We Love...Vintage Norwich

I love Norwich. Its culture, its restaurants and most of all, its fashion...

It’s a fashionista's dream, a combo of contemporary high street and high-quality vintage. From the Victorian era to the 1980s, you’ll bag a bargain and find an outfit for any occasion, especially a Downton Abbey themed-party! 

In Norwich vintage is more than fashion, it’s a lifestyle, which is why it has some of the best quality and best value vintage shops in the UK. On my numerous visits, I’ve picked up 1950s handbags, coats, jumpers, an 1980s prom dress and a wedding dress from the 1930s for my friend.

If anyone had told me a year ago that Norwich was the place for all things vintage , I’d have laughed! But when I visited this city for the first time I fell head-over-heels as I was transported into a thriving cultural community bubbling among the historical cobbled streets.

While there I was thrust into the vintage Norwich scene, a whirl of burlesque, tea dances, and of course, plenty of vintage boutiques. I didn’t leave disappointed or empty handed. I perused Poppy Valentine’s handmade bags and clothing made from vintage fabrics rummaged Prim Vintage Fashion’s array of clothing from the 1920s to the 1980s and found it impossible to choose my favourite dress at Goldfinches, where the shop owner puts a contemporary twist on reclaimed clothing. 

After all that tiresome work I sat down for tea at Biddy’s Vintage Tea Room, where I was transported to the 1940s.  The eclectic décor and mismatched china set the perfect scene for my vintage-packed day. After I had recuperated with a slice of Victoria Sponge, I popped into Daisy and Lola's a few doors down where the beautiful shop keeper looked like a 1940s pin up with her black hair and red lipstick.

Last but not least, I found my heaven, Aladdin’s Cave on Magdalen Street, filled to rafters with everything a girl like me could wish for. Cutlery, clothes, dress patterns, jewellery, bags and books - some of which were hundreds of years old. The old store still displays its original name: ‘Looses’, but is constantly filled with shoppers looking for garden furniture, dresses and everything else in between. Every Saturday they have a flea market which brings out the hard core collectors. The first time I stepped on the hallowed ground of Aladdin’s Cave, I lost two hours in there andemerged squinting at the sunlight with 15 items coming to only £60. Bargain!

Now I can’t stop telling people about Norwich and have even taken a few fashion editors and stylist mates to discover what I call a fashionista’s hidden treasure. Anyone who’s anyone should be shopping in Norwich sweetie! 

To plan your very own vintage weekend in Norwich take a peek at vintagenorwich.co.uk for boutique, event and cafe listings galore. 

Blogger: Yolanda Copes-Stepney, Senior PR Exec

From the shire of Bedford, with a MASSIVE family. I love science, fitness, fashion, photography and cupcakes.  I enjoy fancy things, but on the whole  I am well budget and like cheap stuff. 

Comments

[What to do in London]

Thanks for sharing this, once i travel to England by mid next year i will be visiting this place. Thanks.