Get inspired by a world’s worth of vintage clothing without leaving your home.
How did Sophia Amoruso, founder and CEO of international fashion website, Nasty Gal, grow her vintage clothing store on ebay to become the fastest-growing retailer in the country right now? In addition to a hell of a lot of shopping, shooting and styling, she possesses an eye for detail that always makes things look their best. In her own words, it’s “really the difference between literally putting a plus-size ladies anorak on a hanger and taking a picture of it, and putting it on a cool girl and making it look like something beyond your wildest dreams that you can snag for way less than Comme Des Garçons.”
Whether you believe that a stylish eye is born or taught is not the point. Figuring out what shapes and silhouettes suit you is a process that takes everyone time to develop. Taking advantage of the imaginative styling behind some of the best vintage stores online is a great way to make vintage clothing work for you. Here is our round-up of the top 10 vintage stores online with enough cool girl vision to help inspire your own.
Nasty Gal – Selling highly curated vintage alongside designer pieces and their own Nasty Gal Collection. Amoruso says, “It’s a slightly repellant name, but one that is a good litmus test for weeding people out. If you’re really freaked out by the business name, then you are going to suck working with us, and you’re probably not our customer.”
1stdibs.com – Not exactly in most of our price ranges, but if you’ve been bitten hard by the vintage bug you’ll want to check out the amazing museum-quality vintage and jewelry dealers on this site. The curated collections are set in the social and political context of their time, making for an educating (and decadent) afternoon’s reading.
Vintage-a-Peel – Here you find yourself within the world of the most quirky, most elegant vintage around. Mainly concentrating on the British Boutique stars of the Sixties and Seventies, you can expect to find a timeless Biba, Jean Muir & Radley that will flatter you for years to come. Don’t miss the sites blog and its collection of inspiring vintage editorials.
Enokiworld – Half catalog/half e-zine, enokiworld is all about beautifully designed mid-century vintage designer clothing and accessories that are highly wearable. When Vogue describes the stock as,”of course, amazing,” you know there’s going to be some great stuff, to gawp at. Check out the vintage Ossie Clark, Lavin and Halston.
Wasteland – With stores in Los Angeles and San Francisco, Wasteland specializes in fresh new labels, hand-picked vintage and designer resale. Check regularly for the latest vintage finds. Currently offering handpicked selections from the “The Daydreamer” vintage wardrobe of stylist-designer, Erin Fetherston.
Sisters Of The Black Moon – Located in Gottenburg, Texas, Sisters Of The Black Moon describe their collection as, “Eccentricities for the shadows of your soul.” The site’s darkly brooding aesthetic is off-the-charts-cool and perfect for all of your rocker chick/Stevie Knicks wardrobe requirements.
Market Publique – An online vintage marketplace with an enormous selection of antique dresses, jewelry and vintage tees. If you’re looking to stock your everyday wardrobe with vintage finds this is the site to check out. Take a look at their great blog coverage of trends, plus “Babe of the Day,” and “Get the Look” features.
Bustown Modern – Gorgeous selection of top quality vintage with amazing customer service. The husband and wife team of Anessa Woods and Paul Fogt are truly fashion obsessed, as will you be after a quick session on their well-curated site. Check out their blog for special features on fashion, art, music, history and the latest store arrivals.
Squash Blossom Vintage – If you like nothing better than spending the day perusing yard sales and vintage shops for goodies, Etsy’s vintage fashion marketplace is the place for you. Squash Blossom Vintage’s Etsy store is a treasure trove of Native American turquoise jewelry and Southwestern Americana.
Spanish Moss – Get your gypsy on and explore Spanish Moss’ directional and statement-making vintage pieces. Shop top shelf vintage collections, artisan designers, and an in-house ready-to-wear, American Gold – designed and manufactured in Los Angeles.