Make mine a vintage

Article published on 23 October 2014

A Vintage Affair are moving house!

If you have had the pleasure of attending a function which had a vintage theme you will know that it is indeed a special occasion. As we have mentioned before, vintage refers to a specific time or bygone era. And when a function has a vintage theme you can expect to see all the fine crockery and cutlery to be put into service and the decor will be of a quality that will transport you into that era.

The Mistresses of this fine concept are moving premises, not far, just a short way up the road. It seems that they have some big plans and wonderful surprises in store for all of us, even for those who don't usually "do themes".

The hiring of exquisite crockery, cutlery and glassware is still going full steam ahead, but now your decor and floral arrangements will be addressed in a more thorough and creative way than before.

It seems the new premises has a lot more space, which means there is room for a lot more ideas. Visit the website of A Vintage Affair to get a feel for what they are about. They are still operating but hope to launch their new look and new ideas in a month or so. Keep visiting this page for an update or even go directly to their website to see whats changed.

Article published on 25 September 2014

The word 'Vintage' refers to the period in which something was made or produced and with certain items such as wine, the vintage will indicate the quality and also the popularity of the wine.

With other vintage products, the year they were made may be a factor in their popularity, specifically with fashionable items, whether it is clothing and shoes or accessories. Cars will use their vintage to add to their value, especially if they are still in good condition.

In fashion there seems to be a resurgence of a style or an era on an almost rotational basis. The 1960s, '70s and 80s were a period where fashions and styles were definitive and portrayed the politics and social consciousness of the period.

There are stores which specialise in quality vintage items, Moonstruck Experience in NorthcliffJohannesburg has a variety of different objects just looking to be treasured.

During all these periods there were a few leaders in the field of design and consumer goods became sought after goods. The quality of these items was such that the design was not as temporary as fashion dictates but rather more classic in execution. Products designed in this manner are sought after, whether they are new designs or true classics.

Shopping for vintage items may find you going home with an artwork or even jewelry, different from antiques in a way because of the obvious age if antiques. Items are usually 100years or older, this is what qualifies them as antique.

Both of these pass times require dedication and a bit of know how if you are to go home with a quality piece, whatever its class.

Article published on 17 June 2014

Dressing up in clothes found in antique shops and costume stores always feels glamorous. As if you are preparing for a big event and you need to look your absolute best. Furs and tweeds, hats, gloves and dinner jackets. All the things that marked the passage of time for those living in an altogether different era.

Have you ever said, ” Wow, I wonder what it must have been like to live back then.”? If seeing pictures of your grandparents and even their parents fill you with a kind of longing for a bygone era then you should should indulge yourself in all things vintage.

Vintage is described as the age of a particular item, like wine for example. A particular vintage will have been pressed during a certain period, meaning it's vintage. Similarly the same can be said for clothing and a number of items which were taken for granted as commonplace when they were around.

It's not everyday you get to indulge in these fantasies, or visit a store to dress up. But maybe you should consider having a vintage high tea or if you are struggling to find a theme for an event or your upcoming wedding, vintage will certainly encourge your guests to make the effort and dress up to match the theme. You can even get to drive off in a vintage car. What's preventing yoou from dressing up and serving your high tea of scones, cakes and tiny sandwiches before a game of croquet on the lawn?

Nowadays you can hire vintage cars for the occasion and you can hire vintage crockery, add that to your costume and the vintage music you've managed to track down and you have the makings of something memorable, that will one day have your children saying: "I wonder what it must have been like to live in that era."