Woof Woof

Cheer yourself up and have a look at these fabulous celluloid dog brooches! How great would they be on a warm winter coat lapel or brightly coloured beret around the fire on Bonfire night.

Celluloid is a type of plastic first created as a replacement for ivory in 1870 and is generally regarded as the first thermoplastic. As it is so easily molded and reshaped it began being used for a whole variety of objects from knife handles to table-tennis balls and of course fun and exciting jewellery that is still highly sought after today.

Celluloid stopped being widely used due to its highly flammable nature and the fact that it readily decomposes. It was just not a practical plastic to produce in the end and so the pieces that are still around now are quite rare and extra special.

These particular pooches can be found at Alfies in 'The Originals' shop on the second floor. Paola and Iaia have a huge selection of celluloid and bakelite jewellery among other fascinating items. Definitely worth a look in!

Alfies Christmas Shopping Party

I know it seems early to be considering Christmas, but it's really not as far away as we all may wish and we have an extra special date for you to put in your diary and not to forget!

To kick off the Christmas season, Alfies Antique Market is once again hosting it's ever popular Late Night Shopping Parties. Avoid of the high-street madness and join us after work for a cocktail or a glass of bubbly and some festive entertainment!

Alfies Late Night Christmas Shopping Party is sure to make a very enjoyable and alternative Christmas shopping experience. It is the only opportunity of the year to shop after hours in this hidden treasure trove and if that is not enough, Alfies will be open right up until Christmas Eve!

Look forward to seeing you all there!

Elle's Little Black Book

Alfies Antique Market has been selected to feature in Elle's Little Black Book, an essential shopping guide that highlights the best vintage stores in the country. Have a look here to see what they say!


"Alfies Antique Market is the country's largest indoor market – a mighty 350,000sq/ft spread over four floors – you can rifle through the art and antiques to find something a little bit different. This is where the vintage dealers hang out, so you can be sure that whatever you find is going to be worthy of attention. Vintage fashion and accessories, fine jewellery and antique watches are all here so you may want to set aside an entire afternoon to rummage thoroughly. 13-25 Church Street, Marylebone, London, NW8 8DT (020) 7723 6066." ElleUk.com.(2008) 'Elles Vintage Shopping Guide' posted by Emma Sells, available at: www.elleuk.com [accessed 27/08/08].

Things that go pink in the night

With the nights getting shorter, darker and colder it is nice to indulge in comforting objects. Pink is a warming colour, cuddling us into comfort and keeping the chill of the night away.



A 1920's pink swans-down evening shrug jacket with a beaded tulle tie from Tin Tin Collectables.



A 1930's pink, pressed glass tazza fruit bowl with stunning art deco lady stood within a hoop holding up the bowl. In perfect condition and a rare piece from Ian Broughton



1950' necklace, brooch, earrings in pink hard plastic from The Originals - Paola & Iaia



A pair of 1950's pink lucite and perspex shoes with pastel diamantes from The Girl Can’t Help It



Carltonware pink posy from Beverley

Duffy

Last week Duffy popped into Alfies after featuring in the August issue of Spin Magazine wearing a beautiful dress among other fabulous items from The Girl Can't Help It. What a charming lady! To read the full article and see what she was wearing click on the image below.

Look Inside >> August 2008

Black is Back

This autumn black is making a comeback with a dark and glamorous edge. Smoky eyes, dark lace and shimmering statement jewellery have been a highlight on this years autumn/winter catwalks.

As the days are getting shorter and winter seems to finally be on the horizon it is time to invest in some jewellery to see you through the autumn months. From bold jet necklaces, to delicate garnet bracelets and dazzling cocktail rings, vintage and antique jewellery is the perfect way to complete the femme fatale look of the season.

Image details (clockwise from left to right):

Victorian Whitby Jet Necklace with Drops. Peter and Naneen Brooks.
Striking jet necklace with large links and facet bead drops.

Edwardian Diamond Ring. Pari’s Jewellery
An Edwardian diamond ring in 18kt gold.

Victorian Whitby Jet Dual Strand Necklace. Peter and Naneen Brooks.
19th Century jet necklace with two strands of faceted beads.

Black Diamond Skeleton Ring. Pari’s Jewellery.

Art Deco Garnet Bangle. Sheila Cameron.
Art Deco Garnet Bangle set in 6ct gold. Circa 1910.

Marilyn lives

When wandering the four floors of Alfies one is drawn into amazement of the variety of objects which are sold here. Every week there is a surprise lurking behind a corner.

What about a Marilyn Monroe drawing aid? We all love women with curves and with this item you can surely make the woman of your dreams come true in an exciting format.

Marilyn Monroe Drawing Aid: A new concept in curves.

In original packaging, copyright 1956.

Sold by The Girl Can’t Help It - one of our dealers who specialises in 1930s-50s exceptional clothing and accessories.