Navigating the sprinkling of vintage stores in the City can be daunting if you don't know where to look for your next big score. We're here to help decipher the best items each top store has to offer.
If you're looking for edgy, on-trend basics for men and women, both vintage and new, then Afterlife is your go-to. Filled to the brim with crop tops, frayed cut-off shorts, and paper thin t-shirts, this store has a young, "I don't care, but I care" vibe. Great selection of leather handbags (including Culture Riot) duffles, funky jewelry, jackets, new denim by Cheap Monday, and even a 49ers satin jacket. // 988 Valencia Street (Mission)
Housed in a former bank, Decades is now a treasury of vintage and antique (dating as far back as the 1860s) garments, accessories, vintage perfume and makeup, pristine shoes, hats, and more for both women and men. Cases of jewelry are separated by theme (i.e. turquoise, rhinestone, amber), and cases for men include vintage pipes, lighters and golf accessories. Great variety of hats, cowboy boots, shoes, and jewelry. // 1653 Haight Street (Haight)
To say this is the treasure trove of couture and designer clothing and accessories would be quite the understatement. Run by philanthropist and SF fashion icon Joy Venturini Bianchi, Helpers House is filled to the brim with Chanel, Balenciaga, McQueen, Tom Ford, Pucci, Ralph Rucci, and more. There are items from $10 and clothing for every shape. Ms. Venturini Bianchi prides herself on being able to dress everyone, from 14 to 90-plus and from size 00 to 20. The greatest part is that proceeds help those who are developmentally challenged. Now that's Halston with heart. // 2626 Fulton Street (Panhandle)
This vintage store, with an additional locale in Oakland, is a prints paradise! Whether you're looking for fun and bold skirts, dresses, or suitcases, this is the place for you. It also houses a great selection of sunglasses. In keeping with the digital age, they post and sell items on Instagram. An added bonus is the barber area in the back, where the owner takes haircut appointments. // 1201A Guerrero Street (Mission)
This is where Betty would get her prom dress or Buddy his letterman sweater circa 1950. Frothy pastel gowns, metallic wiggle dresses, western wear, handbags, shoes, and arguably the most glittery jewelry collection in the city. They also have a beautiful selection of vintage wedding dresses. // 1605 Haight Street (Haight)
The first thing you see when you walk into Static are San Francisco 49ers satin jackets and vintage SF tees smartly facing the door. Just beyond is a label lovers paradise: an extensive collection of vintage Gucci, Louis Vuitton, Dior and Chanel bags, trench coats (including Burberry), and cases of jewelry. T-shirts are color coded, and you will find a ton of SF t-shirts, sweatshirts, Cliff Engle sweaters, and jackets, plus '60s dresses, printed dresses, vintage handbags, and unique jewelry. // 1764 Haight Street (Haight)
Bohemians look no further! Gobble up 70s maxi and printed dresses at this mod shop. To round out the vintage offerings, Wallflower also offers furniture, cool books, and a small collection of lumberjack-esque Thermoses. They stock new items such as candles, small plants, soaps, and SF-themed dish towels. Items are available for purchase on their Instagram profile. // 1176 Valencia Street (Mission)
This light and airy space holds a very on-trend, edgy collection of both new and vintage gear for women and men. Paper thin band t-shirts, designer clothing, flannels for days, a vast selection of denim and jackets, jewelry, motorcycle jackets, and anything your favorite magazine says is in right now. // 1660 Haight Street (Haight)
