Christmas money will be in hand presently and fashion will come calling like the big fat crow on the roof outside my window. What better way to make it stretch than investing in vintage clothing, trinkets, bags and shoes? That’s a rhetorical question because the truth is, there’s no better way to make it stretch. So either pop out for a last minute present now or visit my picks next week where you’ll find no refund queues or Black Friday style sale crushes. Just one offs…
Beyond Retro
We’ll start with the behemoth of London vintage, Beyond Retro. Locations in Dalston, Brick Lane and Soho vary from large to massive and if you leave without finding a little somethin’ somethin’, well, I don’t want to say it, but, perhaps style isn’t your best buddy?
The Other Side of the Pillow
We’ve covered this before but only in terms of its vintage Vans trainers and there’s a lot more here to get on with. Vintage shades, home ware, toys, Fisher Price record players and 70s and 80s apparel make it worthy of a trip to the east end outback. What’s more there’s a great coffee shop next door. It goes by the name of Wilton’s.
One of a Kind
Not all vintage is that Mink DeVille look you know - not everyone’s wardrobe needs those classic greaser staples of worn leather and denim, which is where One of a Kind comes in. It stocks a massive range of designer vintage garms that has inspired a loyal following of celebrity fans from Kate Moss to Sienna Miller. There’s a back room full of super special pieces (by appointment only) but most will be able to make do with the pristine hand me downs of labels from Chanel to Stella McCartney in the main shop.
East End Thrift Store
Ah, memories. Not quite so thrifty as it once was, the East End Thrift Store is still a big noise in London’s vintage club. Spread over two floors in a Whitechapel warehouse space, it has turned into something of a thrift boutique in terms of its look – yet prices are still fair. Pick up dresses, shirts, knitwear, leather, denim and accessories at thrifty prices and keep an eye out for special late nights when beer and wine is put out so you can get boozy as you shop – the best way to do it.
Paper Dress Vintage
Paper Dress Vintage is a relatively new space on Curtain Road but it takes the final spot for its in-house coffee shop and bar that sets it apart from the rest. Hording 60s skirts, 20s cocktail dresses and all sorts of accessories they also produce their own line of vintage reproductions. Having obtained a liquor license there’s no stopping the fun and games that have already seen in store DJs, go-go dancers and a performance from the Noisettes.
