vintage shopping in LA
A (hopefully!) easy guide to start vintage shopping in LA:
My favorite vintage purse
Let’s start with our favorite definition of vintage from Cambridge English Dictionary:
“(esp. of something old) of high quality and lasting value, or showing the best characteristics typical of the person who created it.”
Hopefully this helps takes away the intimidation surrounding the word “vintage” & how, where, & when you’re shopping for it.
How ‘bout thinking of it like this – for all of us trying to be eco-concious & responsible shoppers, this is a really easy way to do it. You’ll feel good about the things you buy & they’ll bring new vibes to your home & closet without having to spend an insane amount of money.
Oh… & everyone that works at these spots are super friendly, welcoming, & helpful, too. We know from firsthand experience.
Feel like freshening up your place with some vintage goods?
#1: Vintage on Venice in Mar Vista
Vintage on Venice in Mar Vista
Full of mid-century modern finds like side tables, serving dishes, cooking stuff, & treasures that they have picked up along the way in their never-ending travels.
#2: 6th and Detroit in East Village, Long Beach
Macrame, perfect plants with ceramics & unique wicker home goods.
We picked up a vintage Mexican blanket that can be used at the beach, on a bed or for cozy nights on the couch.
#3: UCLA Thrift Store in West Los Angeles
ceramic bowl found at UCLA Thrift Store
The UCLA Thrift Store includes inexpensive treasures donated to benefit research at UCLA.
We’ve found some of our favorite handmade ceramics, handcrafted wood bowls & one-of-a-kind furniture. We scored our bedroom dresser here & have never seen it anywhere else.
Refinery 29 did a great list of LA thrift shops that includes the UCLA Thrift Store as one of their favorites when vintage shopping in LA.
#4: Venice Vintage Paradise in Venice
Pop in to one of their three Venice locations for eye-catching home goods, vintage wool, knit sweaters & for some of the most gorgeous outdoor furniture you have ever seen.
Like to entertain? Definitely follow their Instagram for that perfect piece you didn’t know you needed.
Want to liven up your closet?
Again, check out UCLA Thrift Store.
We’ve found vintage sandals, a perfect white dress made by Sea New York ($20 for a brand new $364 dress), & this amazing vintage basket bag (seen below).
Vintage basket bag
#5: Haute Seconds in Santa Monica
Looking for a perfect, casual top? Love Joie, DVF or JBrand?
We’re pretty sure stylists bring their extra stuff here, so it’s always worth peeking in even for a few minutes when you’re looking for a piece or two for a new season.
#5: Hellhound Vintage in Los Angeles (online)
If you already know what you love & it includes vintage rock tees & Indian cotton print dresses or skirts, then check out their site.
This Los Angeles based couple also frequents events all around the city if you prefer to buy stuff in person. The last time I bought a vintage wrap skirt from them, they sent me a Grateful Dead sticker in the box. Yep, I love them.
Feel like making a day of your vintage adventure?
Combine a trip to Long Beach’s 6th and Detroit with a visit to Ay, qué Vintage – an affordable vintage shop filled with cute, easy to wear finds & MADE in Long Beach – all goods made in Long Beach, old school vinyl & carefully selected vintage purses & clothing.
Check out this great feature done by The Vintage Vegans about Ay, qué Vintage.
Image credit: The Vintage Vegans
MADE in Long Beach
Have a favorite vintage spot in Southern California?
Would you mind sharing it with us? We’d love to check it out & share it with others, too.
Send us pics of your finds when vintage shopping in LA!
we remind Angelenos of what “living locally” has to offer.
barrio.la finds local companies making high quality, eco-friendly goods right here in Southern California.
Los Angeles has so much going on & is alive with eclectic neighborhoods, places to see & things to do – so while we’re at it – we keep you in the know about cool things going on in your own ‘hood & the cool people making it all happen.
feel like wandering with us?
cool… ’cause that’s what we do here.
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