My favorite locations for vintage shopping are Austin, Texas and Paris, France. Austin has so many vintage stores that they hand out a vintage guide map to shoppers. In Paris I have found many of my favorite wardrobe items including a gorgeous teal taffeta Karl Lagerfeld blazer I purchased this past September at Free P Star.

I live in southwest Florida and just recently realized how much of a treasure trove it is for finding wonderful vintage. Why? The median age is probably around 75+ (this is no where near statistically accurate, but trust me it’s close…) and they like to hold on to their fashions as long as possible (pack rat syndrome). Once they realize that they can’t wear the heels to bingo or shuffleboard practice, they give it away. This is where I come in. Yesterday I was one county south of my home & driving back from having lunch with a friend. I saw a sign for a local thrift store & had the urge to swing in (I’m always looking for new hidden gems). I felt like I had robbed the place. They had so many wonderful items lying around that were priced so inexpensive. I purchased all the items below for under $25. The older ladies were so happy to help me & to see a young face interested in their old belongings.

Shopping for vintage doesn’t necessarily mean buying name brands. Although it doesn’t mean that you can’t accidently run into name brands; ex: I found a pair of YSL heels circa 1970s for $10 at a thrift store! I love vintage since my style includes wearing an original mix of both old & new. Read an earlier post on what to look for when vintage shopping.