Vintage Markets.

Ah, January; a month of good intentions and fresh starts. Admittedly, it's somewhat refreshing and enjoyable to see people try new things as they bravely tackle their new years resolutions thus leaving the security of the comfort zone in the previous year. However, those countless style resolutions that are uttered at the closing hours of December 31st by women everywhere? They're often the ones that are most difficult to keep. Allow me to both elaborate, and offer a solution...

I could write a fairly gruelling screenplay about the horrors of shopping the high street in the January sales, complete with Alfred Hitchcock-esque creepy music. The clothes, the crowds, the chaos; that's an alliteration of justified fears right there. Then there's the horror of what lies within your own shopping bags when you return home in a dazed and confused state sporting multiple bruises and blisters; impulse buying is just the worst thing. You buy things on the sole premiss of them being a bargain, but then you slowly realise that you'll never wear them and they get cast deep into the dark abyss of your over-flowing wardrobe - is that really value for money? We've all been there, and this year I'm keen to avoid falling into the same relentless cycle. 

So, what are your options for January shopping? Do you go a full month without a fashion fix? Of course not; you simply head to your nearest vintage flea market. As clichéd as it may sound, January really is the perfect time for a style revolution, but the high street always finds itself in the same predicament as its customers at that time of year. They're keen to get rid of the old stock in preparation for the Spring collections. So whilst the gigantic red signs donning the seductive words "50% off" are undeniably alluring, you just end up falling back into the same routine of chasing the ever elusive and evolving trends, wasting both money and individuality along the way. Yet, a flicker of hope remains; vintage shopping allows you to invest in quality pieces at reasonable prices and you can rest easily knowing that your outfit will be unique. It's also surprisingly easy to keep up with the latest trends when wearing vintage. For example, the fashion of the 1970's is set to make a huge comeback in S/S15; so whilst the high street is currently clearing out the dregs of their stockroom in preparation for rail upon rail of mass produced 70's "inspired" clothing, you could be picking up a genuine 1970's piece for a fraction of the price at a vintage flea market. Case in point: last week, I purchased a genuine 1970's suede mini-dress for £25, whilst last year I paid £65 for a faux suede skirt on the high street; work that one out.  

So, this Sunday we'll be packing up our finest vintage garments and heading to Shepton Mallet's Flea and Collectors Market to give you all the chance to come down and get your hands on some new clothes and inject a bit of real style into your yearning wardrobes. This particular fair has over 200 stands inside, and even more stalls outside for those of you brave enough to tackle to the freezing temperatures. Thankfully, we'll be located inside. We'll be taking a substantial amount of stock and even some of our specialist items, including some vintage Silver Cross prams and some of our most luxurious vintage fur coats for you to have a gander at. On Friday,we'll be posting a more detailed blog post about the type of stock we'll be taking, and more information about the actual market and what you can expect to find there.

We look forward to seeing you all! 

Winter Warmers.

Ah Winter - when the mornings become just as dark as the nights, and the weather as deceiving as a good  Instagram filter. Let's face it, when you think about it like that, it's almost enough to make you turn up the thermostat and send you whimpering to the warm embrace of your bed until the first glimmer of Spring arrives. However, to tempt you out of hibernation, we've scoured around for a selection of vintage coats so hot that they'd rival the dearly missed temperatures of Summer....almost. 

1. The 1960s Coat

This English Lady branded coat is quite the vintage gem and fits in perfectly with the British heritage vibes which are always popular with the ever lust-worthy Mulberry designers. This particular coat is made of 100% pure wool and comes in an appeasing palette of grey with subtle flecks of orange and brown which add further depth to rich quality of design. The coat is slightly flared which makes for a flattering silhouette in spite of the many layers that we'll undoubtedly be wrapping ourselves in this winter.  As far as detailing goes, the rounded collar is atypical of 1960's fashion but the five statement buttons help this coat fit in with contemporary styles, thus making it a truly timeless piece. So, dust off the vinyl player and your favourite Beatles record and get ready to embrace the swingin' sixties in this stylish swing coat available here

2. The Tweed Coat.

This Alexon Herringbone offering is the perfect coat for all of you ladies who have to hop around the place for business meetings. Smart, sophisticated and stylish, it makes for the perfect office coat. The cut screams minimalism but the luxurious velvet collar adds the hint of elegance needed to really dress up a monotonous work wardrobe; the notched lapels and double breasted fastening are the final stroke of professionalism. This coat is sure to send the boardroom into hushed silence when you make your entrance. To quote the ultimate female entrepreneur; "Dress shabbily and they remember the dress; dress impeccably and they remember the woman." You can see additional images of this dress and make the smart decision to purchase it here

3. The Camel Coat.

I don't know what it is about a camel coat, but they always seem to epitomise ladylike elegance and style, and this Ravens coat is no exception. A stunning blend of soft 70% virgin wool and 30% camel hair, this coat is a true beauty. It features a slight flare to the hem and comes with a matching belt with slide buckle to really clinch in that waist and give you a more defined silhouette. Personally, I think a camel coat can really pull together a winter outfit, it might be something to do with its ability to stand out against the sea of greys and blacks which become a little bit tiresome during the winter months, yet it's still a universal shade that doesn't clash with any other colours. If you're looking for a coat which you can wear with virtually any outfit, then this could be for you.

4. The Cape

Don't they say to save the best until last? I admit, I've fallen a little bit in love with this H Moser cape. It's presented in the lovely autumnal shade of bottle green and is truly striking. With the likes of Victoria Beckham and Olivia Palermo being partial to this style, it's fair to say that a cape coat is a must-have this season, and really sets apart the trend setters from the fashion followers.  This particular cape is a fantastic blend of thick wool which really adds a stunning shape to what can often be perceived as a shapeless garment. I personally suggest that you buy this little number before I get the chance to snap it up myself and add it to my ever expanding collection. 

So, there you have it - our best selection of coats to keep you both fashionable and warm this winter. The best part? You needn't even venture out into the cold to purchase them! As ever, our full collection of coats are conveniently available here.