I’m going to LA soon, can you recommend some vintage stores? — Pinktulip

It really depends what you are looking for. Today, I was on the hunt for a 60s costume to wear to my upcoming swanky birthday soiree. I returned with three choices plus a Mad Men style sheath I just couldn’t resist. Here are my top five faves…

American Vintage 1750 Hillhurst Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90027, (323) 661-8081
I always have luck at this Los Feliz store. They don’t have a huge inventory but that just means you don’t have to dig to get to the good stuff. They have a great selection of vintage dresses, cool boots, fur stoles, hats and everything is reasonably priced. I found my velvet 80s dress there last year and just bought a turquoise 60s dress today for $30.
Good for: Costumes, Accessories, Dresses

Squaresville 1800 N Vermont Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90027, (323) 669-8464
Another fun Los Feliz shop. They have a large selection of dresses, cool bags and fur coats. Everything is very reasonably priced. I bought two dresses there today for $37.
Good for: Costumes, Accessories, Dresses

Zachary’s Smile 4014 Santa Monica Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90029, (323) 668-1900
This Silverlake store is a little more expensive but the prints alone are worth it. In addition to vintage, there’s the ZS Collection, which is reconstructed clothing. I bought a jumpsuit there that I’m obsessed with, which features piping made from vintage scarves. Each one was different.
Good for: One of a kind

Jet Rag 825 N La Brea Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90038, (323) 939-0528
Unless you like digging through piles of clothes, skip the $1 Sunday sale. I’m sure you can find some cool stuff but it’s just too overwhelming for me, personally. I’d highly recommend this place for costumes. Their inventory is arranged by decade and they have a fabulous 80s section if you’re in the market for heavily embellished dresses. It’s also fun to go through their wedding dress rack in the back. But if you’re not looking for a costume, I’d probably go elsewhere.
Good for: Costumes

The Way We Wore 334 S La Brea Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90036, (323) 937-0878
It’s impossible not to find something you like here. They have stunning dresses, coats, handbags and shoes from all decades and designers. The only problem is even during their bi-annual sale everything is very pricey. But I’d still recommend checking it out, even if it’s only to drool over the vintage couture.
Good for: High quality vintage

Photo credit: myvintagevogue.com