A Little Guide to Vintage Hunting

The biggest shopping season of the year has just hit our doors. Many of you are juggling present hunting and finding the right outfit for your next party.


In a responsible consumption logic, not only are vintage hunting and second hand shopping ecological solutions, but also affordable ones. And what best way to add your own touch to a look then by finding an authentic period accessory!

My Vintage Hunting recommendations:

• Mile-end:

Local 23: A real vintage find treasure chest! Some articles are modified and improved by the owners. And all of that at very reasonable prices.

L’arterie: Offers a selection of second hand articles, vegan shoes and local 
designers. And for pet lovers, a cat will guide you through your shopping!
A special note goes to Citizen Vintage. I haven't had the time to visit it yet but their creative fashion editorials certainly have sparked my curiosity.

• Plateau:

Cul-de-sac, St-Laurent: A very nice vintage articles selection along with more recent second hand finds. Vintage articles are labelled with the period they were first created. For a little higher budget, but still reasonable.

• Downtown:

Eva B: Not necessarily for vintage, but for a pile (literally) of second hand clothing!! Bring your own used clothes to obtain credits in exchange for your finds. Only go if you have the time to search. If you’re patient, I guarantee you will find something. And if you’re lucky, you will be offered tea!

• St-Henri: 

La Gaillarde: Whenever I pass by La Gaillarde for an event or a delivery I always end up leaving with a new find, either from the vintage or the second hand section. And I very often use them to create the looks from our photoshoots.

• Online: www.etsy.com

Leave Ebay for a little bit, and have a look at Etsy. Whether for hand-made articles or an inexhaustible vintage find resource. You can sell your articles between individuals and create connections between artists. This site is a must for every Vintage Hunter! 


Check out Montreal based New Wave Natives (featured Lace Dress). 
I also affectionate Starlets Vintage, for mint condition shoes and handbags (featured Handbag + Belt).
And UK based Out of a Strobe Vintage (featured Floral Dress)

• Events:

Vintage Mart will be on the next Smart Design Mart, as well as us, Meemoza, from  Dec. 2nd to the 4th. Location : 160 St-Viateur East, 2nd floor.
Check out the The SWAP Team, who organizes big scale clothing swaps all around Canada, for their next event. Or gather your girlfriends and organize your own clothing swap.


I know, my list is concentrated on the Montreal island, but Renaissance, Goodwill, Salvation Army and every second hand store or church basement of your area, is full of finds I’m sure. 


Now, let's complete the list, with your own favorite treasure chests!