A Guide to Brooklyn's Best Vintage Stores
After living in New York for a year, I wanted to share an ideal day spent in New York, vintage shopping - of course! I hope you find something you love and pass this list onto your many friends who are looking for a little therapy and a more sustainable way of consuming. So go on and save some treasures from going to landfill, like a good human.
AWOKE VINTAGE
I lived in Williamsburg, so I was lucky enough to visit these gems religiously. All within walking distance from each other, this journey generally starts after brunch at Five Leaves in Greenpoint! With a belly full of Moroccan Scrambled or Green Tea noodles (a few of my personal favourites), you will be set to venture on your thrift hunt.
Store 1. Awoke Vintage, tucked right behind Five Leaves, this beautiful pop of colour from the exterior can not go unnoticed. From the huge rail that lines the store with colour co-ordinated vintage, denim, leather shoes, and on trend jewellery, there is a little for everyone.
Price point - Mid range.
Opening Ceremony dress from Beacon’s Closet
Store 2. This is every New Yorker’s, all time favourite store for your every vintage need - Yes, you thought right, it’s Beacon’s Closet! Beacon’s Closet will not leave you empty handed, I have bought Opening Ceremony dresses (seen in images on right), Vince woollen jumpers, Reformation blouses and gorgeous linen pieces, most of which were in and around $30. Honestly this place will blow your mind!
Price point - Mid range
MIRTH
Store 3. Now to test your arm strength a little further, tucked down Manhattan Avenue is the beautifully curated Mirth. Mirth will tick all your emotional aesthetic boxes, with a muted colour palette, racks of the finest silks, luscious leathers, suedes and plaids. There is a basket overflowing with top quality items, that have slight distortions but fabulously discounted prices, I once found a sherbet lemon pure silk cami amongst this little cornucopia for just $10!
Price point - Higher range
Store 4. A stone throw away from Mirth (on Manhattan Avenue), you will find Fox & Fawn, this compact little store, has you winding through racks like cogs. All sorts of little gems can be found here, and all for exceptional prices. I managed to get my paws on a super cute crisp white shirt dress, with a school girl type skirt from SEA, for only $30 and an Alexandra Wang vest top for $15.
Price point - Mid range
Chiffon slip dress and cashmere jumper from Stella Dallas
Store 5. We continue wandering through McCarren park towards Williamsburg, where you will find Stella Dallas stores. Stella Dallas is divided into 2 stores, side by side. The store on the left is filled to the brim with intricate ethnic clothing, and homewares. From laced bridal wear, Moroccan rugs, to the finest silk kimonos, this place is a true textile lovers haven. The store next door has second hand clothing, divided into rails upon rails of categorised pieces. From bomber jackets, Hawaiian shirts, to slip dresses, this place has it all, and lots of it all! I bought a black cashmere jumper, a classic white linen shirt and a chiffon slip dress all for under $100.
Price point: Mid Range
80s Victoria secret night dress from Horizons
Store 6. As we make our way towards Bedford Avenue, be sure to pop into Horizons. This place is dripping with mouth watering vintage that you won’t pick up just anywhere, it really is a spot not to miss. I bagged a silky electric blue 80s Victoria secret nightie, just in time for my honeymoon in Mexico, for $70. This spot is a little in the higher price bracket, but oh my, you will drool over these pieces, and never want to let them out of your site again.
Price point: Higher range
MIRTH
Store 7. Last but definitely not least, if the name doesn’t give you tingles, this place will definitely give you a sense of magic, yes, its Narnia. Nestled behind a large tree on Driggs Ave, is a door which may be closed, but is always open to sharing their secrets with you. This tiny little spot dripping with dried flowers over the changing rooms, backs into a tiny Brooklyn back yard. Narnia is truly an experience, as it is here that you will find unique pieces that you cannot find anywhere else.
Price point: Higher range