Second Voyage Vintage
Second Voyage Vintage is a groovy spot selling vintage clothing and antiques in Riverside.
Second Voyage began as an Etsy shop. "I was doing a lot of antiquing in the mid-2000s and I accumulated a lot of stuff," recounts the store's owner, Kyle Burton.
In 2015, Burton opened his first brick and mortar shop in Moss Park. Two years ago, they relocated to Riverside. "Riverside is now our home," says Burton.
Outside, a $10 sales rack of clothing and selection of antiques, such as vintage board games flank the retro storefront for passer-byers to gaze upon.
Walking in, I was confronted with an overwhelming amount of cool clothing, accessories and antiques to look through.
"I love every decade from as early as the 1930s to [as late as] Y2K. I love the 70s. It was just such a fun and cool time for fashion," says Burton.
There is a clear 1970s bias to the shop. As a lover of 70s design myself, the plastic Space Age kitchenware ($4-$24) and pair of lamps ($148) were calling my name.
The former, along with many other antiques, were extremely well priced. If I had any room in my kitchen cabinets, I would snatch up the $4 orange Space Age plates in a heartbeat.
There is huge range of other housewares to admire, from vintage glassware ($7-$148), to poker sets ($24), to knit blankets ($18-$58), to paintings and artwork ($34-$298).
Vintage Playboys and other men's magazines ($20), spanning the 1960s to 1990s, are also for sale.
Second Voyage's array of clothing and accessories is equally as vast and intriguing.
Vintage dresses are $18-$78. Tropical button down shirts go for $24-$38. I spotted a pair of brown faux fur pants retailing at $48.
My personal favourite section was their assortment of funky, patterned skirts ($24-$58). The shining selection of accessories was quite impressive. Displays of $10 brooches and $20 bolo ties could be found in the store.
In a small glass display case, feather bow ties ($28) were available for the modern-day dandy. Burton aims to create an pleasant in-person shopping experience for customers, the importance of such was underscored by the pandemic, he explains.
"During the pandemic, I think people missed shopping in-person. Especially with vintage, you want to touch the fabric, you want to try it on and make sure it fits. It's really hard to make sure something works for you when you're buying it online."
"There will always be a need for in-person shopping. I want to create a welcoming, warm and fun atmosphere for people to come shop," he adds.
This he accomplishes. Burton and his staff were inviting and I had a blast sifting through all the vintage wares during my visit.
Second Voyage Vintage is the perfect place to hunt for affordable antiques to furnish your apartment or a new statement piece for your wardrobe on a lazy Saturday. Second Voyage Vintage is located at 734 Queen St. East.
Fareen Karim