Richmond – London’s Secret Green Gem

Deer running wild in Richmond Park

The town of Richmond in the south-west of London is an amazing green space, a true hidden secret, located just 13kms from the heart of London’s Charring Cross station.

The Best Gloves in the World

The best glove makers in the world use old-fashioned sewing machines in East Sussex. This is the small Cornelia James empire, who have held a Royal Warrant since 1979.

Exploring the Small Shops of Brisbane

Coming Up Roses. Photo by Felicity Loughrey

Shop small, shop local and shop with curiosity. Here are some of Holiday Goddess favourite northside, southside and in-between bijoux Brisbane boutiques for hand-selected vintage, gifts and trinkets.

Thrifting the Light Fantastic: Fashion Tours with a Conscious

One of the best things about shopping with Marguerite was she got me looking at clothes and accessories in new ways. There was a gold belt with a buckle that featured a frog on a lily pond found at Vinnies. Marguerite suggested wearing the belt as a necklace (which I’ve since done).

Hobart’s Best Retro and Vintage – A Gigantic Lucky Dip

The Tip Shop is located at McRobies Gully Waste Management Centre. Photograph by Jessica Adams

Hobart’s Tip Shop is a gigantic lucky dip, but you are sure to find something special for a fraction of the price that you’d pay in a vintage shop or on eBay. There are generally no price tags; take your treasure to the counter and they’ll suggest a low, low price.

Vivier: the Queen’s Shoe Designer

The Queen was the Frenchman’s most famous client, but this gifted creator (who gave us the stiletto heel) also produced shoes for Jackie Kennedy and Elizabeth Taylor – and The Beatles.

The Psychology of Vintage

Outdoors Vintage Lily Gutierrez

Lily Gutierrez on secondhand wedding dresses and the psychology behind ‘good shoes and hair.’ Why does vintage make a difference?

The Other Paris Collections – Berets

Why are all the straw-woven chairs outside Paris cafes turned outwards, like theatre seats? Because the street is like a theatre, and every day is a fashion blogger’s fantasy – no internet required. Your first day in Paris is the perfect time to see the show, which usually makes Jean-Paul Gaultier look tame. Better still, […]

London: Best Secondhand Chanel

Retromania

A short walk from Victoria London Underground Station in Pimlico, you will find a charity shop with a difference. Retromania sells secondhand at prices better than eBay and has a wonderful bargain basement.