Vintage in London
Over the last few years, my interest for second hand stores and vintage clothing in general has multiplied. Not only due to trying to avoid fast fashion, but also because the treasures you can find often are one of a kind. Living in London made it even that much more fun, seeing as the city got second hand shopping down to a science! However, Stockholm is not far behind.
Been getting lots of questions recently on Instagram so I thought I would list my favorites from London below. And of course, to be continued, as I am far from done exploring Stockholm.
Treasures in Notting Hill
My absolute favourite is Portobello Green Market. Every week London’s finest Vintage Clothing Market traders gather together showcasing their fashion trends. You’ll be able to find treasures with affordable price tags by vintage specialists from across the UK and Europe. Make sure to also have a chat with the sellers, often there is so much history in a piece of clothing or accessory item. Myself I managed to get my hands on a purse from 1943. Imagine the story!
Then there is MuseBox London that I stumled upon a Sunday afternoon with my roomie. Not vintage, but they usually have a stall at the market and I am obsessed, so just need to tip about it. I have several rings and bracelets from them, and go there every time I am in London. Now they are finally online too! Make sure to take a look here.
Shoreditch - vintage heaven
Shoreditch is vintage mekka and it can be difficult to know where to start, as there are so many shops! A starter tip is to focus on the gigantic Brick Lane Vintage Market and go from there. It is a old brewery space, showcasing clothes from 1920s onwards. I would set aside some time here, and the best tip I got from a friend; always try things on, as it looks so different from on the hanger (that is how i ended up with my favorite YSL autumn jacket).
Even tough the market is fantastic, I prefer the individual shops. My absolute favorites are Rokit and Here After. Can never go in without coming out with a buy! Last time I finally found Levis jeans that had a nice fit. Not only 1, but 3 (too many, but just had too). Also found you know those pretty, old school nightgowns in silk, a little 1940s style. But had to let them hang (kinda regret that now).
When you are done exploring all the shops in Brick Lane, make sure to visit the side street Cheshire Street! Here you’ll find House of Vintage London, Levisons Vintage Clothing, Vintage basement and many more!
Vintage in Hackney
While living in Newington Green I also explored Hackney a lot. Here I found lots of shops as well, and some worth mentioning are:
Mero Retro, Dalston
The Market Cartel, Hackney
Paper Dress Vintage, Hackney
Crisis, Dalston
Marylebone High Street
While living in Marylebone, I accidentally stumbled upon Cancer Research UK. A small shop, but filled with treasures. This is where I found my beige Mulberry shorts for only 35 GBP! Been there a million times, and sometimes it is lots of goodies, other times nothing. But so worth a visit.
There are tons of more shops to explore in every part of the city, but I think the best is to focus on one area at a time. I remember going with some friends on a round trip in the Chelsea/Kensington/Fulham area and that took like a day! Adding delicious coffee and lunch spots along the way of course. Buying used is such a fun sport in London, always changing and always finding new treasures.
Lots of love from Henriette Sophia
