To Live and Buy Vintage in LA

Vintage Clothes are the future of fashion. If that sounds a little counter intuitive, just remember that classic never goes out of style. If you're a fashionista or just someone who likes quality without paying huge prices, then consider vintage. Get out of the mall, get into the vintage stores! No city has a better selection of Los Angeles. With Hollywood as a backdrop, the vintage stores have an inventory like no other. Studio cast offs, socialite closets and actress trade ins are all to be found in LA. Here are some of the best shops in the city.

Our first stop takes us to another world, in a little hippie kingdom known as Topanga. Through the canyon connecting the valley and the sea, Topanga is a beautiful little town straight out of a sixties time warp. Hidden Treasures Vintage is in an old Victorian shack with a pirate motif and the store is a literal treasure chest of vintage clothing, housewares and fabric. The hula dancer at the front door greets you and beckons you to check out the bargain bin sitting outside the entrance. Do not pass this opportunity to dig for gold. Silk scarves, sheer blouses and leggings are just a few of the items you will find on any given day for $1. Once inside the items are displayed in a well organized, clean manner. Great selection of sunglasses, along with beautiful old costume type dresses. The store also has a great selection of beautiful, well cared for sweaters. Menswear is also in the mix. Great old bomber jackets and suede fringed coats for guys and girls under $70. Meander into the back and you'll find beautiful hand embroidered table cloths, 50's style aprons and magnificent old draperies and curtains. Everything is well cared for and in mint or near mint condition. I found an incredible cashmere cardigan in a soft blue with a little medieval castle embroidered into the fabric. Cost $15. During Halloween, the store has a great selection of costumes for sale. Located at 154 S. Topanga Canyon Blvd. Topanga, CA

Next we stop in the oh so trendy Beverly Hills, but we're bypassing the overpriced and snotty shopping district on Rodeo Drive and heading out to Marc Joseph on Beverly Drive. Walking into Marc Joseph is like walking into a Rosaline Russell movie set. Vintage deco furnishing, grand ceilings and cool renditions of classic standards playing on the hi-fi! It's so ring a ding ding. The store owner, Marc Modrow has been collecting and amassing and amazing array of designer clothes old and new. Beautiful suits by Valentino and Channel, shoes by Gucci and Ferragamo mix happily with interesting non designer finds from years past. The store is full of beautiful furniture from mid century chairs to art deco coffee tables etched with brass. The items here are not cheap, but you'll pay half the price you would if you had bought the clothes new. They dresses, shoes, slacks, blouses and suits are all in pristine condition with nothing but the best in fabric and craftsmanship. Modrow has a keen eye for beautiful items and he shares it with his clientele of socialites, actors, soccer moms and teenage girls with a taste beyond Abercrombie and Fitch. Located at 7210 Beverly Blvd. Los Angeles, CA.

While you're on the west side of LA, you must stop by Melrose staple The Wasteland. The buyers at this store have a keen eye and a pitch perfect fashion sense. Items range from nearly new to very old with everything in between. The newer items include jeans from 7 for all Mankind, Lucky and Paper Denim Prices are nearly a third of what you would pay new and they're in perfect condition. Lots of Juicy Couture t shirts, jackets and skirts for under $40. Marc Jacobs jacket for $40, a Prada shirt for $35 and a Gucci blouse for $40 are just some of the finds you'll come across on any given day. Don't forget the old vintage Dior and Chanel. It's not cheap, but it's incredible quality and classic style. You can also trade you clothes for cash. Remember those buyers however. They're a tough crowd and like the exclusive nigh clubs in the neighborhood, they don't let just anything into the store. Another added bonus is you'll almost always run into a celeb at Wasteland. Hey, even the rich and famous like a bargain. Located at 7428 Melrose Ave Los Angeles, CA.

Pull My Daisy gets its name from a Jack Kerouk film and the store is as cool as its name. Located in artist enclave of Silver Lake, the store is an institution in the so called Sunset Junction Shopping district. The owner, Sarah has been there since before Silver Lake was hip. The store carries a funky selection of new and vintage clothing along with goofy toys, paintings and and gifts packed into the store. Sarah is always supportive of neighborhood designers so keep your eyes opened for original stuff. Among the vintage you'll find groovy leather jackets, indy style dresses and menswear stuffed into the racks for less than $20. Pull My Daisy also has a great selection of old and new handbags, shoes and jewelry. Sarah's little pup, Bingo has also inspired a whole line of pet and dog items. Be sure to say hi to Bingo and bring his favorite treat, bacon. Best of all is the vintage photo booth where you can get a strip of photos for two dollars to document your shopping experience in Silver Lake! Located at 3908 W Sunset Blvd. Los Angeles, CA

Next we venture to the other side of the hill as the locals call it. Otherwise known as The Valley. Be prepared for the flat wide streets and the much warmer weather. It's worth the trip to North Hollywood however if you make it to Kathy E. Boutique in the up and coming NoHo Arts District. Yes, the neighborhood is a little dodgy. The store is located next to a tattoo parlor where patrons hang out with their pit bulls, but the experience is exciting and fun. Once inside Kathy's you'll be surrounded by beautiful vintage clothes and shoes from every era. Kathy E's salespeople are very knowledgeable and helpful, naming the year and designer of most of the clothes on the racks. This store caters to Hollywood actors who want an out of the way place to find their designer vintage clothes to wear on the red carpet. Everything from Versace, Bob Mackie and Valentino lines the rack. You'll find beautiful cocktail and formal dresses such as the 1961 sky blue chiffon prom dress for $50 or a vintage fire engine red wool swing coat for $75. All clothes are in beautiful condition and the inventory is ever changing. Clothes, shoes and bags come from all over the world and we're told from some of the Hollywood elites private closets! Located at 11114 Magnolia Blvd. North Hollywood, CA

Once you're in the valley, you might as well wind your way down Magnolia Blvd. into Burbank. There you will find Carly Jean. Carly Jean is a beautiful little store full of old and new clothing, jewelry and accessories. The new clothes are fun, but the vintage is sublime. Carly, the owner has a great eye for spotting beautiful fun dresses but her costume jewelry is the most fun. Chunky beaded necklaces, dangling drop 80's earrings and plastic clutch purses are just some of the fun stuff available for reasonable prices. The staff is very friendly and helpful and Carly is always ready to help you put together the perfect ensemble. Clothes are from every era. Lucy style house dresses, 70's hippie chick gowns and 50 prom dresses make for a great mix. Located at 3319 Magnolia Blvd. Burbank, CA

These are just a few of the many vintage stores out and about Los Angeles. A great place to start and once you go vintage, you'll never go to the mall again!