Dainty Vintage

Dainty Vintage is a thrift boutique in Għargħur, a village in the north of Malta, and it specialises in vintage Coach handbags. The shop sits at 38 Triq Stiefnu Zerafa and opens Tuesday to Saturday, so it is easy to fit in around a day of sightseeing in the north of the island.

It is listed in our directories of antique and vintage shops in Malta and clothing shops in Malta. If you like secondhand finds with a bit of personality, this is a good place to browse.

Where the shop began

The business started in 2020 during the pandemic lockdowns, when the founder, Kelly, could not go thrifting and learned to sew instead. That project, Thrifted District Vintage, later grew into Dainty Vintage. A friend, Lexi, joined as creative director, and together they built the boutique and its online shop.

Their aim is to help customers express themselves through unique pieces, some vintage and others sustainably made. Styles on the site range from fairycore and whimsigoth to Y2K, cottage core, boho chic and soft streetstyle.

What is on the rails

The range covers tops, dresses, trousers, shorts, skirts, jackets and coats, and a full denim section including jeans, dungarees and jackets. There is also a lingerie collection with corsets and slip dresses, a €10 Rail for budget finds, shoes, belts, purses and greeting cards.

Designer bags are a highlight. The shop stocks vintage Coach in styles from soft pebbled leather hobos to canvas crossbodies and buckle saddle bags, as well as pieces such as a Dooney & Bourke pink monogram mini tote. Listings describe condition honestly, noting small scuffs or marks where they exist.

Jewellery includes rings, necklaces, bracelets, earrings, belly rings, waist chains and anklets in 18k gold plated, waterproof finishes, which makes them practical for the beach. Prices run from about €10 for items on the budget rail to more than €100 for some designer pieces.

Every item is a one-off, so what you see online today may be gone tomorrow, so it pays to ask quickly if a piece catches your eye. There is also a guide to telling genuine vintage from vintage-inspired clothing, which helps anyone new to thrifting and wondering what is truly old. Buying secondhand also keeps good clothes in circulation, in keeping with the sustainable pieces the founders want to offer. Shoppers who like to try before they buy can combine a visit with a handpick appointment and ask about sizing, fabrics and condition in person.

Visiting and ordering

The boutique is open Tuesday to Saturday between 11am and 6pm and closed on Sunday and Monday. Customers can also book a handpick appointment, and the jewellery can be tried on in store, which is handy if you are unsure about sizes or finishes. Għargħur is a short drive from the larger towns, and the nearby Agenda Bookshop and AldoPics photography studio are both listed in our directory.

Online orders ship within 5 to 7 days, delivery in Malta is free, and an express option is available at checkout if you need a piece sooner, for instance before a trip or an event. Worldwide shipping means UK visitors can have a find posted home. For wider sightseeing, our Mdina guide and Valletta guide cover the island's best-known towns.

Planning your trip

Our things to do in Malta page suggests ways to fill the rest of the day, the flights to Malta guide shows how to arrive from the UK, and the Malta weather guide helps with packing. For background on the islands, see about Malta.

To ask the boutique about a piece or an appointment, use the VisitMalta.co.uk enquiry form on this page and we will pass your message to the business.