After a long search, I finally bumped into a little bit of vintage heaven in Newcastle.
It's the night before I leave the city of coal and kind hearts and I'm chuffed to have discovered Vintage18.
If I ran as fast as I could from here to there it would take me less than 30 seconds, so I'm sort of glad I'm off because I'd be there ALL the time spending ALL my money.
The narrow shop is small, but carefully lined with clothes that you know the owner Lynn would wear if she could or had the time.
It's not a mishmash of random stuff that someone hopes to punt off - there's lots of carefully selected pieces you want to buy, take home and wear straight away.
One of the first things I spotted was a black long lace coat that belonged to her grandmother.
I asked if I could try it on, but she hesitated and shyly said it was just for show and to share.
I'm was so okay with that as there was plenty more to distract my attention.
The future of Vintage18 I'm told is wedding dresses and Hawaiian shirts.
I'm not sure how that will work, but when you have a business in the land of hen and stag do's, I suppose there's a natural economic urge to provide for the clientele.
I was here for hours and did buy a white skirt with a belt in my favourite colour - holiday blue door. Lynne says it's a circular skirt from the 50s. When you put it on and twirl it whirls around you and forms a perfect circle.
I bought a cream skirt covered in autumn leaves and branches. I imagined wearing it with a very heavy brown cardigan, boots and scarf. A light, but warm in winter sort of look. I've not done it yet, but I have plans.
Vintage18 is definitely a place to visit - one I hope more people will make an effort to find.
Address: NE1 4HZ
Attica
Attica was the first place I headed to when I arrived in the North.
It's a treasure trove filled with things that makes you feel like a lucky magpie bathing in gold coins.
On a chilly late afternoon - the warm yellow glows from the lamps strategically scattered - make you feel like you've stepped into a shop of sunshine.
Every time I've come here, I've happily let go at least an hour of my life looking through clothes, trying on coats, stroking the furniture and wishing I had a massive van to take it all away to my massive imaginary house.
The furniture section is definitely way better than the clothes bit, but it's delightful place just waiting for you to pop by.
Address: NE1 1EZ
Retro Clothing
There's not much to say about Retro. It's a standard place that's on my way to Attica, so I always have a look just in case there's something worthwhile. I've bought a pair of shoes for £12.
They are beautiful but realistically too small. I need to find them and then find an event where I don't have much walking to do.
Address: NE1 1EZ
Tyneside Market
You will love this place - even if you buy nothing.
Trinkets, house items, furniture reclaimed stuff, home made cakes, coffee, old books, newly polished retro tiles - are all waiting for someone to see their charm.
What's better than doing a wee bit of vintage shopping, eating fish and chips while you watch the waves and hope the seagulls don't shit on your head.
When the thought of work is looming and Monday morn is getting closer, it's one of those trips that makes you feel you've had a worthwhile day.
Get off the train at Tyneside Station and you will know you have arrived.
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