Tag Archives: Heritage Open Days

Looking Back at Stardust Years Vintage in 2017

Posted on by

So, in looking back at Stardust Years Vintage in 2017, where should I start? Well, of course, it has to be with a huge thank you to all the lovely visitors, customers and friends who have supported us throughout the year! As we’ve made it this far, it means that we often enjoy annual visits, as well as more regular visits, from customers.? Recently, one couple said, “Christmas wouldn’t be Christmas, if we didn’t come to Stardust Years”!? It’s so touching and as lovers of Christmas, that really means a lot to Gary and I.

Gorgeous vintage handbag finds a lovely new home

A gorgeous vintage handbag finds a lovely new home!

I’ve been lucky to meet so many brilliant people, including ladies who have worked with famous names in the fashion business – names that give us a tingle down our spines when we see their label in a piece of clothing – Jean Muir, Mitzi Lorenz and even a BAFTA award-winning costume designer…

I had my own moment of fame on BBC Television, this year, when the programme, “Money For Nothing” was broadcast in March.? Actually, the series seems to be repeated quite a bit as I’m often greeted with “I saw you on the telly, yesterday!!” when visitors come into the shop.

April saw the return of Winchester’s Fashion Week and this year, thanks to Paul Spencer of Winchester BID and historical costumier, Helen McArdle, I was able to realise an ambition I had always had for Stardust Years during the Fashion Week – to host informative, and fun, fashion talks.? With the celebrations around Jane Austen this year, and her close connection with Winchester, we decided to look at how the shape of the Dress had changed from the Regency period (when the empire line dress was particularly popular) to the 1960s when the style was prevalent once again and it gave us a lovely excuse to wear some nice frocks!? We called it “The Empire Line Strikes Back!” Never let it be said we’re above a good pun when it comes to publicity. We also toyed with “Jane Austen Meets Jane Asher” but thought only die-hard Sixties fans might get the reference (sorry, Jane, but you only have your successful cakes to blame!).? Anyway, I think a good time was hard by all and the audience were asking for more by the end so Helen did a brilliant job.

Jane Austen Meets The 1960s

The Empire Line Strikes Back!

In July, Stardust Years Vintage was 4 years old and we celebrated in our usual style – special offers, our popular TLC rail (items that just need some love and cotton to revive or recycle them – all at ridiculously low prices) and Gary’s just-as-popular cocktails!

Celebrating Four Years of Stardust Years Vintage

The Fab Four at Stardust Years

Helen made a return visit in September when she joined us for our first Heritage Open Day event, “Make Do and Mend”. I prepared lots of information about Utility Clothing and Austerity Rules and Gary made (rabbit-shaped) biscuits to an original wartime recipe but it was Helen who stole the show with her 1939 Singer Sewing Machine.? It really captured folks’ imagination and several people were heard to say, “I’m inspired to get my machine out now”? Even I was tempted to get a sewing machine but then memories of my needlework schooldays came flooding back and I had to lie down in a darkened room with a strong cup of PG Tips and a bunny biscuit!

Heritage Open Day's Make Do and Mend event at Stardust Years Vintage

Helen working at her 1939 Singer Sewing Machine at Stardust Years Vintage in Winchester

I’m really looking forward to next year, meeting new friends, finding new vintage treasures and helping to encourage more people to discover the joy and beauty of the fashions of the past. Do pop in some time and say, “Hello”? In the meantime, do have a safe, happy and wonderful 2018; may it be a Vintage year!

Discovering the hidden delights of a vintage Corona Handbag

Karen at Stardust Years Vintage

Heritage Open Days at Stardust Years Vintage

Posted on by

Last weekend, we joined the rest of the country as doors on secret histories were flung open for Heritage Open Weekend! ?Of course, at Stardust Years Vintage we like to think that every day is a Heritage Open Day but, especially for the weekend, we focussed on the 1940s with a Make Do & Mend theme. ?Historical costumier, Helen McArdle, joined us with demonstrations and tips on how to save your precious garments. I have to confess, at times, I felt a little left out as visitors to the shop swapped stories of “Model 102” and the tensions of different machines but it was lovely to hear so many people say “You inspired me to get out my sewing machine” ?I even tinkered with buying one, myself, even though I still suffer nightmares of my needlework teachers shouting at me for tacking in my zip the wrong way (they each had a different approach and I was piggy in the middle!) Now, I even face the prospect of putting on a button with trepidation!

on both days,we had some special nibbles on offer – Gary had baked carrot scones and almond biscuits to 1940s’ wartime recipes. ?In honour of Poochy, our housebunny, he baked the biscuits in the shape of a rabbit. ?(I think some visitors thought it was a reference to the old song, “Run, Rabbit, Run!”).

Around the shop, we included information about everyday fashions of the time, Utility Clothing and the restrictions placed on the industry – and the public – due to the war. Helen brought along a copy of the “Make Do and Mend” pamphlet, issued by the Ministry of Information, 1943 and I included a few quotes here and there.

I also found Jonathan Walford’s book, “Forties Fashion – From Siren Suits To The New Look” (Thames & Hudson) really helpful and a fascinating read. I borrowed it from Winchester Library; heavy hints have already been made to Gary regarding Christmas!

We’re already plotting for next year’s event. ?Hope you’ll be able to join us! In the meantime, a huge thanks to Nicky and Becky who organised Winchester’s Heritage Open Weekend. ?Big thanks, too, must go to Helen who was brilliant all weekend – and managed to fit in some lovely repairs to my own vintage wardrobe! ?Finally, of course, thanks to all the lovely visitors who not only discovered Stardust Years but also caught a glimpse into just some of the social history of the 1940s and brought their own knowledge and memories to our Heritage Open Days’ event.