Find the perfect fit.

Vintage shops are popping up everywhere. Slowly but surely they’re becoming more popular than not. Usually, two factors are at play—trends are always making a comeback and vintage shops are little gems that make your style feel individual. Shopping vintage means you no longer feel like one in four of the latest frilly tops or grey jackets that have popped up from the high street. Vintage feels custom, elegant, daring, and eye-catching.

Whether it’s a vintage curated boutique, a pop-up vintage kilo sale, or a local charity shop, go inside to find your treasure. It’s there. It may be hidden in one of the ‘only £5’ boxes or wedged between two thick coats; it could even be on a rack the owner has yet to put out but is waiting by the till. It’s there, but you have to be alert. Vintage is dedication. Some charity shops are an endless minefield of clothes; they are good but have fewer ‘customer-loved’ items, especially for younger people who are caught between modern and vintage pieces. Boutiques curated with young men and women in mind are the perfect place for your vintage spree. Pieces don’t feel so overwhelming; sizes and tags are all available, and discounts are abundant.

What advice can I offer? Go to the changing rooms! “Try it on, try it on, try it on!” It may look good on the hanger, but does it look good on you? It’s not about the opinion of others. It’s all about you. Do you feel good in it? Do you feel powerful? Sophisticated? Elegant? Do you feel like yourself or a character? If yes, drop it in your basket. When shopping vintage, you may only walk away with one or two pieces. That’s okay. You’re building a collection.

Vintage boutiques always feel unique. Customers feel a sense of sheer happiness walking into a shop that feels like their personal TARDIS. Looks can be deceiving. It’s definitely bigger on the inside, or at least the clothing racks are. Charity shops or vintage kilo markets are the biggest contenders for this. As soon as you enter what feels like a gymnasium, you’re presented with endless rows of t-shirts, dresses, skirts, and pants. Take your time! It’s okay to be there for an hour or two, or even the whole day. If you want something more calming choose a vintage boutique. The racks are smaller and don’t feel as cluttered. 

Quick tip: Don’t feel rushed by the people on the opposite side of the rack slowly creeping up to you. Somehow, it feels like a competition of who can get through the rack first. Slow and steady wins the race!

Vintage pieces can have the lowest or highest prices. If your piece is more unique or in the shop window, then the price tag can be a little more expensive, usually justified for the material. And remember, you’re paying to not compete with fast fashion. Pieces last. Slow fashion for the win! Vintage is exciting. It’s thrilling. Nothing feels safe. If you don’t buy it, then the chances of it still being there the following week are slim. To buy or not to buy…that’s part of the fun, isn’t it?