13 Beloved Shops That Deserve a Special Journey Around the Globe

      When asked if I’m a type A person, I like to point to my perfectly organized Google Drive folder, which contains an itinerary for every trip I've taken. I tend to schedule "walking time" with a detailed list of cafés, restaurants, and shops that are worth visiting. For vintage shopping, I dedicate an entire day to ensure I don’t overlook a single place. If you enjoy vintage items, exploring shops in a new city can be thrilling. Even if you’re not usually a thrift enthusiast like me, it’s important to realize that you can learn a lot about a city by observing the clothing choices of its fashionable residents. Shop owners often share where they found an item or who they purchased it from, transforming the item into a cherished memory from my travels. Below are 13 vintage shops that are worth planning a visit around, as I have personally been to each one and found timeless pieces that I can't imagine living without.

      **James Veloria in New York City**

      Ask any fashionista in New York City about her favorite vintage shop, and James Veloria is sure to be at the top of the list. Located on the second floor of a discreet Chinatown mall, getting there is quite the adventure itself. Entering the shop feels like stepping into a whimsical walk-in closet from a 2000s movie, complete with checkered ceilings, vibrant walls, red velvet curtains, and a purple rug. The selection of archival pieces from Vivienne Westwood, Jean Paul Gaultier, Prada, and more is unbeatable, and I snagged a ’90s yellow Miu Miu handbag for under $200, which I use more than any other designer bag I own.

      **Address:** 75 East Broadway #225, New York, New York 10002, United States

      **Aralda Vintage in Los Angeles**

      If you don’t know about Aralda Vintage, you might be surprised to learn that its iconic archival pieces were showcased in a notable scene from Euphoria season 2, where Maddie tries on clothes from her babysitting charge’s mother's closet. When Brynn Jones isn’t sourcing vintage treasures for TV shows, she curates amazing archival items that have often been worn by celebrities on the red carpet. The store is currently open by appointment only, and Jones mentions that she adds to her collection only when she thinks of someone special, who always seems to find their way to the shop.

      **Address:** 2691 Beachwood Drive, Los Angeles, California 90068, United States

      **Vice Versa in San Juan, Puerto Rico**

      When Vice Versa is closed, a metal gate proclaims, “Stay cool, buy vintage,” which captures the essence of what you experience when it’s open. If you’re on the island, this shop is essential. Displayed on vintage armoires and cabinets are shelves filled with secondhand designer bags and shoes. If you peruse the clothing racks in the back, you might stumble upon vintage Roberto Cavalli for under $100.

      **Address:** 1951 Calle Loíza, San Juan, Puerto Rico 00911

      **Lover's Lane in London**

      Lover’s Lane may require a wait, as it’s the sort of vintage shop that could have you lingering outside because a celebrity is shopping inside (true story). This blue shop in Notting Hill is popular for a reason. If you want a close-up view of rare pieces worn by runway icons like Kate Moss and Naomi Campbell, this is the place. It nearly resembles a museum, holding a treasure trove of fashion history, but unlike a museum, everything is for sale.

      **Address:** 77 Portobello Road, London W11 2QB, United Kingdom

      **Time's Up Vintage in Copenhagen**

      Do fashion editors align their schedules for Copenhagen Fashion Week to visit Time’s Up Vintage at the most opportune moment? Yes, they do. This shop is the most recognized vintage store in Copenhagen for a reason. You’re likely to encounter Danish designers hunting for inspiration for their upcoming collections, in addition to the city’s trendy crowd. Expect to find an abundance of ’90s Chanel by Karl Lagerfeld, fabulous YSL jewelry, and stylish sunglasses from various labels.

      **Address:** Krystalgade 4 1172, Copenhagen, Denmark

      **Thanx God I'm a VIP in Paris**

      If there’s a vintage store that fashion editors tailor their Paris Fashion Week plans around, it’s Thanx God I’m a VIP. It’s the kind of expansive store where you need to dedicate a few hours, with clothing racks painstakingly sorted by color. While some vintage in Paris can feel out of reach, the prices here are surprisingly reasonable. You can score everything from a playful orange Moschino blazer to classic Chanel slingbacks—all at prices that seem unreal.

      **Address:** 12 Rue de Lancry, 75010 Paris, France