All the Fun of the Fair

A good time was had by all at the last Real Vintage Fair at the Hexagon on 3rd March.

This was the 3rd event hosted by the Hexagon and each time it just gets bigger and better with more stalls and more activities for all the family to enjoy.

We thought you might like to see a few piccies of the day from the Frock&Roll family album.

There were some very special performances adding to the nostalgic atmosphere. The 'Bombshells' set the tone with hits from the flirty 40s and fabolous 50s.



Then 'All Jazzed Up' showed everyone their impressive Lindy Hop & Charleston routines which led the way for some impulsive moves on the dance floor by some of the shoppers!

With around 20 Stalls in the auditorium, showcasing an array of clothing, jewellery, china, collectables, some very important browsing and shopping was done with ease, whilst enjoying the music. There was also a retro 80s buffet (cheese & pineapple, anyone?) and cream teas provided in the foyer so as to sustain shoppers for the full day. 

All in all it was a rather super day with a great opportunity to pick up a unique piece or an unforgettable, unlike any other gift.

We met some gorgeous people so, “wotcha!” to all that came over for a chin wag and a chat…you know who you are!

We’re already looking forward to the next fair. Our dedicated news hound has sniffed out the latest word on the street and rumour has it that there will be a roller disco at the next event so keep your eyes peeled on http://www.readingarts.com/ or here on the blog for dates and info.

Love Frock&Roll

ps. We are at the the Reading Vintage Fair this Sunday if you fancy popping by.

Striking a pose with...Zara King

We are very happy indeed to bring you the first of many interviews that step into the minds of local people involved in vintage and fashion (daahhling) and basically have a jolly good rummage.

To launch this feature in style is one of our favouritist bloggers; the talented, gorgeous and oh-so fabulous Zara King - born and bred Reading beauty and author of The Style Hideaway blog.

Name: Zara King
Age: 23
Occupation: Fashion PR & Blogger

 Spill the beans on your blog
I started my blog during the summer of 2009.  It was with the intention of posting various university projects as an online showcase, however it has transformed slowly over time into a more personal place; a digital diary or journal where I express my thoughts and feelings and share with others what I find truly inspirational or interesting. It contains a real mixture of items I like, articles I have written, fashion trends and uni research. Vintage is a main feature of my blog which related directly to my final major project and is now a firm hobby/obsession. 

 So where did the title of your blog The Style Hideaway come from?
The name was developed from when I was young and I used to make homemade dens and retreats at my Gran’s house, which backs onto woods, and I would surround myself with all the things I love, hence my blog represents the style hideaway!

 You're such a busy bee, what else are you working on?
Currently I’m working as a PR/ marketing assistant to Anita Bott who owns and runs Anita's Vintage Fashion Fairs in London, who has hosted successful fairs in both Battersea and Notting Hill for over 8 years.  The fairs have a prestigious reputation and attract many famous people from the fashion industry: designers, magazine editors, stylists, models and celebrities. They are known for showcasing the very best in vintage clothing, accessories, jewellery and textiles dating from 1800 to the 1980’s. 

We have recently attracted some great press including a nomination for The Vintage Guide to London, Best of 2011 Awards and recommendations from both Time Out and Grazia Magazine.

I am also currently assisting with research for a creative arts fashion tutor, who is the author of a forthcoming fashion book, which includes interviewing influencial designers and producing case studies on these people.


If you weren't in the fashion industry, what would you be doing?That is a hard one indeed. It is all I have ever imagined doing since I was 12. Perhaps I would have been an artist. I sold a painting I did once while in school so maybe if I had more confidence in that side of my ability I may have pursued that direction.   


Most remarkable achievement to date?
Gaining my 1st class honours degree. I could actually put BA (Hons) after my name if I like, hehe. 

I was also honoured to have been asked to participate and feature in Volt Magazine: Volt Original Icons. A wonderful shoot, surrounded by iconic, strong and successful women; from the beautiful Gemma Cairney, to musically talented Misty Miller and alluring model Daphne Selfe to name but a few. The feature celebrates iconic women and the inspiring nature of such individuals.


How would you describe your unique style?
Adaptive.

It changes all the time. I don't think my clothes or style are particularly distinctive, but I do adapt my look depending on my mood and situation to what I feel comfortable in.  I guess I have always liked to change my look and can one day be wanting to dress quite biker-ish with a leather jacket and All Saints tee, to the next feeling a bit more well 'vintagie'. Since delving into the world of vintage and what it has to offer - uniqueness, quality and nostalgia - I must say it has been slowly creeping into my everyday wardrobe, with my growing love for vintage bags and accessories. 


Do you have a favorite era and why?
1920's. I love the gamine look and have always had a passion for the elegance and drop waist style of the twenties. If I could live in another era that would be it - I would just need the figure to pull off those beautiful flapper style dresses. 


If you were a dress describe yourself?
This is a good question... a dress? Ok, a dress I would love to be would have to hark back to my favourite era; a beautiful silk chiffon beaded twenties dress... but realistically I probably would be more represented by an empire line dress of some sort.


Have you any shopping tips or style secrets?
Shopping tips: Always look behind the clothes on the front of the rail... you never know what treasures are hiding behind. 

Style secrets: hmmm... customisation is key - do not be afraid to cut tops, spray paint shoes and add new buttons onto jackets or coats. 

Probably the best tip I have ever heard and one I still use today (well maybe not today in the rain and cold!) is when you do get round to donning your 'summer' sandals... to stop any rubbing in the heat on a long day rub Vaseline into your feet before you put them on - it really does work!!


Thanks to Zara for giving us such a generous insight into her life and loves. We can't see any darn good reason for this lady to hideaway. No siree! 

Blog: http://the-style-hideaway.blogspot.com/
Website: http://www.zaraking.com/
Twitter: @Zara_K 

Love Frock&Roll

Mad as a March Hare

`Have some wine,' the March Hare said in an encouraging tone.
Alice looked all round the table, but there was nothing on it but tea. `I don't see any wine,' she remarked.
`There isn't any,' said the March Hare.

Well, howdy doody!

Fair thee well January blues, be gone gloomy February. Phew, March is here at last. Feels like we've turned a corner doesn't it; blue skies beckon. Yippeee!

The birds are a cheaping and a chirping, the buds are starting to nose their way through and a certain jauntiness can be detected in the step of the dapper folk of 'ding. It can only mean one thing - it is time to cheer in (cue the stringing of bunting, flag waving, general hoorays and enthusiastic clapping) the coming of spring.

Spring always awakens a wish to put away our cosy browns and snuggily soft greys etc and to head for the wardrobe for a bit of pepping 'n' sprucing up with bright, fresh colours, patterns and fabulous textures; all in original style.


Red and yellow and pink and green...I can sing a rainbow

So what better way for the cool cats of Reading to browse for sparks of inspiration or bagsie it's-got-my-name-on-it bargains, to see you through the sunshiney days or even those in-between days, than to head to the Real Vintage fair at the Hexagon this Saturday, the 3rd of March. This is the third fair of its kind to blow the trumpet for all things vintage from the 1920's through the thoroughly modern 1980's. Frock&Roll will be there as usual, from 12 - 6, with a stall crammed full of an eclectic mix of vintage and retro bags, brooches, hats, scarves, shirts, shoes, belts, skirts and of course frocks.

If you're popping in swing by for a chat.

Happy shopping!

Have a lovely weekend.   Love Frock&Roll