Vintage Shopping Guide



Bobby from Boston
This museumlike SoWa shop showcases truckloads of old-school gentlemen’s (and some women’s) apparel and gear with a dandy staff and a Sgt. Pepper–worthy soundtrack.

19 Thayer St., Boston, 617-423-9299.

Café Society
Owner Betsey Brooks has been in the vintage business for more than a quarter-century, and her extensive collection of wares is proof. Finds include ’70s printed blouses and ’40s pumps in mint condition.

131 Cypress St., Brookline, 617-738-7186.

The Garment District
It takes effort, but an afternoon spent wading through the costumes, kitsch, and thrift at this Kendall Square warehouse will likely produce at least a few legitimate vintage gems. And for those brave enough, there’s even a “dollar-a-pound” floor.

200 Broadway, Cambridge, 617-876-5230, garmentdistrict.com.

Gumshoe
This men’s-only J.P. store has a healthy crop of ’70s and ’80s western wear for modern cowboys, specializing in never-been-worn Wranglers and Levi’s. FYI: It’s open just on the weekends.

40 South St., Jamaica Plain, 617-522-5066.

History
With a former history teacher at the helm, this Cambridge spot boasts a well-edited inventory that includes designer ’80s party dresses, ’50s suits, and the occasional classic jumpsuit.

1693 Massachusetts Ave., Cambridge, 617-868-5400, historyboutique.com.

Honeyspot
Well stocked with quirky gifts, snarky cards, and funky band merchandise, this shop also offers a small selection of vintage bags, shoes, and dresses that rarely go for upward of $40. Start digging, then pray something fits.

48 South St., Jamaica Plain, 617-524-2444.

Poor Little Rich Girl
This Davis Square consignment shop features an eclectic collection of vintage gear, like netted hats from the ’40s and formfitting “wiggle” dresses from the ’60s. Most pieces are designer look-alikes; however, a little Valentino or Diane von Furstenberg will occasionally slip in (and quickly get snatched up).

416 Highland Ave., Somerville, 617-684-0157.

Proletariat
This Harvard Square shop stocks more than 1,000 gently worn T-shirts, including sought-after concert tees from iconic bands like Def Leppard and Journey.

36 JFK St., Cambridge, 617-3865, arevolt.com.

Second Time Around
Label-hounds will be impressed by this overflowing consignment shop’s daily shipments of designer goods from Burberry, Kate Spade, and Ferragamo, as well as big-name denim brands like Seven and Rock & Republic. But watch out for so-called “discontinued” styles—they’re retired for good reason.

99 Charles St., Boston, 617-227-0049, secondtimearound.net.

Vintage Taste
Don’t be caught off-guard by the offbeat locale—it’s tucked inside a Downtown Crossing high-rise. With each piece carefully selected by Newbury Street veteran Heli Labadi, the designers-only inventory brims with pristine ’70s Yves Saint Laurent silk blouses, like-new Chanel shoes, ’80s Versace blazers, and classic Louis Vuitton bags.

333 Washington St., second floor, Boston, 508-633-6843.