THE MOD BABES OF YESTERDAY
L.A. VINTAGE SPOTS TO FIND YOUR OWN MOD DEALS
Of course there are tons of places to find vintage clothes in Los Angeles, but these are my top three favorites.
1. MELROSE TRADING POST Hands down, this is my favorite spot for vintage everything. They sell clothes, vintage hifi's, mid-century couches, deco dressing tables and pink velvet chaises. The last time we went we found original animation cells from the cartoon Fat Albert (which is now framed on my boyfriend's desk.) I perused three bins of 1930's and 40's photographs of soldiers, L.A ladies and children. I bought three of these photos since I was working on a film that was set in the 40's and needed them as props, but I like the people in the photos so much that I still have them, even though they are someone else's relatives.
This spot is well worth your time because there is just so much to see. I have found many good deals here and every price is negotiable. I hate negotiating and even I talked a guy down 25 bucks. You are expected to haggle at a flea market, so if you aren't haggling over the price then you aren't doing it right!
Some interesting stuff at MTP:
2. POLKADOTS AND MOONBEAMS
This is a super chic spot that is truly is one of my favorites for selection and price. It is located in Mid-City West which is a kind of vague, in-between area near the Beverly Center. It is comfortable and spacious, and the best part is that the staff is helpful and honest about whether something suits you. My friend was getting ready for the Oscars (she is a journalist and she needed to get dolled up for the event), and the sales person helped her find just the right dress, earrings and purse, all the while she very down-to-earth and making jokes and picked the more modestly priced things rather that the big ticket items.
The other reason I love this store is because if you don't find what you are looking for in the vintage store, there is another part of the store next door that sells new clothes, many of which look vintage. This side is pricier but not bad if you want something nice. A lot of times I prefer the stuff that just
looks vintage since the fit is usually better. This place is nearly impossible to leave empty-handed.
http://www.polkadotsandmoonbeams.com/
3. LEMON FROG
This is a cozy little well-curated spot in Echo Park. I found a great pair of boots like the ones Audrey is wearing in this pic. And they even fit my big 'ol size 9 feet (huge by vintage standards. And pretty big now too, I guess. Don't judge me!)
It has a good vibe and a nice selection. This is what a vintage shop should look like.
http://www.lemonfrogshop.com/
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