The 15 Best Vintage Stores in America
Dressing with a nod to the past is totally now. Shop these boutiques for the finest throwback threads
1. The Fine Art of Design
73717 Highway 111
Palm Desert, CA 92260
760-565-7388
thefineartofdesign.com
Why You'll Love It: Founder Nicolas Delgado prides himself on nurturing a consciousness for American designers and their contributions to fashion by carrying pieces by James Galanos, Norman Norell, Geoffrey Beene, Ralph Lauren, Anne Klein, Todd Oldham, and Bill Blass. He also stocks items from European houses such as Chanel, Yves Saint Laurent, Moschino, Versace, Thierry Mugler, and Courrèges.
What You'll Find: New Look dresses, kaftans, Edwardian whites, designer handbags, costume jewelry, and more.
2. Shareen's
1721 N. Spring St.
Los Angeles, CA 90012
323-276-6226
Why You'll Love It: Its 7,000-square-foot, "no boys allowed" space doubles as a hangout for a clique of stylish women that you'll want to be a part of.
What You'll Find: A well-curated collection of fashion-forward vintage ranging from day dresses to evening gowns-and ready-to-wear pieces designed and made by Shareen herself.
Related: The Best Place to Shop in Every State
3. Scout
1646 N. Cherokee Ave.
Hollywood, CA 90028
323-461-1530
Moving Summer 2013:
8021 Melrose Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90046
scoutla.net
Why You'll Love It: Scout recently collaborated with artist Louis Dunn to create whimsical screenprinted vintage t-shirts.
What You'll Find: Designer vintage from the 1970s to the 1990s by Comme des Garçons, Yohji Yamamoto, Helmut Lang, Claude Montana, Jean Paul Gaultier, Romeo Gigli, and Maison MartinMargiela, as well as vintage and contemporary jewelry.
4. Painted Bird
1360 Valencia St.
San Francisco, CA 94110
415-401-7027
Why You'll Love It: Painted Bird is known for its ahead-of-the-curve styles and adventurous "wild card" pieces.
What You'll Find: With a selection that changes daily, you could come upon an antique lace dress, a 's Versace silk blouse, or an '80s t-shirt from your favorite band.
5. Xtabay Vintage Clothing Boutique
2515 SE Clinton St.
Portland, OR 97202
503-230-2899
xtabayvintage.com
Why You'll Love It: Its founders created the boutique with a Parisian 1930s shopping experience in mind-chandeliers, champagne, and all. Plus, Tilda Swinton fancies it.
What You'll Find: One-of-a-kind gowns from the turn-of-the-century through the 1980s that could've been worn by Carole Lombard or Jackie Kennedy, but are perfectly fit for a wedding, summer soiree, or gala you would attend today.
6. Laced with Romance
1601 S. First St.
Austin, TX 78704
512-567-9693
lacedwithromance.com
Why You'll Love It: It lives up to its name with a bewitching and mystical vibe.
What You'll Find: High-end vintage with an eccentric twist and an in-house line made from vintage fabric.
Related: The Most Requested Hairstyles in America
7. Feathers
1700 B South Congress
Austin, TX 78704
512-912-9779
feathersboutiquevintage.com
Why You'll Love It: It carries new artisan jewelry lines such as Pamela Love and Maniamania.
What You'll Find: Hand-selected pieces with unique details, altered vintage, and tops and robes made from vintage fabric.
8. Another Man's Treasure
353 Grove St.
Jersey City, NJ 07302
201-860-9990
amtvintage.com
Why You'll Love It: The boutique also has a by-appointment-only showroom (in walking distance) full of iconic designer and couture pieces, and rare and fragile Victorian treasures.
What You'll Find: Eclectic and affordable vintage from the 1900s to the 1980s with some designer pieces in the mix.
9. Mill Crest Vintage
72 Bridge St.
Lambertville, NJ 08530
609-397-4700
millcrestvintage.com
Why You'll Love It: Mill Crescent offers personalized private consultations at its on-site bridal salon.
What You'll Find: One of the largest collections in the U.S. of vintage pieces from the last century, including evening gowns and wedding, bridesmaids, cocktail, and prom dresses.
10. Narnia
161 Rivington St. #1
New York, NY 10002
672 Driggs Ave., Brooklyn, NY 11211
212-979-0661
narniavintage.com
Why You'll Love It: Owner Molly Spaulding's passion for travel has allowed her to source clothing from all over the world.
What You'll Find: Pieces not limited to any particular era, and made from handwoven textiles, worn-in leather, and natural fabrics such as cottons, linens, and silks. The boutique also carries items by Marni, Dries Van Noten, and other cutting-edge designers.
RELATED: The Best Nail Polish Colors for Your Skin Tone
11. Ritual
377 Broome St.
New York, NY 10013
212-966-4142
ritualvintage.com
Why You'll Love It: Owner Stacy Iannacone just stocked a large collection of unworn YSL pieces from 1972 and 1973. Get there before Chloe Sevigny, Alexa Chung, Kate Hudson, or one of the other regulars snatches up the best looks.
What You'll Find: Although Iannacone specializes in pre-1950s, with a huge selection of Victorian through 1940s clothing, she also houses designers from the '60s and '70s.
12. Lost and Found
510 Washington Ave.
Royal Oak, MI 48067
248-548-6154
lostandfoundvintage.com
Why You'll Love It: It's a 3,500-square-foot, tri-level Midwestern vintage mecca frequented by loyal locals and fashion savants from around the globe.
What You'll Find: An ever-changing inventory of men's and women's vintage clothing from the 1930s to the 1980s.
13. Old Made Good
3701B Gallatin Pike
Nashville, TN 37216
615-432-2882
oldmadegood.com
Why You'll Love It: Old Made Good's initials are OMG and its 2,500-square-foot floor is covered in gold glitter.
What You'll Find: Vintage Diane von Furstenberg and Coach, 1920s costume jewelry, Mid-Century modern furniture, art,and handmade jewelry.
14. Meeps
2104 Eighteenth St. NW
Washington, DC 20009
202-265-6546
meepsdc.com
Why You'll Love It: It has a costume room and a kid's section.
What You'll Find: Casual vintage from the 1960s onward, including rare sportswear, breezy '80s rompers, disco queen gowns, and cowboy button-downs.
15. Kaleidoscope Vision
1419 Tenth Ave.
Seattle, WA 98122
206-432-9689
kaleidoscopevision.us
Why You'll Love It: Childhood friends and owners Ria Leigh and Mackenzie Garfield are expanding the brand to include a line of basic wardrobe staples that will complement the vintage collection.
What You'll Find: Designer gems by Givenchy, Kenzo, Céline, and YSL, as well as accessories and lifestyle ephemera.
MORE FROM ELLE:
The Best Summer Haircut For Your Face Shape
