Vintage Shopping in Bristol
Posted on: 29 Oct 2014***We have a new and updated Vintage Shopping Guide for 2017. Please click here!***
Reminiscent of a medley of fashion eras and trends, the term “vintage clothing” is now associated with popular retail outlets like many found in Bristol. It seems that the lure of High Street stores is beginning to wear off with the return of trends from the distant past and a new desire for all things statement, unique and “one of a kind”.
365Bristol have been looking around to see what is available in the way of vintage shopping in Bristol. Here is a synopsis of our findings.
Park Street - BS1 5NF
In close proximity to College Green, Park Street is a popular destination for young adults and visitors to the area. Vintage stores are no new concept here – Uncle Sam’s has been running since 1984 and is single-handedly the longest running vintage clothing shop in Bristol. BS8 is possibly the most popular amongst the ranks of independent stores and cafes that flank the steep street – being home to three floors worth of vintage clothing, accessories, jewellery and handmade gifts. A number of independent boutiques under one roof mean there is something for everyone. The atmosphere is different to other shops in the way that the staff present themselves as young people happy to offer advice, the space is thoughtfully decorated and they aren’t afraid to play their music loud! The Boot Room, Cooshti, Sobey’s, Clothing Federation and Love from Random are also places with a great atmosphere and unusual items that you don’t know you need until you set eyes on them! Even if you do not buy many things in one trip, wandering from shop to shop is a great way to spend an afternoon, and a quickly changing stock means return visits are to be expected.
Urban Outfitters – “Urban Renewal” - Cabot Circus, BS1 3BF
Urban renewal is a hand picked selection of vintage and re-worked clothing fairly new to Urban Outfitters. In store and online, a whole section is devoted to the unique treasures that can be found under the heading of “Urban Renewal”. This new addition adds to the variety of clothes for men and women and products for the home that are spread throughout the shop on two floors. Items can be a little more expensive than independent shops – after all, it is still a high street chain – but this won’t stop the influx of customers flocking to the rails of reworked jeans and second hand flannel shirts. In Bristol, the Urban Outfitters store is in Cabot Circus BS1 3BF.
Charity Shops - all over Bristol!
The stigma that comes with charity shops has changed significantly over the years – where they were once looked upon with disdain, they are now treated as a more affordable alternative to retail shopping. In the Bristol area they are now on many of the streets – and are definitely worth a look at the variety of stock on their rails. It takes more time and effort to find something desirable, but this only adds to the fun and sense of achievement after finding a high street piece – sometimes even designer – being sold for a fraction of the price. In Bristol, charity shops include the likes of Cancer Research UK, St Peter’s Hospice, Marie Curie Cancer Care, Oxfam and Clic Sargent, the latter being a specific vintage charity shop on the Gloucester Road. It even has an exclusive fashion range called “Fix Up Look Sharp” which is a range of on trend clothes designed by Ruth Strugnell. St Peter’s Hospice, Bristol’s largest charity retailer, is the only Bristol based charity shop to sell some of their goods on Ebay – which makes them available for people all around the country.
Gloucester Road - BS7 8AD
The 2 mile start of Gloucester Road from Zetland Road junction is the longest stretch of independent shops in Europe, making it a lively place for people to think freely and creatively, and many locals put their creativity into the works of art riddling the walls and shop fronts. Between the cafes and restaurants, you can find yet more Vintage shops from Stokes Croft onwards. Loot, Repsycho and Cox & Baloney Vintage Boutique being just a few.
St. Nicholas’ Market - BS1 1HT
St Nicholas Market, the marketing hub of Bristol, is situated at The Exchange on Corn Street, open from 9:30am to 5pm Monday to Saturday. First established in 1743, St Nick’s market is a vibrant marketplace full of quirky stalls and so many exotic foods from around the work that it is difficult to leave after a couple of hours. Food varies from Portuguese, Moroccan, Jamaican and delicious street food which will never leave you disappointed. For more information visit www.stnicholasmarketbristol.co.uk.
Events
Lou Lou’s Vintage Fair
Held in the Passenger Shed at Brunel’s Old station, Lou Lou’s Vintage Fair is the largest and most popular in the UK. With an entrance fee of just £2 for the whole day, you can experience over 30 stalls of clothes, homeware, jewellery and accessories from the 1940s through to the 1990s, along with tea and cakes, live music and a Vintage Hair Lounge. The stock is replenished throughout the day, the clothes are presented in a neat and thoughtful fashion and the stall holders are happy to let you try on items… just be prepared to try them on in a less than fitting toilet cubicle lacking in full length mirrors. However, money is well spent with popular items like Levi jeans and shorts being sold at reasonable prices. The most recent event was on 4th October and there will be more to come in the future.
Bristol Vintage Kilo Sale
Judy’s Affordable Vintage Sale is similar to the previous event, except it works by a different concept – you pay for your items by weight. 5 tonnes of vintage wear is delivered to the Paintworks in Bristol, displayed on rails or in boxes for customers to rummage through and pay £15 per kilo – the equivalent to 4 or 5 items for a lower price. Entrance is £1 for a day of rummaging, weighing and hoarding.
Written by Maura Rolls for 365Bristol during her work experience placement with us! Thanks to BS8 for the images.
Article by:
Born and raised in the suburbs of Swansea, Jimmy moved to Bristol back in 2004 to attend university. Passionate about live music, sport, science and nature, he can usually be found walking his cocker spaniel Baxter at any number of green spots around the city. Call James on 078 9999 3534 or email Editor@365Bristol.com.
