Vintage by the Bay - A Guide to Antique Apparel in San Francisco

Ah, the value of vintage vogue! Bygone fashions are back in a big way. Savvy stylists know just where to look, as they resurrect yesterday's prized items. The primo spot for antique fashions is San Francisco, the vintage mecca of the U.S.

Here are a few of my favorite spots to shop for vintage values in the City by the Bay.

Aardvark's Odd Ark

(1501 Haight St.).

This fun shop is worth the trip, for the atmosphere alone. If you're looking for unique, come to the Ark! With classic oldies blasting in the background, shoppers pick their way through men's and women's clothing and accessories. The merchandise is not well organized, but it's a great spot to shop for unusual, one-of-a-kind treasures.

Aardvark's Odd Ark is open Mondays through Fridays (11 am - 7 pm) and Saturdays and Sundays (11 am - 8 pm).

Crossroads Trading Company

(1901 Fillmore St.).

This friendly shop includes an enormous assortment of excellent items at fair prices. Much of the merchandise comes from wholesale overstocks, so shoppers may find unworn (new and older) items at bargain prices with original sales tags still attached.

Crossroads is open Mondays through Thursdays (11 am - 7 pm), Fridays and Saturdays (11 am - 8 pm), and Sundays (noon - 7 pm).

Goodbyes Consignment Shop

(3483 Sacramento St.).

Goodbyes offers good buys on upscale pre-worn women's goods. Displays and merchandise tend to vary seasonally, so it's important to visit often. This little spot is filled with surprises. We have been amazed to find velvet blazers in bold colors, sequined eveningwear, and funky hats and handbags. Be sure to check out the shop's wonderful assortment of shoes and accessories.

Goodbyes is open Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays (10 am - 6 pm), Thursdays (10 am - 8 pm), and Sundays (11 am - 5 pm).

La Rosa Vintage

(1711 Haight St.).

Seeking funky fashions from the psychedelic era? How about a 1920's flapper gown, a 1950s poodle skirt, or a polyester leisure suit? This boutique is just around the corner from Haight-Asbury, where it all happened. Rumors of Jerry Garcia's ghost abound!

La Rosa Vintage is open daily, 11 am - 7 pm.

Old Vogue Vintage

(1412 Grant St.).

Old Vogue opened its double-Dutch doors to vintage-seeking men in 1985. This clever store offers everything from zoot suits to Big Band jackets to mint quality leather coats. Displays focus on the 1940s to the 1970s, although additional items may be available. Browse through shelves and racks of gorgeous garments, all sorted by size and color. The well-dressed man will appreciate this well-appointed store.

Old Vogue Vintage is open Sundays through Thursdays (11 am - 7 pm) and Fridays and Saturdays (11 am - 10 pm).

Schauplatz

(791 Valencia St.).

This store has whimsical and unique items for men and women. Shopper may jostle one another in this treasure-laden spot, as they browse and pick from Victorian lace to 1970s funk and more. Looking for an old-fashioned bridal gown? Dressing for a showplace? Try Schauplatz!

Schauplatz is open six days a week (closed Tuesdays), from 1 - 6 pm.

Seconds to Go

(2252 Fillmore St.).

Look past the bland, white-bread appearance of this little shop, and you will find high-class second-hand designer suits for men and women, big-name shoes, and nearly new vintage fashions. Explore their housewares and knick-knacks too, as the shelves overflow with items from every era. All proceeds support San Francisco's Schools of the Sacred Heart.

Seconds to Go is open Mondays through Saturdays (10 am - 5:30 pm) and Sundays (noon - 4 pm).

Vendima

(4100 24^th St.).

This is the elite spot for vintage values. Check out the amazing displays, all tastefully arranged. . Vendima offers vintage and thrifty items as well. Who knew used items could be presented in such an appealing manner? Prices tend to run a bit higher here than in the city's other vintage boutiques, but this shop worth the trip.

Vendima is open Monday through Saturday (11 am - 7 pm) and Sundays (11 am - 6 pm).

Ver Unica

(437 Hayes St., Suite B).

Looking for very unique pre-worn items in mint condition? This Hayes valley shop is the place to go! Ver Unica won the Best of CitySearch award in 2005 and 2006 for vintage and thrift stores. The staff's meticulous cleaning and repairs make each item fashion-ready for retro-wear enthusiasts.

Ver Unica's friendly salespeople staff the store Mondays through Saturdays (11 am - 7 pm) and Sundays (noon - 6 pm).

Come on in! The shopping's fine!

Shopping in the quaint and quirky vintage boutiques of San Francisco, you never know who you might bump into. Red-carpet celebrities, locals, and tourists jostle one another to find fascinating fashions from bygone eras. Grab the goods, and hop the cable car!