Vintage Shops in L.A.?

[MissQueenie]

Hey gals.

I've just relocated to L.A. from San Diego, and I noticed that several of you lovely ladies are in my neck of the woods. I grew up here, but I've been gone for about 4 years and really have no idea where to shop! What are some of your favorite stores in the L.A. area?

~ Queenie.

 

[Lauren]

Since I can't seem to find that thread (maybe it's in the hats one?) and this is based on shopping, when are you planning the excursion to the garment district? I desperately need to get some more black silk before the Summit from one of my favorite shops downtown. I used to live in the Renaissance Apartments which are about 4 blocks from the California Mart in the Garment District when I was going to school, so if you need a partner in crime, let me know! I can come up on Sundays!

A vintage store for drooling is Golyester on La Brea. SUPER expensive, but oh-so-fun to look around. Also if you're into Victorian whites another place to poke around is Paris 1900 which is either in Santa Monica or Venice. I'm not quite sure... Other than that Aardvarks is always fun and is a chain of vintage/resale shops (it was the first one I ever went in when I was probably like 12! My parents actually used to buy clothes from them before I was born, so they've been around a while) and they're usually quite inexpensice in terms of vintage. And of course, you've got flea markets up there in the way of the Pasadena City College (which is free) and the Rose Bowl (which is not free but fun to go to. more for an event than bargains for the most part. there's no way to see the place in a day!).

Now go shop shop shop so we can see you on the Queen Mary!!

 

[MissQueenie]

Hey Lauren!

I can pretty much go to the garment district anytime, since it's pretty close (just up Figueroa, right on 9th, presto!) This Sunday might be a little tough because my friend is having a birthday and roleplaying in the afternoon, but I'm thinking I might be fashionably late to that anyway, so let me know if this weekend works. We can always go downtown next Sunday as well, if you prefer, but I'm anxious about getting to the Cinema Glamour Shop asap before all the best stuff goes (I'm sure we're in the same boat about that). It'd be great to hit the fashion district with an expert!

As for shops, I've driven past "The Way We Wore" on La Brea just south of 3rd on my way to the market pretty often, but I always go after work so it's always closed! I'm looking up the address for Gloyster...Melrose sometimes has some great stuff -- back when I lived in L.A., I very occassionally got lucky at Wasteland on Melrose; Aardvark's (both locations) is hit or miss for me, but I should really go back and check it out. I'm dying to get over to the flea markets, too, since I've never been...Paris 1900 has some gorgeous things, but they're all much, much too expensive and her hours are really bizarre. Anyway, if you come up, maybe we can do a whirlwind tour of a handful of the best vintage places!

~ Queenie.

 

[Lauren]

That would be fun! I can't this weekend or next weekend for sure, becuase I'll be out of town for a business trip, and I've got some things to get ready before I go, but maybe when I get back? I think I remember the Studio Shop only being open mon-fri but I could be wrong. In that case, I may not be able to go! But I'll let you know when I get back. Dang, you're close to where I lived! I was on the corner of Olympic and Spring st! Let me know how "The Way we Wore" is. I've never been to that one!

 

[MissQueenie]

I'll do some recon this weekend and let you know if I see anything great Let me know when you've got a date in mind and I will clear the day!

~ Q

 

[CourtneyJordan]

I must have a say here since LA is my town! Unfortunately, most of the vintage in LA are filled with overpriced clothing, mainly from the late 1960s and beyond. Many of the things labeled vintage are not even vintage. In my search, I have found a few great places that I am willing to share with you all on here.

1) Sherman Oaks Antique Mall
2) Wertz Brothers Antique Mart
3) Playclothes Vintage Fashions

These three are my favorite because they all cater to tastes of the early 1900s- 1950s, and they all have affordable garments.
I highly suggest all of these places!!

-Courtney