Lowe and behold!

Things can turn up in the strangest of places - that much we know is true. Now, we're not simply talking about the ordinary - car keys inexplicably in the fridge, bank cards lost in a plethora of 'safe places' [safe after a gin or two, clueless in the morning - note to self: STOP HIDING THINGS!] - but that which is extraordinary.

Such a thing happened at Bath yesterday afternoon. Our first event in the city, our expectations were high, despite being a little in the dark [literally - the clocks went back - and metaphorically. As with all new events, it would be cocky not to be a little on edge.] Safe to say, dear readers, that Bath was a hit. But in the midst of the shoppers, nobody could preempt the presence of a certain word that sends judders down every Heat-lovers spine [the magazine, not the temperature - is it possible to be a fan of warmth?? Debate!] 'Celebrity' was the word, a four-syllable glitter-ball that causes most to squeel like piggies.

Not even a month since our last brush with the stars [Chloe Sevigny - Liverpool circa October 2011] designer, icon and mother to one of the most smoldering creatures on the earth, Pearl Lowe came for a jolly [pictured with Fair Manager Kirstie who is in her 'marking-up' outfit, just so you know.]

A lady steeped in infamy, Pearl was a doll! Having a bit of retail r n' r, one wonders if she was seeking inspiration for her next capsule collection for store Peacocks? From what we saw on the front row of her summertime catwalk show [click here for details] our money's on yes.

And there we have it - another brush with stardom. 'Who will be next?' we hear you scream. We just couldn't call it. But if things go on at such a rapid rate, then we might have to start saving for a tangible 'hall of fame' before we know it [more of an alcove at the minute - hello extension!]

xVVx

www.judysvintagefair.co.uk

The Cosmo Blog Awards 2011

Schmoozing and boozing on a Thursday night, it only means one thing - yes folks, we went to the Cosmos!

Nominated in the category of 'Best brand blog,' boy were we in love! Upon arrival, tribe after tribe of fashionistas and famous faces greeted the JAVFF team; from the established Katie and Joe of 'What Katie Wore' to Jen from 'Little Bird' [snapped above courtesy of Cosmo -what? It was our night off! After all you can't pap with a Cosmopolitan in each hand. Uncouth!] it's safe to say we were aghast at this room full of talent.

Unfortunately, we didn't win and the honour went to Topshop. But all in all, we had a blast! Goody bags, open bar and then a rickshaw through to Soho [such tourists!] - we call that a win! Here's a snapshot of Judy and I in double velvet, posing on the wall...

Oh what a night! Thank you all for your support and roll on 2012 - Cosmo, we're coming for you!

xVVx

www.judysvintagefair.co.uk

Under the Boardwalk

New fairs - there's nothing quite like them; the pre-event jitters, the craning of the neck to see who walks through the door, the inability to stay still in the half hour before [note: if a doctor were to get hold of said symptoms, he'd probably disagree. Well, so far so good - vintage is our prescription, blood pressure be DAMNED!]

Nerves? Nerves be GONE! Just like many a GCSE candidate must feel in the moments following an oral exam, what was all the fuss about? [it probably had something to do with a tiny woman, wielding a stopwatch, a whistle and a whole lot of words you'll never understand. A WHISTLE, madame? Ce n'est pas Euro '96 et ce n'est pas cool!]

We digress. But safe to say, our very first foray to Bournemouth this month did not warrant a jitter. With hundreds of folks out and about, we recruited fashion writer Joseph Kent [of Unlimited by JK fame] to be our fashion eyes, ears, pen and lens. Take it away JK!

“I'll tell you what I've found out today about Bournemouth,” [fair founder]Judy Berger says to me. “We've had a very good mix of tribes today – students, twenty-something Indie kids, Steampunks, vintage enthusiasts and quite a few families. It's been very diverse.”

Indeed, Bournemouth has a varied community of people. Albeit a student-dominated town, it would seem that a nationwide-famous, city-hopping vintage fair draws in a diverse crowd from this stretch of the south coast.

For the past few years, Bournemouth has been a hot-spot for vintage and retro fashion, so when Judy's Affordable Vintage Fair announced it was coming to the Bournemouth Pavilion ballroom, I knew it was to be a success. On the day itself, the event attracted hundreds and hundreds of bargain-hunting, vintage-loving individuals, all searching for that special something to add to their wardrobes, drawers and dressing tables.

For me, I have only just begun my venture into vintage, but I still loved everything at the fair. Each stall was elegantly cluttered with knick-knacks and accessories, accompanied by rails and rails of timeless clothing. Silky scarves burst from chests and hampers, and jewellery glistened from across the room.

With guests filtering in, soon the room was a jumbled highway of stylish shoppers adorned in the most vintage-esque attire. Girls in fair isle jumpers and chiffon dresses floated among the stands, while guys in ties and tweed jackets rummaged through the racks.

With so many to snap, here's a selection of some of the best outfits found at the fair...

There we have it folks - do be sure to check Joseph in action here. Aztecs, autumnal shades, exuberant fabrics and a top hat or two. Remember, we're in London and Chester this weekend so remember - dress up! [or down - grunge on a Sunday - what's not to love?]

xVVx

www.jusysvintagefair.co.uk

The Cosmo Blog Awards: Just the Ticket

It's not every Monday that leaves one feeling like a fictional character; granted, early-morning confrontations with your inbox can sometimes flatten your mood [never mind a check of your messages after a week-long holiday - yowzers!]  and so we've all started the week a little 2D from time to time.

That said, today was an exception; sitting in our inboxes was a proverbial golden ticket, taking the form of an invitation to this year's Cosmo Blog Awards taking place next Wednesday. Mouth ajar like guppy in the wind, will you scream with me? 1,2,3....AHHHHHH!

Ahem, grasping for our dignity[and air - that was some scream!] we're delighted to be attending. Featuring the creme de la creme of the British blogosphere, we'll be on our best behaviour [minimal puns and even minimal-er dress code -well, we might slip some print in there somewhere!] As we [quite literally] take on our wardrobes, we just wanted to say a MASSIVE thanks to all who have made this possible. Charlie might've been happy when he found that ticket, but boy, it's not a patch on the euphoria permeating Judy HQ. Pinch us quick - we must be dreaming.

xVVx

www.judysvintagefair.co.uk

Chloë Sevigny: Big Love

Yes folks. We had the same Tom-and-Jerry-eye-popping-from-their-sockets sensation when we gazed across Aintree Racecourse to see a certain someone, shopping through our rails. Knee-deep in discount vintage, American Psycho star and design muse Chloë Sevigny popped by to say hello. 'Hi Chloe,' we would've said, if the words had left our mouths. Still, better to say nothing than blurt-out a love proclamation and a possible invitation to marriage [or at least BFF.] Note to self: get.cooler.quickly.

Finally finding our syllables, Chloë was lovely, indulging in a shop because...well, why not? Making our Fair Manager's year [look at that face - we know pure, unadulterated fashion-y glee when we see it] she joins our hall of fame with Jade Jagger, Daisy Lowe and Florence Welch to name but a few. Who's next - we couldn't call it! For now, we are sated. Chloë, we <3 you!

xVVx

www.judysvintagefair.co.uk