Merry Christmas everybody!

Just stopping by to say a heartfelt Merry Christmas to all my readers, friends, followers and loyal customers at all the fairs! I hope you have a wonderful time at Christmas, and all the very best for the year ahead! Lizzie xx

Collecting British Costume cards and a new job!

I have recently acquired these Brooke Bond cards from the 1960's. (when they came free with packets of tea). As I handled them I was instantly transported back to my childhood.

I used to collect them in the 1960's and played endless games using the figures as paper dolls, and my fascination for Antique and Vintage costume has stayed with me all these years. This Summer I was approached by a friend who wanted to know if I would be interested in a job at an Auction house?

Of course I was interested! It sounded like the dream job for somebody who has been rummaging around auctions and selling Vintage clothing for the past 25 years. After an informal interview the job was mine and I launched into assisting Samaya with her auction last month. It was a fabulous auction, and now the dust has settled it is my turn!

 So, if anybody would like to place anything in the next Dreweatts Vintage Costume and Textiles Auction in Bristol please contact me at this email lhasselt@dnfa.com or phone 0117 973 7201. We are looking for Antique and Vintage clothing/costume, shoes, bags, hats, textiles, lace, fans and costume jewellery. The auction is set to take place on Tuesday 3rd April 2012, so a definite date for your diary! 

Paper fancies from the past

This week I was a lucky girl! I bought these delightful paper items from the Honiton Fair. I am an absolute sucker for old ephemera, toys and images from the early to mid 20th century.

There were a number of these crepe party hats in several designs and colours......

Then there were these 3 paper and card storage containers that must have been filled with sweets and gifts.

All in amazing condition considering their age and fragile construction.

 Just love this little chap on his own personal ski slope!

 Then there is this little gem. Oh to have time to make fancy dress costumes out of crepe paper!

I will be keeping and enjoying these for a few weeks. They will then need to come with me to one of the many fairs that I am selling at in the next few months. See the blog sidebar for details.

Walpoles Fashions

This little slice of fashion history is a folder of designs from May 1939. I am guessing it was a type of catalogue sent out to (wealthy) clients to entice them to the store at 87 - 91 New Bond Street London.

Inside the folder there are outfits for every occasion. Underwear, dressing gowns......

..even what to wear for "cruising week 15th to 20th May 1939"

It is rather sad to think that this optimistic luxurious world is only months away from the start of WW2.

This is just one of the vintage fashion related items that I have listed on ebay. Click here if you are interested.
Now, on with the Autumn "spring clean"....