If there’s a fashion trend we could all get behind it’s vintage and second-hand shopping (for the record, I’m using vintage now interchangeably with second-hand/pre-loved, though the two things are not the same. Second-hand simply means it’s been owned previously, vintage usually refers to items from another era, at least 20-30 years before). Not only is this the most environmental-friendly way to shop (after all, vintage doesn’t require additional resources to be made), it’s a good opportunity to fill our closets with things few others are likely to own.
But anyone who’s ever been to a second-hand shop knows that vintage shopping is not always easy. While there are a few people who enjoy the “hunt” and relentlessly search for unique treasures in random vintage shops, I, for one, have quite limited patience for shopping, especially in-store. Also, the rise of fast fashion had a significant impact on the offer of second-hand stores as well – they, too, are flooded with items of subpar quality.
Where you live can also largely determine what you can find. While it’s easy to find real gems in the numerous vintage shops of New York, London, or Paris, considering our Communist past, the chances of unearthing a vintage YSL blazer in a small second-hand shop in Budapest are, let’s just say, quite slim.
And this is where online curated vintage stores come in.
These stores do all the hard work for us. They are usually small-businesses owned by talented women with a great eye for fashion, who curate small vintage and second-hand collections that you can buy either on their website or on Instagram. The good thing about these curated collections is that they also often follow a certain aesthetic, so if you find some sellers that share your fashion style, you can expect some real gems that will fit right into your wardrobe.
If you’re into the minimalist style like me, check out my favorite curated vintage stores below.
Retold Vintage
Retold Vintage is a London-based online store that curates vintage and pre-loved clothes. It has a very modern, minimal aesthetic with a neutral color palette and beautiful tailoring. I also love that Retold has a clear preference for natural fabrics, like wool, silk, and cotton.
Each item is handpicked by owner Clare Lewis who draws inspiration from antique stores and vintage Vogue magazines. The coat and blazer selections are especially strong.
Collections are presented in drops but pay attention because they tend to go really fast. Follow them on Instagram and sign up for the newsletter to get early access.
The Level
This Portugal-based online store curates a great selection of oversized blazers, pleated pants, and classic minimal trench coats. Neutrals, black, greys, navy, khaki, deep brown and chestnut dominate the color palette.
As a commitment to sustainability, they donate €1 from the profit of every order to reforestation projects in Portugal and use fully biodegradable and recyclable packaging,
The Level ships worldwide from Portugal – visit their website or Instagram page to see the current collection.
Bonsergent Studio
Bonsergent Studio curates beautiful, minimal style vintage pieces (that you can wear with their in-house minimal belts made from leftover leather). Oversized, boxy blazers, silk tops and turtlenecks, simple classics and statement pieces characterize their collections.
The shop was founded by Ben and Cristian, stylists and visual merchandizers. It is Paris-based and ships worldwide.
Their Instagram and website are worth following just for visual inspiration alone – they have a very beautiful minimal aesthetic.
GoodShop Badshop
Goodshop Badshop is an online vintage boutique based in Minneapolis, USA that curates classic American brands mixed with European designer pieces. You can find lots of 90s style, feminine silk shirts paired with oversized blazers (often from the men’s department), everyday leisure pieces as well as statement power suits.
Browse their collection here or on Instagram.
Elia Vintage
Sleek silhouettes, silk slip dresses, oversized blazers, masculine suits with a feminine touch, lots of neutrals with an occasional pop of color – this is the Elia Vintage signature style.
LA-based shop, ships worldwide, and drops new pieces almost every day, which you can follow on their Instagram and buy on their website.
