Ava Vintage Fair @ The Stormount Hotel

What a day Smidge and myself had at the Ava Vintage Fair on Saturday the 13th April at the Stormount Hotel!

The Stormount Hotel was a great venue for the event - very spacious! The fair was held in the reception of the hotel and in the ballroom.

The ballroom was a great space for the exhibitors; everyone had plenty of space and all the stalls were beautifully decorated. A lot of time had obviously been spent there that morning  by the exhibitors organising their stalls.

One exhibitor which caught my attention was Kirkmodern, which sells 20th century retro furniture, collectibles, ceramics and pottery. This exhibitor specialises in Scandinavian and post-wear British designs. Cool piggy bank below, eh?

The picture below shows what Kirkmodern sells, aren't they different! I'd love to get furniture like this when I get my own place. I'd recommend to check out Kirkmodern; they do really different pieces that would be great for someone who wants something different to today's furniture and home-ware market. Check out Kirkmodern here http://www.kirkmodern.com/

There was lots of lovely vintage goods that caught my eye at the fair. In particular, this perfume bottle did - I loved the old style perfume bottle with the puff!

We also found some really interesting items such as the travel case pictured below. Travel case modeled by Smidge.

A big highlight (and lovely surprise) of the day was when Smidge bought me my very first real fur coat. I had been browsing a rail that had taken my interest and had started trying things on. A little brown fur coat had caught my eye. The exhibitor came over and started chatting to us and to see if we needed any help. She recommended that I should try on a black fur coat she was also selling. I was unsure - I tend to shy away from garments that are black due to my hair and eyes being so dark. However, willing to at least try new things I went and tried them both on.

I was torn, they were both lovely on. I didn't think much of it though, I was only trying things on. Then Smidge said he'd buy me one if I really wanted one and if I'd actually wear it. I lit up - it was like Christmas. Unsure of what to get, I asked Smidge and the exhibitor on what they thought suited me best. Both agreed that it was the black fur coat. It had a belt incorporated into the coat which was a nice detail; the exhibitor said it was the only one she had ever seen that had been designed like that.

I have to give a big thanks to the exhibitor, Shelia who sold us the coat. She was an absolute pleasure to talk to - friendly and helpful. She also gave me some aftercare advice for caring for the coat as it is an investment piece. If taken care of well, it should last for years (and I really hope it does!) Here's Shelia in action!

Her stall was beautifully presented also!

There was a great variety of  jewellery at the event; great for a magpie like myself! It was good to Melanie from VintageUSA again (she also exhibited at the Frock Around The Clock Vintage Fair in Belfast Castle). VintageUSA is a business where you can buy quality costume jewellery and vintage jewellery at an affordable price. There were many exhibitors selling jewellery - great variety and a price range to fit everyone.

Overall, we both really enjoyed the event - but yet again there was no menswear. Hopefully there will be something for Smidge at the next Ava Vintage Fair we go to. It was also rather annoying that the hotels bank machine was out of order and that they did not offer cash back with purchases; this resulted in walking a mile to get to the nearest cash machine. Rather annoying. However, the event was well organised visually and there was a good range of exhibits. There was some lower priced items, but the majority of the items at this fair was medium to high price range - so bring along your pennies and your haggling skills!

Check out some of my favourite snaps from the fair!

I can't wait until we go to another Ava Vintage Fair, we had such a giggle and really enjoyed the Stormount Fair.

Mittens Fashion Swap

Have a piece of clothing you never wear anymore?

Swap it here, for something new and fun for your wardrobe! The Fashion Swap event which I was at last month was a real good way to pick up items, all without giving your bank account a hit - the only thing you have to pay for here is postage and packaging!

It's also going to be a great way to get to chat to all my lovely followers and chat about your style!

Basically, I will post items I'd like to swap and if your interested in swapping you can contact me either on my Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/Mittensfashion or by email MittensFashion@hotmail.com

If your even just interested in swapping and want to have a nosy at what's on offer, send me a message! I'll be swapping clothes, bags, shoes, jewellery and accessories!

Get swapping!

Next Frock Around The Clock Vintage Fair Details!

Since I was unfortunately able to buy anything at the last 'Frock Around the Clock' vintage fair at Belfast Castle, I'm heading to the next fair in Lisburn  which is next Saturday (Saturday the 27th of April). It was good to see what the fair had to offer last time and to chat with all the lovely exhibitors...

Excited to stock up on some lovely vintage jewellery and to see what this fair offers! Check out the details for this fair on the flyer below...

See you all there!

Pin.Up Fashion Show - Chic Recaptured

Since Belfast came to a standstill due to bad weather at the end of March, this disrupted some fashion events, with some being postponed to a later date. It felt more like Christmas than Spring and I was layered up like the Michelin Man. Pin.up's event, 'Chic Recaptured' was one such event that had to be postponed due to the adverse weather conditions.

Thankfully, the weather is a lot better now compared to what it was (well, it's rain and wind instead of snow). I hate the snow. It makes uncoordinated people like myself fall over more than usual.  On Friday the 5th of April I went to Pin.Up's event.

I thought we'd be late as we got stuck in traffic and I was wearing little purple boots that took longer to walk in than I'd imagined. The joys. I was glad to get sitting down again after I tackled walking the stairs in the Central Library (126 Royal Avenue, Belfast) like an unfit mountain goat. Or an unfit Llama. I like llamas...

The show was presented by Lucy Allen and this event was in association with Creativity N.I. which has held a Creativity Month to help encourage creativity in businesses and in people. This show 'Chic Recaptured' showed how you can take old garments and transform them into new exciting outfits - a great concept in today's 'fast fashion' culture. Nice dress Lucy!

Live music was provided during the show by new emerging Blues singer, Courtney-Maree Mccann. I'd highly recommend to check out her Facebook page and her music! https://www.facebook.com/courtneymareemusic?fref=ts
 Her next live gig is in The Hudson Bar on the 19th of April from 4-7pm.

Hair was styled by Caroline at Hair by Cherry on Top -  https://www.facebook.com/pages/Hair-by-Cherry-on-Top/186877791391766?group_id=0   and MUA was Kelly McMillan.

The fashion show consisted of everyday wear, bridal attire, formal wear and some outfits for going out at night. I will begin with my thoughts on the everyday-wear and the night-wear. There was a great variety - some of the pieces were really versatile and could easily be used for day to night outfits; great for the woman on-the-go! They would be great if your life is like myself at the moment - my life seems to be one mad dash with not enough hours during the day...

I  really liked the dress on the top left - it had a subtle blue pastel print and looked great for accentuating curves! The bow on the front was a real cute touch to the dress. This outfit would be great to dress up or down - with black tights and a long-sleeved black cardigan with some fancy ballet pumps for during the day. For night a pair of nude heels would be perfect, silver jewellery optional (personally, I'd wear it with my silver charm bracelet and some small silver studs).

On the top right is a three-quarter length, sleeved dress that is baby blue with a fresh, bold daisy print. This would be a great dress for the everyday wardrobe (either for work or university). If the weather was good I'd consider wearing this bare-legged.

I loved this cute flag print skirt with a black scoop-necked top in the above picture on the left. It would be great for a range of occasions; I'd get great versatility out of this skirt! In addition to this, it is a skirt that you could wear all-year round. It could be worn with ballet pumps, brogues, black wedges and heels.

The pleated grey top on the left was different - it's a nice statement top. Something different - you don't really get many statement tops. I think it would look great with skinny jeans (personally, I'd wear it with burgundy, black or forest green skinny jeans).

I loved this 'classic vintage' look on the top left - a fur coat and black leather handbag look great together don't they? I am unsure of whether the fur coat is real or not...the pleated leather bag is lovely, a real statement handbag. I may have to ask Rosie (the designer) about it, I really like it!

The dress on the top right was something I haven't really seen done before -pleating on the bodice and layering on the bottom skirt.

I will now move on to the formal/occasion wear...





















The monochrome stripe dress on the top left was gorgeous - it reminded me of a dress that Oscar de la Renta showcased. It would need very little accessories as it is quite a statement dress. It would be lovely for a summer wedding, a holiday or even for a formal. Apologies for the quality of the photograph, the camera on my phone decided to misbehave. Much to my annoyance...

The strapless dress on the top right was quirky with the way it was tiered. I loved the colour...it would be a different  for a formal.






















Would you dare to bare? This sheer dress on the top left is great for the brave...

Figure-hugging and fun is the dress on the top right. I liked how the top of the dress was tailored in a statement way. I loved the colours used for this dress; contrasting, yet complimentary too. A very striking dress.






















I liked this dress (top left). It was simple, yet had interesting pleating incorporated into it. It would be great for an occasion where you have to dress up, but want to keep your look simple at the same time. It would look good with either statement or nude heels.

I loved this royal blue dress, it was just so eye-catching! It would be great for a wedding...

I will now briefly chat about the outfits showcased for bridal wear...

I really liked the two dresses above. The use of a black material was a nice inclusion to the dress above on the left. There's still a taboo about black being used in wedding dresses but I think it works really well visually...I also loved the vintage bodice on the dress on the above right. Something different for a wedding dress.

I loved the netting on the dress in the photo on the top left. All floaty and full of movement!

The dress on the above right finished the fashion show. It has been customised with different types of denim. Have to give a hand to the model Missy for wearing it - it weighs a tonne! I know this as I tried (and failed) to hang it up after the last fashion show in the Black Box.

Overall, I really enjoyed the event. It was great to see so many new pieces and it gave me ideas of how to restyle my own wardrobe and different ways to style pieces from my wardrobe. I really liked when both a female and male model showcased a similar look.

It was good to see that some pieces for males were also included in the show. In fashion events, fashion for men in Belfast is usually completely overlooked - which is such as shame!






















There was also some really different outfits shown. Check them out below!






















I will now share with you my favourite pieces of the night and why I love them...

For starters, the pleated leather bag! I just fell in love with it...A great piece that could be used everyday...I loved the strapless dress (top right). It was a piece that made me stare - and quite rightly so, isn't it amazing?!

The above picture was the 'outfit for the night', for me. I love the colour mustard and it worked great with the black in this outfit...I'll definitely be sourcing this outfit!

Looking forward to the next Pin. Up event!

 

The Lonely Poet

After a busy Sunday running errands and attending the Ulster Bride Bridal Fair at Titanic Belfast, I decided to drop in to The Lonely Poet for dinner before heading home for a quiet night in. I was exhausted, hungry - yet in a good mood. The Bridal Fair had been fun and it was great to talk to so many businesses who offer so many different services for that special day.

We hadn't been to the Lonely Poet before (quite surprising as it is close to where I live). It had a lovely interior with an 'earthy' theme - I loved how they had decorated the place! The live music really added to the establishment and was great to have in the background.



















I got the Homemade Lasagne with Chunky Chips, Garlic Bread and Side Salad and a Steak with Chunky Chips, Onions and Mushrooms and Peppered Sauce. The waiter was friendly and he repeated our order before placing it with the kitchen...Our food didn't take too long before it was served; which was good since we both hadn't ate much during the day.





















My food was fine, simple - but felt like it was lacking something in flavour. On the other hand, the steak wasn't up to standard. The cut was too thin to be cooked medium rare so it ended up being well done. In addition to this, the steak was extremely fatty. I can understand a steak having some fat in it, but this was something else (as you can see in the picture below).

When asked how our meal was afterwards we did say we weren't happy with it. A saving grace was that the staff took our comments on board and gave my meal and our drinks free as a form of compensation. A nice gesture which we thanked them for. It is such a shame that we didn't have a great experience at The Lonely Poet - it's just on our doorstep, so we would have been regulars. Furthermore, I don't think we'll be back for food  again either; it put a dampener on a nice day that we had had together and we had to get something when we got home.

Exhibit Offering Student Discount Throughout April

The student loans are in! Although if your like myself, your slightly wary of going mad spending since it is the last installment. If you are looking to add a few new items to your wardrobe and save some pennies, I'd recommend checking out what Exhibit has to offer. They are offering a 10% student discount on purchases over £30 until April 26th. Read the small print on the picture for all the fun terms and conditions...

It's good to see Exhibit offering discount for students (even if it is for a limited time) as they do have a young target audience. Before going, remember your Student I.D. as they're likely to ask to see it to confirm you actually are a student. Is anyone else's student I.D. photograph beyond cringe worthy or is it just me?

Happy  Shopping!