I can confidently say that thrifting is one of my favorite activities, but sometimes in LA, there are such limited options. I mean really, we all know what I’m talking about. “Thrifting” has been mixed up with “vintage shopping,” which has led to gentrified and overpriced vintage shops that take part of the draw out of thrifting. Thrifting is a fun and affordable way to find unique pieces, but if you go to Melrose Trading Post or Silverlake Flea, you usually are met with $70 vintage Carhart jeans.
Luckily, there are still a few hidden gems in the mess of it all, and I am not going to keep gatekeeping them. Here are a few of my favorite places to go thrifting in LA:
- Jet Rag
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Starting off, Jet Rag is a great hidden gem in LA, especially on Sundays when they have a weekly $1 sale. That’s right, $1. The sale takes place outside of the shop where there are PILES of clothes for people to dig through. They have so many cool pieces, and for a dollar, it allows you to be creative with what you buy without hurting the bank.
- Goodwill
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I know, it is hard to call this a “favorite spot” when you can find Goodwills throughout the country, BUT I’m telling you I have had some of my best finds at Goodwill. The Beverly Hills location often has good stuff. Once again, the price point on this one makes it worth it. Most items are under $10, and I have found Aritzia pieces that I fell in love with. Also, they have household items, so if you are in the process of apartment hunting right now, it is a great place to pick up some new furniture as well
Anna Schultz / Her Campus - Buffalo Exchange
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Buffalo Exchange is a consignment store, so the prices are often a tad more expensive. However, you can find great pieces. My favorite locations are on Melrose and Santa Monica, and there are often well known brands you can sift through. They have dressing rooms as well so you can try things on to see if they fit the way you would like. Definitely a great place to stop by if you are into leisurely shopping!
- Rose bowl Flea Market
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Rose Bowl Flea is more of a specialty experience. It happens once a month, on the second Sunday, right where our football games take place. 2,500 vendors come out to sell anything from thrifted pieces to vintage clothes to antique items. Definitely go in the morning if you can because it gets PACKED. And if you go really early, you’re more likely to snag the best pieces.
- 2nd Street
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2nd Street is hands down my favorite on this list, and the one I would want to gatekeep if it wasn’t so good. They have a lot of designer brands for a discounted price, and they have more affordable pieces at a low price point. I snagged an I Am Gia top for $9, and if that isn’t a steal I have no idea what is. They carry everything from accessories, tops, shoes and more. It is the perfect blend of high-end and low-end price tags. They have a Melrose location as well as a Pasadena store.
And although these are some of my favorite places, the list goes on of places to shop at. Los Angeles is a fashion hub fashion, so you are sure to find some amazing pieces no matter where you go. Though, in true thrifting nature, it just might take a little bit of digging.