Chistmas Wishes from Alfies!

HAPPY CHRISTMAS FROM ALFIES!

Alfies would like to wish everyone a Happy Christmas and a wonderful New Year! We are opened again on Saturday the 2nd of January and hope to see you all in 2010!

Vintage Family Christmas

Why not try to escape the Christmas stress by treating the whole family to a day out at Alfies? Every woman enjoys getting pampered so book your appointment at Nina's Hair Parlour now!

You can enter Nina's Prize Draw by sending an email to nina@ninasvintageandretrohair.com with ‘Prize Draw’ in the subject line for your chance to win a delightfully crafted up-do?

*Closing date for all entries is 24 December 2009

Make a day of it, bring all the family and let them explore the beauty of all the vintage and antique treasure on offer! See the excited twinkle in their eyes as they discover the beauty of the past, things they have never seen before around every corner of the market. Let the grandparents tell a story or two about their childhood with memories evoked by curious objects.

The knowledgeable dealers at Alfies are always happy to share their expertise. Get your mother to bring along that necklace she has wanted to get re-stringed, Marie Warner at Marie Antiques will be happy to help.

View from Marie Antique's stand

Should the men run out of patience send them to look at the rare vintage plane models at Stephen Lazarus.

An Art Deco wooden plane

Or some incredibley detailed silhoutte paintings from the days before photography even existed at Barry Landsman.

Sillhouette painted on plaster by Houghton & Bruce. Circa 1792-6

Ready for a little rest and a sweet treat? Then head to the Rooftop Restaurant for a nice cup of tea and slice of moist carrot cake. There you can show off your special finds and plan the rest of the afternoon listening to some good tunes delivered by the cool jukebox. Careful though, he'll want one!

Then off you go again, have another wander around searching for that perfect Christmas or New Years' Eve party dress in one of Alfies numerous vintage clothing boutiques. You will be hard pressed to resist those glamourous robes that will make you feel like a Hollywood siren!

Inside Empire Vintage's stand

Now collect your dearest ones, take them home and spare a thought or two for the people celebrating Christmas during difficult times some decades back and recreate your very own merry 'vintage' Christmas with some inspiration, gifts and happy moments found at Alfies.

Alfies also has Gift Certificates that make a great alternative if you still can't make up your mind! They can be spent anywhere in Alfies, are valid for a year and come in denominations of £10, £20 and £50.

Alfies is open right up until 4pm on Christmas Eve, great for last minute shopping!

Alfies Christmas Gift Ideas (Part 3)

This is the third in a series of posts to help you find the best presents at Alfies! This one tackles the most difficult aspect of present buying...the ones for the men.

Buying presents for the men in your life is notoriously difficult, so here are a few ideas that might see you through the festive season without a sock in sight!

A 1930s Rometti Cherry Liquer Set from Modo Italia



One set of a large selection of Art Deco Drinking Glasses from Robinson Antiques.



For the dapper gentleman, a pair of 9ct gold Edwardian cufflinks, £45, from Peter & Naneen Brooks




1950s Danish Leather Swivel Chair from Stephen Lazarus


For something extra, extra special,
a 1960s writing desk designed by Marcel Brauer from Francesca Martire.

Alfies also has gift certificates that make a great alternative if you still can't make up your mind! They can be spent anywhere in Alfies, are valid for a whole year and come in denominations of £10, £20, and £50.

Alfies is open right up until 4pm on Christmas Eve, great for some last minute shopping!

Alfies Christmas Shopping Party!

A big thank you to everyone who came to our Late Night Christmas Shopping Party last Thursday, the market was full of dealers and customers, enjoying some great entertainment, delicious food and a cocktail or two!

Dealers Emilia Porto & Tony Durante

Nina from Nina's Hair Parlour and friends enjoying the show in The Girl Can't Help It's window.

Gloria Sinclair and friends enjoying the party.

Jewellery dealer Pari (centre)

Bridget with her stunning butterfly fascinator!

Part of the amazing show put on by The Girl Can't Help It involving the bizarre combination of live snakes complete with santa hats!

We had a great evening and are looking forward to next year's party already! For those who missed out on the Christmas shopping evening don't worry, Alfies is open right up until 4pm on Christmas Eve. Perfect for those last minute gifts!

Visit Alfies on Flickr for more party photos!

Alfies Christmas Gift Ideas (Part 2)

This is the second in a series of posts that will help you navigate the maze that is Alfies in search of the perfect Christmas gifts!

For Her...
The lovely lady in your life.

One of a large selection of beautiful perfume bottles from Hayman & Hayman.

An exquisite four piece Japanese silver tea set with floral detail, £1200. From Janes Antiques.

A delicate 1920s Art Nouveau evening bag, £325, from Sheila Cameron.

This 1950s Beswick cup and tray is perfect for a winter treat of hot tea and a slice of cake! £38 from Beth.

An iconic image of 1950s glamour in this Double Diamond Drinks Advert, from Ian Broughton, £38

A stunning early 1900s 22ct gold snake bangle with diamonds & ruby eyes, from Zeeba Jewels

Something for the home! A view from Lorna Lee Leslie's stand in the Quad. Alfies has a huge range of furniture and interior pieces to suit all tastes and budgets.

If you just can't decide what to get your loved one don't forget about our great gift certificates that can be used in any shop within Alfies! They are valid for a year and come in denomintations of £10, £20, & £50. For more information click here.

Alfies is also open right up until 4pm on Christmas Eve, brilliant for some last minute shopping!

Christmas Dinner!

Christmas dinner is a highlight for most peoples Christmas Day. Here at Alfies there are some wonderful items to help enhance your feast!

To start we have this beautiful pair of silver napkin rings from a wide selection, from Goldsmith and Perris.

Silver napkin rings, Birmingham, 1942.

These beautiful wine glasses are from Linetta Grecco and would make a perfect addition to any table.

Set of 6 crystal white wine glasses.

Below is a selection of Gerald Benney Viners Cutlery, this stainless steel cutlery is from Robinson Antiques.

1960's stainless steel cutlery, Studio Range

This bakelite and white metal teapot from Connie Speight is perfect for having a nice cup of tea after your delicious dinner, matched with a bit of Christmas cake, of course!

Art Deco bakelite and white metal teapot circa 1930.

Alfies Christmas Shopping Party - 26th November 2009

To kick off the Christmas season, Alfies is once again hosting its ever popular Late Night Shopping Party. Avoid the high-street madness and join us after work for cocktails, nibbles and some festive entertainment. Explore one of London’s largest antique treasure troves and return home with fabulous gifts you know your family and friends will love for years to come.

Alfies’ Late Night Christmas Shopping Party is sure to make a very enjoyable and alternative Christmas shopping experience. It is the only opportunity of the year to shop here after hours and, if that is not enough, Alfies will be open right up until Christmas Eve!

For your complimentary invitation please call 020 7723 6066 or email info@alfiesantiques.com

Party Time!

Planning the perfect outfit for a Christmas party can be quite tricky. Here at Alfies we can make it easier by showing you some of our favourite party outfits.

This dress from Tin Tin Collectibles is very striking and great for a more formal occasion.

Printed 1930's velvet dress.

Could this skirt be more perfect for the festive period? Fabulous hand painted cotton skirt from The Girl Can't Help It.

A 1950's circle skirt with hand painted angel and bauble design.

You can't go wrong with a Little Black Dress and this silk and lace dress from Persiflage is perfect for any occasion.

An elegant1920's black silk and lace dress

Green is a perfect colour choice for the festive period, and this cocktail dress from The Girl Can't Help It is stunning.

1950s Kelly green bubble bottom cocktail dress

Another fantastic outfit from Persiflage, this one is a 1980's Byblos dress. The gem detail on the top and sleeves makes this a very eye catching dress!

There are lots more fantastic outfits in Alfies to suit all your festive activities!

Alfies Christmas Gift Ideas (Part 1)

This is the first of a series of mini posts that will give you ideas and inspiration for the festive season. Whether you are looking for him, her, the family or the home, Alfies always has something to tempt you and solve all your Christmas present needs!

Family Values
Gift ideas for the young and the ones who have never grown up!

1940s Rocking Horse, £150 from Deborah Woolf Vintage

1930s Paper on Linen Lion Poster (88" x 77"), £1200 from Dodo Posters

1950s Ba-Ba The Elephent Pyjama Case, £45 from Ian Broughton

Reversable Child's Japanese Tour of Duty Souvenier Jacket

(late 1940s - early 50s), £195 from The Girl Can't Help It

It's easy to spend an afternoon Christmas shopping at Alfies, don't forget to visit the Rooftop Restaurant where you can warm up with a cup of tea and a delicious slice of cake!

Keep an eye out for Part 2 of Alfies Christmas Gift Ideas...coming soon!

Halloween at Alfies Antique Market

Halloween has filled the shops with giant pumpkins, crazy costumes, chocolate eye-balls and flashing devil forks. While here at Alfies we've fallen in love with some things that you might fancy for Halloween, but that you will definitely want to use for more than just the one day of ghouls and ghosties...

Art Deco Evening Bag (with antelope and black silk, a solid silver and onyx clasp), £250
Sheila Cameron

Contemporary Black Diamond Skeleton Ring
Pari's Jewellery

1950s Black Sequin Backless Showgown (with long train)
The Girl Can't Help It

1930s Decorative Table Lamp ( incorporating a black cat sitting on a book), £60
Renato

'Coro' Gilded Metal and Marcasite Spider Brooch
Tony Durante

Happy Halloween from everyone at Alfies Antique Market (cue evil laughter...)

Winter Weddings

Having a wedding in the winter might be considered by some a bit risky, especially in the UK where the weather can be unpredictable and wet enough to dampen even the happiest of moods. But just think of the positives: rosy cheeks, roaring fires and furs to wrap up in, winter weddings are just so romantic and much more exciting to dress up for!

One of the main problems is keeping warm, especially if the service takes place in a blustery church. Find a beautiful winter coat to keep out the cold.

This deep red cotton velvet evening coat with it's silk satin collar and matching buttons c.1910 is perfect for brides who wish to make a bold statement. Find this one from Tin Tin Collectables. While for a strictly white wedding wrap up in a fur cape such as this 1950s mink cape below from Linetta Greco.

For dresses and accessories there is so much to choose from at Alfies. Find beautiful clutches, jewellery and hats such as this amazing 1970s Yves Saint Laurent felt hat with fox trim from The Girl Can't Help It. This would look stunning in outdoor photographs!

Tin Tin Collectables is a great place to start for dresses. With it's recent refurbishment it has a fantastic new dressing room for you to try on stunning vintage and antique dresses fit for brides and bridesmaids alike. Why not go wild with feathers and really glam up your winter wedding!

Wearing lace is such a great way to soften any winter look and add elegance to a simple dress. June Victor has a huge range of beautiful antique lace such as this antique lace collar, shown below. She also has a huge range of antique and vintage table linen that would be perfect for a white wedding.

For something special why not invest in some pretty lingerie. The Girl Can't Help It has a range of beautiful unworn pieces such as this Rosy vintage lace pantie girdle.

With minimalist dresses you can afford to make a statement with your jewellery. Below is an exquisite 18ct gold and seed pearl brooch from Gareth Brooks that could be worn as a long pendant or a beautiful hair adornment.

This French Limoges porcelain box from Hayman & Hayman below is for the wedding rings, to keep them together and safe. It has two compartments one for each ring.

Alfies is the perfect place to visit for inspiration and plan your wedding at anytime of the year.

Don't forget to make full use of our services too. Alfies has everything from vintage hair and make up sessions for your big day, courtesy of Nina's Hair Parlour and Isadora's Powder Room as mentioned in our previous post. Julie Elgar of Empire Vintage specialises in vintage clothing alterations if you find the perfect dress just isn't your size.

If you are looking to break away from tradition why not have your wedding list at Alfies. It's easy to set up and guests can feel they are contributing to something to be treasured for years to come!