Know the colours you like to wear and make a beeline for them when you’re in a store. I always gravitate towards neutrals first. This strategy helps me narrow down the sections to sift through (especially when the racks look overwhelming).
Be open minded. I never really go to find something specific unless it’s for a costume party.
Know your favourite shapes, cuts and fabrics. This always speeds up the process of finding ‘the one’ as you slide each hanger. For example, I always look for linen and denim pieces.
Don’t focus on the size of a garment. I’ll try on anything ranging from a size 6 - 12 AU because you just never know with different brands and the era the clothing originated.
Consider tailoring for the perfect fit.
Get over the stigma of wearing second hand. It’s the most accessible sustainable option there is (apart from not buying anything at all of course).
Always wear an outfit and shoes you can get in / out of easily. It makes trying on everything that much easier.
Most importantly, pack snacks and water!
Favourite second hand haunts coming soon!
Admittedly when I was in Paris, I went to more designer vintage boutiques than usual because, PARIS. There were a few cheap and cheerful ones I checked out however they were extremely messy and much harder to rummage through (not even I could deal with the situation in some of these stores).
So these are the ones I actually enjoyed the shopping experience in:
Kiliwatch
Clara’s Vintage
Kilo Shop
Palace Callas
Vintage Clothing Paris
Nice Piece Vintage
The Paper Bag Princess - This place is one of my favourite stores EVER because it’s home to the most incredible selection of designer vintage. When you arrive it may seem closed but ring the doorbell to be let in and get totally lost amongst all of the glorious garms.
I didn’t get a chance to go to all of the amazing stores in Copenhagen (there are just that many!), but here are a few I did get to rummage around in. Overall, I would say the quality of secondhand pieces in Copenhagen is exceptional.
Episode - similar to Rokit in London
Times up - all pre-loved designer, lots of Missoni & YSL
Kobenhavn K - camo bucket hat heaven
Carmen - amazing selection of everything, great accessories
I’m planning on going back to Copenhagen and when I do, I’ll be checking out these places too:
Red Cross (there were a few around)
Liafi Studio (men’s)
Bau Bau (men's)
Having just moved back to Sydney, I’m rediscovering all of my favourite haunts and adding them as I go.
Wander around Maroubra Road & Anzac Parade where you’ll find a St Vincent de Paul and Salvos among others.
Along Spit Road In Mosman, explore the local St Vincent de Paul and Lifeline, as well as Closet Couture (designer) on Military Road.
In Neutral Bay you’ll find another Salvation Army Store, The Real Recycled, Save The Children AND St Vincent de Paul.
SWOP in Newtown. In fact, just wander around Newtown in general.
U-Turn (Hall Street Bondi, King St Newtown & Crown St Surry Hills)
C’s Flashback (Crown St Surry Hills)
Zoo Vintage Emporium (Surry Hills)
The Salvos Store Tempe (great for furniture and homewares - especially glassware)
Mitchell Road Antique & Design Centre (Bourke Rd) AMAZING furniture
Lunatiques (Kent Rd Mascot)
St Vincent de Paul (Oxford St)
Di Nuovo (Paddington - designer garb)
There were a couple of other second hand places to check out in Reykjavik but we didn’t get the chance (we were there over Easter and not much was open 😭). We did manage to go to these and recommend checking them out:
This will be the biggest list once I’ve finished collating!
There were loads of vintage stores in Edinburgh but some of them weren’t open on a Sunday so I didn’t get to scope them out from top to bottom. These are the ones I did get to explore and can recommend:
Obviously The Grand Bazaar (the most incredible jewellery I’ve ever seen!)
MOD Vintage
Grandma Vintage
Petra Vintage
By Retro
There are sooooo many others to explore!!
I had limited time in Bristol but I did manage to pop into most of the second hand stores along Gloucester Road and there are some absolute treasure troves.
In an effort not to be too prescriptive and to allow for some organic exploration, I’d recommend wandering down this colourful street yourself to discover your own faves.
The Flea Market is a must
Humana (there are a few)
Love Me Two Times - EPIC designer vintage, especially shoes
Itay Gonen Vintage Style - some designer pieces, great slip dresses / nighties in particular
Rocks & Gold - for all of the jewellery! Magnificent rings
Seekers Vintage - need snacks for this one, lots to look through!
Eva Circular Luxury - MORE gorgeous designer pieces
