The Judy' Vintage Trader Awards

Yesterday was a fun day.  Old Spitalfields Market teamed up with Judy's Affordable Vintage Fair to host the market's first ever Vintage Trader Awards. Celebrating the creativity and enthusiasm for the vintage-scene, stalls were judged in several categories by the vintage-loving public who voted by ballot slip for their favourite vintage vendors:

- ‘The Audrey Award’ for most fashionable stall
- ‘The Eames Award’ for furniture stall worth applauding
- ‘The Make-do-and-Mend Award’ for best use of craft and up-cycling
- ‘The Quant Award’ for best vintage brand
- ‘The People’s Choice Award’ for overall favourite stall
- ‘The Digital Thumbs Up Award’ for blogger’s favourite stall

Myself and Vintage Lifestyle blogger Gemma (above) from Retrochick UK were invited by the team behind the awards to judge and select the 'Digital Thumbs Up' Award - the Vintage blogger's favourite choice. (Yes - we got to wear sashes, tote clipboards and look very important!)

We were looking for stalls that best represented Vintage, had great branding and marketing and great customer rapport.

Well, it was a tough job! We met so many great traders, all of whom are so passionate about the Vintage scene. There was a great variety of beautiful stock and following the Judy's ethos - at affordable prices.

Some stand-out favourites for me were:

Frock'n'Roll Faves:

Love Inc Ltd which, as their facebook page proclaims, had 'simply beautiful stuff'! Love Inc Ltd sells simply beautiful vintage and retro stuff. Vintage linens, retro fabric, mid-century camping/home accessories, miss-matched china from £1, West-German vases, curious ornaments, vintage and retro toys, books and puzzles. I loved the layout of this stall and the careful selection of items for display. Merchandising was gorgeous. The Love Inc Ltd brand is understated vintage chic with a great eclectic feel - combining home decor from different eras. 10% of their profit goes to Hospice in the Weald which is fantastic. Go follow them on Facebook here!  

I Heart Vintage - billed as being 'for people who heart vintage homewares for their nest, fabulous florals and unique shabby chic'. Rebecca's display of homeware treasure drew me right in! The branding and selection of items on sale is just bang on - beautiful, nostalgic shabby chic. I adored the selection of childhood-nostalgia items. (After the awards were finished I must admit I headed back to this stall and purchased a small family of plastic deer for the Pudding's bedroom). I love the online shop, the etsy page, and the facebook page which is regularly updated with new treasure.

Betty Lou's Bakery - delicious cupcakes baked by the beautiful Betty Lou - who really embodies her brand!

 

The Green Suitcase Company: who hand craft unique furniture and home decor to 'add drama to the home'! I loved the lampshades and cushions, made using vintage furniture. I especially loved how each product has a little story showing you where it originated from. (I totally wanted the Charles & Diana lampshade but couldnt smuggle something that big past my hubby). Go like them on facebook here!

Best Of The Rest:

Pearly Queen Boutique - lovely vintage-inspired aprons and cute capes (perfect for Autumn!) See their etsy shop!

Harper And Eye - A great selection of pre-loved vintage clothes from all decades. Something for everyone here and a great spirit and enthusiasm! Like them on Facebook!

Magpie's Attic - gorgeous brooches and accessories to give any outfit a bit of vintage glamour.

Spoiled Fox - beautiful kimonos made to a vintage 70s pattern from new materials. 

After visiting every stall we headed off to a wonderful lunch laid on by the delicious Crepe Affair (Oh my goodness, you have to try the goat's cheese crepe 'Le Goat' - heavenly!) to discuss our shortlist and pick a winner.

We had three firm favourites from the day. Our two runners up were fantastic stalls where we loved the selection of products they offered and felt that the stall owners had a real passion for what they were selling:

Madam Fi Fi Presents: Madame Fi Fi embodies her whole brand - she has great personality and a great selection of vintage items. Sadly there is no online presence: We want to follow you on facebook, Madame Fi Fi!

The Old Homestore: Julie's stall had one of the best collections of post-war vintage homeware that I've seen in a long time. Julie explains that she often makes sourcing trips to America to find her wonderful stock. She exhibits at several locations and makes careful consideration to tailor the items on sale for each fair she visits, resulting in a concise collection that is a joy to look through.  Again, The Old Homestore really needs an online presence - we want to look on your facebook page and find out where else you are exhibiting!

THE WINNER:

(drrrrrrrrumrollllllllllllllll...)

A big congratulations to REBECCA JADE'S VINTAGE

Both Gemma and I loved Rebecca Jade's stall - we found it small and perfectly formed! The selection on offer was considered and beautiful - it didnt feel too crowded so it was a pleasure to browse through. Her brand logo was clearly displayed in a cute frame above the stall and the graphics and logo was followed through on her pricing, labels, business cards etc, giving the whole package a memorable stamp. We would remember her and want to visit again! Follow her on Facebook or shop online at the etsy store.

Here is Rebecca with her prize: Two free stalls in the next 12 months plus Market Vouchers to spend where she likes (and most importantly she got her own red sash! Woop woop!)

A big well done to everyone and a thanks to the team at Old Spitalfields Market & Judy's Affordable Vintage Fair for giving us a fun day out.

Here are some more picture of the day - be sure to visit the next Judy's - every first Saturday at Spitalfields Old Market.