There is nothing quite like flouncing the night away in a glamourous vintage gown.

But why let the retro  fantasy stop there? You can outfit your whole life  at Beltine's  A Vintage Affair. The shop owners  are constantly bringing in new treasures like mid-century modern furniture, 1950s costume jewellery,  bright and graphic housewares and racks of tulle dresses.  For men, there's an entire Don Draper section of classic looks.

And just like that, everything old is new again. —Kait Kucy

A Vintage Affair, 638 11th Avenue SW, Calgary, 587-351-7363, http://www.avintageaffair.ca

Secondhand children’s wear is great in theory, but trawling through crowded used clothing stores with poorly labeled goods makes a bargain seem less valuable.

At A Size Too Small, you’ll find the opposite problem. The curated children’s clothing and toys site features a mix of stylish new items and secondhand pieces that are so beautifully presented, it’s tough to believe they are used. Our favourite new pieces include Little Dace dresses ($70) and this unbelievably stylish Nico.Nico blue trench (pictured, $130.) Their “found” garments include a ridiculously cute worn denim shirt ($12), and an amazing pair of red and white retro baby shoes (pictured, $20.)

Of course you had better get in there fast, the found pieces are one of a kind, and in one size only. So prepare to be the one shedding those tears if you miss out on something fantastic. —Alexandra Suhner Isenberg

www.asize2small.com

Her collection of vintage frocks and baubles attracts Toronto's top stylists and designers and her window displays are known to stop traffic. It’s no surprise then that The Cat's Meow Louise Cooper’s blog is an attention-grabber too.

With tips, trends and the latest additions to her store, this vintage portal is a fun place to escape to while dining al desko. Have a look at me wearing full-length vintage Valentino skirt in Cooper’s Out and About section.

We’re lusting after these ridiculously showy Chanel sunnies ($895, pictured) and who could say no to a fanny pack ($595) to match? —Athena Tsavliris

www.thecatsmeowcouture.com/blog

It's an easy, breezy, seventies-y summer. For the maxi to match, swing over to primo vintage e-boutique Shrimpton Couture.

Cherie, the beauty and brains behind Shrimpton, loves all things '70s best—and the best is all she stocks. There are Christian Dior caftans and op-art Lanvins and signature-printed Puccis. To spend less, seek out-of-print cult labels: a rose-and-porcelain John Kloss dress (intended as a slip, but whatever) is $350, while a gorgeous geisha-print Paganne is $425.

Just add wooden platforms and an overblown silk flower in your hair. —SNP

www.shrimptoncouture.com

If watching Mildred Pierce and The Kennedys has you dreaming of fashions from bygone eras, A Vintage Collective will satisfy all those pillbox hat and waist-hugging dress desires.

Specializing in vintage from the 1920s to the 1980s, the Fashion Central Shop is made up of three different vintage boutiques, Bonton Vintage, Vintage Bliss and Patina Designs that combine their accessories and wears for a one-stop shop. Outshine Katie Holmes in a Jackie O-inspired coat, channel Kate Winslet as Mildred in a fitted skirt suit, or, create your very own look in a vintage lace overlay dress paired with white gloves.

Just divine. —MG

A Vintage Collective, 801 First St. SW, Calgary, www.facebook.com/AVintageCollective

When it comes to family heirlooms, who said it had to be your own kin?

Stay with the old but start new at the Birks Vintage Jewellery Event. On until the end of the month at the downtown location, the traveling collection includes pieces from all over the world that are on consignment, estate jewellery and replicas of vintage items. Jewellery is verified for quality and worth and priced accordingly. If you’re in the market to sell rather than buy, the store also offers consignment appointments.

There’s just something special about the sparkle of bygone eras.

Birks, TD Square, 317 Seventh Ave. SW, Calgary, 403-260-8700, www.birks.com


We're definitely not a smother mother, but neither are we a slummy mummy.

Perhaps that's why we're drawn again and again to the gorgeous wares at Nonchalant Mom.

We can attest personally to the loveliness of the pillows and delicate angel wings of Atsuko et Akiko and are lusting for their new sparkly masks and dressups.

We also love the Fleamarket section for its vintage toddler spoons and forks.

Which we will so nonchalantly integrate into our carefully curated collection of original Beatrix Potter bowls and Birks silver cups… not that we care, or anything.

www.nonchalantmom.com

The coolest phrase a fashionista can mutter is, "It's vintage."

Used House of Vintage's ultra hip staff will help you put together an outfit from head-to-toe or show you how to wear that sequined cape, leather sweater or 1950s dress.

A sister store to Vancouver’s Granville Street location, the boutique brings in retro fashions from the 1920s to the 1990s. The store also has an impressive accessories collection including true vintage, vintage-inspired and modern pieces to complete the look.

Used House of Vintage, 738A 17th Ave. SW, Calgary, 403-228-5407.

The thrill of the hunt just got more exciting with the reopening of Cat's Eye Vintage.

A favourite among stylists, the treasure trove of vintage clothing, retro costumes, accessories and furniture has been resurrected in the old Alberta Boot Company space. The 5,000-square-foot room is packed to the rafters with garments, so be prepared to search. After a thorough rummage, we came across a Wayne Clark dress and a vintage Halston, and couldn’t resist a leather cropped jacket and a 1940s hat.

Cats may have nine lives, but vintage never dies. 

Cat’s Eye Vintage, 614 10th Ave. SW, Calgary, 403-640-4090

Sometimes you want something old and sometimes, something new. And when it comes to your home, who said you can’t have both? 

The collection of dressers (from $550) by Just Raquel Boho Vintage Furniture lets you pay homage to bygone eras while still maintaining a modern esthetic.

Antique dressers are hand-sanded, refurbished and painted in bold hues. Each drawer is lined with damask wallpaper and adorned with funky new knobs. So if you love grandma’s dresser but it just doesn’t work in your home, get it redone in a fire engine red and voila, it’s the perfect entryway piece that’s still part of the family.

At Poor David’s, 312 First St. W., Cochrane, 403-851-2070.