From The Straits Times    |

If you’re a dedicated fashion lover you’ll already have been introduced to the joys of vintage and thrift shopping; the affordable option for those of us who might not be able to afford exclusive looks from major labels but who still want to wear something unique.

Wearing vintage also helps the environment, after all you’re not wearing something that’s been created to be thrown away or using up more resources for a new outfit.

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Dresses galore at the Sydney Antique Centre vintage clothing section. Image: Niki Bruce

And if you know anything about vintage shopping, you’ll also know that there’s not a huge amount of it available in Singapore, but luckily there is in Sydney, Australia. With the great number of new flights heading Down Under, you can whip off for a quick weekend of shopping and snap up a bargain while you’re there.

But what do you do if you’ve never been to Sydney, or don’t have the time to search out all the best vintage stores? Why, you contact the lovely girls at Chic in the City tours of course.

A specialist fashion and shopping-based tour company, Chic in the City offers organised tours to all the best spots for shopping in Sydney no matter what your taste and has a fabulous Vintage Express tour.

Your guide will be stylist and Chic’s vintage specialist Catriona Carver and she’ll take you on a whirlwind tour of Sydney’s best vintage stores and boutiques, most of which are located in the Paddington area. On top of that, Catriona will also pass on really useful tips for getting the best out of your vintage shopping.

For example, you should ignore the sizes on the garments you’re looking at as over the years sizing has changed so much that it makes almost no sense; and if you can, bigger is always better as you can get something taken in to fit. It’s also a good idea to be impulsive for once – there’s only ever going to be one after all.

On my trip with Chic in the City, under the very capable direction of stylist and Chic’s vintage specialist Catriona Carver, I spotted a fabulous, completely embroidered cardigan from the 1950s from Zoo Emporium; and have to say I snapped it up as it fit perfectly, was lined in silk and there wasn’t a single missing sequin – almost unheard of with these sorts of delicate items.

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Fabulous sparkles can be found at Zoo Emporium vintage store in Sydney. Images: Niki Bruce

Sure, the fastenings at the front consisted of very fiddly hooks and eyes, but I’m going to replace with a zip and it will be pushed directly into Autumn Winter 2012/13 luxe sportswear. Even better, it only cost AU$200 (S$257) and even with the addition of the zip will still be a steal; and it’s totally original.

Zoo Emporium is a fabulous stop on the tour if you’re looking to save time; the owners have a very clearly curated range of vintage, particularly if you’re looking for anything “sparkly”.

If you have more time however, you really need to check out the cornucopia that is the Sydney Antique Centre. Spaced out over two floors are at least 10 “stalls” dedicated to all kinds of vintage fashion including menswear, shoes, accessories and even hats from the 1940s. I also spotted a late 19th century corset.

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There’s a huge range of vintage styles to choose from at the Sydney Antique Centre including items from the 1950s (above left) and even the 1980s (above right). Images: Niki Bruce

As well as the various clothing boutiques there are some amazing jewellery stalls with everything from turn of the century engagement rings and Victorian jet mourning jewellery to 1950s mens rings with massive semi-precious stones in solid silver and gold settings. You can also find furniture and bric-a-brac just in case your home needs decorating too.

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Grandma Takes A Trip has real furs for sale! Image: Niki Bruce

If you’re looking for an actual, real fur, then head to Grandma Takes A Trip. Yes, they have real fur coats; I actually touched a leopard skin jacket! But don’t worry, if that’s not your thing – although as the owners say, at least this way the item is being recycled and used rather than wasted – try something from the Grandma’s Altered State label.

Created from a mix of vintage fabrics worked into modern designs with a touch of old school flair, these pieces are complete one-offs and made in very limited amounts so you’ll be 100 per cent certain you’ll never see anyone else wearing the same thing.

There are another three great vintage stores to check out on the Chic in the City Vintage Express tour, Cream on Crown, Harlequin Market and Shag, each with its own specialty.

So if there’s one sort of shopping you do while in Sydney, make it vintage; it’s an experience you won’t get in Singapore.

Some of the stores on the Chic in the City Vintage Express tour include Zoo Emporium, the Sydney Antique Centre and Grandma Takes A Trip. For more information about Chic in the City tours and to book, go to www.chicinthecity.com.au, email mail@chicinthecity.com.au or call +61 416 644337. You can also check out the team’s cool blog at www.chicinthecitytours.blogspot.com, follow their Twitter account at @CHICintheCityAu or check them out on Facebook.  

The writer visited Sydney, Australia, as part of the inaugural Scoot flight from Singapore, supported by Destination NSW. For more information about Scoot flights to Sydney and the Gold Coast, go to: www.flyscoot.com. For more information about Destination NSW, go to www.destinationnsw.com.au.