Best Vintage Stores in Cape Town

Many women are following in the footsteps of celebrities by opting to wear vintage clothing or second hand clothes to portray their own unique style. It is also a great way to look stylish and fashion forward on a budget as vintage clothing is usually sold at bargain prices. Those who choose not to go vintage head to toe may add a vintage accessory or two such as a ring or handbag to their outfits for a vintage feel.

Vintage and Second Hand Clothing in Cape Town CBD

• Long Street Antique Arcade: For rare vintage clothing accessories. Where: 127 Long Street Tel: +2721 423 3585


• Antique Market on Church Street: Stroll through the open-air market where vendors sell a range of costume jewellery from their stalls. You can also pick up various trinkets and ornaments for your home. Open: 9am-4pm - Mon-Sat


• Glitterati: At the back of the Long Street Arcade you’ll discover a gem of a boutique called Glitterati which stocks gorgeous fur coats, belts and much more. Where: 172 Long Street Tel: +2782 819 5247.


• Pandora’s Box: Take the time to rifle through the clothing rails at this second hand clothing store and you may pick up something unique! Where: 79 Loop Street Tel: +2721 424 8597


• Second Time Around: Having opened its doors in 1972, Second Time Around stocks some of the oldest vintage clothing in Cape Town. Although slightly pricey, you can be sure to find everything from vintage dresses and coats to bags and shoes. They also hire out costumes. Where: 196 Long Street Tel: +2721 423 1674


• Hello Again: This clothing store boasts a combination of young designers and women’s vintage clothing. The second hand clothes, sourced by Wendy van Neel, are mainly from the’70s and ’80s. Where: 44 Bloem Street Tel: +2721 4260242


• Never on a Sunday: Located in the Baobab Centre, you’ll find an array of retro ’70s and ’80s gear. Where: Baobab Centre, Long Street Tel: +2773 930 8005


• Seventies and ‘80s: Owners DawieKiakia and Justin Kaoma have sourced a crazy collection of bright neon puffer jackets, t-shirts and disco accessories from you guessed it… the ‘70s and ‘80s. Where: 305 Long Street


• Stock Exchange: If you’re looking to add a bit of drama to your wardrobe, head to this fabulous store for great second hand designer clothing. Think a never-been-worn pair of Jimmy Choos or a Diane von Furstenberg dress for a tenth of the retail price! Where: 116 Kloof Street Tel: +2721 424 5971

Vintage and Second Hand Clothing in Greater Cape Town

• Franki’s Vintage Clothing: The vintage room at the back of Franki’s is a real treasure trove. Pick and choose from gorgeous embellished bags, beads and drama pieces from the ‘40s onward as well as wonderful second-hand clothing from modern designers. Where: 70 Main Road, Kalk Bay Tel: +2721 788 6776


• The Pink Shop: For decent second hand clothes. Where: 75 Main Road, Mowbray Tel: +27 21 689 5696

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Shopping for Vintage Clothing: Women's Fashion on a Dime

Where to Shop: You can find vintage clothing items in three major types of stores: vintage boutiques, consignment stores, and thrift stores. Vintage boutiques are organized like regular new clothing stores and often focus on a single decade. The clothes in the store will likely be in great condition, and the sales staff will be very knowledgeable. Consignment stores generally operate on a profit-sharing system in which the donor receives a portion of the selling price of a clothing item. Most consignment stores will refuse any donations that are unclean or in poor condition, so you may be able to find some clothing gems at reasonable prices. Thrift stores generally operate solely on free donations and can carry huge inventories. It will take a practiced eye to sort through the overstuffed racks of clothing, but valuable items can occasionally be found.

What to Look For: Once you find an interesting piece of vintage clothing, you should carefully examine it to determine if it is a good buy. Pay careful attention to how the fabric feels and drapes on your body. If the fabric is coarse or stiff, it is probably not of good quality. Check each garment for any holes or stains before purchasing. Be sure to check that the seams are not frayed and that there are no perspiration marks under the arms. Since many vintage clothing items are handmade, the workmanship of the garment should be excellent. The signs of a handmade piece of clothing are brass, pearl, or bone buttons, carefully bound buttonholes and seams, and woven labels.

Great Vintage Clothing Buys: The price may not always be rock bottom, but these vintage items are guaranteed to be good bargains:

• Leather items


• Cashmere sweaters


• Trench coats


• Camel-hair coats


• Cocktail dresses


• Fur items


• Tailored or beaded pieces

The world of vintage clothing presents a valuable opportunity to develop a unique wardrobe at reasonable prices. Happy shopping!
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Trashy Vintage: A One Woman Fashion Machine

Crystal Haines, a Los Angeles based entrepreneur, brings vintage fashion to the internet through her online clothing store, Trashy Vintage.

Crystal Haines is building a reputation for finding gems in thrift stores throughout Southern California and making them available to vintage lovers everywhere. Her online store holds up to three hundred items at a given time on eBay and is always changing. Crystal’s keen eye for combining vintage and current trends keeps her ahead of the game—she knows a good find when she spots it. Trashy Vintage takes the work out of finding vintage items and brings them right to you.

Cleaning Out the Closet

Vintage clothing is a trend that has been around for years, yet the search for the perfect piece has not grown old. Crystal, a resident of Los Angeles County and a growing entrepreneur, has developed a business based on that search. Crystal started her business by turning out her own closet and listing the items she didn’t need any longer on her Live Journal site. At that time, in 2002, there were many different selling communities popping up online and they have not stopped spreading. Crystal quickly sold almost all that she listed and she knew that she was onto something, so she went to the local thrift store to restock her inventory. She moved from Live Journal to eBay as her business sprouted. Her first purchase from the thrift store after cleaning out her closet was one hundred dollars worth of clothing and vintage items, now she spends two to three hundred per week on vintage finds.

One Woman Running the Show

A desire to keep the eBay store stocked, as well as to keep ahead of current trends, keeps Crystal very busy. She has expanded her original idea of photographing items as they are to hiring multiple models and shooting the clothing, shoes, and accessories on them for the site. Crystal takes a natural approach to her modeling shoots, from finding the models herself, choosing which clothes will work for each girl, and then acting as photographer and editor of the photos.

Trashy Vintage Gathers Loyal Fans

Crystal’s business has gained a huge following and has been featured on multiple blogs and in magazines such as N.E.E.T. and Atomic Magazine. Her models are even recognized on the street as Trashy Vintage girls. Crystal holds a monthly Facebook giveaway as well as other contests linked with special offers. She maintains the main Trashy Vintage web page, eBay store, and an Etsy site along with the Trashy Vintage Facebook page, blog, Twitter, and other fashion community sites.
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Best Vintage Stores in Toronto

Whether you are visiting Toronto for the first time or are a born and bred Torontonian, any street-saavy vintage lover worth their salt knows a periodic trip to the eclectic stores in Kensington Market is an absolute must. Here is guide to some of the best boutiques to give your closet and even your home a punch- Kensington-market style.

Courage My Love

This boutique has been a veteran of Kensington Market since 1975 and is absolutely bursting with everything from vintage frocks, hats and eveningwear to retro jackets, cufflinks and neckties. The pieces are affordably priced and even if you don't buy a thing, just browsing through the boutique is a truly unique experience.

Where is Courage My Love? 14 Kensington Ave. (at Dundas St. W.) (416) 979-1992

Flashback

The well-preserved pieces in Flashback will transport shoppers back in time. New pieces of quality used and vintage are consistently sourced and brought into the mix, providing vintage lovers with a steady stream of retro delights.

Where is Flashback? 33 Kensington Ave. (416) 598-2981

Flashback 2

Looking for a great selection of pre 1960s vintage? Flashback 2, the companion store to Flashback offers a truly vintage collection with even some Victorian pieces in the mix. Rummage through rows of cowboy boots and vintage belts and purses, racks of colourful 50s-style coats and dresses, and a collection of vintage home accessories at this colourful Kensington vintage shop.

Where is Flashback 2? 25 Kensington Ave. (at Dundas St. W.) (647) 343-5569

Exile

A neighbourhoodfavourite, this shop offers a truly funky selection of both men and women's vintage. From velvet blazers to the the massive selection of iron-on decals that let hipsters make their own statement on a favourite tee, anyone sick of shopping at the mall will find inspiration in the fabulously retro collection.

Where is Exile? 60 Kensington Ave. (at St. Andrew St.) (416) 595-7199

Bungalow

This funky, well-organized shop offers a mix of hand-picked vintage clothing and new cutting-edge pieces in a truly trendy atmosphere. And with over 3000 square-feet of furniture and retro home accessories, your home can get a style uplift along with your wardrobe. Register on the Bungalow website for coupons and for advance notice of events like the annual spring rummage sale.

Where is Bungalow? 273 Augusta Ave. (at Nassau St.) (416) 598-0204

Whether you just have a penchant for the quirky or are seeking something truly one-of-a-kind, Toronto vintage shops are treasure troves of unique clothing and accessories.
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Investing in Antique Fashion: Buying Vintage Clothing

Investing in vintage fashion is a savvy move. Over the past 20 years prices paid for quality vintage clothing have risen hugely and our appetite for originality is huge. from the crowds. Over the past year in the UK Top Shop has invested in a new line by 1970s designer Celia Birtwell and 1960s fashion mecca Biba has reopened its doors in Kensington. Celebrities such as Sarah Jessica Parker and Kate Moss have both embraced the look.

Key looks and working out what suits your shape

1920s – this was the beginning of couture. The flapper dress, beads and fringing, geometrics, Edwardian blouses, corsets and dropped waists. Velvets and furs were in. The flapper look works well if you’re slim and small-breasted.

1930s – Hollywood glamour with Coco Chanel. Bias-cut gowns and costume jewellery. Art deco, sportswear, halter necks and flared sleeves. Skinny suits, hats, gloves and zips. Wear if you love dressing up and wearing accessories. This look is about the detail so buy the best you can afford.

1940s – Post war synthetic fabrics and military style tailoring were key. Dior created a backlash with his luxurious feminine New Look in 1947. Sequins, slacks, couture dress, trench coats and jersey dresses. This look suits all – trench coats and military jackets are classic investments.

1950s – Dior, Balenciaga and Givenchy. The prom dress, oversized detailing, trapeze coats, full skirts and pedal pushers. Ballet shoes and sweater dresses à la Brigitte Bardot. A great look for curvy girls with small waists.

1960s – Yves Saint Laurent, Mary Quant, Pucci, Jean Muir, Ossie Clark and Biba. Jane Fonda’s space suits in Barbarella. Twiggy’s flower power, mini skirts and chain mail. Big sunglasses. This look is always popular – oversized sunglasses will never go out of style! Mini skirts and boots are great for the tall and leggy.

1970s – Ossie Clark and Celia Birtwell, Zandra Rhodes, Vivienne Westwood, Missoni. Flowing skirts, parkas and jumpsuits. This is a new age, crafty and colourful look that will bring a smile to your face. Suits all shapes and sizes and is comfortable and easy to wear.

Mark and Cleo Butterfield, owners of C20 Vintage Fashion store suggest the following:

• See and handle vintage items rather than buying vintage clothing online. Go to specialist fairs and markets to meet dealers and handle different styles.


• Focus your aim and get to know designers and periods that interest you.


• Be wary of eBay – the seller is unlikely to be a vintage dealer and you can’t check the item’s condition.


• Don’t buy a stained garment. Get a description of stains, rust and mildew.


• Check it for moth holes, tears and missing beadwork.


• Buy the best you can afford if it’s an investment piece.


• Get exact measurements – older sizes were 1-2 sizes smaller than today.


• Familiarise yourself with fabrics and trimming terms.


• Ask for tips on storing and cleaning the item.


• Buy colour rather than black and white.

Scour charity shops in wealthy areas for quality finds. Flea markets are good for post 1950s clothing.
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Best Vintage Stores in Nashville USA

Shopping Vintage Clothing in Nashville

Buying both men’s and women’s vintage clothes has gone far beyond browsing Goodwill and Salvation Army stores. It has become a major shopping trend. In nearly every city in the United States, consignment and used clothing stores have sprung up to cater to the retro fashion market.

Nashville has dozens of vintage clothing stores, where designer suits and spangled Western shirts can be bought for a song by those patient enough to click through the racks in crowded little shops.

It’s not surprising the market for vintage clothes has found fertile soil in Nashville. The music industry attracts both wealthy musicians who blow through outfits like a tornado and aspiring songwriters and musicians who want to look ultra cool on the cheap.

But in Nashville, the grande dame of all vintage clothing stores is Ladies of Charity (2216 State St., 615-327-3453), a venerable consignment store where the wealthy society ladies of Belle Meade drop off their designer gowns and alligator bags to resell for charity.

Catering to the urban hipster crowd are vintage clothing stores like East Nashville’s Hip Zipper (1008 Forrest Ave., 615-228-1942), which carries retro wear from biker jackets to bellbottoms along with 1940s sundresses, ball gowns and a wide selection of men’s clothing. Hip Zipper was ranked Best Vintage Clothing store in Nashville by readers of the Nashville Scene alternative newspaper.

Vintage Fashion Bargains in Nashville’s 8th Avenue Antiques District

At Boomerang Finer Thrift (2207 8th Ave. S, 615-385-1004) the vintage clothing bargain hunter descends a tiny spiral staircase to a low-ceiling, dimly lit space filled with a top collection of ladies vintage clothing. Guys can also find ultra hip pearl button Western shirts for around $15. Upstairs the shop offers newer used clothing in excellent condition along with household decorations, ranging from vintage luggage to kitschy kitchen items.

Also in the heart of Nashville’s 8th Avenue antique district is Pre To Post Modern (2110 8th Ave. S, 615-292-1958), a funky home design mall that includes vintage clothing for men and women along with a wide variety of retro furniture and decorative items.

Best Vintage Clothing in Nashville

For a long weekend’s shopping, here’s a list of more vintage clothing shops in Nashville:

• Savant Vintage Couture (2302 12th Ave. S, 615-385-0856‎


• Designer Renaissance (822 Bransford Ave., 615-297-8822)


• Red Boots Designer Consignment (2815 Lebanon Pike, #112, 615-883-9444)


• Clothing X-Change, (1817 21st Ave. S, 615-463-0209)


• Pieces Vintage Clothing 211 Louise Ave., 615-329-3537


• Estelle's (601 8th Ave. S, 615-259-2630)


• Flip (909 8th Ave. S, 615-256-3547)


• Local Honey (1207 Linden Ave., 615-297-6977)


• Flora’s Vintage (1101 Holly St., 615-750-5746)


• Venus and Mars (2009 Belmont Ave., 615-915-4846)

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Creative Vintage Handbag Ideas

There are plenty of interesting designer handbags available, but when searching for a classic, vintage, or just unusual style of handbag, try looking at antique shops or estate sales. Here are some vintage items to look for when searching for a new purse, work tote, or school bag.

Doctor's Bag

The sleek lines of a traditional doctor's bag or satchel, with a rectangular bottom and sloped sides, is a classic handbag shape that many designers use in their work today. While it may be difficult to find a doctor's bag that is in perfect condition, a well-made satchel with some cosmetic wear and tear can work as a functional handbag, weekend bag, or carry-on for years.

Some may prefer a shoulder strap to the small set of handles that most doctor's satchels have. With a little time and effort, a shoulder strap can be attached to a doctor's bag.

Suitcase or Carry-On Bag

Consider using a vintage or antique piece of luggage as an oversized handbag or work tote. Many luggage companies produce small or mid-size carry-on bags that are conducive to being used as a purse or tote. Some brands to look for online or in antique shops include American Tourister, Samsonite, and designers like Prada and Louis Vuitton.

Briefcase

Declare love for the accessories on Mad Men by sporting a briefcase handbag. Vintage briefcases in rich leather come in a variety of shapes and sizes, and are a unique alternative to a laptop or messenger bag. Unlike many vintage bags, briefcases typically have interior pockets. Like the doctor's bag, it is possible to add shoulder straps to briefcases for easy carrying.

Carpet Bag

These pieces of luggage evoke images from literary works like Anne of Green Gables and Mary Poppins. Carpet bags, which usually take either a tote or satchel shape, are sturdy, versatile accessories.

Even if a vintage or antique carpet bag is nowhere to be found, companies like Victorian Traveler or Z'Etiquette offer new carpet bags. These items usually cost over $100 due to the craftsmanship involved, but the sturdiness and reliability of these accessories offsets the higher price tag.

As with any antique or vintage purchase, it is important to examine photos of vintage luggage carefully prior to purchasing. Don't hesitate to contact the seller with questions, especially regarding marks on the bag or suitcase that cannot be identified from a photo. Be prepared to deal with some stains, worn areas, and musty odors from some antique handbags.
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Sexy Vintage Pin-up Looks for Valentines Day

Playful, Romantic Evening with Vintage 

There is a reason why vintage pin-up models, such as Bettie Page, seem to find their way back into fashion. Items from their classic look are still worn, such as red lipstick, lace-up corsets and peep-toe high heels—distinctively sexy vintage pieces that are timeless—which can vamp up your Valentine’s Day, or also be carefully used to lend a sexy, glamorous vibe to an evening look.

Pin Curls and Red Lips

Pin curls are simply curls that are set by using hairclips or pins to hold the shape of the curl into place. After releasing the clips, your curls can be loosened and styled with your fingers or slightly brushed out to soften the look, and sprayed into place. There are several tips online to achieve a classy, pin-curled look.

Red lipstick is not only an easy way to add a pop of color to your face, but it also draws attention to your mouth, and of course, lips. It’s a simple, yet bold statement for kissable lips to mark your mate. If you find your red too harsh, blot your lips with tissue to tone it down.

ALace-up Vintage Corset Top

Lace-up corsets have been in and out of fashion for centuries. They were worn by pin-up models, for example Bettie Page, to cinch the waist into an hourglass figure and accentuate curves. Modern corsets are less restricting than old-fashioned, historic corsets.

If you plan to wear one just for fun, purchase your corset from a novelty store. But if you want a better quality corset to wear more often, it should be purchased from a lingerie specialty store like Victoria's Secret.

If you don’t want to overdo the Valentine’s Day theme by wearing too much novelty red, you can opt for a satin black corset instead and use red accessories. A black corset can also be worn on other romantic occasions, or even out to dinner underneath a chic blazer.

Thigh-high Stockings With a Backseam

Gil Elvgren, a famous pin-up artist, often painted the models wearing sheer black, thigh-high stockings with a backseam, held up with a garter belt. The top of her stockings, easily exposed by a burst of wind (think Marilyn Monroe), gave a peek of what was underneath.

When worn with a cute dress (such as a black and white polka-dot one), your backseam stockings will give your outfit the desired 50s glamour-girl look. Also, the backseam allows the viewer to follow the line up the back of your legs for a sexy, unexpected visual effect, leaving more to the imagination.

It’s more tasteful if you wear a long enough dress or skirt (just above or below your knees), which will easily prevent you from overdoing your look. Save the mini dress for another day.

Peep-toe High Heels

Vintage pin-ups are also often depicted wearing peep-toe high heels, which come in a variety of styles. They are also a little more comfortable, allowing your toes to breathe a bit without squishing them at the tips and without sacrificing style.

Top off your look with heels that give just a peek of your freshly polished toes.

Using these signature details from vintage pin-ups are easy for a timeless, glamorous and sexy vintage look for Valentine's Day or to spice up other romantic occasions with that special someone. Save the red lipstick and peep-toe heels on days you’re feeling adventurous and bold. Also, prevent from looking too harsh or campy by keeping things understated and tasteful—like a true, classic pin-up
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How Women and Designers are Inspired by Retro Clothes

The return of the waist in the middle of the decade heralded a new retrospection in fashion, as women were once again allowed to indulge their curves in vintage inspired silhouettes and feminine retro prints. The weekly glossies seized a new buzz word, “cinching”, and featured pages upon pages of peplums, peep-toes and pencil skirts, reincarnating the womanly allure of the 1940s and ‘50s.

But as we approach the end of the decade, this highly polished femininity is less popular with young women, who now feed off harder edged retro aesthetics such as rock, rockabilly, punk, fetish and grunge.

Retro Trash Usurps the Throne of Vintage Glamour

A style-conscious late-teenager five years ago might have graced the tiles in tulip skirts and envelope clutches, Victorian blouses and high-waisted city shorts, galaxy dresses and patent heels.

In 2010, her little sister prefers stone washed jeans, lacy bustiers, lumberjack shirts, Doc Martens, and biker jackets. Her favourite evening ensemble is an oversized Iron Maiden T-Shirt nipped in with a gold studded elasticated cummerbund, opaque tights and eighties ankle boots, of battered buttery leather.

She picks out elements of the old style femininity – a wasp-waist and a seductive lace – but toughens them up with heavy masculine fabrics, slouchy shapes, and glam accessories. Her look is un-groomed and trashy, but essentially sexy; and it ironically represents a heightened self consciousness in young women.

Facebook Forges new Fashion Etiquette

This self-consciousness has been fostered by social networking sites, which have given rise to deep rooted aesthetic sensitivities. The fact that every important and unimportant social occasion (and outfit) is now being snapped by peers and published online, has made a pristine heels-and-hairspray style impractical: not only is it high maintenance, it looks high maintenance: it smacks of effort.

Girls may trawl through online albums unscrupulously “untagging” less-than-perfect photos of themselves, but crucially, one has to appear not to care. That much scrutinized “profile picture” has to be sexy, but also nonchalant, hence why laddered tights, disheveled hair and distressed denim have usurped the throne of high glamour, which would not convey that much coveted carelessness and brash sensuality.

A potent antidote to the new womanly allure came with “nu-rave”, a frivolous clubbing craze which referenced ‘90s dance music, early ‘90s dance/grunge wear, and ‘80s spandex. The revival of the acid-house yellow smiley, Ray-Ban shades and a neon palette, was antithetical to classic feminine glamour. Think of House of Holland’s slogan tees, styled as slouchy dresses on exciting new models like AgynessDeyn, who screamed and pouted their way into the public eye.

Young women were now uploading photos of themselves “raving” in lurid colours and sweating behind sunglasses. Scarlett Johansson was out, M.I.A. was in. It was an incendiary assault on old style femininity.

Designers Follow Suit on the Catwalk

Christopher Kane seized this new defiance and galvanized bodycon in his S/S 07 collection. He married the neon palette of nu-rave with lace trimming, and created eye-wateringly tight mini dresses à la AzzedineAlaia and Mario Schwab. The waist was still with us, but Kane resurrected an ‘80s silhouette by drawing the eye to the curves and muscularity of the whole body.

The trend was exciting because it was elitist: it is cruelly satisfying to wear a dress in which one’s mother would look like a pinched sausage. The bodycon revival undercut many vintage fit-and-flare style rules, it popped with high octane sensuality and looked fabulous on camera.

This new daring mood in fashion was appealing because it facilitated the crafting of quasi-fictional personas through photographs online. Young women who wanted to be perceived as leading exciting or risqué lives now had a wardrobe to support them. Take Kane’s subversive A/W 07-08 leather creations, Gareth Pugh’s nightmarish gothic fantasies of S/S 08, or Burberry’s A/W 07-08 collection, which took classic vintage shapes such as trench coats and over-the-elbow gloves, and blasted them with heavy rock and fetish influences: a black and petrol blue palette, oil-slick thigh-high boots, studded leather and stripper heels.

In last year, Balmain’s punk-inspired collection of boy-blazers, skinny red trousers and ankle boots, was successful for its androgyny and anarchic attitude, and House of Holland’s thermochromatic wear, (great for drawing to attention to a hot crotch), was packaged with Alice Dellal-ish dark sexuality, and a nostalgia for the euphoric apathy of the nineties youth culture.

The influence of the ‘40s and ‘50s is still latent, but the emphasis has shifted to rockabilly tartans, Buddy Holly glasses and teddy boy tailoring. The latter half of this decade has ravaged the classic feminine formula, the new womanly allure has been sexed up, sucked in, studded and masculinised, to suit the needs of a “do you think I care?” generation of self consciousfashionistas.
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Best Vintage Clothing Stores in The UK

Such is the demand for vintage clothing that prices have gone through the roof when it comes to collectable items and those which are keenly sourced by stylists, designers and fashion houses alike. This leaves little room for vintage lovers or part-time collectors, so it pays to know what to look for and where to look.

For those-in-the-know there are a number of events, such as Fashion Fairs and vintage clothing auctions which take place in London on a regular basis. These bring customers from as far away as New York and they offer the chance to find some one-off pieces that are highly sought-after. Those who are unable to make it to a particular event can visit the many specialist vintage fashion shops in London; the most frequented of which is Rellik, the first port of call for the artistically blocked, according to Imogen Edwards-Jones, in her fashion exposé, Fashion Babylon. Some of these stores also offer the chance to purchase online.

The following is a list of the current hip and hot vintage stores in London. As with all vintage clothing outlets, what you find they have to offer depends on luck and timing. Some clothing can be bought online, which means that if you are a vintage devotee, you can continue to keep a watchful eye on the sites. Rokit in Covent Garden has a particularly user-friendly website. Bear in mind, that given the current resurgence in vintage clothing, there are new stores opening all the time.

List: Best Vintage Clothing Stores in The UK

Absolute Vintage — Spitalfields, East London

Awarded “Best Vintage Shop in London” by In Style magazine, this store has the largest selection of vintage shoes in the UK, mainly sourced from Canada and Europe. It is recommended by Vogue UK as one of the top 100 stores to visit in the world and has been features in numerous publications included London’s Evening Standard and Time Out, Japanese Vogue, and the UK’s Elle and NewWoman.

Situated in Hanbury Street, East London, near Liverpool Street underground station, Absolute Vintage is a must for vintage footwear, from sparkly evening shoes to slouchy boots. Visit their website, where it’s also possible to buy online. Or visit our online vintage clothing shop.

Appleby —Westbourne Grove

Situated at Westbourne Park Villas, Notting Hill, if you can’t get there in person then take a look at the website, as clothing listed with prices can be bought online. This shop is a bit of a well-kept secret, a hidden gem. For more information visit applebyvintage.com.

One of a Kind — Portobello Road

Reputedly Sienna Miller’s favorite vintage shop, One of a Kind at 253 & 259 Portobello Road, is a small but veritable treasure trove of goodies. Owned by a Rastafarian Londoner, the two sister shops, are almost adjacent to one another; one is more exclusive, viewing by appointment only, and the other is a regular shop.

These narrow fronted outlets (blink and you’ll miss them) belie what’s inside, as the shops are stocked full of clothing from the ‘60s and ‘70s. Visit the website for more details, 1ofakind-shop.com.

Palette London —Islington

According to Urbanpath.com, “Palette London has an eclectic selection of pristine vintage fashion, homewares, shoes, books and much more.” Its staff are knowledgeable the store has a finder-service and prices range from £10 to £900. The shop sells vintage fashion from such designer greats as Missoni, Ossie Clark, Pucci, Halson, DVF, Chanel and Gucci. Situated at 21 Canonbury Lane, Islington, Palette London has its own website, palette-london.com.

Rellik —Notting Hill

Rellik in London’s Notting Hill, just off Golborne Road, in Ladbroke Grove, is owned by ex-Portobello market stallholders, Fiona Stuart, Claire Stansfield and Steven Phillip. The owners are careful what they stock, sifting out the rubbish first, and therefore the shop is a popular haunt of many designers, looking for that one unique piece that will inspire them for next season, as Rellick is one of the few vintage stores known for catering to vintage trends. Rellik is also a favorite of Kate Moss and Kylie Minogue and has its own website.

Rokit — Covent Garden

Situated in Shelton Street, in the tourist district of Covent Garden, this is one of four stores located in Camden, Brick Lane as well as Convent Garden. Rokit falls into the higher price bracket, but does have a bargain basement and has an eclectic range of classic and quirky pieces. Items can be purchased online, from its comprehensive and professional website, you can search by clothing type or era.

Steinberg &Tolkein — Chelsea

Steinberg &Tolkein is situated on the King’s Road in Chelsea. Most of their pieces are one-offs, and therefore in the higher price bracket. Staff are helpful and knowledgeable and you can pick up some valuable pieces.

The Girl Can’t Help It — St John’s Wood

Situated in Alfie’s Antique Market, Church Street, this is the place to go if you’re looking for Hollywood glamour. The store has been featured in Vogue magazine’s “100 Shopping secrets,” and has rails are filled with high quality mid 20th century vintage clothing, mostly sourced from America. According to Urbanpath.com “customers include designers, celebrities, stylists, film and TV wardrobe assistant and anyone looking to get their hands on a piece of unique, wearable fashion.” Visit the store website for more information at thegirlcanthelpit.com.

London Street Markets

With such a wide selection of stores, there is bound to be something to suit all vintage shoppers. However, London’s numerous and vibrant markets are also a good place to shop for vintage fashion; although traders are wising up to demand, and often boutique owners are first on the scene.

Try London’s famous Portobello Road market, Camden market (especially on Sunday mornings), and Friday’s Old Spitalfields Fashion Market, a short walk from Shoreditch underground station.

If you like you may visit our online vintage clothing shop.
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Buying Vintage Clothing - Pros and Cons

There are a handful of people that can do vintage to perfection. Think Gwyneth Paltrow in her pink vintage Dior gown and Julia Roberts in her Oscar winning, black and white vintage Valentino. However, not many mere mortals can do vintage well, unless you are looking at a red-carpet moment ,with your own personal stylist; where garments can be tweaked and refitted to your figure.

According to Karen Homer, author of Things a Woman Should Know about Style, today’s modern woman has bigger feet, is 4-inches taller and 2 dress sizes larger than her counterpart in the ‘40s, and many of the styles from yesteryear simply do not fit. Take no notice of the sizing on a '50s dress, try in on to be certain that it fits!

The Truth about Vintage

Vintage to many women represents the glamorous days of the ‘40s,’50s ‘60s and ‘70s when fashion was the epitome of chic and elegance. These are times when French fashion designers like Yves Saint Laurent were in their heyday, setting trends with their glamorous gowns, safari jackets and pantsuits.

However, vintage may not be all that’s it’s cracked up to be. After all, vintage, nowadays, is an upmarket work for used or second-hand, often used to bump up the price. Vintage can mean 40 years ago or 4. Although it is referred to as vintage, it may only be a few years old, or even just a few seasons.

In her book, Homer scathingly points out that “vintage is a word used by second-hand clothes merchants to justify charging you at least 10 times what the garment originally cost.”

The Problems with Vintage Clothing

• Part of the problem is that there are fewer and fewer genuine vintage bargains anymore. Most have been snapped up by fashion designers, dealers, boutiques, or heads of fashion houses, looking to find outfits for movies or shows or as a source of inspiration. Not to mention celebrities and their stylists, searching for that elusive red-carpet gown.


• Whilst it is still possible to pick up the occasional bargain, opportunities are becoming fewer, as more people become vintage savvy. eBay is littered with garments with the listing term “vintage”, whether it be a much sought after Vivienne Westwood gown or a pair of '80s plastic earrings from Walmart!


• Traders have wised up to the marketing potential of vintage. In her fashion exposé, Fashion Babylon (Corgi Books), Edwards-Jones tells of garments being spotted by eagle-eyed members of the fashion trade at local markets such as London’s Portobello Road, and placed on sale at boutiques for a phenomenal mark-up.


• Buying vintage does not always equate with quality. If the garment had not been well-cared for, it may smell of mould (if it has been hanging around in someone’s basement for 30 years) and may fall apart once you put it on.

The Benefits of Vintage Clothing

• Buying Vintage clothing means being green, helping the environment by recycling garments.


• For many high-fashion followers, instead of spending money on collections from contemporary designers, (where there is always a danger of running into someone else wearing the same outfit) with vintage, you are likely to be the only one in the room wearing such a unique piece.


• Although real bargains might be as rare as hens’ teeth, now and again you can be lucky, and may be able to sell something on for a profit, at a later stage.


• It’s okay to buy a vintage outfit just because you like it. You may love the look, the fabric, the stitching, or the cut. Forget the label, if it makes you feel good, then it is worth the money.


• Some of the best pieces are right under your nose — outfits that have been kept over the years by family members, sitting in the back of closets or in suitcases in an attic. A vintage garment found in your grandmother’s loft, "could be worth thousands of pounds," says Pat Frost of Christies Auction House.


• Investing in accessories such as sunglasses, belts or jewelry, is a great way to wear vintage without worrying about a complete look. Often just a touch of vintage, can add glamour and chic to an outfit. Archiv, the vintage accessories shop in London is so popular with international designers that, according to Edwards-Jones, head designers from the likes of Gucci or Louis Vuiton accessories, will buy up to 50 pairs of sunglasses at a time!

Where to Shop for Vintage Clothing

Doing vintage well means you have to know where to shop. If you are really serious, then it is worth considering the specialist outlets and vintage fairs, many of which are in London. These are favored and visited by designers and fashion houses the world over, to feed their desire in finding something old to recreate into something new. As Edwards-Jones outlines in her book, it is vintage that drives what happens on the runways, not the other way round.

Fashion generally goes in 20-year cycles (the 20-year rule) and famous and up-and-coming designers can be found searching for inspiration for their next collection, in stores like Rellik in London’s Notting Hill, just off the Golborne Road. Owned by ex-Portobello market stallholders, Rellik is also a favorite of Kate Moss and Kylie Minogue, the store has its own website for further information.

Held 9 times a year is London Vintage Fashion, Textiles and Accessories Fair, and, according to the DailyMail’s article "Antique Gold: Vintage chic on the Cheap," attracts famous designers, stylists and fashion industry insiders from New York to Paris. In the confines of Hammersmith Town Hall, names like Donna Karan and Stella McCartney rub shoulders with members of the public and celebrities. The fair takes place every 5 or 6 weeks and more information can be found on the fair's website.

Another option is to visit some of London’s vibrant markets and vintage clothing stores. There are also a number of other vintage fashion fairs and events which take place in London, on a regular basis.
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Vintage Bikini Buying Guide

Vintage bikini Buying Guide

The beaches and pools seem quite inviting during the spring months. It is the time, when you get ready to get outside and enjoy the warmth of the sun. Women and girls start searching for the swimwears of the previous season, whenever they plan to visit the beach. They plan to buy a new one, if the old swimsuit does not fit perfectly or if they want to try something different. The weight gain or weight loss also encourages women to try something different because their body shape gets changed. The retailers offer a wide range of options in the vintage bikini, especially during the spring months.

You can choose from the bikini, swimsuits, swim dress, tankini, and shape control swimwear, but what you think about using a vintage bikini? The vintage style bikinis will offer you a retro look and chic style. It is renowned for improving the visual appeal of the certain body parts. A curvy woman can look so attractive in the vintage style bikini and others can also try it to look different and appealing. Of course, women used to wear the vintage bikinis during the 20^th century and therefore buying it now can be a daunting task. So, follow this guide to buy the best vintage bikini.

Choosing the pattern for vintage bikini

The vintage style bikinis come with retro style patterns, like the polka dots, floral designs, and wide stripes. You can buy it as a one-piece or two-piece bikini, but the patterns will be similar in both type’s bikinis. You should choose the polka dot bikini, if you want to gain a cool and crisp look. The white dots on navy fabric or dark fabric look quite impressive.

The floral pattern’s vintage bikini is perfect for you, if you are a funny and lively individual. You can get a variety of designs in the floral bikinis. You can get tropical leave designs, palm frond designs, and some other designs that offer an exotic flair.

The wide stripe patter was very famous during the mid 20^th century. The striped pattern not only improves the charm of the bikini, but also provides an awesome appeal to your body. The strips make you look sexy from certain areas of the body like the bustline and waistline.

Choose the pattern wisely because it will express your personality and it can also make you look more attractive.

The neckline

The vintage style bikinis offer two types’ necklines, the sweetheart neckline and the classic halter neckline. A bikini with the halter neckline will provide a single strap, which would be attached to the front right and left side of the bikini. The vintage bikini with sweetheart neckline offers a V-shaped dip at the center and an arched shape to enhance the charm of the breasts. You should try the bikinis with both types’ necklines and then see, which one is looking more beautiful.

Ruching and Ruffles

The bikini designs of the 20^th century were quite different from today’s designs because those swimwears were embellished with ruching and ruffles. Such kind of embellishments was used by only those users, who wanted to look more stylish and different. These are not for the serious swimmers. The vintage swimwear becomes less streamlined and smooth due to ruching and ruffles. Therefore, you should choose the vintage bikini carefully and consider it as an important factor. Buy the vintage style bikini with ruching and ruffles, if you are going to have a lot of fun on the beach. Of course, you will look different and quite sexy with such designs.

Consider your body shape

One of the most important things many women never figure out is the type of their body shape. Most of the vintage style bikinis were designed to provide the women with an ideal hourglass figure. YOU can look great in the retro bikinis, if you have a curvy body shape. This type’s bikinis can also enhance the charm of women with small busts. You should use stripes and polka pattern’s high waisted vintage bikini, if you want to make your body assets look more beautiful. The women with small chest can try the bikinis with ruching and ruffles because such bikinis make them look sexier and more attractive.

Check the size for bikini

The retro style and vintage bikini are not in fashion now. Finding a perfect fit can be a bit difficult, but it doesn’t mean you should use a poorly fitting bikini. If the bikini’s size is too large, it will create ugly looking bulges and wrinkles. You may feel so embarrassed, if the bikini will sag too much. Too tight is also not good for you, especially if you are buying a plus size vintage style bikini. Search for a vintage style bikini in your size and buy it, if you find it.

What color should you choose for vintage bikini?

The vintage style bikinis can be available in various colors. Of course, there will be the patterns over the fabric, but the backdrop color also matters. You should choose more vivid or darker color’s bikini, if you have pale skin. You will look quite sexy in such color’s bikini because deep purple, navy, and maroon look very impressive over pale women. You should choose a light and bright colored bikini, if you have tanned or dark skin. Any dark color bikini will hide your beauty and you may not look as sexy as you want to appear. So, choose the color for your vintage bikini wisely.

Buy vintage bikini online

Women used to wear the retro and vintage styles’ bikinis during the 20^th century and today those bikinis are not in use. So, if you are planning to visit the beach or poolside in a vintage bikini, you should buy it online. It is possible that the local retailers may not provide the vintage style bikinis. They won’t because probably no-one buys it. Every girl wants to use the modern trend’s bikinis and they don’t care about the old trends. The online retailers still provide a great collection of retro style and vintage style bikinis. So, go online and buy the best vintage style bikinis.
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Vintage Style Shoes Buying Guide

Buying Vintage Style Shoes

Buying vintage style shoes is not a very difficult task until you don’t the things to consider. Shopping shoes by checking the size and material is quite a common way, but buying vintage style shoes by considering their features is a daunting task. People take a complete care while buying shoes and other accessories, but sometimes they become careless, especially when buying the vintage style shoes. You may like to wear these shoes with theatrical costume, or simple with traditional outfits, the shoe must improve your looks and appeal. Many options, like wingtips, Oxford shoes, and rugged western boots emerge, when you decide to buy the vintage design’s shoes.

There are some great shoe manufacturers, which are specialized in making vintage style shoes. Of course, finding the best retailer can be a difficult task. It would be more difficult to choose the best vintage style shoes, if you have never bought it before. You can make it simple by following a few important tips.

Famous styles of vintage shoes:

The style of shoes has changed with time. There was a time, when people used to wear the brogue shoes. Of course, the brogue shoes still look trendy and people also call them co-respondent in Britain. This style’s shoes contain toe caps with the points at the top. The length of toe caps can vary, depending on the brands of the shoes. The wingtip shoes were very common shoes during the old age and available in many varieties. The small preformed holes of the brogue vintage style shoes make them different from other vintage shoes. These holes also improve the charm of brogues.

It seems like Americans had got more freedom than European users, in terms of choosing the fashion stuff. The two tone shoes prove it because this type’s shoes were quite famous during 1920s. If you are looking for something fashionable in the vintage collection of the shoes, you can buy the two tone shoes.

Another variety of shoes, which were famous during the early 20^th century, was the Black and White Saddle shoes. Of course, this type’s shoes didn’t become too trendy, but still there were demands for this type’s shoes between 1930 and 1950. You can choose these shoes, if you want to wear vintage style shoes with brown heels and toes with a white design in the middle.

Many other shoe styles had become famous during the 20^th century, like the tennis shoes, but the above listed vintage style shoes are still famous among the users. You should consider one of these styles of the vintage shoes instead of looking for something else.

The size of vintage shoes:

The way of sizing the garments has changed within the last few decades, but such changes didn’t occur with the shoes. You should not face too many difficulties in finding the right size’s vintage shoes because you can buy it according to the marked size. There is not a big difference between the marked size of the vintage shoes and modern shoes. Though, the vintage style shoes seem narrower in width, so keep this fact in mind while buying the vintage shoes. The actual marked size of the shoes is important because that size was marked by considering the length and the width of the shoes. If you wear 7.5 modern size’s shoes, then you will have to look for 8 vintage shoe sizes. That’s how you can find the perfect fit in the vintage shoes.

Material:

You will find the leather shoes in the search results, whenever you will search for the vintage shoes. The leather is the most widely used material to prepare the upper and visible portion of the shoes. The old shoe manufacturers did not have the technology and equipments like the modern manufacturers and therefore the actual vintage style shoes were prone to damage. Leather was the main upper material, rubber was used to prepare the sole, and glue was used as an adhesive substance. You are most likely to buy one of this kind’s shoes, if you are buying the vintage style shoes. So, you should get information on how to protect and maintain the vintage leather shoes because the vintage style shoes will cost more expensive price than the modern shoes.

Ensure the quality of vintage style shoes:

People used to buy and wear imported shoes during the early 20^th century and that’s what you can find in today’s market, if you search for the vintage style shoes. The shoes prepared from full-grain leather or genuine patent leather is the best for regular use. You can also look for original reptile or alligator leather made shoes, if you can spend a few extra bucks. Many vintage style shoes manufacturing companies are either closed or manufacturing the modern shoes. The manufacturer, which has survived and still manufactures a few vintage style shoes, is a reliable source for the best quality shoes. They mostly use real wood or leather stacked heels to provide a comfortable feel.

Things to avoid, if you will use the vintage shoes on a daily basis:

It would not be a feasible deal, if you buy shoes produced before the 1950s. The manufacturers used to use brittle or dry leather at that time, which is not good for regular use shoes. If you still buy a pair of vintage shoes that was manufactured before the 1950s, the breaks will appear soon in the upper material and the shoe will lose its appeal. Buying the vintage style shoes online would be a better decision than buying it from the local retailer. The local retailer may cheat you by selling something else in the name of vintage style shoes and you will regret, when you will know the truth. There are some renowned vintage style shoe retailers, who provide genuine and high-quality shoes. You can trust them for quality supply.

That’s all you need to check while buying the vintage style shoes. There are many options in materials and size in the contemporary shoes, but vintage style shoes come with limited options. Their appeal is unique and those shoes look perfect with formal outfits. So, buy the best pair by following the tips listed in this post.
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Vintage Wedding Shoes for Bride Over Times

Beginning of Vintage Wedding Shoes for Bride

1940’s was the time of fashion boom, when the textile as well as shoe industry saw a change in the way people dressed as the focus shifted from just choosing what to wear and some people even went ahead to customize their own dress. Even finding vintage wedding shoes for bride made changes.

The whole idea of fashion gradually got modified and underwent layers of changes in nearly every year.  Weddings did not see much of variance in terms of gowns worn by brides or the suits of the grooms, the general white gown with lace work and a net veil were usually worn by the bride in that era. What transformed a lot were the wedding shoes of 1940s and the later years until 1970.  Today this time period is popularly called as the era of vintage fashion.

How vintage Wedding Shoes look like

Vintage wedding shoes for Bride have always incorporated intricate designs, accessorized with ribbons and glitter all over, irrespective of whether they belong to the modern era or real vintage ones.  White based peep toes buckles were also in fashion during the period. 

A vintage theme wedding is never completed without Vintage wedding shoes for Bride, as the shoe is said to make a hell lot of difference.  The perfect pair of shoe gives an edge to the complete attire of the bride, as it is the heartiest wish of every bride to look the best ever on their special day. 

Vintage wedding shoes for Bride can be briefly classified into Boots, Flats, heels as well as shoes. The categorization doesn’t end here. As the years passed, the shoes went on to be modified from just heels to peep toe heels, then wedges with glitter straps. The shoes went a long way and got subdivided further into the sling back shoes, the ballerinas and the loafers as well which had colorful or all white sequins at the back, front or maybe at the side of the shoe. They were sometimes personalized according to the wish of the bride. The T strap shoe with see- through material used for the strap were very much in fashion and is always preferred over other type of shoe for women looking out for having a vintage styled wedding. The buckled up galoshes were also preferred by women wearing side slit gowns which revealed a part of their leg. Galosh styled shoes or the high rise boots which were adorned by white pearls stitched in a spiral went down to the foot of the shoe.

Mary Jane and Vintage Wedding Shoes

Confetti lace Vintage wedding shoes for Bride as well as transparent lace wedding shoe in shimmery gold and silver was also preferred by the bride as well as the bridesmaids. Some families even customized the shoes matching them with the dresses. The Mary Jane shoe is such a shoe which can never be left out when a discussion on the vintage styled shoes is on the roll.

The wedding inspired Mary Jane shoes were generally the low heel classic shoes Ballerinas that were high in fashion and were preferred by brides who preferred the retro dazzle look. Cinderella shoes or the Cinderella pumps: No one should leave out on this category of shoe. It is not really a category but a single type of shoe that looked a lot like the real Cinderella shoe. And was made of leather and wrapped in a fine mesh net to give the shiny as well as intricate look to your Vintage wedding shoes for Bride.

Vintage wedding Shoes for bride even in modern days

Open toe shoes which were the modified versions of the peep toe shoe also got a lot of appreciation as the innovation was applied with glittered designs adorning the body of the shoe. Stella Starlight was the only accountable shoe which had a base other than white along with the shade of pink fused orange and was block printed.

The crocheted shoe was another great addition to the already wide variety of wedding shoes. It had crocheted work on the front as well as sides of the pumps. Even after 60 to 70 years after the vintage era, the brides prefer to wear those shoes. They are a must have during the themed weddings and are also common in others owing to the gorgeous look that they offer.
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