I didn’t expect to find any vintage stores in Punta del Este. I mean, it’s Uruguay. And it’s a beach resort. This and the other small towns along the coast really only flourish four months out of the year, when the flock of Argentinians and Brazilians flies in for the summer and nestles itself in the beautiful apartments and family houses. But to my surprise I found not one, but three stores! And each of them carried the same kind of women’s vintage: spotless, white, Victorian cotton, silk or lace undergarments and wedding gowns in perfect condition, and with a hefty price tag.

Graciela Borges was definitely the most enchanting, with white columns in front and a boudoir interior that takes you back to a time when parasols and picnic blankets defined the sandy landscape. It made shopping incredibly delicate, cheerful and fluttery. I borrowed white cotton shorts, a white lace camisole, a long white lace robe and a straw hat and threw all this over my orange Top Shop banana bikini. All I needed was some dapper Englishman to ride off with me on this white horse…. Uh… A cow more likely. Again, it’s Uruguay.

Photos by Gonzalo Romero.