To many of us, it feels like fashion will forever have a chokehold over our lives (if you’re reading this, it’s more likely than not that it has a firm grip on yours). However, often it’s challenging to balance a love for shopping alongside a desire to be more environmentally friendly. One popular way to solve this problem is by vintage shopping, which is not only sustainable but is also a way to remain fashionable. Despite this, it can be exceedingly tricky to locate the top vintage shops and to be able to separate the average shops from the supreme ones. Hopefully this article will help you find your new vintage hotspots, and save you from the depop girlies who are selling their old leg warmers for £50 as y2k essential super cute designer 200s retro wardrobe must haves.
1. The Brick Lane Vintage Market
Location: 85 Brick Lane London, E16QL
It’s not a secret that Brick Lane is and always has been a must visit hot spot for vintage shopping. The underground market is full to the brim with brilliant quality clothes from the 60s, 70s, 80s, 90s and the 2000’s. The multitude of different stalls ensure that there’s something for everyone, and real designer items can easily be found for decent prices most of the time (if you take your time there you’re bound to find a vintage prada staple stashed between the hangers). Within one trip there, it’s easy to come away with a whole new wardrobe feeling like a fashion influencer ready to delve into New York Fashion Week.
2. Camden Market
Location: Camden Town, NW postcode
The appeal of Camden is not limited to the market, it’s certainly a strong selling point. Surrounded by glorious food stalls, concert locations and the scenery of Primrose Hill (which might have traumatic memories for those of you who spend weekends there...), Camden has brilliant clothing stalls. One of it’s best aspects are the jewellery stalls which seem to have an endless supply of standout and staple pieces that will make all the difference to your outfit. When vintage shopping jewellery is often forgotten about, but if you find something good it can really elevate a simple, plain outfit.Prices vary here, however on average it’s probably fair to say that it’s more decently priced than the Brick Lane Vintage Market.
3. Rokit
Locations: Camden, Covent Garden, Brick Lane
Unlike the other recommendations, this is a shop rather than a market place, but it still retains its vintage charm. Whilst it’s often on the pricier side in comparison to some other places, it has a wide range of items that will soon prove their worth as essential pieces in the wardrobe. It’s particularly good for it’s selection of jeans in masses of different styles.
4. Beyond Retro
Locations: Dalston, Brick Lane, Soho
Another must-visit shop, but slightly less well known than Rokikt, Beyond Retro is a vintage shop who gets all of its items from charities directly or through recycling companies, which ensures that you will be keeping your carbon footprint as green as possible by buying from here. Top tip - beyond retro often gives out discounts as large as 50% off when you start buying there.
Other Mentions:
- Atika (Spitalfields)
- The Yard Vintage (Ilford)
- Wow Retro London (Covent Garden) If all else fails on your quest to find sustainable yet fashionable clothes and find them a home in the pleasant depths of your wardrobe, then don’t worry - depop is still always there. Just make sure not to be scammed by the ambitious, slightly terrifying young entrepreneurs out there making their fortune on the internet.
Comments