Chimera Design makes and sells niche items. But we also believe in #slowfashion and #sustainability. We LOVE combing the racks of vintage and thrift stores for that special something you've longed for in your kitchen or closet. As so many of us are missing our local Value Village, here are some of our current favourite thrift / local artisan shops starting with #EastVan:
Miscellany Finds. 1029 Commercial Drive. (604) 215-9970. Check website for current info. Our experience: this shop has been a solid source of pre-loved clothing for families in our neighbourhood and surrounding area for ages. Wonderful social enterprise that is an longtime part of the fabric of Commercial Drive.
Mintage on Commercial Drive and Mintage Mall. Sorry, don't know if there is a relationship. Have just linked you to each. We visit Commercial Drive occasionally to scour sale racks...
My Sister's Closet. 1830 Commercial Drive, Vancouver, BC V5N 4A5. (604) 251-7229. Usual hours Monday through Sunday 11:00 a.m. till 6:00 p.m. Have had good luck with some women's wear, especially designer items. Scooped a fabulous, cotton table cloth for our oval-shaped dining table off the $5 rack. Don't forget to look in the jewellery case - you might get lucky!
The Only Vintage. Pretty obsessed with this one. Visit for yourself and let us know your thoughts!
SPCA Thrift Stores. Yes, you heard correctly. The SPCA operates some interesting thrifting meccas throughout Vancouver. Personal success at the Victoria Drive and West Broadway locations for clothing deals and occasionally, you'll find good furniture and book deals. But you need time, patience and blinders to hone in. Last week, found a fabulous, gold framed piece of art to repurpose as a mirror then cheaped-out when informed that it was $20. Would need a custom-cut mirror from Vancouver Glass to make it work. But at the end of the day? Might return to scoop (if it's still there) because it was gorgeous, and will become a one-of-a-kind piece once the mirror is added. But as my cousin would say, "do you need it? or do you greed it?"
Turnabout. There are multiple locations. If you are reselling - definitely good idea to get set up in their system. We've had success with some adorable higher-end items once discounted. Especially watch for Aritzia sales and jewellery finds. And of course, as items age on their racks, they offer deeper discounts. I have to personally resist the urge to purchase "because it's a good deal" as opposed to, "YES, I'll actually get wear out of that!" Enter: multi-coloured Antropologie strapless gown hanging over my door (as yet unworn by me). It all conflicts with the #slowfashion and desire for #sustainability but in the end, really just a first world problem... The Granville Street location has a downstairs and is a pretty well-curated store, so don't miss the lower level.
Vancouver General Hospital Thrift Store. 2535 E Hastings St, Vancouver, BC V5K 1Z2. (604) 876-3731. Cost-effective housewares and general items of clothing (code for can be very, pre-loved)
Usual hours Monday through Saturday 11:00 a.m. till 4:00 p.m. We have had good luck with glassware in the past. Also some funky men and women's wear but remember - stock changes constantly so peruse regularly for best deals.
Value Village. Our beloved VV was getting expensive. But we still frequented regularly and most of our #EastVan friends and neighbours shared VV stories relating to their kids, costumes, and day-to-day wear when the East Hastings' iconic structure burned to the ground. There are still VVs around. Please visit their website for current locations. We've personally visited the one on Victoria Drive, New Westminster and Nanaimo BC. The experience just isn't nostalgic for us any more...
