Vintage chic

Shop smart
1. Closely check the quality of the piece before you buy it. If there is a major flaw, such as a slew of broken seams or a noticeable stain on the fabric, forget it. A small problem, however, such as a missing button or zipper, can easily be repaired.

2. Revisit the same stores often. Vintage stores are constantly getting new stock.

3. Try things on. Sizes vary depending on designer and time period. Size eight today is not the same as it was 20 years ago.
Click here to find out how to get the perfect fit.

Canada-wide vintage store guide
If the thrill of the hunt is your shopping raison d'être, you'll like nothing better than searching out your own showstoppers at garage sales, vintage stores and antique markets. Here's where to get started.

New Brunswick
•Guy's Frenchy's, 1567 Mountain Rd., Moncton, (506) 860-6219

Quebec
•Retro Ragz, 171 Avenue du Mont-Royal Est, Montreal, (514) 849-6181

•Boutique Rétromania, 820 Avenue du Mont-Royal Est, Montreal, (514) 596-2618

Ontario
•Ex-Toggery, 115 Merton St., Toronto, (416) 488-5393

•Value Village, stores across Canada, valuevillage.com

Manitoba
•Ragpickers Anti-Fashion Emporium and Books, 216 McDermot Ave., Winnipeg, (204) 942-7992

British Columbia
•Deluxe Junk Company, 310 W Cordova St., Vancouver, (604) 685-4871

•True Value Vintage Clothing, 710 Robson St., Vancouver, (604) 685-5403

•Echo-Unique Resale, 3288 Main St., Vancouver, (604) 874-5550