Vintage & Resale in Orlando
It has been well over a year since I watched the documentary "True Cost"; an eye opening explanation of how harmful fast fashion is to people around the world and the planet itself. If you haven't watched it yet, I urge you to. Since then I've been much more deliberate about where I shop and how much I buy. The days of yellow Forever 21 bags littering the floor of my closet are long gone, although I still have not been able to kick my ASOS addiction. I've always loved mixing second-hand clothes with newer items, but those "new" items are now coming from small businesses with a more sustainable eco-friendly conscience. That doesn't mean I don't still wear Gap Jeans or wear the occasional mall t-shirt in my normal rotation, but thanks to Orlando's many local vintage and resale shops the number has dwindled dramatically.
Retromended
If you can't find an amazing outfit at Retromended chances are you aren't trying. It's soothing to walk in and see everything coordinated by color, and often season, and owner Brandy keeps her shop stocked with gorgeous pieces you will be thinking about later if you don't leave with them. She also hosts several events you might want to keep your eye on.
Neighborhood: Mills 50
Do they buy clothes?YES Retromended buys select vintage clothing.
Do they sell online?YES Shop her Etsy store
Dechoes Resale
Filled with vintage, current looks from local buys and designer goods, Dechoes has a bit of everything. Their third location closed abruptly due to the Artegon Marketplace shutting it's doors with very little notice, but Dechoes has two other locations that are always full of great deals.
Neighborhood: College Park & Colonialtown
Do they buy clothes?YES Take a look at their info online about what they are looking for and make an appointment.
Do they sell online?YES Designer items can be purchased online on their website.
Avalon Exchange
Your chances at finding vintage here will be more scant than at the other local shops, but this is the spot to fill those gaps in your closet or find some basics for your wardrobe on the cheap. Always neat and organized it's easy to search the racks here by size and style. And there are plenty of dressing rooms.
Neighborhood: Winter Park
Do they buy clothes? YES Bring in your clothes for cash or store credit, no appointment needed.
My closet is filled with vintage dresses from Etoile. It's a rare occasion that I leave empty handed thanks mainly to Falon, the shop's owner, knowing how to outfit different body types in vintage threads. Some items come slightly altered for a more modern cut, while others are untouched waiting for you to tailor it to your needs. If you shop during Tasty Tuesdays you can take 10% OFF your purchase!
Neighborhood: The Milk District
Do they sell online?YES Shop online on Square Up.
Do they buy vintage? NO
Do they rent clothes? YES Falon works with photographers and stylists on outfitting shoots.
Owl's Attic
The smell of incense and peppermint hits you right when you walk in the door. I love this shop because no matter how often I visit there is always new pieces to swoon over, whether they fit me or not. Hippie love child frocks, denim, and jumpers, classic rock tees, vintage buttons and home decor. They even have their own line of Attic Originals.
Neighborhood: Audubon Park
Do they sell online?YES Shop looks here.
UPDATE - The Florida location has moved online.
Their first location is in Brooklyn, but their newest spot here in Orlando. While their selection may not be quite as bounteous as other shops, they have some great sleek, minimalist pieces; not to mention great accessories. If you like to keep your wardrobe relatively neutral they have lots of earthy solids, classic denim, and all black everything looks.
Neighborhood: Ivanhoe Village
Do they sell online? YES Shop their website.
There is far more to explore within The Lovely beyond vintage threads, but you cannot deny their selection. There is always pieces to fawn over and even if you can't find a piece that fits you perfectly, you can shop their vintage housewares and decor. You may even find some local designers here that reconstruct older items into new modernized pieces.
Neighborhood: Audubon Park
Do they sell online? NO
Déjà Vu Vintage
Image courtesy Deja Vu
Deja Vu's old location in Ivanhoe Village was one of my first go-to spots to explore many years ago. It's one of Orlando's oldest shops for all things vintage and thankfully their updated location off of Mills has so much more room to navigate through the racks of treasures. While most people might use the extensive collection that Robin, the shop's owner, keeps for vintage for costumes or themed parties, she has amazing everyday wear items including gorgeous vintage dresses. Don't let this be a spot you visit once a year for the inevitable roaring 20's shindig someone will throw.
Neighborhood: Winter Park
Do they buy vintage: Inquire with Robin
Image courtesy Deja Vu