Unboxing My Obsession with Vintage Clothing
There’s something undeniably magical about uncovering a vintage garment for the first time. That instant connection—you discovering it, and it being available only to you in that moment—feels like a personal treasure hunt where the prize is uniquely yours.
Sure, to some, vintage clothing might just be “old clothes.” But to me? It’s so much more. Vintage fashion is timeless art, a true one-of-a-kind investment, and my personal gateway to eras that defined and shaped the essence of style today.
But where did this love affair with vintage clothing start? And more importantly, how can you begin curating your own vintage collection?
Get cosy, because I’m spilling the tea on my obsession and sharing everything you need to know.
Why Vintage Fashion Still Reigns Supreme
First, let's address the obvious question. Why vintage?
For me, vintage clothing is more than its look—though, seriously, who can resist an 80’s velvet mini dress or a perfectly tailored 1940s suit? It’s the history. Every piece has a story. Who wore this? Where was it worn? A 1950s prom dress wasn’t just fabric and tulle; it was someone's night of romance and rock ‘n’ roll. A 70s denim jumpsuit might have seen protests, street festivals, or disco floors.
On top of the often glamorous nostalgia, vintage fashion is sustainable; fashion that doesn’t fast-track itself to a landfill. It’s about recycling and cherishing garments as memorable pieces rather than disposable trends. And, not to mention, it’s how you avoid the “same dress as someone else at brunch” ultimate nightmare. This, I tell you, is one of my most feared scenarios and all too often why I check in with what’s on my friends fashion menu prior to attending a social event out.
Vintage is timeless, something personal, and often downright unbeatable in every sense. When someone compliments your outfit and you smugly reply, “Oh, it’s vintage,” it just hits differently!
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 ruffled ra-ra skirts, lace collars, and those iconic black velvet 'Blossom' hats, all often handmade. With moves in my early 20s 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), almost always dragging home a haul destined for nothing more than at-home dress-ups.
All of these experiences laid the groundwork for my love affair spotting quality 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 down Magazine Street in New Orleans a few days after my birthday, I stumbled upon the find—a 1950s 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 hat 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 felt like discovering a story, a tangible slice of history wrapped up in fabric.
Today, vintage sourcing feels like modern-day treasure hunting. You never know what’s lurking out there—a sparkly ‘80s party top in a roadside thrift store or a pristine 1930s silk gown tucked away at the back of an unassuming estate sale.
That thrill of the hunt? 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 thrifting bug yet, beware—once you start, you’re hooked.
Tips for Sourcing the Best Vintage
Whether you’re brand new to vintage clothing or a seasoned thrifter, 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.
Bring your favourite vintage tote, an eye for detail, and a sense of adventure—your next iconic piece is just one stop 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…
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 back then) 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 70s 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.
5. Learn the Art of Upcycling
Sometimes your 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; it might as well be you.
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 1970s that screams Jane Birkin, or a boxy 90s 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.
One of the things I love most about vintage fashion is how it lets me bring history into my everyday life. When I wrap myself in a delicate 1940s beaded cocktail gown, it feels like I’m wearing a whisper of the past, a connection to someone who lived in a very different world.
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, sustainability, and rewriting the “you” story every time you step out the door. It’s a love of history combined with an infinite possibility of how those stories can blend with modern life.
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!
Lx