Something for the Weekend: Manchester Art Gallery

Last weekend I visited Manchester Art Gallery – one of my favourite places in Manchester. It’s not particularly big or prominent (as art galleries go) but it’s well worth a visit.

The ‘Vogue 100’ exhibition recently transferred here from the National Portrait Gallery and I wanted to take a look. Vogue is synonymous with fashion but I didn’t realise the scale of artistic influence in it’s pages until I saw this exhibition. It was fascinating to wander back through the decades and see the work of some of the greatest artists and photographers lifted from it’s pages.

Sadly photographs were prohibited within the exhibition – so you’ll just have to visit it for yourself to see what I mean. (Entry is free.) If you’re not in the area, don’t worry… you can see much of Vogue’s centenary celebrations online. Including it’s back catalogue of covers here.

I hadn’t planned on seeing much else while I was there – but I was directed out of the Vogue exhibiton and found myself in the most beautiful space – full of a separate exhibition on Modern Japanese Design. It was strangely beautiful and also well worth a look if you are in town.

The Art Gallery is also showcasing an exhibition called ‘Fashion and Freedom’ – sadly I ran out of time on my visit this time around to find out more about this but you can be sure I’ll be back in the future!

The Girl In The Pretty Dress Guide to Vintage Shopping

One of my favourite purchases this year (and by no coincidence, one of my favourite outfit posts) was this fabulous canary-yellow vintage skirt. I was bitten by the vintage bug and I’ve been seeking out vintage sales ever since so I thought I’d share what I’ve learned so far…

1) Vintage shopping can be a tall shoppers heaven. The added length of yester-year’s dresses/skirts makes them perfect for those of us who are long and leggy. (Waist-height can still be tricky but it’s amazing what you can find if you’re prepared to rummage through the rails.) It’s also the perfect way to nail throw-back fashions like the current 70’s trends.

2) It’s about more than just the clothes. It’s a costume-jewellery paradise (I’ve never seen so many sparkly things in one place) and perfect if you’re looking for a one-off piece of furniture.

3) It pays to think about your underwear in advance of your shopping expedition. Most vintage sales have make-shift changing booths so make sure you’re covered just in case. At the last vintage sale I went to one of the booths was no more than a wicker screen…

4) There is always cake. I don’t know why but every vintage sale I’ve attended has had a cute little tea-and-cake cafe running in the corner. Which suits me just fine. The added bonus is that you can usually buy the seat you’re sitting on if it takes your fancy.

5) Do your research beforehand. Most vintage sales are one-off or annual events so it helps to follow vintage stores online to see where they’ll be showcasing their wares next. I’ve included some links below to get you started!

Vintage at Manchester Cathedral – Manchester (pictured below)
Pear Mill Vintage Emporium – Stockport
Rif Raf Furniture – Manchester
The Vintage Village – Stockport
Nells Loft – Liverpool
Lou Lou’s Vintage Fair – Newcastle
The Vintage Furniture Flea – London
Portobello Road – London
Judy’s Vintage Fair – Various locations and dates

Castlefield Market

Last weekend when the rain was pouring down and my stomach was rumbling, I headed into Manchester in search of something to eat. I’ve wanted to visit Castlefield Market for ages but it’s only held on the first weekend of the month and for one reason or another I’ve never been able to make it before. And I have been missing out!

The indoor market is full of handmade crafts and homemade produce. With plenty of street food stalls providing sustenance along the way. I loved the relaxed vibe – a DJ was playing music in the corner and everyone ate along big communal dining tables while making new friends. 

It was a hard decision, choosing where to buy lunch from, but in the end I went for a jerk chicken sandwich with the most amazing mango salsa from The Blackbird Pantry. Followed by what has to be the best brownie I’ve ever eaten. The stall holders were all enthusiastic and happy to chat about their products. There were lots of ‘tasters’ on offer too – an added bonus!

Outfit: Blazer – Zara | Top – Warehouse | Jeggings – M&S (exact ones here) Shoes – Primark | Clutch – Dorothy Perkins
(Note to self – take a bigger bag next time!)

Jewellery – Handmade by Emma
Cards, etc – Mint to Be
Bread – Hunters Artisan Bread
Cakes – Glamarang

(For a full list of stalls appearing each month see the Castlefield Market Website)

Something for the Weekend: Cocktails In The City

Cocktails in the City is a new pop-up event which brings together the best cocktail makers in your area. A few weeks ago I went along to their Manchester night at the AMC Warehouse. The organisers mix spectacular drinks with amazing street food vendors and a fab DJ – basically it has all the ingredients for a brilliant night out!

Their next event is in London on 18th and 19th of July (they also have one in Edinburgh toward the end of October) and you can book tickets here. If you are in the city you need to go. 

Additional info: My ticket cost £10 which included entry and 1 drink token. You can buy additional tokens once inside for £6 each.

Professional Photo by Cocktails in the City

Winter Rocks

This has got to be one of my favourite places in the world, and only a few minutes drive from where I live. Though strangely, I don’t visit it that much. It’s such a spectacular view that I think if I went too often, I’d stop appreciating it as much.

But every now and again I’ll just jump in the car and go. Luckily, this time around I had my sister with me who very kindly took these photos – it was so windy I think the tripod would have blown over if I’d tried to self-shoot!

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Coat: George at Asda | Jeggings: Marks and Spencer | Boots: Debenhams

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Quilted Jumper: ASOS

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Bag: Aldo

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Something for the Weekend: Two Great Sales

The weather forecast for the north-west this weekend is grey and more grey… in other words perfect weather for shopping!

Take your pick from TWO great sales… or maybe just go to both? (It’s pay-day after all!)

The Lowry Outlet Mall is hosting a Sample Sale (in conjunction with the Manchester Fashion Network) featuring this impressive range of retailers:

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When? Saturday 29th June 10am – 7pm & Sunday 30th June 11am – 5pm
Where? The Lowry Outlet Mall at Salford Quays

Admission? FREE

Meanwhile over in Liverpool… The Vintage Fashion Fair is in town. I’ve been to the Manchester one before and it’s well worth a visit. They promise:

At the fair you will find Thousands of Original Vintage Fashions & Accessories,Traditional & Antique Textiles,Glass & Mid Century Homewares, Jewellery and lots more Plus Live music form the superb three girl harmony group The Sequin Sisters,also a Vintage Style yummy cafe,and a Vintage DJ playing all the hits of the 50‘s 60’s & 70’s

When? Saturday 29th June 2013, General admission from 10am
Where? St Georges Hall, Liverpool, L1 1JJ
Admission? £4 Adults & £3 Students/OAP with ID

Happy Shopping x