Vintage Fashion in Devon and Cornwall
I was asked recently by a client to find a home for some vintage clothing belonging to her mother which had been in storage for quite some years and which was no longer wanted. Oh joy, I love this sort of job! So I thought I’d share with you some of the best vintage and pre-loved shops around; absolutely heaven for those like me who love to rummage in these treasure troves never knowing what you’re going to come across. They’re great places to pick up unique clothing or accessories which can be teamed with your most comfy jeans even to give an individual twist to any outfit: mixing the old and the new is always the way to go.
Satis House in Bude has been around for a few years now and never fails to throw up some real delights. As with all of these emporiums you need time to go through the rails but it’s worth the effort. I’ve found some crazy jewellery here, my favourite being a Philippe Ferrandis necklace which I got for a snip (Ferrandis has been designing jewellery since the mid-‘80s and has worked for people such as Givenchy) – a really good find.
Revival in Totnes is somewhere you could easily get lost in – the shop’s packed out with original clothing with hardly any room to spare. It’s been going for 30 years and it’s hard not to find something you like. Very definitely worth a browse.
And then there’s Willow Hilson in Exeter. Full of beautiful vintage clothes, this is a gorgeous boutique which has gained quite a following since it opened in 2011. Customers love Willow’s personal touch and advice; she has a great eye for fabrics and textiles. You can buy online if you can’t get to the shop.
And if you head down to Budleigh Salterton make sure you visit What Katy Did. The shop sells a lively mix of retro homeware and furniture as well as clothes, aiming for a ‘vintage experience’ for shoppers.