Get In Loser, We’re Going Vintage Shopping: Rome Edition

Words: Grace Ellington and Katy Cutbirth

Make it stand out

As someone with discerning taste and a less than discerning budget, almost everything I buy is vintage. So when Nissan invited me and our fashion editor Katy to a weekend vintage shopping in Rome, I jumped at the chance to get her expert advice, cut around the city in style and most importantly, buy some new stuff. 

So, we booked our flights, hotel and to get around Rome’s windy streets we were lucky enough to borrow a Silence S04 Nanocar, an electric car with a super small footprint perfect for zipping to and from all the shops on our checklist and squeezing into extra tight parking spots on Rome’s chaotic streets - but it still has boot space roomy enough to keep our purchases. The car was super easy to drive which is a major plus when you’re in an unfamiliar city, and its compact nature allowed for easy backing up and parking (my two least favourite driving activities) - with this little guy it was a breeze. 

I should add you’d be surprised at the amount of shopping bags you can fit into that little trunk - we put this to the test so don’t let that size deter you! In the end we bought so much stuff, and went to so many hidden gems we thought it selfish to not put this guide together for you. 

Humana Vintage Rome 

We really put our driving skills to the test on Friday afternoon by visiting all four locations of Humana Vintage dotted around the city, Rome is pretty walkable to a normal person with a casual  shopping schedule but we are neither normal nor casual about shopping, so we got the AC  blasting and set off! The vibe at Humana is definitely thrifting, it’s not super curated but everything is really well priced  with most things under €20. I got some Guess Jeans and a little brown mini dress with felt flower  tassels and Katy found some amazing vintage t-shirts. Grace Ellington

Blue Goose

We passed this shop on our way to dinner lured in by a pair of Manolos in the window, the  feel here was definitely higher end and more curated. I found a vintage shawl from India with silver  woven into it as well as a padded waist belt in the shape of a snake. Grace snagged a super soft leather bag in this fabulous blue - she’s the queen of finding bags and I’m forever envious. Katy Cutbirth

SeryMoon Vintage

I was so excited to visit SeryMoon! Highly curated pieces with a focus on feminine, candy coloured looks from luxury designers like Versace and Valentino! A must visit but expect prices that reflect the high quality of the selection. The shoes and accessories here were especially standout, including key pieces like Dior Saddlebags and the Blumarine butterfly heels. If you come here with a budget and a plan you might find a signature piece that will elevate all your looks for years to come. Grace Ellington

TOOME

Toome was by far my favourite shop we went to. I got so many things! Including an unworn lime  green Versus coat, a really unusual Armani jacket and two tops spending under €100 all in. Grace Ellington

A wide selection of designer vintage at really reasonable prices. A massive collection of Moschino (they had the full pasta look, dress, cardigan and jacket!!) as well as brands like Gucci,  Blumarine, Max Mara, Armani, Brunello and lots of Italian brands I’ve not heard of but everything  was clean and high quality. While I didn’t walk away with a purchase here Grace cleaned the place out! Katy Cutbirth

Porta Portese Market

A street market over a mile long, Porta Portese is across the rivet Tiber and slightly further away from central Rome. You want to head there early to avoid too much crowding so Katy and I charged our Silence SO4 Nanocar which uses a domestic plug socket and got there bright, early and stress free for 9am 

I could have spent all day here. Tables and tables of clothes, shoes, fabrics, accessories  and so much more. If you’re someone who enjoys the thrill of a hunt this one is for you baby! My favourite finds were 5 vintage leather belts that I can’t wait to use for our next editorial. I also walked away with some jackets and some wild vintage sportswear. They also have a section with antiques. Bring cash! Grace Ellington

Piccioni Fabio

If you only went to one shop this would be my recommendation - an absolute must visit.  The store felt like a museum of vintage jewellery, every wall and surface covered in jewellery  displays. Jewellery is my favourite thing to shop for, it’s easy to pack and nearly everything fits! I collect vintage brooches and I ended up buying a beautiful silver 1940s brooch that I proceeded to wear for the rest of the trip. I debated buying a silver cross necklace that felt very Christian Lacroix and Grace went with a super chic horn bangle. Katy Cutbirth

Omero & Cecilia   

Come here for a good selection of vintage Italian kitten heels and Levi’s 501’s. Less designer labels but good prices and a lot to hunt out. Grace Ellington