- Look Good
- 9th Mar 2024
- 0
- 4 minutes
The thriving world of second hand and vintage fashion in the North East
SHOPPING VINTAGE FASHION IN THE NORTH EAST
Tips for second-hand shopping:
Keep your eyes peeled for brands – good vintage and second-hand stores will have some real designer gems hidden on the rails.
Wear clothes that are easy to pull on and off – trying on the clothes is important, particularly when shopping vintage as sizes have changed over the years. Wear an outfit like a lose jumper and a skirt so you can easily pull clothes on and off to try them on.
Take some cash – even vintage markets have electronic payment methods now but we recommend taking some cash just in case you need it.
Inspect it well – wear and tear is expected but give clothes a good once over to check for damage or stains.
Think about how it will fit into your wardrobe – it can be easy to get overwhelmed with statement pieces or, how cheap you can be picking up a designer brand, but we recommend considering how each item will fit into your wardrobe.
WHERE WE LOVE TO SHOP
Retro
2 High Bridge, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, NE1 1EN
One of the longest trading vintage boutiques in Newcastle, this store has been in the Toon for more than 30 years. Stock is constantly changing and there’s a great range, from clothing and bags to unique vintage homewares that you can pick up at great prices.
The Vintage Scene
15 Ridley Place, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, NE1 8JQ
A great spot to pick up vintage sports brands like old Champion and Nike pieces, as well as logo tees and jumpers.
Flip
104 Westgate Road, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, NE1 4AF
Newcastle’s longest established vintage store has been in business since 1978. They specialise in importing genuine American vintage clothing. You can find some brilliant original retro clothing in here – much cooler and cheaper than high street impersonations.
The Yesterday Society
Grainger Market, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, NE1 5QQ
This cool vintage boutique inside the Grainger Market is packed with vintage finds for men and women. Owner Rachael updates the stock daily – if you have something specific in mind just ask, as she has a jam-packed stockroom holding an Aladdin’s cave of one-off items.
Friday Vintage
3 Old Eldon Square, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, NE1 7JG
Less than a year old, Friday Vintage is a newer addition to Newcastle’s vintage fashion store scene. Located inside a townhouse at Hippy Green, owner Laura curates vintage clothing and accessories from the 1950s to the 1990s, with a special focus on 70s style.
Circle Vintage
41 Saddler St, Durham, DH1 3NU
An impressive selection of vintage and retro finds from designer labels to 90s streetwear. Run by a family with a passion for vintage fashion, they put their heart and soul into sourcing the best second hand finds for their customers.
Hope and Glory
23 Post House Wynd, Darlington, DL3 7LP
A super cute store selling a range of vintage and upcycled men’s and women’s fashion alongside retro homeware pieces. They also offer crafting and upcycling workshops so you can breathe new life into your existing wardrobe.
Helen Belles Vintage
Online (studio appointments available)
Founder Helen was brought up scouring flea markets and jumble sales with her Dad, which is where her love on vintage was born. She has a gorgeous curated collection of vintage clothing which you can shop online (with a handy size guide) and also offers studio appointments for a personalised experience.
St Oswald’s Hospice
5 Hazelwood Ave, Jesmond, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, NE2 3HU
37-39 Park View, Whitley Bay, NE26 2TP (Bridal)
This charity is a real gem for designer finds (there are a pair of Vivienne Westwood heels in the window of the Jesmond store right now). Plus, they also have a great shop in Whitley Bay which is dedicated to new and pre-loved bridal party clothing – from wedding dresses to bridesmaid and mother-of-the-bride options.
Comments