purple Haze - a real treat for the eyes we must say! Watch as they take you back to the 1930s, 40s, 50s and 60s! Here's a little visual teaser.... (clothes by Vintage Emporium):

There will also be countless stalls offering the best collection of vintage clothing and accessories your eyes have ever seen!

Collectors Corner, Vehicle Displays & so much more!

Here, you will meet many-a-collector specialising in 1930s to 1960s Vintage.

Be sure to also check out our Vintage Vehicle Displays - including a great selection of Vintage Cars and Motorbikes! Not to be missed folks!

PLUS much, much more - The Festival of Vintage is sure to be a hoot so make sure you head on down to the Racecourse to join in the fun!

Sooo let's get down to the details -

Doors will be open from 10am until 5pm each day and tickets are £6.50 per day or £11 for the weekend, click here to book in advance.

See you all there!

DV x

Catch up with our Vintage Home Show!

03/23/2012 12:47:00

Awww we are just so proud of our Vintage Home Show! We had our very first one at the weekend and my-oh-my what a success it was!!! I think it is safe to say we are beaming with pride right now and would just LOVE to share with you some of our snaps!!

We would also just like to say a huge, huge, HUGE thank you to all of our fantastic exhibitors - they really made the day so special!! Can't wait for the next one - this time it will be in Manchester on Sunday 10th June. Click here for details

DV x

The Vintage Home Show

03/07/2012 14:34:00

So, those of you who are avid followers of Discover Vintage may have already come across our new event - The Vintage Home Show! We are super excited about introducing our very first one in London on 18th March as a celebration of all things funky, cool and mid-century!

This particular event focuses on....you guessed it - The Home. Here at DV headquarters we just love, love, lovvve homewares and trust us, we have some FAB exhibitors attending - in fact we are so excited about our amazing line-up that we think it's a shame to wait to share them with you! Therefore, today we will introduce you to a few of them - lets call it a teaser shall we?

RIGHT, all you lucky vintage enthusiasts are now in for a treat, these exhibitors are some of the most experienced dealers around, offering you a vibrant mix of furniture, artwork, ceramics, glass, lighting, textiles and much, much more! We will be indulging all tastes from Art Deco through to Modernism, Atomic and Mid-century design. So here. we. go.

First up we have Daisy Bazaar selling a beautiful range of pottery, textiles and mirrors (see image on the right). If you like surrounding yourself in colour then you must stop by and say hi - you will not be disappointed!

We also have the amazing Vintage Design Rooms selling their STUNNING and oh-so fabulous Mid-century furniture from the 50s-70s! Be sure to watch out for their wonderful range of chairs - they are all so stylish it is almost unbelievable! You are bound to fall in love with them - we have (below)!

Then we have The Tupperware Man who will be demonstrating and selling an amazing range of Tupperware products - all new but with designs unchanged since the 50s-70s! Remember those Tupperware parties? Well think of his display as reuniting us with the wonder, the colour, the quirkiness that is Tupperware! It promises to be very nostalgic and funky so be sure to look out for The Tupperware Man himself - Andrew Humphrey.

Next up is none other than.... The Vintage Studio. They will be selling original homewares from the 50s-1970 made from vintage fabrics and soft furnishings - sounds like heaven don't you think? Check out some of these pieces (below):

Now... be prepared to 'awww' because Retro Pigeon have some seriously CUTE textile creations! Yes, they will also be in attendance! Feast your eyes on these beauties...

See... how adorable?!

Right, so are we all feeling sufficiently teased??

No?

Ok one more - but only to keep you going until the big day arrives where there will be PLENTY more to see!

So...You MUST check out Vintage Image when you're there... they have the most breathtaking collection of images from old film or sports posters to original photographic negatives - you name it, they have it! Click on the link for a sneak peek!

Alas, we come to the end of our little teaser, we hope we have inspired and delighted you! We hope to see you all there - it's not to be missed! We want you all to have some fun so we promise this is the place to be!

DV x

DV takes on 2012

01/25/2012 15:25:00

YES you guessed correctly... Discover Vintage is back!

Oh yes, this is it. Be prepared for the some serious vintage loving as 2012 is set to be our busiest event year so far (and hopefully yours too)! We have so much to tell you all but where to start...

Yes, right, The Beginning:

Well,

Starting us off on our 2012 journey is our utterly wonderful Vintage Wedding Fair in Harrogate (19th Feb). This particular event is always a pleasure to do as it attracts such a lovely bunch of people! Seeing beautiful brides embracing the vintage theme whole-heartedly means a lot to us so we are very excited to welcome back this event to our 2012 calender and we look forward to meeting many more blushing brides very soon! Can't make the Harrogate one? Do not fear, we also have one coming up in Chester on 11th March!

Next up on your hit list should be our Discover Vintage event at the York Barbican on 4th March (doors open from 11am-4pm and entry is only £2.50)! We are delighted to be sharing this event with you again, last year's had an oh-so vibrant atmosphere - so much so that the excitement was almost addictive...therefore it.is.back. We hope you will join us for more vintage action with plenty to keep you occupied all day long (homewares, kitchenalia, fashion, curiosities - the lot! All dating from 1920-1970).

But alas..... If our 60+ specialists just aren't enough for you (maybe you are on some sort of vintage high - like a sugar high but so much more glamorous!) then feel free to explore the wonder that is... VINTAGE EMPORIUM! Yes, we have a shop and it is just around the corner from the Barbican (open 12-4pm) - convenient much? We think so! Only the best is good enough for our fellow vintage-lovers.

NOW, YOUR ATTENTION PLEASE: Discover Vintage will now introduce to you our

brand new event - The Vintage Home Show! Ahhh finally, a vintage event dedicated to home sweet home! And the debut? Sunday 18th March in London at Chiswick Town Hall.

Be prepared to be inspired - no need for Laurence Llewelyn Bowen here, you can be your very own interior designer! With the show focusing primarily on the mid-century modern style, we can guarantee there will be gasping and admiration galore as you become introduced or reacquainted with iconic household classics, whether that be furniture, accessories, textiles, lighting or artwork - we've got it covered!

With around 40 exhibitors attending you will no doubt be in expert hands! Periods of design include Art Deco, Modernism, Atomic and Mid-Century with the dateline spanning from 1930-1970. What are you waiting for? Clear some space in your barely opened 2012 diary and save the date!! We want you all to have some fun and this show is just the ticket - promise!

Don't forget to keep checking back for more updates - there will be plenty more dears, we have barely even scratched the surface! In the meantime, I shall leave you to explore the links provided and you can start organising your vintage schedule!

Happy 2012!!

DV x

Matlock bound...

11/28/2011 14:54:00

Discover Vintage is coming to Matlock! We are very excited about our Vintage Home and Fashion Fair being in Matlock this Saturday (3rd December) so we hope to see lots of smiling faces there - we guarantee you will have plenty to see. Asides from our fabulous event, Matlock even has a Victorian Christmas Market that weekend - its all happening in Matlock so you really are in for a treat! What an incredible day out it will be.

Our doors are open from 10am - 4pm and entry is only £1.50 so come, enjoy yourselves and have a good old fashioned rummage! As usual there will be a wonderful array of stallholders there so you are bound to find something that takes your fancy, whether that be pottery, vintage clothing from the 20s-60s, textiles, furniture and enough accessories to make your eyes water with delight!

SO, don't miss out - we wouldn't want you to regret it...

DV x

Harrogate, we meet again!

11/07/2011 11:16:00

The 20th November means that Discover Vintage can once again be reunited with Harrogate and the St George Hotel! Happy times indeed. Join us wont you? There will be all sorts of offerings available, plus entry is just £1.50 (concs £1)!

The fair will provide an eclectic mix of vintage items dating from the 1920’s-1970’s, bringing together some of the best vintage dealers around! In terms of clothing and accessories, expect to see LOADS of stunning 40s and 50s pieces! ALSO, make sure you look out for incredible collections of Retro and Shabby Chic textiles, ceramics and glass!

More?

Ok...

Along with everything detailed above, you will also find plenty of unique Kitchenalia ranging from the highly desirable (and very chic) Art Deco period all the way up to the fab 60s.

TRANSLATION: the full vintage experience under one roof! Surely you need no more convincing...

BUT just in case, here's the low down on a few of our amazing exhibitors to give you all a bit of a taster (and something to Google!)

Claire's Vintique:Teacups and Jewellery galore!

Itchycoo Vintage:Women's clothing from 1930 - 1970, jewellery, tableware & beautiful handmade cards!

Victoria Jane Vintage:Vintage China and accessories aplenty!

With our 20-strong stalls you are bound to find something to take your fancy - it makes for a great day out too! So make sure you come and join us!

DV x

Discover Vintage has a NEW office!

11/02/2011 14:20:00

Yes, that's right we have moved on to bigger and better things (well, a bigger office plus more stock storage space buuuut you get the idea - we are growing!)

The move has got us all dashing around doing hard labour - I mean women doing heavy lifting who would have thought, eh? Ah well, all in a days work!

BUT alas, the grafting has paid off - look how lovely and welcoming our new office is...

SPOTTED: Keeley Harris - the one and only creator of Discover Vintage, all hard at work (with no coffee in sight - hardcore!)

YES! Keep calm and carry on people...it's the only way! No office is complete without one of these!

Ahhh, the meet-and-greet area. They don't look it but THOSE amazing chairs are super comfy (the proof is in the perching...)

We just love this picture! Very 1920s.

SO, it would seem that a day in the office is hardly a daunting prospect when you have one like this! Hmmm, wonder how long the novelty will last?!

DV x

The Leamington Adventure...

10/31/2011 15:01:00

Our weekend in Leamington for the Vintage Home & Fashion Fair really was an adventure - we met plenty of interesting characters to say the least!!

The event was held at The Royal Pump Rooms - an exceptional venue, perfect for welcoming our vintage-loving guests and our stall holders certainly didn't disappoint either (do they ever?).

We were just so thrilled with the sheer variety of items available at the event - it made for some great displays (and some interesting talking points). We really hope that everyone who attended enjoyed it as much as us - any feedback is always welcome and we look forward to meeting more of you at our next event!

In the meantime, here are some snaps for you all to lust after...

DON'T forget to keep checking back for details on our next set of events!

DV x

Vintage Home & Fashion Fairs: Stamford

10/17/2011 10:16:00

NOT LONG until Stamford!! Are you all excited?

We have the best line up of exhibitors - all congregating at the Stamford Arts Centre on 22nd October from 10am until 4pm (Free Entry).

As time ticks on, we thought it only fair to share some more information on who will be there and what is on offer...look no further your guide is HERE!

INTRODUCING... Vicky Loves Vintage. They will be selling various home wares including cushions made from vintage textiles and china.

Next up is Rhubarb and Alice selling handmade up-cycled cupcake stands using vintage china, eco scented teacup candles and handmade cushions. What can we say? We have a talented bunch of exhibitors - only the best for you all!

Another beauty is Chic Alors Vintage. They will be selling a wide range of vintage clothing, accessories and costume jewellery as well as some home wares. They will also be joined by Antoinette Young who will be selling vintage clothing from the 40s and 50s, vintage jewellery, shoes, hats, tea sets, linen and various Edwardian items -phew!

Vintage Emporium will also be there offering all you lucky things women's 50s dresses, various menswear (Tweed jacket anyone?) jewellery and handbags. Well you can't say we don't treat you - Men you have not been forgotten!

The list of exhibitors is endless - and they truly are just amazing! I think it would be fair to say that there is something for everyone. So why not come along and join us at the event and we will introduce you to a world full of vintage! We feel sure that you will enjoy it and look forward to meeting you all.

DV x