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For the casual shopper, New York's vintage scene can be daunting. Since we live in the seat of the American fashion industry, competition for the best merchandise is fierce, driving up the prices. This isn't the kind of place where you can stumble across somebody's grandmother's barely-used Chanel purse at the Junior League Thrift Store. Plus there's such a big selection of hole-in-the-wall vintage shops that it can be hard to separate the ones that are filled with treasures from the ones that are 90% polyester and mothball fumes.
To make the task a bit easier, we've rounded up the 38 best-loved local vintage stores and listed them from north to south in the map below. Note that these are all stores that focus on exchanging semi-historic fashion pieces for cash. We tried to omit any place that specializes in two-year-old H&M cardigans, and we left out stores where the bulk of the business is consignment (though you can find our ten favorite consignment shops right here.)
Are you a vintage expert who can't believe we left out that secret underground place in Queens? Let us know what we missed in the comments below. Are you shopping elsewhere? Here are the 38 best vintage stores in Los Angeles, Chicago, and online.
Astoria's Loveday 31 may be tiny, but what it lacks in elbow room it makes up for in special-occasion vintage pieces—think bright and colorful dresses, sequins, and bold statement jewelry. The stock also includes items from high-end designers, like Gucci, Marc Jacobs, YSL, and more.
The Hell's Kitchen Flea Market is a regular weekend destination for residents of the neighborhood, tourists, and anyone else willing to trek to Tenth Avenue and brave the crowds. The market is open on Saturdays and Sundays year-round (weather permitting), and is a one-stop shop for vintage clothing, antiques, collectibles, jewelry, furniture, and plenty more.
New York Vintage definitely isn't your run-of-the-mill secondhand shop. It's a serious destination for die-hard vintage fans; so much so that there's even a massive rental-only archive for red carpet and industry use. (Everyone from Michelle Obama to Rihanna has been outfitted here, and multiple times at that.) The public portion on West 25th Street is completely filled with covetable garments, displayed in an elaborate, almost baroque, setting.
For three decades, Family Jewels Vintage in Chelsea has been stocking the neighborhood with vintage from the early 1900s through the '80s. It's a little bit cramped inside, but that's just because there's so much to sift through: from day dresses to evening gowns and all sorts of accessories.
When it comes to dresses of another era, Shareen Mitchell knows her stuff. Recently, she gave us the complete rundown of what to know before buying a vintage wedding gown. In that category, her favorite styles to stock are those from the '50s—some of which she sells for as low as $200. Make no mistake, though: The fit, despite the modest price tag, will be impeccable.
Loyal shoppers of Star Struck Vintage will tell you that one of the best things about it is the friendly and fun staff. Located in Greenwhich Village, the family-run store has vintage pieces from the '30s through to the '80s. Notable is their selection of hats, rock concert T-shirts, and denim. They also stock couture pieces form labels such as Gucci and Dior.
Now Closed. Technically, Zachary's Smile is only half-filled with vintage clothing, but old or new, there are definitely some gems to be found. The contemporary half of the store is full of vintage-inspired and reworked pieces, mostly from the store owners' own designs.
Metropolis carries its fair share of floral dresses, but the real winners at this downtown shop are the vintage tees, Doc Martens, and studded leather jackets. They also carry loads of varsity and acid wash denim jackets, should you be in the market for either of those.
On its website, No Relation Vintage writes that it only has two things to offer: an amicable staff, and great vintage finds at thrifty prices. The selection here is pretty casual, so expect to find tons of tee shirts, as made clear by the giant T on its storefront.
Hamlet's Vintage is a quirky little shop that's rammed full of knee-high boots, vintage tees, jackets, and dresses from the '40s to the '80s. This place tends to shun designer labels in favor of a "something for everyone" approach. Prices are pretty reasonable, starting at around $50 for dresses and boots, $40 for pumps, and $10 for scarves. Bonus: Hamlet's is home to an adorable shop dog, Travis.
This downtown staple, complete with captivating window displays, is stocked with tons of vintage clothing helpfully displayed by decade. There's also a fun costume section, and, most notably, a back balcony area stuffed with collector's pieces from high-end designers like YSL, Valentino, and Balenciaga.
The best thing about AuH20 in the East Village? It's affordable. It's vintage on a budget, and most of the items are "gently used." In addition to the traditional vintage offerings, owner Kate Goldwater recycled some of the old clothes to make her own designs. The boutique is also a quality place to source authentic vintage jewelry.
Named after a red light district in Paris, Rue St Denis offers vintage clothes that are mostly unworn and in pristine condition. Owner, Jean-Paul Buthier, travels to Europe twice a year to select merchandise for the East Village store, which specializes in dead stock—clothes from bygone eras that never left storage, and in some cases still have the original tags. Other highlights include imported leather biker jackets and men's suits from the '60s and '70s.
Angela's is a small store, but it's jam-packed with quality vintage. You'll find lots of dresses, coats, jackets, and accessories to choose from, including some great Chanel jewelry from the '80s. The prices are reasonable, but if you think something is a little bit high, don't be afraid to negotiate it down with the staff. Tip: They usually get new stock in on Saturdays or Sundays.
What Goes Around Comes Around does indeed stock something for every type of vintage lover, whether your taste is gaudy Chanel jewelry (and we mean that in a good way) or tattered Levi's cut-offs. They also carry a substantial collection of vintage rock tees for men and women, as well as their own vintage-inspired collections.
Amarcord Vintage is a breath of fresh air in terms of it's layout. It has a distinctly upscale boutique feel, compared to the often haphazardness of other thrift and vintage stores. The merchandise within mirrors this vibe, as a quality blend of sought-after designer labels and lesser-known treasures from the owners' expeditions to Italy are the norm. Be sure to check out the great costume jewelery and handbags.
Now Closed. Formerly a resident of Ludlow Street, Marmalade Vintage now calls Mott Street home. Owner Hannah Kurland says she believes in a "more is more" approach, so you'll find plenty of bright colors and elaborate prints inside, from designers like Issey Miyake, Norma Kamali, Claude Montana, Koos Van Den Akker, and more.
Though tiny, David Owens Vintage on Orchard Street is stocked with a high-quality selection of dresses, accessories, and furs. The shop is also a great menswear destination, as it's filled with everything from classic suits to cheeky ties.
Store owner Christina Kornilakis recently moved Portia & Manny from the inside of Valley salon in Nolita to 151 Ludlow Street. The boutique specializes in womenswear from the '60s through the ’90s that commonly garners descriptors such as "charming" and "bohemian." You'll also find a bit of a beachy Greek influence in the selection: The shop was, after all, named after Kornilakis' Greek parents.
Some of the prices at Ellen run a little high, but for good reason: The shop is filled with high-quality basics from designers like Marc Jacobs, Prada, and Yves Saint Laurent. And cearly, store owner Ellen Koenigsberg is doing something very right—she's managed to stay in business for nine years on Ludlow Street, which on that strip of constant closures, may as well be a lifetime.
Ask anyone who knows and loves Edith Machinist to name the best thing about it, and nine times out of ten you'll get the same answer: "The shoes!" This cozy little store on the Lower East Side is full of great vintage finds, but the neatly paired shoes that cover the wooden floors are undoubtedly the highlight, with a close second perhaps being the designer bags. Root through and you'll be sure to find vintage purses from the likes of Chanel, Marc Jacobs and Ferragamo.
When you first walk through the doors of Community 54 on the Lower East Side, don't be mislead by the old school arcade games lining the walls. Keep going past the photo booth and through the curtains in the back, and you'll find a really great vintage lifestyle store. The clothing is mostly men's streetwear, but they are known to stock some women's accessories, too. All of the vintage clothing is considered "collectible," so be willing to pay the price.
This Lower East Side spot is a lot more than just a vintage store. It includes a full-service bar, a showroom for up-and-coming designers, and acts as a community events center for film screenings and art shows. There's also a swap shop service downstairs, where you can trade in your vintage pieces for cash or credit (which you can either spend on a new outfit, cocktails, or both).
This Greenpoint shop, originally founded on the Lower East Side, carries an eclectic mix of vintage merchandise and contemporary clothing and accessories. They operate on a buy, sell, and trade basis, so there's always the opportunity to walk in with an old pair of Alexander Wang heels and walk out with a vintage Helmut Lang blazer, from when Lang himself still ran the label.
There are four Monk Vintage locations in NYC, which include the East and West Villages, Park Slope, and Williamsburg. The stores carry both vintage and thrift, with prices that are overall pretty reasonable. Be warned, though: Monk, especially the outpost on Driggs Avenue, can be a bit overwhelming, due to the high volume of merchandise. Do yourself a favor and save it for a weekend shopping trip, rather than a lunch hour break.
Everything inside this shop comes from the personal collection of Antoinette, the store owner's mother, who has been saving vintage clothing and accessories since the 1950s in hopes that her daughter might someday open a shop. The selection was accumulated over years of working in the fashion industry, and it's all well-organized and moderately priced.
You may want to set aside a solid chunk of time before heading into Viceversa on Bedford Avenue, because there's a lot to sift through. The inside of the store is lined with racks broken up into category, including button-down shirts, denim jackets, leather coats, fur, and retro dresses. As for the shoes and accessories, you'll find cowboy boots, slingback heels, trucker caps, and just about everything in between.
Rabbits advertises itself as the "cutest vintage store on the planet," which might not be too much of a stretch. Owner Saori Kuno sources all of the merchandise, which comes from Europe, Japan, and throughout the U.S. Inside, you'll find adorable floral frocks alongside high-end brands like Chanel.
The Williamsburg sister of the West Village Stella Dallas differs in one main area: It carries both men's and women's apparel. The store is brimming with casual vintage favorites such as printed dresses, button-down cotton shirts, concert tees and Converse sneakers. They keep the rare (and more expensive) vintage stock hidden away in a back room, but slip through the door and you'll find '40s, '50s and '60s style frilly prom dresses and uber-cool letterman jackets.
In September, Mary Meyer, along with Emma Joe, opened Friends Vintage inside her already-standing Bushwick shop. The store specializes in merchandise from the '80s and '90s, including avant garde and designer pieces. Of the pricing, Mary explains: "We want you to look cute without breaking your piggy bank. Our prices are always fair and totally adorable! That's what friendship is all about."
Depending on how you look at it, Union Max's operating hours are either endearing or a complete pain. The store is closed Mondays, and its owner doesn't really keep set hours during the rest of the week. (A good rule of thumb is to call ahead of time.) However, if you're looking for vintage jewelry, beads, clasps, and chains, it may be worth the hassle—the shop is filled with them.
Now Closed. Mafalda on Atlantic Avenue feels more like a boutique than a vintage store, with a selection that's carefully handpicked by store owner and stylist Christina Kolbe. The shop is only open for regular hours Wednesday through Sunday, and is by appointment only on Mondays and Tuesdays.
Brooklyn Flea, arguably the granddaddy of the borough's markets, is jam packed with hundreds of vendors, shilling everything from vintage clothing to furniture to tchotchkes you probably don't need but want anyway.
Head to this Franklin Street shop for cute, lady-like dresses from the '60s through the '90s. Arguably, Sunday is the best day to go, as that's when sale merchandise is marked down an additional 25%.
This Carroll Gardens shop carries vintage clothing and accessories from the late 1800s through the 1980s, which includes everything from day dresses to lingerie and swimwear to bridal gowns. However, prices can run a little steep, so if you're looking for something a thriftier, it might not be your first choice.
A part of Guvnor Vintage's mission statement is that they carry merchandise that's "fit for a statesman, yet priced for a pauper." The shop is well-organized by decade, and carries both men's and women's clothing. The selection errs on the side of casual, though, so don't expect to replenish your work wardrobe with frilly dresses or fancy suits.
The selection of goods at Rosebud Vintage goes a lot deeper than just 1950s frocks, as the boutique carries merchandise dating back to the late 1800s all the way through the '70s. Expect to find figure-flattering dresses from the '40s, pin up-style bathing suits, as well as fine and costume jewelry, antique housewares, and more.
One huge plus about Black Bear Vintage is that the shop's blog is updated frequently, so you'll actually know what items are in store before stopping in. The shop may be small, but the selection rotates quickly.
Astoria's Loveday 31 may be tiny, but what it lacks in elbow room it makes up for in special-occasion vintage pieces—think bright and colorful dresses, sequins, and bold statement jewelry. The stock also includes items from high-end designers, like Gucci, Marc Jacobs, YSL, and more.
The Hell's Kitchen Flea Market is a regular weekend destination for residents of the neighborhood, tourists, and anyone else willing to trek to Tenth Avenue and brave the crowds. The market is open on Saturdays and Sundays year-round (weather permitting), and is a one-stop shop for vintage clothing, antiques, collectibles, jewelry, furniture, and plenty more.
New York Vintage definitely isn't your run-of-the-mill secondhand shop. It's a serious destination for die-hard vintage fans; so much so that there's even a massive rental-only archive for red carpet and industry use. (Everyone from Michelle Obama to Rihanna has been outfitted here, and multiple times at that.) The public portion on West 25th Street is completely filled with covetable garments, displayed in an elaborate, almost baroque, setting.
For three decades, Family Jewels Vintage in Chelsea has been stocking the neighborhood with vintage from the early 1900s through the '80s. It's a little bit cramped inside, but that's just because there's so much to sift through: from day dresses to evening gowns and all sorts of accessories.
When it comes to dresses of another era, Shareen Mitchell knows her stuff. Recently, she gave us the complete rundown of what to know before buying a vintage wedding gown. In that category, her favorite styles to stock are those from the '50s—some of which she sells for as low as $200. Make no mistake, though: The fit, despite the modest price tag, will be impeccable.
Loyal shoppers of Star Struck Vintage will tell you that one of the best things about it is the friendly and fun staff. Located in Greenwhich Village, the family-run store has vintage pieces from the '30s through to the '80s. Notable is their selection of hats, rock concert T-shirts, and denim. They also stock couture pieces form labels such as Gucci and Dior.
Now Closed. Technically, Zachary's Smile is only half-filled with vintage clothing, but old or new, there are definitely some gems to be found. The contemporary half of the store is full of vintage-inspired and reworked pieces, mostly from the store owners' own designs.
Metropolis carries its fair share of floral dresses, but the real winners at this downtown shop are the vintage tees, Doc Martens, and studded leather jackets. They also carry loads of varsity and acid wash denim jackets, should you be in the market for either of those.
On its website, No Relation Vintage writes that it only has two things to offer: an amicable staff, and great vintage finds at thrifty prices. The selection here is pretty casual, so expect to find tons of tee shirts, as made clear by the giant T on its storefront.
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