About Me

Hi, I’m Rachel Toy and I am a 20th century vintage blogger, vintage expert, dealer and nostalgia enthusiast. I have been selling vintage home and collectable items online for over 10 years now, and have also been blogging about 20th century nostalgia for the same time. 

My brand, Rachel’s Vintage & Retro was set up in 2014, but I have always been a vintage fan. My first flat in the 90s was filled with homeware collectables from the 50s, 60s and 70s, just because I didn’t really like what the mainstream home stores had to offer! I started buying at car boot sales with my Mum, then graduated to flea markets and antiques fairs. 

I would regularly re-organise my collection and sell items on too. In 2014 I decided to turn my love of vintage into an official business, hence Rachel’s Vintage & Retro was born!

I have a passion for 50s, 60s and 70s kitsch, as well as items from that era that are iconic and show good design. I can be found regularly at car boot sales, vintage fairs, charity shops etc sourcing items that my 20th century vintage shop customers have grown to love me for, and also the odd treat for my own home!

I am constantly learning (love a course!) and am currently studying part time for a Bachelors Degree in History with the Open University. This academic year 24/25 is all about the 20th century which is very useful. So when you work with me, you are working with a genuine historian also.

I love blogging about the 20th century, especially nostalgia, along with general tips on how to live a vintage lifestyle, and essential guides for collectors. More recently, I have been sharing insider information on how to sell vintage items. Watch this space for more to come!