City Secrets | LA Vintage

Los Angeles is best known for its film industry, mid century architecture and laid back style; few people realize this town is also a mecca for vintage clothing shopping. Regardless of whether you are looking for a perfectly worn in biker jacket or a Christian Dior ball gown to wear to the Oscars, there is a vintage boutique to match your desire and your bankroll. Check out our list of must shop vintage haunts in LA

Los Angeles is best known for its film industry, mid century architecture and laid back style;  few people  realize this town is also a mecca for vintage clothing shopping. Regardless of whether you are looking for a perfectly worn in biker jacket or a Christian Dior ball gown to wear to the Oscars, there is a vintage boutique to match your desire and your bankroll. Check out our list of must shop vintage haunts in LA.

 

 

Shareen Vintage

 

Leave the boyfriends at home ladies, as Shareen?s Vintage boasts a sign when you enter banning boys.  Located in a huge nondescript warehouse, and without changing rooms, you won?t be able to resist stripping down and transforming into the sophisticated retro women who once owned these pieces. The cheap prices and one-of-a-kind finds will make Shareen?s your go-to for ruffled dresses and ladylike looks.

 

 

1721 N. Spring St., Los Angeles, CA 90012

 

Phone: 323.276.6226

 

 (Photo Courtesy of vialosangeles.com)

 

Decades Inc.

 

Got glamour? If not, it?s time to stop by Cameron Silver and Christos Garkinos? alluring shop, Decades.  Specifically targeting the daring fashion savvy, do not enter if you?re not all about vamping up your wardrobe.  Every day is a runway show for founder Silver, and the effortlessly sexy and unique vintage collective housed in Decades is a snapshot from every girl?s dream closet.  Decadestwo, located downstairs, is perfect for the budget-conscious fashionista, but don?t fret, there are equally extraordinary gems in the 3,000 square foot store.

 

8214 Melrose Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90046

 

Phone: 323.655.1960

 

(Photo Courtesy of elle.com)

 

 

Playclothes

 

If your whole family loves vintage fashion, a much needed group trip to Playclothes is in order.  Full of character, you will never be disappointed by the dynamic variety in this store.  Specializing in period pieces, Playclothes has outfitted shows like Mad Men, and is sure to have that statement 60?s piece you have been craving to complete your look!

 

3100 Magnolia Blvd, Burbank, CA 91505

 

Phone: 818.755.9559

 

(Photo Courtesy of playclothesvintage.tumblr.com)

 

 

Hidden Treasures

 

Not exactly sure what you want? Look no further as the charmingly decorated Hidden Treasures is sure to have something- fur coats, mantelpieces, quirky trinkets- that you won?t be able to leave behind.  Although the store isn?t designer heavy, the low prices are sure to have you leaving with bags of items to update your vintage look or home.  But remember, only enter with time to spare because your eye will jump from wall to wall spotting collectibles that you?ll just have to get your hands on.

 

154 S Topanga Canyon Blvd, Topanga, CA 90290

 

Phone: 310.455.2998

 

 (Photo Courtesy of Mademoisellerobot.com)

 

Sielan?s Vintage Apparel

 

Prepare to drool as you enter Sielan?s Vintage shop.  The decadent pieces here go all the way back to the 1920s  and are in perfect condition. Owned by power couple, Sielian Lie and Tsutomu Carton, Hollywood?s best keep secret is a go to spot for stylists and celebrities, even designers like Tory Burch have been seen shopping here. Prices may start as low as $150 but they quickly escalate to over $3,000 so be careful what you fall in love with.

 

9013 Melrose Ave. West Hollywood, CA 90069

 

Phone: 310.246.9595

 

 (Photo Courtesy of visitwesthollywood.com)

 

Jet Rag

 

Weekly $1 sales? Count me in.  Jet Rag is famous for its amazing bargain Sundays that have gone on for years.  Despite the hectic environment, the warehouse continues to attract tourists and locals alike, who are all looking to find that perfect turquoise leather jacket or nostalgic band t-shirt.  If you?re not into the crowd, it?s better to head to Jet Rag during the week when you?ll have less people to fight with and more time to browse the large storeroom which can be intimidating. 

 

825 North La Brea Avenue Los Angeles, CA 90046

 

Phone: 323.939.0528

 

(Photo Courtesy of timeout.com)

 

 

Tavin

 

Tavin is the perfect one-stop shopping destination as the boutique not only sells fabulous avant- garde pieces, but also has a selection of antique books, art and other collectibles.  The shops collection ranges from beautiful embroidered Bohemian dresses to dramatic pieces inspired by the owner Erin Julie Tavin?s, love of theatrical garments.  Tavin is the perfect place to peruse after a lazy Sunday brunch.

 

1543 Echo Park Ave Los Angeles, CA 90026

 

Phone: 213.482.5832

 

 (Photo Courtesy of pedestrian.tv)

 

Flounce Vintage

 

Flounce is perfect for the girly-girl in all of us!  The feminine dresses and relaxed environment makes it easy to spend the entire day shopping with your girlfriends.  The vintage boutique has incredible service and if the owner Lisa is in, she?s quick to hand pick pieces fitting for your personality and style.  With an array of ?old Hollywood? dresses from the 1940s-1960s and unbelievably low prices, Flounce will keep you coming back.  And for those not lucky enough to be in LA, Flounce has an online Etsy shop.

 

1555 Echo Park Avenue Los Angeles, CA 90026

 

213.481.1975

 

 (Photo Courtesy of Pedestrian.tv)

 

The Way We Wore

 

Looking for pristine vintage? The Way We Wore is the perfect place for you, as owner and style legend Doris Raymond handpicks every perfectly preserved piece.  Praised by editors and stylists around the world, pieces from The Way We Wore have made many appearances on the red carpet.  Even if you can?t afford the designer collectibles, just walking through the shop will give the illusion of a beautifully curated art gallery and is sure to increase your fashion knowledge.

 

 

334 S. La Brea Ave Los Angeles, CA 90036

Phone: 323.937.0878

 

(Photo Courtesy of thefabuloustimes.com)

 

 

Scout

 

Although not exclusively a vintage shop, Scout owner Joey Grana has made his way into one of the best vintage curators in LA.  An impeccable eye for only the coolest and chicest pieces, Grana has catalogued some of the best contemporary vintage pieces, with his current favorites being from the early 2000s.  Scout has enough flavor for the hipster teens looking for the perfect ultra-thin vintage tees.

 

1646 North Cherokee Avenue Los Angeles, CA 90028

 

Phone: 323.461.1530

 

(Photo Courtesy of inthemoment.moderndestiny.com)

 

Lily et Cie

 

This shop may not be known for its welcoming atmosphere, but that has little significance as it is the mecca of high-fashion vintage clothing.  With more than half a million pieces in stock, owner and self-proclaimed store curator, Rita Watnik, has made Lily et Cie California?s premiere vintage source.  The prices complement its Beverly Hills location, so if you dare to enter, know that you will be blown away by the impeccable collection and might just think that you?ve entered vintage heaven.

 

9044 Burton Way,  Beverly Hills, CA 90211

 

Phone:  310.724.5757

 

 (Photo Courtesy of stlmag.com)

 

The Paper Bag Princess

 

Haute Couture? Hell Yes! The Paper Bag Princess is not just any vintage shop, it is home to couture gowns from all of the major fashion houses. Owner Elizabeth Mason, former model and actress, has acquired the most desirable accessories and clothing since first opening shop in 1995.  Frequented often by celebrities, The Paper Bag Princess is perfect for those looking to add a timeless (and pricey) piece into her collection.

 

8818 West Olympic Boulevard Los Angeles, CA 90211

 

Phone: 310.385.9036

 

(Photo Courtesy of thepaperbagprincess.com)