Jaunted's Three Favorite Vintage Shops In Los Angeles

August 13, 2009 at 9:13 AM | by Heidi Atwal | Comments (0)

Los Angeles is the epicenter of all things trendy and Californian. You need not look any further than Robertson Boulevard�a street reviled by some fashion lovers, but embraced by a sect of label-centric shoppers�for proof positive. Yet the city breeds vastly different identities, and by extension, expressions of what is en vogue.

Balenciaga and Balmain may rule in Beverly Hills, but down Melrose Avenue and further eastbound you'll find that style is influenced by throwbacks to decades long gone, and some still fresh in recent memory. (Hello, '90s grunge revival in Echo Park.) If, like us, you have a penchant for '70s boho-wear and clothing that comes at a price point that won't afflict you with sticker shock, then vintage shopping is where your well-earned money should go.

Jaunted's Top Vintage Shops In Los Angeles:

· Wasteland
Though the 8000 block of Melrose has been taken over by names like Marc Jacobs and Alexander McQueen, many a vintage shop can be found on its lower end. Of all these, Wasteland is the most prominent and well-known destination for consignment and vintage goods. Be forewarned that a few pieces err on the side of pricey, though goods are still significantly less expensive than something off the rack at Neiman Marcus. Some newer items are mixed with the vintage selection you'll find in the back, including sought after contemporary labels at resale prices. Still, we always gravitate toward the vintage boy cut blazers and long dresses, which are what make the store special. 7428 Melrose Avenue, 323.653.3028

· Jetrag
Down the street and around the corner is Jetrag, a two-story emporium of funky jackets, well-weathered leather purses, old burnout tees, and floral dresses galore�arranged by color, no less. It's a mishmash of eras and aesthetics, making Jetrag a semi-overwhelming (but in a good way) shopping destination. Visiting on Sunday mornings is a must, when piles of clothes are dumped in the front parking lot for a weekly one-dollar sale. You heard us right: a buck per piece. It's recession fashion at its best. 825 North La Brea Avenue, 323.939.0528

· American Rag Cie
The last stop on our mini vintage tour of L.A. is American Rag Cie, which, like Wasteland, also sells clothes that are pristine and new. We bypass the unworn Helmut Lang in favor of some of reasonably priced vintage, found from the middle of the store to the back. Top scores include $12 slips, impressive $60 coats, and vintage Levis for a mere fraction of the triple-digits contemporary lines are charging for denim these days. What's best, when you're done shopping, adjacent to AmRag is Cafe Midi, a cozy French sidewalk cafe with seriously tasty salads and wide variety of croque-monsieurs. 150 South La Brea Avenue, 323.935.3154

Related Stories
· Vintage LA [HarperCollins]
· Los Angeles [Jaunted]

[Photo: Wasteland]

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