Vintage Shopping Q&A

So, I wouldn’t call myself a vintage shopping pro, but It isn’t my first rodeo.

It’s a very delicate operation, hunting for vintage clothing. Below my well-dressed friend, Millie decided to ask me some q’s.

What advice do you have for first time vintage shoppers?

MB : Do not go vintage shopping with only one desired outcome in your head. 90% of times you will be disappointed, or faced with a product that is a perfect match in your mind; but a size too small. Do be open minded, if you are after a suit, keep a colour in mind but be flexible with the fit or vice versa. DO not settle for a size too small, comfort is key and I would so much rather purchase a garment over-sized as you can do more with it, layer, steam to shrink or even just get it taken in a smidge.

What are the best things about vintage shopping?

MB : In my eyes, I love the excitement of not knowing what is in store for you, inside the store… Oh and you know those moments and you see a garment that you think I can’t live a second without this in my life? Well I have them 4+ times whilst vintage shopping, and the fun part is deciding which one is the winner. Oh, and checking for stains! Always check!

How much should you be spending on one piece? Is there a value system?

MB : I wouldn’t say there is a limit on what you spend on vintage goodies. I tend to think, wow if these clothes could speak I wonder what wild stories they would tell me. So, think about it like that, you’re carrying on a garments journey and you can’t really put a price on that. But then again, if you love it. Buy it. The number of times I have chosen not to purchase a coat or pair of shoes, then constantly surfed the web to hunt them down and felt waves of nausea if I ever saw another human rocking them.

Online shopping is not the ideal way to thrift for vintage, but if you are in the middle of a desert and desperate for some, one - off items, then look below!

www.retrostar.com.au ; www.circavintageclothing.com.au ; www.arkivevintage.com ; www.beyondretro.com ; www.rokit.co.uk and www.blitzlondon.co.uk

If deserts aren’t your thing, then here are my top 5 favourite vintage stores and markets in Australia. Thank god I don’t live in the UK anymore, if not I will be here all afternoon!

#1 : The vintage clothing shop - Sydney

#2 : Cream - Sydney

#3 : Miss brown - Australia Wide

#4 : Hello Sailor Vintage Fair - Melbourne

#5 : Take 2 Markets - Melbourne

My only words of wisdom are never wear head to toe vintage. It’s a headache waiting to occur. Bye!