Re:store Vintage

I’m kind of a fan of vintage shops, especially ones that are chains such as Best Vintage but I have a lot of time for this place. It is part of a social entreprise ran by East Belfast mission that means that all the money goes back into the work that they do in Belfast. This means that you should probably throw your money in the door here and expect nothing in return but since they’re willing to offer you some clothes and the like you might as well have a look around and grab a bargain.
This shop is a great wee vintage shop. It has that usual, kind of musty smell which is never brilliant but I think its as integral a part of the vintage clothes shopping experience as riffling past the terrible faux leather jackets.
As other reviewers have said its all about luck and timing but there are some real bargains to be had in here if you get lucky. The staff were friendly enough and because it all goes to charity it means its a top place to shop.

Another vintage store to add to Belfasts’ vintage bow!
It’s alright, but not sure I’d go out of my way to check this place out.
There are rails and rails of clothes, shoes, accessories and some funky furniture too.
As with most vintage stores, you’ll need to patient to browse through the heaving rails.
As with all vintage shops though it’s all about timing and luck! Last time I was in I nabbed a cool leather handbag for a mere £5– win!

This is a great wee vintage store run by the East Belfast mission and offers wonders such as clothing, jewellery, shoes, hats, bags and furniture as well as a bridal shop upstairs too! The Bridal shop is viewing by appointment only tho. not quite sure why but hey! The stuff is really good and it’s on par with anything you would see in any other vintage shop in Belfast and there are quite afew now. I’m guessing the recession may have something to do with that?! But, back to the shop. The prices are really great too and if you hoke around hard enough you’re guaranteed to find a bargain or three! Great shop if you’re into your vintage and even if you’re not!

I appreciate the fact that this vintage clothing shop is a charity shop, and not just a second hand clothes store. I also appreciate the fact that it’s run by the fantastic East Belfast Mission, who have regular stores in Connswater, North Street, Ann Street, Newtownards Road, Larne, Antrim and Newtownards, with this one on Royal Avenue being their only vintage store. Good call by them if you ask me.
I’m not going to lie, I’m about as vintage as an i-​Phone 4g (yes, I know it hasn’t been released yet), but there’s nothing like a good hoke through the various rails to see what might tickle my fancy, and since I know it’s going to a good cause, I’ll hoke that wee bit harder.
There are heaps of clothes, shoes, accessories, and the odd item of furniture (I spotted a rather dashing mirror on my last visit), and it’s good quality stuff. I spotted a few things that made me laugh — a turquoise Hello Kitty hoodie, and a River Island denim jacket — but hey, fashion comes around, right?

‘Vintage, re: use, re: style, re: store’
I love the idea of this shop. I hate waste and I’m always one for restyling my own clothes. This isn’t just another vintage shop, it’s slightly better quality than the others.
They do a great job with mannequins, I’m always impressed with their window dressing skills. The clothes in the shop front was the first thing I ever noticed about the place. It’s always a really good job. So kudos to whoever sets this up.
Inside the store it’s always laid out brilliantly, some vintage shops are a bit like TK Maxx at the best of times, you need a good few hours to sort through the jumble until you find the gem you’re after, but in Vintage they’ve got everything in order around the shop and you can immediately find some real gems. They sell (amongst a myriad of others) trousers, skirts, dresses, shoes, jackets, formal and casual wear. Anything and everything. Paradise! Even their furniture is for sale (so pretty too!)
Like most vintage shops they don’t offer refunds but do offer a credit note exchange. I find this particularly handy if you don’t have the time to try items on. You’re always going to find something you’re after anyway.

One good thing about recession — it makes second hand cool again. In a time when everyone is watching the pennies, charity and vintage shops are making a killing.
This store opened up in 2009 and seems to be doing very well. I love going in for a wee hoke about and while, like at most second hands, the results are varied, I’ve managed to find a few little pieces amongst the rails.
It is predominately clothing, but there is the odd bit of furniture which tends to be beautifully crafted dressers or wardrobes — just what you need to hold all your beautiful vintage items, right?
The staff are always very welcoming, the prices are right and there’s always something new to find, rather than the same old stuff you see on the high street normally. Plus, it’s run by the East Belfast Mission who do a lot of good work in the poorer parts of East Belfast, engaging with young people and homeless outreach, so everyone’s a winner!