Bethnal Green's Affordable Vintage Sale

If you are not already aware, I love vintage. And what can a lady like me love more than vintage, no it's not Mr M, it's shopping for vintage!

Judy's affordable vintage sale is coming to Spitalfields Market in London for another amazing sale. It's over not one, but two days. So if you can't make the Saturday 7^th of April, then I suggest you get down on the Monday 9^th. It's the Easter Bank Holiday and the perfect excuse to walk off al those chocolate Easter Eggs you will have indulged in over the weekend,

The sale is one of the only vintage sales in London where you are not charged an entry fee, so you can take a stroll free of charge and just admire the pieces on sale. Although I'm highly positive you'll be tempted by something quirky and unique.

Both days will have at least 170 vintage traders with a multitude of goodies up for grabs. Not just womenswear; we're promised lots of menswear to get your men looking and dressed fine. As well as fashions there'll be furniture and bric-à-brac sellers, homewares, haberdashery and collectibles vendors. You''l also find a few craft stalls so there is definitely something for everyone.

This months theme is Get-Set-Go, showcasing the British and International vendors at their stands. Make sure you take in all the international offerings, there's always something different to be found at the international vendor stands!

At little added extra organised by Judy's is the 'Best Dressed Shopper' competition. Make sure you wear your Sunday Best Vintage Special so be in with a chance of winning vouchers and prizes throughout the day. It's definitely worth a visit, just to try to get a prize!

The market opens at 11am and closes at 5.30, barely enough time to get round all 170 stalls, but do your best!

Mr. M and I are unfortunately unable to make this vintage event, I'm rather disappointed, but I have to say I'm looking forward to our break in France.

Something for the weekend...

At the weekend, I like to cook hearty food for Mr M and I. It's the perfect time to slow cook meats and let the juices absorb into your cooking.

As the winter approaches it's ideal for winter warmers such as Coq Aux Vin, Boeuf Bourguinon and Sausage and lentil dishes. Anything with a wine sauce is a popular dish in our home and particularly in winter piping hot comfort food really completes our weekends!

I'm sharing some of my favourite recipes, simply because everyone should try them. I usually make simple recipes, use products that are easily found in supermarkets and local stores and are reasonably priced.

It's best to judge the quantity of ingredients by the mouths you need to feed, Mr M and myself can put away quite a bit of these winter warmers over a lazy weekend.

So below, please find my first recipe of Sausages and Lentils;

Sausages and lentils

The one thing I always forget to do is soak the lentils overnight. I really do recommend this, but I believe you can buy wet lentils in all good supermarkets

Ingredients

• Pork sausages

I like to mix cumberland sausages with chipolatas for added taste

• Shallot onions
  Or a white onion is fine
• Pancetta

I can also recommend smoked bacon if you find pancetta hard to get hold of

• Chilli flakes
• Umbrian or Puy lentils
• White Wine
• Dry Sherry
• Chicken Stock

Implements

I like to use a vintage stoneware pot that can stand on the hob and also go in the oven, but also advise any dish that can be covered in the oven. My stoneware pot is a very old Lecreuset, in brilliant orange. This was my grandmothers, my mother used it and now it's been passed down to me. I suppose that the 40-50 years of embedded cooking flavours helps my recipes!

Timing

Preparation time 20mins

Cooking time 45-60mins

Instructions

1. Firstly you'll need to brown the sausages in oil, over the hob
2. Evenly brown the sausages on all sides
3. Remove from the pot when coloured
4. Sprinkle with a little plain flour, this will help the sauce thicken
5. Slice the shallot onion and sauté in the same pot you browned the onions
6. Add the pancetta to the onions
7. Add some chilli flakes to taste, I recommend a pinch
8. Drain the lentils (if you remembered to soak them)
9. Add the lentils to the pot
10. I like to add some dry sherry and dry white wine, however the sherry is optional
11. I will usually add rather a lot of wine and let it boil out
12. Add the chicken stock and give it all a good stir
13. Finally add the sausages.
14. Place in the oven at around 150 degrees centigrade for 45-60 mins
15. You can turn the heat down and slow cook for added flavour and texture.

The Vintage Wedding Fair

With Christmas just around the corner, and winter, it's no surprise that Vintage Fairs are popping up left, right and centre across the UK. Vintage fairs are the perfect treasure trove to pick-up a beautiful individual gift with style and character.

The Vintage Wedding Fair, held in Chiswick is not quite tar targeting the Christmas rush, and by no means will you find some winter warmers, but if you are planning a vintage wedding this is the place to visit.

This fair has everything you will need when it comes to weddings, everything has been considered for you. From the obvious vintage wedding dress, whether you are needing that perfect dress, or whether you need a find nipped and tucked to fit. Perhaps you dress needs some additional lace, beads or bows, or simply you want those key accessories to match your outfit.

Then, the Vintage Wedding Fair brings you photographers and videographers, capturing your moments in the ideal setting with all the latest or oldest technology your heart could desire.

Hair and make-up, there are people to meet and help you, flowers and decorations, lots of inspiration and contacts available, tea and cakes again sample the variety of businesses ready to help make your wedding a decadent success, a choice of stationery, a selection of wedding favours to offer your guests, cars for the bride and bridal party.

Wow the list keeps going – wedding cakes, wedding decorations and table centre pieces, crockery and entertainment for your big day. It just won't stop giving.

This fantastic mix of wedding exhibitors have come from across the country to help Vintage brides make their Vintage wedding day come true. All that is left to do is find a beautiful location for your vintage honey moon – and perhaps a vintage fair for a vintage bathing suit!

A perfect day out for the bridal party and a variety of contacts to settle your nerves. This is perfect for any wedding happening in the next year.

Get down to Chiswick Town Hall this Sunday from 11am

Chiswick Town Hall

Heathfield Terrace,

Turnham Green, Chiswick,

London, W4 4JN

11pm-4pm Entry £5 on the Do

An Affordable Vintage Furniture Flea Fair

This weekend, Cambridge offers a real treat in Vintage fairs. A 1950's-1970's Vintage Furniture Flea Fair.

Judy Berger has developed 'The VintageFurniture Flea', organising affordable vintage fairs across the UK. The aim is to make vintage accessible to everyone, from first-time shoppers to keen buyers with the eye for a bargain.

Judy specialises in retro furnishings from the fifties to the seventies, and promises ceramics, bold prints and fabrics (my favourite) and many more exciting and signature pieces from the 1950's to the 1970's.

You may recognise the name, Judy Berger, she is also the mastermind behind 'The affordable Vintage Fair', fairs for fashion and fashion accessories. This fair is now available across 20 cities in the UK. Described as a 'relief from the high-street'.

'The Vintage Furniture Flea' makes vintage furniture affordable and accessible to all of us encouraging us to be unique with our home furnishings, furniture and more. It provides an alternative to cheap imitations and the mass production society that Ikea is dragging us towards.

This Saturday, 12^th of November, Cambridge will bring you the best of Mid-century Furniture and more. I recommend to look out for tea sets, and dining sets as these will have unique collectable prints that can liven a dinner table and a kitchen display. I will personally have my eye on bold prints, although fabrics of the period are not ideal for Marie V cushions.

Popular items will also include prints and illustrations, these are great to hang on walls and collect. Nick knacks, I don't have a better description for these, but everything from ashtrays to porcelain characters and more treasures to line-up on shelves and mantel pieces.

And finally, something I desire, but could never house, signature furniture pieces from chairs, sofas and sideboards. The polished woods are always beautiful, but the aesthetics would not blend well with my own home. But perhaps something for yours?

The Cambridge Guildhall

Guildhall Street

Cambridge

CB2 3NH

11am-5.30pm

Enjoy – Marie V

Competition Time

Marie V enjoys a competition, therefore it is time for a new give-away.

Become a fan of Marie V on Facebook and you will automatically be entered into a random prize draw competition.

All Facebook fans will be entered into the random prize draw to win Marie-Rachele.

Marie-Rachele is a beautiful vintage cushion made from vintage silk. The fabric was originally a silk scarf made from delicately woven silk yarn. The fabric was so delicate that it showed wear and tear.

Marie-Rachele will look stunning as a scatter cushion on a bed or sofa or beloved chair. The Royal Blue colour palette will suit all home décors and is soft to the touch.

Become a fan of Marie V, by 'Liking' the Marie V fan page and make sure you leave a lovely message on Facebook for Marie V to read!

Marie V will pick a name at random on December 1^st and will contact the winner to let them know they have won!

Competition closes December 1^st 2011

Marie V offers 35% off

To celebrate Marie V being online again I'm offering customers a 35% discount off everything online!

All my lovely vintage cushions, lavender pieces and lace frames have a 35% discount.

Enter the code below at the checkout to make sure you claim your 35% discount before you pay.

Code

MarieV35

The code will expire on the 7^th of November 2011 – so quick make sure you get your hands on a unique vintage handmade cushion before it disappears!

Marie V

A Second Beginning

A brand new Marie V site!

As many of you may have noticed Marie V has been inactive for a while, and much to my dismay I have had several 'technical difficulties'.

I wasn't happy with the site or the service the site provider was offering. I felt as an e-commerce site it wasn't able to offer competitive tools that other sites offered and as a customer the site was really not user-friendly and many of you sent some lovely emails trying to help me improve the site.

So I was able to use another provider with better tools geared toward e-commerce, but then that's when it became complicated.

In any case some lovely web guys were able to take everything under control and sorted everything this week. And Hurrah back online and, pardon the cliché, back in business!

I hope you'll find the site better to view the various products, offers to be enjoyed as well as a better link to the blog!

Happy browsing, but also I appreciate any further communications and advice you have for me!

Marie V

Marie V in Paris

I once again found myself surrounded by bustling Parisian life and unfortunately I had such limited time in Paris I was unable to source new fabrics. However, in the following weeks more fabrics will be arriving, so watch out for new products.

It was however a wonderful weekend filled with long, interesting days and glamorous evenings.

I found myself invited to the 'Ultra' catwalk held at the prestigious Place Vendome. Aside from the glamorous location, I wasn't prepared for the scale of the event. With over 700 people at the show, we found ourselves amidst beautiful French gardens in the heart of built-up Paris.

The entrance hallways were lined with floral displays caged in glass 'cloches'. And then the floral displays transformed into edible floral displays under the glass cloches, and then I realised I wasn't quite ready for this spectacle.

A superb line-up of contemporary finger foods were dotted around the gardens alongside several bars serving champagne; what else when in France? The finger foods were delicious, in particular a foie-gras rolled in filo-pastry and deep fried. The foie-gras inside was warm and melting.

The peak of the evening, at least this pre-show part of the evening, was a hollow sphere of chocolate filled with red berries and cream, showered with warm chocolate sauce. Not the easiest 'finger food,' chocolate balls were shooting across the Place Vendome. Wearing a white vintage dress I understood this chocolate ball would have to be avoided at all costs.

The Ultra fashion show was a catwalk celebrating lingerie and swimwear brands across the globes. Over 60 brands submitted hand-made prototypes inspired by travels across, Africa and further afield. Corsetry, lingerie and swimwear were styled with jewellery, lace, leather and millinery for a fabulous catwalk show. Top brands such as Cadolle corsetry to independent brands partook in the show.

The laces were inspiring, the delicate trims and intricate detailing of the laces have inspired me to collect further vintage laces and to incorporate these into my work, whether framed or simply as details on cushions we'll have to see how the design progresses.

Win Marie-Annette!

Marie-Annette is up for grabs.

We all love give-aways and this one is a real treat! The beautiful Marie-Annette, a silk cushion with a very sweet print of a pheasant amidst wild mushrooms, could be yours.

To be in with the chance to win Marie-Annette, simply show your support for Marie V by liking the Marie V facebook page. One facebook fan will be chosen at random.

The competitions closes on the 12^th of August 2011, where one lucky winner will be picked at random and contacted. Already a fan on facebook? You will automatically be entered into the prize draw. Make sure you share the competition with your friends and family.

Marie-Annette was originally a lovely vintage silk scarf. Due to some imperfections the scarf was unloved and has now been transformed into four original cushions each with a different scene of the print.

Marie-Annette needs a lovely home to feature in, so make sure you take part in this competition to re-home this beauty.

Good luck

Marie V

Marie-Lucie

This gorgeous Marie V cushion, now names Marie-Lucie, was commissioned by Jeanne Bertho, from Angers, France. Madame Bertho sent me this piece of fabric and asked me to create a simple cushion which could adorn her bed and join a variety of other white cushions and pillows. The story behind this rather intriguing embroidered fabric is as follows.

Madame Bertho worked for a Marquis and Marquise in rural France around thirty years ago. The couple lived a lavish lifestyle, they never desired children. The couple owned a stunning french 'petit chateau' amidst a very beautiful forest. The property was called 'Le Bouchet'. Today I believe it is a beautiful Bed and Breakfast.

The Marquis passed away and Madame Bertho along with her colleague named Lucie, became very close to the Marquise until she also passed away. Their relationship was very dear to the Marquise and near her death she donated much of her possessions to Lucie and Madame Bertho. 

With no children, the inheritance became of interest to other members of the remaining family. The will however, caused a great dispute amongst the family. Much of the Chateau's interiors was to be given to Lucie and Madam Bertho. As I understand it, in France, a certain percentage of family wealth has to be passed on to next of kin. A minimal percentage can be donated to non-family members.

In what became a gruelling battle between family members as well as Lucie and Madam Bertho, Madam Bertho left the battle with many many artefacts, cupboard fillers and nick knacks. There came a point in the argument where the family took control of the Property, locking Lucie and Madam Bertho out unable to claim their belongings. The battle would have been to costly to continue.

One of the many goods she was given were linen bedsheets. All the household linen was embroidered with the seal of 'Le Bouchet'. After all these many years, the linen sheets have become old, worn-through and often cut-up to make dusters and dishcloths. However the embroidered part was very dear to Madam Bertho, and she decided it would be nice to have it sitting upon her bed.

If you have fabrics, whether fashion or interior fabrics, that you'd like revamped into beautiful interiors, contact me!

Marie V

Marie V and the Golden Compasses

Mr M and myself decided it was times to leave the heat of the city and make way to the luscious British countryside. We have spent the weekend away visiting Farmer Giles in Somerset. We really did pass Farmer Giles' farm before reaching our wonderful cottage in the heart of the British countryside. As I understand it, this Farmer Giles specialises in Strawberries. En route to Tisbury, where our modern day compass directed us to, there were a variety of fruit sellers by the side of the busy main roads selling strawberries, cherries and other fruits. These mouthwatering gems were delicious and the recent sunshine has really added a vivid and succulent fruitiness to the fruits. We could have spent the weekend gorging on just berries!

We did, in the end, make way to The Compasses Inn in Tisbury. They offered us wonderful accommodation in the form of a 'granny chic' cottage with a burning stove. Although due to the thatched cottage roof, and the over eager birds nesting down the chimneys, we were asked to kindly sit and watch the stove without it blazing.

Above all, we experienced excellent pub grub using local free range produce and we have come away feeling rather satisfied. We have never tasted such succulent and flavoursome meats in the Uk. I strongly recommend the pub, and they strongly recommend booking a table, they are booked-up every evening.

The weather wasn't up to scratch, I imagine you may have noticed this too, but what can you expect from the British Summertime? Country lane walks, local galleries and low-ceiling pubs, we encountered them all under very wet weather. The British countryside has never looked so green and fertile and the motorways have never been so busy.

I didn't really get a chance to experience second hand shops as I would have liked, forgetting that nothing outside of London is open on a Sunday. However we both had a chance to revel at the warm bungalow cottage my grandparents live in. A mix of granny chic and modern day comforts, it is a welcoming and warming place to spend the afternoon.

Close by is the idyllic village of Mere, gorgeous boutiques, tiny one-room restaurants and thatch cottages a plenty. The difference between these pleasant, peaceful villages against the bustle of London is alarming. We've very much enjoyed the different landscapes and architecture as well as the calm, aside from the motorways. We also loved Stonehenge, a must when you're heading in the direction of Somerset. Just passing it on the A303 is enough to marvel at these neolithic stones of around 5000 years, especially during wet weather. In particular we're keen to find out more about the tumuli, or burial mounds, that surround the area. Who is buried beneath and what artefacts were found.

But enough for now, I'm off to finish the latest cushions which will hopefully be added to the shop this week. I hope your weekend was a good as ours.

Marie V.

The Vintage Fashion Fair

It's difficult to find a good vintage fair. Often they're held in obscure places you'd never really go to, it takes ages to get to and you find it's a dark and gloomy room filled with rather strange intimidating people.

Other occasions the vintage fair holds little else than people's second hand belongings that are just plain dull. So it can take it's toll scouring through listings for the perfect vintage event to attend.

However the Vintage Fashion Fair in Primrose Hill is the real deal. A perfect setting, especially in summer, with the park near by, and also a fabulous café downstairs to quench thirsts and hunger. The Vintage Fashion Fair has been going for years and events pop up around the year, with the seasons, and guarantees a variety of stall holders.

The fair boasts a variety of clothe stands selling pretty summer dress, denim shorts, fringed waist coats and much much more. There's even something for the men, as many men are becoming keener to be seen in something original and vintage. Mr M is considering attending, either that or is hoping I will restock his wardrobe with must-have pieces I inflict on him.

I personally enjoy riffling through bins for textiles as well as really worn garments that need my help transforming into beautiful soft furnishings. Everything from old left over textiles to scarves with beautiful prints. You'll find me elbow deep in the piles of textiles!

There will also be a variety of jewellery stands, swim suits stands, which I am very excited about and also the fabulous Nanna Sandom. Seamstress to the stars, or at least to vintage glamour pussys, Nanna Sandom can tailor, alter and repair any vintage garment. She has a huge amount of experience working with timely garments, knows the correct TLC to administer. No project is too big or to little. She will be at the fair welcoming any task so bring along pieces with you or take her services into consideration as you shop and find something that needs her TLC.

The Vintage Fashion Fair is held at Cecil Sharp House on the Regent's Park Road. Doors open at 11am this Sunday 5^th of June and with this glorious weather it promises to be a packed event so get there early.

It's a great family outing, or girls shopping spree and the stall holders know their stuff. I'll see you down there!

Marie V

Marie V and the Golden Age Scissors

I have been very fortunate to have been handed down these marvellous 'Golden Age Scissors'. Apparently these would have belonged to Great-Grandmother Marie V. A keen seamstress herself, these fabric shears appear to have never been used. Great-Grandmother Marie V would have been given these by Great-Grandfather Marie V. However these would have been so special to her, they were tucked aside for safe keeping.

In my family many items, such as these scissors, have a way of going missing for a great number of years and suddenly resurfacing. It explains how the box is in immaculate condition, just as the scissors are themselves. The steel blades are as sharp as if they had come out the factory yesterday. In fact on the box these steel blades are described as 'Razor-sharp inlaid stainless steel blades' and I am not denying that they are razor-sharp.

The box displays the scissors neatly sitting inside and state they are Sheffield Made. On the back, the box once again describes how the scissors are 'razor-sharp' and they have a spring bearing for 'easy action'. In particular I am looking forward to the 'new shaped bows' that 'will not crimp or bind fingers.

My hands are tiny, it's almost my signature, my feet and hands are child-like, but it creates a hassle in finding shoes, gloves and accessories like scissors that 'fit'. I am often left with knocked knuckles and cramps in my hand from overbearing scissors. The scissors fit beautifully, it seems a little like Harry Potter being chosen by his wand, these scissors have found me and chosen me.

Doing a little research online about Richards of Sheffield, the scissor manufacturers, I have found very little. Many scissors are available for purchase through ebay and similar vintage sites, yet most come without a box. Inside the box there is a little notice from the 'Good Housekeeping Institute' that 'If the product or performance is defective' then a replacement or refund will be issued.

Considering the amounts of fabric that are on their way to me, I am looking forward to putting these scissors into action. I hope that you will enjoy the precision cut fabrics of the Marie V soft furnishings!

Marie V The Launch Party

The Marie V launch party went off with a bang last Saturday evening. The evening was held at the illustrious Marie V head quarters. Party-goers were firstly shown the latest collection of Marie V soft furnishings then offered Gin and Tonics, wine or beer.

The food provided was sumptuous, a big thanks to the caterers. Starting with canapés of smoked salmon pate on French bread from France, none-the-less, and prawn vol-au-vents that were a big hit with the entire crowd. This was quickly followed by mini-pizzas of spinach, mozzarella and baby vine ripened tomatoes and some fantastic 'cheesy bites'.

The hit of the evening were the hand made cupcakes decorated in Marie V pink cream and icing. As the attendees gorged themselves on this feast and other nibbles they enjoyed a presentation of the Marie V collection. Head quarters was filled with oohs and ahhs as the crowd was impressed with the fabrics and the knitting.

The party carried on into the night with party-goers flowing into a near-by local pub. Further cupcakes appeared as if by magic, and drinks flowed into the early hours of Sunday morning.

The evening was a resounding success, with a turnout of many Marie V friends and family, Marie V fans as well as members of the press and new contacts.

Marie V would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone involved in the Marie V launch party including caterers and Mr M for putting together the presentation. I also like to thank everyone that took the time to attend and making this happen.

Marie V

New Fabric Arrives

Whilst Mr M and myself were in France I took the pleasure in abusing him with some fabric shopping. In his opinion this type of shopping is by far better than clothes shopping, as he can stand there blankly whilst I rummage. The downside of this type of excursion is that he is laden with all the bags of heavy fabric.

On this particular excursion I was very lucky to find some real gems. Although mostly not silk these cottons and other such fabrics are beautifully printed with various floral designs and some other a little more original.

I'm usually more at ease with working with fashion fabrics, I enjoy the unique fashion prints that can be applied to my soft furnishings which gives an additional unique style. However, these fabrics would sit well as interior décor fabrics and fashion fabrics. Slightly confusing.

In any case I am really looking forward to working with these fabrics and seeing what can be created. The majority of the fabrics I use are second hand, perhaps not fabrics that have been worn or already have a use, but fabrics that are off-cuts and the user no longer needs. It means many pieces are of strange sizes with uneven edges.

I enjoy laying out these off-cuts of fabrics and deciding what the best use will be for the fabric. Any of my own off-cuts will be used in small lavender cushions that can be found in the shop. That way there is very little fabric that gets disposed. Sometimes it is as simple as cutting the fabric in half, into quarters ectera, but other occasions I have to be a little more pragmatic in my approach and calculate how I will have the least waste.

Look out for the new pieces on the Marie V shop soon!

Marie

Azay Le Rideau

As many of you may be aware, my love of Paris and France is not just due to the sumptuous fabrics, antiquities and vintage pieces that are so readily available. I actually have roots in the Loire Valley, enabling me to have glorious holidays and breaks and obviously sample the worlds finest wines.

Recently Mr M and myself found ourselves on an escapade to the Chateau d'Azay-le-Rideau in the Chinon area. We were exceptionally lucky with the weather, the sunshine was dazzling, yet the poplar trees were malting their fine feather-like seedlings. They floated graciously across the skies and littered the ground like a thick layer of snow. It was rather remarkable how much there was of the feather-like seedlings.

The Chateau was stunning. It has a central exterior stairway, created 'to-be-seen'. The frame-like windows have no glass so the Chateau's inhabitants could be seen going about their day to day business, however in cold weather the inhabitants would have to brave this majestic staircase or use their servants spiral stairways. I can't imagine having to use the staircase in any weather less than warm sunshine. Additionally the added pressure of always looking your finest to use your own stairwell...

The interiors boasted some fine pieces including a leather chair with embossed leather dating from the early 18^thcentury. A striking four poster bed, rather narrow and extremely tall dominated a room. The upholstery was in mint condition. And finally an original tea set with floral print that was divine.

However it was the exterior of the Chateau that captured the public's hearts. Set within a small moat of clear green waters, the reflection of the castle on the waters was impressive. Furthermore a chorus of frogs in full mating mode sent visitors back to an age without cars, roads and general noise pollution. The grounds were impeccable as was the maintenance of the Chateau which dated back to the early 16^th century. 

Marie V

From the begining...

So the Marie V soft furnishings stems from a lifetime of interest in fabrics, sewing, textiles, fashion and bespoke furnishings. From a young age I knew that fashion and textiles would be my career path and now 'I'm doing it'.


From designing under designer's briefs, to designing from pending trends, it feels great to be able to design and make under my own direction. Using materials I source, vintage fabrics and creating one off pieces allows me to always be working on something new and personal and producing unqiue products.


It's a strange feeling to actually finally 'release' and 'display' my prodcts to the public. Due to the bespoke nature of the products it reflects alot about Marie V. However, the outlook is positive. The Marie V launch party on the 7th of May will reveal the entire collection to those who can bare to join me for a few drinks.

Due to my personal interest and experience in fashion as well as interiors, the Marie V blog will not just be about soft furnisings and interiors.

Thank you for taking the time to be a part of Marie V and I look forward to the forth coming future.

Marie V