People often ask me where I got this or where I found that. Whether they are referring to my clothing, accessories, furniture or home décor, it’s very likely that it came from a second hand or vintage shop, was a hand me down, or from a sidewalk sale. I love to own unique items and the best way to do that is to stray far from all things mainstream. If you know where to look, you can discover some pretty incredible finds. Here are four vintage fashion and décor shopping tips, some of which I am even a bit hesitant to share because once everyone knows about them, the amazing finds will be less easy to find – but my Mom taught me to share!
VINTAGE FASHION SALES
Holy Vintage: A mega-vintage sale happening this weekend
Fashion blogging twins, Josiane and Carolane Stratis are hosting a huge vintage and second hand sale this Saturday and Sunday in the church on the corner of Rachel and Drolet. A group of vintage fashion lovers are participating, like Lolitta Dandoy who will be bringing her MyWalk.in items to the sale. I also have a few pieces for sale (including these vintage Escada and Betsey Johnson dresses) that the Stratis sisters will be selling for me. You can pay cash or by credit card. Oh, and it’s BYOB (bring your own bag).
4220 Drolet
12pm–7pm, April 27, 28
Holy Vintage Facebook event
Vintage Recall II: Delicious designer clothing sale
Next weekend (May 5th) raid some of Montreal’s most fashionable ladies’ closets in support of the Alzheimer Group. For a second year, prominent Montrealers have donated their Gucci and Prada to support a great cause. The sale is open to the public from 10 am–4 pm. If you really want to get the good stuff first, you can attend the private sale and cocktail on Thursday, May 2nd from 5:30–7:30 pm for $75. Last year $30,000 was raised for the charity.
L’Atelier, 5500 Ferrier Street (off of Decarie and near Namur metro station)
Free parking, free admission on May 5th, 10am-4pm
Check out some of the items for sale on the Facebook event.
Iegor: Luxury vintage fashion auction
I’ve been going to this auction house for a few years now and I almost don’t want to tell you how amazing their sales are for luxury vintage fashion, jewellery and accessories! The auction house is located in a beautiful neo-classical style church in Saint-Henri and fashionistas can view and try on items prior to the sale. Return for the auction night to bid on your favourite items (complimentary wine!) or you can also place your bid over the phone or via their website. Some items I’ve won in the past: vintage Versace thigh-high suede boots with gold accents on the toes and heels and a delicate vintage Hermès scarf-top. The next fashion auction will be held the evening of May 15.
Note: Iegor also hosts antique and art auctions, so check out their site for a list of all their upcoming auctions.
Hôtel des encans
872 rue du Couvent
VINTAGE FURNITURE
De la ruelle au salon (From the alley to the living room)
Isabelle Clément scans sites like Kijiji, Craigslist and LesPac for incredibly inexpensive vintage or antique furniture and décor items, and then she posts them on her Facebook page. She mostly posts items that are no more than $100 and that are almost always ridiculously amazing. I’ve been obsessed with her page since I discovered it and check it daily (ok, sometimes even a few times a day). Recently, I purchased this antique secretary that Isabelle had posted, for $150 from a guy who had originally paid $1200 for it at Iegor. Isabelle also blogs in French about her personal finds and gives her readers tips on how to decorate using a small budget and a bit of creativity.
De la ruelle au salon on Facebook
Happy shopping!
