Etsy is my favourite place to shop online. You could go so far as to call it an addiction. It's a virtual marketplace where you can buy unique, one-off pieces from sellers from around the world.
I find it best for unearthing vintage treasures at excellent prices, as well as gorgeous handmade jewellery. Here are some of the best shops I've come across, as well as some of my most cherished buys from Etsy. Happy browsing!
TOKNMTL is a Montreal, Canada based vintage shop that has a carefully curated selected of pre-owned clothing. The aesthetic is quite minimal with excellent fabrics and well cut-pieces forming the basis of their collection. Expect fitted pencil skirts, chic oversized blazers and shirt dresses.
Star Buy: Black faded Levi's
It's rare that I can find a pair of jeans to fit my short legs, so I was stunned to find the most perfect pair of vintage fade black Levi's on TOKENMTL. At just $32 they were a bargain too!
Frances Fox Vintage is based in South Carolina in the US and boasts a really eclectic and unusual collection of women's vintage pieces. From amazing sequinned 80s blouses, to novelty sweaters, and gorgeous printed dresses, this shop has everything you need to make a serious style statement. As an added bonus – the shop's proprietor Catie is super helpful and makes shopping there a dream.
Star Buy: 80s Sequinned Moon and Stars Mini Dress
I couldn't believe my luck with I found this unreal sequinned mini dress which I wore for New Year's Eve. This fun little number is unlike any vintage dress I've seen and is the perfect party piece!
Daughter of a Librarian is one of my most re-visited shops on Etsy. I am drawn to the simple, good quality and adaptable pieces they sell and the clear way they photograph their stock. They will always have something to catch my eye!
Star Buy: Vintage Blue Baseball Tee
This vintage blue baseball tee has quickly become one of my favourite pieces I own - it's so easy to throw on over a pair of jeans and super comfy.
Nemres is a vintage store based in Slovenia and it boasts a massive selection of one-off vintage finds. There's a lot on offer from womenswear, to menswear, accessories and homeswear. Definitely worth a look!
Star Buy: Short Plaid Mini Skirt
I recently bought a Clueless style short plaid mini skirt from Nemres that is now one of my favourite go-to pieces to pair with oversized jumpers this winter. It's perfect condition, of great quality wool and a beautiful red and grey print.
Retrophilia Paris may have a relatively small collection of pieces, but each and every single piece has been lovingly selected. They specialise in vintage 90s pieces from Paris, some of which have been reworked to give them a more modern appeal. I pretty much love everything they list – at the moment I'm drooling over a black and white striped minidress, knitted roll neck navy sweater and a perfect cream trench coat.
Star Buy: Ice Blue 90's Sweater
I bought this cute baby blue sweater for my sister for Christmas and was even more impressed with it in real life than I expected. It's a beautifully made, chic and wearable piece in absolutely tip top condition. A real find!
If you're a fan of vintage watches then you will be in heaven browsing the selection at Soviet Era. This Lithuanian-based shop was set up by an art historian who lovingly restores vintage Soviet watches from the 50s to 80s. There's an amazing selection of mechanical wristwatches, which have been updated with high quality new leather straps. Amazing customer service and crystal clear photography adds to the experience. Top marks!
Star Buy: Soviet Zarja Mechanical Wristwatch
I bought my sister this beautifully simple and delicate wristwatch for her birthday and went down a storm. I hope to be back to buy myself a classic timepiece soon!
La Minuinette is a vintage shop based out of Nice in France. I'm a sucker for French vintage clothes so I regularly have a look at what's on offer. There's a nice mix of quality vintage jackets, chic dresses, quirky belts and accessories, but I'm most impressed by their leather bag collection, which is always great.
Star Buy: French Vintage Black Leather Lancel Shoulder Bag
I treated myself to a black leather Lancel shoulder bag from the shop and I can honestly say it's my favourite bag I've ever owned. It's the perfect size and design to suit my needs and prevents me carrying around too much junk. It is also arrived in faultless condition – which can be difficult to find in vintage leather handbags.
This store specialises in modern and rare women's vintage with an emphasis on sleek silhouettes, contemporary cuts and quality fabrics, with some great vintage designer pieces thrown in for good measure. There's always a huge amount of stock listed, so get browsing.
Star Buy: Vintage Bodycon 80s Sleeveless Mini Dress
I had been looking for the perfect LBD and I think I've found it in this simple 80s bodycon mini dress. It's flattering and comfortable, top marks!
BOLOvintage
It's always fun to browse BOLOvintage's excellent array of vintage pieces. I would say they're on of the best for truly unique party dresses, fashion forward outerwear and super-cool sweaters.
Star Buy: Vintage 90s Oleg Cassini Black Star Sequin Mini Dress
For my birthday last year I wanted something sparkly - so decided to take the plunge with this really unique star print sequin mini dress. The basis is a sheer fabric with black sequinned stars layered on top of it. So cute!
MaryJohn
I have bought a few different rings from MaryJohn, a jewellery designer based in North Carolina. She specialises in delicate stacking rings in plain gold and silver, as well as diamond and gemstone pieces. They are all truly beautiful and skilfully made, at excellent prices for the quality.
Star Buy: Turquoise Gold Band Tiny and Delicate Stack Ring
This ring rarely leaves my hand - I love its simplicity and the vibrant colour of the gemstone.
Violet's Attic
Violet's Attic offers an excellently curated selection of vintage pieces from London. I generally like every single piece they list and it's always a pleasure browsing their offering. A great place to look for one-of-a-kind knitwear, cute party dresses and cool printed skirts.
Star Buy: Cashmere Angora Sweater in Duck Egg Blue
I bought this sweater as a Christmas present for my sister and was really impressed by both the quality of the piece and the careful and attractive way it was packaged.
Other Etsy faves:
For cool 90s grungey clothes: Sacred Estate
For chic French dresses: Dandelion Daydreamer
For vintage cashmere sweaters One Eight Four NYC
For awesome party dresses American Archive
For minimal, inexpensive jewellery Edor
For unique, stand out rings Stephanie Sheehan
For amazing vintage leather shoes and bags Pascal Vintage
For understated, structured jewellery Rebecca Gladstone
For incredible dresses and coats Winston Vintage
For rare vintage finds Noirohio Vintage
For reconstructed modern pieces Persephone Vintage
For sharp, minimal vintage pieces Allen Company
For great vintage French fashion French Madeleine
For a huge selection of vintage Dirty Birdies Vintage
By Sarah McIntyre
