Vintage shopping in New York City can be overwhelming and is most certainly an adventure. While it may just be a means to an end in a small town, in NYC, it’s a lifestyle. From the fashion obsessed and history enthusiasts, models and bloggers to designers and celebrities, the BK hipster or financier, the people who shop vintage are telling a story, sharing history and wearing art.
Since New York City can be daunting in itself, we’ve hand selected five vintage stores that are a must see when in the city.
1. Procell
This refined throwback boutique takes you straight back to the 80s and 90s. Known for its curated walls of art and street style filled racks, Procell makes everything that is old, new. Find yellow disc mans and neon Fresh Prince jackets, too hard to find hats and hip-hop/rock tees that hang right next to a Prada jacket. An industrial style space where he and his dad laid down the cement foundation themselves (literally), this vintage shop is the epitome of cool. 5 Delancey Street, NYC (212) 226.2315
2. Ritual Vintage
Best known for their historical vintage items, this shop is an under the radar gem. They specialize in 1850s-1950s, Victorian and Edwardian pieces. However, you can also find fur coats galore, a vintage Dior sweater and great pair of vintage boots that are all wearable. The shop is on the small side, but you can spend hours here sifting through one of a kind pieces. They also have antique and intricate pieces so with their most precious pieces set aside, so don’t be afraid to ask to see them. 377 Broome (212) 966.4142
3. New York Vintage
If you looking for a special occasion vintage dress or if you’re just in the mood for some major eye candy, this place is an absolute must even just for a quick history lesson. You’ll need to pick up your jaw from the floor after taking a stroll through this treasure chest that is filled with art piece after art piece. The store is filled with a 100+ years of fashion with each piece telling a story, but you won’t believe there’s an extra 5,000 square foot rental space (for stylist’s/red carpet/high end clientele) upstairs that you’ll need an appointment for to gain access to. 117 W 25th St (212) 647.1107
4. Allan & Suzi
This shop is filled with the best type of energy there is and has the most flamboyant vintage finds you can ever imagine or even dream of. “If you want a Burberry coat, you go somewhere else. If you want something eccentric, you come here” says Suzi, when describing her shop. The store feels like Allan & Suzi’s home shopping TV show that aired on Manhattan local cable back in the mid-1990s. Find designer pieces from A&S’s favorite designers like Martin Margiela, Gaultier and Comme des Garçons. And if you don’t go there to shop, go there to meet the owners who are on the sales floor three to five days a week. Suzi may even share a couple secrets on her success with you that may change your world. 237 Centre Street (212) 724.7445
5. VERY JC
Located just outside of NYC, a quick 10 minute train ride on the Path to this gem is a must. This lifestyle store sells vintage clothing, vinyl records, home goods and is a place you can frequent all year long because their prices are affordable. Find classic jackets, one of a kind pieces, the best street style crewnecks, jeans and tees seen on the most influential men’s fashion gurus of today. Every piece is timeless and casual, as well as hand selected by its owners Izzy and Matt. On a good day, you may even spot men’s fashion blogger and influencer (and Jersey City resident) @Denny623 hanging out in the shop. 9 Erie Street, Jersey City, NJ (201) 332.2806