Monday 11 September 2017

Kinky Boots - A Weekend At London's Classic Car Boot Sale


Talk about a rude awakening! On Saturday morning, the alarm went off at 3am and, less than an hour later, we were on the road, knees draped in blankets (Gilbert's heating system is non-existent) heading towards Kings Cross, the destination for Hemingway Design's Classic Car Boot Sale in London.


Gerardine, Wayne Hemingway's wife, greeted us and directed us to our pitch. We parked Gilbert, popped his top, unloaded our stock and in less than an hour we were set up.

Lyndsey & Steve of Boomerang Vintage & Retro's fabulous stall

Freshly brewed mug of tea in hand we spent an enjoyable hour catching up with the other vintage traders, many of whom we hadn't seen since before the festival season, whilst awaiting the Classic Car Boot Sale to open to the public.


Lyndsey and I left the boys to it and went for a look round before the hoards arrived. Not only was there some incredible stuff to buy but the cars, location and the people were rather splendid to look at, too.


As you know, I dress the way I do all the time. When I've worn the psychedelic Ricci Michaels of Mayfair number I wore on Saturday in Walsall I don't think anybody batted an eyelid, but the number of people in London commenting on my outfit and asking if they could take my photo (& the many more who did it surreptitiously) was utterly mad. If I'd have charged a fee I'd have gone home a rich woman. 







We sold a groovy 1960s Crimplene shift dress to this super cool Mod mum & daughter. They're fellow traders and regular visitors to our pitch when we trade in London. 


This beautiful teenager is a model and insisted to wearing the Barbie pink catsuit she bought from us for the rest of the day.


The boss, Wayne Hemingway. I've been a fan ever since I saw him chatting to Terry Wogan about reselling the second hand clothes he'd bought at jumble sales (back than vintage was only used to describe wine) back in the early 1980s when I was a teenager doing the same thing. We never did get to speak - maybe next time.


Mother of Reinvention blogger, aka the truly fabulous Kelly, dropped by to say hello on her way to the Grayson Perry exhibition. She brought me a fantastic tribal belt.


At 6pm, after locking our stock away in Gilbert for the night, we started the ten minute walk towards our budget guest house stopping off at a cool looking Greek restaurant on the way.  Dinner was delicious but, with a couple of pints of pale ale each, ended up costing more than our accommodation. At £6.50 a pint if we lived in London we'd have to go teetotal. 


After collapsing into bed on Saturday night at 9pm, the following morning we strolled back towards Kings Cross relaxed and refreshed in the glorious September sunshine. We unpacked Gilbert and while I set up for a second day of trading Jon cooked veggie sausage sandwiches & brewed coffee- the joys of campervan ownership!


Sunday's weather forecast had looked pretty iffy all the week but although the predicted rain didn't set in until late afternoon, the early morning sunshine had disappeared behind the clouds and the strong wind made the day feel really chilly (and a freak gust shattered our full length mirror into a billion pieces). By the time we opened I was back in my suede coat.



The regulars had told us that trade would be brisk on Sunday but - possibly due to the predicted weather and several events going on elsewhere in London - business was rather slow, although trade was helped a little by a visit from a regular foreign buyer who always hunts us down when we're in London.




 I'm pretty useless at recognising famous faces but knew these two immediately, British actors Martin Freeman....


And his mate Jason Watkins, who I loved in Line of Duty and Taboo (sadly no sign of Tom Hardy). I couldn't believe it when they popped over to chat to us.


After I'd gone for another look around with Lyndsey, Martin Freeman came back, introduced himself to Jon and spoke with him for a bit longer.



How fabulous are Tina (in the jumpsuit) and Lucy? I was thrilled to see quite a few women (and men) sporting psychedelic era clobber - usually it's all 1940s and 1950s types at vintage events. 


Faye popped by to say hello, she reads my blog. Don't she and husband Jamie make a stunning couple? 


We had a fantastic time, met some brilliant people, smiled for photos until our faces froze and spent far too much of our takings on stock. The dining room table behind me is currently hidden under a mountain of clothing - in fact, not so much a mountain than an archive, with dresses dating from the 1930s through to the early 1970s. 

See you next April, Kings Cross!

Courtesy of Yotam Kellner
That's it for a fortnight - our Autumn fair season kicks off on 1st October (click HERE to find out where to find us for the rest of 2017). Let the charity shop shopping and Wetherspoons all-dayers commence!

Linking to Patti & the gang for Visible Monday.

Some incredible professional photos of the event HERE and HERE.

67 comments:

  1. Holy crap!!!!!!! Everyone looks freakin' incredible!!!!!!!!!! In every dang pic!!!!!!!

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  2. Er mah gawd!!!!
    I had that same Barbie pink catsuit when I was 10 yrs old in 1976- only mine was red, white & blue for the US bicentennial!!! I wore it with my white vinyl go-go boots. (I had go-go boots in red, white, blue, & black) Scratchy polyester & you had to strip to pee.
    Anywho, London looks fab! Vintage cars & clothes galore. I can't even remember what it's llike to be cold enough to need a blanket in the car.
    xox, your parboiled friend in Nepal- Bibi

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    1. We all dressed in red, white and blue in 1977 - the Queen's Silver jubilee!
      Got to love a catsuit! That beauty was mine for a few years but it was good to see it going to such a stunning new owner! xxx

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  3. Looks like a fun but chilly weekend. Always fun when a celeb stops by...he had to meet the famous Kinky Melon duo! Enjoy the next couple of slower weeks hunting for new stock but not having to get up at 3am

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    1. The 3am get up was the only downside - we might book a hotel for the night before next time, bugger the expense! We ain't getting any younger. xxx

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  4. Wow this gig looks so cool! Be still my beating heart...a Citroen DS! Love the sharp haircut of the mod girl, the catsuit of the gorgeous teen and the SAMU ambulance.(?) Your pitch looks utterly splendid, Gilbert too. London is insanely expensive which is why I'm not up there too often...£6.50 for a pint! Geez. Recognised Wayne, (he did an interiors programme at one time that I watched) and the actors, nice that they stopped to chat. Enjoy your well earned rest and 'Spoons sesh. xxx

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    1. I thought of you as soon as that Citroen pulled in! It was my favourite although the ambulance came a close second - it was for sale, I didn't dare ask the price.
      I wasn't sure if it was Wayne at first, I thought he'd be taller! xxx

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  5. I'd definitely stop and ask to take your photo!
    I wonder, how much of it is the way you and Jon dress, or the way you LOVE doing what you do? I'm sure the good, happy vibes draw people to you.

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    1. Either that or my mad grin scares people off! Funny how Martin Freeman came back for a chat after I'd left my pitch! xxx

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  6. Oh that was exciting, I loved it all especially as I'm reading your post on a naff wet and windy day.
    I've been a fan of Wayne Hemingway for a long time, he's a straight talker who doesn't pander to anyone.
    How fabulous that people were taking your photograph so much. You'll be selling signed pics next xxx

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    1. It was such fun! Mingling with the celebs and being treated like a film star, it won't change me, honest! xxx

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  7. You look fantastic, I'm not surprised everyone wanted a photo.
    Pub prices in London always leave us broke too, nightmare!
    It looks like a crazy, fun weekend.
    Enjoy the breather before your Autumn season starts. xxx

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    1. Thank you! Not sure about a breather, it's been a non-stop, charity shopping, washing and stockroom organising whirlwind since Monday! xxx

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  8. you do the best fairs ever!
    sitting here in deep province i love to read your adventures with kinky melon! all the cars look fantastic and so much cool dressed people in one spot. did you check out facebook/insta for the pics of you?
    enjoy the slow down! xxxxx

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    1. We are lucky!
      I've seen some of the Facebook photos and managed to find one of Martin Freeman chatting to us on Instagram! xxx

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  9. This looks so much fun (I love vintage vehicles), maybe I will get to it next year as it is a train journey I could manage. Lovely to see your followers and their own fabulous outfits, although you trumped them all of course with your lovely psychedelic outfit.

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    1. It's absolutely brilliant, I can see why it's such a popular event! xxx

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  10. What a weekend! I love that you do London as well as the rural destinations. Bring a little civilization to the big city.

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    1. I know, country estates one week, the big city the next...never a dull moment in the wonderful world of vintage! xxx

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  11. Always an adventure, I love reading about all of your fairs. London is a different world isn't it, we're not rich enough to drink there either!! X

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    1. Thank you! I know, £6.50 a pint. It's £1.80 here! Different world! xxx

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  12. whoa, I think I'm having a flashback. I can even hear the music. Too much fun, except for the working part. Hope you did well.

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    1. Utterly brilliant fun although I think we spent more than we made! xxx

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  13. Have to say that it was fantastic to finally meet you and Jon, even if it was only a flying visit.You really are a pair of style superstars and even more chic in person than online. No wonder people were stopping to get their photo taken! Your Saturday dress was absolutely stunning. I would have loved to stay longer The fair looked incredible, so many fabulously dressed people, stalls and cars. I can't wait for the April one if you are going. I will have time for a proper ferret about then. Glad you liked the belt. Xx

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    1. It was so good to meet you and I absolutely love my belt, it's a perfect match with my Indian jewellery!
      Counting the months till April! xxx

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  14. Wow, what stylish people - and how good to see Kelly! I don't think I've seen a picture of her before. All that welsh tapestry is making me think I should give my hat and bag set an outing soon...

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    1. I was really impressed with how many people dressed up, a smashing change.
      Kelly's gorgeous, isn't she? Legs to die for! xxx

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  15. At the Goodwood Revival there was very little in the way of vintage selling, I suspect the cost of having a stall there is much too high. When visiting the few there were I was overwhelmed by the smell - unlike your stock it would have been impossible to buy and wear!

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    1. Did you have a fantastic time?
      I don't understand why so many traders don't bother laundering their stock. Most people want to wear their new vintage purchases straight away - like pretty in pink lady! xxx

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  16. What a fabulous car boot, and no wonder you and your amazing dress were attracting so much attention. I guess Walsall has got used to seeing you around by now ... So many stylish people: I love the Mod girl in her tapestry cape and bag combo. And the girl with the fab tapestry outfit and purple pussy bow blouse! Looking forward to seeing your new buys! xxx

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    1. I do find that Londoners don't really dress up, it's mostly all casual and toned down. It made a lovely change to see so many folk rocking their vintage gear! xxx

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  17. Love your camper van. I would love to have one like that to travel in. And why wouldn't everyone want to take your picture? You both look fantastic as usual. That Barbie pink jumpsuit is adorable on that young woman.


    Theresa
    www.vintagestylefiles.com

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    1. Camper vans rock! Gilbert's earnt his winter break, he's worked hard this year! xxx

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  18. Good to hear it all went well. We saw Helena Bonham-Carter and her Mum at one of the shows we did in London a couple of years ago!
    Arilx

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  19. woaaa, such a fabulous event, lots of cool people, and Martin Freeman!!!! So lovely to see those ladies wearing hats, and the cute couple, and the young model in the pink catsuit, and all those fabulous people!
    You look stunning in your colorful outfits, Jon looks really elegant and Gilbert looks like the most comfortable pal which a couple of traders could have!.
    Really lovely to see all the fabulousness you share!
    besos

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    1. Thank you!! You've got to love a famous film star who chooses to wear second hand clothes. He's my hero now! xxx

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  20. Well you guys are STARS...no wonder people want your photos.

    I would have LOVED to have been there. Everyone looked smashing! All these women matching their handbags with their clothing. How fab! And the boots they were wearing!

    My husband would have freaked over Martin Freeman.

    Sounds like a really great time. You sure get to see and meet a whole load of different people doing these kinds of shows.

    bisous
    Suzanne

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    1. It was brilliant so see people in our kind of vintage clothing rather than the vintage-by-numbers 1950s & 1940s look! Aren't Tina's green boots amazing? She said her Mum had a pair and it's taken her a near-lifetime of trawling eBay to find a pair in her size. xxx

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  21. I was soooo tempted to drop by! As it was, we ended up getting to London too late on the Saturday! Shame! Nice to see that you had some good visitors!

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    1. What a shame you didn't, it would have been fabulous to see you! xxx

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  22. So many fab looking people. Great cars too, one of my teachers had one of those Citroens - and I've always had a thing for routemasters, there was a particular seat I had to sit in when I was a little girl - if someone else was already sat in it lots of sulking ensued! xx

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    1. That's funny, one of the people I spoke to also had a teacher who drove the same model Citroen. She said he was unattractive, dull and scruffy and so it compensated for his lack of style. xxx

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    2. My teacher was very cool - and he hated the headmaster even more than the pupils did lol. x

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    3. Couldn't have been the same bloke then! xxx

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  23. You're living the rock and roll life!! I would have LOVED being there!

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  24. Interesting colourful post. I really like your red mat.

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    1. Thanks, Sally! That's one of our festival mats, Moroccan and waterproof - perfect for the British weather! xxx

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  25. I'm going to put this event onto my calendar for 2018; OH is very keen, too. What a great day out!

    You look fabulous in your dress - I have a similar patterned headscarf. Jon is looking very dapper, too. You are both such marvellous advertisements for your wonderful stock.

    Kelly is a lovely lady; I so enjoyed meeting her earlier this year.

    I loved seeing all the fabulously dressed people and interesting stalls. Famous people, too!






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    1. You'd love it. Wonderful value for £5 with DJs, street food, cars, bars, amazing homewares and clothes and the odd celebrity, too! xxx

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  26. Well, I just bought the station wagon version of those Mercedes you pictured. I sure wish I'd have some place as cool to drive it to! Truly, it would be a treat to have fairs like this in the US.

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  27. Hi Vix, this looks so fun. I love seeing the crowds and all the people who are wearing vintage styles. Xx

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    1. It was great, fantastic for people watching! xxx

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  29. Another great fair for you and Jon! Goodness, I wish we had something like that here. We are going away next month for a few days and I have the Vintage stores already mapped out for visiting.
    Have a good day!
    Robin

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    1. I can't wait to see what you find on your hols, Robin! xxx

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  31. Sounds like you had a great time, if it wasn't for the fact that I was at Goodwood Revival I would have been there. Will catch you at the next one! xx

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    1. You'd love it! I get you'd get papped loads, too! xxx

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  32. Brilliant photos. If you and Jon lived in London you'd have your own TV show by now, not that you'd necessarily want to do that. People are so hungry for people who shine with style and personality like you do.

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    1. Gawd no! I couldn't bear to watch myself! xxx

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  33. Fashion somehow, for me, is purely and happily irrational. thesecondcloset.ie/

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Lots of love, Vix