Best Vintage Stores In Los Angeles
For many, it's an art cultivating personal style. Hollywood costume designer and stylist Matthew Peridis adheres to his fashion philosophy – when you pull vintage pieces into an outfit, this touch alone makes contemporary fashion evolve from good to uniquely great. Shopping vintage takes patience as well as a keen eye. These five L.A. boutiques are carefully curated with garments and accessories produced from the 1920s through the 1980s, and offer ways to transport fashion nostalgia to 2013.
Resurrection
8006 Melrose Ave
Los Angeles, CA 90046
(323) 651-5516
www.resurrectionvintage.com
A great spot to visit whether you're heading to Coachella or not, Resurrection is one of those places you must visit if you're a fan of vintage wear. What's great about this spot in particular is their selection of 60's and 70's wear that will have you going back in time. After all, what's old is new again, right? Make sure to check out owner Katy Rodriguez's fashion and jewelry too.
Wasteland
1330 4th St
Santa Monica, CA
(310) 395-2620
Multiple Locations
www.shopwasteland.com
With locations in Studio City, Melrose, and in Santa Monica, Wasteland is one of those stores in LA that people equate to vintage-wear more than any other. Offering a collection of vintage and designer clothing and accessories, they have top quality items that date from the turn of the century as well as modern designer items from Alexander McQueen, Cavalli, Prada, and Gucci to name a few.
Iguana Vintage Clothing
6320 Hollywood Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90028
(323) 462-1010
www.iguanaclothing.com
Another hotspot for celebrity TV and movie stylists, Iguana Vintage Clothing celebrates that "fashion never dies." Now and then, shoppers may even spot celebrities (Bruno Mars and Lana del Rey) going through the racks seeking out something special. Men and women will find a myriad of styles that span the decades and are easy on the wallets. It's a fun shopping experience, whether you are hunting for that indie prom dress, a retro piece to add personal flair to your work uniform or you need a costume. The shop also has locations in Sherman Oaks and Pasadena.
Decades
8214 Melrose Ave
Los Angeles, CA 90046
(323) 655-1960
www.decadesinc.com
Decades on Melrose isn't your typical vintage store. You're not going to find many ripped Guns 'N Roses T-Shirts that a guy from Burbank wore in the 80's. Instead, find everything from classic Dior dresses to Chanel sunglasses from the 70's. The store is well known around the world for their impressive designer collection which is constantly being updated. Even Rachel Zoe goes here!
The Way We Wore
334 S. La Brea Ave.
Los Angeles, CA 90036
(323) 937-0878
www.thewaywewore.com
At The Way We Wore, vintage lovers shop an extensive collection of clothing, jewelry shoes and accessories spanning the 20th century. Owner and curator Doris Raymond is known for hand selecting each piece of merchandise for intricate design and quality, along with how her clients can wear it today. The boutique carries beaded gowns, iconic designer dresses (Pucci, Norell, Ossie Clark and Zandra Rhodes) and a stunning collection of flapper-style dresses from the 20s. Cocktail dresses from the 50s and 60s, with the allure of glamor and picturesque perfection, are at your fingertips as well.
My Baby Jo
10418 National Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90034
(310) 558-9244
www.mybabyjo.com
My Baby Jo has a coveted collection of vintage clothing from the 40s and 50s. Guys who are looking for rockabilly pieces and bowling shirts have come to the right place. Labels including Cruisin USA and Pendleton, and styles featuring bowling shirts and rockabilly wares make My Baby Jo an authentic source for retro-wear. Customers will also find an assortment of finishing-look accessories -- fedora straw coconut hats, newsboy caps, iron-on patches and Mexican biker rings.
Jet Rag
825 N. La Brea Ave.
Los Angeles, CA 90046
(323) 939-0528
www.facebook.com
On any given day, hipster trendsetters can walk into Jet Rag and uncover that perfect vintage touch. The store itself, located in the heart of Hollywood, is known for its clean presentation, tidy racks and great finds including fabulous dresses from the '40s and '50s, James Dean-style leather jackets and nostalgic '60s and '70s housecoats. Visit Jet Rag Sunday morning for the thrift store's $1 sale, where employees dump bags and bags of just about every piece of clothing imaginable on tarps in the front lot. Prepare to guard your treasures – everyone here is on the prowl for the "score."
Luxe De Ville
2157 Sunset Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90026
(213) 353-0135
www.luxdeville..com
A one of a kind gem located in the heart of Echo Park, this vintage store offers everything from clothing to accessories to a great selection of hand-made jewelry designed by local artists. They are well known for their vintage inspired handbags, wallets and other custom couture too. Customers can find something for every budget and designers go there as well, to find inspiring pieces.
Playclothes
3100 W Magnolia Blvd
Burbank, CA 91505
(818) 557-8447
www.vintageplayclothes.com
Serving an wide collection of vintage mens and womens fashions ranging from the 1930's to the 1980's, this store has served the LA area for over 20 years. Their focus era is from the 40' through the 60's though and their helpful staff provides a pleasurable shopping experience without the high costs of other retailers. They also have an inventory that includes vintage and antique furniture and home accessories.
Lemon Frog
1202 N Alvarado St
Los Angeles, CA 90026
(213) 413-2143
www.lemonfrogshop.com
Lemon Frog Shop is one of Los Angeles' most unique vintage clothing boutiques for women. Located at the border of the Echo Park and Silverlake districts on Alvarado and Sunset, the store is Hollywood's fashion trend setters' best kept secret and is well known especially for their accessories. At this shop you you can find one of a kind, rare clothing and accessories from the 1950's, 60's, 70's and 80's in every price range.
TAVIN Boutique
1543 Echo Park Ave
Los Angeles, CA 90026
(213) 482-5832
www.tavinboutique.com
It may be located in Echo Park, but the women's boutique might as well be in Laurel Canyon as the style it represents is very boho-chic. Opened in 2009 in the bohemian enclave of Los Angeles' Echo Park, TAVIN Boutique offers a colorful selection of modern day bohemian style clothing like Indian tunics, sundresses, lacy nightgowns as well as vintage looks too. Check out the Facebook page if you're looking for the latest and greatest.
