Shopping On Your Doorstep...

There’s nothing more dangerous than living within spitting distance of one of the biggest vintage shops in London... well except perhaps living with a boyfriend who works in another one of the biggest vintage shops in London. Safe to say whilst the wardrobe has flourished the bank balance has diminished, but for those of you feeling a little more flush here’s a brief insight who’s who of the East End’s best second hand shops & few newbies too...

1. Beyond Retro, Cheshire Street E2
Vintage mecca where 90% of East London procure their ‘vintage’...

Good For: Fifties lovers – petticoats in every colour, feathered fascinators and hundreds of full skirted dresses.
Trends – they pick up on trends really quickly so you can have some real distressed 80s denim instead of the cloned Topshop version.
Boys – not to be overlooked

Not Good For: Animal lovers – it’s stuffed to the ceiling with taxidermy, fur coats & hats replete with claws and tails. Must be accompanied by a non squeamish friend to cling to at all times.

2. The East End/Brick Lane Thrift Store, Assembly Passages E1/ Sclater Street E2
Vast warehouse off the beaten track ripe for hours of rummaging...

Good For: Cheap thrills – don’t be fooled by the £10 and under flyer as prices have been seriously hoiked up since the opening days, but you can still fill up a bag for a touch less than anywhere else.
Costume parties - let’s be honest a lot of the stock in here shouldn’t be faced with the harsh reality of daylight, but if you’re after a flared 70s jumpsuit or a 90s hooker chic mini dress this is your place.

3. Absolute Vintage, Hanbury Street E1
Nicely presented but slightly overpriced girly vintage...
Good for: Shoes – hundreds upon hundreds of neatly sized rows of shoes and boots make it hard to come away empty footed.

Bad for: The purse strings – not exactly ‘high end’ clothing but the prices don’t reflect this!

4. Vintage Heaven, Brick Lane E1
Newish shop stocking the same old same old but worth a look, you know, just in case...

Good for: Garishness – if the attire of the sequin clad proprietor is anything to go by then it’s safe bet that you can acquire similar yourself here.

5. Vintage Shoppe, Brick Lane E2
A newly opened one to add to the address book...

Good for: Untouched - fresh out of storage stock that’s yet to be picked over.
Designer – rumour has it there’s a stash of vintage Chanel bags in the back but sssshhhhh we don’t need to tell everyone about it.
J.