Tuesday 28 February 2012

Vintage Models!

We were very lucky to have four gorgeous models at our Fair, modelling some fabulous vintage dresses, antique one-off tiaras and necklaces and holding beautiful bouquets of flowers.  A big thank you to Abbie Innes, Holly Baker, Katy Fothergill and Sonali Patel.  I think you'll all agree they look stunning!

Thanks to Dawn Wilkins Photography and Jo Swan for the photos.


Saturday 25 February 2012

Who will you find at the Fair tomorrow?

Ground Floor – The Garden Room

A Suit That Fits – Bespoke Men’s Suits
Bridezillas - Beautiful Bridal Accessories
Bristol Vintage – Vintage Crockery Hire & Event Organising
Britten – Handbags & Vintage Inspired Accessories
Chocolate Delores – Boutique Cake Maker
Cox & Baloney – Vintage Hen parties
Documentary Image – Award Winning Photography
Erika Glanville - Bespoke Memory Frames
Heavenly Vintage Brides – Vintage Wedding Dresses
House of Istria – Unique Hair Accessories
Itsy Bitsy - Vintage Lingerie
Life’s A Picnic - Vintage Picnic Hampers
Lovely & Vintage - Vintage Dresses and Accessories
Rachel Goodchild - Design-led Cards & Gift Wrap
Clifton Pavilion Tea Rooms – Tea & Cake … and a break!

First Floor Landing

Custard House Clothing - Reworked & Upcycled Vintage Clothing, Designs & Alterations
Clifton Hill - Antique Costume & Textiles
Shear Madness – Vintage Hair Styling Demonstrations


First Floor – The Clifton Suite
Absolutely Cakes – Cupcakes, Wedding Cakes & Macarons
Alexandra King – Bespoke Vintage Inspired Dresses
Babes in the Wood – Champagne Hen Nights with a Touch of the Wild!
Beehive Brides – Glamorous Vintage/Retro Hair & Make-up
Clifton Pavilion – The Venue Hosts & Caterers
Days of Grace –Bridal Gowns Fashioned From Vintage Lace & Textiles
Fishee Designs – Vintage Photo Booth
Flo-Jo Boutique – Handmade Undies & Knicker-Making Sets!
Jo Hansford – Beautiful Photography
Lilygrace Originals – Handcrafted Vintage Inspired Jewellery
The Little Wedding Helper – Bespoke Venue & Marquee Styling
Meticulous Ink – Fine Stationery & Paper Goods
Rose Popay – The Art Tart
Sheena Holland – One-off Vintage Feather, Leather & Jewellery headbands
Wilde Bunch – Floral Designs

Music
The Tender Trap – Sophisticated Lounge Music – Morning
Shellac Sounds – Vintage ’78 DJ’s - Playing Throughout the Day
Cuffy – Flamenco Guitarist - Afternoon

West Car Park
Chrome Occasions - 1959 Cadillac Sedan de Ville
Elysee DS Wedding Car – Classic Vintage Citroen DS
Cool Classy Campers – Vintage VW Camper Vans
Pedal Power – Rickshaws

Vintage Bus Rides
City Sightseeing Bristol

Photos taken on the day by Dawn Wilkins, Photographer


There will be a couple of researchers from ‘Don’t Tell The Bride’ who would like to chat to anyone interested in appearing on the programme.

Friday 24 February 2012

What's happening at the Fair this Sunday?

This is our last but one blog before our big day on Sunday!  We’ll be posting up the definitive exhibitor list tomorrow so meantime, we just thought we’d remind you of a few of the exciting things that will be happing at the Fair:

There'll be entertainment from Shellac Sound throughout the day, interspersed with music in the morning from The Tender Trap and in the afternoon from Cuffy.

You’ll be able to have a vintage photo taken by Emily at Fishee Designs Photo Booth and get an on-the-day sketch from Rose Popay, both at £5 each (and don’t forget to congratulate Rose on her wedding yesterday!).

Vintage Hair & Make-Up sessions are available upstairs with Fiona of Beehive Brides, as well as vintage hair demonstrations from Esme of Shear Madness in the room on the landing.

The first 200 visitors will receive a goodie bag, and there’ll be a further 50 goodie bags on the Vintage Bus parked outside.  Many of the bags will include discounted vouchers from some of our exhibitors, including a £50 voucher from ‘A Suit That Fitswith one lucky visitor finding a £50 voucher to spend on accessories at Britten - so why not have a break with a cup of tea and cake from the tea rooms and see if it’s you!

And don’t forget to visit our vehicle exhibitors – just across the road in the West Car Park – there’s a mode of transport for everyone!

It's free entry, open to visitors from 10am till 4pm.

We’re really looking forward to meeting you all and please do let us have your email if you would like to be added to the exhibitors (and our!) mailing lists.

We’d love your feedback after the Fair too.  We listened to our visitors and exhibitors last year and have made a few changes, but we’d love to know what else we can do to make the Fair even better for next year. 

Remember you can post a comment on our blog, join us on our Facebook page or follow us on Twitter.

Come and say hello, as we’d love to meet you.

Warm wishes.

Ali – Bristol Vintage

Thursday 23 February 2012

Shear Madness

The talent behind Shear Madness is Esme, a hair stylist extraordinaire who’s passionate about vintage hairstyles.  By day she’s a Stylist at Harry Blades on Christmas Steps in Bristol, but by night [or weekend] she can transform your hair into a fantastic vintage up do. 

Whether you’re after that special look from the 40s, 50s or 60s for your wedding [or indeed any special occasion], Esme can get it just right.  A casual flick through her website will inspire you if you haven’t yet realised just how chic a vintage style can be.  There’s plenty of photoshoots to admire and coifs to die for.

Esme’s joining us at the Fair this Sunday.  You’ll find her on the first floor landing of the Clifton Pavilion where she’ll be attending to the models and demonstrating her incredible skills on their hair.  She’ll have a delightful screen decorated with pictures of her work and you can chat to her and ask her questions whilst she shows you the gorgeous styles she can create.

Find her online or contact her by email at esme@shearmadness.co.uk but do come and see her in action.  These vintage up dos are not to be missed!

Wednesday 22 February 2012

The Tender Trap

Bristol Vintage are delighted that The Tender Trap will be performing at our Fair.  They’ll be playing their distinctive repertoire of classic songs from the 1940s through to the 1970s, mixing and matching old and new, giving everything their very own lounge-tastic twist.

The Tender Trap trio was formed in January 2011 by Joanna Swan, Ruth Hammond and Tammy Payne - all well-established vocalists and musicians in their own rights. With their luscious three-part harmony arrangements [with drum and keyboard accompaniment], they make a sound unlike anyone else around.

Adding a sophisticated 'vintage chic' to any occasion, they can temper their set to suit, whether that’s music for background or performance - just take a look at this YouTube clip for a delicious taster.  For bookings you can email Joanna at thetendertrap@mail.com but don’t miss out… The Tender Trap will be playing at the Fair this Sunday, so come along and hear them perform.  They FROCK!

Tuesday 21 February 2012

Rose Popay - Congratulations!


Our congratulations to the lovely Rose Popay who's getting married this week!  What fabulous news - our very own new bride at the Fair.  

Have an amazing day on Thursday, Rose; we'll be thinking of you.  



Monday 20 February 2012

Beehive Brides Update

Fiona from Beehive Brides only has a few slots left for vintage-style hair and make up sessions so do book now to avoid disappointment on the day!  

To book call Fiona direct on 07710 415365 or through Facebook or her website

Sunday 19 February 2012

Clifton Hill Antique Costume & Textiles

A short walk from the Clifton Triangle can take you to a veritable treasure trove of antique, vintage and retro garments, hats, accessories, textiles and haberdashery that never ceases to surprise even the most seasoned of visitor.

Originally owned by the eponymous Gillian Holder, the heart and soul behind the store before she passed away in early 2011, Jenny Ford now looks after this wonderful place.  She’s written a beautiful blog about working with Gillian and how she’s reviving the costume shop and its collections.  You’ll learn how originally working there part-time and through the process of arranging and rotating stock, going through rail upon rail and unpacking boxes of fabric, she heard the varied stories behind the contents and acquired that elusive skill in helping each and every customer find just what they were looking for, even if they didn’t know it.

In addition, Jenny set up a Facebook page to document the amazing vintage and retro items she came across in the shop, with good friend Ibolya Feher providing the beautiful photography that really captures the feel of the building and its contents.

To continue Gillian's legacy and her passion was the start of many ideas and much excitement for Jenny as well as the many people she met met during her time at the shop and previous customers now talented designers!  After a lot of work tackling the mountain of beautiful vintage stock, both on display and in storage (filling six rooms over two floors) and rescuing whatever she could, Jenny has found surprises at every step including gorgeous pieces of vintage lingerie, war time safari shorts and even a pair of early machine-knit gloves.  The collection she’s looking after is amazing and she’s still finding hidden gems.

She’s going to blog about some of the favourite collections she’s found so far, so do follow her on the next stage of her journey with Clifton Hill Antique Costume & TextilesUntil the store opens this summer you can catch Jenny at regular vintage markets and by appointment, but why not come and meet her at our Fair.  She’s taking time off from cataloguing these delights to present some gorgeous dresses to give you a taste of what’s available.  There’ll be vintage lingerie, nightwear and an unbelievable array of items for dressing up, available to hire.  Don’t miss this.  It’s a chance to see history. 

Thursday 16 February 2012

Rose Popay

Rose Popay is an award-winning artist who can draw live at your wedding! Creating exciting paintings of people and events, she can vibrantly capture your special day, even involving your guests in creating a collaborative artwork that’s yours to keep forever.

The fun begins with Rose drawing the bride and groom, some main features of the venue as well as some of the guests.  Then it’s time for your guests to join in!  They can draw each other, memories of the couple or perhaps even the food.  Rose will continue to draw alongside to give the canvas a strong structure as well as encouraging others to be creative. The picture is then laid down ready for Rose and your guests to paint and by the end of the evening the bride and groom are presented with the canvas.  What an amazing gift!  

It’s a charming record of your wedding day, but also so much more; it entertains as you watch it develop.  The picture can be made into thank you cards for guests and you could also have quick fire drawn portraits done on the day too.  Or, if you send Rose a favourite photo, she can create a drawing in advance – a lovely present for the bride and groom or bridesmaids.  She can even make a canvas out of your wedding photos after the day itself.  Wedding prices start around £350.

For something that little bit different, Rose can also offer a mixture of more risqué entertainment with her fabulous art.  With her strong performance background, she can appear as a character [The Art Tart] to liven up your crowd.  She’s performed all over the world as part of The Natural Theatre and her travels have influenced her artistic style and fed her passion for the bold vibrant utse of colours when painting. For a glimpse at Rose’s performance art, try her YouTube channel where you’ll find a cocktail of Beryl Cooke, Rolf Harris, Marilyn Monroe and a flagon of Dave's leopard skin scrumpy. 

 Her performance can incorporate live drawing of your wedding and reception from its most flattering angle or even, for a truly unique touch, right in amongst the guest involving them in the art work itself.

Take a look at her website, catch her on Facebook and Twitter and best of all find her in person at our Fair.   Rose will be there, so come and meet this wonderfully talented woman and find out how she can give you that unique way to remember your wedding day.  She’ll be offering bargain portraits, so dress to impress! 

Wednesday 15 February 2012

Itsy Bitsy Vintage Lingerie

… and so we say au revoir and bon voyage to Miss Jones.  We wish her well and look forward to following her adventures in La France.  

We are very excited however that Itsy Bitsy Vintage Lingerie will be joining us at the Fair.  Ali had been scouring the web for a unique lingerie company that had that something special as well as the real vintage look and she came across Itsy Bitsy’s Facebook page.  It’s a real coup as they’re London based and have already been asked to do the prestigious Olympia Fair.  

Itsy Bitsy use original vintage materials to make gorgeous lingerie in beautiful, flattering shapes.  Handmade from vintage fabrics and each piece delightfully individual, you need look no further than Itsy Bitsy Vintage Lingerie. They source their vintage fabrics from all over the world to create one-off stunning pieces.  Their ethos is to offer something so unique that it becomes a collector’s item and no two garments are ever exactly the same.

With a mission to explore, contrast and overlap all eras of fashion,Tracy and Oonagh run a gorgeous online boutique on Etsy.  The Sensual Silk collection there consists of a variety of 70's and 80's silk prints cut in a variety of nostalgic shapes and styles. All pieces are individually hand finished with satin bows and vintage trims, which guarantees a hint of sentiment with a modern twist.  Think seductive, think playful.    

With every piece vintage-inspired, Itsy Bitsy Vintage Lingerie believes every woman is just as unique as the pieces they create and for that extra special wedding day or honeymoon night, they can provide a bespoke fitting and consultation service from their Central London studios or online.   Luckily for us they'll be at the Fair this Feb, so catch the girls while you can.  They'll be bringing their new range of retro head scarfs along with heaps of gorgeous lingerie; that's over 50 styles in total.  They're also working on an exclusive bridal collection for our very own Fair using vintage Kimonos and 1930s lace, so this is not to be missed!  Just take a look at their Etsy shop or their Facebook page for more designs and then come along and see these gorgeous items for yourself. The girls promise that each piece gives as much pleasure to wear as they do to admire.

Tuesday 14 February 2012

Miss Jones Lingerie - Update

Bristol Vintage is sorry to announce that the delightful Miss Jones is no longer able to make the Fair on the 26th.  Although we are terribly disappointed [oh that lingerie] we are simultaneously thrilled for Jacqui [and a little bit jealous] as she’s off to France!  Whilst there, she’ll be able to concentrate full time on her business whilst pursuing her illustration and writing.  She’ll still be available for online advice and her entire range will be handmade from across the pond.

We’ll miss her at this year’s Fair but wish Jacqui all the best for her French studio.  No doubt we'll hear very soon of some brand new French-inspired lingerie ranges on Facebook and Twitter.

Monday 13 February 2012

Sheena Holland

Sheena Holland is the Original Feather Headband creator (in a pad format) and her visually stunning vintage designs have graced the pages of top fashion magazines like Vogue.  Her beautiful headbands are one-off pieces using only antique and vintage jewellery and she’s had many a celebrity client over the years.  When you buy from Sheena, you’re buying something very special indeed.

Originally a Londoner, Sheena studied fashion under designer Katharine Hamnett working on fabrics for catwalks.  Later inspired by designing large floral, wire and concrete sculptures, Sheena went on to create fabulous wedding headwear; unique distinctive pieces that stand out above the high street because each is handmade.  You can even have something completely bespoke, with prices starting at £145. 

From her shop at 31 Queen Street, Derby, Sheena creates bridal tiaras and jewellery made from vintage materials using re-worked leather, antique, vintage jewellery and feathers as well as her trademark headbands and all elements combine the fashion, shapes and colours from her training with Hamnetts and in floristry.  Her shop is open Tuesdays to Saturdays, but you can also find her on Facebook and Twitter as well as her wonderful online boutique.  It’s packed with treasures and includes a written blog, but best of all, she’ll be at the Fair on 26th February, so come and meet her and see all these gorgeous items up close and for yourself.

Saturday 11 February 2012

The Little Wedding Helper

How about an Award Winning stylist for your wedding?  The Little Wedding Helper specialises in bespoke venue and marquee styling, helping couples across Bristol and the South West to stop worrying about ‘how it should be done’ and instead creating and styling a wedding that’s uniquely theirs, from start to finish.

Founder Kirsten Butler loves detail.  Voted regional winner in the ‘Special Touches’ category for the South West [Wedding Industry Awards 2012], she really does have that special touch.  Kirsten knows that making your wedding magical isn’t always about spending lavish amounts of money.  She believes it’s the small details and personal touches that make the day truly special.

Weddings can seem complicated and overwhelming amongst all the budgeting and planning required and decisions to be made, but The Little Wedding Helper can guide you through all of this, keeping you focused and giving you peace of mind that your reception will be completely taken care of.  She's not a wedding planner, but that extra pair of hands to focus on all styling elements of your big day.  She works alongside hotel staff and wedding coordinators and will ensure the venue is transformed while you’re getting ready.  Specialising in marquee decoration, her on-the-day styling service means you can enjoy the build up of your wedding day whilst the inside and outside of the marquee are being decorated with love and exquisite attention to detail.

Kirsten loves talking weddings, so get in touch via Facebook, Twitter or the website and make an appointment to describe your vision over the tea and delicious cupcakes she always has at the ready.  Initial consultations are free and fees are tailored to suit your needs.  She even hosts inspiration sessions in Bristol and she's a fab listener, letting you know just how she can compliment your ideas and sprinkle a little creative inspiration on top.  Best of all you can come and meet Kirsten in person and have a chat on the day of the fair.  Trust me, she’s got some brilliant ideas and all you have to do is ask!

Tuesday 7 February 2012

Absolutely Cakes

Absolutely Cakes are scrumptious!  The cupcakes are spectacularly gorgeous with gooey secrets hidden inside and their wedding cakes are melt-in-the-mouth winners of several Great Taste Awards.  With each soft bite freshly created, they’re free from additives and contain locally sourced Fairtrade and organic ingredients, making them pretty much the yummiest, fluffiest cakes around.  

What about a St Clements’ or Carrot-Pecan Wedding Cake or perhaps you’d prefer a Cupcake Tower with 7 tiers of deliciousness?  Whatever flavour you want, whatever colour and design you’ve been thinking about, Absolutely Cakes will make it for you.  They use the best quality ingredients whether that’s eggs from happy hens to pure organic Madagascan Bourbon Vanilla and each cake is completely bespoke and handmade from traditional, classical, elegant, modern or novelty designs to multi-tiered creations.  When it comes to your wedding day, Absolutely Cakes can promise your cake will form part of your treasured memories.  Your order is baked fresh and tailored to your exact requirements, so whatever you decide you want, it will look amazing and it will taste fantastic.  They’re even allergy and food intolerance aware and can bake you a vegan cake or make it gluten, dairy and egg free.  

Absolutely Cakes were the very first cupcake company in Bristol, developed by founder Jan from her many years of celebration cake-making for family and friends and from the very first wedding cake she made whilst still at University.   She’s passionate about making each order from scratch with top quality ingredients and taking special care all the way from the first flavours to the final decorations.  Each order is completely unique and totally bespoke. They’re priced individually and that includes delivery and set up of the cake at your wedding venue on the day.  You can book in a wedding consultation with Jan to discuss your requirements, but before you do, take a look at her website.  The pictures are mouth-watering and you can order selection boxes of some gorgeous cupcakes with a mere click of your mouse.  She’s on Facebook too but best of all, for the day of the fair, she’ll be leaving her bakery and setting up at the Clifton Pavilion, her table laden with cupcake and macaroon samples for you to taste.  She’ll be available for you to ask all your wedding cake questions and what Jan doesn’t know about baking… 

To contact Jan by e-mail: absolutely.cakes@btinternet.com
 and by telephone: 07532 054 521.

Monday 6 February 2012

A Suit That Fits

For the perfect fitting vintage suit, grooms are going to want to come along and meet the guys from A Suit That Fits. Whether you’re after a Mad Men or Boardwalk Empire look, these talented Style Advisers will design you a suit from a host of different eras and still give it a modern fit.

From your first consultation in which over 20 separate measurements are made, you can utilise the vast experience and knowledge of your own Style Adviser, giving you the opportunity to discuss your requirements and discover what suits you.  Your profile will be saved and these guys can design any suit you can think of [whether you can see an example online or not].

It’s so simple.  A Suit That Fits has a massive range of fabrics and are always extending their range.  They encourage the groom to bring in any colour swatches for the wedding and these little details can be translated into button hole stitching or reflected into the lining; so subtle, that you can wear the suit again and again.  You can also use your own fabrics if you’ve sourced something you already love and in terms of style, these guys can recreate anything you like whether it’s vintage, double-breasted or simply adding some fabulous turn-ups. 

A suit takes between 6 and 8 weeks production time although there are fast track options available.  They recommend however that you book in for your consultation at least 3 months before your wedding so they can work to get it just right.  The consultation and measurement fee is just £25 but this covers all [that’s all!] alterations needed.  As everyone wears a suit slightly differently, this is a real saving.

Although they’re London based, they have more than 30 UK locations, which means the best man, the brother or father of the groom can get measured wherever they are, without having to travel to one place.  In Bristol, they’re located in Queens Square overlooking the courtyard, but their tailor stops range from Exeter right up to Scotland.  The also have a wonderfully easy to use website, a style blog and you can find them on Facebook and Twitter, but do come along and meet these clever Style Advisers on the day of the fair.  They’ll be giving out £50 vouchers for attendees of the fair to put towards a suit - a little treat for the grooms!

Sunday 5 February 2012

Cox & Baloney

For owners Amy and Joney, vintage-style tea parties with a twist are the order of the day.  From their gorgeous shop on Cheltenham Road, Bristol they run a delightful vintage-style tearoom amidst their full to the brim with treasures and gems shop. 

A hen party with Cox & Baloney would begin with the very best tea and some gooey homemade cakes.  There would be Babycham from teacups, all served in your own private room and followed by a workshop of your choice.  You could try your hand at making knickers, nipple tassels, hair fascinators, tutus or having a vintage Hollywood-style hair and make-up lesson.  They’ll organise everything you need and make sure you have a wonderful time. You can even let your hair down and try on as many vintage outfits as your heart desires. Of course, if you need a little help, they'll be around to help you achieve exactly the right look.

It’s not just hen parties Cox & Baloney can make special.  The morning of your wedding is a busy time and they can ease the pressure by delivering a sumptuous hamper of delicious goodies to you and your bridesmaids.  You’ll find mid-morning snacks, pastries and of course, some champagne!  They’ll make sure you don’t forget to eat and bring some extra sparkle with them.  

On the day of the fair, both Amy and Joney will be around, so do make sure you come and ask them about their hen party ideas.  Don’t forget to pop into their lovely shop if you’re passing too.  They have everything you could possibly need for creating a truly vintage lifestyle, from original clothing (ladies and gents) to furniture, homeware, books and a dressmaker who can make wedding and bridesmaids dresses.  There’s also a beautiful 1960s wedding dress for sale and it comes complete with a photo of the original owner wearing it.  Their tearoom is open for quintessential English favourites at elevenses or for a traditional afternoon tea served on delicate china and you simply must ask about the Cream Tea Towers!   

Everything Cox & Baloney stock has been lovingly hand-picked and is either original vintage, designer or limited edition.  You can find them on Facebook and Twitter as well as in store and if you’re planning a hen party with a twist - they really can host a perfect afternoon.  Think of lashings of clotted cream and fresh strawberries as you enjoy a good gossip over a piece of cake and a fresh cup of tea.  Think.. why am I not already there?

Saturday 4 February 2012

Cool Classy Campers

For a special way to get to your wedding, look no further than Cool Classy Campers.  Owners Philip and Sarah Heaton have three of these gorgeous VW Camper Vans they hire out for weddings and honeymoons all year round.  They’re both passionate about these gorgeous vehicles; not only smitten with the bags of spirit and personality they possess, but with the whole exhilarating experience of hitting the open road and driving anywhere you wish, turning heads as you go!

It's an experience they want you to share... and now you can! Each bespoke VW Camper Van is beautifully restored with a gorgeous finished interior.  For your wedding you can hire one in red, blue or white, the latter affectionately known as ‘Gus’.  You’ll be chauffeur- driven and can be as creative as you like with flowers and vintage ribbons.  You can opt to hire it as your honeymoon car too.  Each VW is fully equipped with a double bed, stove, sink and water as well as a fridge for your champagne.  There’s even a flip screen dvd; they really are something special.

The new website is currently under construction, but very soon you’ll be able to meet one of their cool VW Camper Vans at the fair.  ‘Gus’ will be parked in the Zoo car park and both Philip and Sarah will be on hand to answer any queries and tell you all about the history of their charming vans.  Don’t forget to ask about the new, fourth van too.  Currently being fully restored, this 52-year old Camper VW will become a completely mobile cocktail van, ready for your wedding and garden parties this summer.

For enquires call 0117 962 3442 or email enquiries@coolclassycampers.co.uk

Friday 3 February 2012

The Bristol Magazine


We're delighted to be featured in Bristol's biggest monthly magazine and did you know it's available online?  Check out pages 48 and 49 - you'll see our poster for the Wedding Fair and just across the page, we're featured in 'I Do, In Style'.  

If you pop along to their website you only have to click on the cover to read the whole issue.  There's heaps of articles inside celebrating all that's wonderful about life and living in Bristol.  Enjoy.  http://www.thebristolmagazine.co.uk/