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East London’s Top 5 Vintage Stores
As more and more of us men begin to understand the power of our personal image, the competition to look unique increases. There are two ways to avoid looking like the average Joe: The first is to spend sinful amounts of cash on high-end designer garments, which (no offence) would only really apply to a few.
The second is a little more practical; it involves using your brain and personal taste and checking out vintages stores. Many store owners have jumped onto the second-hand bandwagon. The high demard for vintage clothing has caused more and more vintage warehouses to open up. All the better really, because there are some real gems to be found there.
In a four-part series, we’re going to be breaking down the city’s best and vintages stores into simple NORTH, SOUTH, EAST & WEST locations. This week we begin in east London. Our very own backyard if you will. Let’s get to it shall we…
1. Absolute Vintage
Absolute Vintage is one of those massive warehouse places where the majority of clothing consists of womenswear but the men’s is more than enough to keep you browsing for a good hour.
Like in all vintage stores, the staff know their stuff and unlike charity stores, the clothes don’t stink of piss or look like someone’s died in them. The original time period of these pieces range from 1920′s through to the 1990′s and all items priced between £5 and £65. Amongst the rails, Absolute Vintage’s set-up plays homage to owner Dean’s background as a trader on Portobello Road, with mock market stalls and signage.
Location: 15 Hanbury Street, Spitalfields, London, E1 6QR
Tel: +44 (0)20 7247 3883
Web: Absolute Vintage
Opening Times: Monday – Saturday: 12pm – 7pm, Sunday: 11am – 7pm
2. Beyond Retro
Beyond Retro is beyond all comprehension! It’s probably THE biggest vintage store I have ever step into. This vintage emporium stocks so many clothes that for once, the menswear section is as big as the womens. The store carries a number of period and costume-inspired gartments and it’s possible to find any kind of men’s apparel; from bow-ties to cowboy boots and blazer jackets to scarves. Everything you could ever need is here.
It’s a great place to start off if you’re new to vintage shopping. The changing rooms are a good size and there’s even a section which is dedicated to ‘higher priced’ items. Check out their £1 rail, which should still be situated at the back of the store.
Location: 110-112 Cheshire Street, London, E2 6EJ
Tel: +44 (0)20 7613 3636
Web: Beyond Retro
Opening times: Monday – Sunday: 10am – 6pm
3. East End Thrift Store
The East End Thrift Store is a must when your down to your last few pounds. It may not ‘technically’ be a vintage store but hey, when items between £5 and £15, who’s complaining? It might not be as pretty as other vintage shops, but the stripped warehouse space has a certain functional charm about it.
Location: Unit 1a Assembly Passage, London, E1 4UT
Tel: 0207 423 9700
Opening Times: Monday – Sunday: 11am – 6pm
4. Rokit
Rokit is actually a franchise as it has more than one store under the same name. Their east end standalone is situated on fashionable Brick Lane and is one of capital’s most famous vintage stores.
There’s a wealth to pick from the menswear here; Rokit is well known for stocking classic bags and you can snap up a good quality leather holdall for about £20. They also have a great selection of plaid shirts and body warmers, so if you’re looking for that 80′s retro look, then Rokit should be your first port of call.
Location: 101 Brick :ane, London, E1 6SE
Tel: 0207 375 3864
Web: Rokit
Opening Times: Monday – Friday: 11am to 7pm, Saturday – Sunday: 10am to 7pm
5. Sunday Up Market
The Sunday Up Market isn’t exclusively for vintage clothing but it’s a big sprawling market on Brick Lane and it’s only open on, yes- you’ve guessed it- Sundays.
It boasts a wealth of mini-market stalls ranging from independent fashion and jewellery designers to multicultural and ethnic foods. For the sake of this post, we’ll be concentrating on the clothing stalls. The vintage vendors stock the best leather jackets I’ve seen in a long time.
Each stall owner knows their stock very well so when you’re looking for something specific, just ask. If they don’t have it themselves they’ll be more than happy to point you to somone who does.
Location: The Old Truman Brewery, London, E1 6QL
Tel: 020 7770 6028
Web: Sunday Up Market
Opening Times: Sunday: 10am-5pm
Related Posts:West Londons Top 5 Vintage Store, Newcastle PT 4 – Best vintage
Stay Stylish,
Aaron C.
P.S: Want to ask us more about blazers? Then simply join the forum. There, you’ll be able to ask us anything regarding men’s style. You can get all these blog posts and video tips sent to you for FREE by typing your email address here.
Also, if there is a topic you want us to cover then simply write it in this little box, press send and we’ll jump on it ASAP.
Or if you prefer, we can come to you! Check out our personal ’1-on-1 style consultations’ and discover the ‘Science Behind Style’. Just drop us a message
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Cipher Seditionary White/Black
This week’s ‘P.O.T.W.’ comes from a brand based in Hong Kong. I recently read an article in sneaker freaker and it was basically an interview with a chap called Collin Thompson, a young man who started out selling custom made sneakers in NY and eventually went on to create the brand known as Cipher.
After reading his intriguing tale, I headed off to his website and it was there where I feel in love with this weeks ‘Product of the Week’.
You can check out the rest of the collection here
Stay Stylish,
Aaron C.
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Top 5 Men’s Blazer Styles
Blazers- or Sportcoats, as our transatlantic cousins like to call them- are items that you’ll need to familiarise yourself with. Any man that considers themselves stylish needs to at least have one in their wardrobe, as we mentioned before in our ‘Staples’ posts.
The first blazer that a guy should own is the navy blue one. But what do you do when you’ve passed the basic level? You’ll want something that will help you stand out from the crowd, something that expresses your true individualism.
The best way to do this is to start checking out different fabrics and patterns. Blazers can be a statement piece or they can just be the subtle staple that pulls your whole look together.
This week we take a look at the top five blazer styles for men.
1. Seersucker
The Seersucker blazer is a summer classic, drenched in its preppy, yatching history, this American classic makes you look like you put in more effort than you actually did. The blue and white stripes lend well to matching with summery, pastel shirts. They work just as well with shorts as they do with trousers. For maximum effect, pair with chino-style bottoms and deck shoes.
2. Plaid
Plaid blazers are statment pieces indeed. Why? Because they are one of the hardest blazer styles to pull off. Avoid looking like an Outkast member and keep it simple. Rocking it with a white shirt and jeans will help you avoid the fashion police. And never ever, ever wear the matching plaid bottom as one full suit. We’ll personally hunt you down and send you on the N25 bus route home (yes, that is worse than hell!)
3. Tweed
Tweed blazers draw its history from the English countryside and can be found on your ‘typical English gents’ hunting for poor Fantastic Mr Fox.
Nowadays, they’ve become a part of a what is a quintessentially British style and the rest of the world has adopted it. Its texture is what distinguishes it from others and when pulled off well, they look as good as Kerry Washington’s lips!
The fabric is thick, heavy and durable so it’s best worn during the colder seasons. They’re best paired with worker style jeans, boots and a crisp white shirt. Make sure you get your fit right, otherwise you’ll drown in the heavy fabric. It’s a great alternative to the average cotton blazer and the colours and styles that can be found are a perfect way in showing off your own personal taste.
4. Velvet
Well they’re on trend for starters, so they’ll be available at most high street stores. Velvet blazers are your more sophisticated blazer choice. Your fancy posh pick, they are pefect for an smart evening out.
Take care to stay away from bright colours or patterns. Keep it simple here with blacks and blues because the fabric glistens and shines under bright lights. When stood next to a plain blazer of the same colour, you can see why the velvet number looks more classy- another nice alternative to its cotton stablemate.
5. Corduroy
Corduroy blazers add a little character to your look. They look best in chocolate brown, maroon and other warm hues. Just like tweed, cordroy is its most effective during the winter months. Many of them come with elbow patches which adds another element to your look. The width of the piping is down to you; the thinner, the easier it is to work into an outfit.
Find a medium-sized width to ensure the best of both worlds. A very traditional, vintage feel is created when you rock a courdroy blazer. Having said that, they are not exactly everyone’s cup of tea, but when worn correctly, it looks as good as any other blazer.
Stay Stylish,
Aaron C.
Related posts: Mens Staples Pt 1
P.S: Want to ask us more about blazers? Then simply join the forum. There you’ll be able to ask us anything regarding men’s style. You can get all these blog posts and video tips sent to YOU for free by typing your email address here. Also, if there is a topic you want us to cover then simply write it in this little box, press send and we’ll jump on it ASAP.
Or if you prefer, we can come to you! Check out our personal 1 on 1 style consultations and discover the ‘Science Behind Style’. Just drop us a message
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How To Roll Your Sleeves Properly – Style Survival Skills
The sun is finally coming out so you’re probably going to spend a great dela of time rolling up your sleeves, so this week, we are showing you how to do it properly.
Stay Stylish,
Aaron C.
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Glasses Hunt Part 1 – The Individuals Out & About
All this blogging has had an effect on me. I recently went for an eye test and discovered that I did actually need glasses. Initially, I was a little upset, however, I soon realised it wasn’t all that bad. Glasses are after all just another accessory!
You can subscribe to all our videos including Style Survival Skills at our YouTube Page.
If you want to follow absolutely everything (videos and articles) you can subscribe by email or RSS here.
Please feel free to comment as much as you like. All your opinions are valued.
Enjoy!
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