5 FABULOUS SOURCES for VINTAGE FASHION

Wilbur Vintage, Philadelphia PA

Most of my vintage clothes and accessories come from my grandmothers, great-grandmothers--and one incredible afternoon at Couture Club in Chicago where, while visiting my good friend Beth, I happened across a store-wide everything-for-$50 sale of seriously gorgeous creations and bought so many of them I had to borrow a suitcase to haul it all home. As I made my way through the store, I kept holding up item after item--a silver and steel blue metallic brocade Victor Costa dress from the 60s; a 70s Lilli Ann knit maxi coat of flaming orange, red and black plaid with perfectly matched seams; a Cardinali fitted jacket and split skirt in thick boucle tweed of black and brown; a salt and pepper knit wool coat with silk lining and huge silver buttons; a hand-embroidered gold chinoiserie cape with intricate scenes of cranes and clouds--and asking the owner, "This is $50?  And this, this is $50? Really?" in a sort of upscale version of that dollar store commercial.  And he patiently looked at me and replied, "Yes."  Pretty sure that was the universe rewarding me for visiting Chicago in the dead of winter.

Although Couture Club is sadly gone, I have fortunately discovered some great spots in my hometown of Philadelphia. And of course, there's now the magical world of the internet.  Since I think fall and winter clothes hold up best over the decades, I thought I'd share some of my current fave sources for Vintage Fashion, along with contributions from some stylish readers.  Hope you discover a treasure of your own. (And if you have a terrific store you'd like to share, please add it in the Comments section below.)

Wilbur Vintage (top) and Retrospect, Philadelphia PA

In Philadelphia, Wilbur Vintage stocks an eclectic and colorful mix with a funky edge.  Around the corner, Retrospect, in a converted Blockbuster store on South Street, is a weekly stop for uncovering hip vintage clothes, furniture and accessories at retro prices.

Hip Replacements, Asheville NC

Stylish reader (and niece of Style Maniac) Cass says Hip Replacements is "very Asheville. Vintage clothes with a new age twist." Owner Franzi Charen notes that they specialize mostly in men's vintage and women's reproduction vintage (like Pinup Couture, Trollied Dolly and Heartbreaker). "Our mottos are: 'You can pull off anything as long as you rock it with confidence.' and 'Style is the soundtrack for your life.'"

Rethreads, Madison & Milwaukee, WI

Recent guest blogger Susan Gloss recommends Rethreads buy/sell/trade boutiques in Madison and Milwaukee.  "They are constantly updating their inventory by buying from customers, so you never know when you're going to go in and find that great DVF wrap dress or pair of Frye boots"

Dorothea's Closet Vintage, Des Moines IA

My new favorite online vintage source is Dorothea's Closet Vintage. Owner Angela Petraline has curated an incredible collection of elegant, superbly crafted and amazingly detailed clothes from the 1980s back to pre-1920s. Just look at that copper lining! that web-back! (perfect for an elegant Halloween bash). If you're lucky enough to live near Des Moines, Iowa, stop in to swoon and shop.


Wilbur Vintage & Retrospect photos by Doreen Creede. Hip Replacements and Rethreads photos courtesy the stores.  Dorothea's Closet Vintage photos by Angela Petraline.