By Katie BurkeThe current Covid-19 pandemic has a lot of fashion businesses hard, especially smaller independent ones. When this is all over it would be great to support them in helping to build them back up. As always, vintage shopping is being encouraged to continue to do our bit and there are some great Irish shops out there to be supportive of such as Spice Vintage, Dublin Vintage Factory and Nine Crows. However, if you want to venture further afield and show other vintage stores from outside Ireland your support when this all over, here are some of our top picks.
- Dark Paradise Vintage / @darkparadisevintage
This UK-based online vintage shop can be found on ASOS Marketplace, Depop and Etsy. With stock sourced from around the world, check out their Instagram feed for some badass style inspiration with stock varying from the most amazing sunglasses to the most unique footwear, as well as everything else in between.
- CRK Shop / @crk.shop
CRK can also be found on Depop, this vintage store curates an impressive inventory of minimalist wardrobe staples that will elevate any outfit. From Y2K handbags to blazer jackets in every colour, I think this shop has pieces for everyone, regardless of different styles.
- Serotonin Vintage / @serotoninvintage
If you’re on the hunt for some vintage designer bits than look no further than this London based store. Featuring designers from Moschino to Fendi, their Instagram page is a treasure trove for those looking for the most eye-catching designer goods.
- Electric Wardrobe Vintage / @electricwardrobevintage
Described in their bio as ‘cool and quirky vintage finds for femme fatales and Rockstar gals’; this independent business is ideal for those looking to channel serious 70s Rockstar vibes. From Bowie-esque flares to disco hotpants, you’re sure to spot something incredible on their Instagram page or their space on ASOS Marketplace.
- Oldé Vintage / @olde.paris
This Parisian vintage shop is perfect for anyone who loves the 70s/80s cool French girl. However, with recurring items being sophisticated trench coats and Instagram worthy houndstooth blazers, this shop’s items can easily be worked into any wardrobe and any style if you put your mind to it.
- Rokit Vintage / @rokitvintage
This London based store proudly states that they have been recycling clothes since 1986, so long before the current call to arms for eco-friendly shopping. This store is one of London’s best-known vintage stores and earlier this year launched their Rokit Originals / @rokitoriginals venture. With vintage clothes reworked by their own team in London to give them a contemporary lease of life, you can expect everything from tartan trousers and miniskirts to fluffy leopard print flares which I have bought and worn with pride.
- WE ARE COW / @wearecow
This store is one of the best in the business when it comes to reworking vintage clothing and creating their own handmade pieces. With stores across the UK, WE ARE COW reworks vintage clothing into pieces which work better in current fashion trends, proving that if you’re an ardent trend follower there are vintage options out there for you.
- Found and Vision / @foundandvision
Not only does their Instagram page share photos of the great stock they have in their London store, but they regularly share photos of their incredibly stylish and unique customers. If you’re on the lookout for some style inspiration, then this shop’s Instagram page comes highly recommended.
- The Market Cartel / @themarketcartel
This store was featured in a British Vogue article on the best vintage shops in London, so they must be doing something right. With vintage clothing, accessories and homeware on sale, this shop seems to be an Aladdin’s cave for the most beautiful vintage pieces. From Woodstock worthy floral dresses to the most unique jewellery, this seems to be the store for those who really want to up the glamour stakes.