VINTAGE SHOPPING GUIDE: EUROPEAN CITIES
Here at Rokit, we know that when travelling it can be hard to find the best vintage stores that'll make your little retro heart flutter. So, we thought we'd give you a helping hand by listing five of our favourite vintage stores in Europe for a shop 'til you drop pit stop. Ranging from high-end glamour to thrifty yet nifty, these stores are the best of the best, and are guaranteed to transform your wardrobe into a fashionable time capsule.
Paris: Free P Star
If, like us, you're a lover of all things retro, then no jaunt to the fashion capital of Europe will be complete without a stop to the wonderfully chaotic Free P Star. Overflowing with a mesh of vintage gems for men and women, the store is the ultimate go-to for veteran second-hand shoppers who are willing to dig deep to earn their fashionable finds. Packed with heaps of clothes in drums, racks and shelves, shopping in the stuffed store is not for the faint-hearted. If you are able to brave the masses and rummage through the endless amount of stock, you'll definitely be rewarded with a few thrifty finds, especially if delving through their famous €1 or €5 bins.
Image: ladyfairy-scloset.blogspot.com
Berlin: Sing Blackbird
Famed for having some of the swankiest street style in Europe, it's no surprise that Berlin is brimming with a plethora of fashion forward vintage stores, one of our personal favourites being Sing Blackbird. Located in the arty district of Neukölln the second-hand haven combines its eclectic collection of vintage apparel with a cafe that specialises in vegan food, making it one of the trendiest retro stores in Berlin. Flowing with designer pieces from the 70s to the 90s as well as tasty handmade treats, Sing Blackbird is a winner for all foodie fashionistas!
Image: shopikon.com
Barcelona: Le Swing
If you're lucky enough to be in Barcelona this summer then take a break from eating endless amounts of tapas to visit Le Swing, an oh-so glamorous vintage boutique located in the trendy Born area. Filled with hand selected designer clothes, bags, jewellery and shoes, this snazzy store stocks vintage attire from every decade of the 20th century. Luxury is on the cards (and the hangers) as Le Swing features retro pieces from Chanel, Yves Saint Laurent and Christian Dior, making it the perfect place to shop if you want to inject some pizzazz into your wardrobe this season.
Image: shopikon.com
Brussels: Sussies
While it's easy to get sidetracked in the city of chocolate, we definitely recommend breaking up any excessive candy consumption with a trip to the paradise of vintage fashion, Sussies. Spanning over two floors, this thrifty store is perfect if you're looking to be one of a kind without breaking the bank - Not only because it has a retro selection of pieces from some of our favourite decades; the 60s, 70s and 80s, but also because it's known for upcycling vintage items. A shop after our own heart!
Image: sussiesvintage.com
Geneva: The Vet' Shop
Geneva may not be known as a thrifty city, but for economically challenged travellers looking to up their vintage game without having to sell their soul, The Vet' Shop is the way forward! Part of the Swiss Red Cross, the vintage store is more fashion orientated than its charity shop counterparts and exclusively sells hand-picked retro clothing from iconic brands such as Givenchy and Celine. So, whether you're a lover of second-hand fashion for ethical, political or economic reasons, check out The Vet' Shop. Not only do the proceeds go towards helping those in need but it's also a welcome alternative to the sky-high prices of the Swiss city!
Do you have a favourite trove worthy of a city-goer's vintage bucket list? Share your suggestions with us
Words by Priyanka Rai