5 of the Best Vintage/Thrift Stores Around SD
If you’re anything like me, you LOVE finding awesome vintage pieces to add to your wardrobe. My time spent living in England blessed me with a plethora of awesome vintage and consignment shops to build up the bulk of my collection. Since moving to San Diego, however, I have found quite a few West Coast vintage shop gems!
1 — Flashbacks - Hillcrest
At the top of my list is vintage and consignment clothing shop ‘Flashbacks’ located in the Hillcrest neighborhood of downtown San Diego. This shop carries everything from 1950’s poodle skirts to grungy 1990’s flannels and slip dresses. Flashbacks provide broke college students yearning for vintage frocks a place for reasonably priced, quality pieces! The atmosphere of Flashbacks is also radical, as the staff are very friendly and welcoming. My favorite piece purchased here is an A-line fit and flare floral dress from the 1980’s complete with big bows and shoulder pads!
2 — Act II - La Mesa, CA
This hidden gem of a consignment store can be found in downtown La Mesa...which is just a 10 minute trolley ride from San Diego State’s campus! Act II is a family run operation that has been in La Mesa for 35 years! This store has high-end items available for those balling on a budget. The best part is, you can trade in items for store credits or store gift cards! Or you can also sell your high-end designer items that no longer suit your aesthetic for cash. Moreover, you won’t have to feel guilty about purchasing more clothing at Act II! Co-owners and mother-daughter team Dolores and Deanne Buller regularly donate both funds and clothing to local organizations such as the Salvation Army, The Closet on 54th, and other organizations in Mexico. When you shop at Act II, you’re shopping for a cause!
3 — Bohemian House Vintage - La Mesa
For my third vintage store, I have another gem from the jewel of the hills that is La Mesa. Bohemian House Vintage is not a vintage clothing store, but instead sells vintage and antique furniture, homegoods, and other trinkets and wares. The inventory at Bohemian House Vintage ranges from the early 19th century to present day. However, my favorite items I have found at Bohemian House include mid century modern style crystal drinking glasses and jadeite kitchenware. Bohemian House Vintage has a ton of items to fit any style or aesthetic in a student’s dorm room or apartment!
4 — Hunt and Gather - North Park
Located in the trendy San Diego neighborhood of North Park, vintage store Hunt and Gather is a staple for vintage lovers. This shop offers a wide selection of vintage clothing for people of all genders and sizes! Inclusion is an important value of the Hunt and Gather mission. Hunt and Gather also offers a collection of newly made items which are loud, bright, and vintage inspired. Luckily, those not located in San Diego can still view and purchase the shop’s inventory via their website. Customers who walk into the shop can also expect the help of the shop’s expert stylists to help them choose pieces which make them feel confident and fierce. Those looking for a shopping experience will have the best time at Hunt and Gather.
5 — Bad Madge & Co. - South Park
Last but not least, shoppers looking for a vintage shop with a hodgepodge of items should find their way to Bad Madge & Co. located in the South Park Neighborhood of San Diego. This shop features both vintage and new pieces and accessories, with an emphasis on highlighting local San Diego designers and creatives. The boutique also focuses on sustainability through the recycling and upcycling of clothing, furniture, and more! The owner of the shop, Tanya McAnear is as fashionable as one can get, and has even worked with big name companies such as Nordstrom, Zandra Rhodes, and Nicole Miller.
I hope that all of my fellow vintage enthusiasts check out one or two of these awesome local businesses! Do you have a favorite vintage shop in San Diego that I didn’t mention? Let us know down below!
Eugenie Budnik — November 11th, 2021
