This page is dedicated to all the hidden gems, such as boutiques, in the Los Angeles area.

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Around the City Vintage

1839 S. Main Street
Los Angeles,CA  90015
Ph: (323)420-3007

There isn’t a sign nor storefront that bears their name, but a simple phone call  and appointment will allow you to step inside the showroom of Around the City Vintage- LA’s newest best-kept secret. This one room treasure trove is a collaboration of two friends, Kelly Love and Roxie Velazco, who share one common interest- love of vintage. The girls find many unique items from their favorite cities that they feel have good vintage: Compton, Long Beach, Ontario, Riverside, Las Vegas, North Phoenix, Dublin and Macon, Georgia; then sell them in their showroom at very affordable prices. And by affordable, they offer a bin full of dollar items, tops for no higher then $17, dresses for $25 and the highest being $85 for a jacket. You could literally walk out of the shop with a full outfit and not spend over $50. Not only do the girls strongly believe in quality and affordability, they want to offer people what they feel vintage is and thoroughly enjoy sharing their vintage finds.

Another unique fact about ATCV, is that the girls do some dabbling in design. Roxie collaborates with blogger Yuka to customize vintage shorts under the name, “Common Names”. Kelly and her Mother join forces for their accessory line, OBR Designs. Pieces include hand-crocheted beanies, handbags and scarves; as well as high-heeled necklaces (I bought the pink one!) and vintage button rings.

The day I went in the store, I tell you, I could’ve bought out the entire store… the vintage was just that amazing! When Roxie told me a lot  of the merchandise came from her Grandmother, I had only wished that my Mom and Grandmother kept their clothing. Everything was in such good condition and hardly a stain in sight. I’ve been to many vintage shops through the years and have come out disappointed because it was mainly due to high price tag. But now, dear readers, you can go to a place that’s located not far from the center of Downtown and off the blue line at the Washington station, and easy on the wallet (I walked out with five pieces at totaled $40.)

Around the City Vintage not only welcomes the general public, but buyers and stylists as well. And if you’re looking for a special item, just ask Kelly or Roxie and they’ll be on the lookout for you. ATCV is open by appointment only, so give them a call or email them at AroundtheCityVintage@gmail.com. They are also on Twitter (@ACVintage_says), Facebook and Tumblr.

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The Way We Wore Vintage Boutique

Located at: 334 South La Brea Avenue
Los Angeles, CA 90036-3526
Ph: (323)937-0878

This treasure-trove of vintage decadence is situated on La Brea between 3rd and 4th sts in Hollywood. This year marks the sixth anniversary of the store’s opening  in 2004. Doris Raymond is the brains behind the business, having come from San Francisco and having a fond interest in clothing and accessories, as well as having two designers in the family. When buying the clothing for her store, she explains, “I always buy anything that transcends time and is classic- not in the boring traditional sense- but in the timeless sense. I never buy trends…It’s always a plus if you buy a gorgeous garment with a designer label, but I look at the integrity of the garment first. The label is secondary.” Everything in the store is priceless, well-taken-care-of and is arranged according to era. When you go in, be prepared, it’s quite overwhelming (and having a hefty budget wouldn’t hurt either) because you will find labels such as Yves Saint Laurent, Dior, Pucci, Vionnet, Chanel… Her best sellers are evening and cocktail wear. Out of everything in the store, three of Doris’s favorite pieces would be metal dresses by Paco Rabanne, dress by Yves Saint Laurent for Dior and a cloche and scarf set by Sonja Delaunay.

Raymond is often referred to as “the fairy godmother of fashion inspiration,” [thanks to Alexandra Posen- Zac Posen's sister and co-designer].Along with the boutique, Doris also opened an inspiration library right next door. This library houses old prints, textiles, clothing, purses…anything and everything you could imagine that could be helpful to a designer (especially since 1/2 her business comes from the fashion industry). “I really enjoy feeding the fire of inspiration by providing elements that spark imagination,” states Doris.

The Way We Wore is open Monday through Saturday 11-7 and Sunday 12-6. The inspiration library is industry-only and by appointment only.

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The Rose Bowl Flea Market

~The second Sunday of every month~

Located at:
1001 Rose Bowl Drive
Pasadena, CA 91103
(323) 560-7469

http://www.rgcshows.com

Admission:
9am admission is $8.00 and children under 12 are admitted free with an adult. There is an express admission from 8:00am – 9:00am at $10.00 per person, an early admission from 7:00am – 8:00am at $15.00 per person, and a special preview VIP admission from 5:00am – 7:00am at $20.00 per person.

After six years of living in LA, I have never had the chance of exploring the famed Rose Bowl Flea Market in Pasadena- until just recently, when the BF and I ventured to the Rose Bowl one Sunday. Of course it was everything I read about… Massive…Have to arrive early…Best vintage around…etc…

The booths sold everything and anything you could imagine. Jewelry, books, shoes, furniture, beads…and even an antique prosthetic leg. I was deliriously overwhelmed at the vintage pieces. I saw dainty hats, sequined tops, old Dooney & Bourke for $12 and Louis Vuitton purses, Prada and Ferragamo shoes…my list can go on and on. One vintage vendor I have to point out is Trini’s Treasures. Owner Trini Varela has the best variety of vintage gowns, dresses, jewelry and hats around, some pieces of which have been in the TV show, “Mad Men.” Her prices range from $10-500 and she also carries vintage designer as well. For more information or to get on Trini’s email list, contact her at dondanv@aol.com.

There were a few other vendors I would like to spotlight. Urai is the designer of handmade jean purses and fun sandals. The name of her company is Ramahandicrafts. Urai and her team can make up to four pairs of sandals in one day. Her sandals are also very affordable at $20 a pair. I saw my friends Sandy and Sebastian of the line, Yoga Army- selling some pieces from past seasons. I also noticed that Kami Shade and Rachel Broussard (Supastar) were also showing their lines. Sandy and Sebastian’s friend, Michaelyn “Mikie” Whitlock was selling some vintage pieces; reworked rompers for $15; original vintage, as well as reworked jewelry for a reasonable price range of $10-110.

I had an overall fun experience. Next time I know to come early (around 8am), carry cash (as the ATMs are only at the entrance (from what I noticed), bring a small shopping cart (for the larger purchases and so your arms don’t get sore from browsing the thousands of vendors and miles of walking) and plan on spending pretty much the whole day there.

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The Sewing Studio

107 S. Fair Oaks Ave. Suite 328

Pasadena, CA 91105

I found out about the SEWING STUDIO from my friend, Rebekka, who works as a design assistant there. I arrived at the quaint two-room classroom/office in Old Town Pasadena, in time for the 10:30-1:30 Saturday class. After taking a seat out of the way, I observed my surroundings and listened as the instructor, Cynthia Harvey went over the class. There were seven people in that day’s class, which was in the process of making the Shift Dress. I noticed that the small class size and classroom were just enough so that Ms. Harvey could  have more “one-on-one” time with her students. She was very attentive to their needs, demonstrated the edge stitch and  helped the students with their sewing machines and fabric.

Cynthia Harvey is the CEO of Sewing Studio and is the only instructor. She attended FIDM (Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising) and majored in fashion design. After graduating, she worked in the industry for several years and this past year, started the Sewing Studio. She wanted to open the studio as a resource for designers and students who wanted to better their skills. She offers classes (some introductory and intermediate “ready-to-wear”) that make totes, dresses, skirts, etc for kids, teens and adults. There is also a class called, “Designer Challenge”, where  more advanced students can better their skills and also learn how to start a business. Classes start at $125-300 and are in a series for four weeks. However, she is offering a take one class, get one free  deal, partly due to the economic situation and getting people more involved in the industry.

For more information about the Sewing Studio (I highly recommend taking a course), you can contact Cynthia at the address above or www.4theloveofsewing.com or 626-795-9494.

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The Sewing Lounge

3216 W. Magnolia Blvd.  — Burbank, CA 91505           Phone: (818)729-1781

I came to The Sewing Lounge when I was in a huge bind. My sewing machine broke, my dress form was inadequate  and there was just no room in my apartment to be creative. So, after seeing The Sewing Lounge while browsing the Magnolia Blvd. region of Burbank and ‘facebooking’ with the owner, Jessica, I decided that it was in my best interest to go to one of the open sewing sessions.

I was so glad I did. The space was ample, enough for me to spread out and create. It was a relief to use a proper dress form and a sewing machine that worked well.

The Sewing Lounge first opened its doors in April 2009 and is based on Jessica Dooley’s need to want to open a sewing lounge after browsing through sewing books with her mother. Her goal is to “empower people with the knowledge of sewing.” Jessica’s passion for fashion and watching people’s creativity grow shows; my sewing skills were basic, but she taught me a few tricks that will help me in future endeavors.

Jessica offers open sewing at $9/hr…. 2 hr workshops start at $40/per person….She also offers custom sewing and alterations. To learn more about the Sewing Lounge and the variety of classes offered, check out www.thesewingloungeburbank.com.

UPDATE: THE SEWING LOUNGE IS NOW CLOSED. JESSICA IS CURRENTLY TEACHING PRIVATE LESSONS.