Vintage Lovers UNITE in Los Angeles

When it comes to people who know what they’re doing….the employees at Playclothes ARE THOSE PEOPLE. Not only did I have a good friend who worked there who knew more about vintage than her own Grandmother, but I have gone in looking specifically for 40’s dresses, hats from the 20’s, etc. and they are extremely helpful and knowledgeable about their products. It’s hard to not get sidetracked and start trying on cocktail dresses from the 60’s or buy an entire patio set that looks like a replica of your Granny’s. Playclothes has just as much for men as they do women and don’t stop at just clothing. You want a new(old) vase? They’ve got it. Some kitschy framed pictures of other peoples relatives? They have that too. PLUS- Greaatttttt jewelry.

The first time I stumbled into Polkadots and Moonbeams I had just enjoyed a delicious lunch at Toast down the street and came with a full belly and an appetite for some SHOPPING. Needless to say I spent more money that I thought I ever could in such a small, confined space. HOWEVER, don’t let the size fool you there are clothes from every decade, for every shape and size. Apparently I had just missed Demi Moore when I went in, which is a good thing or I would’ve scared her with questions and her and Ashton’s married life…

Wasteland is conveniently placed amongst a ROW of great shops on Melrose. If you are visiting or just shopping in Los Angeles you will most likely head to Melrose at some point. So if you aren’t someone who digs vintage gear but you’re curious you can hop in and check some vintage accessories, jackets, or purses. You can buy vintage without looking like a throwback to the 70’s.

Often when shopping for vintage clothing it can be a bit difficult to find the right FIT. Since many of the clothes were tailored for men and women’s bodies, specifically, it isn’t always easy finding something that fits YOUR body. Plus, did you notice that the women were just SO, MUCH, SMALLER??? Hm. When I went into Hubba Hubba the owner managed to accidentally offend me several times when I grabbed a dress she know would “NEVER fit” me, but at the same time…she managed to find the ones that did. There’s a very unique selection of 20’s, 30’s, 40’s and 50’s clothing here, less of the late vintage clothing. If you’re looking for a great jacket, costume jewelry, or shoes (for very small feet) Hubba Hubba is perfect.

Echo Park is one of my very favorite areas in Los Angeles, cool coffee shops, great restaurants and a little bit laid back and less pretentious compared to certain parts of L.A. Flounce Vintage fits PERFECTLY here. I happen to be a huge fan of the beaded cardigan paired with more casual pants, they’re perfect because they can be dressed up or dressed down and Flounce has a huge selection of them. That is if I haven’t bought all of the good ones ;)

The Way We Wore doesn’t necessarily have all of the practical things you’d want to wear…..well, exceptions can be made if it’s L.A. since people look insane all the time, BUT, it’s the perfect place to go for very specific costume ideas, baby blue suits, chiffon cocktail dresses or vintage Halloween Costumes…..sort of like when I dressed up as Edie Sedgwick for Halloween, they had alll the gear for me and my “Andy Warhol” counterpart.

DOLLAR DAY! NO, seriously, you cna buy things for a DOLLAR. ONE! That’s like buying a burrito from Taco Bell :) Sure you may be shopping with the homeless, but whatever, we’re all equal.