THRIFTING: THE TREND THAT’S GOOD FOR THE ENVIRONMENT – AND YOUR POCKET. LITTLE WONDER IT’S TAKEN THE WORLD BY STORM.

 

Vintage Stores make me feel like I’m in a different world.

You can be transformed in a blink of an eye from dowdy office worker to quirky Florence and the Machine. Spice Girl of your choosing or even leggy Lara Croft. Add imagination!

You can be transported to a 1920s boardwalk or a glamorous Hollywood dinner.

You could end up leaving a thrift store in a perfectly conditioned pair of Prada kittens heels in tomato-red (for a fraction of what they originally cost).

For me the titillation of the vintage/nearly-new/pre-loved/‘thrift’ store lies in the unbeatable element of surprise. Even in your wildest fantasies, you will never know what gems await you inside.

The excitement and anticipation of a thrift shop is like being a child under the Christmas Tree, just before you open your presents! Adrenaline rush

Aren’t you even a little intrigued by the extraordinary stories that each of these frocks, brogues and breeches would tell if they could speak? Tales of gossip and wild parties, late nights and intrigue… the joy, melancholy and bliss a certain ballgown or LBD has been party to?

And finally – on a pragmatic note, I’m always heartened by the fact that someone had already taken the time and care to pick out each and every one of these garments, and that they had liked it enough to purchase it in the first place! If that’s not a vote of confidence

But the allure of the thrift experience goes deeper than just aesthetic thrills: you know that by re-using/ repurposing/ recycling you’re also being infinitely kind to the environment.

You can now put your money in the pocket!

So – what’s not to Love about Pre-Loved?

Hipster Cape Town is home to a wide range of thrift shops, including vintage clothing stores, charity shops, and student-fashion thrift shops. Each enclave, from the city bowl, to Observatory, Claremont, to Sea Point, has its own unique flavour of thrift.

I have been a member of the vintage stores fraternity all over the world and feel right at home here in this world full of grungy olde world charm.

I invite you sit back and enjoy the allure of some of my favorite stores in Cape Town.

 

1. GLITTERATI

The Long Street Antique Arcade, 127 Long Street, Cape Town

glitterati_vintage
https://www.theantiquearcade.co.za/glitterati/

A family-run gem is nestled in between antique jewellers, in the arcade aptly called Long Street Antiques Arcade. This store allows you to effortlessly move between the past and present.

You’re in the mood for a Biba minidress that looks like it was made in 1960? What about a dapper military jacket with brass buttons? Maybe a 1950s Scottish tweed dress? It goes without saying that they won’t let you leave without being fully shod, booted and belted for your event, and gorgeous period jewellery is part of the offering too.

Glitterati’s vintage is carefully selected and considered, and this translates in the customer base that frequents its bustling little shop. It’s for vintage lovers!

 

2. AFRAID OF MICE

@afraidofmicect

99 Harrington St. District Six, Cape Town

The East City’s retro boutique, which is a highly-curated collection, is located in Harrington St. amongst trendy pubs, clubs, and world famous coffee shops.

Their motto is, “The clothes you wish your mother had kept for you”, and navigating the considered rails of retro designer gear, you would agree. Moschino coats sit alongside Chanel bags and Balenciaga sneaker.

The atmosphere is upbeat and cheerful, and the space is spacious and bright. This is a must-stop on your journey of thrift shops in the city.

 

3. LUXIITY

Shop 6280, V&A Waterfront, Victoria Wharf, 19 Dock Road, Cape Town

@luxity.shop

www.luxity.co.za

Luxity is Africa’s largest reseller of authentic, pre-owned luxury fashion. The various physical and web stores are at poised at the very luxe end of the nearly-new, pre-loved spectrum and without a doubt South Africa’s rather robust answer to Vestiaire Collective.

There are so many designer brands to choose from. The merchandise, which includes sunspecs, handbags and sneakers, as well as frocks and watches, is eye-wateringly appealing.

Perhaps the most gratifying of all are this company’s sustainability credentials – here you can shop in the confidence that you’re also doing the planet a favour in re-using these curated, authentic creations.

 

4. STOCK MARKET

116 Kloof St. Gardens, Cape Town

Stock Exchange is one the best kept secrets of Cape Town. For decades, the company has provided stylish Capetonians, as well as international visitors, with clothing. It does not use social media and little advertising other than word-of mouth.

From Isabel Marant to Burberry, Max Mara to Dries Van Noten – you’re bound to spot something covetable at Stock Exchange every time you visit.

There’s always a fresh, hand-picked, highly curated selection of nearly-new (and of late, also some virtually new) designer clothes, shoes, bags and belts on offer. Cashmere is also the best in the city.

 

5. VINTAGE SWAG

@vintageswag.co.za

www.vintageswag.co.za

Carmen Matthysen is the woman behind this curated vintage shop. She has a passion and dedication for fashion, going the extra mile to find out-of-the ordinary vintage pieces.

Her online store is carefully curated and abundant with must-have pieces: quirky faux fur, leather, super luxe hand bags and the Cape Town fashionista’s favourite shoes, Doc Martins.

Vintage Swag doesn’t have a physical store right now, but Carmen keeps her loyal following up to speed with the latest scoops via video clips in which she showcases each covetable piece.

The brand has a passion for the environment. It is a strong believer in slow-fashion, recycling, repurposing and upcycling as an alternative option to the high-street. Passion is apparent!

 

6. KAAP DIEM

92 Wale St, Cape Town

@kaapdiemthrift

This adorable little thrift store is located right in the middle of Bo-Kaap’s colourful Bo-Kaap district, near authentic spice, kebab, and coffee shops.

The selection is curated and young at heart – here you can find funky Converse trainers but also preppy cashmere jumpers and vintage leather retro handbags.

Bo-Kaap is a vibrant street where you can do your own fashion shoot. Get your phone ready!

 

7. NEWS YOU NEVER Knew

Lower Main Road Observatory (Cape Town)

@nevernewstore

Observatory has more thrift shops than any other hood in Cape Town. The large, upscale Nevernew store and its sister store around the corner are still going strong despite the competition.

It is one of those old-school thrift shops that requires a lot of time and patience to navigate as it’s crammed floor to ceiling with an overwhelming amount of treasure: mountains of corduroy trousers, rails of Hawaiian shirts, festival gear of every kind, ponchos, woolens, scarves, hats, boots, jewellery, records…

Nevernew is without a doubt a student go-to, the gear is well-priced and there’s a fantastic variety and quantity at all times. The stock is rotated every week, so you’ll always find something new with every visit.

Grab some clobber to last you through the weekend. Then, hit the streets of Observatory, where you can find MORE vintage, vegan breakfast and the legendary Obz Books. What else can a college student ask for?

 

8. Vintage with Love

46a Canterbury Street District Six Cape Town

@vwl_capetown

www.vintagewithlovecapetown

This nationwide charity shop (also online) is pretty darn special: all proceeds go to a host of children’s charities. The Cape Town branch is situated in the historic District Six, close to the oldest bakery in Cape Town, the colourful Charly’s Bakery.

The stock is beautifully curated and colour-coded, the space airy and fresh and the staff friendly and enthusiastic – all in all, it is always a pleasure to visit.

Every year, the store hosts a huge sale at the Victoria and Alfred Waterfront. The event is attended by all fashionistas worth their salt. Be sure to attend this year’s highly anticipated event 1-4 August 2024 if you’re visiting the Mother City.