Alfies Antique Market

Alfies Fashion Resolutions for 2012

noreply@blogger.com (Alfies) — Thu, 19 Jan 2012 16:48:00 +0000

Start the New Year fresh & organised by cleaning out your closet. Get rid of everything you haven't worn for over a year. Throw away pieces that no longer fit. Hang up your dresses, fold your shirts neatly and put your accessories back where they belong. Once the clutter is gone, you can start creating a style and look that works for you.

1. Wear More Colours.
It's scientifically proven that colours affect our emotions and our behavior. Try to wear a more colourful palette and you will feel happier.

1960s pink & lace evening dress from Persiflage. Vintage yellow evening dress

with sequins from Velvet Atelier. 1960s red cotton velvet dress from Persiflage.

2. Invest in Classic High-Quality Pieces.

Always choose quality over quantity. Invest in classic high-quality pieces and create a vintage and timeless look.

1920s Art-Deco kimono,1940s sailor dress and a 1920s pink & lace evening dress.

All dresses are from Velvet Atelier.

3. Experiment with Accessories.
With the right accessories you can turn an ordinary outfit into something amazing. Create excitement and variety in your outfit by wearing a bold floral hat or a pair of multi-coloured killer heels.

Selection of hats and accessories from The Girl Can't Help It.

4. Wear More Prints.
Don't be afraid to experiment with prints. Try something new like a psychedelic print or a floral motif.

Selection of vintage dresses with colourful prints from Persiflage.

5. Invest in a High-Quality Vintage Handbag.

Every stylish lady should invest in a quality vintage handbag that lasts a lifetime. With a creamy vintage handbag you simply can't go wrong.

Selection of vintage creamy handbags from June Victor & Carole Collier.

Have a look at www.alfiesantiques.com for more gorgeous dresses, colourful hats and other wonderful vintage accessories.

New Dealers

noreply@blogger.com (Alfies) — Sat, 14 Jan 2012 11:21:00 +0000

Teria Shapani and Yasmen UK Ltd are the latest dealers to join Alfies.

Faiez of Yasmen UK Ltd specialises in old and antique Persian rugs.

A view of Faiez's stand, F022

Some facts about Faiez:

His interest in antiques developed in his mid twenties when his father was an antiques dealer.

The oldest item he has is a Tabriz rug which is 97 years old.

His favourite item is the Kashmir rug because it is beautiful in design. They are intricate designs that are primarily Oriental floral style and come in a range of colors, designs, sizes and qualities.

Persian rugs

Yasmen UK Ltd Stand F022.

Teria Shapani sells mid 19th - 20th century furniture and home furnishings such as mirrors and chandeliers. She also has a large selection of silverware and jewellery.

French 10 arm crystal chandelier, circa 1910

I asked Teria a few questions.

How did your interest in antiques develop?

I have always had an appreciation and love for the craftsmanship and skill that went into creating what I can only call works of art. They feed my creativity. I can sit in this french corner chair and marvel at the creators imagination and the talent and physical skill applied to manifest what was once just a vision in his mind. Each scroll, each leaf delicately carved, and with such precision before covering with gesso. And then the crowning glory of gold leaf. These beauties never fail to inspire me. Or look at these wonderful mirrors with original mercury glass, how can I not help wondering, 'did the mercury involved in creating these literally drive someone mad?' Or I can stare over to the chandelier and delight in the magnificence of the ballroom where it once lived.

Pair of Swedish bergeres, circa 1920's

I am fascinated and intrigued by the history of both the furniture and silver which I sell. I have silverware which are inscribed or monogrammed. People ask me why I don't have these removed. I tell them it's for the same reason I sell Victorian lockets with the original photos, 'It is not my place to erase history'.

What is your favourite item?

I do not have a favourite piece. Each has it's own beauty and it's own story to tell. And all are equally valid.

What is your price range?

My price range is vast. from £3.00 silver vintage charms to the £5,500 19th century Swedish sideboard.

Teria Shapani Stand S003/S005

Happy New Year!

noreply@blogger.com (Alfies) — Thu, 05 Jan 2012 11:15:00 +0000

Wishing you all lots of happiness and success for the new year! With all the wet weather we've been having here are a couple of ideas to smarten up your hallways for 2012.

Vintage Umbrella Stands:

Fun 1950s Brass Umbrella Stand. From Thirteen Interiors

Elegant Art Deco Umbrella Stand with Nutwood Veneer. From Lorna Lee Leslie.

Alfies is the perfect market to visit during the wintery weather. All four floors and over 75 shops are all under one roof so you can avoid the blustery showers. On the top floor visit our cosy Rooftop Cafe where you can warm up with hot drinks or a glass of wine and a hearty lunch.

HAPPY CHRISTMAS!

noreply@blogger.com (Alfies) — Thu, 22 Dec 2011 12:50:00 +0000

Happy Christmas from everyone at Alfies!

We hope you all have a wonderful break!

Alfies will be opened until 4pm this Christmas Eve for you last minute shoppers and those looking to treat themselves!

We are then taking a well deserved break and will be reopening on the Tuesday 3rd of January 2012.

Vintage Party Dresses

noreply@blogger.com (Alfies) — Wed, 21 Dec 2011 15:44:00 +0000

With just a few more days until Christmas we are in the midst of the festive party season. New Year's Eve is just around the corner and there's no better time to dust of the memories of 2011 and look forward to all that 2012 has in store. Finding a fabulous party dress is the perfect way to start the new year in style. Thankfully Alfies has some expert vintage dealers on hand to help!

1950s Asymmetrical Dress. From The Girl Can't Help It

1930s Lame Dress with Bow Detail & Matching Belt, £175. From Velvet Atelier.


1960s White Linen Dress with Floral Appliques. From The Girl Can't Help It.

Original Flapper Dress with Silver Detailing. From Tin Tin Collectables.


1950s/60s Satin & Lurex Dress with Bolero. From The Girl Can't Help It.

1950s Red Dress, £125. From Velvet Atelier.

Let's not forget the men:


Men's Gabardine Embroidered Cowboy Shirt, £265. From The Girl Can't Help It.

Mother of Pearl Cufflinks. From Naneen Brooks.

Alfies will be open right up until 4pm on Christmas Eve this year. We will then close for Christmas and will resume normal opening hours from Tuesday 3rd January 2012.

Merry Christmas from all at Alfies Antique Market x

Alfies Christmas Shopping Party

noreply@blogger.com (Alfies) — Thu, 15 Dec 2011 20:20:00 +0000

On Thursday 8th December, we held our annual Christmas party and celebrated 35 years in business. If you were there, you will know what a great night it was, here are some pictures of the event...

Catriona played delightful 20's and 30's tunes on her gramophone

Guests start to arrive

Delicious food being served

The lovely ladies who kept our drinks flowing

Sarina, Tony Durante and Renato

Our stylish guests..

Security & Alfies dapper dealers!

Fabelist Art Group pop up

The superb work of the Fabelist Art Group

Tarot reading

Drinking & shopping at Modo Italia

Anna of Velvet Atelier & Friend

More delicious food at Daumieres

The dynamic Dulwich Ukulele Band kept us entertained

Trevor of Persiflage serving his famous rum cake, yum!

A fun night was had by all, thank you to everyone who came!

Alfies Christmas Gift Guide

noreply@blogger.com (Alfies) — Wed, 16 Nov 2011 16:13:00 +0000

With Christmas fast approaching, we have entered into the festive spirit here at Alfies. The Christmas decorations are already up and the invites for our Christmas Shopping Party are out. Time to focus on finding the perfect presents for your loved ones. To help you find that special something, we've created the Alfies Christmas Gift Guide. This digital guide includes a stunning selection of gifts on offer from our dealers at Alfies. So come and join us 8th December for cocktails, canapes and Christmas shopping!

Click here for the Alfies Christmas Gift Guide

Come and take a look at our Christmas tree next to Tin Tin Collectab les - G38-42.

Christmas Gift Ideas

18k Gold Yellow Stag Brooch, offered by Gareth Brooks - G079/80.
French 1920s Onyx Diamond Cufflinks, offered by Kieron Reilly - G066-69

Black Flower Beaded Box Handbag offered by The Girl Can't Help It - G014-22.

For more information visit our website: www.alfiesantiques.com

Alfies Celebrates 35 Years!

noreply@blogger.com (Alfies) — Fri, 11 Nov 2011 17:24:00 +0000

Join Alfies dealers on the Thursday 8th December as they celebrate 35 years in business. Come afterwork from 5pm-9pm and enjoy cocktails, canapes and festive entertainment as you shop for the perfect Christmas presents.

For more info about this exclusive event follow Alfies on facebook. 'Like us' to RSVP to the event and to receive your free invitation.

If you are not on facebook and would like to come along simply RSVP by emailing info@alfiesantiques.com or call 020 7724 6066. You can also pick up an invitation in store.

We hope you can all make it!

Moda Flamenca, Ecclesiastical Vestments and Victorian Dresses

noreply@blogger.com (Alfies) — Thu, 20 Oct 2011 13:43:00 +0000

Melinda Colthurst is one of the new dealers that recently joined us at Alfies. Her unique collection of vintage Spanish costumes, ecclesiastical vestments and Victorian and Edwardian clothing are a perfect addition to our eclectic mix of shops here at Alfies.

An avid flamenco dancer herself, Melinda has an incredible wealth of knowledge about Spanish vintage costumes. Which means, that buying from her shop not only entails the item but a little history lesson free of charge.

With a wide range of Spanish dresses, matador jackets and mantilla combs, her stand offers much to inspire designers, costume makers and collectors.

Melinda also has an extraordinary collection fo ecclesiastical vestments and devotional items including crucifixes and Latin liturgical books.

Come and visit Melinda Colthurst on the first floor in Alfies Antique Market. Stand F015.

For opening times and more information visit our website: www.alfiesantiques.com

Velvet Atelier

noreply@blogger.com (Alfies) — Sat, 15 Oct 2011 15:48:00 +0000

Anna and Mike of Velvet Atelier have recently joined Alfies. They stock the finest pre-1950's collection of clothing, limited designer pieces and they also have a vintage bridal section.

I asked Anna a few questions...

How did your interest in vintage fashion develop?
When I was about 15 I loved unusual clothes and hated mass-produced items. I spent all my teenage years browsing in charity shops and developed my own style from there... Vintage comes with history!

Who is your style icon and why?
I do not have a style icon, I love 1940's glamour, so if I had to choose it would have to be Elizabeth Taylor. She looked so much like my Mum.

What is your favourite piece?
It has to be the 1940's bright green crepe dress. It is so amazing - I do not want to part with it!

The aforementioned dress was not available to photograph, so above is another favourite dress of Anna's.

What is the oldest item you have for sale?
Probably the 1860's reception gown. We have about a hundred 1920's dresses!

Above: A bridal dress dating back to the late 1800's

What is your price range?
Prices start from £40, with the 1950's dresses starting at the lower end of the price range. The majority of 1920's dresses are about £150 - £250.

And finally, tell us about the fabulous decor of your stand
I'm a big fan of opera. I always wanted to have a shop with a similar feel. And here we go!

Velvet Atelier, stand S007/S009.

It's time to start thinking about Halloween!

noreply@blogger.com (Alfies) — Sat, 08 Oct 2011 11:34:00 +0000

October and the beginning of autumn always get us very excited about cosy evenings at home curled up on the reading chair with a gripping book and a lovely cuppa... But the tenth month of the year also means we can finally get dressed up and celebrate the most fun holiday of Halloween! Woohoooooooooo! We had a look around Alfies to find some pieces that would inspire this year's costume choice and party decorations, enjoy!

French Art Nouveau paste and base metal bat buckle/brooch offered by Kieron Reilly

Victorian Whitby jet snake necklace offered by Gareth Brooks

Victorian Whitby jet necklaces and earrings offered by Gareth Brooks

A selection of cocktail shakers (1930's - 1950's) and 1920's chemists bottles (from the Royal Free dispensery) offered by Robinson Antiques

The delightful window display at The Girl Can't Help It

Inspiring shop decorations at The Girl Can't Help It

And don't forget to visit our lovely Rooftop Cafe for a warming cup of tea and a little treat! (No tricks here!)

Vote for Alfies!

noreply@blogger.com (Alfies) — Thu, 29 Sep 2011 10:07:00 +0000

To celebrate National Antiques Week this year (14th-21st November) BBC Homes & Antiques and Antiques News & Fairs have teamed up to discover Britain's best antique shops.

The public have been invited to vote for their favourite antique and vintage shopping destinations in five different categories:

1. Best Antique Shop

2. Best Antique Centre

3. Best Specialist Dealer

4. Best Mid-Century/Vintage Shop

5. Best Auction House

Alfies needs your help! Please take a few minutes to vote for us to win Britains Best Antique Centre. You can also vote for individual shops at Alfies for the other categories.

By nominating you can also win some amazing prizes for yourself! 10 fantastic prizes are up for grabs including an overnight stay in The Royal Crescent Hotel, hundreds of pounds worth of LAPADA and BADA vouchers, Miller's Antique Guides and more! Click here for details.

The winner of each category will be annouced at the Bath Decorative Antiques Fair on the 12th March 2012 by Kirsty Allsop.

Voting ends onthe 30th November so please take a couple of minutes and vote for Alfies Antique Market!

CLICK HERE TO VOTE FOR ALFIES

Vintage shopping at Alfies.

noreply@blogger.com (Alfies) — Thu, 15 Sep 2011 16:38:00 +0000

London Fashion Week starts tomorrow and it's promised to be a week filled with spectacular shows, fun parties and fine exhibitions. But for those of you who don't have time to make it to Somerset House or simply prefer vintage fashion over new designer brands, we advise you to make your way to Alfies for some of the best vintage shops that London has to offer.

With exquisite items from the 30s, 40s, 50s and early 60s The Girl Can't Help It offers you the ultimate vintage shopping experience. All unique, quirky, superbly made pieces are sourced mainly in the USA by the trained eye of owners Sparkle Moore and Jasja Boelhouwer. Unit G014-022, F016. http://www.thegirlcanthelpit.com/

With a shop just across the road on Church Street Deborah Woolf Vintage has expanded into Alfies to make more space for her beautiful collection. From antique folk costume to avantgarde clothing and fabulous jewellery of the 60s and 70s and vintage clothing by Biba, Givenchy, Jean Muir and Cardin. Third floor, Church Street. http://www.deborahwoolf.com/.

June Victor has been happily settled at Alfies for many years. She sells a wide range of stunning textiles from the 18th century up until the 1940s, encompassing costume, lace, ribbons and table and bed linen. June also has a stand at Vintage Modes in Grays, Alfies sister market. Unit S040, http://www.regallinen.com/.

A visit to Gwyneth Trefor-Jones's shop Persiflage is always a treat. Stock is ever-changing so you'll never know what you'll find. One thing's for certain, though - it'll be a bargain. Unit S006-008.

Tin Tin Collectables offers one of the fines selections of vintage clothing and accessories in the world. Period costume such as handbags, dresses, shoes, hats, gloves, costume jewellery, undergarments & lingerie. From the Victorian Era to the 1970s. Unit G038-042, http://www.tintincollectables.net/.

For opening times and more information visit our website: http://www.alfiesantiques.com/.

Meet the Dealers...

noreply@blogger.com (Alfies) — Fri, 09 Sep 2011 16:42:00 +0000

Here at Alfies, it's nice to see the wonderful mix of antiques and collectables the dealers have on offer, along with a price range to suit most people. There really is something for everyone. A perfect destination for gifts, early Christmas shoppers or just a treat for yourself, why not. I had a look around the market and decided to highlight the newcomers.

Phil Startup has been based at Alfies for just over two months...

He sells a wide range of delightful collectables such as books, TV related toys, stamps, decorative glass, camera's, smoking pipes, records, postcards, kitchenalia, sports memorabilia and a whole lot more, his price range starts from 50p - £250.

The oldest items he has are books dating back to the 1850s.

His favourite items are the Dinky TV related toys.

All items available from Phil Startup, unit S013.

Kieron has been with us for 1 month. He has been in the business for 30 years. Kieron sells cufflinks, jewellery and decorative arts. Here is just a small selection of his lovely cufflinks...

Prices start from £100 - £1,500 and upwards. He has items dating back as early as the 1820s and as late as the 1960s.

One of his favourite items is the Cartier cufflink.

All items available from Kieron, unit G066.

Melinda Colthurst has most recently joined us...

She sells antique costumes and accessories, ecclesiastical vestments, small devotional objects and vintage moda flamenca. Her price range starts from £10 to around £400.

The oldest item of clothing is a brown silk taffeta jacket from the 1850s. She also has some latin liturgical books from the 1840s.

Her favourite item is "Impossible to choose." She loves all the ecclesiastical textiles.

Her favourite dress is the Edwardian silk day dress.

She is also particularly attached to her Mantilla combs.

"Like many dealers, I began as a collector and collecting turned into a job."

All items available from Melinda Colthurst, unit F015.

Alfies Fan Club Competition Winners!

noreply@blogger.com (Alfies) — Wed, 31 Aug 2011 10:30:00 +0000

Thank you to everyone who submitted photos for the Alfies Fan Club competition. After so many great entries we chose three winners!

First Place: Marie Lancup with 'Shop til You Drop'

Marie wins a hair do courtesy of Nina’s Hair Palour and an Alfies 'Antiques are Green' canvas bag

Second Place: Rain Rabbit with 'Obligatory Mirror Shot'

Rain Rabbit wins a pretty vintage teacup from W&L Antiques and an Alfies 'Antiques are Green' canvas bag.

Third Place: Liza Al Sady with her stunning shot capturing the colourful glass and lighting on display at Alfies.

Liza wins an Alfies gift certificate and an Alfies 'Antiques are Green' canvas bag.

Remember if you have any great photos of Alfies you would like to share the Fan Club is still up and running on Flickr. Please add your favourite photos to it and keep it growing!

Alfies Antique Market celebrates the Festival of Britain in true vintage style

noreply@blogger.com (Alfies) — Wed, 24 Aug 2011 09:43:00 +0000

Here at Alfies we like to fly the flag for British design. When the Southbank Centre announced that they were going to organise a four-month festival to celebrate the 60th anniversary of the Festival of Britain, we couldn’t not take part.
So make your way to the second floor for an exhibition room set out with iconic pieces from the original Festival of Britain in 1951. See pieces of design history from Alfies dealers’ private collections including an English floor lamp from Lorna Lee Leslie, a chest of drawers by Frank Guille from Anouska Hunters Antiques and original brochures and collectables.

The exhibition runs from Tuesday 8th August until Friday 30th September.

Festival of Britain brochure cover, 1951.

Leaflet from the Festival of Britain, 1951.

EMBRACE THE CITY

noreply@blogger.com (Alfies) — Thu, 11 Aug 2011 15:59:00 +0000

The pleasures of shopping are endless. Marketplace and mythology are inseparable, and now more so than even. It’s the new season and the time has come to go out, embrace the city, rediscover and regroup. Fashion catalogues, the catwalk and all new collections are full of vintage inspiration of past decades, and the beauty of the antique.

Diamond and Emerald necklace from Zeeba Jewels

Packet watch from Mo Heidarieh

But it’s all happening now!! Enough of cooking in the sun. No more beaches. Forget the countryside. It’s not good for you anyway. Enjoy an al fresco lunch at the Rooftop Restaurant!

The authentic and personal myth is vintage at Alfies and where the real action is. Spread across the decades; find your own personal moment, make a day at Alfies your antidote to mass produced and massively worn. Go out and create your own myth. It’s your time in the city.

Vintage trunk from Tin Tin Collectables

London is history, myth, and reality; and it is all here.

Vintage Photography

noreply@blogger.com (Alfies) — Thu, 21 Jul 2011 11:11:00 +0000

You might remember our blog from the 16th of February where I introduced Vivian Maier's photography to you, now I have had a chance to finally see some of her work in an exhibition in London. Vivian Maier: A Life Uncovered is part of the London Street Photography Festival which runs throughout July. Be quick to catch this great exhibition at the stunning German Gymnasium in Kings Cross as it ends Sunday, 24 July.

And once again I have felt inspired to search Alfies for items I feel relate to the life of Vivian Maier in particular, and photography in general.

Enjoy!

Vintage shoes and bag offered by Carole Collier

Vintage cameras and children's books offered by new dealer Philip Startup/unit S013

Art Deco frames offered by Renato

Antique photo frames available from Hayman & Hayman

1950's metal frame and 1920's frame with green velvet, 1930's uranium glass dressing table set available at W & L Antiques

Vintage photo frames available at Louise Verber Antiques

Vintage photography postcards and pin-up prints available at The Girl Can't Help It

Late 1960's Zeta magazines available at Anouska Hunter Antiques

Tea Time!

noreply@blogger.com (Alfies) — Thu, 14 Jul 2011 09:09:00 +0000

'Dainty Afternoon Tea Poster', ca.1935. From Dodo.

As far as great British customs go, drinking tea surely must be one of the greatest. A cuppa for breakfast, another with the afternoon scone, always one or two in between and certainly one to finish off the long working day. At Alfies this week we had a look around to find those items - dried leaves to the side - that help Britain's love for tea stand the test of time and feed the long loving tradition!

From beautiful flowery sets...

Carlton Ware 'Tea for Two' Set. From W&L Antiques

Susie Cooper for Wedgewood Cornpoppy design set, 1974. From Daumieres.

Japanese high grade silver 4 piece set. From Janes Antiques.

...over pieces for that special time alone...

Very rare tea bowl and saucer, Worcester ca 1755. From Janes Antiques.

...to stunning tea pots!

Very rare silver teapot by Peter and Jonathon Bateman. From Janes Antiques.

Not to forget the wonderful range of 'tea accessoires' one can indulge in, such as this great selection of tea cosies including Victorian silk, patchwork, velvet and beadwork cosies dating as far back as 1860.

Tea Coosie Selection. From June Victor.

And for the truly devoted to which the simple pleasures of a colourful warm pot are not enough, we also found some extraordinary pieces to highten the mood!

Victorian Spoon Warmer by William Hutton. From Goldsmith & Perris.

Old Shell Biscuit Box by Fenton Brothers. From Goldsmith & Perris.

Enjoy your tea!

Why Have One When You Can Have Two?

noreply@blogger.com (Alfies) — Sat, 09 Jul 2011 13:59:00 +0000

Many of the best things come in pairs: victoria sponge and a nice cup of tea, pick and mix, strawberries and cream, birds and bees, Thema and Louise, gin and tonic, cheese and chutney, fish and chips and so many more!

Alfies is full to the brim of great pairs! Here are just a few to get you started:

Pair of Orrefors Table Lamps. From Travers Antiques.

Pair of Early 20th C Sapphire and Diamond Earrings. From Sheila Cameron.

Pair of 1960s Italian Gilt Pineapples. From Biis Century

Pair of Original Jet Tassles. From June Victor.

A pair of unusual Staffordshire spotted dogs. c1890. From Gloria Sinclair.

Pair of 1950s/60s Chairs Re-Upholstered in Blue Wool. From Thirteen Interiors

Pair of 1940s Suede Poodle Slingback Shoes. From The Girl Can't Help It.

Animalistic!

noreply@blogger.com (Alfies) — Thu, 30 Jun 2011 11:15:00 +0000

Oh, we love a bit of animal action here at Alfies, and we do mean this most innocently!
Recent trips to the beautiful and impressively well kept London Zoo, as well to the adorable and equally impressive Horniman Museum inspired me to look for animal (and generally nature) related items here at Alfies. I found some lovely pieces, and the following items are a rather small selection, so do come by to find more yourself!

White glazed equestrian horse with rider, offered by Gloria Sinclair

'Watercolour of Monkey', ca. 1900, offered by Barry Landsman

Pair of French 1940s wrought iron stools, offered by Louise Verber Antiques

Silver gilt snake necklace with heart pendant and garnet eyes, offered by Gareth Brooks

The first very exciting and highly recommended adventure we undertook is London Zoo Lates - throughout summer the zoo stays open until 10pm on Fridays and is jam packed with cool stuff to do. So not only do you get to see all the beautiful animals, you can also have a (pre-ordered) picnic, a little boogie at the silent disco, enjoy some cabaret, listen to talks about specific animals often during feeding time, enjoy a Pimm's/champagne/Mojito or two, and generally just have a grand night out!

We went last week and although the weather was not great, we still had an awesome time. To be honest, I was almost glad it rained as it provided me with a perfect excuse to put on my new wellies and raincoat! We found the atmosphere was very relaxed and the zoo keepers were really approachable and understanding when I couldn't drag myself away from the large rainforest area upon closing time.

The crowd - quite a pleasant mix of old and young-ish (no kids around which is a rare thing for zoo visits) - all seemingly enjoyed themselves, and it was quite entertaining to listen to some of the visitors' amazed (and perhaps slightly drunk) comments about the animals!

Admittedly, the zoo is simply too large to see everything in one evening, and with all the above entertainment options it is hard to follow the well designed maps to find your favourite creatures without being tempted away by the prospect of some cold beverages. But given that the majority of the animals do go to sleep at 9pm, there is still enough time to take advantage of the bar menu after 9pm!
It is definitely well worth a visit and makes a highly enjoyable change to the usual Friday night down the pub.

Another inspirational trip took me to the fantastic Horniman Museum in Forest Hill - I am so in love with it!

Being a busy tea trader travelling the world, Fredrick John Horniman began collecting curios and artefacts from far away countries to bring them back to London as he wanted to share all the interesting things the world had to offer with the people of London who might have not been able to travel as much or at all. In the end he gave his collections as a gift to the Londoners and the museum was born! Many items have been added to the collections over the years so do go there to check them out. The Horniman has various collections on display: an array of astounding musical instruments, a massive selection of beautiful taxidermy animals, African artefacts and the mesmerising aquarium in the lovely building's basement. A current exhibition features items of Balinese culture, and the lovely grand gardens are the icing on the cake!

Bargains to be had at Alfies!

noreply@blogger.com (Alfies) — Thu, 23 Jun 2011 10:01:00 +0000

Here at Alfies there is such a wide range of items to be bought with over 70 dealers all under one roof and something for everyone's budget. I have been looking round the market this week for my favourite buys under £40.

1960s dress from Persiflage £35

Vintage leather embossed photo album from June Victor £22

Vintage embroidered dress from Persiflage £30

Beautiful 1950s buttons from Carole Collier £15

Super cute clip on earrings from Persiflage £5

1960s Straw bag from Persiflage £20

You can also treat yourself to some beauty treatments from Issidora with eyebrow shaping from £20 and vintage and contemporary make up at around £35.

Alfies Fan Club Competition

noreply@blogger.com (Alfies) — Thu, 09 Jun 2011 11:59:00 +0000

To celebrate Alfies 35th anniversary, we invite you to send us your best, favourite and most exciting photos of Alfies! This could be anything from your favourite antique shop at Alfies, your most loved purchase, an item you wish for, your favourite antique dealer, or even the maze like building, the view from the rooftop terrace or the Art Deco architecture!

You have up until the 31st July 2011 to enter and the winners will receive a complementary hair do from Nina's Hair Parlour, an Alfies gift voucher, an ‘Antiques are Green’ canvas bag specially designed by illustrator Susan Taylor, and a pretty vintage teacup from W&L Antiques.

To enter either post your photos (a maximum of 5 photos per person) on our specially created Flickr group or email them directly to us. You need to add a brief description of what your photo is all about and why you love Alfies.

Each week we will post up entries on the Alfies blog so keep an eye out on the competition!
This is for all Alfies friends and fans to share what they love most about shopping here and to celebrate 35 years of exceptional vintage design, fashion and antiques!

Terms & Conditions

Always ask the dealer’s permission before photographing their stock.
5 photo entries allowed per person.

Deadline: 31st July 2011

To submit your photos:
• Add them to the flickr group: www.flickr.com/groups/alfiesfanclub/
• Or email them to: lindsay@alfiesantiques.com

When submitting your photos please put ‘Alfies Fan Club’ as the subject line and include your full name and contact details in the email. Good Luck!

Vintage Guide to London's Awards

noreply@blogger.com (Alfies) — Thu, 09 Jun 2011 11:43:00 +0000

Here at Alfies we are all avid readers of The Vintage Guide to London - it is a fantastic guide for any vintage loving lady based in London or for those planning a visit! We have been lucky to have some of dealers recommended on the site including The Girl Can't Help It, Deborah Woolf and Ninas Hair Parlour!

The site has just launced their own awards! In their words, the awards are - "To celebrate vintage in London and to highlight the achievements of this thriving, independent retail scene, The Vintage Guide to London is introducing its annual 'Best of ' awards"

The awards include categories such as Best vintage shop (womenswear), Best vintage fair/jumble and Best vintage club night. We're looking forward to the results already and hope to find an Alfies dealer included! Get voting now!

The Girl Can't Help It

Ninas Hair Parlour

Deborah Woolf

You can also enter our new Alfies Fan Club competition to win lots of goodies including a haircut/style from Ninas Hair Parlour - all the details are here

Orange!

noreply@blogger.com (Alfies) — Sat, 04 Jun 2011 13:30:00 +0000

Cameo brooch from Linda Antiques, Crown Ducal beaker from Beth, 1950s chair from Thirteen Interiors, Flower brooch from Pari , Cloche Hat from Tin Tin Collectables, Watercolour portrait from Barry Landsman, Asafo flag from Duncan Clarke, Egg cup from Beth