My Love for vintage

My love affair with vintage clothing came at the ripe age of 12. I had just moved from New Jersey where the height of fashion was over sized t-shirts with stretch pants and reebok sneakers to Los Angeles where all the girls my age were wearing Louis Vuitton and all the newest greatest trendiest fashion. I always had a love for fashion but just didn't have the kind of money to buy all the things my friends were wearing. I had to get creative. How could I express myself, be uniquely me and not stick out like a sore thumb on a budget. VINTAGE! I started to explore and hunt everywhere. I discovered that if I was selective with where and how I spent my money I could look just as good as everybody else for a fraction of the price and look like me not anybody else. I started collecting vintage dresses, combat boots and lunch boxes (which became my signature purse). This is where it all began. Vintage never goes out of style. I still have the same brown combat boots I had when I was 12. And yes I still bust them out from time to time. 

To this day there is nothing like the 2nd Sunday of the month when I can go to the Rose Bowl flea market and hunt for buried little treasures. I really believe that vintage is not only affordable but it is the only way to guarantee when you show up to an event you won't wind up in the "who wore it best" section of us weekly. If you are having a prom, wedding, gala, premiere, or just a night out why not rock a vintage dress. You can spice it up with some fancy heals and gorgeous jewels. I wore a yellow vintage flapper dress to the Vanity Fair Oscar party one year and its still one of my favorite red carpet looks. You don't have to spend a fortune to look great. Just always honor yourself and your style. You can't go wrong. Fashion is an expression of oneself. I don't believe it can be done wrong if you come from within. See below for my favorite vintage stores and shopping tips!

The Rose Bowl Flea Market- 2nd Sunday of every month in Pasadena

Tip- Be patient and where comfy shoes

Wasteland- 12144 Ventura Blvd. Studio City, CA

Tip- Map out at least an hour to peruse the store. The best things are always hiding.

Santa Monica Airport Flea Market- 4th Sunday of every month in Santa Monica

Tip- Bring your dog as a shopping companion. This one is a bit more on the pricey side but has great stuff.

Lily Et Cie- 9044 Burton Way. Beverly Hills, CA

Tip- This is where I got my yellow vintage flapper dress. Rita the owner was very lovely to me and I walked in unannounced off the street. This is not vintage on a budget. This is if you are going to an event and feel like splurging and investing in a dress. But it is much less expensive than buying a formal designer dress.

Melrose Trading Post- Every Sunday on Melrose and Fairfax

Tip- This is a great small market but I have discovered some great finds here. Also its on Melrose so you can continue your day exploring all the vintage stores along Melrose. Also dog friendly

Playclothes- 3100 Magnolia Blvd. Burbank, CA

Tip- This is one of my favorite stores to look for vintage gowns on a budget! Great prices, great staff, and great selection. Have been going here for years. Give yourself lots of time to try stuff on. Because its vintage you wanna make sure you get a good fit.

If you have any tips or suggestions for me please leave them in the comment box!

Happy Hunting!