VINTAGE FAIRS

In the current economic climate it is exceedingly difficult for businesses to survive, never mind opening a new one. However, one person who dreams of opening a Vintage clothing store is the founder of Lemon and Ginger Vintage, Nicole Cobbs. Nicole has had to compromise because of financial constraints and luckily she has found the perfect solution... Vintage fairs. 

Vintage Bazaars; cheap, fun, and addictive

Nicole started doing fairs when she finished university in Brighton because she had a lot of vintage clothing she didn't wear. She said: "I did one fair, really enjoyed it, and just carried on buying stuff really. It's quite addictive." And that's where Lemon and Ginger Vintage all started, "I chose the name Lemon and Ginger because I love lemon and ginger tea and I also dye my hair ginger, I was having a cup of tea one day and thought the name was quite cute."

Quirky name... Quirky clothing...

Lemon and Ginger Vintage Canterbury Bazaar in 2011

Although her dream is to open a shop, she admits that because of the recession that dream will have to wait for a while. She told Fashion for less: "I still eventually want to open a shop. Unfortunately, this is quite an expensive dream and in the current economic climate it is quite risky, so I plan to carry on with the fairs and markets and see how it goes." 

Cheap shoes? So we can buy five pairs instead of one right?

Nicole believes that not only have vintage fairs helped her during the recession because they cut the costs of running an actual store, but the fact that she only sells vintage has factored in as well. Vintage clothing is becoming more and more popular and Nicole feels this is because people want to stand out and put their own stamp on what is fashionable. "In 2012 we don't really have 'a look' in comparison to the 40s, 60s, and 80s, so I think it's fun to recreate past fashions and combine all sorts of eras together. We live in a time where anything goes and vintage fashion enables us to make the most of that," she said. 

There's no need to fork out money for rent, electricity, gas etc, in a courtyard! 

Emulate past fashion eras

Nicole believes that Lemon and Ginger Vintage is different from other companies selling vintage because she sells her stock at low prices. "Vintage used to be cheap but these days most vintage shops charge way over what it's worth... I try to keep my prices low because that way it's a fairer sale. I think if you buy cheap, you should sell cheap."

Fashion for less enjoyed rummaging around the £2 trunk at the latest Lemon and Ginger Vintage fair

So if you're looking for a true vintage bargain then head to the next Lemon and Ginger Vintage fair, which will take place in Canterbury on the 28th January. The location is yet to be announced but if you keep an eye on their Facebook page you'll find it on there. 

See you there fashionistas! 

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VINTAGE STORE OPENS IN CANTERBURY

'Vintage Warehouse' is a unique retro and vintage clothing store which has recently opened in Canterbury. It is like no other in the city; the clothes are individual, the shop is brimming with personality, and the experience is a treasure.

Promo clip for Vintage Warehouse

In the current economic climate it is often hard to stay fashionable whilst on a budget, luckily vintage clothing offers a way to make this easier. It is becoming exceedingly popular because items are one of a kind, fashion-forward, and generally very cheap in price. The goods on offer at Vintage Warehouse certainly reflect this criteria, ranging in price from around £10 to £25.

Vintage Warehouse offers a range of diverse retro clothing

The store also sells a selection of shoes and accessories 

The shopping experience itself is a delight, you feel like you're walking into a fashionista's closet from the 60s or 70s. The quirky old building and funky dressing room all add to the personality of the store, and the clothes are as intriguing as the little shop itself.

The building personifies the old-school clothing being sold inside 

Fashion for less gives you a peak inside the exciting store

The owner of the store, Bobby Harvey, individually sources all the retro and vintage stock from warehouses in London and Barnsley. Each item is chosen with care and consideration and that is evident by the diverse and exclusive selection on offer.

Retro denim hot-pants are one of many popular items in store

Try on clothes in the funky retro dressing room 

It is obviously a huge risk opening a business in the recession, yet Harvey says business has started well and he feels it is because he offers something different by selling 'real' vintage. 

Harvey explains what sets Vintage Warehouse apart...

Click here to check out the Vintage Warehouse Facebook page.

View Vintage Warehouse in a larger map

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