In a time when what is new and trendy most often infatuates the consumer, it is a breath of fresh air to shop through stores that radiate uniqueness and offer a look back to the past.

Vintage and consignment shopping or antiquing allows a one-of-a-kind opportunity to pick up a piece and find the meaning or true beauty in something that has been given away.

A true day of vintage shopping requires hopping around. Each location has something rare to offer — which locale has the perfect piece for an empty wall or wardrobe is a mystery.

An excellent starting point in Raleigh is Five Points. Five Points contains an eclectic mix of boutiques and specialty shops conveniently concentrated at the intersection of Fairview Road and Glenwood Avenue.

Walking down the sidewalk of Glenwood Avenue, a bit of eye candy strikes in the form of delicately hung wind chimes, pieces of pottery scattering the ground and a few selections of uniquely beautiful furniture mixed in between.

It’s nearly impossible to find the doorway through the chaotic store front, but after catching sight of the small glass door of Village Antiques, a friendly face is quick to emerge.

His name is Sampson, the designated store greeter, and this Saint Bernard and boxer mix welcomes customers with a wag of a tail and smiling eyes.

“We call him ‘Handsome Sampson,'” owner Todd O’Brien said.

The interior of Village Antiques is “displayed very artfully,” with beautiful finds ranging from delicate glasses to elegantly detailed chairs and tables.

“I have an eclectic mixture of things from all over the place,” O’Brien said. “I have something for everyone.” The store offers price ranges across the board, and O’Brien said he is generally willing to negotiate.

After picking out some new decor, around the corner and across the street is Revolver, a boutique containing a selection of furniture and house items, but with a vast array of men’s and women’s vintage and designer clothing as well.

Indeed, it is hard to resist slipping into this store that resides back from the street in an old, cozy stone house with a touch of purple and white on the roof top.

Revolver has a diverse selection, something different in each room. Circular racks are full of graphic T-shirts, and the walls are lined with everything from jeans to cocktail tops.

Liz Johnson, owner of Revolver, said there is great appeal in the “designer clothing for less than half the price.”

Toward the back of the store, jewelry by local artists is showcased along side a small section of formal and evening wear.

“The store is great for formals because it is the kind of thing that you only wear once,” Johnson said.

And without a doubt, many of the evening pieces are striking enough to make a memorable impression on any formal occasion.

A few shops down is the noted consignment shop, Villa Consegna. This “House of Consignment,” has a classic feel with black and white striped panels and timeless boxes and shopping bags from the likes of Prada, Chanel and Saks Fifth Avenue.

Unlike Revolver, which has only been open for a few months, Villa Consegna has been open for around 13 years. The store receives clothing from consigners in nine countries around the world.

In this women’s shop, formal pieces are found in the front of the rectangular space, and it extends into casual wear and jewelry in the rear.

Owner Judy Pridgen said the store carries “everything from play wear to evening wear.” Villa Consegna receives new things daily, adding to an incredible collection that includes vintage Gucci heels, classic Kate Spade wallets and black Prada flats, to name a few.

“We cater to the student,” Pridgen said. “We like to get people to start shopping consignment at that age because it lasts through life.”

After shopping around Five Points, heading downtown to Father & Son on West Hargett Street is perhaps one of the most worthwhile destinations.

Father & Son is three stories of furniture, art, clothing, accessories and anything else under the sun. Walking into the building, the sparkling streamers seem to signal that it is indeed the “vintage Mecca.”

Debi Kuszaj is one of the 12 dealers who fill Father & Son with clothing and objects that are looking for a home.

Kuszaj looks for funky things that often follow the fashion trends.

“You can find the real vintage pieces and mix it with modern pieces,” Kuszaj said.

She expressed that many people have the misperception that liking vintage pieces means wearing them from head to toe.

“It’s not about that,” she said. “It’s about making it your own, so you don’t look like everyone else.”

Her husband Dan Kuszaj, a senior in criminology, is also a part of the Father & Son team. “It’s a passion of both of ours,” Kuszaj says. “We turn family trips into buying trips.”

Due to buying all over the country, Father & Son truly has an item for everyone — whether it’s a Ninja Turtles lunchbox, a vintage Chanel purse or a retro jogging suit.

Those with a taste for art will find incredible pieces to adorn their walls. Store-goers can find interesting art collectibles in the bathroom of Father & Son too.

It is always important to keep an open mind upon entering any of these locations. Appearances are often deceiving, something Kuszaj has found to be very true.

“A woman whose car broke down in front of the store walked in and said, ‘What is this, some kind of ghetto antique store?'” Kuszaj said.

Obviously, not everyone has an eye for vintage.