In a city known for its shopping, we took a look past the endless rows of high street and designer stores to find the true love story lying below the surface. Those rare, one-off gems you find in the small, sprawled list of shops that specialise in the ‘pre-loved’ style. This is an ode to the clothes that had a story before you, set and styled by Ruby Butcher in the shops that keep us well adorned in second hand luxury...
Cow
If you’ve ever walked down to Hockley, you would have certainly noticed this shop. Its huge windows glitter before the colourful racks of hand-picked clothes that sprawl over two floors. From streetwear to sequin cocktail dresses, shoes and handmade jewellery, you’re almost certain to find something to suit your style. What makes this shop stand out from the rest is not only its size but its in-house reworked garments.
3 Carlton St, Nottingham NG1 1NL.
Cow website
Sue Ryder
Not only will you find a hoard of good quality clothing, Sue Ryder is full of charming treasures from ornaments, furniture, records, books, old typewriters, you name it. What makes Sue Ryder unique in our line up is that it is a non profit charity shop that supports people with life-threatening illnesses across the UK and internationally, so you can surpass the guilt of splurging on yourself in here knowing that it’s all going to a good cause.
30 - 32 Goose Gate, Nottingham NG1 1FF
Sue Ryder website
Relic
The other side of the market square might not be where you’d expect to find treasures like this, but the West End Arcade creates a fitting backdrop for the thrifty haven that is Relic. It is a friendly and intimate space tucked away from the streets, and the shop is stacked to the ceilings with seasonal vintage picks; at the moment find plenty of denim, leather and suede jackets, knitted jumpers and shirts.
12 West End Arcade, Angel Row, Nottingham, NG1 6JP
Relic on Facebook
Past & Present
Past and Present has been around for fourteen years and may be the longest standing Vintage shop in Nottingham. The shop itself is a work of art; colourful and full of curious ornaments. For this alone it is worth a visit, but there is a reason it’s still doing well for itself. Packed with authentic pieces from the fifties right through to the eighties, it is the perfect spot to pick out fancy dress or unique pieces that stand out from the crowd.
7 Forest Road East, Nottingham NG1 4HJ
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