Vintage Fair Comes to Cardiff

: Image courtesy of TheVintageFair.com

If you’re craving a more unique shopping experience this season, why not try sourcing your autumn wardrobe from one of the UK’s largest vintage fairs? On 28 October, over 50 stalls will come together in Cardiff City Hall for The Vintage Fair.

The fair will be selling clothing from the 1940s to 1980s, handmade and reworked fashion, homeware and collectables. To complete the retro experience, there will also be a vintage hair and beauty parlor, a tea party with cupcakes, and singers to provide a suitable soundtrack.

‘We’re very much looking forward to arriving in Cardiff,’ says Loulou Glover, the fair’s creator. ‘Many of the traders at our event are local to the area, which just goes to show what a fashionable lot Cardiff folk are!’

If you’re looking for year-round vintage shopping, Cardiff has some of the best second-hand shops around.

Vintage Zizou
This gem of a shop is distinctly affordable, stocking gorgeous, hand-picked items that rarely cost over £30. If you need to take a break from rummaging through this Aladdin’s cave of clothing, accessories and jewellery, you can always pop to the brilliant Coffee Barker cafe directly opposite.

I-Claudius Clothing
Although at first glance I-Cladius appears to be a fancy dress shop, albeit a very good one, it’s also home to a lesser-known lower floor full of vintage goodies. Plus, if your bargainous buys don’t quite fit, the shop also has an in-house tailor – genius.

Oxfam Boutique
An Oxfam shop with a difference, this boutique is instantly recognisable from its big metal bow doorhandles. Be warned, this one isn’t cheap – the designer fare often commands a high price – but the good quality and cause is worth a bit more of your hard-earned money.

Jacob’s Antique Market
Hidden behind Cardiff Central Station, this distinct red-brick building is a veritable treasure trove of vintage homeware. With four floors and over thirty stalls, Jacob’s sells everything from furniture and bespoke lighting to antique medals, comics and clothing. Put aside an afternoon for this one!

Hobo’s
No guide to vintage in Cardiff would be complete without mentioning Hobo’s. This hugely popular shop specialises in retro clothing, kitsch gifts and accessories. Although it’s hidden away in one of Cardiff’s maze-like arcades, you’d be hard-pressed to miss it – it’s bright orange!

city hall, Shopping, Vintage