Vintage shops that will have your season!
I see fashion as an extension of our personalities. The opportunity to play with colours, styles, styles and designers is what’s led me to colour analysis as a career. My love of colour began with an obsession with thrifting vintage I’ve had since my early twenties. It started the moment I found an authentic Gold Chanel Bag for $6.99. Those rare treasures are out there and the hunt is exhilarating. You just have to have the patience to look. Here are my top picks for shopping vintage in Vancouver!
Mount Pleasant Some of my favourite vintage shops in the city are tiny, rare, and beautifully curated — and I love that they've held onto the charm of a small shop. One of those is Dig It, no more than 400 sq ft. This little gem, owned by Sandra, has been a Mount Pleasant staple for decades. Her taste in vintage spans everything from the 1920s all the way to the early '90s. One of my favourite pieces from there is a pink embroidered blouse - the perfect pink for a True Winter palette like me!
Commercial Drive My Sister's Closet’s is a social enterprise run entirely by volunteers where 100% of proceeds go directly to Battered Women's Support Services. They have two locations: one on Main Street and one on Commercial Drive. Both locations have a great selection of contemporary pieces for men and women. The Main Street location has a second level with a great selection of designer gems, from vintage to contemporary. Both locations are known for their $5 racks, which are filled with gems, usually placed outside the store. Start the car!
ChinatownChinatown Vintage is a social enterprise in the heart of Chinatown carrying a curated mix of 90s-inspired and contemporary pieces with bold colours, fun silhouettes, good finds. The space is moody and a real vibe. Don't leave without checking the discount rack at the back. Proceeds support the Chinatown BIA and local community revitalization efforts.
GastownCommunity Thrift and Vintage is another social enterprise worth knowing about, this one supporting women in the Downtown Eastside. They do a great job curating pieces that are well made, trendy at very affordable prices. They've built out quite a presence in the neighbourhood: a unisex shop on Hastings, a vintage frock shop on Carrall Street, and a studio also on Hastings.
KerrisdaleHOB is a thrift store that raises funds for the Vancouver Hospice Society. They're known for a great selection of upscale designer vintage alongside contemporary pieces, and the quality across clothing, shoes, bags, and accessories is consistently top-notch as a lot of their donors are from Vancouver’s West Side. The price point is fair, and there's always a discount rack if you're hunting on a budget. Most of their volunteers are senior women who are always hyping you up. They're amazing!
A few thrifting tips before you go Do a quick closet audit before you head out. It sounds simple, but knowing what you already have helps you identify the gaps and gives you a north star when you walk through the door. Know your Season- this will help you extend your dollar and cut on time! Once you're in the store, try browsing a section you wouldn't normally gravitate toward. You might surprise yourself. Go with an open mind and have fun! Cheers, Christina
Cover Photo by Sally P