Unboxing My Obsession with Vintage
It is real cortisol injection uncovering a vintage garment for the first time. I cannot tell you how often I win a bid, walk out of a private home, or come home to collect the mail literally mouthing the ‘OMF'G!’ when I know I have just got my hands on the next most incredible piece for the collection. Even though I have been doing this for too many years to count, the great part is that feeling never fades.
Sure, to some, vintage clothing might just be considered ‘old clothes’. But to me, it is so much more.
But where did this love affair of mine with vintage clothing start? And more importantly, why you too should consider curating your own vintage collection?
Why Vintage Fashion Still Reigns Supreme
For me, it’s never been about chasing trends or snapping up fast bargains. It’s always been about style and being drawn to pieces with a story. If you’re reading this, chances are style led you here too. And honestly, I dare you to say no to a 70’s velvet mini pinafore. Or better yet, double dare you to walk away from a sharply tailored 1980’s skirt suit. There’s just something about the history woven into vintage that no pop-up sale or department store rack can match. And that story? That’s a real allure.
But beyond the dreamy nostalgia, vintage is also one of the most sustainable ways to shop. I won’t pretend I’m the poster child for eco-living, but I do try. Buying vintage feels like a small, stylish rebellion against fast fashion and the throwaway culture that surrounds it. It’s about keeping clothes out of landfill and giving them another life - and for me, that feels genuinely good.
This whole journey into vintage has completely reshaped the way I think about my wardrobe and how I spend my money. My 18-year-old self was worlds away from where I am now. With time (and yes, dare I say age), I’ve developed a much deeper respect for the things I own and the stories they carry.
However, if I have a moment of truth, living in Sydney’s east, there’s another very real motivator. It is the fear of showing up to brunch in the exact same outfit as someone else.
Um, yikes!
It’s a personal nightmare of mine, which is why I often would do a quick outfit check-in with friends before we head out. Vintage is the ultimate antidote. It’s unique, it’s personal, and it reflects my sense of style, not whatever Instagram decided to target me with the night before. (Though somehow, I’m still getting ads. You’d think the algorithm would’ve caught on by now!)
Unravelling the Obsession
Growing up in Adelaide, my earliest fashion memories were shaped by my mother, a home economics teacher who could sew like a pro. Picture mini me in little ruffled ra-ra skirts, lace collars, and those iconic black velvet 'Blossom' hats, all often handmade. With moves in my early 20’s to Northern Queensland and eventually Brisbane, it was at this time that I discovered the concept of large warehouses full of timeless, familiar craftsmanship, which I hadn’t seen since my early days with Mum. My afternoons were spent combing through pre-loved garments and accessories at the infamous Woolloongabba Antique Centre (now Camp Hill Antique Centre in Brisbane, Australia), almost always dragging home a small haul destined for nothing more than at-home dress-ups.
Team the above with a dancing history full of hand beaded costumes, tap shoes and top hats it is no wonder all of these experiences laid the groundwork for my love affair spotting quality, character and style. But it wasn’t until I turned 30 with a trip to the USA that my passion turned into a full-blown obsession. While wandering (…a little worse for wear with my bestie) down Magazine Street in New Orleans, I stumbled upon the find - a 1950’s fox fur pillbox hat. It screamed Jackie O, and I snagged it for next to nothing. At the time, I had zero clue how to style it, but it didn’t matter.
That little fluffy hat that came into my posession sparked something in me.
From that moment on, I was hooked. I was at the time living in Sydney, and the city's art deco vintage stores became my playground. I dove headfirst into markets (hosting my very first stall at Surry Hills Markets on one of Sydney’ most torrential Summer down pours) and got lost for hours scrolling through online vintage curators in faraway places such as Paris and Berlin. Every piece I found gave me something that I could afford, and that no one else could have.
Today, vintage sourcing also gives me the perfect excuse for my hours of scrolling on my phone. You never know what’s lurking out there and I have such determination to find it. It’s addictive, and honestly, it’s how I turned a personal obsession into a professional love affair with all things vintage.
If you haven’t caught the vintage hunting bug yet, beware - once you start, it’s lethal!
Tips for Sourcing the Best Vintage
Whether you’re brand new to vintage clothing or a seasoned collector, sourcing high-quality, unique pieces can be a total game of luck, love, and persistence. Here are my go-to tips for finding the best vintage treasures:
1. Start Local
Sydney vintage stores are my happy place. The more neighbourhood-centric locations are often the better. Here is where locals are donating, selling, and trading in what they know are special pieces too valuable for the charity store. From quaint boutiques to sprawling market stalls, city pockets and even regional towns are packed with secret hotspots for retro finds.
If you’re on the hunt for unique vintage Australian city neighbourhoods and towns, they are full of inspiration. Start your style adventure in some of my favourite city hubs, like Sydney’s Newtown and Potts Point (@pottspointgalleries) , Brisbane’s Woolloongabba and Paddington, North Fremantle in Perth, Battery Point in Hobart, or Melbourne’s endlessly cool Fitzroy, Smith, and Brunswick Streets. These spots are brimming with sleek boutiques, retro stores, and eclectic markets where timeless style reigns supreme.
But don’t stop there. Your next road trip offers even more possibilities!
Step off the beaten path and explore local favourites and untouched regional locations like Castlemaine and Daylesford in Victoria. Wander through the character filled antique shops of Gundagai, Mittagong, Crookwell and Bowral in New South Wales. Or, lose yourself in the charm of South Australia’s Strathalbyn and Truro (@almaandannvintage - a total favourite of mine)
Bring your favourite vintage tote, an eye for detail, and a sense of adventure - your next iconic piece is just one block away!
2. Don’t Skip Estate Sales
Estate sales = goldmines. Seriously, while rummaging through online auctions might take extra effort, these sales produce some of the best, untouched collections you’ll find anywhere. Keep a lookout for them through facebook groups or by chatting to your local antique dealer; many can be accessed online. You might land a forgotten Chanel blazer or a gorgeous Art Deco necklace.
A few worthy of keeping an eye on each week as they release every changing catalogues.
https://www.thecollector.com.au/
https://www.leonardjoel.com.au/
3. Master Online Vintage Shopping
Some of my swoon-worthy pieces have been found online. Platforms like Etsy, Depop, and curated Instagram pages are treasure troves when you know how to browse. Just be sure to check measurements (they didn’t make sizing charts before the 1970’s) and ask about fabric conditions before hitting "buy."
I would also suggest avoiding the scroll after a few too many champagnes; wrong turns can be easily made if you become too ‘click happy’!
4. Focus on Timeless Staples
While it’s tempting to go full-on 70’s hippie (fringe everything!), start with versatile staples. Think tailored blazers, little black dresses, boxy leather jackets, or classic wiggle skirt silhouettes that never go out of style. Build a wardrobe that can blend eras effortlessly; this is one of my best tips for integrating vintage into your everyday.
There is definitely something to admire about the full vintage look (… and let me tell you I cannot get enough of some of the Sydney queens who totally kill it), you also don’t need to look like you’ve stepped straight out of Grease or a 1950’s beauty parlour to enjoy wearing it. That’s one of my biggest motivations. To show that second hand and vintage can have a fresh (clean and cool!) face - and so can the people repping it.
5. Learn the Art of Up-cycling
Sometimes vintage find may need a little TLC. A nip and tuck at the tailor or a DIY repair can transform a “meh” item into a showstopper.
While you're at it, mix modern pieces with your retro finds to keep your look feeling up-to-date. Don’t be afraid of a loose button or a detached label; these are all easily resolved and make the wear all the more rewarding when brought back to life!
Someone’s gotta do it; and it might as well be you (or me for that matter!).
6. Trust Your Gut (and YOUR Taste)
The best part of vintage? It’s endlessly personal. If something speaks to you, snap it up. Maybe it’s a high-collared lace shirt from the 1970’s that screams Jane Birkin, or a boxy 90’s coat that makes you feel like you walked out of Melrose Place. Trust your instincts and wear your finds with confidence. Your style is your story; own it.
Making Yesterdays, Today.
If you’re still on the fence about jumping into vintage, start small. Slip on that retro band tee or tweed wiggle skirt and take it for a spin. Once you dip your toes into this timeless pool, you’ll find it hard to leave.
Vintage fashion isn’t just about clothing - it’s about emotion, a punchy talking point, sustainability, and reworking your look every time you step out the door. It’s a love of my history combined with an infinite possibility of how those stories can blend with todays modern look.
Whether you’re on the hunt amongst Sydney vintage stores, bidding at estate auctions, or perusing online, remember one thing.
Style may evolve, but great taste never goes out of fashion. Still unsure where to start?
Drop me a comment below or share your favourite vintage pieces for others to see just what is possible - I love a good story! Go figure…
L x