It wasn’t too long ago when a citytrip abroad for me would involve at least one afternoon of shopping at stores that were unique to the city/country in question. In London you could find me at Topshop. Antwerp was where to find the closest Urban Outfitters and Zara used to be only available in Spain and Portugal.

But with the rise of internet shopping (and a diminishing number of brands that operate on a local level only and not global) this has changed a bit.

Why spend your precious time on shopping at stores you can find back home as well?

I still love to do some shopping when visiting other cities, but my focus has changed. I tend to look for smaller boutiques and concept stores, but most of all I prefer vintage shopping.

That thrill that can come with vintage shopping (to be in the right place on the right time, as to find that unique item that seems to be made for you and you only can feel like something of an achievement) can be even bigger when you are far away from home.

Haarlem never really was a city with a vintage culture, but this has changed a bit over the past few years.

So, for vintage lovers visiting Haarlem, we present our top 5 of vintage fashion stores in Haarlem!

VIND – Koningstraat 37A

Vintage shop with one of the most beautiful shop windows of Haarlem. Not only because of the nicely curved glas door, but also because of what owner Didi does with it. Her displays always tempt me to go in and have a look at the collection. What I like about VIND the most is the honest advice you get from the girls. Nice selection of clothes that gets updated often and with reasonable prices. You can also get a haircut here, in case you need one!

Episode – Jansstraat 52

This store is part of a chain of vintage stores that can be found in cities like Amsterdam, Brussels, Copenhagen and Paris. And since a year of two in Haarlem. They have a large selection of clothes that is well organized. Dresses go with dresses, crop tops with crop tops and army jackets with, you’ve guessed it, other army jackets. Clothes are clean and they sell a lot of accessories as well (think shoes, bags, wallets, hats).

Stijlloods – Nassaulaan 40

This consignment store gets a weekly visit from me. They only sell goods brought in by people, so sometimes the selection is a bit dull, but at other times you can find gems here for a good price. I’ve bought two pairs of Margiela boots here, but also really nice vintage tops and a leather jacket. Also great for books, vinyl and furniture!

Jutka & Riska – Grote Houtstraat 160

Sisters Jutka and Riska started their business selling vintage only, but slowly they have changed the character of their shops a bit. It is now a mix of consignment, remade vintage and their own collection, often made from designer fabrics. When I need some cool accessories, Jutka & Riska is my first stop. They sell tons of necklaces, earrings and sun glasses. Because Haarlem is a fairly wealthy city, you can find really nice (designer) pieces here brought in by other people.

Bradley’s – Klein Heiligland 99

Again, another consignment store. This one a bit more classy than the other stores in this list. So no rock T-shirts or army jackets, but expect a more English vibe with quality clothing from often upscale brands.