Retro and recycled fashions in OC
I often have this dilemma: that adorable $200 dress hanging in the window is just my size, but my paycheck is spent.
I’ve found that sometimes the best way to get high-quality clothing at the lowest price is to shop at vintage/second-hand stores. It usually takes a while to search through the racks, but in the end I almost always find something worth my time and money.
This week I decided to take a little journey through Orange County to check out a few shops my friends told me about.
Stop #1: Flashbacks in Orange
Tutus and poodle skirts were hanging outside the front door, so I was a little worried at first. But I was pleasantly surprised when I walked in to find that it was nothing like a costume store. What I love about Flashbacks is all of the ’80s punk stuff they have.
Clothes were strewn around all over the place, but that’s often the case with a lot of vintage shops.
My two favorite finds were their Rock Steady dresses (which appeal to my love for ’50s rockabilly) and all of their classic punk T-shirts (The Smiths, The Clash, The Adicts, etc.)
Flashbacks is at 465 N. Tustin St. in Orange.
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Stop #2: The Buffalo Exchange @ the Lab in Costa Mesa
I’ve been to the Buffalo Exchange a few times before, and as usual they had a great stock of in-style items. For instance, they had strappy leather sandals (limited sizes kept me from buying any!), high-waisted skirts and rompers.
And if you’re looking for a cute summer dress, they have a ton of floral prints to choose from. This store is more organized that most vintage stores. Things are easy to find and usually in good condition.
Buffalo Exchange is at 2930 Bristol St. in Costa Mesa, and 215 N. Harbor Blvd. in Fullerton.
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Stop #3: Dee Lux in Costa Mesa
I didn’t know what to expect from Dee Lux since this was my first visit. This store reminds me a lot of the Buffalo Exchange, but better. Why? Unlike most vintage/second-hand stores they have multiple sizes in a large portion of their clothing, and a lot of it seemed new.
Also, their jewelry, purses and home goods are adorable.
I found an amazing blue dress by Silence and Noise for $12 in perfect condition (I’m guessing new it would have been upwards of $50). I’m so glad to have found this store.
Dee Lux is at 1500 Adams Ave. in Costa Mesa.
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Stop #4: Swellegant in Newport Beach
I’m a sucker for anything retro, so after seeing “40s and 50s fashions” on their web site, I was excited. Swellegant is one of the best, truly vintage stores I have been to. While a lot of retro shops have very costumey clothing, or are just secondhand, Swellegant has a large selection of actual vintage fashions that look like clothes, not something you would wear on Halloween.
They have an amazing selection of shoes and jewelry, and especially earrings. The next time I go jewelry shopping, I’ll definitely head to Swellegant.
Swellegant is at 3409 Newport Blvd. in Newport Beach.
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Tell us: Do you frequent any other vintage stores? Which are the best in OC?
