First Class Second Hand: DE TU a MI

Vintage stores have always had their own magic for me. Simply because each of them is unique – unlike all those globalised brand stores that look the same in every city around the world. DE TU a MI in Santa Catalina I only discovered recently but loved it right away. Ruth Jiménez’s collection of clothing and accessories is handpicked exclusively from selected brands. The labels read like a Who’s Who of international fashion, yet I was surprised to discover some names I had never heard of.

Everything in the store is for sale – even Ruth’s writing desk, a slim 50’s style table, the plain industrial lamps, and the traditional old workbench now displaying colorful jewelry. There is also a lovely choice of classic panama hats from a milliner who closed down, a beautiful selection of silk and cashmere scarves from Nepal, a few really special clutches made from antique kilims, and a lot more to adorn yourself or your home. Come summer, Ruth will offer some cool beach stuff such as linen dresses, towels and bags, much of it handmade on the island. I’ll sure be back for that.

Before she opened DE TU a MI in July 2012, Ruth’s father-in-law had a barbershop in that same space. When she was looking for a new professional challenge around then, he kindly offered her the place to start her own business. Together with her husband Gabriel she completely renovated the premises and turned them into the lovely shop it is today, she told me proudly. So it’s not only the clothes that have a story but the store itself has one, too. Maybe you will notice when you step inside.