Today, dear friend, the weather may be truly horrible weather wise (all the better to snuggle in with family if you're feeling those D-Day vibes). Which makes it the perfect opportunity to start day-dreaming about your summer wardrobe. And as a cool Wellingtonian, that means that you are probably wondering about vintage.

Wellingtonians do op-shopping like no one else. It's for more than uni students or 'dirty hippies'. Some of the coolest people around town know how to work that jumpsuit or rock their Dad shirt in a non-ironic fashion like they're on the catwalk.

So if you are cruising through town, and you haven't yet checked out these awesome three places, I recommend you try them. I've not had a chance yet to do a proper haul but when I do you'll be the first to find out.

1. Thrift

Thrift is the new kid on the block and they're mixing and matching super-stylishly. When you enter the shop it's like going into a funky friend's flat with a fettish for 90's and 70's vibes. This is not where you're going to 'find' a lost $500 Chanel Jacket, but if you want to style in a way that's funky and bright, Thrift is the place for you. Go in with an open mind and an open wallet and you'll leave feeling super fresh - like the Prince of Bel-Air. Think laid back Cali-90's vibes.

Check their Facebook: www.facebook.com/thrift.wellington

162 Cuba St, Te Aro, Wellington 6011.

2. Ziggurat

Ziggurat is the place where I go to lust after old lady furs and drape myself in Stepford Wives skirts - of be still my beating heart. These guys to the real deal when it comes to vintage - and they curate to perfection. Divided into two sections, the vinatage and the more pre-loved, this is the place where you'll find that perfect boxy jacket, those tap shoes that make you feel like you need to go a dance hall immediately and the swishy dress that makes all the boys go 'Woah' (or a suit that makes all the girls go 'Woah'). Think Mona Lisa Smile in killer heels.

Check their Facebook: www.facebook.com/zigguratfashionemporium

144 Cuba St, Te Aro, Wellington, 6011.

3. Hunters and Collectors

A high school favourite of this Wellingtonian, Hunter's is the badass bitches soultion to finding coveted wardbrobe items that wll sing out, and make other people whisper "What is she wearing??" in all the right ways. Here, you'll get all the decades with all the lashings of sass. Think Studio 54, 70's Rolling Stones and Wellington Street Artist Xoe Hall. You might have to do some hunting to find that special piece as the shop is quite full, but it makes all the hunting all the more sweet. Think American Hustle meets Desparately Seeking Susan.

Check their Facebook: www.facebook.com/huntersandcollectorswellington

134 Cuba Street, Te Aro, Wellington, 6011.

Wrap(-dress) up

I can't wait to get my butt down to some of these places. Honourable mentions go to Recycle Boutique and Paperbag Princess. Remember, with vintage the thrill is in the chase. Always be prepared to spend a bit more than you expected but in the knowledge that you'll get more than you thought either in a dollar sense or in a "WOW!" factor way.

Let's get those summer plans rollin'...

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