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.

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!

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!