Hey Vancouver, can we go thrift shopping?
With organic fair trade coffee, bottomless mimosas at brunch, and insanely priced houses, the reality that our city is expensive is news to no one. But a thrift store isn’t just a broke person’s best-kept fashion secret, it can also be a haven for that one-of-a-kind piece that makes you feel like you’re fresher than everyone else (and you are).
So break open your piggy bank and recreate the shopping montages from all your favourite movies at these thrift stores. Eat your heart out, Topshop.
1. Turnabout, Various Locations
2. C’est La Vie Boutique, Various Locations
C’est La Vie is the home of all things retro. This charming little store boasts an impressive selection of vintage clothing like this leather jacket and trendy band t-shirt that would go great with your apple bottom jeans and boots with the fur.
P.S: The Kitsilano location has a great collection of vinyl records.
3. The Rag Machine, 2425 Main Street
Remember when you were 7 years old and every birthday party you went to ended in a scavenger hunt? Well, The Rag Machine is that birthday party and the treasures are all the super-cool and rare clothes you’re definitely going to find there. Here’s how they operate: You grab a shopping basket, fill it with as many clothes as you’d like, and pay by the weight. Can you say score?
4. Front and Company, 3772 Main Street
Front and Company has been around for a while and they have everything your wardrobe needs. From throwback t-shirts and varsity jackets to brand names like Isabel Marant, Kate Spade, BCBG, and Alexander Wang. We’re so there.
5. F As In Frank, 2425 Main Street
F as in Frank is F as in Fashionable. The clothes they carry will give you intense 80s and 90s nostalgia. The sports jerseys. The retro snapbacks. The Mickey Mouse and Donald Duck sweatshirts. The plaid miniskirts. F as in Frank will take you back to a simpler time—a time before #PicsOrItDidntHappen.
6. Value Village, Various Locations
Value Village is the OG thrift store. If they gave out awards for being a thrift store, Value Village would be up there with Meryl Streep and Adele. Also, you know that crisp 5 dollar bill your grandma sends you every year for your birthday? Now you can spend it all in one place.
Pro Tip: You might need an entire afternoon.
Which one of these thrift stores are you going to check off your list first?