Big hearts, great hair, cosy times.

While most of us have spent the festive period enjoying some relaxing family time, our dear folks at Nina's Hair Parlour were busy doing a good deed they have wanted to do for a long time.

On Christmas Eve the lovely gals and guys at Nina's invited the inhabitants from the local Nursing Home to their salon which was closed to other clients so they could focus solely on the elderly crowd. It turned out to be a wonderful success and an extravaganza of free snacks, haircuts and hairdos. Of course the ladies and gentlemen took the time to tell stories of days gone by which is always a special treat and beats any text book!

Everybody had a great time, and we are very proud to have people with a good and big heart such as Nina and her team here at Alfies.

Image courtesy of Nina's Hair Parlour

Good things come to good people so we are not surprised but very happy to announce that Nina's Hair Parlour was short listed to win one category’s prize of the Telegraph Magazine's 'The Best Small Shops in Britain 2010' awards. The public has voted for Nina's to be part of this great competition, now it's down to a panel of experts to make the final choice. We have certainly picked our favourite and cannot wait for Nina's to be announced as the winner. Fingers crossed!!

Why not pay Nina's Hair Parlour a visit to find out yourself that their fantastic skills, warm and welcoming atmosphere and the salon's authentic retro style are well worth an award?

Image courtesy of Nina's Hair Hair Parlour

And for those of you who would like to create a warm atmosphere with some authentic vintage pieces to brighten up grey winter days and make the most of cosy nights in, why not take inspiration from these wonderful finds:

Early Victorian silk and beadwork tea cosy offered by June Victor

Pair of 1950's wall lights offered by Thirteen Interiors

Carltonware tea set offered by W & L Antiques

Cute cups & saucers offered by Beth

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!