Since a very young age, my love for secondhand/vintage clothing has been deep.
I loved when my grandmother and mother would pull out bags of 'handy-downs'. The clothing I would find in these bags of old clothing always told a story of a different time.
I believe that is what is so beautiful about secondhand and vintage pieces...they once belonged to someone else.
As I reached my teenage years, I became obsessed with all the flea markets that Los Angeles has to offer: Melrose Trading Post (an upcoming article), Rose Bowl Flea Market, etc. I was an avid visitor. These places exposed me to retro styles at a much higher quality than our production standards allow today.
It became clearer to me that aside from just the beauty of vintage, secondhand shopping is also a greener way to go.
Paris, France is a wonderful city with a huge fashion culture.
However, the style here is very luxurious that at times I feel like there is not enough options for vintage lovers like myself.
So I did some research and found that there is a huge community of antique, vintage & retro shops and flea markets, right outside of Paris at St. Ouen (Les Puces de Saint Ouen).
I went over there immediately.
I fell in love instantly. It was like time-traveling.
The community. The people. The shops. The clothes. The art.
It was like stepping into a different era for the day.
This flea market is of my highest recommendation for everyone. Whether or not you love vintage...it is a must-see. You will not regret the cultural experience you gain from visiting.
Consider it a half-day trip.
Vanessa Mercedes. xo