It’s always fun to find new places to shop and no one knows better about where to shop locally for vintage (and often eco friendly!) clothing and jewelry like the Portland, Maine members of our Vintage Style Council. Here are Ashley from Sweet William, Laura S. from Fore Front Fashion, Julia from Jeeze Julia, Laura D. from Sweeter Salt, and Erin from Just Plain Lovely to tell you their picks for where to find the best unusual decor, locally made accessories, fabulous second hand outfits, and more!
Portland Flea For All-Laura S. says: “If I have to find say, a wedding gift, a great dress and a living room chair, I can go to this place and most likely find everything on my wish list.”
Blanche & Mimi-Erin says: “I love the expertly curated selection of home goods and children’s items.”
Longfellow Books
Pinecone+Chickadee-Julia says: “When in need of a quirky purchase, Pinecone + Chickadee is the place to go. Record players, instant cameras and film, typewriters – they’ve got ‘em. They also have a wide selection of new indie art, both local and from Etsy artists across the globe.”
FIND-Laura S. says: “This is my go-to place to find clothes in Portland. I love the mix of vintage clothes and labels that I love. And everything is ridiculously affordable.”
The Merchant Company-Julia says this store is like stepping into an Etsy shop and “if you need a gift, a reward for your hard work, or something to do to pass the time, the Merchant Company can remedy your problems.”
Yes Books
Goodwill-Laura D. says: “I adore thrift shopping (and I think I’m pretty darn good at it) so you can’t beat Goodwill.”
Salvation Army
Bliss-Erin says: “This has always been my #1 destination for jeans, even when I lived in NYC!”
Asia West-Laura D. says: “ I find cute jewelry, scarves and awesome home decor there. I have two beautiful cabinets in shades of aged blue and turquoise that are some of my favorite things in my house.”
Encore-Laura S. says: “I go here if I’m looking for something very special (or covered in sequins). It’s a great place for me to find inspiration too.”
Fetch- Erin says: “Fetch is the best for all things puppy (& pet) related!”
staff picks
Alicia- “Siempre Mas - Before I moved to Portland from Bangor, I would come down on occasion to visit relatives and wouldn’t leave until I hit up Siempre Mas for a new piece of jewelry. They have great selection of multi-cultural home decor items as well, plus bright and beautiful clothing, pashminas, and purses. Their prices are very reasonable - especially by Old Port standards.
LeRoux Kitchen - The only thing I love as much as a new pair of earrings is a brand new item to put in my kitchen. LeRoux Kitchen is wonderland for those of us who love to cook. They have every gadget you can imagine - plus a variety of tools you never knew existed - and a wide array of gorgeous, unique dinnerware. Even if you don’t like ‘kitchen stuff’ you can go in for a snack - they have fancy chocolates and other yummy treats. My favorite, though, is their section of oils and vinegars from around the world - complete with little paper tasting cups for sampling. I dare you to try their aged 18 Year Balsamic Vinegar without buying a bottle.
Fetch - I’m always looking for an opportunity to spoil my bull mastiff, Bruno. The selection, atmosphere and customer service at Fetch in the Old Port never disappoints. Not only can you find fantastic toys, collars, leashes, food and treats for your pet, buy you can also find cards, calendars, magnets and bumper stickers to showcase your puppy pride - my favorite being a little oval sticker that says “wag more, bark less.”"
Aubin- “I get the majority of my clothing from Goodwill, both for the price and the unique quality of what you’ll find there. My other shopping weakness is books and for that I always go to The Green Hand. Michelle, the owner, has a book addiction in the best way and the store is full to the rafters with anything you could possibly want to read and everything you never knew you wanted to read!”
Xander- “I love to shop at Renys! Their window displays on Congress Street are always amusing. My favorite was the back-to-school set up, with your typical office supplies, backpacks, and college dorm paraphernalia - and then a headless mannequin embracing a mini-keg. It was dressed in clothing you would typically associate with a middle-schooler, so perhaps in poor taste, or at least just a bit misguided. They also have delightful deals on nice clothes and household goods! It’s really an essential Maine experience. I hardly ever buy books (libraries are the best!), but when I do, I indulge at Longfellow Books. They have an awesome selection of new and used books, a small but well-rounded graphic novel section, and the staff is helpful and totally eager to geek out on books… I love to thrift, and my favorite place to do that in Portland is Find.”
