A GIRL'S GUIDE TO VINTAGE SHOPPING IN NEW YORK CITY

 Photo courtesy of Kat Harris

I can remember the first time I set foot in a vintage store in NYC.  I was in college and I popped into a cute store near campus on 25th street.  I was completely enamored and instantly fell in love with the assortment of interesting patterns, silhouettes and individuality of the pieces before me.  I particularly acquired an appreciation of vintage costume jewelry.  Every weekend I would peruse the booths at the Chelsea Flea Market to locate an amazing treasure.  I was hooked.  

Just about every day I am asked where I purchased a piece or where my favorite go to vintage shops in the city are so I decided to share them with you.  Happy hunting!

NEW YORK VINTAGE{117 W. 25th Street}I became familiar with this jewel of a store while I worked in the windows at Bergdorf Goodman.  From time to time, we would incorporate various garments and/or accessories into the displays.  This shop houses some of the most well curated pieces from an assortment of decades.  Upstairs is a vintage collectors dream.  Mugler, Halston, Lanvin...they amongst many others reside here to be utilized for editorials, stylists and displays.  They also house some of the most interesting pieces of jewelry and millinery.  Chances are you've seen some of these in your favorite fashion magazine or on a celeb.  Website link here.

EDITH MACHINIST{104 Rivington St.}Hands down this is my go to favorite for accessories.  They have one of the most well edited selections of boots and handbags I've ever seen.  The added bonus is that everything is in mint condition.  There is also a great selection in clothing as well as a small men's accessory section.  Website link here.

LOCAL CLOTHING{328 E. 9th St.}This shop is a lot of fun.  It's quaint and isn't overwhelming.  The selection skews towards the 70's and 80's and offers cool prints, the perfect ankle boots and handbags to name a few.  Website link here.

STELLA DALLAS{218 Thompson St.}I have found some really amazing pieces here.  I always see a party dress or boot I love on every visit.  A lot of what hangs on the racks is from the 40's and 50's but there is a nice mix of other decades as well, particularly in the fantastic selection of boots.  

10 FT. SINGLE BY STELLA DALLAS{285 N. 6th Street}Prepare to have your blown by this shop.  This location requires an afternoon to experience everything it has to offer.  Racks and racks of goodness at every turn.  Need a great romper? They've got it.  How about a cool suede fringe jacket? They've got that too.  Some of the items for sale here can be a bit pricey but most of what they have won't break the bank.  

CHELSEA FLEA MARKET{W. 25TH STREET BETWEEN 6TH AND BROADWAY}While the flea market at the garage that I used to frequent is no more, some of the vendors have now migrated to this outdoor location down the street.  I have scored some of my favorite pieces here.  There is never a shortage of great 1960's costume jewelry here.  Last year I acquired an over sized metal bird necklace that has continued to be my favorite.  If jewelry isn't really your thing there's plenty more treasures to peruse in the form of clothing, antiques and other collectibles.  See something you like? Better grab it as soon as you see it as things are bought quickly.  I'm still regretful to this day of an over sized tassel necklace that I came back by to get and discovered it had been sold already.  Website link here.

HELLS KITCHEN FLEA MARKET{W. 39th St. and 9th Ave.}The selection here is pretty impressive.  Lots of costume jewelry, clothing and antiques.  There is even a guy who has leather jackets in an array of colors that he makes and sells for under $100. Website link here.

BROOKLYN FLEA MARKET{50 Kent Ave.}This is the flea market of all flea markets in New York.  Some would even say it's a magical experience.  Here you will find great art, furniture, clothing, jewelry and lots of collectibles.  If you need a break from the shopping, there are amazing food trucks on the premises so you can refuel.  I once purchased a pair of frames Vanity Fair spy prints for $50 here which is a steal! Website link here.

SHAREEN VINTAGE{13 W. 17th St.}I was first introduced to this shop in LA but was excited when a location arrived in NYC.  No boys are allowed here so grab a few girlfriends and shop way(look for a red dress hanging from the fire escape).  Each week the shop receives a mix of garments ranging from the 50's-90's and even better than that are the prices.  The average price is $38!

ALL EYES ON...OLDE GOOD THINGS, CHELSEA, NYC

Exquisite detail on antique hardware

One of my favorite pieces...an antique street lamp.  Coincidentally, my former boss at Bergdorf Goodman was stopping by later in the afternoon to look at it for possible use in the windows!

A wide variety of gorgeous hardware

A collection of industrial lighting

An original mantle from the historic Plaza Hotel in New York City that was retrieved during the hotel's renovation in 2008

I'm always drawn to vintage photography.  There are so many stories told by these images through location, fashion and expression and I often wonder what each individuals story is...

A gorgeous light from a church

One of my favorite places to visit in NYC is Olde Good Things.  It's a place I frequent to admire the gorgeous and eclectic pieces and to seek inspiration.  For over 15 years, this institution has been acquiring antique and architectural artifacts from many late nineteenth century and pre-depression buildings and making them available to clientele including decorators, set designers, window display artists, other antique dealers and the general public.  There are currently nine locations brimming with beautiful pieces, an extensive lighting collection and antique hardware beyond your wildest dreams.  

Not only does Olde Good Things house some of the most interesting antiques in the world, but it also helps serve others overseas with 1/3 of its profits(pretty amazing!).  Since 1977, they have directly supported two orphanages in Haiti.  Next time you're in New York City or Los Angeles, make sure to visit this store to purchase some truly spectacular pieces and help support a great cause!
    

Special thanks to Lauren and Joy for graciously letting me explore and photograph the location in Chelsea!
     

Photos by Stacy Suvino

  

ALL EYES ON...MANTIQUES MODERN

 One of my favorite pieces

 WW2 training gun that has been stripped and polished

 A beautifully crafted chess set

 I love this wooden articulated arm

 My favorite collection of items

 Vintage Louis Vuitton luggage piece and 1960's Gucci bracelet

 Glass helicopter

 Wooden zipper american folk art from the 1950's

 A collection of beautiful brief cases

Brass elephant by Sergio Bustamante

When you enter the doors of Mantiques Modern, prepare to be transported to another time.  The gallery is brimming with eclectic pieces ranging from Pop Art to vintage jewelry from European designers like Hermes, Cartier and Tiffany.  The merchandise is sourced from estate sales, fleas and auctions in the NYC area as well as Paris, Brussels and Antwerp to name a few.  While there are many great antique shops throughout New York City, Mantiques Modern stands out because of their incredible eye for detail and quality.

While working on the windows team at Bergdorf Goodman, I began making regular visits to the gallery to select items to be featured in the windows.   One of my favorite pieces we ever borrowed was a large scale model wooden airplane.  The details on it were exquisite.  As a set decorator, every experience there is not only inspiring but renews my appreciation for amazing pieces with a historical background.

Next time you are in the neighborhood or visiting NYC, make sure to pay Mantiques Modern a visit.  I guarantee you will have an amazing experience and bring home some truly original and inspiring pieces.

Photos by Stacy Suvino