Kinky Hits The High Street

I'm not much a fan of the Great British High Street, the same old chains, mass-produced, questionably-made products, the hard sell, racks and racks of uninspiring stuff, nothing that deviates from the norm....but that was until I visited Blighty Bazaar.

An emporium of the finest of true vintage and quality crafts from over 90 independent retailers, situated in the heart of the beautiful Georgian town of Leamington Spa. 

Each business has its own space, decorated and stocked in a style to reflect their business.

Everywhere you look there's treasure, plaster poodles, 1950s kitchen units, vintage toys, pottery, china, glassware, exquisite vintage clothing, suitcases, retro furnishings, handmade cards and gifts...

There's even a tea room complete with piano and the most genius re-purposing of Tate & Lyle tins into sugar bowls.

and a mini salon specialising in hairstyles with a vintage vibe.

1970s Ronald Joyce maxi (birthday present from my dear friend Claire) worn with rainbow wooden beads (handmade by the gorgeous Tania)

And I'm delighted to announce that Kinky Melon are now part of Blighty Bazaar!

We have a 4 x 4 square metre pitch, conveniently situated right next to the salon, crammed with everything from vintage menswear, 

vintage womenswear, 

accessories, homewares and furniture.

We set up shop early on Tuesday morning, managing to sell a few bits as soon as the shop opened.

and popped back today to tweak our display and buy a birthday present (how cool to get everything from the card, the wrapping and the gifts all under one roof whilst supporting three small businesses!)

Talking of high-end crafts, look at the pendant Em made me for my birthday. Isn't it gorgeous? My Christian friends in Goa will think I've gone over to their side.

1970s polka dot maxi (£1, Cancer UK), denim waistcoat ( lovely Lucy), pendant & earrings (the fabulous Em)

At the start of the week I had a list as long as my arm to get sorted and all that's left is to go out and celebrate my birthday in style (a week late) without the need to get up at the crack of dawn to set my pitch up - its already up and doing the work for me!

Have a bosting weekend.

PS We'll be trading at fairs and festivals again in Spring 2014, hopefully Blighty should provide us with an income over the lean winter months. The bazaar is staffed so we'll just be popping in with fresh stock and to tweak our displays every week or so.