Tag Archives: clothes

Apr 12 2012
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Shopping

Vintage Fairs

As mentioned before on this blog, Belgians seem to have a thing for vintage. There are clothing stores, furniture shops, websites and flea markets selling all sorts of treasures waiting to be discovered. The most recent addition to the Brussels second-hand scene is the vintage fair.

Created about a year ago, Brussels Vintage Market takes place every first Sunday of the month at K-nal (near Tour & Taxis). The idea is to bring together vintage and second-hand vendors in one location for an enjoyable afternoon with music, food and drinks. Items for sale include clothing, shoes, bags, accessories, etc.

The Brussels Vintage Market offers a cool and cozy atmosphere and good prices for relaxed shopping on a Sunday afternoon. There are also cupcakes on sale to sweeten the deal! If you’ve got some interesting used items that you want to sell, contact Morgan Laloux at createursendofvintagemarket@gmail.com. The next Vintage Market is on Sunday, 6 May.

K-nal
1 Avenue du Port. 1000 Brussels
Open: First Sunday, 12-7pm

If you can’t wait until May, another new kid on the block, The Hub Sunday Store, will have its first vintage sale this Sunday, 15 April. The Hub Brussels, which provides sustainable working spaces and networking events, has gotten together with Swishing, a clothing exchange concept, to launch the Sunday Store. The monthly market will feature vintage and hand-made clothes, accessories, vinyl records and furniture. Check out their Facebook page for a preview of what will be for sale. Food and drinks also on offer. 

The Hub Brussels
37 Rue du Prince Royal, 1050 Brussels
Open: Sunday, 11am-6pm

Happy (vintage) hunting!

Images via Brussels Vintage Market and Hub Sunday Store.

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Oct 04 2011
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Shopping

Designer duds (for less)

A friend introduced me to consignment shopping in Brussels a couple of years ago. Unlike thrift or charity stores, these shops sell used, barely used or new merchandise and the original owner gets a cut of the profits. Consignment clothing stores often carry high-end labels and offer heavily discounted prices. On my first visit to one of these shops, I managed to find a Gucci handbag for under €100 – a true bargain!

Les Enfants d’Edouard on Avenue Louise is one of the top spots for used designer goods. Opened 40 years ago, this two-floor store is now an institution, selling evening dresses, suits, accessories, coats, shoes, and even haute couture, collected from individuals and liquidation stocks. And guys, be sure to check out the Men’s store next door.  

175 Avenue Louise, 1000 Brussels
Open Monday to Saturday, 10:00-6:30pm

I recently discovered L’Exception, a chic second hand store just off Place Stephanie. Although smaller than Les Enfants, they have an impressive selection of shoes, bags and other accessories and friendly staff. Note – you have to ring the bell to be let in this “exclusive” little shop.  

102 Rue de Stassart, 1050 Ixelles
Open Monday to Saturday, 10:00-6:00pm

Another new find comes courtesy of Bruxelles la Belle, a charming blog on shops and eateries in Brussels. Version Originale is a luxury outlet and consignment store in the Avenue Louise area, with a good choice of brands and a men’s boutique across the street.

10 Rue Jean Stas, 1060 Saint Gilles
Open Monday to Saturday, 10:00-6:30pm

I’m eager to check these places out with the new autumn season beginning. I’ll just have to clean out my closet first so I can find some items to sell at the same time!

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