The Best Online Vintage: A Concise Guide

  Is there anything as satisfying as finding the perfect vintage item? Even if it’s online, the buzz of discovering a print, cut or collar that feels so perfect for you is like the moment you remember you have frozen pastries in the freezer; a magical proud moment, where you know you’ll never let them go…
 
But unlike pastries, finding a vintage treasure is nearly always one off (y’know, excluding during a pandemic of course). The hunt is like a brilliant chase, with the reward being something you can treasure forever- an item built up of stories, often made so beautifully and something that you can add to the museum of you- ready to give it a second life in this modern world…Okay okay- perhaps I’m getting a little too romantic here. But there is something wildly romantic about vintage shopping. It feels more considered, less rushed. Even if you are on the hunt for something in particular with limited time, the discovery feels so much sweeter once you stumble across it.
 
Vintage doesn’t have to mean puffed eighties sleeves, static fabrics and bridesmaids dresses you might’ve seen your mum wear back in 1983. It can mean clean cut tailoring, subtle details and attention to detail that ‘you just don’t get anymore’. 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 here we are! Some of my favourite spots on the internet for a good vintage rummage. These are certainly only the tip of the iceberg, but I tried to narrow it down to avoid typical ‘vintage overwhelm’! I’ll be working on some ‘IRL vintage shopping spots soon’ (starting with my London guide), but in the meantime, happy shopping, stay safe and stay home (because I promise you *that* blouse can make it’s way to you)…
*affiliate links used
 

For Fancy Frocks
These are a few of my favourite online spots for true, curated and considered, magical vintage dresses. From period pieces, bobby-dazzlin’ dancing frocks and everything in-between, these ladies truly have a real eye for style…
Another Matinee – For dresses too beautiful to be saved for special occassions.
Frock___ – Think ditsy prints, and the perfect Florence-Welch style-sauntering pieces.
ITSDARLINGANDVINTAGE – from sixties minis, eighties ruffles and a whole lotta fun thrown in too.

  For Curated Drops
Not necessarily for the impatient, these wonder women curate only the finest pieces- selecting them for weekly, and monthly drops online. But run don’t walk- these things fly like hot cakes!
The Pansy Garden – Beautiful weekly dress edits that fly out quicker than you can say ‘WHY-I-OUGHTA!’
Top Of The Town – Small capsule collections built from the full-wardrobe-monty for an injection of retro into your wardrobe.
Retold – Vintage pieces selected with a modern eye. True classics to wear now and again and again.

For A Mix Of All Things Old and Beautiful
Ready for a deep dive into the ocean of vintage? Then grab yer goggles because we’re going swimming. From cowboy boots, Peter Pan collars and pretty much everything else you could dream of, if you don’t find it here I’ll offer you a full refund, you hear me!
Waiste – Vintage gems with a real undertone of seventies goodness- think suede, tonal prints and pointed collars galore. oh and cowboy boots aplenty.
Hilda Vintage – Curated edits by Hilda, collected in England with a timeless romantic feel.
Peony Vintage – An injection of sunshine from the UK’s Kent coast- colourful picks for the playful dresser.
Second Stories – Classic vintage pieces selected for the modern women.
Saluto London – From colour to costume jewellery- your next party piece is hidden here.
Retro Rehab – My favourite vintage spot in Manchester and home to so, so many beautiful dresses.
Wild Daisy Vintage – Small but perfectly formed selections- from delicate fabrics, romantic collars and stunning photos to boot.
Beyond Retro / Rokit – Two of my favourite ‘bigger’ vintage brands. Their online shops might take a while to rifle through, but there are treats to be found- I promise.
Anitais – For modern styling with a subtle 1960s nod.
Bonjour__vintage – Classic pieces with plenty of gorgeous inspiration in-between.
Imparfaite – You want French vintage? We give you the BEST of the bunch.
Atijo – The tailoring! the styling! i! can’t! cope!
Valerys Vintage – For some real treasures (prints and peter pan collars I hear you) this is the place. 

 

Other Throwback Spots
Some other spots sharing other beautiful sellers and collectors not to miss…
A Virtual Vintage Market – A live virtual market sharing some of the best sellers around, first market coming soon!
Take Your Tern – Founded by wonderful Daisy Murray, she shares some of the best sellers and spots. A wise one!
The Antik Store – Beautiful London based antique heavenly home-wares.
So Last Century – My favourite vintage fairs around S.E London.

  Closed For Now…
… but keep an eye out because they’ll be back soon!
Shelter/Oxfam/Laura Von Behr (for pre-booked appointments only)

I hope you enjoyed this little walk down memory lane- there are so, so many wonderful sellers that I’m *sure* I’ve forgotten a few, so please let me know who I’m missing here and I can add accordingly!

I really wanted to make sure everyone listed was still selling and trusted and tested by yours truly (a *cough* very tough job) – but I’m always looking to discover more- so if I’ve missed your favourite let me know!

x

 

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