Vintage Clothing From Top to Toe in Vancouver

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A guide to Vintage fashion in the city, from hats to makeup, reclaimed jewelry to up-cycled clothing and vintage shoes

As a lover of all things vintage and being new to Vancouver, I felt compelled to explore in hopes of finding the best vintage clothes that the city has to offer. I traipsed about Vancouver, from Commercial to Kits, Chinatown to Main, and back again. Check out the slideshow for our top finds… so far!

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Hats from the Saucest Milliner in Town

The Saucy Milliner‘s summer collection of simple cloches, vintage cocktail hats and fascinators put me in hat heaven!

Kelly Dunlap, A.K.A The Saucy Milliner, creates authentic vintage silhouettes using traditional millinery techniques in her Kitsilano studio, molding straw hats and fabric on antique wooden blocks and finishing them with vintage veil, lace and trim.

I coveted: A navy straw vintage berry cloche.

In their own words: “Hats were constantly being updated going through many different looks to match whatever was the current style.”—Kelly Dunlap.

Where: The Saucy Milliner is available at her Kitsilano studio for consultations by appointment.

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Mintage Vintage for hats for the gents

I was impressed by the selection of hats for guys at Mintage Vintage on Commercial. From straw to tartan to felt, you’re sure to find something that suits your look.

Where: 1714 Commercial Drive.

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Style Me Vintage: Tips from a makeup artist

Nicole Buckley—vintage guru, makeup artist and hairstylist—is now sharing her years of experience in makeup artistry with Vancouver ladies at her Style Me Vintage workshops.

I attended a workshop and, with a cocktail in one hand and a makeup brush in the other, learned how to create the full vintage look: smokey eyes, false lashes, victory curls and all!

Nicole’s top five vintage style tips

1. Red lipstick does in fact go with everything.

2. False lashes will make you feel like you have super powers. Quo lashes are affordable, last a long time and come in various styles.

3. For those days when your hair is not behaving, just put a scarf around it; you look adorable and you will channel Rosie the Riveter.

4. Use your sunscreen! How many vintage ladies looked like a handbag!? Try Coola’s organic sunscreen and grab a parasol—it’ll protect your skin and it’s just plain fun to hold one.

5. What would a good ’50s makeup be without cat eyeliner? The best black liner ever is Geisha Ink.

In their own words: “There was a time I didn’t now anything about makeup… and then I turned seven.”— Nicole Buckley

Where: Style Me Vintage workshops are held on the last Thursday of every month at Slickity Jim’s Chat N’ Chew 3475 Main St.

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Beuno Style: Finders keepers

Christi York, of Beuno Style, searches through dusty warehouses where she unearths antique vintage beads, lockets and chains from the 1920s and turns them into new fashionable treasures. Feast your eyes on her gorgeous one-of-a-few vintage earrings, bracelets, necklaces and hair accessories.

I coveted: Her vintage button pieces.

In their own words: “When I started making accessories, I was instinctively drawn towards thrifted and upcycled materials. I love the thrill of the hunt!”—Christi York.

Where: Various locations including Fine Finds, Changes Boutique and Virgin Mary’s.

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Adhesif Clothing Company

For a mix of old and new visit Adhesif on Main. Adhesif Clothing features a gorgeous range of one-of-a-kind garments made by Melissa Ferreira, owner of Adhesif, from vintage materials. Find everything from floral silk blouses, high-waisted skirts to summer dresses and cute little short shorts.

You’ll also find vintage pieces from the 1940s to the 1960s which owner Melissa Ferreira has handpicked and given slight facelifts, but only where absolutely necessary. Most of the time they’re “too cute to cut”.

I coveted: Adhesif Clothing’s lightweight floral blouses made entirely of vintage silk scarves with vintage buttons all the way down the back.

In their own words: “It’s all about dainty details like bows, frilled collars and little vintage buttons!”—Melissa Ferreira

Where: 2202 Main St.

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Darwin Jewelry

Darwin Jewelry is a new range of unique statement jewelry pieced together beautifully from a delicious mix of vintage ingredients: chains, pieces of crockery, clock faces, beads and even old photographs.

I coveted: Their vintage clock face necklaces.

Where: Various locations in Vancouver including Adhesif and available online at Etsy.

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F as in Frank

F as in Frank is an awesome vintage clothing store full of dresses, slacks, high-waisted skirts and a huge selection of jackets, waistcoats and denim. Then there are the accessories: waist belts, swing purses, clutches and tons of glass frames. I could have stayed for hours!

I coveted: Their floral summer dresses.

Where: 2425 Main St.

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F as in Frank also has footwear

Along with an awesome selection of vintage clothes, jewelry and accessories, F as in Frank on Main has a ton of shoes. I’m a sucker for boots and I loved their vintage selection.

I coveted: A pair of white cowboy boots with tassles.

Where: 2425 Main St.

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Vintage 19th century seals from Pyrrha

Vancouver Jewelry designers Wade Papin and Danielle Wilmore have created this unique Pyrrha line of jewelry from 19th century French and British antique wax seals they’ve collected.

They have beautiful and edgy necklaces, rings, earrings and bracelets made from reclaimed sterling silver, bronze and 14 karat gold.

I coveted: The Bleeding Heart Wax Seal Charm Bracelet

In their own words: “I really love my Mini Fox Head ring in 14 karat rose gold. It matches my wedding band perfectly!”—Danielle Wilmore.

Where: Various locations including Blue Ruby, Lark on lower Main and Barefoot Contessa.

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Hand picked clothes and vintage leather bags: Erin Templeton

Erin Templeton makes handbags, belts and other accessories from vintage leather right in her store in Chinatown. Go by and check out how she turns old pieces of leather into perfect purses, sling bags and clutches. She also handpicks her favourite vintage clothing and jewelry and has a delightful range for sale.

Where: 511 Carrall Street, Chinatown.

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Dotted Loop

Teresa Smeg, Dotted Loop jewelry designer, sources her materials at garage sales, antique shows and estate sales but isn’t giving away any more secrets. “If I told everyone the best places to go, I would be out of a job.”

In this collection you’ll find gorgeous necklaces, earrings, broches and bracelets made from all sorts treasures, from 1940s rhinestone crystals to vintage chains and 1960s silk-strewn pearls.

I coveted: Her vintage charm necklaces.

In their own words: “I love to imagine where a piece has been and who would have worn it.“—Teresa Smeg.

Where: Various locations including Adhesif, Body Politic, and Briers.

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Mintage Vintage: These boots are made for walking

Mintage Vintage has been around since 2005, enough time to firmly establish themselves as the ‘go-to’ spot for just about everything vintage in Vancouver.

The store is 3000 square feet and has an impressive collection of vintage shoes and boots; in fact there is a whole room dedicated to footwear. Nice!

Where: 1714 Commercial Drive.

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Adhesif shoes

Adhesif has the cutest selection of European and Canadian made vintage style shoes. From sandals, comfortable flats and moccasins to granny boots, Loredo’s, western, pointy high heels, maryjanes and clogs.

I coveted: A dazzling pair of bright red points.

In their own words:“I call these little flats the Paula Abdul’s… for obvious reasons!”—Melissa Ferreira.

Where: 2202 Main St.