Some of the items for sale at Centennial’s new vintage clothing store, Slots Vintage, at 305 Port Union Rd. The shop also has a nail studio called Nailed by Kales.
By Amanda Pompilii
Whether it’s that ’90s sports jersey you remember from your childhood or that 2000s skirt you never knew you needed, more and more Canadians are incorporating fashion from local vintage shops into their closets, and it’s clear to see why. Vintage clothing shops not only offer rare finds that spark memories and creativity, giving a new life to well-loved pieces, but also promote local, sustainable and affordable shopping practices.
These values – combined with a healthy dose of nostalgia and artistry – are at the core of Centennial’s new vintage clothing store, Slots Vintage, which opened its doors at 305 Port Union Rd. in late October.
The local store was created and is now co-owned by Josh and his fiancée, Kayla, who also runs her nail salon, Nailed by Kales, from a studio inside the shop. Josh said that their curation of clothes dates from the ’80s to the 2000s. The inspiration behind the store was “sustainability and an appreciation for old clothes and the quality of clothing from back then.”
This appreciation for not only the nostalgia of second-hand pieces, but also their versatility and preservation, is evoked throughout the shop. Customers are immediately greeted by the cheerfully retro slot machine logo paired with the eclectically charming decor of VHS tapes, comic books and sports posters that brought me back to the early 2000s.
The shop’s affordably priced and stylistically wide array of clothing ranges from XS to 3XL and includes graphic shirts, jerseys, jackets, jeans, cargo pants, shorts and skirts. There are plenty of Y2K and ’90s clothes as well. I was especially blown away by the excellent condition these clothes were in, many of which looked brand new. In addition to being well-loved, they are very well cared for. There is also a selection of sweaters, shirts and stickers designed with variations of the local shop’s vintage-styled logo.
Kayla’s in-store nail studio offers custom artistic nail masterpieces by appointment. Her designs are as unique and creative as her inviting pink studio, which is complete with an inspiration wall full of photos of her past works. You can check out her website at nailedbykales.square.site for examples of her designs, a complete list of services, and to book an appointment.
With the welcoming nostalgia of Slots Vintage and the innovative artistry of Nailed by Kales, this local shop strikes the perfect balance between embracing the styles of the past and the present, all while delivering on quality, affordability and sustainability. You can keep up to date on the store’s events and promos through their Instagram: @slotsvintage. Their hours of operation are 12 p.m. to 6 p.m. Wednesdays through Saturdays and 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. on Sundays.