Rewind the Old The Odd & The New

Another admirable collection of the finest the op shops and warehouses had to offer in second hand clothing and accessories, all sourced into one compact store. Unlike a lot of the other retro stores in the area, a hefty portion of their goods are from decades farther back in time than the 1980s.
A lot of the accessories are real statement pieces, and will not appeal to anyone wanting to fade into the background, although that statement also applies to pretty much everything else this store has to offer, too. Most of the sizes are on the smaller side, which is to be expected considering the eras from which they are sourced, but occasionally you find something cut so the modern day average Australian woman can shine, too. Like most vintage stores, it can be a bit pricey, but you’re unlikely to find anyone else with the same thing.
There’s about the right ratio of stock to store space, so there’s enough to keep you occupied for a few minutes without feeling as though you’re drowning in an avalanche of potential finds you simply haven’t the energy to sift through. The staff are friendly and helpful if you need them, but don’t get in your way if you don’t.
There’s always a few sparkly and metallic numbers amongst its wares, so the magpies among us will usually be entertained. As with most shops of this genre, you have to happen by at the right time for the store to be open, but I’ve somehow managed to sync up with its’ timetable frequently enough.

Rewind is one of the many vintage/​retro shops opening up on Lygon Street and in Melbourne. One thing that seems to set it apart is
— it’s window display
— it’s opening hours
So that’s two. The window display is inviting and lets the viewer think that if it’s this good in the window maybe it’s even better inside. And that’s when the other gets you in the kicker. Of the many times I’ve passed this store and thought about going in, it hasn’t actually been open. Maybe it was a bad week but late afternoon are your best shot at it being open. Saturdays possibly even better.
The wares are good, suitable for those wanting to re live 1950s fashion, or even as recent as 60s with flares and all manner of madness. There are a few cameras that look to old and good to be true, and a few other knicknacks for the perusal.
So, Rewind is a winner if you happen to find it open.

Rewind, turn back time and retrograde yourself into this glamorous little vintage clothing store and channel your inner Audrey/​Joan/​Grace/​Sophia (god knows those ladies are still infinitely more interesting than today’s Britney/​Rhianna/​Cheryl/​whatever).
There’s loads of animal print, bling, leather and fur in this one-​stop glamour shop, and interesting little brooches, rings and sunglasses for flamboyant accessorising.
The vintage dresses are in excellent condition, freshly dry-​cleaned or laundry washed, and they are all gorgeous. The price reflects this so it is quite expensive, but if you’re after a one-​of-​a-​kind dress for a special occasion, and you don’t want to buy new, this is the shop to find it.
I came in here to find black, lacey gloves to wear with a vintage dress to a ‘Mad Men’ party. There was nothing in store, but the lovely owner reckoned he had some at home and asked me to come back tomorrow. I returned the next day and, true to his word, two pairs of black lace wrist gloves for my eyes only.
Such service, such style.