A Good Handful Of My (Current) Favourite Vintage Sellers
because they just don't make 'em like this anymore!
There was a time, no so long ago, when my first stop for something shiny, new and interesting would be the Topshop ‘New In’ page. In the glory years- nothing came close! The rush of receiving that polka dot packaging 5-7 working days later was unlike anything else- and although I’ve always had a penchant for rifling through rails and taking a deep dive down London’s Cheshire Street- for a long time I just didn’t think it got much better than a sewn-in shoulder pad and dresses made of fabric that were, ahem, let’s say… less than forgiving on the sweatier of us.
However, in the last ten years I’ve very much come full circle- now, my first stop for something shiny, new (to me) and interesting is normally with one of these brilliant below sellers (or, admittedly, in the St. Christopher’s Hospice in Beckenham)- and the joy of finding something so special, vintage, really is unlike anything else. For the history, attention to detail, unique prints and careful embellishments so many of my favourite vintage pieces have- nothing modern truly comes close (unless you’re armed with a big budget and time for a good ol’ NAP browse; I actually saw this Dôen dress recently and it reminded me of a handful of ‘80s prom style dresses I’d seen whilst simultaneously feeling quite ‘40s too, HELLO). And actually, that’s what makes shopping vintage so exciting. Knowing you could find something completely original that in fact, might have inspired the things we’re seeing now. I wrote a guide on my blog a few years ago of my favourite online vintage spots (and my favourite pieces here too), but having added a good few more thanks to many a night feed, a handful of weddings and a razor-sharp focus of needing to find more ruffled collars and Bishop Sleeves (#justgirliethings) I thought it might be about time to update the list and add something here too. As I mentioned in my first post, “I’m hardly a vintage veteran, but having been rummaging through charity shops and the big old scarf basket at Beyond Retro since I was about 14- I’d like to think I can spot a good piece when I see one”
So hopefully there may be a handful you haven’t discovered either! With vintage I know I often feel a bit precious (and, ultimately selfish) about sharing my favourites but sharing is caring and if it encourages someone to find joy from a ‘70s prairie ready to be worn again in pubs with sticky floors, Sundays in the sandpit or dancing at cousins weddings- then I’ve definitely done the right thing… So without further ado!
Cesea – If blousy nostalgic romance is your bag, then look no further to Cesea. It’s the first place I look for broderie blouses, chintzy florals and candy-floss pastel hues and there’s always something special to be found here.
Hilda – Gorgeous Charlotte’s store is currently a stunning bricks-and-mortar in Stoke Newington, but I hear there may be an online edit coming soon- so if you like your pick of Italian vintage and young designers that will make you crave sunbathing in an Tuscan villa look no further (and head to see her too)!
Laura von Behr - if you want the hard work done for you, and the eye of a woman who truly knows her stuff, it sounds like an appointment with Laura might be on the cards. Not only is her studio stunning- but she hand picks the finest selection of dresses- from ‘30s silks to ditsy seventies maxi’s, and it’s the perfect place to spend an afternoon trying on and getting a little giddy (with no obligation to buy).