FROCK-A-LICIOUS

Well, the party season is nearly upon us and of course that means a new frock or two is required. When I say new, of course I mean 'new to us' as vintage is the choice of the Frockettes.

If you are reading this post, the chances are that you are already a vintage fan, or indeed addict, so I need not go into all the reasons why choosing a vintage frock will ensure that you stand out from the crowd, or mean that you can be stylish and do your bit for the environment at the same time.

Suffice it to say that the Frock Around The Clock Vintage Fair on 21st November is the best opportunity this side of Christmas to pick up a perfect party frock, accessories and a bit of sparkle with an unrivalled collection of vintage pieces all under one roof.

To add to the festive and glamourous spirit you can shop to the sounds of the Jenny Kallen Jazz Band, shop for all your Christmas gifts at the same time, be inspired by the Living Vintage Fashion Show and help raise funds for Cancer Research by purchasing raffle tickets with the chance to win gorgeous vintage goodies.

The Frock Around The Clock Vintage Fashion & Textile Fair takes place on Sunday 21st November at the Holiday Inn, Ormeau Avenue, Belfast from 11am to 4.30pm. Admission to the event costs £5 for adults and £3 for seniors and students (payable at the door). Earlybird admission applies to the first half hour of the event (11 - 11.30am) when there will be £2 off the general admission prices.


More information on this and all other Frock Around The Clock events can be found on the website http://www.northernirelandvintage.com/

GIFTS FOR THE GIRLS

If you are worried about shopping on a tight budget this Christmas, don't be. We will have gorgeous gifts to suit all pockets at Frock Around The Clock on Sunday 21st November. Even if you only have a few pounds to spend there will be many unique and cute treasures to choose from.

Jewellery is always in great demand and great supply at the vintage fairs. Ranging from a couple of pounds to a couple of hundred you can find both original vintage pieces and handmade designs which incorporate recycled textiles in their creation. From funky and colourful beads to classic pearls, silver charms to gold bling, dazzling diamantes to bright buttons, and everything inbetween.

There really is something to satisfy every taste whether it be a necklace, bracelet, earrings, brooch or ring, and whether you are buying a gift for a child, a friend, a mother or a grandma.

Here are some beautiful finds at previous fairs.

Jennifer Robinson Jewellery

The Old Tea Rose

Sharon Hay at Innocent Chaos

Nadine Mulholland

Beadylicious

Sandra Crawford Antiques

Strictly Vintage

Little Lo Lo's House

New Age Vintage

The Fol-de-rol Dolls

Norma Jean Vintage

The Frock Around The Clock Vintage Fashion & Textile Fair takes place on Sunday 21st November at the Holiday Inn, Ormeau Avenue, Belfast from 11am to 4.30pm. Admission to the event costs £5 for adults and £3 for seniors and students (payable at the door). Earlybird admission applies to the first half hour of the event (11 - 11.30am) when there will be £2 off the general admission prices.


More information on this and all other Frock Around The Clock events can be found on the website http://www.northernirelandvintage.com/

ONE FOR THE BOYS

Stuck for Christmas gift ideas for the men in your life? Dad fed up with socks and hankies? Brother fed up with aftershave? And what do you get your other half (the man who has everything)? At Frock Around The Clock on Sunday 21st November we will have oodles of unique gift ideas for the boys.

For a start you couldn't go wrong with a pop-art canvas from Belfast artist Ciaran Monaghan. Here are a selection from our last vintage fair in September.

With 45 sellers on board you will also find many unique and vintage treasures including hip flasks, paisley scarves and cravats, retro ties, books, comics and records, gents grooming kits, cufflinks, boy toys and gadgets, and much, much more. Here is a selection of items found at previous vintage fairs.

The Frock Around The Clock Vintage Fashion & Textile Fair takes place on Sunday 21st November at the Holiday Inn, Ormeau Avenue, Belfast from 11am to 4.30pm. Admission to the event costs £5 for adults and £3 for seniors and students (payable at the door). Earlybird admission applies to the first half hour of the event (11 - 11.30am) when there will be £2 off the general admission prices.

More information on this and all other Frock Around The Clock events can be found on the website http://www.northernirelandvintage.com/

FROM CHRISTMAS PAST TO CHRISTMAS PRESENTS

Christmas past makes for perfect Christmas presents at Frock Around The Clock. In the lead up to our festive vintage shopping extravaganza on Sunday 21st November, I will be looking at some of the offerings from the fabulous sellers we will have at the event.

With 45 sellers specialising in original vintage fashion, jewellery and homewares as well as locally handmade designs created from vintage textiles and found objects, it will be possible to purchase unusual Christmas presents for loved ones and help the environment at the same time.

Not only does the vintage fair cater for big boys and girls, but also the little ones. Gift ideas for children range from vintage books and toys to handknit garments for babies, and collectable dolls , bears and models.

Here are just a few of our favourite things.

Vintage dolls, bears and soft toys from The Optimists

Kiddies handknits finished with vintage buttons and trimmings from Little Hooligan

Bracelets and necklaces with vintage Disney charms from The Fol-de-rol Dolls

Vintage toy cars and models from Granny's Attic

The Frock Around The Clock Vintage Fashion & Textile Fair takes place on Sunday 21st November at the Holiday Inn, Ormeau Avenue, Belfast from 11am to 4.30pm. Admission to the event costs £5 for adults and £3 for seniors and students (payable at the door). Earlybird admission applies to the first half hour of the event (11 - 11.30am) when there will be £2 off the general admission prices.

More information on this and all other Frock Around The Clock events can be found on the website http://www.northernirelandvintage.com/

WHAT THE DICKENS?

Norma Jean Vintage is hosting the first 'Miss Havisham presents....' vintage afternoon this Sunday 31st October from 12 - 5pm.

Visitors will be treated to tea in a vintage china cup and a wee bun or slice of pavlova and they will be free to browse the vintage and handmade goodies that will be on display. A great chance to start your Christmas shopping early!

So what will be available to purchase? Expect to find vintage clothing (including party dresses, maxi skirts, coats and jackets), hats, handbags, costume and silver jewellery, homewares, vanity items, small furniture items, Christmas decorations and recycled crafts.

Pretty things from Decadence

Handmade Christmas decorations from Decadence

Teacup pincushion & collectable glassware from Decadence

1980's Dior Camel Coat from Norma Jean

Handmade Fascinator by Norma Jean

Vintage china and glassware from Norma Jean and Decadence

Vintage beaded jacket from Lulu Rose

Handmade jacket from Aubergine Lining

Handmade hat from Aubergine Lining

Embellished hat from The Fol-de-rol Dolls

Quirky necklace from The Fol-de-rol Dolls

Hand knits from Loopy Yarns

Follow the link for more details on the event. Hope to see you there! 

LUST LIST

I was delighted when my Daddy bought me one of these fabulous silver spoon rings at the last Frock Around The Clock Vintage Fair. Made by Jennifer Robinson Jewellery from antique silver spoons these rings are all a little different and range from plain to ornate depending on the engraving of the original spoon.

I have just had a preview of one of Jennifer's latest creations - these gorgeous bangles made from vintage watch parts. They will be making their debut at our next Vintage Fair on Sunday 21st November and I already have my lustful eye on one!

MISS HAVISHAM PRESENTS.........

Miss Havisham presents a delightful vintage tea party afternoon on Sunday 31st October.

You are invited to come along with your friends to this open afternoon from 1 - 5pm to see some of your favourite vintage sellers: Norma Jean, Lulu Rose, Decadence, The Fol-de-rol Dolls and Stray Cat Vintage. Enjoy leisurely browsing in a relaxed atmosphere at Norma Jean's home where there will be tea served in vintage china cups, and home baking served on pretty vintage plates.

There will be also be vintage clothing, handbags, hats, costume jewellery, homewares, recycled jewellery, gifts and Christmas decorations available to purchase.

Admission is free.

RSVP: If you would like to come along and join Miss Havisham at her table on Sunday 31st October for tea, cake and vintage glamour please email Norma (normajeangray@hotmail.co.uk), or contact her via her Norma Jean Vintage facebook page, to let her know how many will be attending and she will give you directions to her home in the Belfast area.

Hope to see you there in your vintage finery!