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It's time for the very first Racked SF Vintage 38: your guide to the city's all-around best vintage stores. We've done our best to cover a wide array of neighborhoods and prices—from Mission boutiques with $5 racks to park-side shops that have a few more zeros on their price tags. Many of the stores will also buy your quality used clothing and accessories. To keep things manageable, we excluded flea markets as well as pure furniture stores, but you will see shops that have home goods sprinkled in.
In the map that follows, you'll find a mix of high end vintage boutiques that specialize in Dior and Chanel, along with shops that deliver the '80s concert tees that you crave. Shop both and create the perfect high-low look for yourself. And let us know your favorites—or any we may have missed—in the comments section. Also please note: the shops are in no particular order other than being arranged vaguely north to south on the map.
This tiny boutique is full of kitsch clothing, records and magazines. Punk aficionados will love the fashion from the '60s, '70s and '80s. Prices are accessible, and the place does double duty as a hair salon!
This East Bay gem has some of the most jaw-dropping statement pieces we've ever laid eyes on. From boho princess wraps and ponchos to Roberto Cavalli stiletto boots, all your Jane Birkin/Brigitte Bardot/Francoise Hardy/Stevie Knicks dreams will come true here.
This small, bright boutique has an impressive selection of Louis Vuitton, Chanel, Ferragamo and many more high-end designers. Their specialty is accessories, but the clothing is great too. Consignors get 50%, no appointment necessary.
If you're on the hunt for high-end labels, your search will end at Cris. Look for Catherine Malandrino, DVF, Michael Kors and other runway favorites in mint condition. Sellers split 50/50 with the store. Consignors are welcome to walk-in any day but Saturday when they require an appointment.
This is the SF chain's flagship, but you can find Crossroads all over the Bay. The stores carry a range of vintage, contemporary labels, and some new items—all of which are in-season and on-trend. Check out their site for buying guides and tips. They take both consignment and sell or trade. Consignors get 50% when an items sells. Sellers get 35% of the selling price on the spot. Or, if you decide to trade, you get 50% towards something else in the store.
Reliquary has new digs on Hayes with more space for Proprietor Leah Bershad's hand-picked vintage clothing, jewelry, textile, and other objects of desire. Small indie lines are mixed in with the vintage to create a perfect modern bohemian mix.
If you're looking for a luxury handbag at a fraction of the original price, head Fashionphile on third floor of the building (dial 999 at the door). It's home to gorgeous, gently-used handbags and a few accessories (namely from Chanel). Consignors have the choice to consign or to sell to the store. Either way, expect between 50-70 percent of the resale price.
If you're on the hunt for Lor Piana (lightly used) then this is the shop for you. Goodbyes specializes in the "higher end" brand names. The designer shoes are always drool-worthy, and there's a quick turnover with new items added weekly. The men's store is across the street at 3464 Sacramento. At least $100 in merch gets you in as a consignor, and the store splits the profits 50-50 unless the item sells for $500 or more, at which point the split is 70-30 in favor of the consignor.
It's quality not quantity at this small consignment shop. There's always a good selection of luxe labels like St. John and Chanel in sizes that actually fit curvier gals. If you can't find what you're looking for at this location, have the ladies call over to the other store in Nob Hill to check before you drive. If your closet needs to shed some of its big name labels, take them over freshly cleaned and pressed and expect a 40-60 split (in the store's favor).
Out west in the Richmond district, Jane's Consignment is often overlooked—meaning the stock isn't picked over. You'll find an eclectic blend of Ann Taylor, BCBG, Joie, and DVF, as well as the occasional Chanel handbag. Consignments are taken by appointment only, with a minimum of 5 items to open an account, and the consignor receives 40% of the final sale price.
Wasteland is legendary for having the hippest and edgiest vintage in town, from contemporary brands to 80s vintage to high-end designers. Selling is straightforward: sellers get 35% of the sale price in cash for under $50, by check if the amount is higher. The store will consign more expensive items, usually $200 or higher. No appointment is necessary for selling.
It's been described by the New York Times as "a consignment store run as if by museum curators," if that gives you any idea of what you'll find here. Appointments are required to consign, and garments must be in excellent condition and freshly dry cleaned. The seller gets 40% plus 10% off when shopping the store.
Buffalo is a bit similar to Crossroads in terms of brands and styles, and the split is the same: 35% to the seller for cash, 50% for trade. Buffalo consigns less often, mainly for higher-end, more expensive items, at their discretion. Keep in mind they have a 5-day return policy, so you'll get your half 6 days after the item sells.
Fashion mavens love this store, as do sellers. The styles are always on trend and in good condition. And they offer the best trade deal we've seen at 55%, or the usual 35% for cash. No appointment necessary.
Prepare to spend hours in this mindblowing vintage store, with clothes dating all the way back to the teens and spanning the decades up to the '80s and '90s. Celeb stylists shop for period pieces here, and celebs themselves including Lenny Kravitz have been known to frequent this massive Union Square shop. The prices are not for the faint of heart, but the vintage is unparalleled.
We love that this place sells clothing by the pound. It's incredibly fun to sift through the offerings—in particular the boho festival wear is plentiful. And the window displays are always on point.
This is your go-to for mint-condition pieces from the '20s to the '60s for both men and women. It's a Haight Street institution known for its amazing customer service. And Dita Von Teese shops there!
This spankin' new vintage shop can be found through a magical portal at the back of Carousel Consignment. Victoria Nicoll has set up an amazing little curation of '60s and '70s pieces, along with some new accessories and her succulent/crystal creations.
You could easily spend an entire day browsing the massive inventory at this Mission institution. It's a favorite of many a Bay Area fashionista. Don't miss the housewares upstairs.
Afterlife has an excellent selection of vintage graphic and concert t-shirts from the '70s and '80s at competitive prices, plus leather biker and fringed jackets, trucker hats, bags and other accessories. Photo via j.t./Yelp
If you like your vintage to be expertly curated rather than sifting through racks and bins, you will love Painted Bird for its on-trend selection. Look for concert tees, rompers, denim, kimonos, leather accessories, and tons more. Plus, Elle calls it one of the top vintage clothing stores in America!
This small, curated vintage collection has been selling men's and women's clothing, primarily from the '60s and '70s, since way back when Valencia Street was rough. Look for perfect coats, gowns and jackets for men.
Photo via Guidepal
When you walk into Held Over, it feels like a wild west of vintage fashion. You know there's amazing stuff to be found and you need to aggressively address the situation. Luckily everything is well-organized by decade and in sections like "sexy 80s secretary skirts." Photo via Boutiika
If luxury brands are what you crave, this is your spot. Since the shop is located near the super-fancy Sea Cliff neighborhood, it gets plenty of new-with-tags Chanel, YSL, Missoni, Prada and more. It's not the cheapest vintage you'll find, but you're guaranteed to score the high-end goods.
Fuel yourself up at Four Barrel then head over to this highly curated, on-trend little vintage shop. The duds are mostly from the '60s through the '90s, and you can also score vinyl records.
Pretty Penny began in Oakland, and earlier this year opened its San Francisco location. Yay! This is another small-ish collection of thoughtfully-chosen clothing, plus local and indie art and accessories. They're also currently hiring!
This tiny Potrero Hill store has an eclectic mix of vintage and contemporary second-hand clothing, plus a smattering of new items from local designers for men, women and kids.
This store focuses on current trends (even if the clothes are actually vintage). As a buyer, expect to find seasonal, spring pieces like lightweight sweaters and jackets, ankle boots, and platform sandals. And sellers, use the current stock as a guide for what to take in to consign. Mary's offers the consignor 50% of the sale price. But if the item doesn't sell within 60 days, it's the sellers responsibility to pick it up or Mary's will donate it without calling.
This shop is overstuffed and can be overwhelming, but once you dive it, there are treasures to be found, whether you're hunting for a Burning Man costume or a dress to wear to cocktail hour.
The store's tagline, "Vintage for the Modern," is exactly what you'll find here: on-trend high-waisted shorts from the '70s alongside more current Marc Jacobs styles, new with tags. The prices are premium, so are the goods.
Like its former next-door neighbor Adobe Books, Idol Vintage was driven from 16th Street by high rent. The new Mission Street location is just as well-stocked with fun, inexpensive vintage for men and women as well as tchotchkes, costume jewelry and bow ties.
This Bernal Heights gem sells kids clothing from newborn to pre-teen. The store requests that clothes be clean and neatly folded when you come to sell. Sellers get 35% of the determined price in cash, or 50% in trade. Clothes must be in-season, but they buy swimwear year-round. The Bernal location also carries women's and maternity apparel; the newly-opened Inner Sunset location is kids only.
The selection here is possibly the broadest you'll find in SF—clothing for men, women and children ranges from the 1880s to 1980s. They're especially good at the '20s, so if you're hunting for a flapper look, go here first.
We love this place partly because the owner was such an amazingly good sport on Project Runway when his designer created a drag queen design that looked not at all like they'd discussed. We also love it because you can find something you'll love whether you're a man who's looking for lady clothes, a lady looking for lady's clothes, a man looking for... well, you get the picture. Plus they have makeup, hair extension and fake lashes galore.
Photo via Yelp
The vintage clothing here is upscale, but the prices are accessible. Plus they carry contemporary indie jewelry from Sweet Bird, Metal Smith, and 1228, fragrances from Sebastian Signs, and vintage-inspired new clothing from Kit Kit Dodge and more.
With beautiful pieces from the '20s through the '80s, Relic is especially good for '40s and '50s garb in pristine condition. Look for Hawaiian shirts and dresses, shoes, handbags and jewelry, plus formal gowns.
Eden & Eden's vintage selection is seriously on point with tea-length skirts, high-waisted denim, print dresses and graphic tees. While you're there, you'll for sure be tempted by the contemporary jewelry by indie designers as well as the unique home goods.
It's no secret we're huge fans and you will be too once you experience this entire house filled with Chanel, Balenciaga, Missoni, Prada—you name it it's here—clothing, shoes and accessories for men and women. Be sure to call for an appointment. Or visit Joy Bianchi's slightly lower-end Helper's Boutique in Ghirardelli Square.
This tiny boutique is full of kitsch clothing, records and magazines. Punk aficionados will love the fashion from the '60s, '70s and '80s. Prices are accessible, and the place does double duty as a hair salon!
This East Bay gem has some of the most jaw-dropping statement pieces we've ever laid eyes on. From boho princess wraps and ponchos to Roberto Cavalli stiletto boots, all your Jane Birkin/Brigitte Bardot/Francoise Hardy/Stevie Knicks dreams will come true here.
This small, bright boutique has an impressive selection of Louis Vuitton, Chanel, Ferragamo and many more high-end designers. Their specialty is accessories, but the clothing is great too. Consignors get 50%, no appointment necessary.
If you're on the hunt for high-end labels, your search will end at Cris. Look for Catherine Malandrino, DVF, Michael Kors and other runway favorites in mint condition. Sellers split 50/50 with the store. Consignors are welcome to walk-in any day but Saturday when they require an appointment.
This is the SF chain's flagship, but you can find Crossroads all over the Bay. The stores carry a range of vintage, contemporary labels, and some new items—all of which are in-season and on-trend. Check out their site for buying guides and tips. They take both consignment and sell or trade. Consignors get 50% when an items sells. Sellers get 35% of the selling price on the spot. Or, if you decide to trade, you get 50% towards something else in the store.
Reliquary has new digs on Hayes with more space for Proprietor Leah Bershad's hand-picked vintage clothing, jewelry, textile, and other objects of desire. Small indie lines are mixed in with the vintage to create a perfect modern bohemian mix.
If you're looking for a luxury handbag at a fraction of the original price, head Fashionphile on third floor of the building (dial 999 at the door). It's home to gorgeous, gently-used handbags and a few accessories (namely from Chanel). Consignors have the choice to consign or to sell to the store. Either way, expect between 50-70 percent of the resale price.
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