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Vintage continues its highly affordable, high fashion comeback this season. It’s the ultimate cool hunting. And it’s an easy time to wear retro styles. Edgy designers mix and match classic periods into one collage effect—think skinny 80s-inspired jeans paired with antique lace tops; structured short jackets with demure ruffled skirts. We can easily do the same as we boutique buy.
10 Car Pile-Up
Beloved for a big selection of retro party dresses, costume jewelry, and loud, funky shoes, the roomy store is also one of the best stops for old-school shirts, jackets and pants for him. Store owner Shane buys loads of colorful dresses from the 50s, 60s, and 70s ($45 on average), and is often called on by costume designers of period films. The shop features a vast collection of cowboy boots, hip T-shirts, bathrobes, and winter coats. Smart purchases, while the getting’s good: A pink wool pencil skirt ($24) paired with a red suede clutch purse ($19) goes well with quieter silk blouses. 511 York Road, Towson, 410.832.5246.
Killer Trash
Owner Elaine Ferrare hits estate sales to replenish her assortment of cool vintage threads and rockabilly clothes that border on the costume-y . Check out the hot fur selection. Pick up a casual dress as low as $12 or a real Pucci dress in green and blue for as low as $100. Find funky blazers, shirts and pants for men. Great 70s and 80s clothes. The store packs a great deal of merchandise under one roof—around Halloween, you might find 30 customers in the store at once, buying up costumes. Smart purchases: Bob Mackey dress in gold leopard print ($170), Izod vintage cardigan for him ($20). The costume jewelry case is a treasure chest—whether it’s Halloween or not. 602 S. Broadway, Fells Point, 410.675.2449.
Vogue Revisited
This rambling three-room consignment shop features gobs of designer women’s wear and costume jewelry—they have an incredibly good variety. If an item doesn’t sell after one month, the price drops 20%; after 60 days, the price slashes 50%. Racks are crowded but the hunt’s worthwhile. Friendly clerks crave brand names—they stock Juicy Couture, St. John, Gucci, Ellen Tracy, Lily Pulitzer, and Marc Jacobs. Coach, Gucci and Kate Spade purses dangle from the wall. Jewelry by David Yurman’s on hand, too. Smart purchases: St. John pink jacket with gold buttons ($98); Kate Spade box shoulder bag in chocolate ($30). 4002 Roland Ave., Lower Roland Park, 410.235.4140.
Minas
Looking for a knockout birthday gift or classic vintage dress that fits just so? Minas is a tasteful shop with a fine array of vintage clothing in marvelous shape, a strong selection of retro women’s shoes, vintage Levi’s, and neat jewelry, some of it handmade, for under $20. Affordable art prints and pretty paintings by Minas himself, jazz CDs, and books of poetry decorate the scene—a small gallery space is housed upstairs. Free gift-wrap is available. 815 W. 36th St., Hampden, 410.732.4258.
Fashion Attic
This well-organized consignment shop sells attractive women’s clothes in first-rate shape—shoes are shelved neatly by size. Colorful casual skirts, lightweight women’s suits, flirty blouses, and party-ready earrings and purses are best suited to the young and young-at-heart. Look for BCBG, Gucci, Betsey Johnson, Calvin Klein, Urban Outfitters, and more. Smart purchases: an Express khaki pants suit ($28) paired with a sweet Kate Spade striped purse ($24) makes the workday go faster. At prices so low, buy both the Ann Taylor strappy sandals in gold ($18) and the extra-tall snakeskin heels ($16). A slate gray knee-length skirt with girly sash is office-appropriate for only $13. 1926 Fleet St., Fells Point, 410.276.0817.
Goodwill
Be ready to scavenge this giant warehouse space—organization is a bit messy, but a close browse is worth the effort. Men’s wear, women’s wear, kids’ clothes, coats, purses, lamps, and books abound—and let’s not forget shoes. The store is a haven for ladies’ footwear. Most are priced under $5. Apple-red patent -leather heels in great shape—Stuart Weitzman caramel heels for a steal—bright metallic flats for almost nothing. Treat yourself to six or seven styles for half the price of one new pair! The men’s shirt selection is vast, and there are rows and rows of his/hers jeans and cords ($4.75 each). 200 S. Broadway, Fells Point, 410.327.2211.
La Jeans Boutique
Dewan Smith-Williams’s Fells Point boutique, housed in an historical building dating back to 1830, is decorated to feel like home, complete with beautiful antique furniture (everything for sale), lovely rugs and charming lamps. Find upscale designer consignment clothing in every room. The walk-in shoe closet is goldmine territory—slip into Gucci, Ferragamo, Prada and more. Chanel, Gucci and Louis Vuitton purses can be purchased or rented (for $80 a month). Used mink coats and party dresses are in immaculate shape. Smart purchases: like-new St. John’s sweater dress ($600), Gucci tote ($375), Prada ankle-strap heels ($250), and Gucci loafers ($120). 535 S. Ann St., Fells Point, 410.522.2113.
The Zone
Grab quality items at bargain basement prices. Donna Jenkins’ shop carries an array of everyday clothes for the young and tragically hip to the more conservative set—some menswear is available, too—like shirts and jackets with fun flair. Donna buys lots of leather jackets and fur coats each fall—most sell for under $200. Lily Pulitzer dresses are in stock pretty regularly ($30). But don’t skip the jewelry case. Matching necklace and earring sets are a terrific deal—and nobody said you have to wear them as a pair. Smart purchases: red “wrapping paper” jacket with subtle fur collar ($25); old-movie-star calf-length sweater skirt in coffee tan ($20). 813 N. Charles St., Mount Vernon, 410.539.2817.
Vintage checklist: Closely inspect each garment’s quality, buy items that fit just right or require only slight alteration, choose clothes that make you feel like yourself, and aim to pair more flamboyant classics with conservative favorites from your closet…