Bargains to be had at Alfies!

Here at Alfies there is such a wide range of items to be bought with over 70 dealers all under one roof and something for everyone's budget. I have been looking round the market this week for my favourite buys under £40.

1960s dress from Persiflage £35



Vintage leather embossed photo album from June Victor £22



Vintage embroidered dress from Persiflage £30


Beautiful 1950s buttons from Carole Collier £15



Super cute clip on earrings from Persiflage £5


1960s Straw bag from Persiflage £20

You can also treat yourself to some beauty treatments from Issidora with eyebrow shaping from £20 and vintage and contemporary make up at around £35.

Lucienne and Robin Day

From researching the 1951 Festival of Britain for this months newsletter, it got me interested in some of the designers and artists who produced work specifically for the festival. Robin and Lucienne Day who's work is being celebrated in a retrospective exhibition at the Pallant House Gallery particularly appealed to me.

Lucienne and Robin were married but didn't collaborate professionally as such, they both stuck to their own fields yet their own designs worked so well together. Back in the 1950’s, the Days’ aim was to produce quality, mass-produced low cost furniture and textiles. Functionality, ease of manufacturing and low cost production was very important to them both.

They both rose to prominence during the 1951 Festival of Britain, which provided an ideal showcase for their talents. Lucienne’s abstract-patterned textiles and wallpapers were displayed alongside Robin’s steel and plywood furniture in the Homes and Gardens Pavilion.

The Englishman's Home' mural by John Piper, on the southern facade of the Homes and Gardens Pavilion at the South Bank Exhibition

In 1951 Day was awarded a Gold Medal at the Milan Triennale for his design of his 'Homes and Gardens' pavilion at the Festival of Britain.

Robin Day chairs from Thirteen Interiors

It was for the Homes and Gardens display that Lucienne designed her renowned fabric Calyx - an abstract print inspired by nature and plants.

Calyx was widely praised, so much so that after Lucienne had persuaded Heals to manufacture the initial design, the company embraced her style and championed Lucienne’s work. Over the next 20 years or so she produced over 50 outstanding patterns for Heal’s, all remarkable for their inventiveness and now very sought after.

While hunting for vintage fabrics in Alfies you never know you might come across one of Lucienne's designs.

Lots of fabric available at Persiflage

And at Ian Brighton's stand

June Victor

My favourite purchases from Alfies

Working in an antiques market can certainly have its advantages, not only are you surrounded by beautiful objects everyday but its a perfect place to buy presents for friends and family, and the odd present for yourself!

This post is sharing my favourite items I've bought from Alfies. When I first started I was immediately drawn to Ian Broughton's fantastic shop, as I was on the lookout for a record player. It just happens that's what Ian specialises in!

So, after telling him my budget and the sort of one I would like he kept his eyes peeled and a couple of weeks later brought in this beauty for me! It was perfect size and looked super cute!

It even folds down to become a little suitcase!

Another favourite buy was quite recently, I was rummaging in Persiflage and spotted this amazing vintage tea towel. The illustrations are brilliant and each little character is different. Its definitely too good for drying dishes with!

Close up of the illustrations.

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!

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!