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Stardust Years Vintage celebrated its third year in Winchester last weekend. And what a year it’s been!
Last summer, Gary and I were lucky enough to be invited by Nick Rayne of the famous vintage shoe company, Rayne, to the Dorchester Hotel for the launch of the book “RAYNE Shoes For Stars”
Now, how did little ole Karen get invited to such a prestigious affair, you might well ask? Shortly after we opened in 2013, I was researching Rayne Shoes and Nick, son of Sir Edward Rayne who succeeded Nick’s grandfather as head of H & M Rayne in 1951, replied to my email. As a result, we donated a pair of Rayne shoes (my favourite!) to the Rayne Shoe Archive and Nick has continued to source vintage Rayne from us. You can see them in Michael Pick’s book which was written to accompany an exhibition at the Fashion and Textile Museum in London.
We had a very busy autumn but as Rudolph and the boys were limbering up ready for the Festive Season we joined in the Woolly Hat Fair’s Live Advent Calendar! A different door in the City opened each day at 6.00pm. It was the first year anything like this had been done in Winchester so it was a steep learning curve for everyone, including the audiences who braved queueing in the pouring rain waiting for the “door” to open at 6.00pm. All they knew about what might be behind each door was given in a one-line hint on the Woolly Hat Fair’s website. For our piece, we devised a little Christmas play, based on Saki short stories which was set in the 1920s so the girls could enjoy modelling our original Twenties’ dresses and accessories. The comedy was performed in our Dressing Room; we have a lovely pink curtain so it was crying out to be a mini stage!
April saw us involved in the Winchester Fashion Show’s Fashion Fair. I was travelling to Salisbury for my rehab – no, not that kind; for my back – so our involvement was very small compared to the year before but we’re looking forward to working with Winchester BID, again, for next year’s show.
But, of course, it’s our customers who’ve been the best part of the year. So a huge THANK YOU to anyone who’s purchased from our website, shop or just browsed either site. We’ve met some great people, from all over the world, and received some lovely emails. Amazingly, people from Winchester are still just discovering us! So, we need to improve on our marketing, I think! We’ve parted with some beautiful vintage pieces, including Corde handbags and Waldybags – two of my favourite vintage manufacturers – and I’ve been known to shed a tear as they go but I know they’re going to live on and to be cherished for the future.
So, 3 years old! Only you can tell if we’ve aged well! We’re excited to have reached 3 and are looking forward to getting up to all sorts of vintage shenanigans in the coming year. I also hope to improve my website post rate as I’m a bit slow (think you’ve noticed). We have so much more stock in our Winchester shop so if you can’t wait for my computer skills to improve – and it may take some time! – do just email me if you’re looking for something in particular karen@stardustyears.com I’m always happy to send photos.
In the meantime, we’re on the campaign trail! Actually, it’s a campaign organised by Winchester BID to vote for their favourite Winchester Independent. The aim is to encourage everyone to think about using their independent shops and businesses and, when you vote, you’re entered for a prize draw to win a hamper of treasures, worth ?700-800 from the participating businesses. We have donated a lovely little 1930s beaded evening purse 
To vote – hopefully, for us – and be in with a chance to win a whole host of gorgeous prizes, including our original 1930s evening purse then please just click here http://winchesterbid.us8.list-manage.com/subscribe?u=04965d3bb181dbedacceacc0f&id=a63eeb8b7c
Thank you, and Good Luck!
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