Vintage Shopping in Burbank, California

There is no substitute for style. You can't buy it at the mall, but if your willing to keep an open mind, you can find it in the vintage and thrift stores of Burbank's Magnolia Park district. While most people flock to Melorse in West Hollywood to buy their vintage, smart shoppers are heading over the hill to the valley and the flat streets of Burbank. You won't run into Britney Spears on Magnolia Boulevard, but you will come across some great finds and fabulous frocks!

Start at a tiny, but charming little shop called Swift, where the owner practices what she preaches by wearing inspired combinations of vintage clothes. At Swift you'll find men and women's clothing at great prices. Go back in time with a "Grease" inspired light cotton red polka dot, button down shirt dress with a clean cut collar. Find a fantastic green silk dress with an attached skirt decorated with daisies and silver grommet buds. Straight out of that 70's decade you'll find butter yellow polyester bell-bottoms with a striped fabric belt. Swift carries a line of fun, new clothes. T-shirts with fabric collaged across the front and hand knit sweaters. I found a Cynthia Rowley vintage silver slip dress for $40.00. Super great deals on vintage flower pins along with shoes, skirts and belts, make Swift a one stop shopping extravaganza.

But don't stop there. Next door is the famous Hubba Hubba where you will find clothes from the 40's, 50's and beyond. Fabulous prom dress, fur coats and cashmere sweater sets are stuffed onto racks waiting like wanna-be starlets to discovered. Beware of the owner, who sits at her desk, snaps her gum and smokes just like Rizzo. She gives excellent fashion advise however and dispenses wisdom with each puff of her Kool ciggie.

Next stop is true thrift shop. The American Way is a warehouse of clothes, shoes, household items and frankly, junk, but with a little patience, the smart vintage shopper can come away with some great finds. Besides the deals, purchases are tax deductible as all proceeds go to the American Way Charities. Step into the lively center of the building and start digging. I have found Christian Lacroix pumps for $2.00, a Trina Turk little black dress for $8.00 and great Gap and Old Navy cotton t-shirts for $1.00. If you want fun and unique vintage t-shirts with interesting logos, this is the place. I found a fabulous forest green T with a United Union Workers emblazoned on the front in bright yellow! A wool camel colored coat with real fur trim right out of Jackie O's closet was $15.00. Paisley dress shirts, and peasant skirts abound. Tuesdays and Thursdays the entire store is 50% off. Saturday and Sunday is 30% off.

For a fun change, with new and practically new clothes hop over to It's a Wrap. Clothes at this store come straight from the studios in Burbank and nearby Hollywood. NBC, ABC, Warner Bros and Disney are all a stones throw from It's a Wrap and costumers on sit-coms, soaps and movies send their left overs to the store. Clothes are labeled and catalogued so you know which production the item has come from. You could be wearing a Donna Karen suit from General Hospital, a lacy camisole from Desperate Housewives or a blazer from the Jamie Foxx movie "Ray". Clothes are in pristine condition and some even have the tags still attached. You'll find unique clothing along with designer items such as a Diane von Furstenberg wrap dress for $60.00, Stuart Weitzman pumps for $90.00 just to name a few. Check out It's a Wrap online at 1. http://www.itsawrappws.com/shop.html for more information on this incredible store.

After you have lived vicariously through the clothes of Erica Kane stop at Marc Joseph, a little store with big designers. Marc Joseph is an elegant little depository for top of the line clothing from Chanel, Gucci and Valentino. The clothes at Marc Joseph are pristine and beautiful one of a kind estate items. Think of your ulter rich aunt who lives on the upper east side of Manhattan and does 'lunch' . On a side note, Marc Joseph also has a furniture and housewares store. These items are rat-pack chic and mid century cool. Marc Joseph will dress you and house you in such a refined way, you'll have men saying things like 'ring a ding ding' and making you dry martini's!

After leaving your retro moment make your last stop Carly-Jean. Carly Jean is owned by Carly, who has an incredible eye for great vintage cache. Roomy, yet cozy, pull up a comfy chair and admire the adorable decor. Once you've relaxed start digging for goodies. I found an authentic Chanel purse made of black lambskin for $60.00. Knit sweaters in turquoise, butter, and brown. Groovy paisley button down blouses, gem encrusted sweater sets and swinging 60's fringe dresses. Carly Jean also has a line of new clothes and all labels let you know whether you purchasing, new, resale, or vintage. A great selection of big beaded necklaces and earrings, sunglasses and shoes abound at this little store.

Bye the end of your vintage shopping safari, you will have found an abundance of unique clothes at obscene cheap prices. Don't settle for conformity. Vintage shopping is easily accessible and much more fun.