Vintage Fashion for the Modern Girl
November 9, 2013
Whether it’s vintage pieces, design classics or a something fabulous from an edgy designer, the streets of San Francisco have a shop for every fashion fanatic. Famous streets like Haight and Telegraph Avenue are great places to start for vintage finds, but there are many other neighborhoods with excellent shops to explore. With the BART, MUNI, and pedestrian friendly streets, tourists and locals alike should have no problem combing the city for vintage treasures.
Vintage boots at Wasteland, 1660 Haight Street
Pretty Penny in Rockridge, Oakland
Nestled among quaint boutiques in the Rockridge neighbourhood of Oakland, Pretty Penny has earned its spot as one of the most adored vintage shops in the area. In addition to offering an array of vintage apparel and accessories for men and women, Pretty Penny also stocks locally designed jewellery, and recently introduced a selection of vintage-inspired jeans by cult favourite Courtshop Denim. The selection is truly wallet-friendly, creating an accessible environment for vintage newbies and aficionados alike. Owner Sarah Dunbar has cultivated a close connection with the community, offering service with a smile, and hosting local events such as art openings, fashion shows and pop-up shops.
• 5488 College Avenue, Oakland, prettypennyclothing.com
Mercy Vintage in Oakland
If you’re looking for well-constructed vintage curated with an expert eye, swing by this Oakland shop for an eclectic collection of clothing and accessories. This boutique may be small, but it houses an excellent array of unique pieces from all eras, influences, and styles, so you’re bound to find something for just about everyone. The decor is just as decadent as the clothes, with lounge chairs and magazines for friends to sit while you take your time in the dressing room.
• 4188 Piedmont Avenue, Oakland, mercyvintage.com
Down at Lulu's in Oakland
A favourite among students and locals alike, Down at Lulu’s is an explosion of glam style and cult kitsch on the border between Berkeley and Oakland. This tiny pink palace moonlights as a hair salon, record store, and ‘zine shop, not to mention its excellent selection of vintage gems for punk rockers and vintage aficionados, with a focus on fashion from the 1960s, 1970s, and 1980s. The vintage selection is eclectic and unique, with plenty of statement pieces and classic vintage staples at accessible prices.
• 6603 Telegraph Avenue, Oakland, downatlulus.com
It’s well worth the trip to visit this tiny boutique on a side street in the Cow Hollow district. This pristine shop stocks a stellar collection of indie designers, including Lauren Moffatt, Whit, Rachel Comey, Karen Walker, Swedish Hasbeens, and MM6, to name only a few. If you’re looking for a quality constructed garment and want to make a statement in truly unique wares, this is the place for splurging on a signature piece.
• 2848 Webster Street, San Francisco, conifershop.com
Conifer in Cow Hollow, San Franscisco
While there’s a wide range of vintage boutiques in the famous Haight-Ashbury neighbourhood, Static Vintage stands out, with a massive selection of vintage clothing and accessories for men and women, including impressive designer finds for the true collector. You’ll find unique vintage wares to fit just about any style from every era from the 1920s and to the early 1990s in this brightly hued shop. And rumour has it they have a secret stash of rare pieces for the serious buyer, making this a must-stop destination for fashion fanatics.
• 1764 Haight Street, San Francisco, staticvintage.com
Static Vintage in Haight-Ashbury, San Francisco
This favourite has many locations around the Bay, but the shop in the heart of the Mission district is a crucial stop. This massive two-storey thrift store is filled to the brim with used clothing, shoes, accessories, furniture, electronics and pretty much anything else you can imagine. If you’re in the mood to roll up your sleeves and dig for treasure, this incredibly affordable shop will satisfy your scavenger side. Sprinkled in through the constantly restocked selection are plenty of vintage gems just waiting to be discovered. There’s even a fun feature on its website profiling other awesome thrift scores found by local customers.
• 2101 Mission Street, San Francisco, thrifttown.com
Thrift Town in the Mission District, San Francisco
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