It might not be the first thing that pops to your mind when you think of Amsterdam, but this beautiful, relaxed city is a real vintage mecca and an ideal place to get over any prejudice you might have against “old” things (you know what I mean- “what if somebody died in this”, “it smells weird”, “God knows who wore it”, etc.).

In Amsterdam, flea markets are respectable institutions, open 7 days a week on several locations in the very center of the city. Vintage stores are on every corner, most of them clearly profiled in interest for certain kind of clothes or periods, many of them with really amazing gems on their racks. For the relaxed and easygoing citizens of Amsterdam recycling, reusing the used and vintage shopping are all part of the local culture. And you know what they say – when in Rome…

So there I was, a recent convert (see the prejudice above), emerged into the excitement of vintage exploration, from the most popular stores like Zipper and Episode, to random and small shops, to flea market stands. With a few good advices and recommendations from Kim and Joyce, my own shopping-hound instincts and some luck, I had some great discoveries – behold my top finds:

The shop named Bis! (Sint Antoniesbreestraat 25b) has an amazing offer of high-quality shoes, hats and bags. First I reached for daring purple pumps that seemed absolutely new and was shocked to see the price tag of 10 Euros… and it was only up the hill from that moment on.

Perfect Sergio Rossi pumps, sadly in size 36 and a bit scratched on the right heel.

Hello, yellow! I would not know weather to wear them, or to keep them in a cage like a pair of canaries.

But, the most exciting discovery in Bis! was yet to come: the authentic ‘50s Bally shoes in mint condition. With price tag of 40Euros, they were the most expensive item in the store.

The next discovery was in a store next to Bis! - the Russian Navy sailor shirts  - because there is never enough of striped shirts and these are as authentic as it gets.

I am crazy about the ‘60s design and the retro- futuristic aesthetic of the era. Imagine my thrill when I found the real ‘60s space-age frames by Courreges!!! Donald E Jongejans shop (Noorderkerkstraat 18) sells only unused frames, so even when they are from the ‘20s, they are brand new.

And when it was a time to park the bike and take a break – we discovered a fantastic little place called Latei (Zeedijk 143), offering healthy and tasty snacks, fresh juices and great cakes, with a typical Amsterdam twist to it: everything with a price tag is for sale- be it a pair of shoes exhibited on the wall, plate you ate your hummus sandwich from, or a lamp from the table behind you.