A lot had changed since the the last time we were in Los Angeles, but the strip of Beverly between Fairfax and La Brea was still reliably packed with design store gems–Heath, Lawson-fenning, Modernica, Ige… Most are more aspirational than realistic, but at least I can afford the food to be found there, too–BLD, El Coyote, Milk, Buddha’s Belly, Terroni…
A new favorite shop had emerged: In a space once occupied by an electronics repair shop, Scotti Sitz has opened Garde, a carefullly curated selected of home goods and apparel. Everything had a stripped down, natural look–minimal without being cold. It didn’t surprise me to later learn that Sitz once worked for Calvin Klein. We spent a long time browsing; I was trying to bookmark all of the designers’ names in my mind when, thank goodness, she pointed out that everything is online.
We especially fell hard for these flax-rope lighting fixtures. I think they would look so awesome with our headboard, but I’m not sure I’m quite good enough at being neat-and-clean for the coiled rope on the floor to be appreciated as intentional.
I’ve asked Mai Le–the street-style blogger and photographer behind the Fashionist–for some advice on shopping vintage. Mai and I met at Camp Mighty, where I found myself wanting to start every conversation with that cliché phrase “I love your shoes!” Her travel stories were as interesting to me as her gorgeous eye shadow and I was so happy when she agreed to school me in vintage shopping–with specific recommendations for San Francisco.
I don’t shop often, so when I do, I’m careful about what I buy and where. When I proposed highlighting my three favorite vintage shops in SF, Ashley suggested I provide tips for vintage shopping (which is different from thrift shopping, since items are already carefully chosen by the vintage shop). If you’ve never shopped for secondhand clothes, but are interested in affordably adding one-of-a-kind items to your closet for the new year, choosing a nearby vintage shop is a great idea.
Before I go shopping, I often look at magazines or Style.com to check out silhouettes and colors of the current or next season. It’s a small thing, but knowing what fit and or color palette you like will help guide your eye when deciding what to buy. Sure you won’t be able to find an Acne cocoon coat in this season’s brown, but it may be possible to find a lovely heather gray cocoon coat with the same silhouette (and pairing it with your Acne boots–you’re golden).
Beyond that, look at a vintage just like you would a new item: fit, no stains, well made, could wear as is (unless you sew, but try to not buy anything at a vintage shop that you have to work on extensively), and fabric. Ask yourself if you will wear it and if so, do the math needed for how many wears for it to be “worth it.” And remember to factor in if the item needs drycleaning. My amount is usually $2/wear or less (only for clothes though, I do different math for shoes).
Hopefully these tips will help you find many wonderful new items in 2013. You look gorgeous already!
no shop 389 Valencia Street, San Francisco, CA 94103 (415) 252-9982
Amber and Leah and their consignors do a great job of staying ahead of the fashion curve in this cute shop located on Valencia Street. I was going in there so much, I started consigning as well. Most clothing items are in the $15-$40 price range.
Vacation 651 Larkin Street, San Francisco, CA 94109 (415) 795-3633
Kristin finds designer items from the 80s and 90s mixed in with clothes that are vintage in modern silhouettes. Located in the TL, she also hosts art shows in the shop and live music shows downstairs. She hosted my photo show in August and I’ve borrowed items for styling in the past. Items can range from $10-several hundred for her vintage designer goods.
Clothes Contact 473 Valencia Street, San Francisco, CA 94103 (415) 621-3212
Clothes can be bought by the pound ($12/lb.) and specific decade. More digging has to happen here than at no or Vacation, but in 2009 I was really into 80s era Laura Ashley dresses and no other vintage shops carried them. So, if you know that you want a specific vintage item that is not fashionable (at all) you may be able to find it here. Also, if you’re into vintage gowns a la the GoldenGirls, this shop might be for you. They have a lot of clothes by the pound and some have price tags that hover around $10-18.
I can’t believe it, but this weekend marks the fifth anniversary of Hither & Thither. There are nearly 800 posts on here! Aron wrote the first one on a whim after a freezing walk to work on a bitter January morning, five years ago Saturday.
Since then, it has become so much more than we could have imagined. I continue to be really grateful for all of the kind, interesting people it has introduced me to and for all of the experiences it has led us to. Thank you so much for reading along and sharing so generously.
Five years!? I’m afraid this is going to lead to a fairly indulgent year-end recap…
