I have made it very known on this blog, and in life, that I am a lover of vintage clothing and accessories. I love scouring thrift stores and flea markets for that perfect piece I didn't even know I needed! However, I understand that my passion, addiction even, to vintage is a bit more extreme than the average person who may not want to go elbow deep in old clothes. If you are that person, then this post is for you. I have put together a route of downtown NYC vintage stores that do all the dirty work of digging through old, likely dirty, things in obscure places to find those special and intact vintage pieces.
1. Georgia NYC
27 Orchard Street
New York, NY 10002
(917) 428-5761
I'll be honest, this is the first stop on the route because I literally live down the street. I also love the decor, welcoming atmosphere and well merchandised pre-1980s vintage for men and women.
2. La Petite Mort
37 Orchard Street
New York, NY 10002
(646) 370-6227
This next stop is a bit more funky with 90s vintage clothing as well as a small selection of modern items from independent designers. The boutique also doubles as a rotating artists gallery, and if you get a chance come by when they are closed to check out the street art on the gate which changes regularly.
3. Courtshop
168 Mott St
New York, NY 10013
(212) 925-1022
This Nolita boutique is actually known for their in-house denim line, however, they do have a small, but amazing, vintage offering. You might go in for vintage and come out with 70s-inpired high waisted denim shorts, either way you can't lose!
4. No. 6
6 Centre Market Pl
New York, NY 10013
(212) 226-5759
Don't get lost looking for this boutique! It's on a little side street called Centre Market Place which is often confused with the larger nearby Centre St. This is another little space doing overtime, as it is mostly known for its clog line, but they do also carry a thoughtfully curated stock of modern clothing by independent designers and a handful of vintage. Definitely worth a look, after all, the store was founded by a vintage collector and a stylist!
COFFEE BREAK: Happy Bones
394 Broome St
New York, NY 10013
(212) 673-3754
I know this is neither a clothing store nor has anything to do with vintage but if you've made it this far on the downtown vintage shopping tour then chances are you need a little caffeine pick-me-up (or perhaps a donut) and this little cafe is just the spot!
5. Ritual Vintage
377 Broome St
New York, NY 10013
(212) 966-4142
I'm actually cheating a little putting this listing as one entry since they actually have two locations, 377 Broome and 167 Mott, but after that little coffee break you should be able to handle it! This boutique specialize in pre 1950's clothing for men and women and unusual designer pieces from the 1960's to the present.
6. Resurrection
217 Mott St
New York, NY 10012
(212) 625-1374
Here vintage fashion is more like art and there is a plethora of collectible vintage pieces. I would stop in to ogle the wares rather than purchase as prices here are more than a little steep.
7. Amarcord Vintage Fashion
252 Lafayette St #A
New York, NY 10012
(212) 431-4161
The last stop on the tour is the very stylish Amarcord. Their inventory consists of pieces from the Victorian era to the 1990s. You are sure to find a quality vintage piece that you can wear right out of the store!
If by this point you aren't completely shopped out you are located perfectly central to the major Soho shopping area so you can easily wander over to some of the big-name retailers on Broadway. I always enjoy mixing up my unique vintage finds with a few modern day options to create an interesting outfit with depth and character.
Happy Shopping!