If you’re a big fan of vintage and are visiting Aberdeen any time soon, I have written a blog post that will be right up your street! After doing a little research before my travels, and painstakingly visiting all the shops I found (wink wink), I’ve selected my favourite 3 vintage shops that you simply cannot miss!! In the interest of having something for everyone, I’ve picked out a shop that’s really cheap and full of fun, a shop that is middle priced and has some real gems inside and a shop that’s on the higher end of the scale, but a must see for all you vintage brides out there. Ready to get excited and spend some money? ME TOO!
The Closet – mid range shop full of wonders (this one is my absolute fave!)
Imagine The Cave Of Wonders where Aladdin found his lamp, only picture it full of vintage clothes instead of gold and vintage handbags instead of lamps, and you’ve basically stepped into The Closet…
And let me be the first to say it: if being in the closet was this good, you’d never be able to get me out of it!!
Not only does this place look amazing inside, it’s totally stuffed to the gunwales with all kinds of vintage treasures. There’s a great range of 50s – 80s shirts, skirts, lingerie and dresses as well as a great selection of jewellery, accessories, shoes, bags, hats and small suitcases to boot. I love that there’s lots of lovely home wear sprinkled around the shop too – literally everything you see is available for sale which is incredible because often you’ll find a lot of amazing stuff in these kinds of shops which are for display purposes only. I know this for fact because I bought a vintage hat box from here which I’ve been after for the past year but it’s been impossible to talk anyone into selling before because they look so great on show!
It’s my top pick for mid priced shopping, but there is defo some beautiful items to invest in. Failing that there’s a few wonderful pieces available to rent for occasions so every girl gets the chance to be Cinderella for just one night, which is perfect for those who feel like taking the plunge into the world of vintage will leave then looking like a pumpkin after midnight 😉
Encore Dress & Vintage Agency – high end boutique perfect for special occasions!
Be still my heart. This darling vintage shop based in Fettercairn and it has stolen my soul! From vintage Hermes scarves to beautiful 1950s matching twin sets, this little haven is a must for anyone road tripping up to Aberdeen or looking to buy something a little bit special. It might be a little bit out of the city, but it is truly worth the ride!
Housing a wide variety of more modern dresses to classic 1940/50s women’s clothing, hats and accessories, this place is perfect for anyone looking to get all dolled up for a special occasion. It is more expensive than the usual vintage places I review, but I have to admit that they have earned it. They have a main room full of dresses, an accessories room and two rooms set aside for wedding outfits – both for brides and for very stylish guests (and mothers!) It may be niche, but gosh darn they have totally nailed it!
I ended up purchasing my first ever vintage hat here – a ridiculously beautiful powder pink 1940s fascinator complete with the fluffiest ostrich feather I have ever laid eyes on. It’s in extremely good condition (to the point I’m certain it’s only been worn once or twice and it has been living in a very well to do hat box for the past 70 years) and I was thrilled to bits to learn that was made in bonny Fife! For those of you who are wondering, a treasure like this only cost me £38, but I guess I’m one of the few people who would dare to go out to dinner in one of these still 😉
Just like The Closet, Encore has dresses AND HATS for hire, which pretty much made me do one of those 1980’s jumps that stop mid air. You know I might just rent one to take photos in – being a clumsy cathy I know I’d get hot sauce all over myself should I have it any longer just because I knew I couldn’t afford to keep it!
Retrospect – best vintage shop for budget buys!
This is a great little boutique that has an amazing collection of vintage shirts and dresses, mainly 70s style up, but if you have a good rummage there are a few older treasures hidden in those rails too. Let me tell you now, putting your time in here is 100% worth the effort; I snagged a beautiful green 1950s twin set for £25 and a gorgeous little 50s summer dress for £18 which are both a LUDICROUSLY great price, so I’d be coming in all the time for bargains like these if I were local!!
This shop also has a cracking men’s section (the best I’ve seen in Aberdeen thus far) There’s also a brilliant jewellery and accessories to complete the look, and a few bits and pieces for the home which is a nice edition.
Aaaaand! If spend £30+ and you get to choose a free gift too! Ended up getting a lovely retro gold sequinned purse to go with my new dresses which was fab! If you love a bargain, you can’t visit the city without popping in here!!
So there you have it! I hope you get the chance to visit sometime soon, but if not you should defo check out their websites or get in touch if you’re looking to sell / have something specific you’re trying to find. The people that work there / own the shops were all absolutely lovely and incredibly friendly so don’t be shy!
I’ll be sharing photos of my finds very soon – here’s hoping for a sunny day for a good photo shoot!