I don't like vintage boutiques or second hand stores. I know we're in a recession and shopping at Wasteland or Crossroads is the hip and economical thing to do but it's not for me.
From the moment I walk in, I'm sneezing up a storm from the dust and the strong smell of "old" is way too overwhelming for me. Who can concentrate on cute clothes when you're busy covering up half your face? There's always wayyyyyy too much stuff that I get frustrated and give up after a rack or two. Remember Aaardvarks on Melrose? Eww. I hate sifting through a million different random pieces of polyester hoping that I'll find "the one" without breaking out in some sort of contact dermatitis. I always leave with a rash and the desperate need for Benadryl.
I believe that clothing has energy. I never understood why a woman would want to purchase a second hand wedding gown from someone she's never met. What if that marriage ended badly? What if the husband was a cheater? What if the wife left the husband at the altar? The details are unknown and by wearing that dress, I feel you're carrying that energy and allowing it to live on.
Recently, I was in San Francisco visiting my dear friend Nancy. Nancy isn't much of a shopaholic (thank God), so we only took a leisurely stroll along Haight Street to gently look around. Much to my surprise, I spotted a little vintage boutique that was appealing enough for me to want to get a closer look.
This little gem, La Rosa Vintage Boutique, was a slice of old school heaven. There was a great selection of clothing but not too much (which reduced the amount of stinky dust). All of the clothes were color coordinated by size, neatly marked, and (most importantly) the sales people weren't pushy! The gentleman who worked there was eager to help but only when I asked. I was left alone as I perused through the racks of acrylic duds from the 50's-90's. Yes, I'm cringing thinking that the 90's are considered vintage.
The shoes (my favorite!) were nicely arranged in a circle by color on a table in the center of the store. Not randomly thrown about throughout. It was easy to grab a pair to try on and, due to their set up, made me want to put them back in the neat and tidy way that I found them. Additionally, their jewelry and hat selection was enough to satisfy but not overwhelm me.
Happily, I left with a gorgeous, 1960's, burnt rose colored cocktail dress and a pair of silver kitten heels from the 50's. I suggest visiting this gem of a store if you live in the Bay Area, love fashion, and perhaps have overlooked it.
La Rosa Vintage Boutique, 1711 Haight Street, San Francisco, CA 94117 (415) 668-3744