Vintage Shopping in Cape Town

The topic of second hand shopping in our beautiful city is an interesting one with each person having their unique opinions on the scene.

Let's play around with that idea for a bit. I refer to it as a scene because essentially it has become a playground for people to spend unjustifiable amounts of money on clothing valued at a fraction of the listed price.

I am all for the concept of purchasing clothes second hand as opposed to buying from fast fashion stores on a regular basis. Any opportunity to bypass giving in to mass production is a positive step in my books. This method of consuming is thriving overseas where the variety is vast and the opportunity to explore and express yourself endless. You could pick up a whole new wardrobe for the same price you would have otherwise spent on a t-shirt and pair of jeans from your local mall. That was the idea at the end of the day though right? To protect the environment and save money in the process?

Where did we go so wrong?

I'd like to clear up a few things before getting too carried away and that is essentially the difference between "thrift" shopping and shopping for "vintage" items.

Thrift shopping is largely inexpensive. It often comprises of a wide variety of second hand clothing pieces which have been donated and sold at low costs with no specific inclusion or exclusion criteria. Vintage shopping on the other hand is a more costly affair.

There are very specific technicalities to classifying something as vintage.

In order to boast this label, the item needs to be at least 20 years old with the most important identifier being that it possess unique qualities indicative of the era in which it was produced. People are drawn to the allure of that which tells a story and is rare in nature.

The word is most often used to describe wines and as wine becomes better with age, so should the item in question with many vintage pieces only increasing in value over time.

I think the complications arise when words get thrown around, lines become blurred and before you know it you're being sold a three year old neglected Topshop dress for double the price because the shop assistant looked up from their macbook for just enough time to tell you that it's vintage.

Second hand stores in Cape Town borrowed the price tags of genuine vintage items, hung them on clothes fit for the bargain pile and we're eating it up. Taking the high prices into consideration you would think we'd be provided with an abundance of pretty top notch stuff but unfortunately the majority of our selection just does not quite make the cut.

With a rational mind we should possess the ability to conclude for ourselves the absurdity behind coughing up chunks of cash to purchase clothing which someone grabbed from a dark corner of their room and threw out, but for some reason we haven't cared enough to stop and give it a second thought.

We have the gift of trends and the hive mind mentality of a 21st century population to thank.

Purchasing second hand clothing has become "cool" and if that stained shirt is good enough for everyone else, it's good enough for me too right?

There are few worthwhile stores in Cape Town each with their own positive and negative aspects. Instead of criticizing businesses started with good intentions, I will provide a list of stores familiar to me and place the responsibility with you to derive your own conclusions based on personal experience.

1. Better Half (Observatory)

A cute little spot on lower main road. I love that they support smaller businesses by stocking their products in store. Expect to find more than just second hand pieces but a variety of leather goods, locally made tote bags and home decor as well. The owners are really kind and although their clothes may not be the most budget friendly, the selection is good and you can find great deals if your timing is right.

2. Afraid of Mice (Long Street)

Their motto is "the clothes you wish your mother had kept for you" and they are absolutely correct. That is given your mother was consistently on top of her fashion game of course. Think Louis Vuitton handbags, vintage Versace, Prada, Gucci and retro style adidas for when you decide to have a more relaxed day. This is in my opinion the true second hand gem of Cape Town. That being said, luxury items come with luxury price tags as well. Do they cater to everybody? Probably not. Is it worth the money you're paying on the occasion you'd like to treat yourself? Absolutely.

3. Vintage and the City (Long Street)

You can almost always be sure to find something that will catch your eye. They have been around for a while and the downside to this was witnessing their prices slowly increase over time as second hand shopping started to gain traction. The price range is still pretty much in line with what you've come to expect so don't rule them out just yet.

4. Dreamland Vintage (Gardens)

Every Tumblr kid's dream. I'm not certain if the website that gifted us angsty teenage images and "live love laugh" quotes is still a thing but if you found yourself thriving throughout that period or still embrace aspects of the cyber cool kid aesthetic you might slowly begin calling this store just off of Kloof street your home.

5. Bang Bang Vintage Market (Observatory)

Probably one of the greatest collections of vintage clothes you'll come across. Here you will find nostalgic streetwear, tee's from all of those bands you pretend to know, gothic platform boots and an array of authentic steampunk pieces all under one roof. The prices vary but there is guaranteed to be something suited for every budget.

6. Duke & The Dolls (Observatory)

It's simply not possible to walk by this store without taking a peak. Each visit leaves me obsessing over one thing or another whether that be life sized Marilyn Monroe posters, furniture and decor from previous decades or one of a kind vintage clothing pieces. It's as if you walked off the street and into a time machine with the only danger being the high likelihood of becoming lost in what appears to be a new world. Your wallet makes for a great companion as you discover so many things you never knew you needed although taking some alone time to immerse yourself in what the store has to offer can be equally as satisfying.

7. Nevernew (Observatory)

The closest thing to a genuine thrift store in terms of a completely overwhelming shopping experience. Be prepared to search through rails filled to their absolute capacity and piles of clothes yet to find themselves on a hanger in search of that something special. Great for winter and the colder months thanks to their wide selection of coats and jackets while their prices are generally on the more reasonable side. I mean, relatively speaking.

When tackling this method of shopping you should do your best to assess the item and determine whether it's worth the price on the tag.

The truth is we are living in economically tough times and it's important to get the most out of your hard earned money. Spend it on clothes which make you happy and will hold their value, not for temporary status or short term satisfaction.