Tucked away in a fifties American style bowling alley I stumbled across a treasure trove of vintage, tempting me with cardigans from the 50s, 80s logo tees, handmade jewellery, home-ware and retro sweets. While I had intended not to part with my hard earned cash, I gave in at the thought of a V neck Aaron jumper (£5, bartered down from £10) hanging proudly in my wardrobe, from a stall ran by a lady who said her shopping problem had taken over the spare room of her house, I know the feeling.
The event? The vintage fair at London’s Bloomsbury Bowling alley’s, set over two floors with over 30 stalls showcasing affordable second hand goodies, delicious treats and a vintage hair salon, where you can be transformed into your style icon with the help of a little hair coiffing and war paint, followed by star treatment as the team’s photographer snaps your picture, I’m ready for my close up Mr De Mille.
Stalls sell everything from leather jackets, embellished jumpers, satchels and pocket watches. There’s even a cupcake stall and tea room for when you get peckish. The salted caramel cupcake (mini £1) comes highly recommended by me. And if you’re pockets are still lined with gold after trawling through rail upon rail of garments, you can stay for a good old fashioned game of bowling or a play on the arcades, or just drop your boyfriend/husband off there while you contemplate whether you can pull off the power suit.
The Vintage Fair is on every beginning of the month @ Bloomsbury Bowling Alley. Admission £1. The event also takes place in other venues across the country, visit www.thevintagefair.com
