Vintage Shopping at Melrose

Let's take "ukay-shopping" to the next level: Melrose Ave., California. When you hear the word "Melrose," first thing that comes to mind is the hit 90's show, Melrose Place. That was actually more than a decade ago. Nowadays, Melrose has regained its reputation for being one of the trendy and outlandish pedestrian neighborhoods in Los Angeles. Although one cannot compare it to Rodeo Drive (who shops there anyway?), Melrose offers its own nostalgia shops as well as a trendy street crowd.

One of your traveling flip-flops correspondents, made her way to the other side of the world to find these exciting secret nooks... and ended up in Melrose Ave. 7200. Through some minor research on the net, I found that some interesting stores were found between blocks 7200 and 7600 - among others I suppose.

The traveling flip-flops find neat places by foot. Indeed a car was needed to get to the place, but to truly appreciate Melrose and find what it is you're looking for, one has to travel by walking. So I walked for 5 blocks, both sides of the street (so technically that makes it 10 blocks) to find some vintage stores.

Here are the 4 cool vintage stores I found:

1) Aaardvark's Odd Ark (No. 7579)
This store sells different clothes from as early as the 50's... or 60's to the 80's. Their style is more funky, retro, and.. odd. They have wigs, accessories, and bags too. I didn't find that much interesting wardrobe... unless I was looking for a Halloween costume. But I did find a pretty vintage white shoulder bag for only $12. =) I couldn't take much photos because it wasn't allowed. This store doesn't carry much designer items, but they do carry authentic vintage wear. Prices range from $4 to around $25.



2) Crossroads Trading Co. (No. 7409)
This store is less rad than Aaardvark, although their items look more second hand than vintage. Apparently, it really is a trading store - of the rich who often change wardrobe, that is. So the items are most likely still in good condition. They have interesting designer clothes though, shoes and bags as well. I apologize - I only looked at the shoes!!! (Obviously I collect more of them than clothes.) I saw a pair of Coach shoes with the same suede waves design as the Coach tote I was eyeing a few years back - unfortunately, when I decided to get the tote, it was out of stock... shucks! I didn't get the shoes though. They were a size 9. I had to steal some photos in this store too. They have DVF (Diane Von Furstenberg), Banana Republic, Diesel, Marc Jacobs, Prada, etc. Prices are down to about 25% of the original retail price, years back. Prices range from $10 to $50... to a few hundreds (but still very much a bargain price).



3) Slow (No. 7474)
This is my second favorite store in the strip I visited. They don't smell like your typical "ukay" store with clothes disastrously arranged. They are instead very organized and have a nice and cozy atmosphere. They sell really unique vintage items that are very fashionable - beats shopping in your typical ANF (Abercrombie) or F21 (Forever 21) type of mall. I couldn't take photos on the clothes section because it was right in front of the cashier (hehe). So I was only able to steal shots on the second floor filled with shoes and bags, again. Another thing I like about this store, is that it doesn't brag much of its designer brands. Rather it shows off more its unique vintage styles - which is what most of us are really after. Prices range from $20 and above. I found this $24 pair of Bandolino yellow flats - simply FAB!!!



4) Wasteland (No. 7428)
And last but not the least - my favorite of them all. I almost missed the Wasteland store. It is actually the biggest among the four, but its door entrance is almost hidden. The glass windows as well were covered with paper that I actually passed by it and thought it was some abandoned warehouse. But the number of people coming in made me think that it probably wasn't just some public restroom. So I went in and saw -- wasteland. One man's garbage, is indeed another man's treasure! No worries, no smell here and there, and the items are very neatly arranged. There were racks and racks of designer vintage clothes both for men and women, and shelves of designer shoes and bags - all FABULOUS! I spent hours on this store, unfortunately I couldn't take photos as well. I did steal some shots - on shoes and bags again (I'm sorry! :D Traveling without the other 3 didn't help me focus on the other things..). I did find stylish vintage clothes starting at around $30 - definitely a bargain for brands like Prada, Gucci, Comme des Garçons, DVF, John Galliano, among others. They have shoes from Ungaro, Burberry, Marc Jacobs, Blahnik, Gucci, Prada, etc. and are a real steal starting at $15. Bags go from unknown brands (but uber stylish) to Gucci, YSL, Dior, etc. starting at $20. Take note, "starting." These items can go as high as $100, but just for a few special items.



This trip was indeed tiring - digging into gazillion racks of clothes and shelves of shoes. But that is something one has to do, enjoyingly, to find that perfect unique piece. And when you do find one, who cares if your feet hurt. Walking 10 blocks is definitely worth it if you find hidden treasures along the way.