Liam SmithIn the fashion world, ‘vintage’ refers to clothing that is at least 20 years old. Offering a blend of timeless classics and quirky retro pieces, vintage fashion presents a distinctive style that’s both fashionable and sustainable.
Whether you’re a vintage fashion aficionado or simply aiming to inject some retro charm into your wardrobe, this article is your ultimate guide to exploring the world of vintage fashion.
- Browse through the Racks at Ragtime Vintage Clothing
- Explore the Treasures at Darling Vintage
- Hunt for Hidden Gems at Ottawa Antique Market
- Peruse the Collection at Bellwethers Vintage
- Discover Unique Finds at Idlehandscreations
- Uncover Vintage Delights at Ward 14
- Roam the Aisles at Value Village
- Raid the Racks at Vintage Pop-up 613
- Sift through the Selection at Bad Dog Co.
Browse through the Racks at Ragtime Vintage Clothing
Website: https://m.facebook.com/RagtimeVintage/
Address: 43 Flora St, Ottawa, ON K2P 1A7, Canada
Contact details: +1 613-233-6940
Operating hours:
- Monday: 11 am to 6pm
- Wednesday and Thursday: 11am to 6pm
- Friday: 11am to 7pm
- Saturday: 11am to 6pm
Since 1978, Ragtime Vintage Clothing holds the title as Ottawa’s oldest vintage store. Their eclectic collection includes clothing, costumes, jewelry, hats, scarves, and various knick-knacks.
The store’s layout can feel a bit cramped since most of the space is only wide enough for one person. This means you’ll likely find yourself maneuvering around other shoppers as you browse through the racks.
However, don’t let the tight quarters deter you. Every corner holds potential treasures, giving off a vibe reminiscent of rummaging through a beloved relative’s closet. Also, wardrobe tags provide insight into the era and style of each piece.
| Pro tip: Should you choose to bring drinks or large bags with you, be aware that you’ll need to hand those over to an employee while you browse and shop. |
Explore the Treasures at Darling Vintage
Website: http://www.instagram.com/darlingvintageshop
Address: 502 Somerset St W, Ottawa, ON K1R 5J8, Canada
Contact details: +1 613-407-6151
Operating hours: Tuesday to Sunday: 12pm to 5pm
If you’re a regular on Somerset Street, chances are you’ve admired the stunning retro displays at Darling Vintage.
As a go-to spot for vintage enthusiasts in Ottawa, this boutique boasts a collection of retro clothing, accessories, and even wedding gowns. Additionally, they offer a variety of housewares spanning from the 1950s to the 2000s.
With such an extensive range of items, it’s all too easy to lose track of time while perusing the racks and bins filled with treasures at Darling Vintage.
| Pro tip: If you’re strapped for cash, there’s usually some good finds in the $5 bin, too. |
Hunt for Hidden Gems at Ottawa Antique Market
Website: http://www.ottawaantiquemarket.com/
Address: 1179 Bank St Suite A, Ottawa, ON K1S 3X7, Canada
Contact details: +1 613-730-6000
Operating hours:
- Monday: 10am to 6pm
- Wednesday to Saturday: 10am to 6pm
- Sunday: 10am to 5pm
Nestled on Bank Street, the Ottawa Antique Market beckons with its expansive 10,000 square foot retail space, showcasing a diverse array of antiques sourced from over 25 seasoned antique dealers.
You can browse through treasures from every era as you explore the meticulously curated collection of clothing, accessories, home goods, and collectibles.
Notable discoveries include vintage hat boxes, classic clocks, distinctive furniture pieces, and timeless books that carry stories across generations.
| Pro tip: A noteworthy feature of the building is its provision of public washrooms, a rarity that is warmly welcomed in this city. |
Peruse the Collection at Bellwethers Vintage
Website: https://www.facebook.com/bellwethersvintage/
Address: 9 Florence St, Ottawa, ON K1R 5J8, Canada
Contact details: +1 613-882-2165
Operating hours:
- Monday: 12pm to 5pm
- Tuesday to Saturday: 12pm to 6pm
- Sunday: 12pm to 5pm
Bellwethers Vintage specializes in offering hand-picked vintage and second-hand designer clothing and accessories. This retro-inspired space has an exclusive collection featuring true vintage pieces spanning from the 1900s to the 2000s.
With a focus on sourcing from estates, Bellwethers Vintage ensures that only the finest treasures, often tucked away in people’s closets, make their way onto their racks.
Each piece undergoes meticulous washing and pressing before being showcased in the shop. An added bonus of this shop is its impeccably clean and organized environment, devoid of any lingering “vintage” odors.
| Pro tip: During the holiday season, this vintage shop offers 20% off everything inside so make sure to stop by and take advantage of the great deals! |
Discover Unique Finds at Idlehandscreations
Website: https://www.facebook.com/p/Idle-Hands-Art-Craft-and-Vintage-100064130135703/
Address: 61 McEwen Ave #506, Ottawa, ON K2B 5L3, Canada
Contact details: +1 613-404-5604
Operating Hours: Last Sunday of every November
Situated at the intersection of Chapel and Laurier, Idlehandscreations stands as Ottawa’s enduring hub for indie craft showcases.
This vibrant fair showcases a diverse array of offerings from local independent businesses, artists, crafters, and purveyors of vintage goods.
Here, you’ll encounter a treasure trove of original art, prints, jewelry, clothing, furniture, home decor, apothecary items, toys, delectable treats, and a myriad of other delights waiting to be discovered.
| Pro tip: There’s a $5 entrance fee here that helps support the local creative community and ensures a unique shopping experience for all attendees. |
Uncover Vintage Delights at Ward 14
Website: https://www.wardfourteen.com/
Address: 139 Preston St, Ottawa, ON K1R 7P4, Canada
Contact details: +1 613-421-1446
Operating hours: Monday to Sunday: 5pm to 2am
Since its inception in 2016, Ward 14 has ingeniously merged two elements synonymous with vintage enjoyment: vintage goods and alcohol. It’s essentially a local cocktail and beer bar cleverly disguised as a consignment shop.
Operating as a consignment bar means that all the charming decor is up for grabs, adding to the allure of its interior aesthetics. It’s a delightful little gem nestled in the heart of Little Italy.
| Pro tip: Ward 14 also boasts an extensive selection of board games! This includes crowd favorites like Taboo, Settlers of Catan, and Codenames, among others. |
Roam the Aisles at Value Village
Website: https://stores.savers.com/on/ottawa/valuevillage-thrift-store-2048.html
Address: 1824 Bank St, Ottawa, ON K1Z 7Y6, Canada
Contact details: +1 613-526-5551
Operating hours:
- Monday to Saturday: 10am to 9pm
- Sunday: 10am to 8pm
Value Village is the place to find great deals on the things that you need. They have clothing, accessories, hard goods, electronics, books, and many more.
How it goes is they accept donations of clothing and household items and they pay their donors based on the items’ resale value. This not only helps reduce waste but also provides affordable options for shoppers looking to save money.
| Pro tip: By making a donation, not only are you supporting a worthy cause, but you also receive a 20% off coupon as a token of appreciation |
Raid the Racks at Vintage Pop-up 613
Website: https://www.facebook.com/bellwethersvintage/
Address: 9 Florence St, Ottawa, ON K1R 5J8, Canada
Pop-up 613 stands out as a thriving local market, bringing together a dynamic collective of local vintage entrepreneurs showcasing an array of local and pre-loved sustainable fashion and home decor.
This vibrant market features an endless array of treasures, including vintage clothing, accessories, home decor items, antiques, collectibles, toys, games, vinyl records, crafts, and much more.
| Pro tip: Pop-up 613 isn’t confined to a permanent store location, so make sure to check their social media or website for updates on where they’ll be popping up next. |
Sift through the Selection at Bad Dog Co.
Website: https://www.baddogco.ca/
Address: 617 Bank St, Ottawa, ON K1S 3T5, Canada
Operating hours: Wednesday to Sunday: 1pm to 6pm
Bad Dog Co. is a meticulously curated vintage and secondhand clothing boutique specializing in culturally relevant items spanning from the 1970s to the present, with a particular fondness for 90s fashion.
In addition to their vintage offerings, they also feature a selection of modern sneakers and streetwear brands, making them a sought-after destination for high school and university-aged individuals.
| Pro tip: Keep an eye out for their irresistible $5 and $10 sales at Bad Dog Co.! |
