The Five Best Places to Shop Vintage in Auckland
Concrete Playground lists five of the best when shopping vintage in Auckland.
It is fair to say everyone loves a bargain. And not only is it a bargain you’re buying into when shopping vintage fashion but a style enhancing uniqueness and uber-cool retro flair that comes with the purchase of one-off, recycled garments. However venturing into the unknown with the risk of spending countless hours trawling through clothing racks is a hard thing to stomach for the time deprived consumer, such as ourselves, so here at Concrete Playground we have put in the hard hours of shopping to come up with a list that will guide you to some guaranteed great vintage fashion finds.
1. CouCou Vintage
Where: 30 Customs Street East, CBD
Opening Hours: Mon - Fri 10am - 6pm Sat 10am- 5pm Sun 11am - 5pm
Phone: +64 9 366 1694
Website: www.facebook.com/CoucouBoutique
If you haven't discovered CouCou vintage yet than you are missing out. This little gem in Britomart is a one stop shop for gorgeous vintage clothing as well as other fashion finds including pretty jewellery, canvas totes in brilliant prints and a great range of one-offs from labels like H&M, Zara, Top Shop and ASOS.
Spoilt for choice, CouCou is jammed packed with handpicked vintage dresses, skirts and tops, pulled together with a clever eye for the feminine, the flirty and the funky. Complementing decor makes for a cute-as-a-button boutique that is the grown-up equivalent of a little girl’s dress-up box: pretty things in soft fabrics, shiny beads and bright bags for many happy accessorising moments.
2. The Bread and Butter Letter
Where: 66 New North Road, Eden Terrace
Opening Hours: Mon - Fri 11am - 6pm Sat 10am- 4pm Sun Closed
Website: www.facebook.com/BreadAndButterLetter
A rare find in Auckland City, The Bread and Butter Letter is a delightful vintage clothing and handmade craft boutique where you will find more than just vintage fashion but all kinds of quirky little gifts.
Opened by friends Sarah Firmston and Rose Howcroft, the store invites you to butter yourself and home up with the adorable selection of vintage clothing, locally made jewellery, accessories, homeware and more.
A team of talent, these girls certainly bring a new dynamic to your typical vintage store, showcasing an impressive assortment of real New Zealand design.
3. Jet Set Bohemian
Where: 35c Surrey Cres, Grey Lynn
Opening Hours: Mon - Fri 10am – 5.30pm Sat 10am- 5pm Sun 10am- 4pm
Phone: 09 360 4581
Website: www.facebook.com/Jetsetbohemian
There’s no hunting for a great vintage find at Jet Set Bohemian because this store is packed with stunning garments, many of which sourced internationally. An absolute rule breaker of traditional second hand clothing stores, there is no trawling through copious amounts of crap just to find one good piece, Jet Set Bohemian oozes with goodness! Although the store is positioned a little outside of the usual shopping hubs, it’s worth the venture as you can almost always count on finding some stunning statement garments and an abundance of accessories to choose from, making it a great option for those seeking special occasion vintage pieces at reasonable prices.
4. Saint Kevin’s Arcade
Where: 179 Karangahape Road, Auckland CBD
Opening Hours: Mon-Thurs 10am-6pm, Sun 11am-4pm.
Website: www.kroad.com
If it is variety and choice you are after, Saint Kevin’s Arcade, the hub of vintage fashion in Auckland City is a one stop spot for vintage hunters. The arcade not only harbours numerous vintage stores including the favourite, Metro Retro, but if you take a stroll down K road you will discover that killing the bird with one stone has never been easier, with a selection of second hand shops to browse in the area. The Arcade is a must visit for fashion bargain hunters or those just looking for something a bit different.
5. Tatty’s
Where: 159 Ponsonby Road, Ponsonby and 47 High Streeet, CBD
Opening Hours: Mon - Thurs: 10am – 6pm Fri: 10am- 7pm Sat: 10am- 5pm Sun: 11am- 5pm
Phone: 09 376 2761
Website: www.tattys.co.nz
Not your typical grungy second hand clothing store, Tatty’s specialise in quality, pre-loved designer pieces - both local and international, but also stock very special vintage and retro pieces, for the perfect mix of old and new. Tatty's opened in 2006 with the knowledge of 15 years of retailing second hand fashion behind it. The store is based on the concept that fashion should be available and affordable for all, handpicking coveted garments and selling on behalf of its customers. For label lovers you will be sure to find a few bargains, however don’t expect Save Mart prices, you’re still buying designer.
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