Deborah Woolf to join the judges at The Goodwood Revival 2013

For the third year running, vintage loving Londoners have nominated and voted for their favourite vintage businesses in The Vintage Guide to London’s Vintage Awards.  Deborah Woolf Vintage was runner-up in the ‘Best Designer Vintage shop’. The final round saw 1,800 individual votes from the public.  Deborah Woolf Vintage, open 5 years this month, has become a destination for collectors, stylists and designers looking for inspirational vintage fashion.

A happy customer wears 1960s Diorling suit for Christian Dior in black and white geometric print cotton. 1960s enamel mesh handbag with white lucite clasp. 1960s Bally Suisse silver leather shoes with block heel. 1960s white crochet gloves. 1960s white enamel Trifari choker and a pair of 1960s old stock sunglasses.

With a vintage boutique on Church Street plus a studio archive within Alfies Antique Market, Deborah’s extensive fashion history knowledge and great skill at helping clients find what flatters, ensures any outfit will look authentic and chic. Stock ranges from 1900s to 1970s, with many items from British, European and American fashion designers of the 1960s and 70s with emphasis on British Boutique and print designers, such as Liberty,  Biba and Ossie Clark. Deborah stocks a small range of vintage menswear and accessories. She currently has two rare original 1950s and 1960s Drape jackets for sale, for the Teddy Boy and early Beatles look. She also has a range of Victorian to 1960s baby and childrenswear.

The Goodwood Revival is the worlds most popular historic motor race meeting, the only event of it’s kind to be staged entirely in a nostalgic time capsule of the 1940s, 50s and 60s. It holds a dedicated Ladies Day as well as the daily Best Dressed competition for both Ladies and Gents. This year Deborah and her husband William have been asked to join the expert judges at The Goodwood Revival  ‘Best Dressed’ competition. Regulars to all three days of The Goodwood Revival for several years, Deborah and her picture frame maker husband William have both previously been short listed in the event’s Best Dressed competition. 

The Best Dressed competition is run by the Creative Director of Men's File Archive Nick Clements and fashion photographer Matt Hind. Nick and Matt will be at The Goodwood Revival again this year picking out candidates for the coveted ‘Best Dressed’ award. Those that look the part and embrace the spirit of dressing up with élan and sophistication will be invited to be photographed in the Men's File on-site studio. Prizes will be awarded by the judges each day for categories to be confirmed. 

Deborah Woolf Vintage Archive Opens

Deborah Woolf Vintage Archive has opened at Alfies Antiques Market.  The archive is a new resource for vintage clothing, accessories and props for fashion and costume designers, stylists and the general public.

Deborah Woolf Vintage Archive, First Floor at Alfies

As an addition to her established vintage boutique at 28 Church Street, Deborah Woolf's Vintage Archive houses a further collection of rare archive vintage stock for sale, with some stock available for hire to designers looking for inspiration.

Clothing and accessories range from 1880 - 1980

Deborah’s stock ranges from the 1880s to 1980s with a big emphasis on print. The collection includes rare British boutique designer clothing from the 1960s and 70s such as Jean Muir, Biba, Ossie Clark, John Bates plus Dior, YSL & Givenchy and others. Deborah also has an archive of children’s and baby wear, antique folk, ethnic and tribal clothing as well as props such as mannequins, suitcases, hatboxes and toys, which can also be hired for advertising and editorial shoots.

Emphasis on print and pattern

The Archive is open by appointment and is accessible 7 days a week and after hours. The Archive is in the ‘creative hub’ workshop area on the first floor, with it’s own access at 13 Church Street. The Archive studio will be open at times during Alfies normal opening hours but the full Archive service is only available by appointment with Deborah.

1960s Op Art cut out shift dress with 1960s domed straw hat

Deborah is great at interpreting a brief or mood board and has a vast fashion history knowledge. She worked for many years in film, TV and music videos as a TV and video Director, Designer and Producer, including 9 years at MTV creating award winning moving image campaigns, branding and identity for MTV UK.

1950s silk satin unlabelled evening gown believed to be a copy of a Dior dress.

The Archive offers privacy and discretion for clients. Deborah’s clients include luxury and high street fashion brands in UK, Europe and USA.  Her private clients include film & TV actors, musicians and celebrities.

Early 1970s 'Olympic Rings' hand screen printed chiffon gown by Cleonice Capece, Rome

Costume Designers have also sourced from Deborah for many films including Tim Burton’s ‘Dark Shadows’, Quentin Tarantino’s ‘Inglorious Basterds’, Richard Curtis’ ‘The Boat That Rocked’ and Dustin Hoffman’s directorial debut ‘Quartet’.

John Bates own label 1970s cashmere and leather jacket, part of skirt suit.

Deborah has her main boutique across the road from Alfies at 28 Church Street which has a permanent collection of vintage clothing and accessories and is open Tuesdays to Saturday or by appointment at other times.

For appointments and enquiries, please email Deborah at: deborahwoolfvintage@gmail.com
You can also follow her on facebook and visit her website.

Vintage Guide to London's Awards

Here at Alfies we are all avid readers of The Vintage Guide to London - it is a fantastic guide for any vintage loving lady based in London or for those planning a visit! We have been lucky to have some of dealers recommended on the site including The Girl Can't Help It, Deborah Woolf and Ninas Hair Parlour!

The site has just launced their own awards! In their words, the awards are - "To celebrate vintage in London and to highlight the achievements of this thriving, independent retail scene, The Vintage Guide to London is introducing its annual 'Best of ' awards"

The awards include categories such as Best vintage shop (womenswear), Best vintage fair/jumble and Best vintage club night. We're looking forward to the results already and hope to find an Alfies dealer included! Get voting now!

The Girl Can't Help It

Ninas Hair Parlour



Deborah Woolf

You can also enter our new Alfies Fan Club competition to win lots of goodies including a haircut/style from Ninas Hair Parlour - all the details are here

Sex and The City 2

Yesterday I found a candy striped red and white dress in Deborah Woolf's beautiful shop. As it turns out it is the same dress Charlotte wore in Sex and The City 2. Amazing! It is not the exact dress, as you can see by the photos her dress was altered slightly and taken up one level of stripes, but it is by the same designer and is vintage.

This is an early 1980s or even late 1970s dress by designer Victor Costa in mint condition. This is a size 10. Deborah is selling this one for a snip at £250. If you are a Sex and the City fan this is the ultimate tribute to their impeccable on-screen wardrobe and absolutely perfect for summer! Buy it now before somebody else beats you to it!

Vintage Festival

This month is all about festivals and summer holidays! If you have been lucky enough to enjoy a sunny and mud free Glastonbury or are planning on attending one of the other numerous festivals both in the UK and abroad here is some vintage inspiration to help you stand out from the crowd!

From a pair of killer sunglasses, to a full on maxi dress, statement jewellery and sun hats, wearing a few key pieces of vintage is a great way to create a truly unique and individual style. Plus you won't catch anyone else in the same thing!

Not only is vintage great as most pieces are generally one-off, you are also buying something usually of a much higher quality than the high street and keeping clear of mass production. Wearing vintage may just be a style choice for some, but it's also a way to be green which many festivals such as the Secret Garden Party, Green Man, and Bestival also try to promote.

Here are our favourite vintage summer essentials (in no particular order):

1.Summer Playsuits
This one from Deborah Woolf Vintage has cute mini shorts to wear underneath!

2. Wedges
You have got to love these vintage Carvela green wedges, perfect to wear with a pretty summer dress! Also from Deborah Woolf Vintage.


3. Maxi Dresses
Stand out and look stunning in this bold red maxi dress from Persiflage.


4. Sunglasses
Add a bit of glamour with these amazing gold sunglasses from The Girl Can't Help It.

5. Hawaiian Shirts
The Girl Can't Help It has a huge range of summer shirts to brighten up the man in your life!


6.Statement Earrings
These ones are from the 1960s and are made from fish scales! Find them in Deborah Woolf Vintage.


This summer make sure to include some vintage pieces in your wardrobe! Not only will you recycle and promote brilliant craftsmanship, you'll look amazing too!

Mad Men Returns

Mad Men returns to our screens this year with Series 3! What better way to spend those cold dark evenings than watching a programme oozing fantastic 1960s style. From the ultra feminine ladies and slick suited men right through the the gorgeous set and interiors we will definitely be coveting everything Mad Men related!

Here is a little inspiration from Alfies if you are as obsessed with the glamour of Mad Men as us!

For the ultimate 1960s power office...

A sleek 1950s/60s rosewood Giancarlo Frattini desk. From Francesca Martire.

A black and gilt metal 1960s German desk lamp, £225. From Lorna Lee Leslie.

A beautiful 1960s rosewood Italian sideboard by F. Albini. From Modo Italia.

Let's face it, the big draw to Mad Men is the amazing outfits worn by the women in the show. They look so beautiful and well groomed, it puts us modern ladies to shame! But fear not, this look is very obtainable when you shop vintage!

The three main female characters in the show have their own unique style, Betty Draper (wife of the lead Don Draper) is a former model turned perfect housewife. Her style is very elegant - think full skirts, petticoats, silk scarves and beautiful cocktail dresses.

1950s Dark and pale pink tafetta cocktail dress with net underskirt from Deborah Woof Vintage

Second of these powerful ladies is Joan Holloway. Joan is the office manager of advertising agency Sterling Cooper and looks after all the secretaries in the office. Joan is a bold, strong character and is considered a "Queen Bee" in the office.

Joan has a classic hourglass figure and dresses to suit her shape. So her staples are figure hugging dresses, blouses and pencil skirts to suit her office job.

Kelly green bubble bottom cocktail dress from The Girl Can't Help It.

Lastly is Peggy Olsen, the youngest of the three. Peggy's style is more about growing up and maturing as she develops her place in Sterling Cooper. In the show we see her start as a secretary and work her way up to a copywriter, working in a male dominated industry.

She wears lots of plaid and textured fabrics also a longer length on skirts and dresses. She dresses to suit her character, she wants to be taken seriously!

Two piece belted grey circle skirt & blouse with black velvet trim from The Girl Can't Help It

These looks can be finished off with a period hairstyle from Nina's Hair Parlour. Whether is Betty's loose curls or Don's sleeked back look its all possible at Nina's, London's first vintage and retro hair parlour.

Why you should buy vintage at Alfies

Apart from the obvious reason that most of us like to have an individual style and make our look and home an expression of who we are, we have compiled a list of reasons that should convert anyone to a real vintage lover.

Getting Started

Buying vintage clothing is probably the easiest and safest way of avoiding bumping into someone wearing (gasp!) the same item. You can easily add an individual touch to your outfit by adding vintage accessories, think colourful silk scarves, unusual handbags, period jewellery and interesting head wear.

Connie Speight, Persiflage and The Originals to name but a few have plenty of affordable accessories on offer. That should get you started and you will soon be back to buy something more 'daring', like a bold statement piece to really make you stand out.

Art Deco Evening bag from Connie Speight, Jewellery from The Originals

Or perhaps a whole outfit? You can find plenty to choose from at Deborah Woolf Vintage here at Alfies as well as at The Girl Can't Help It and Empire Vintage. Take your time browsing and find the piece you really love while learning more about it from our incredibly knowledgeable dealers.

Inside Deborah Woolf's shop

Empire Vintage

Eco Friendly

Buying vintage and antique items from Alfies is also a 'green' way of shopping, hop on the bus or tube and that way you keep your carbon footprint low. You can see and check everything here so no need to have items shipped to you (and running the risk of not liking them in the end). We are within easy access of public transport and you can spend your whole day here, taking a break from shopping in The Rooftop Restaurant.

Responsible

Of course you also avoid mass production and possible support of sweatshops and generally being a member of this - at times - 'disposable' society; not to mention the impact of fabric production. Our vintage items are real finds that will be treasured in the family over generations, most of them bear a story and they all have plenty of character.

Pay a visit to Manic Attic to find something stylish to give your interior an authentic vintage touch. Then move to East West Antique and Books to have a rummage through their great collection of books, toys and small artefact's.

One of the many glass sets available at Manic Attic

Timeless

And should you wish to invest in some beautiful art or perhaps an original timepiece you must stop at N&S Watches on the ground floor. They will also be happy to repair your watch at a very reasonable rate.

1940's Movado watch

Again, to avoid disposing of beautiful items why not check out our expert services, apart from the framers and upholsterer featured in our last blog, you can also find a silversmith in Michelle Payne's unit, as well as Victor Caplin on the ground floor who sells a wide array of objects and also creates and re-strings wonderful antique beaded necklaces and pearls.

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.

First Floor in Alfies - Part Three

We have now almost reached the conclusion of our First Floor exploration. And last but by no means least is the area of Alfies perfect for vintage loving ladies. It includes Empire Vintage, Deborah Woolf Vintage and Nina's Hair Parlour!

Nina's Hair Parlour was the first British vintage hair and beauty salon re-creating amazing vintage looks and old fashioned service with a smile. 1920s waves,1930s curls, 1940s rolls, 1950s chignon or back-combed 1960s bouffant are all available here. Below are some fantastic examples of what you can expect with a visit to Nina's.

As well as a vintage hairdressers is Issidora's Boudoir which offers a classic beauty service, recreating timeless looks including vintage make up, manicures and eyebrow shaping. Issidora also offers master classes to perfect that vintage look.

Surround yourself with a bygone atmosphere and re-live nostalgia! This is a real treat for anyone who loves getting pampered and a perfect idea for a stylish hen party!

Empire Vintage is London's first vintage shop with an on site specialist repair and alterations service in their shop and studio. Located opposite Nina's, it's the perfect stop-off either before or after getting your hair done!

In-store is a wealth of divine vintage fashionable classics and accessories for men and women, including an eclectic mix of affordable vintage clothes and accessories from the Victorian period to the modern day, with a focus on the styles of the 40s and 50s. Everything in the shop is also available for hire at reasonable rates for parties, events and productions.

Deborah Woolf Vintage is a relatively new addition to Alfies but is a well established dealer on Church Street with an amazing shop just across the road from Alfies. From antique folk costume to avant-garde clothing and fabulous signed and unsigned jewellery of the 60s and 70s. Deborah also has small furniture, stuffed toys, tin toys, vintage dolls, trunks, mannequins, original photographs and fashion prints. Deborah can be found beside Empire Vintage.

I'm sure you'll agree that this corner of Alfies is truely a retro paradise to behold!