Vintage Christmas Party Style

It's Christmas party season! Time to slip into your most ravishing dress and wear your dazzling accessories. Don't worry if your wardrobe lacks such festive glamour, at Alfies our vintage clothing dealers stock beautiful evening wear that would ensure you're the belle of the ball!

Vintage Jean Muir metallic jacket, offered by June Victor 

1980s black lace blouse by Voyage, offered by Carole Collier

1940s crepe dress with contrasting scalloped neck and fluted sleeves, offered by June Victor

1950s Silk chiffon dress, offered by Carole Collier & June Victor

1930s floral white paste clamper bracelet, offered by Carole Collier

1930s Jacob Bengal machine age bracelet, offered by Carole Collier

1920s chrome and green paste drop necklace, offered by June Victor

1970 Bracelet watch, glass stones, deadstock, fully functioning, offered by Carole Collier

1950s black lace shoes, offered by June Victor

1960s metallic silver shoes by Harrods, offered by June Victor

Happy Thanksgiving

The History Of Thanksgiving

In the United States in 1621, in present day Massachusetts, the Plymouth colonists and Wampanoag Indians shared an autumn harvest feast prompted by a good harvest that is acknowledged today as one of the first Thanksgiving celebrations in the colonies. For more than two centuries, days of thanksgiving were celebrated by individual colonies and states. It wasn’t until 1863, in the midst of the Civil War, that President Abraham Lincoln proclaimed a national Thanksgiving Day to be held each November.

Thanksgiving proclamations were made by church leaders in New England until 1682, and then by both state and church leaders until after the American Revolution. During the revolutionary period, political influences affected the issuance of Thanksgiving proclamations. Various proclamations were made by royal governors, John Hancock, General George Washington, and the Continental Congress, each giving thanks to God for events favorable to their causes. As President of the United States, George Washington proclaimed the first nationwide thanksgiving celebration in America marking November 26th 1789, "As a day of public thanksgiving and prayer to be observed by acknowledging with grateful hearts the many and signal favours of Almighty God".

In modern day the President of the United States, in addition to issuing a proclamation, will "pardon" a turkey, which spares the bird's life and ensures that it will spend the duration of its life roaming freely on farmland.

On this special day, many will be preparing for a grand feast with loved ones and friends around the Thanksgiving table. At Alfies we offer a superb range of both vintage and antique pieces to make sure you have the best dressed table around, along with the perfect Thanksgiving gifts.

A selection of 1960s solid silver charms, offered by Good Time Antiques

Original hand painted vintage print, offered by Moe Heidarieh

Pair of Mid-Century gilt candle sticks, offered by Louise Verber Antiques

 

1930s French cocktail set, offered by Nadine Okker

A stunning 1930s carving set, offered by Goldsmith & Perris

A beautiful Art Deco silver plate tray, offered by Louise Verber Antiques

1930s Native American advertising poster, offered by Dodo

A fabulous 1960s pineapple ice bucket, offered by Louise Verber Antiques

Let's Party- London's Notting Hill Carnival

Join in the party this weekend, with a sea of stunning colours, dazzling costumes, floats and sparkling street performers, as the Notting Hill Carnival celebrates London's multicultural past and present. Whether you want to join in the fun and dancing or simply watch the parades, this bank holiday weekend, August 30 to 31 2015, the streets of Notting Hill turn into Europe's biggest and best street festival.

Image sourced from Hello Magazine

Since 1964, the capital's Caribbean communities have celebrated their culture and traditions at this two-day festival of fantastic live music, dancing, performances, floats, steel bands and an array of delicious Afro-Caribbean foods to try.

The first carnival in Notting Hill was to showcase the steel band musicians who played at Earls Court each weekend. When the bands performed around the streets of Notting Hill their music and celebrations reminded the residents of the Caribbean homes they had left behind. This then became a yearly tradition and to the vibrant street party it is today.

The origin of the carnival dates back to the early 19th century Caribbean carnivals, in particular Trinidad's, which celebrated the abolition of slavery and the slave trade. Having been forbidden to have festivals or celebrations of their own during the times of slavery, the people of Trinidad took full advantage of the new freedoms and there was a strong aspect of parody in the songs and dances performed.

The bright costumes have become a vital part of the street celebrations and at Alfies we have an abundance of colourful bags, spectacular costume jewellery and vintage clothing perfect for the weekend's festivities.

1950s green glass and plastic bead carnival necklace. Offered by Tony Durante

1950s American blue floral hat. Offered by Carole Collier

1950s American Sacs 5th Avenue clutch bag with compact mirror and silk purse. Offered by Carole Collier

A stunning vintage belly dancing costume made of silver wooden beads and green jewels. Offered by Tin Tin Collectables

1920s rock crystal 18ct diamond earrings. Offered by Pari's Jewellery

1980s gold disco earrings. Offered by Tony Durante

An early 20th century Japanese decorative head dress. Offered by Tin Tin Collectables

A beautiful 20th century statement necklace. Offered by Gloria Sinclair

Nina's Hair Parlour - Launch Party

Wow! I've never seen anything like it…except for in the movies.

Photo credits: Claire Pursglove & Tina Korhonen

Left to right, first row: models Kim Dunn and Crimson Skye, Nina with Harry Cohen and Nikki Amouyal of The Rockabaret. Second row: London's Hip DJ's The Broken Hearts, Anita Bravin (a burlesque darling), Fleur De Guerre (vintage model and a pin up). Third row: Sparkle Moore and The Baron Von Swankster (owners of London's top vintage shop "The Girl Can't Help It" at Alfies Antique Market), Costumer Shona Van Beers with Leila Mauro from Nina’s Hair Parlour.

In early October at the Phoenix Theatre Bar on Charing Cross Road, I attended Nina's opening party of her new hair salon at Alfies. It was amazing! Everyone was completely dressed to the nines in retro and vintage clothing and totally looked the part. Of course everybody had perfectly styled retro hair – courtesy of Nina and her team I’m sure. It was like going back in time and you could tell that everyone there loved it all! It was truly an amazing night!

There is no doubt that the arrival of Nina's Hair Parlour has given Alfies a new edge and hopefully we’ll continue to attract such creative and exciting people!