Top 10 Vintage Stores In The East Bay Of San Francisco

As clothing trends cycle in and out of vogue, vintage styles are increasingly hip. Finding the best retro dresses, leather jackets, patterned shirts or sequined costumes can be tricky. The East Bay of San Francisco, however, boasts beautiful vintage stores ranging from expensive to affordable. This guide will help you identify where to shop, whether it’s at a hair salon or a nondescript storefront.

Pretty Penny

Pretty Penny’s vintage clothing selection spans the 1920s to the 70s. Their expertly curated racks feature everything from lacy flapper dresses to psychedelic shirts. In their jewelry case, find the perfect sunglasses for summer or a new piece of flashy jewelry. Go upstairs to the men’s section for an array of flannels and leather jackets.

Juniper Tree Vintage

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Juniper Tree Vintage’s tastefully and colorfully decorated space charms customers and passersby alike. The store brings in vintage items from all eras with clothes organized by decade. Each item is hand-picked, resulting in a high-quality inventory that will make the vintage dress collectors among us swoon. Besides having couches to relax on and the owner’s friendly poodle to greet you, their staff is friendly and helpful.

Empress Vintage

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Empress Vintage adds style and flair to the 1700 block of Alcatraz Avenue. Expect to find a plethora of colorful garments in its small storefront. The store’s consigners regularly bring back anything from before the 1990s, adding to the wide selection of dresses and skirts. The helpful staff will provide suggestions and inspiration. Empress Vintage’s owner is a tarot reader, and offers periodic workshops on the tarot and herbal medicine. They also have live music at least once a month, host musicians in residence,and participate in the block party every first Tuesday of the month.

Aphrodite’s Closet

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As a upscale women’s fashion boutique, Aphrodite’s Closet channels the feminine style and energy of its namesake. The store regularly brings in new designer merchandise, selling top brands at affordable prices. Besides clothing ranging from petite to plus size, they have vibrant scarves, jewelry and belts. Their selection is aimed at “honoring the feminine in every woman.”

Down At Lulu’s

Down At Lulu’s was opened in 2006 by two musicians, melding vintage clothing, hairdressing and music into one spunky storefront. Beaded sweaters, flowing dresses and colorful shoes fill the front of the space. The employees source the items themselves, bringing in vintage and retro clothing from all eras. In the back, customers can lounge on the velvet couch or gaze into heart-shaped mirrors on pink walls while getting a trim. Expect to find cheaper deals than other vintage stores in the area, as well as a small vinyl collection near the cashier.

All Things Vintage

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All Things Vintage is a true vintage collection started by two friends, Lucy and Claudia, who call vintage finds their hobby. With men’s and women’s apparel, designer items, linens and some furniture, this is the place to outfit your entire house. The owners began by selling at the Alameda Point Antique Faire before moving into their nondescript shop in Oakland. They describe their taste as “whimsical,” and have excellent selections of vintage hats, costume jewelry and gloves. They both have day jobs, so the shop is only open two weekends per month.

Mind’s Eye Vintage

Tucked away in Temescal Alley, Mind’s Eye Vintage has a carefully curated collection from around the country. This women-owned business upsized its storefront in November 2015, creating more space for their racks of plaid, striped and textured garments. Owners Maya Messoriano and Sarah Rainey source clothes, shoes and jewelry from Arizona to Chicago. Their aesthetic is varied, but leans towards Western. Whether you thumb through the large selection of vintage denim or try on turquoise and silver rings, you can be sure that what you find was chosen with style and consideration.

Mars Mercantile

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Located on the the bustling Telegraph Avenue just south of University of California, Berkeley’s campus, Mars Mercantile is a perfect place to find costumes, vintage flannels and retro sunglasses. The rows of colorful pieces are organized by decade and type, resulting in sections including Faux Hawaiian and 1970s Prom. Ascend the narrow spiral staircases to the upper level for women’s clothing. You may not find anything dirt-cheap, but expect to find some fairly priced authentic gems.

Rare Bird

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Rare Bird on Oakland’s Piedmont Avenue promotes local artists and focuses on crafted vintage items. Founder Erica Skone-Rees redesigned the entire space with salvaged treasures – even using vintage auditorium benches for shelves. The men’s and women’s apparel has both new and upcycled garments, providing a modern twist on vintage shopping. Check out the store’s DIY workshops to learn about encaustic wax collage, the basics of beading or how to make a vertical garden.

Halmoni

Halmoni offers vintage clothing, events and fashion services for women just a block from Lake Merritt in Oakland. In its small boutique space, find an array of garments, including great vintage dresses for under $50. Their Closet Remix service will help you revive your look and get the most out of your wardrobe. In a two-hour consultation, they help you identify the pieces worth keeping or altering.