We’ve shared our favorite vintage shops in the past, but we’ve found a few new gems to add to the list. Here are five of the best vintage designer shops in the city, so next time someone compliments your Versace scarf or Valentino dress you can respond with, “Oh this old thing? I got it in Italy.”

Salvatore Michele Abiti Usati

Via del Governo Vecchio 35

This shop in the center of the city is literally overflowing with treasures. The owners, an older couple, travel all over Italy to find new and unique goods, and their care is obvious in the collection. Sifting through the layers of clothes you’ll find Emilio Pucci dresses, soft cashmere sweaters, racks of silk blouses and fantastic Gucci bags. If you have something specific in mind, they have tons in storage and will be happy to go through more boxes with you. The woman, like a fabulous grandmother, is always good for fashion advice and a second opinion.

Borghetto Flaminio Flea Market

Piazza della Marina, 32
Sundays, 10AM – 7PM
€1.60 entrance fee

Also in the center, just opposite Piazza del Popolo, the Borghetto Flaminio Market is an outdoor vintage and antique market, only open on Sundays. You’ll have to pay to get in, but the €1.60 entry fee is completely worth it. The market isn’t very large or overwhelming, but it’s packed with stalls, so you’re sure to find something you love. You’ll come across racks and racks of clothing, tables of accessories, and even household items. Fendi bags, fur coats and Armani dress shirts fill each stall, and because they’re used, the prices are surprisingly low. The tables of vintage jewelry are worth a stop, if just to marvel at the older costume pieces.

King Size Vintage

via del Boschetto, 94
Facebook page

With two locations, one in San Lorenzo and one in the trendy Monti neighborhood, King Size Vintage is one of the best-priced vintage stores in the city. It’s small, crowded, and you’ll have to do some digging, but that’s the fun part. Full of men and women’s clothing, shoes, and accessories, it’s hard not to find a gem. High-end designer pieces are reasonably priced, but they also have beautiful unnamed clothes along side the well-known labels.

Pifebo Vintage Shop

via dei Serpenti, 141
Website

Also in the Monti neighborhood, this store is the image of what probably comes to mind when you think “vintage.” Evening gloves spill out of old hat boxes, sequined jackets hang in the back, and cowboy shirts and old band t-shirts fill the shelves. It’s like digging through your grandma’s closet, if your grandma happens to have eclectic taste and an eye for exceptional pieces. Make sure to look at the large collection of real leather, worn and soft, yet always classic. They’re constantly getting new products in, so it’s worth stopping back every so often if you’re in the area to check out the new bags and boots.

Twice

via di San Francesco a Ripa, 105
Online store

If you love designer goods, but can’t stand the often-musty smell of vintage shops, and hate sifting through piles of clothes, then Twice, in the Trastevere neighborhood, is for you. The clothes are vintage, but the shop is fresh and modern, and everything is laid out neatly. Clothes are mostly from the 1960s to 1980s, and include men and women’s shoes, accessories, and clothing. The real designer purses here are a steal compared to what you would pay for new versions in the stores. Think vintage Chanel for €175. If you don’t have too much time to shop on your trip, Twice even has online shopping, which is revolutionary for Rome.

The post Shopping in Rome: 5 destinations for vintage designer deals appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.

But first, let’s look to Oscar Wilde for a little inspiration. After all, our favorite writer and clotheshorse was also the editor of The Woman’s World magazine way back in the original New Romantic 1880s. Wearing a puffy shirt and breeches (he dismissed trousers as “boring tubes”), along with a smoking jacket and one green carnation, he quipped, “It is only the shallow people who do not judge by appearances.”

Touché, Monsieur Wilde! (Who happens to be permanently in residence at Pere Lachaise cemetery, by the way.)

Related: Tips for saving big on a Paris shopping spree

Nadine at Dam, Dim, Dom

1. Abbesses
Metro: Abbesses, 18th arrondissement

Nadine’s Dam Dim Dom at 18 Rue Damrémont is my new favorite vintage shop. Maybe it’s her well-organized collection of clothing, or perhaps it’s the film memorabilia on the walls (watch out for Godard, Anna Karina and Bridget Bardot). Or perhaps, just perhaps, it was her swell words when I asked to try on a black trench coat, “It will look especially lovely on you, because you’re so slim.” Now that’s costumer service!

Looking for something specific? Ask Nadine. She carries affordable labels, along with high-ticket designer brands. At the moment, I’ve got my eye on a Jean-Charles de Castelbajac scarf, and I’ll buy it as soon as my ship comes in—as my grandmother Helen Wentz would say. Castelbajac also designed the current Eiffel Tower uniforms, strikingly stylish in olive green with bright orange piping!

Hooked and need another fix? Make a beeline to Le Caverne à Fripes at 25 rue Houdon. Here the inventory is eclectic and may seem chaotic, but don’t let looks fool you. The collection is quite organized. After a few minutes, you’ll recognize the system: shirts to the left and skirts on the right, while party dresses hang in the back and slacks are stacked in the middle.

At first the shop gives the impression that the owner is nowhere to be found, but look again—almost buried in amongst the clothing and camouflaged in vintage togs himself you’ll find proprietor Patrick Lambert either chatting with neighbors or reading a novel as Broadway music plays on in the background.

If you’re on a quest for a specific treasure, don’t hesitate to ask Monsier Lambert. He once helped me pick out the perfect vinyl green belt (very shiny and studded, circa 1960s) to accessorize a black maxi dress (made in France, circa 1970s). Cost? €15 for the pair. (And later, the envious looks at the party? Priceless.)

2. Marais
Metro: Saint-Paul, 4th arrondissement

My friend Caroline Simonds, founder of “Le Rire Medecin” (a troupe of hospital clowns), introduced me to both Boutique King of Frip at 14 rue Vieille du Temple and Vintage Désir on 32 rue des Rosiers during my quest for a striped shirt for my dad. Described by Papa Hemingway as “very stiff and built for hard wear but softened by washings,” both shops have beaucoup de Breton stripes.

Cheapos, Caroline also highly recommends the smoked turkey or pastrami sandwiches at Florence Finkelstein on nearby 24 rue des Ecouffes!

Martine’s booth at the Porte de Vanves flea market.

3. Porte de Vanves Flea Market
Metro: Porte de Vanves, 14th arrondissement

Gather around, Cheapos! Here’s where I find most of my retro treasures, each typically costing €5 – €20. Throughout the flea market, you’ll find tables, racks and boxes of vintage clothes, along with accessories like costume jewelry, bags and belts, hats, sunglasses and shoes. Looking for old copies of fashion magazines like Elle and Marie Claire? They’re in abundance, too.

Always one to boast, my recent flea market finds included two pairs of Ted Lapidus hexagonal sunglasses for €2 a pop! I’ve also found three pairs of ski pants from the 1960s in vibrant, mouthwatering Pucci-licious colors like yellow, tangerine, and turquoise blue by Fus Europ. All with their original hand-written price tags still hanging from the hip, and none cost more than €1. I know!

Tips: Looking for a specific item? Pop by Martine’s booth. She’s been with the flea market for decades, and vintage clothing is her number one passion. Her booth is located on avenue Georges Lafenestre, across the street Piscine Didot. Keep your eyes peeled for her mannequins. (Read more about Martine and my other favorite dealers at the flea market.)

The flea market opens around 8:00 a.m. and the dealers are packing up to leave before noon. So arrive early, carry cash and bring a sturdy bag for your finds. By the way, just after you leave the Métro station, you’ll find an ATM machine, a patisserie and a café with a WC. (Read more tips for flea market success.)

Good Bill hunting, Cheapos!

The post Paris: Vintage clothing shops for discerning Cheapos appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.

During the years of the Celtic Tiger boom, it was just about impossible for a Cheapo to do any shopping in Dublin. Sure, it’s fun to marvel at the gorgeous window displays at Brown Thomas department store on Grafton Street, but buying anything? Not in the cards, especially not with the exchange rate.

That is unless you know where to look for vintage stores. These stores have been offering affordable shopping since the boom, and have survived even as many of the glitzier stores have closed in recent years.

Seek out the following shops and you can afford to bring home some gifts for friends and family–and maybe a little something for yourself, too.

The Harlequin
13 Castle Market, Dublin 2
Web site (Facebook)

Besides being located smack in the middle of one of my favorite areas of Dublin, this shop has everything you could want in a vintage store: racks and racks of well-organized, interesting clothes, bags, and jewelry–without even a trace of that musty vintage smell. Some parts of the store are organized by decade, other parts by item.

If you love handbags–beware–this store has an incredible selection of gently-used bags. And belts. And even hats, too.

The Loft at Powerscourt Townhouse
59 South William Street, Dublin 2
Web site

Cheapos walking into the indoor shopping center that is the Powerscourt Townhouse might think at first that they’ll never find anything affordable. Yet if you’re visiting on a Friday, Saturday, or Sunday–climb the stairs to the very top floor where you’ll find a space called “the Loft.”

Here, independent designers and vintage enthusiasts set up a little rack of their items. Handmade jewelry, bath products, affordable little dresses and vintage belts are all on offer here. You can shop happily knowing your purchase will support small businesses.

A Store is Born
34 Clarendon Street, Dublin 2

Only open on Saturday from 11 a.m.–6 p.m., you could walk by this space any other time of the week and barely notice it. It is the size of a garage, and is packed with interesting sweaters, scarves and jackets. If the Dublin weather has you wishing you packed something heavier, stop into this store on a Saturday to stock up on warm items.

If possible, arrive early as the small space gets crowded by mid-afternoon. The earlier you arrive, the better the selection.

All three of these vintage stores are located within a 5-minute walk of each other, making a manageable day of shopping. There are other vintage shops in Dublin that specialize in gowns or silk blouses–but Cheapos will be best served by sticking to this list.

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Here are a few suggestions for spending a fabulous (and Cheapo) day in the Marais:

1. Coffee kick-off

Start your walk out with a coffee at the old-worldly Café Les Philosophes (28, rue Vieille du Temple). The white-apron-clad waiters serve up standard espresso at decent prices. Moreover, the people-watching is amazing.

2. Vintage wears

Next, stroll one block north and turn right onto the rue des Rosiers, a tiny street lined with Kosher eateries, falafel joints, and boutiques.

Stroll past the eateries (for now) until you arrive at the quirky vintage shop called Vintage Désir (32, rue des Rosiers). Men and women can appreciate the many inexpensive vintage clothing options, but be prepared to dig and be elbowed by fashion-forward Frenchies.

Nearby Free ‘P’ Star (8, rue St-Croix de la Bretonnerie) and The King of Frip (33, rue du Roi de Sicile) are some other great alternatives to the pricey boutiques.

3. Falafel break

For cheap eats in the neighborhood, skip the restaurants and indulge in the area’s delicious falafel joints. You might initially scoff at the idea of eating falafel in Paris, but after one bite from famed L’As du Fallafel (34, rue des Rosiers) you’ll agree with Lenny Kravitz (their celebrity patron) that it’s the best in the world. And at only €5, it’s a steal for Paris. When the guy at the counter asks you a question, say, “Oui” – he is asking if you want spicy sauce!

Across the street is Micky’s Deli, a play on the New York deli scene, which offers a burger, fries, and drink for only €8.50.

If you have time for dessert, swing by the legendary Mazet de Montargis (37 Rue des Archives, Marais) for a tasty candy sample. It’s one of our favorite free things to do in Paris.

4. Visiting Victor

For some culture, continue down rue des Rosiers and turn left towards the Place des Vosges, the royal square built under King Henry IV, France’s beloved king. If the quaint park and uniformly beautiful buildings aren’t enough, head over to the Maison de Victor Hugo (6, Place des Vosges). Here the author of the “Hunchback of Notre Dame” and “Les Misérables” lived, and its permanent collection is free to visit. It’s open every day but Monday from 10 a.m.-6 p.m.

5. Time for an aperitif

You must be exhausted — and thirsty! It’s time for an aperitif. Don’t avoid drinking in the Marais simply because you assume that prices will be high. Rather, indulge in the happy hour culture and grab a pint for €3.70 at the Open Café (17, rue des Archives, happy hour from 6-10 p.m.), a gay hotspot that’s also “straight-friendly.”

If you want a more mixed crowd, head over to La Perle (78, rue Vieille du Temple) for an inexpensive glass (or carafe) of wine. The young hipster crowd spills out onto the sidewalk until closing on weekends.

After a cheapo day in the Marais, you’ll be well fed, more cultured, and probably tipsy enough to think that your new vintage hat really does look incredible on you. Hey, it’s the Marais. Anything goes!

Your favorite places in the Marais

Do you have a favorite place to visit in the Marais? Share with us in the comments section!

The post Paris: A Cheapo day in the Marais appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.

Vintage dressing in the heartland of trendy London districts has been hot fashion property for quite some time now. Sadly as a result, “vintage” doesn’t always mean “cheap.” However, London is still bursting with secret little finds where one can find jaw droopingly beautiful clothes from yesteryear at reasonable rates.

Begin with a market rummage

From Whitechapel Market, where one can find colorful scarves and sparkly slippers to Portobello Market where there are several first-class vintage shops and stalls, a walk around London’s many markets is well worth your vintage mission. These markets are a good place to start with their decent sampling of high-quality stock, which has a high turnover (important, as it enhances the chances of stumbling on a great find).

Brick Lane is a vintage lovers paradise. Nearby Spitalfields Market, too, offers plenty of punk and vintage stalls along with over-smart designer shops. Camden Market (Tube: Camden Town), London’s traditional home of punks and punk-dom, is worth a visit, as it boasts plenty of vintage clothing stalls and shops.

Just north of Notting Hill tube, along Pembridge Road, there are several vintage shops. If you want real bargains (yes, they are still to be found in this area), you’ll have to make a return visit on a Saturday–it will be worth it. Head up Portobello Road to the market stalls under Westway. The stalls and shops further north and along Golborne Road are even cheaper, although the merchandise is unpredictable.

Here are some other places that boast vintage prices within a mortal’s league. Happy shopping!

Beyond Retro
112 Cheshire St, E2
Telephone: 020 7613 3636
Web site
Tube/Rail: Liverpool St.

Barnado’s
7 George St, W1
Telephone: 020 7935 2946
Web site
Tube/Rail: Marylebone
Hours: Mon-Sat 9.30 a.m.-5:30 a.m.

Marie Curie
318-320 St Paul’s Rd, N1
Telephone: 020 7226 0565
Tube/Rail: Highbury & Islington
Hours: Open Mon-Sat 9 a.m.-5:20 p.m.

TRAID SW2
2 Acre Lane, SW2
Telephone: 020 7326 4330
Web site
Tube/Rail: Brixton

I Dream Of Wires
68a Cheshire St, London E2 6EH
Telephone: 020 7739 4481
Web site
Tube/Rail: Shoreditch High Street

Radio Days, London
87 Lower Marsh, Waterloo
Telephone: 020 7928 0800
Web site
Tube/Rail: Waterloo

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When I lived in Portland, it was all the rage to shop secondhand. From frocks to socks to records and costume jewelry, purchases were almost cooler if used. This trend has caught on slowly in Barcelona. When I first arrived I knew of just one secondhand place in the center called Humana which carried a pretty good selection of seasonal fashions.

Here’s a quick guide to secondhand shopping success in Barcelona.

Humana

Over time, it seems like vintage and secondhand have become hip, though only among certain crowds. The store I mentioned before, Humana, has become a success, and now has shops all over the city. I’ve been in to it a few times, and it seems to draw folks who are trying to save a few euros rather than hipsters trying to look unique.

There are some good bargains to be had at Humana, however, provided you have the patience and the talent to spot fashion gold from worn-out junk. (I like to think that I have this gift.)

Eclectic finds on Calle Tallers

Calle Tallers and the area surrounding it also has quite a bit to offer in the secondhand and vintage department. Stroll Tallers from La Rambla to Plaza Universitat and you will find that, interspersed with all the music stores and bakeries, there are three or four used clothing shops with eccentrically dressed clerks. Retro City is one on Tallers to look out for.

Specialty Shops in El Raval and the Gothic Quarter

Heading deeper into El Raval from Calle Tallers, you’ll come upon Wilde Vintage on Joaquin Costa. The specialty here is vintage sunglasses, and with all the sunny days in Barcelona, who couldn’t use pair of sweet vintage shades?

Another area known for its secondhand shopping options is Riera Baixa. Look out for Le Swing along this Gothic Quarter calle.

Outdoor Markets

Back before secondhand was cool, there were people in Barcelona buying used goods at the city’s many outdoor markets. There are two which are especially famous for their wide selection of used merchandise: Encants Market and San Antonti Market (on Sunday).

At Sant Antoni you’ll mostly find used books, CDs and videos. Encants, on the other hand, has pretty much a little bit of everything. As is the case with almost all markets in Europe, go early. The pickings are slim the closer you get to noon. The early bird catches the worm, or in this case, the vintage 1950’s cocktail dress… Happy hunting!

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Try these shops for a unique souvenir from the Netherlands:

For Books: De Slegte
website
Kalverstraat 48-52
1012 PE Amsterdam

Those looking for a unique gift for a bookworm should check out this quaint second-hand bookshop. De Slegte bookshops, which are found all over the Benelux region, contain a wide range of Dutch and English books, some of which are older, hard-to-find novels. Gift buyers take note: They offer a number of antique books as well as comic books.

For something Dutch-specific, look for the local recipe books or ones about the country’s rich arts and history. Keep in mind that comic books (“stripboeken”) are extremely popular in Netherlands and thus, you can easily find popular European works in such shops. Think older strips such as Tintin (“Kuifje”), Willy and Wanda (“Suske en Wiske”) and Leonardo.

Where English books are concerned, you’re likely to come across well-loved books from previous decades like Alistair MacLean’s thriller novels. Books here have a starting price of €2.

For Music and Movies: Free Record Shop
website
One of the many locations in Amsterdam:
Ferdinand Bolstraat 79
1072 LC, Amsterdam

For the music lover or movie fan, these shops are the place to go. Free Record Shops are budget-friendly shops that sell a number of movies, music, and games at low prices. Not just that, they are also well-known for their marked-down deals and bargain-bin goodies.

Free Record Shops can be excellent places to find Dutch music and movies and other international items as well. Look for music by Dutch singers Anouk and local flicks that have made it big worldwide like Ciske de Rat. Keep an eye out for arthouse flicks. Goods usually have a starting price of €5.

For Vintage Fashion: Laura Dols
website
Wolvenstraat 6 en 7
1016 EM Amsterdam

Be it window shopping or hunting down the perfect gift for the fashion lover, Laura Dols is a definite must on a souvenir shopping trip. This classy little shop is renowned for its wide selection of vintage clothing, most of which is priced at affordable rates. From charming accessories like hats and pearl necklaces to sleek attire of the good old days, this vintage boutique has much to offer.

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