There’s something magical about shopping in your favorite vintage store — inspecting the racks hopefully for fresh, fabulous pieces from eras past, tenaciously foraging through the stock to root out the perfect, envy-inducing, one-of-a-kind gem. But, it takes time and commitment to physically leave the house and venture into a store, and besides, not all of us can cab on over to the best vintage hunting grounds in New York, Austin, or Portland in a snap. Thankfully, the top vintage purveyors from around the country have graced the Internet with their astutely edited treasure troves, so we can go on a virtual retail expedition — and in our pajamas, no less. To save yourself a Google search, you can check out our top nine picks to shop vintage online — from beat-up Levi’s and cheap '70s disco dresses to the holy grail of ultra-luxe Chanel handbags.
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Resurrection
Founded in 1996 and boasting locations in Los Angeles and New York, Resurrection is basically the O.G. of high-end vintage destinations. Deep-pocketed retro-fashion fanatics click on over to peruse an impeccably edited selection of collectible womenswear from the likes of Azzedine Alaïa, Thierry Mugler, and Yves Saint Laurent, plus a killer assortment of designer handbags, including enough quilted Chanel 2.55s (and sometimes a Birkin, if you’re lucky) to bring you to tears. The site design is a tad vintage, too, if you know what we mean, but the offerings, organized mostly by designers, are pretty straightforward to navigate. Warning: Returns are for store credit only and must be made within three business days of purchase (read the fine print, for sure). So, think really hard before dropping the big bucks on the Hermès Constance that your dreams are made of.
Founded in 1996 and boasting locations in Los Angeles and New York, Resurrection is basically the O.G. of high-end vintage destinations. Deep-pocketed retro-fashion fanatics click on over to peruse an impeccably edited selection of collectible womenswear from the likes of Azzedine Alaïa, Thierry Mugler, and Yves Saint Laurent, plus a killer assortment of designer handbags, including enough quilted Chanel 2.55s (and sometimes a Birkin, if you’re lucky) to bring you to tears. The site design is a tad vintage, too, if you know what we mean, but the offerings, organized mostly by designers, are pretty straightforward to navigate. Warning: Returns are for store credit only and must be made within three business days of purchase (read the fine print, for sure). So, think really hard before dropping the big bucks on the Hermès Constance that your dreams are made of.
Decades
Perhaps you remember Los Angeles vintage mainstay Decades from reality television, on the Dukes of Melrose on Bravo? But, even if you didn’t catch the hilarious bons mots and verbal sparring between owners Cameron Silver and Christos Garkinos, you can relive it all, sartorially, by shopping, well, decades' worth of sublime, red carpet-ready designer pieces from the '20s and beyond — from a pristine-condition Hermès Kelly bag to a Studio 54-ready beaded Halston gown. It’s no wonder the shop is a favorite for celebrities and stylists in need of a paparazzi-friendly dress. Pro tip: If you’re contemplating a piece but have questions, just email orders@decadesinc.com to inquire about the size, fit, anything before committing to an investment, especially since all sales are final. But, Decades does offer free domestic shipping on orders over $300, which, let’s be honest, is an amount you’d probably hit.
Perhaps you remember Los Angeles vintage mainstay Decades from reality television, on the Dukes of Melrose on Bravo? But, even if you didn’t catch the hilarious bons mots and verbal sparring between owners Cameron Silver and Christos Garkinos, you can relive it all, sartorially, by shopping, well, decades' worth of sublime, red carpet-ready designer pieces from the '20s and beyond — from a pristine-condition Hermès Kelly bag to a Studio 54-ready beaded Halston gown. It’s no wonder the shop is a favorite for celebrities and stylists in need of a paparazzi-friendly dress. Pro tip: If you’re contemplating a piece but have questions, just email orders@decadesinc.com to inquire about the size, fit, anything before committing to an investment, especially since all sales are final. But, Decades does offer free domestic shipping on orders over $300, which, let’s be honest, is an amount you’d probably hit.
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What Goes Around Comes Around
If you can’t travel to NYC or L.A. to browse the “world’s largest collection of vintage Chanel” (we know), then open up a tab and click onto What Goes Around Comes Around’s website. WGACA is the mecca for the aforementioned Jumbos and Minis (plus, loads of double-C-bearing jewelry), plus more drool-inducing accessories from the 1880s to 1990s by other mega-labels, including Louis Vuitton, Céline, Balenciaga, and Gucci. And, if you like to mix your opulent logos with authentic (read: non-mass-produced or from the mall) rocker T-shirts and perfectly worn-in denim, WGACA has you covered there, too. Even better: The store allows returns and exchanges (minus shipping fees) within 14 days of delivery.
If you can’t travel to NYC or L.A. to browse the “world’s largest collection of vintage Chanel” (we know), then open up a tab and click onto What Goes Around Comes Around’s website. WGACA is the mecca for the aforementioned Jumbos and Minis (plus, loads of double-C-bearing jewelry), plus more drool-inducing accessories from the 1880s to 1990s by other mega-labels, including Louis Vuitton, Céline, Balenciaga, and Gucci. And, if you like to mix your opulent logos with authentic (read: non-mass-produced or from the mall) rocker T-shirts and perfectly worn-in denim, WGACA has you covered there, too. Even better: The store allows returns and exchanges (minus shipping fees) within 14 days of delivery.
Archive
This Austin-based shop and site specializes in perfect or near-perfect-condition designer womenswear and accessories from the '60s to the '90s. Think: Azzedine Alaïa, Christian Dior, Thierry Mugler, and, yes, Chanel. If you’re #blessed, you might even come across some pristine dead-stock (never-worn pieces). The site also features curated collections, currently Japanese (lots of conceptual Comme des Garçons and Issey Miyake pleats) and dedicated YSL and Jean Paul Gaultier mini-e-boutiques. The site design is sleek and easy to browse, plus, each product description features a pop-up size guide and full-length and detail photos, including one of the label. (P.S.: Returns accepted for store credit or exchange only, less shipping costs.)
This Austin-based shop and site specializes in perfect or near-perfect-condition designer womenswear and accessories from the '60s to the '90s. Think: Azzedine Alaïa, Christian Dior, Thierry Mugler, and, yes, Chanel. If you’re #blessed, you might even come across some pristine dead-stock (never-worn pieces). The site also features curated collections, currently Japanese (lots of conceptual Comme des Garçons and Issey Miyake pleats) and dedicated YSL and Jean Paul Gaultier mini-e-boutiques. The site design is sleek and easy to browse, plus, each product description features a pop-up size guide and full-length and detail photos, including one of the label. (P.S.: Returns accepted for store credit or exchange only, less shipping costs.)
Ritual Vintage
Fashion types flock to this New York-based store with two downtown locations for pre-'50s menswear and womenswear, plus unique, hard-to-find pieces from the '60s to right now. Plus, we just can’t seem stop clicking around Ritual’s site. First, it’s way too easy to get caught up in the vividly descriptive — and extensive — backgrounders about each piece. They’re like immersive, little mini-novellas. Secondly, the stock is just so, so good. From a Mod, Empire-waisted and box-pleated Geoffrey Beene frock to a Prohibition-era, velvet-and-silk, ruffled, drop-waist confection, we want all the things. Third: genuine '20s-era flapper dresses from the Boardwalk Empire costume department. 'Nuf said. Just be ready to commit, because everything is final sale.
Fashion types flock to this New York-based store with two downtown locations for pre-'50s menswear and womenswear, plus unique, hard-to-find pieces from the '60s to right now. Plus, we just can’t seem stop clicking around Ritual’s site. First, it’s way too easy to get caught up in the vividly descriptive — and extensive — backgrounders about each piece. They’re like immersive, little mini-novellas. Secondly, the stock is just so, so good. From a Mod, Empire-waisted and box-pleated Geoffrey Beene frock to a Prohibition-era, velvet-and-silk, ruffled, drop-waist confection, we want all the things. Third: genuine '20s-era flapper dresses from the Boardwalk Empire costume department. 'Nuf said. Just be ready to commit, because everything is final sale.
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Reissued
Originally launched as a shopping app in 2014, Reissued added an online marketplace offering clothing, accessories, and home design from hand-picked vintage shops and sellers from around the country. The site is oh-so-pretty and Pinterest-y in design, complete with dreamy, Anthropologie-esque product shots and a dedicated “Library” section featuring interviews and Q&As with the latest merchants selling their wares. You can find anything from affordable, worn-in denim to '30s-era lace dresses to your own piece of '60s Americana for the living room (ceramic bull sculpture, anyone?). And, yes, you can take your vintage shopping experience with you, anywhere, anytime, with the Reissued app. All items are final sale.
Originally launched as a shopping app in 2014, Reissued added an online marketplace offering clothing, accessories, and home design from hand-picked vintage shops and sellers from around the country. The site is oh-so-pretty and Pinterest-y in design, complete with dreamy, Anthropologie-esque product shots and a dedicated “Library” section featuring interviews and Q&As with the latest merchants selling their wares. You can find anything from affordable, worn-in denim to '30s-era lace dresses to your own piece of '60s Americana for the living room (ceramic bull sculpture, anyone?). And, yes, you can take your vintage shopping experience with you, anywhere, anytime, with the Reissued app. All items are final sale.
Spanish Moss
Founded in 2006, this SoCal-based e-store originally found fame as an eBay shop run by Suzanne Carafano. Now, it’s an online treasure trove offering genuine concert T-shirts, exquisite Victorian and Edwardian gowns, and flowy '70s maxi-dresses that scream for today’s boho It girl to snap it all up. While an Ossie Clark goddess gown might set you back $448, there are plenty of excellent pieces well under $100. The product descriptions also list meticulous measurements and fabrics/materials, so assess carefully, because returns are accepted for credit only.
Founded in 2006, this SoCal-based e-store originally found fame as an eBay shop run by Suzanne Carafano. Now, it’s an online treasure trove offering genuine concert T-shirts, exquisite Victorian and Edwardian gowns, and flowy '70s maxi-dresses that scream for today’s boho It girl to snap it all up. While an Ossie Clark goddess gown might set you back $448, there are plenty of excellent pieces well under $100. The product descriptions also list meticulous measurements and fabrics/materials, so assess carefully, because returns are accepted for credit only.
Nasty Gal
It’s pretty much a no-brainer that Nasty Gal — your favorite online stop for abbreviated party dresses and the latest festival gear — would excel at vintage. After all, it’s fashion lore at this point that #girlboss and founder Sophia Amoruso started the online powerhouse in 2006 as an eBay vintage shop. Nasty Gal’s vintage section features womenswear heavy on party- and Coachella-ready dresses (because it’s Nasty Gal, duh) and cool accessories from all eras. The stock is heavy on the '80s and '90s, plus plenty of debatably vintage but definitely awesome early- and mid-'aughts designer pieces, such as a double-breasted Zaragoza Balenciaga blazer, by Nicolas Ghesquière. Nasty Gal also plans on releasing themed, retro-designer capsule collections throughout the year, so keep an eye out for those. More good news: Nasty Gal accepts returns within 30 days of receipt, just less a $5.99 fee and shipping costs.
It’s pretty much a no-brainer that Nasty Gal — your favorite online stop for abbreviated party dresses and the latest festival gear — would excel at vintage. After all, it’s fashion lore at this point that #girlboss and founder Sophia Amoruso started the online powerhouse in 2006 as an eBay vintage shop. Nasty Gal’s vintage section features womenswear heavy on party- and Coachella-ready dresses (because it’s Nasty Gal, duh) and cool accessories from all eras. The stock is heavy on the '80s and '90s, plus plenty of debatably vintage but definitely awesome early- and mid-'aughts designer pieces, such as a double-breasted Zaragoza Balenciaga blazer, by Nicolas Ghesquière. Nasty Gal also plans on releasing themed, retro-designer capsule collections throughout the year, so keep an eye out for those. More good news: Nasty Gal accepts returns within 30 days of receipt, just less a $5.99 fee and shipping costs.
Adored Vintage
If feminine, romantic dresses circa Downton Abbey, Masters of Sex, and/or Mad Men are your thaang, click on over to Portland-based Adored Vintage. The centerpiece of the adorably designed site is undoubtedly a profusion of irresistibly pretty, ultra-feminine dresses running from the elegantly demure '10s to the flashy '80s — and, all conveniently organized by decade. Adored also offers thoughtfully edited separates, swimwear, lingerie, bridal, accessories, and homeware, all at a wide range of price points, too (i.e., from $68 for a '70s gingham, fit-and-flare dress to $428 for a dreamy, Lady Mary-esque Edwardian web lace gown). Comprehensive product descriptions feature measurements, condition, and closures (like, how to put it on), and styling is just so, so lovely. Last note: Returns are accepted for store credit within 10 days of receipt, and exchanges require a 10% restocking fee.
If feminine, romantic dresses circa Downton Abbey, Masters of Sex, and/or Mad Men are your thaang, click on over to Portland-based Adored Vintage. The centerpiece of the adorably designed site is undoubtedly a profusion of irresistibly pretty, ultra-feminine dresses running from the elegantly demure '10s to the flashy '80s — and, all conveniently organized by decade. Adored also offers thoughtfully edited separates, swimwear, lingerie, bridal, accessories, and homeware, all at a wide range of price points, too (i.e., from $68 for a '70s gingham, fit-and-flare dress to $428 for a dreamy, Lady Mary-esque Edwardian web lace gown). Comprehensive product descriptions feature measurements, condition, and closures (like, how to put it on), and styling is just so, so lovely. Last note: Returns are accepted for store credit within 10 days of receipt, and exchanges require a 10% restocking fee.
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