Perhaps, like you, the only shopping I’ve done for the past 2.5 years had been online. The pandemic increased my homebody status, and once it felt safer to be out and about again this year it took me a bit to stress less about human contact and really enjoy in-person shopping again. While online shopping works for the majority of my (and my family’s) needs, vintage shopping in person is still the best because you’re dealing with one-off pieces that typically cannot be returned once purchased. Since I get asked a lot about where to shop locally for vintage, here’s a list of some of my favorite places to shop for vintage clothing in person in Los Angeles…
In Los Angeles
Pickwick Vintage Show is a monthly day-long event (currently at The Row in DTLA) that curates the best of the best vintage vendors. There is a small admission fee, and pieces here are a little higher because the vendors are so good. But it’s well worth it for those who are already immersed in the world of vintage and know what they want. The great thing is that each vendor has such a specific style that you can really rely on their curation to see the best stuff. And also a fun bit of news…in their October show, I will be selling some of my vintage clothing collection so stay tuned on social for a preview!
A Current Affair is another vintage show that happens a couple times a year that gathers amazing vendors over the course of a weekend. Their next two shows are virtual (which is great for those living anywhere!) with the next in-person show in December. This is a mega event with over 200 vendors and is a place of serious inspiration for me. You can find everyday vintage pieces that are ready-to-wear along with stunning and special collector pieces.
Rosebowl Flea Market is the 2nd Sunday of every month in Pasadena. This is the place I shop vintage in person most often as you can have some inexpensive scores as well as curated vendors. It can get super hot through fall, so dress accordingly.
South Pasadena Vintage is a market held a few times a year with food trucks and other fun activities in addition to shopping. This is the only one on my list I haven’t been to yet in person but I have heard great things about it!
ReDress is a resale shop located in Atwater Village that opened less than a year ago and is my favorite place to sell some of my own pre-loved clothes (either vintage or modern). Because people can rent a rack and sell their own clothes, the prices really vary and is a great option for extending the life of clothing and also getting pieces that are still in great condition. It’s by far the best resale shop in Los Angeles in my opinion.
LA Vintage Map is the guide you need for all the amazing one-off vintage shops in Los Angeles. I love that this site exists as the list could go on forever! It allows you to search by neighborhood, too, which is so helpful based on where you live or are visiting in Los Angeles.
Just outside of Los Angeles
Long Beach Antique Market runs on the 3rd Sunday of every month just outside of LA in Long Beach. This one is more geared towards home decor items but has vintage clothing and jewelry as well. Similar to the Rosebowl, this is a great one for those who like the hunt as there is tons to see and discover with plenty of more affordable scores.
Palm Springs Vintage Market is on the first Sunday of the month from October to May (during the cooler season). It’s a smaller market than Rosebowl and Long Beach, but offers a great selection from clothing to art to home decor and more.
P.S. What places do you love? I’ll keep adding to this list, too!
