A Vintage Map to Help You Fall In Love With Exploring + Discussion
Reflecting on the pure joy of in-person vintage shopping.
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On New York City’s Second Avenue, right between 1st Street and 2nd Street, sits a little vintage boutique called Angela’s. The shop was introduced into my life several years ago, when I would walk by on my way to work. It wouldn’t be until sometime later, when I was out of college, that I would make my first purchase. That day, I walked in intending to buy something special to wear to a party. I looked around, leafing through the racks of 1920s dresses and 1980s sparkly tops until I saw a dainty lime green silk tank top that caught my eye. It had “Saks Fifth Avenue” written on the tag in the old font from the 1970s.
When I picked it off the hanger, the owner said, “Oh, that would just look so great on you.” As I walked over to the mirror, laying the shirt on my chest to see if I liked the color, she smiled. Immediately I realized that yes, she was friendly, but she only gave out those sorts of compliments when she meant them. It appeared to me that she wanted those clothes to have a home with a wearer who would love them and embrace them in the way that she would. Of course, I still have that top almost a decade later. I don’t wear it all that often, but I think about that moment in my life when I do put it on. It was a time when I wasn’t so overwhelmed by trends and had a sense of style that was for me. One that came without the influence of a Pinterest board.
As for the store, it remained a constant in the neighborhood. And for a while, it was the type of shop that you could wander in to browse, knowing that you’re not getting in the way of a bunch of people despite its small size. I was recently informed that someone posted a TikTok about it, making it more of a destination. Perhaps the days of aimlessly walking into the sleepy, often empty vintage store are over, but to me, it signals a desire to keep these kinds of shops alive. What was once an activity filled with adventure and mystery can now feel a bit impersonal.
Don’t get me wrong; online vintage is a great thing - people with good taste and eyes for more diverse sizing and styles have been able to find their audiences. And people who aren’t living near great shops are able to access them as well. But nothing beats spending a day somewhere checking out the small shops like Angela’s. Beacon’s closets of the world are great, but sometimes you want unpretentious but still curated unique vintage clothing.
Recently, I was introduced to something that might be part of a solution. It's a new map feature by the makers of Gem app, a search engine for online vintage, that’s trying to make this a little easier for those looking for an in-person quest. It’s the perfect balance between making sure these stores are seen and creating a treasure hunt for those willing and able to go down the path.
“The goal of the map is to help more people find sustainable clothing options and help the small businesses doing important work in the field,” founder Liisa Jokinen said in an email. “Although the pandemic killed several vintage stores in L.A., new ones have been born, and the flea markets like Los Feliz Flea and Silverlake Flea have grown substantially. Some new L.A. vintage stores include Archive Atelier, Chelsea Von Mach, Ciao Cherub, Wilder, Western Gifts, reDress, and The Gorky LA. What makes all these stores unique is that they are highly curated, and each has its own niche. Western Gifts sells rare workwear pieces sourced from Europe and the U.S., reDress is the first rent-the-rack store for individual sellers, and Wilder specializes in high-quality denim.“
Here is the link to download the app (if you live in or find yourself in Los Angeles).
Outside of L.A. I want to know your vintage shopping stories. What are your favorite stores or pieces you’ve received?