VINTAGE SHOPPING IN LA
Playclothes, 3100 West Magnolia Blvd, Burbank +1 818 557 8447
Well stocked, yet organized, being in Playclothes is really like walking through a giant, exciting, adventure-filled closet. Authentic vintage at affordable prices, as well as some truly inexpensive vintage reproductions. The store provides size-labeled outfits from the 40s to the 80s, sorted conveniently by era.
The Way We Wore, 334 S La Brea Avenue, Los Angeles +1 323 937 0878
A spacious designer vintage clothing store on two levels, The Way We Wore offers pristine designer vintage aimed toward the fairer sex. Leather armchairs in the front take care of accompanying boyfriends. Dresses can be expensive, but they also stock hats, bags, shoes and jewelry. The sales assistants are funny and nice! The second level is a VIP area and by special request only.
Vintage at Heart, 4377 Tujunga Avenue, Studio City +1 818 506 4495
Be transported to a calm French cottage in the countryside, in which you will soak up some warm scents, french music, and pastel colours. Did we mention the vintage closet you have full access to? All items are handpicked and selected by the buyer, with many vintage-inspired items also for sale, including tablecloths, lingerie, and household items.
Standard Issue Clothing Company, 301 East 1st Street, Los Angeles +1 213 626 1555
Hardly a year old, Standard Issue is a ‘quaint’ vintage store in Little Tokyo rebalancing the vintage stocks for men. Stocked well with motorcycle memorabilia, rare vintage T-shirts and an extensive men’s shoe collection including cowboy boots, and mod moots in excellent condition. They also provide rings, luggage, vintage leather-tooled wallets, jackets and more to empty your wallet upon. Affordable and cool – beware of addiction.
Raggedy Threads, 330 East 2nd St, Los Angeles +1 213 620 1188
Woolen sweaters, soft vintage tees, floral print rompers, vintage cameras and more in a non-pretentious and friendly store filled with love. The atmosphere and layout are well-considered, and stock is unique. Where else can you find a complete set of ‘New Kids on the Block’ action figures in their original boxes? Perfectly edited and well-priced – diamonds in the rough.
Studio Vintage, 4070 Laurel Canyon Blvd, Studio City +1 818 509 1977
Impeccable, wearable vintage for the courageous fashion fiend, the owner of Studio Vintage accrues new merchandise every few days at highly satisfactory prices. A cozy seating area near the sole dressing room is a much appreciated addition, as are the glossy magazines for browsing whilst waiting. A clean space smelling of candles, the selection is quality-controlled, organized and feminine in a helpful and friendly atmosphere.
Lemon Frog Shop, 1202-B N Alvarado St, Los Angeles +1 213 413 2143
Boots, glasses, and accessories galore, Lemon Frog Shop hosts unique eye-catching pieces that will attract compliments. Chanel (fake) and Gucci purses (real) vie for attention as do Audrey Hepburn and Betty Draper style dresses. The store provides something for every tax bracket: from an outside rack of $1-$5 items, to a section of pieces upwards of $100. The owner is sweet and attentive. Everything is special.
American Vintage, 14438 Ventura Blvd, Sherman Oaks +1 818 788 4854
Spaciously designed and fit for an OCD vintage buff, American Vintage is divided into segments for men and women, decades and styles. Beware of the ‘torturous’ back room where every dress is one ‘cannot live without.’ The service is good too, shop assistants will assist you in your quest for time travel.
Jet Rag, 825 North La Brea Ave, Los Angeles +1 323 939 0528
Jet Rag provides wearable, modern-looking items for day to day wear as well as retro 70s prom dresses, a halloween section, and a variety of shoes and purses, all at reasonable prices. Some say this is the most organized vintage store they’ve been in (style, colour, size) and guarantee your finding at least one thing you love. Come by for Dollar Sundays in which everything goes for a buck, only if you a) have the time, b) don’t mind rummaging, and c) enjoy people.
Luxe de Ville, 2157 West Sunset Blvd, Los Angeles +1 213 353 0135
Owned by Oscar, the items for sale at Luxe de Ville are not only happily priced, they are typically ahead of the fashion curve. Pick up items here you will own forever, and that will age gracefully: a vintage Celine bag, 80s Deadstock sunglasses, vintage Oscar de la Renta. Oscar also sells unique jewelry made by both local and non-local artists and designers. A hand-picked selection of quality apparel without pretentious prices.
Enid and Edgar Vintage, 510 1/2 North Hoover St, Los Angeles +1 626 391 8701
Located right next door to the EchoPlex, owners Sandy and Jason alter and fix apparel themselves for resale. Chock full of vintage dresses at moderate prices (meaning no leftovers-bins of sad toss aways), this store will help you dress yourself stylishly. Enid and Edgar Vintage also sells cheap used books and vinyl in a space filled with quirky artwork.
By Sophie Ward
