Vintage in Falmouth

Hi again!
If you are a fan of vintage, mens or womens, as I am, and you live in Cornwall, then check this out!

Every last Saturday of the month, the Falmouth Vintage Flea Market is held at the WI Hall in Falmouth.

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There is, as they say "a treasure trove" of not only clothes, but also home deco, and vintage records, for jazz and blues lovers! That's what I'm talking about. Could this be the perfect itme to hunt for that unique Christmas present?
The next fair is this Saturday, thats the 28th Nov, and it starts from 12. I wish I could go!

It sounds like a great event - and held monthly so, if you're missing it this month like me, it will come around again. Check out more info on the Facebook page.

Crafty Christmas

For all y'all thinking about Christmas presents, or just some crafty goodness for yourself, then come along to the Craft fair before Christmas, which will be held on Sat 21st November, at the Fortescue Pub on Mutley, in Plymouth. It starts from one, so come along and browse the tables, treat yourself to some mulled wine.
It's hosted by the Plymouth Knitters Social.

For more info, check out the Facebook page, or join the Plymouth Knitters Social.

Plymouth Style Week

Plymouth Style Week is on this week! There's plenty for your discerning independent shopper - here's some of the highlights.

First, some of the independentt shops in the City centre are offering 10% discount; see here for the full list. You'll need a discount passport from the Evening Herald from this Saturday, so ask around, and get going!

At the City Library on the 12th November, there will be the Frock Exchange. Following on from last years success, this event needs you! Search through your wardrobe to find clothes that you want to revamp or recycle, bring them along to the clothes swap, and browse through the rails to find something new. As well as the Frock Exchange, there will also be an exhibition of vintage clothes and costumes from the museums collection, a showcase of PCAD student's designs, and the change to get a makeover from the Bodayshop or make-over your clothes, by making simple accessories with the help of the students.

I'm looking forward to this, especially checking out the museum, and seeing students takeover city centre shop windows, and just celebrating independent fashion and style! I'd love to know if any other cities do a similar week or event?

Check out the Plymouth City Council website pages for details of the whole event, including what's going on in Drakes Circus and elsewhere.

It's back!

The successful Afternoon-Tee is back! I'm way late on this but know this:

1. Its tomorrow! Sunday!

2. It don't matter if it's sunny or rainy because its indoors in the Univeristy of Plymouth Student Union!

3. It's going to be ace!

Afternoon-Tee this year features 3 huge rooms of art, music, fashion, and style.
Check out the Indie room ,hosted by the White Rabbit, featuring great live bands all day, like Head of Programmes and Kat Marsh :) Alternatively, hip-hop into the main room, where my faves Hong Kong Ping Pong Club will be hosting, and so many other hot DJs I can't name them all. Put it this way, if you like a bit of hip-hop, funk, house, breaks, electro, etc, then head there. And get dancing!

But mostly it's about the clothes. And oh what clothes. Our friends Faux Couture will be there, and so will Applied Clothing, PimpMyHoodie, Dephect (as seen in ForyFive) and many many old and new faces. Also at Afternoon-Tee will be... Crafternoon-tee. Now this is my kind of thing! Craft away to your hearts content all day with glitter, glue, egg boxes, felt, wool, or whatever ideas you have, or bring a mixtape of your own to the Mixtape swapshop.

Above all hope to see you there, and check out, the Facebook page for all the event news and to find about past, present, and future Afternoon-Tees.

Happy Birthday!

Hello! Just wanted to say, can't believe its been exactly a year since Lee over at Channel-3 started doing his thang with his t-shirts and company! And it's gone from strength to strength.
Check out news of the new online shop coming soon, all news and events and promotion as Channel-3 goes into its second year of success at Channel-3's Facebook page.

Up the Line

Well, I spent a lovely weekend in Bath and Bristol, with my lovely friend Lucy. We did a lot of strolling around (in the rain! Pfff!) and of course, we discovered lots of beautiful independent shops, and unique places!



In Bath we took a walk up to the Royal Crescent, and just off there we went to Margarets Buildings where we entered an Aladdin's cave of antique furniture and housewares in an old pharmacists. Next door, we also visited Hansel and Gretel, where we were transported to the valleys of Austria for a little Kaffee und Kuchen, and had Christmas in July with the litle Christmas shop in the grotto downstairs. Visit them online at http://www.hanselundgretel.com/index.html.

On Sunday we drove out to Brizzle (in the drizzle) and visited Park Street, where all discerning individual, vintage, and independent clothes lovers shop!



I'm sure all Bristolians from near and far have heard of Motel, the shop for girls who love that individual dress with great fabric patterns, all colours of the rainbow, and a twist of vintage style, with 80's style bodycon, 60's peplum skirts, and 50's nipped in waists and playsuits. They also had saome great leather handbags and accessories. If only it would sunny up a bit, then we want to swan about in these great dresses!

We also popped into BS8, which seems to be some kind of mecca for alternative style.
Great menswear in here guys, lots of lovely shirts, and sweatshirts of the "Brett-from-Flight-of-The-Conchords" variety. It's a big place, on two floors, so it looks like everyone could find something in here. Thats on the right side (if you're looking up the hill).
Shame I didn't have longer to explore, shop, and investigate, and speak to more people.
Also that I didn't come the following weekend, when this great exhibition, The Story of The Supremes at the Fashion Museum, Bath starts on the 25th July. Swoon.

Repping your ends

South Westers are proud of where they come from so I thought I'd put together some of the ways Bristolians, Devonians, Kernow(lians?), Plymouthians, and other SW-ians can wear their heart on their chest.

First, to Bristol and to Beast Clothing, whose t-shirts are gert lush! Speak like a true Bristolian with their Brizzle Language School, then pop to their outlets (Wherezat to, then?) where you'll find gems of t-shirts like "Cheers, Drive", "Alright my luvver?", and "Proper Job". They're just the ones I recognise!


Living in South Devon and want the world to know? Then help Peoples Republic of South Devon out and wear one of their t-shirts, while also finding out about local arts, culture, politics all around the South Hams.

Of course, Cornish folk feel strongly about their beuatiful county, so if you are a Cornish maid or dén, then represent with this great Cornwall Rocks t-shirt from http://www.kernowclothing.com/.

They use Fair Trade, Carbon Neutral, Soil Association Approved Organic Cotton. Phew!

Also, on eBay, fulfill your love of pasties with the Half-Man Half Pasty tshirt. Well, it tickled me!
Or make sure everyone knows you're not an emmet, with this tshirt from The Cornish T-shirt Factory.

Don't forget Plymouth, and tell the world you got soul, Plymsoul. I've seen people with these t-shirts on since I first became a student in P-town, you can get yours at Soul Life (on the Barbican), FortyFive, or online at http://www.plymsoullife.com.

And if you want the whole world to know just how proper lush the South West is, then treat yourself to this "The South West" tshirt, which looks to be available in Forty Five too. I like the one that takes it a la Francais, "Le Sud Ouest" too.



I'm sure there's some other local t-shirts to make you beam with pride for the rolling valleys and sunny coastlines of our South West. I want to hear about them! Please get in touch!
Till next time, me luvvers!

Summer Sale at FortyFive

Good news, everyone!
Forty Five have kicked off their summer sale, with massive discounts on hoodies, shirts, skirts, t-shirts, and other beauts. It's on in their Plymouth store, and online in their web store which is up and running. And all you kids know the best way to get even more off is by joining FortyFive on Facebook, and look out for those updates!
Hop on over to http://www.fortyfiveclothing.com/ now.

Faux Couture, Plymouth

Faux Couture is the second vintage store to get up and running in Plymouth, so I had to get down there and find out what it's all about.
Adam and Dan have got themselves a tidy little space up in Mutley, painted the walls nice, and have absolutely filled it up with all manner of beautiful womens wear, menswear, shoes, accessories, homeware, books, and more. (Its all sourced so secretly, they wouldn't even tell me where they got it from!) As they say: "Faux Couture aims to provide Plymouth with an alternative shopping experience. Cheap & Chic is the name of the game, with a unique selection of hand-picked, vintage garments & accessories from the 30's to the 90's that all fits in with the image of Faux Couture. What is the image? Well, simply stuff that looks amazing, is individual and makes you feel a million bucks!"

Check out their online shop here for quirky jumpers, amazing nautical theme dresses and shoes (if only they fitted me!) and some pretty hot handbags. Ok, so I'm bigging up the girls stuff, but there is great mens retro t-shirts, a couple of cool looking wallets, and some great check-shirts for the discerning sartorialist too!

And they are open from today!! The shop announced today on their Facebook page that they are now open every day except Tuesday and Sunday. That means you can hit them up from right now, right now! for one of a kind vintage, cool retro, and a whole new look! Primark is dead! Long live vintage!

Vintage and Retro

Vintage is in Plymouth! Finally!
When I first moved down to Plymouth, I noticed the lack of vintage shops, or rather, I noticed that there were none! Sure, we got charity shops, but now all you vintage loving girls and guys dreams have been answered with not one but two dedicated vintage stores right in P-Town!
So here's the lowdown on the first one...
Lorraine has seen the light and has a treasure trove of beauties in her Vintage and Retro Stall, in the Pannier Market downtown at the bottom of Cornwall Street and new George Street. The lovely ladies are selling every day of the week. I spied a great 60s taupe coloured handbag, and a doctors bag from the Victorian era! There is also an amazing light blue 50's dress, which made me stop in my tracks!

Wish I had some photos to show you. You'll just have to check it out yourself! Head down there to stall 191/192. It's just down one row from the diner, so indulge your 50's side, and have a cuppa and a browse.

Afternoon Tee 2009 - After the storm

Hope it's not too late to say...
another Afternoon-Tee in the box! It was great, so cool to see loads of different clothes, in partcular great t-shirts and accessories, all accompanied by top music and sunshine. Sorry I couldn't stay longer to hear some of the ace hiphop and drum and bass and live bands, you can check all the photos and gossip at the Facebook page.
Next one rumoured to be in October? What can I say? Excited already!

Plymouth Update

Spring is sprung!
Three quick updates for everyone.

Plymouth store Forty Five, are bringing it strong for spring and are ofering their Facebook and myspace friends a 20% discount voucher. So get on to Facebook or Myspace and get shopping for spring. I personally love these Japanese koreshi doll necklaces.


Lee at C-3 has just finished a nationwide tour, promoting the next level of C-3 and in particular the new "varsitees" (see what he did there?). You can read all about the tour here and see and buy the new t-shirts at http://shop.channel-3.co.uk/.

And lastly, Afternoon Tee is kicking off real soon, only a couple of weeks away and it's looking real hot! See the updated lineup of clothing and music at the Facebook page, and keep checking back here for the low down.

Claire out.

Break in service

I'm just going out, I may be a while...
I have a few juicy things I want to tell you all about, including vintage - a subject very close to my heart!
But I have had to go away from Plymouth from a while. When I get back, I will be on that like Donkey Kong, and see what I can find out for you! Looking forward to it!

Afternoon Tee 2009

Yes, by "soon", I meant today!



Afternoon-Tee 2009 has officially been launched.
This year it will be held in the University of Plymouth Student Union (UPSU) on the 10th May, so stick that in your diaries now folks, cos if it's like last year (including the great weather) it should rock.
Afternoon-Tee is a showcase and mini-festival of all things independent fashion, djs, music and art from all over the Southwest.
Our friends C-3 clothing will be there, as will a host of other great clothing brands, plus more to be announced. There is also the great news that there will be no less than 4 music rooms, including a Band Room, hosted by star Plymouth rockers Less Than Me.
And if that doesn't float your boat, there's still loads TBC, so more surprises to come. If you have any interest at all in independent fashion, cool music and art, and a cider in the sunshine, then I thoroughly recommend you get down there. See you there!

Afternoon Tee 2009

Psstt!! I've heard news about Afternoon-Tee which rocked it last year. Check back soon for the lowdown!

Patagonia

Well I know this isn't a South West brand, but I read this great article in the Guardian the other day, which gives you an example of a company that is really pushing forward in terms of ethical and green clothing.
Patagonia are not compromising, they are using 100% organic cottons and synthetics, and they even set up projects and organisations such as Organic Exchange, and 1% For The Planet (what a great idea!).
So check this interview out, for an idea of how some companies are succeeding in making themselves 100% environmentally friendly!

IAMWHY

Yes! We are starting the new year in style with IAMWHY and their cool brand of surf and skate wear, based in Cornwall. I spoke to the founders Mike and Caz about their dream becoming reality… read on!
Introduce yourself and/or the team.
“Mike is the definitely the creative person of IAMWHY and I am the organiser, but in saying this, our roles reverse, move sideways and constantly change on a daily basis. We grow the designs from ideas, Mike brainstorms, gets creative and I throw my penny’s worth in. I find the garments, trying to keep as much of the range environmentally friendly, ethical trading and still with a fashion element to it. “

How did the brand start?
“The brand started because we were fed up of mass produced board clothing. We wanted a range of clothing unlike other brands in designs and colours, which fit everybody’s lifestyles and is comfortable to wear. IAMWHY, because I am is me, you and the guy and girl down the road. Giving up jobs to start IAMWHY was a big hairy step and one we did not take lightly, but at the same time we had no idea what we were getting ourselves into. Three years down the road and we are still wondering what hit us.”

“The brand is influenced by what we do daily, on the design side Mike sees things in unlikely places and these images are used in his designs. It’s a treat to watch him in action. In the quiet moments, at the top of a mountain we get tons of inspiration and ideas for the brand. Watching surfers, chilled out, relaxed and ready to take the wave quietly puts things into perspective for the long haul. Not forgetting the attitude of skateboarders, cocky and so sure of themselves. So its really a mix of inspirations that gives fuel to IAMWHY, Mike and myself. Commitment to the brand is 100% and nothing less. Despatching an order to a retailer or seeing a complete stranger wearing IAMWHY, now that is 100% inspiration. “

What measures, if any, do you take to make the brand ethical/green?
“We decided that we would use as much environmentally friendly garments as possible in the range and are sitting at 90% at the moment. We can do this because we print the range ourselves in-house. So every order is printed just for that customer. We have natural paper bags for the customers and I have just ordered in bio-degradable plastic postage bags for our online customers. Plus we use as many environmentally friendly chemicals as possible. We wash everything in cold water and reuse unwanted paperwork as scrap paper. We switch every appliance except our fridge off in the workshop when we leave. I’m not on a crusade, but every bit helps and this is our way of trying to help.”

What advice would you have for anyone setting up their own independent clothing brand?
“Think long and hard as you are giving up your weekends and evenings. It will consume you. Find your market place and unique selling point and stick with it. Get support from Business Link and local bodies, they are a source of information, financial assistance and support. Have millions to hand as a brand will eat at your purse strings in the beginning. Commit to the brand.”

“There’s so much in the pipeline, but the one thing that is important to us, is ensuring that IAMWHY’s foundations are solid. Having a shop is on the cards in the next year or sooner if we see an opportunity waiting to be taken. Employing staff is definitely in the pipeline for 2009.”

Well, IAMWHY is really bringing an individual flair to the surf and skatewear market. I love this jumper and this mens tee, among the other great styles!

IAMWHY are online at the moment, but like they say, maybe we’ll see a shop in 2009, so I’ll keep you posted!

Konichiwa 2009!

A very happy new year to you all! Hope everyone had a great holiday, and you are ready for the year ahead! Just to say, I am back this year better than ever, hope to se you here again soon!

Sayonara!