Vintage Shopping - The Affordable & Sustainable Way To Create A Designer Wardrobe
The ongoing couture shows in Paris have been giving archival references and a vintage mood all week. For those of us who cannot acquire these pieces off the runway or (let’s face reality) even when it hits the stores in a few months, what are our options? Vintage stores of course!
The current crop of stores across the globe take their sourcing game very seriously, each have their own identity be it classic vintage or kitschy eclectic pieces. I am excited to feature some lovely boutique stores so that you have an option wherever you travel this summer – the only dilemma you are going to have is luggage space to carry it all back home!
Japanese vintage store Qoo has outlets in Tokyo and Osaka, as well as an online platform with global shipping (for those whose luggage allowance has its limitations). They have sourced a fascinating array of bags, clothing and accessories and are very transparent about the condition of the items they sell. Whether it is vintage jewellery pieces like the Van Cleef & Arpel or the Chanel earrings or Celine and Hermes scarves, there is something for every wallet.
The Penny Lane Boutique in Amsterdam gets an astonishing range of pieces every week – from designer bags to footwear and clothing. The Missoni heels are just too cute to resist for a summer event! The resurgence of Burberry this season will have you scouring through the store’s racks for the vintage Burberry items in stock.
The Sing Blackbird vintage store in Berlin is another gem in Europe. Statement outfits from Thierry Mugler to Gucci from the Tom Ford era, Pucci and Margiela heels to Dior boots, there is a whole other level of eclectic at this store. Take a look at these fabulous Miu Miu and Vivienne Westwood jackets!
Sous Vintage in Milan is a delightful store that also sells their wares online through their Etsy page. Vintage Prada belts and loafers, 1980s YSL dresses, a two piece Chloe by Phoebe Philo circa 2002 or an applique dress from the 90s by Emmanuel Ungaro are just a few of the treasures to be found here.
The Parisian Vintage boutique in Paris has an amazing collection of classic pieces from couture houses including Armani, Prada, Louis Vuitton to name a few. The Louis Vuitton denim belt and the Roberto Cavalli belt are guaranteed to have people asking you to share your sources. The YSL brocade jacket is another standout piece for a formal event and the Jean Paul Gaultier denim jacket is the perfect one piece outfit for your next night out!
Aside from the access to labels otherwise outside our reach, vintage/preloved stores also give us the opportunity to experiment with styles and looks that we would never find under the same roof. I can attest to this as I picked up a Christopher Kane digital print dress that would not have made it’s way into my shopping cart in any other scenario!
What is your most important takeaway from a vintage store haul – the designer label, the vintage symbol of an era gone by or the thrill of an experimental find that will spark many a dinner table conversation? I would love to hear from you in the comments!
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