Hi, everyone. I went to a Vintage Fair with my sister and one of her friends recently, my first social experience since March last year. Let me tell you, it was a very anxious time but it felt like a little bit of normality was seeping back into my life. I have included the dates for the fair at the end of the post for those of you who would be interested in attending one in the future.
You all know that I have suffered from quite a few health issues, one of them being I had a tumour removed from my spine that caused me to be out of action for almost two years! Then Covid came along which added another year on top of it! Due to me being quite ill, even before Covid I rarely socialised outside of my family because I wasn't well enough to do so. However, now I am starting to feel like I am capable of such things, and that is why this trip to vintage fair was so important and a huge step in the right direction for me.
Tickets
The fair was on a Sunday, and luckily we purchased tickets, as the queue for those who had not was rather long. We even got into that queue and it was not until one of the hosts came and checked with us that we realised we were in the wrong line.... lol. The plus side was we were then placed in another queue that only had three people in and not thirty!
Due to Covid they were limiting the amount of people that were allowed in at one time. I gathered that most ticketed people got in, but it was those without tickets that had to wait until the hall was not at capacity. This was because originally anyone could enter but to adhere to the guidelines set for events, they limited the amount of tickets that were on sale in the first place, meaning that all those who brought tickets would be allowed in without a problem.
The reason I think this is because the tickets sold out really quickly and usually that would not happen right away. We managed to nab the 1 o'clock ones but ideally we would of preferred the earlier ones because as most people know, the best clothes will go first which we realised once we were in there and browsing.
My sister was the one that saw the event advertised on Facebook and now we know we will look out for the same company and also similar ones for the future, so that we can try and get the best tickets they have available.
Event
When we arrived in the right queue, because they were not many people there we were actually let in at half 12 instead of 1 o clock. This was great and beneficial as it meant we could get in and then get out quicker to avoid being around lots of people for too long. It was 15 pound for a kilo and anything above that they used a special measuring system to work out the price. They supplied scales and information so you could check your amount of clothing to ensure you have not spent more than you wanted to. I thought this was a smart idea as it avoided you going to pay, realising you have spent to much, and then have to hold up the queue and have the hassle of sorting your bag to get rid of your least loved items. Another thing because I am a rather anxious person, I would greatly dislike the attention being on me and the pressure while fumbling through my bag, so measuring it beforehand was much easier.
I had my eye out for a cute small cardigan for summer, a belt and also jeans; they were my main items I wanted. Unfortunately, they did not have any cardigans which I believe like I said above, was due to the fact we had one of the later slots, the earliest being 10 meaning 2 and 1/2 hours had already passed where people could have chosen the bargains.
It was very crowded and overall the whole social distancing was not really a thing, which did slightly make my nerves spike. They did have hand gel on the door and everyone was required to wear masks which they did, easing my anxiousness slightly as we went around. I just ensured I was not too close to others and to move around as much as possible, waiting for those who were browsing where I wanted to, had moved on before I shot in before the next people. Maybe a bit over the top but that is what made me feel comfortable.
I think this for me would of been more fun and enjoyable if Covid wasn't around. I have never attended one before so my first experience was me constantly being tense and on guard surrounding my worries about people being too close to me. I definitely am looking forward to when I do not have these feelings whenever I am out lol!
Despite this, I picked up a few gems and I will include pictures now. I steered away from tops and trousers as not being able to try them on made me unsure if they would fit me. This was mainly because most items did not have sizing, and if they did, they were European ones which was not helpful! That was one disadvantage and my aim of getting some vintage jeans went out the window. This also avoided wasting money and made me focus more on things I maybe would not of brought otherwise. Was this a good thing? Maybe not hehe... What I did find was just up my street though, and I am happy with all of the items that I brought once I arrived home and tried them on.
There were not any bright and colourful vintage tops or anything similar which was a shame because that was I was most excited for. All I really did was add to my jacket collection, but that still felt great as jackets and bags are my favourite clothing items to buy!
Items!!!
I spent 39 pounds in total which included 8 items! I am pretty happy with that considering most high street shops would only buy you 1 or two items! I am showing you all of the items with the same outfit, which coincidently, matched really well with all of them! Plain and simple yet looked classy. Top: White Ribbed Tank Top. Unfortunately they do not sell the skirt anymore, but I am sure you can source it on somewhere like eBay or Depop.
1.
I was so excited about this purchase! I have always looked online for a similar item but completely forgot when we arrived that they might have them! It was only when we got to the section with jackets, that my sister reminded me. I had two I liked but ultimately ended up picking this one because it was shorter and I prefer that fit when it comes to these types of jackets. In my opinion, the jacket and coat section was the best and had the most variety, which was perfect for me..... but I stopped myself from buying anymore because I just do not have to room to store them hehe
The jacket I would pair with a relatively plain outfit, like a pair of straight leg jeans and a white or black crop top. I would also try and incorporate the colours of the jacket somewhere into the outfit, just ensuring that whatever piece I choose, was plain enough that it did not clash. Overall, I just love the vibe of the jacket and it can really complete a look.
2.
A shirt! Not the only one I got. This is kinda different style for me but I have been looking for an oversized shirt of some sort that I can wear in the summer when it gets a little chilly. I was not 100% sure on this particular one when I brought it, but something about the design drew me to it and after trying it on, I really do love it and I have already worn it a few times.
Again, due to the pattern I would opt to wear this with an outfit that did not have a lot going on. That way the jacket is the focus of the outfit. After wearing it multiple times, I have come to the conclusion that it matches better with skirts and shorts because the way the shirt is and the length, it compliments those items more than if it was worn with a longer piece, like jeans. Overall, a gem and everyone needs something like this in their wardrobe.
3.
There is not too much to say about this shirt compared to the others apart from that it is another staple; especially for the warmer months. I already have a brown version of it and decided that when I saw it, it would be good to have another so I can mix up what outfits I wear them both with.
This is more of a chilled out item, something I would just throw over any outfit if I was heading out somewhere where I needed a jacket but was not sure on what to wear or what the weather was doing. My other one I wear to death so I thought it was about time to add another to the collection. Overall, boring but needed.
4.
A cute little brown top! The only top I could find that took ma fancy. It was also baggy enough that I knew it would fit me, and even if it was slightly too big it would still work due to the style and fit of it. I never really brought into the brown trend, I always liked pieces I saw and outfits that were floating about online but I never really saw it suiting me due to my pale skin tone.
However, more due to the lack of items in my bag and the lack of tops there, I thought what the hell! I might as well pick it up and even if I do not like it, it is not a huge loss being in a bundle compared to if I had brought it in a high street store. I really do love the way it looks and to my surprise, the colour do not wash me out! A win win.
I would def wear this in the winter/autumn with some nice trousers, some chunky boots and a trench coat. Another thing with my condition is in the winter when out and about I can get extremely warm when its really cold so I find wearing thick coats uncomfortable, so this is the perfect thickness for me to wear on its own if I needed to. Temperature regulation issues lol. This is quite a versatile piece and it would match with a lot of items due to its plainness. You could even wear it alone with a cute little skirt like in the picture when the weather was slightly warmer. The weather at the moment seems appropriate as it has gone from scorching temps to cold and rainy! Overall, another staple, basic and a new colour I look forward to incorporating into future looks.
5.
These are the best trousers for chilling in! I have a few pairs and when I spotted the selection at the fair I thought that is perfect I can get a couple of pairs. Unfortunately, I only found this pair that was near to my size as like I said before, there were hardly no sizes so it was a bit of a guessing game!
They are mostly something I would just wear at home or if I was going on a walk somewhere so there is no real need to style them. Overall though, amazing and so comfortable. I would say they are my equivalent to tracksuit bottoms for use in the summer time! As most are too thick for the warm weather so these are the perfect replacement.
6.
I could not leave without a bag of some sort! I prefer rucksacks as because of my back operation, I find it extremely useful to have a bag that rests on both shoulders and not just the one, especially if its for longer periods of time. Otherwise it can cause shoulder pain and I try and do things to minimise my pain as much as possible! There was not a huge selection of bags but I liked this one and I do not own a black rucksack and felt it was necessary to add one to my wardrobe :) One of the buckles is broken and when walking around the hall you saw a lot of that, something obviously to be aware of but also expected as all of the items are second-hand and have been well loved.
The rucksack I would style with a more casual look and would take it on a day where I know I need to do a lot of walking. Overall, I was hoping for something a bit more exciting but it is still lush and a must for me.
7.
This was an item I had on my list and after searching through the bucket of belts ( not really a great way to display them ) I found this at the bottom! It is very worn and also the buckle is broken underneath but obviously still works. It really gives me vintage vibes and I think it will be so cool with jeans. I have been on the hunt for one for so long and knew I may find one at this fair. I find it hard to find ones that fit me because I am so slight, they are always so loose! This one is the same but I will just take it to Timpsons to get a few extra holes. I also wanted a unique one and feel this is exactly that!
I would pair it like I have in the picture but mainly with jeans, as I always have the problem where jeans never fit me right. They are always too big on the waist and fine on the legs or vice versa. I am hoping this belt will solve that and if it does, I will for sure include it with some new jeans I actually brought the other day in my next fashion post :) Overall, an amazing find and a lifesaver once I get the extra holes done.
8.
This was quite a random item but they were selling sunglasses and earrings separately from the kilo bundles and I quite liked these sunglasses. The only downside is that because you are wearing a mask, you cannot see if they fit properly so when I arrived home, they were a tad wonky lol!
I will now mainly use them for photoshoots as I want to do more portrait photography. I also cannot really wear them out because I have prescription sunglasses due to my photophobia. They will definitely be a change to the usual plain black ones I wear occasionally if I know I am not going outside much, and they are also funky to match with a colourful outfit. I love matching accessories to the colour of my outfit, one of the best parts I think!
Overall, they were eight pounds which was fairly reasonable now that I am just using them for photoshoots, I could have found a cheaper pair in Primark. I am not bothered though as I like supporting smaller businesses and it is all part of the experience. I did not really need them but they will serve as I prop for some photoshoots and I am sure you will see them again in another post! They are so cute as well.
Overall views:
They were all of my chosen pieces and I am pretty happy with all of them. I would definitely recommended going to one of these events, but the only thing I was disappointed with was the lack of inclusion of more brightly coloured items and the lack of smaller sizes and the ability to know what the sizes are! However, like I previously mentioned that this was most likely due to the fact we had later tickets and when I think about it, they are all second hand which was probably the reason for lack of labels. It still would of been handy though because it saves time when grabbing pieces you want.
Although they did not have exactly what I was after, they did have all the different types of clothing, including lots of sportswear if you like that kind of style. They did also have a couple of mirrors to try on jackets and stuff, obviously nothing that needed getting changed into unless you wanted to be naked in front of everyone. Not that I would judge, you do you. The mirrors were mostly occupied though and because of Covid, I was not keen on hanging around.
It was enjoyable and a fun day out with friends if you are looking for something to do together. Great if you love fashion like I do, not only can you find rare pieces but it also gives you the ability to branch out of your comfort zone, along with providing fashion inspiration. Something I would pick up next time that they had, would be those scarfs that I have seen online that people wear as tops! They had a huge bundle of them but I just did not want to sift through them all... next time though as I could see they had some pretty designs.
Tips from me to you
Have an idea on what you want to buy, as it was rather busy and I can only guess without Covid that it would be even busier. This way you can know where to go and it will save time. It is good to have a browse but having an idea also saves you from spending too much money!
Get tickets early if you want the good stuff! Something I realised and will try to do next time. It is not always possible but it is best to try so you can make the most of it.
Check washing instructions! Something my mum suggested as there is no point getting items that need dry cleaning when you never do that normally. I made sure to check most labels to ensure they were machine washable or at least hand wash. It saves wasting an item/money or the hassle of dry cleaning as it is never a good idea to wash something that requires that. If not, you can sell it and pass on the loved item to someone else. Keep the sustainable train going! That sounds weird but you get the point.
Wash it all when you get back! Not just because of Covid but also because some of it smelt funky. The accessories I just wiped with a cleaning cloth.
Do research into the event, something I learnt after this one! It will just give you an idea of what to expect and the scope of how it will be. It may also advise you on certain things or tell you in advance what kind of clothes they will have.
Finally, the bag is heavy so be aware especially if you went crazy with buying stuff. It was not a good idea for me with my back to carry it all the way back to car so next time I will make sure I avoid doing that. Just something to be aware of, more so if you purchased the heavier items like coats or shoes.
A different kind of post for me but I actually found it enjoyable to write because it was something I love, fashion! I have been looking to try and incorporate more fashion into my blog that is not just styling and pairing outfits, and I think I have found the way! I am hoping to go round the charity shops soon which I am thinking will be another post so look out for it! I am eager to see what I can find.
I hope you enjoyed the post and as always, stay safe, Lucy xoxoxo
The event dates :)
Me
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