Lou Lou's Vintage Fair

My trip to Lou Lou's Vintage Fair, Oxford
 

Up-cycled, reused, recycled and pre-loved; these are all ways of interpreting vintage.  The transformation from these into 'timeless' and even 'glamorous', are no more relevant than with vintage clothing.  And so, when I heard that Lou Lou's Vintage Fair was going to Oxford, I wrote the date in my calendar and got excited to shop for some pre-loved gems.  Vintage clothing pieces are individualistic, make a mark and sometimes have a story to tell.  I love that people may comment on my vintage items, and I can tell them all about where it came from and how I bought it.  Also, you can bet your dollar that no-one else in your group of friends is wearing the same thing that you are.  You can re-use old clothing, and make a statement whilst doing it.  So, I arrived at the fair which is 'Winner of 'Best Vintage Fair' in the UK 2013, 2014 & 2015' according to their website, and entered the hall that was bustling with fellow fans.

First up, I came across this stand from Carla McKeever offering hair styling, vintage-style.

This set the scene for my browsing and rifling through all of the vintage clothes, and next I came across 'Throw Back', an online business on asos' boutique vintage section.  These were second-hand, vintage style American university sports apparel.  I love the prints on them, and they would look great with leggings and pumps or trainers.  And so I made my first purchase. 

Following this, was 'Supernice' vintage handmade dresses.  A tempting array of beautiful dresses, made by hand and shaped in a style that would suit most figures.

The next stand that drew me in was 'Marney's Vintage', offering authentic vintage pieces such as these 40s and 50s dresses.  This re-use of classic fashion items not only gives us true vintage, but it also gives us reason to use items that are still good quality, rather than replicating the style in a cheaper, less ethical item. 

 

 

Next was 'Tattybojangles'.  A place to pick up some statement pieces, such as this 70s designer coat.  Why spend hundreds on today's designer coats that are copying this vintage style, when you can purchase the real thing?  More temptations... 

 

 

A collection of clothing and accessories were on display at the next stand, 'Soboho',  where I fell in love with about ten different handbags.  Here's a snap of a tag on one of the bags, to show their quality and style.  This one is 70s vintage, and made from leather.  A high quality, authentic piece.  Does this compare to more expensive vintage-style designer handbags that are sold in our shops?  I know which I would prefer...

 

 

A few extra photos from the fair...

 

 

 

I would definitely recommend going along to this vintage fair if it is coming to a town or city near you.  A fun trip out where you can pick up a bargain, satisfy your vintage flair, and even break for tea and cake in their vintage-style tea room!