1. Spiegelbeeld
Huidenstraat 24, Negen Straatjes (“Nine Streets”) area

Spiegelbeeld (Dutch for “mirror play”) is the place to search for secondhand designer labels like Manolo Blahnik, Burberry, Dolce & Gabbana and Calvin Klein. You’ll also find popular Dutch labels like Dries van Noten and Laundry Industry. The owner of this small but high-quality shop is almost always there to lend a hand and her honest opinion.

2. Laura Dols
Wolvenstraat 6 & 7, Negen Straatjes (“Nine Streets”) area

With a vintage inventory that warrants two stores on the same block, Laura Dols is a secondhand staple in Amsterdam. At the bigger location (Wolvenstraat 7) you’ll find racks of clothes spanning five decades (quite well-organized by color) and unique accessories like enamel-buckle wide belts and beaded bags. The back room and basement, full of party dresses perfect for everything from cocktails to a play-it-again prom, are sure to please any vintage hound.

Across the street at Wolvenstraat 6 are coats galore and a collection of vintage embroidered tea towels, pillowcases, tablecloths and European farm linens.

3. Episode
Waterlooplein 1, Old Centrum area
Berenstraat 1, Negen Straatjes (“Nine Streets”) area

With branches in Amsterdam, Antwerp, Brussels, London and Rotterdam, Episode dresses throngs of a mostly young clientèle in thrift-store finds. The two Amsterdam locations both feature men’s and women’s clothes with a strong focus on the 70s and 80s. Their collection of old Levi’s and military-style jackets is hard to beat.

4. Daffodil
Jacob Obrechtstraat 41, Oud Zuid (“Old South”) area

Filling a gap in the secondhand shopping market, Daffodil stocks its tiny corner shop with classic trousers and skirts, sophisticated suits and seasonal outfits. Most brands are mid-level and local, like Pauw, Claudia Strater and Mexx. Lucky shoppers will find Chanel or Yves Saint Laurent.

image:Proud2bme