THE VINTAGE MARKETPLACE

The Vintage Marketplace

I missed last year’s annual Vintage Marketplace, but heard so many great things, that I didn’t even realize that it was only its first year. The two-day event grew quickly and for the second year, it moved to a bigger location, the Careport Centre (which, as it turns out, is the largest alternative event facility in Southwestern Ontario!).

The event is run by Lauren Erickson and Andreana Hudson and they did such a fabulous job. I chatted with Lauren on CFMU a couple of months before to get the scoop on the event and to talk about her own boutique, La Bichette. The women have such a passion for vintage and they really pulled out all the stops for year two.

Entry was just $5, and you were transported into a world of treasures. I went on the Saturday with my friend Luisa, and we were immediately overwhelmed when we walked in by all there was to see. There were vendors both from out of town and local. Just some of the local vendors included Girl on the Wing, Newold’s, The Eye of Faith, Hawk & Sparrow, Vintage Soul Geek, Modify Your Closet, The Refinerie, and Love in the Afternoon.

In addition to a plethora of clothing, there were accessories, books, furniture, housewares, antiques and collectibles, wedding inspiration… a vintage wonderland. There were even a few vintage cars on display.

Providing a killer soundtrack, DJ Donna Lovejoy was right in the middle of the action on a raised platform, spinning vinyl all day. She’s one of my favourite DJs in the city – always the best song picks, both old and new. Luisa had to “Shazam” a track we didn’t know which led to us discovering Little Dragon (which I’m listening to as I blog!).

It wouldn’t be a local event if it didn’t boast a little of our culinary goodness. Rapscallion (who were also a presenting partner this year), Cake & Loaf, and Cafe Oranje, and Hero Coffee were on hand to fuel up the shoppers. I just can’t say no to the daintiest dessert ever, macarons. So happy C&L makes these!

Another highlight was the fashion show that took place each day at 2pm. Lauren curated the show along with Whitney McMeekin of Girl on the Wing. I haven’t even been to many fashion shows before (good thing Hamilton Fashion Week is on the way this June!) and it was fun to watch the models strut their stuff and make mental notes of the pieces we liked.

I’ve heard so much about new vintage shop The Eye of Faith that I made sure to beeline for their booth to chat with co-owners Paul Heaton and Aaron Duarte. Their shop is located in the basement of Hawk & Sparrow, so they shared a booth with H&S owner Sarah Moyal. They were looking so colourful and ready for spring, that I had to snap a pic of the stylish trio.

I still have to visit The Eye of Faith on James North, but this was a terrific introduction to their stuff. They focus on menswear, but there is plenty for the ladies too, and all kinds of odd and ends, from old photographs to board games.

Luisa and I had a full day at VMP and were pleased with our purchases, each taking home a little necklace we dug up amidst all the treasures. We couldn’t leave empty handed!

Check out pretty photos from the weekend by Me & Her Photography on their Facebook page. It’s very cool to see how the event has expanded in two short years. Can’t wait for the next one!

– Kristin