This month’s action packed style-fest kicks off with the best events that allow you to throw some shapes and spend your little hearts out at the same time. Spring is in the air and people must be opening their closets as the first weekend in April brings with it a veritable deluge of vintage fashion events. Prepare yourself for an east end vintage marathon. Less make do and mend, more go out and spend…

For starters, and I didn’t really want to mention this one, check out London’s Affordable Vintage Fair - Saturday 4th April, The Fym Fyg Bar, 231 Cambridge Heath Road, Bethnal Green E2 OEL 11.00 – 16.00. Apart from stalls jam packed with bargains and vintage by the kilo, it will also include Lady Luck’s Pop-Up Tea Shoppe which features tables dressed from different eras, so if rummaging is not your thing then you can at least sit pretty and look at the part. QueensOfVintage.com will be bringing Forties pin-up model Fleur de Guerre, offering free vintage hair and beauty make-overs.



If you are beginning to feel like its time to move on from a cup of builders to the Long Island iced tea, then put on one of those bargains and hot foot it to this months’ Jumble and Pearls - Saturday 4th April at Albert and Pearl, 181 Upper Street, Islington N1, 12.00 - 17.00 FREE. Willow, Jacquilina and Rosalia bring you their monthly shopping extravaganza, promising fresh hoards of quality vintage and designer clothing for both men and women. This month features a very rare alternative DJ set from Paul Barkworth (SB White), all washed down by the best cocktails and cuppas in town served by experts at Albert and Pearl. For up to date news check out their facebook group.

For that very same day I have also managed to sniff out a private Vintage themed events in a secret location in darkest Dalston! When the invite tumbled into my in-box, I got all excited for you dear readers, until I was told it was by invite only. However, there is a way of getting in and that’s by e-mailing the crew at saving.lace@gmail.com with you name and numbers of guests, and then by magic they will reply with the address. If you ain’t on-list, you ain’t going in so get typing. Emma, one of the organisers gave me the inside scoop: ‘it’s a fun evening based around the sale of vintage samples, casual/street wear, collected during the 80's and 90's, clothes presented on catwalk which people can then try on and buy at affordable prices. There will be DJ’s and music until 3, stylish lounge, funky people, plenty of glamour’. Saturday 4th April from 8 till late at a secret location in Dalston.

I have always fancied turning my home into a bit of a baroque palace, but until I move out of someone’s basement and into Versailles palace I am sticking to chintz – not enough height for a chandelier, I’m afraid. I will none the less be checking out Baroque 1620-1800: style in the age of magnificence at the V&A (until 19th July) opens on the 4th April . This new style extravaganza will showcase the most opulent styles of the 17th and 18th Century. As well as furniture, tapestry and portraits, the exhibition also takes a look at Baroque Theatre and Performance.



Now this I am very excited about: Alternative Arts presents East London’s major fashion event – Alternative Fashion Week. 20 - 24 APRIL 2009 at Spitalfields Traders Market, Crispin Place, Brushfield St, London E1 (Liverpool St Station) Free. Billed as the only event where all the best new designers are to be discovered, AFW provides a genuine alternative for them to present their work directly to the press, public and the fashion industry. Over 70 virtual unknowns have been selected this year. As well as the best home grown talent designers from Italy, Croatia, Sweden, Finland and the USA who will be bringing exciting new designs to the capital. Fourteen different designers will show each day. Original and recycled textiles are a major feature and there is an emphasis on environmental awareness and ethical sourcing. Hurrah! There will be daily fashion shows starting at 1.15pm The fashion market that surrounds the catwalk from (11am to 5pm each day) will soon swallow up the last of those.

Meanwhile, on another note… I have been told off for not incorporating a few of my own projects so here goes:

I gave my favorite Parisian style analyst Mademoiselle Robot a make over - check out our skills (clickety-click) and how pretty she looks!



CATHERINE A.D. has borrowed some of my dresses for her forthcoming video. The video is for her next single, produced by Bernard Butler and is being filmed in Carlise next week (to be released in July). Keep an eye on the music channels and TopShop tv in the coming weeks to see it! Catherine is currently working on her gloom-lifting debut album to be released later this year and preparing to play Great Escape and Latitude Festival. Click through to hear more and to buy her recent ribbon-wrapped, Radio 2 & Steve Lamacq-loved single 'Carry Your Heart'.

BLOG OF THE MONTH

Jeanne's blog features a mix of vintage and modern designer clothing and accessories from the closets of fashionistas worldwide and all items are for sale on her blog.

Call for books and tweed!!

The clever people behind Bourne and Hollingsworth are turning their skills to a new venue, the Swan and Edgar, opening in Marylebone in April. Before this happens they need a little help. They are inviting Londoners to contribute to its unique design features and be a part of their city's drinking history by donating.... books and tweed. This new venue will feature a bar made entirely of books and chairs covered in said materials and they need donations make this happen.

The Swan & Edgar,
43 Linhope Street,
London,
NW1 6HL

Or drop off packages to:

Bourne and Hollingsworth
28 Rathbone Place
London, W1T 1JF

Next month: the great outdoors, how to do eco fashion and the very best in events and exhibitions.