By Hannah Moss | August 21, 2012
Show & Stay’s Vintage Shopping Guide
Forget the chic couture houses of Paris and the fabulous flare of Milan. Even look past the bold and dynamic styles of the fashion elite across the pond in New York. London is the fashion capital of world with its plethora of wonderful markets and second-hand shops offering the very best of retro and vintage chic at affordable and attractive prices. Daniel Arthur, blogger for Show & Stay, will show you the best places to hunt for that fabulous bargain!
Camden Market: Sat and Sun 10am-6pm
No bargain hunt would be complete without a rummage through the many stalls and rails that Camden Market has to offer. From the weird to the downright wonderful, this North London Borough has long been the hip hangout for indie rock stars, and the place to find all that is quirky.
Head straight to Buck Street Market if neon and witty slogans are your thing, or take a short walk to the iconic Camden Lock Village for trinkets, retro clothes and jewellery from all eras and influences -and be ready to part with plenty of cash!
Beyond Retro: Open 7 days a week
Between Shoreditch and Bethnal Green lies this gem for any self-respecting trendsetter looking for beautiful and individual garments. This wonderful store has been trading for over 10 years and has firmly established itself as one of the big guns amongst vintage suppliers in the UK.
Perhaps not one of the cheapest places to find your bargain, but Beyond Retro is still cheaper than your average high street store. What’s more, you’re supporting this independent retailer and buying a historic garment that was once loved and cherished by someone. Now you have the opportunity to love it that little bit longer.
Portobello Road: Sat 8am-6.30pm and Mon to Fri 9am-1pm
A firm favourite for many decades, the world famous location of Portobello Road offers antiques, jewellery, retro attire and bric-a-brac.
Delve amongst the stalls and explore for a wonderful shopping experience. It’s true that there’s something here for everyone.
Spitalfields Market: Tues-Fri and Sun 9am-5pm
Arguably London’s oldest market, all fashionistas should have this fabulous locale on their trend radars since Spitalfields not only hosts the market, but is also surrounded by many independent shops, quirky eateries and charming little boutiques.
Every Thursday the market specialises in antiques and vintage clothes, whereas Friday is the perfect day to soak up some affordable art and contemporary fashion.
Upmarket: Hanbury Street, Sun 10am-5pm
Everyone knows that London doesn’t always have the best weather, but if you simply can’t resist heading out to find that delicious leather bag or never-worn shoes, then fear not! Upmarket on Hanbury Street offers clothes and accessories, all within the safety of an indoor venue.
Plus, don’t miss the chance to save money at the designer sample sales which take place at the Old Truman Brewery complex too. What more could you want?
Brick Lane Market: Sun 8am-3pm
For absolutely anything and everything, Brick Lane is the perfect place for a not-so-lazy Sunday morning.
With an array of fabulous street performers who are visible at every turn, this wonderful market offers quality second-hand wares amidst a vibrant chaos that is simply intoxicating! Be sure to meander through the scores of stalls, and lose yourself amongst the bargains!
Borough Market: Thurs 11am-5pm, Fri 12pm-6pm and Sat 8am-5pm
Now I know it’s not the place to go for that retro bargain or to stock up on your vintage wardrobe, but there’s something inspiring about going back to basics and shopping for food the good old-fashioned way, and what better place than the famous Borough Market!
This place is an absolute must for food lovers, especially if you’ve already exhausted the other markets I’ve mentioned here for the day. The atmosphere alone is absolutely buzzing as traders from all over the world come to display and sell their most delicious and exotic foods. Hunt for delicate cupcakes or flavoursome cheeses and be sure to try the tasty samples that the stalls have to offer!
