Red

Eye catching red.

Red dress from Dandy Dolls, Spanish wall decal from Ian Broughton, clutch bag from Tin Tin Collectables, red chairs from Modo Italia, Red stool from Anouska Hunter Antiques, Brooch from Gareth Brooks, Red jug from Robinson Antiques, Dice Lamp and vase from Renato, Hankerchief purse from W & L Antiques, Dansette record player from Ian Broughton.

VE Day - May 8th

May 8th 1945 was Victory in Europe Day - heralding the end of the Second World War, when the Allies accepted the unconditional surrender of Nazi Germany. It was a day of celebration for millions of people. We've had a little look around Alfies to see what beautiful pieces we could find of the period and here are a few of the highlights...

Rare model of Stilnovo writing desk lamp, Italy 1945
Modo Italia

A pair of unworn M43 Second World War US army rough-out boots
The Girl Can't Help It

1940s enamelled on silver gilt bracelet with leaf and flower detail
Gareth Brooks

This beautiful 1940s suit is by "Hebe Sports". The Scottish boucle tweed has a pleated skirt over a tightly waisted jacket.
Tin Tin Collectables

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.

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!