Shepton Mallet Vintage Flea and Collectors Market

So, the weekend has arrived, bringing with it a blissful two day break from the 9-5 life for the vast majority of you; but the question is, how will you spend your Sunday? Sipping coffee in bed 'til early afternoon whilst perusing the glossy pages of Vogue? Suffering from the dreaded "wine flu" that follows a hefty Saturday night session? For those of you who tend to opt for one of those two aforementioned options and treat a Sunday as a lazy day in which you tend not to do a lot, I offer you two words in a bid to inspire you to do something a little bit more exciting and not waste a precious day off: vintage shopping! As I said in my last post, this Sunday, we'll be heading down to Shepton Mallet bright and early to set up a stall at Shepton Flea and Collectors Market.

The Shepton Flea and Collectors Market is scheduled to be hosted just six times this year, the dates for each event can be found on their website. It's raved about by numerous vintage bloggers, and with over 200 indoor stalls, it's a pretty vast event with plenty of vintage variety. What will we be taking, I hear you ask? A whole host of vintage delights to satisfy all of your vintage clothing dreams. We have a fairly substantially sized stall, so we will have a lot of great stock for you to look through on the day. However, as a bit of a taster, we've decided to give our blog readers a few sneak previews in regard to some of the more specialist items that we'll be bringing along on the day...

As you may know, we stock a wide variety of vintage fur coats and stoles. We'll have a wide selection of both real and faux fur on offer on Sunday. In regard to the real fur on offer, we think it is necessary to stress that we sell only vintage fur we do so in accordance with the EU Wildlife Trade Regulations, and hence have a "no new fur" policy. The image above is taken from our collection with the white fur coat being almost identical to the famous fur coat worn by Marilyn Monroe. Our collection is of phenomenal quality and luxurious design.

Ah, the Silver Cross - a pram so special that it can make even the coldest of hearts become broody. These prams are so exceptionally made that they were dubbed as the "Rolls Royce" of prams, and eventually became the pram of choice for the Royal family. That's right, little princes and princesses were transported in prams similar to the ones we have on offer. We'll be bringing some of our Silver Cross prams along for the ride. They'll be available for purchase, and if you're concerned about squeezing it into your car boot along with the abundance of other vintage bargains from the day, then fear not - you can talk to us about the possibility of delivery. 

So, if you're contemplating giving us a visit on Sunday, these are all the details you'll need:

Opening Times: 9.30am to 4.00pm

Entry: £3.50 per adult, accompanied children free

Location: The Royal Bath and West Showground, Shepton Mallet, Somerset BA4 6QN.

We look forward to meeting you all!

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. 

The Minimalist

• With temperatures already starting to cool, we're beginning to see our brief summer draw to a close. As depressing a thought as that is, a shred of excitement remains by seeing what trendy treats AW15 has in store for us. AW15 will see the revival of one of my favourite trends: Minimalism. The Minimalist trend has been championed by the likes of Alexander Wang for years; we will finally get a chance to pay homage to the sleek era of the 1990s which saw catwalk giants such as Calvin Klein and Helmut Lang dominate the scene with key pieces in luxe fabrics which oozed both sophistication and simplicity at once. The Minimalist is elegant without being in your face; it is simple yet luxurious; pared down but on point - relaxed but never boring. 

Shop our entire collection here

To channel The Minimalist trend, you should keep your eyes peeled for details such as spaghetti straps, square cut necklines and luxe, delicate materials that are reminiscent of  the boudoir trend; but the key thing to look out for will be silhouette - The Minimalist is all about loose fitting styles which move fluidly as you walk.  For a more daring take on The Minimalist, look out for plunging necklines but aim for a longer hem than you would normally consider. If done carefully, The Minimalist trend can ooze sexuality in an understated way due to the lingerie-inspired materials which move in tandem to your body - skimming over any problem areas whilst clinging to your shape briefly enough to subtly suggest the possibility of sensuality. It's also best to stick to a palette of black, navy, camel, grey and white, and most importantly of all - don't be tempted to overdo the accessories!

We can't wait to embrace this pivotal trend of the 1990s, but we know that the best way to do this is through vintage clothing! As I've said time and time again, an original will always be more fascinating than a replica - let's immortalise this crucial trend by wearing something which lived a life of its own in that very decade!

Double Act

Co-ordinate sets have taken the fashion world by storm this year, and appear to be continuing their reign of superiority right through AW15. Whether you choose colour-blocking or all-over pattern; sharply tailored or loose fitting - this season is all about matching separates whilst enabling you to pick your own silhouette and relish in individuality.

Vintage M&S check skirt suit - Sold Out  |  Vintage Mondi prep co-ord set - £45 (15% discount code below!)

You can shop our entire collection of vintage co-ordinates and suits here

With the temperatures set to cool as we move into Autumn, we'll shift away from the Summer staple look of a sleek pencil skirt and matching crop top; yet co-ordinates will still reign supreme. Instead we will see a flattering combination of structured tailoring infused with the youthfulness of coordinating prints or colours - think pencil skirts and matching blazers. Admittedly, on the surface, co-co-ordinates seem as if they may be restricting in the sense that 90% of your outfit is now defined by one single print or colour, yet with a few simple tweaks, co-ordinates could be just the double act that your wardrobe needs. If nothing else, co-ordinates are perfect for office-to-dancefloor outfits. A tailored two-piece can look chic in the boardroom whilst also remaining effortless for post-work drinks; the combination of a matching skirt and blazer layered over a sleeveless blouse oozes sophistication, yet layered over a simple camisole the same two-piece instantly becomes more youthful and fresh. A few adjustments to your jewellery, a quick ruffle of your hair and a swift double vodka and you're straight out of office-mode and good to go!

We currently have a 15% discount code running on all orders over £15 until 24/08/14, visit our shop here and use the code VINTAGE15 at checkout!

Prep School

The prep-school look is a trend that is recycled year after year on the catwalks; championed by designers such as Ralph Lauren and Henry Holland - yet instead of growing tiresome, the look remains timeless season after season. The quirky prints, cute coordinates and minimalistic accessories have been big news this year already, and it looks as if the preppy look will prevail through AW14.  However, this year the preppy look has got a new edge, moving away from the prim and proper Kate Middleton look that was popular in 2011, and instead taking inspiration from the ultimate 90s icon: Cher Horowitz from Clueless.

This season's preppy look distances itself from the more modest vibes of the past and instead pays tribute to the vintage inspired campus looks of Clueless: think chunky platforms, tartan blazers and understated make-up. This season is all about quality labels and quirky styles; it's about having fun with fashion and encapsulating the vibrancy of youth whilst embracing grown-up tailoring for that crucial silhouette to bring the whole look together. With tailoring playing such a crucial role, it's important to invest in quality pieces that will maintain that key structure and shape, which is why vintage clothing is your best friend when it comes to mastering this look; vintage clothes have proved they're worth their salt when it comes to standing the test of time and longevity. So, here at the Vintage Clothing Collection, we transported ourselves back to the 90s and created some looks that could have just as easily stepped out of Cher Horowitz's enviable walk-in wardrobe.

Yellow tartan Mondi check jacket - Coming Soon to our Etsy shop

Vintage Mondi black and red blazer - £34

The 90's preppy look is something to really have fun with and can add some much needed colour and print into AW14 fashion; so enjoy yourself and try out some new looks whilst emulating one of the most fashion forward films of the generation. Just like vintage shopping, the 90s revival is all about having fun and experimenting with fashion.

We currently have a 15% discount code running on all our items, visit our shop here and use the code VINTAGE15 at checkout!

Vintage Vixen's - The Olsen Sisters

Even the most stylishly elite of celebrities often gush about their love of vintage clothing; the Olsen sisters have grazed the covetable cover of Vogue many times and have fully established themselves amongst the best dressed within Hollywood, whilst their love of vintage clothing remains second to none. Mary-Kate's engagement ring is even vintage Cartier, with an eye-watering price tag of $81,000.

Mary-Kate and Ashley both play with proportions in regard to their style; despite being famously petite, they wear a lot of oversized clothes whilst maintaining a sense of relaxed and timeless elegance. Ashley Olsen loves the 1920/30s so much, that she famously lent her collection of 1920/30s dresses to Baz Lurhmann for his adaptation of The Great Gatsby in 2012. Coincidently, the film adaptation of Scott. F. Fitzgerald's "The Great Gatsby" saw a style epidemic of the 1920's, with the high-street going wild for heavily embellished dresses reminiscent of the flappers decade, however the 1920's had been a trend that the Olsen sisters had been championing for years.

Several years ago, the press dubbed the Olsen's 1920s infused style as "trashcan chic", mocking it as a trend which would be difficult to follow for those of us who do not live the red carpet lifestyle, yet the Gatsby revolution turned this on its head. The loose fitting silhouettes give a subtle glimpse of sexuality through the fluid movement of soft silks embellished by sequins which shimmer in even the dimmest of light. Providing that 1920's vintage pieces are styled in the right way, they can add dimension and character to a modern outfit, blending the old romanticism of the decade with the more minimalistic look which is in fashion today.

This 1920's inspired silk blouse is available from our Etsy store, and is the only one available and therefore we only have the one size (M). The detailing on this piece is simply stunning, with intricate beading added dimension which is complimented by the partially sheer and fluid-like material. Although it is only available in a size M, you needn't be put off if you are a smaller size; it can still be easily styled as an oversized piece in a similar style to that of the Olsen sisters, or even layered over an understated black outfit to transform a look. Elizabeth Olsen recently wore a kimono with similar detailing to a premiere and paired it with a bodycon, floor length dress - by wearing such a figure hugging piece underneath, the layering of this loose kimono was able to add character to her outfit and ensured that her style was the prime focus of the evening.

The Vintage CC Team

In With The Old

First things first - welcome to the first official blogpost from The Vintage Clothing Collection - where we'll be posting regular style tips, lookbooks and plenty of general vintage fashion musings and/or ramblings. We're passionate about all things vintage and hope to inspire the same enthusiasm within you.

Over the past few years, there has been an explosion of interest in vintage fashion; with the likes of Kate Moss stepping out in some of the most coveted of vintage finds, the curiousness and sense of intrigue soon turned to a frenzy in which vintage fashion finally cemented its place in the fashion world. Today's shoppers are shunning the drudgery of mass produced trends and are instead searching for individualistic pieces that the high street could never hope to deliver. The fact is that most high street pieces now imitate the styles of decades gone by; why wear a replica when there are originals just waiting to be stumbled across? I would personally rather wear a genuine 1920's flapper dress with the romance of wonderment as to the story behind it than a mass-produced number from off the rails of my local Topshop.

Vintage clothing allows us to transcend beyond the overblown hype of regurgitated looks from the high street and find out our own personal style rather than remaining blinkered as to what is currently deemed as "fashionable"; the truth remains that fashion is temporary whereas style is eternal. So why not lose yourself in the pursuit for a one-of-a-kind piece of history? My first vintage buy was a 1960s shift dress that I would have never even considered taking to the fitting rooms had I seen it on the high street, but something about the silhouette captured my eye, and the rest - as they say - is history. At the time, everybody else was wearing Celeb Boutique bodycon dresses, so my 1960s find allowed me to stand out and not have to be overcome with the unifying horror of "what if I walk in this bar and somebody else has this dress on?" It was liberating.

So, my advice to you vintage virgins? Drop all of your inhibitions and expectations, and just browse. No pressure, no drama. Just embrace the feeling that comes with accidentally stumbling across something that you never would have considered before; vintage shopping should remain primarily fun if nothing else. Whether you hone in on just one small detail of a piece - be that a pattern, or something as miniscule as a detail on one button - leave your comfort zone behind and let your true sense of style run wild. You'll never look back.