Houston Vintage: Best Thrift & Retro Stores for Secondhand Shopping
It seems like dressing retro has never been more popular on Instagram! But vintage isn't just a way of dressing – it's a whole lifestyle.
I've always been drawn to the quality and intricate details on antique and vintage clothing. For the past decade I've searched far and wide for Texas' hidden gems when it comes to antiques, thrift and everything secondhand. I've searched for dresses, vinyl records, video games, furniture, film cameras, Singer sewing machines, Victorian corset covers and more.
You're in luck because while most retro and vintage girls like to keep their favorite spots to themselves, I'm willing to spill my secrets! Here is where you can find the most amazing secondhand shopping in Houston.
Vintage clothing: 19th Street in the Heights
Retropolis is a huge vintage store on 19th St. in the Heights with booths stocked by multiple sellers. It's the place to go if you're looking for 1980's and 1970's clothing.
Circa 2010 this was the single best shop to find a 1980's sequin butterfly top (you know exactly what style of top I mean if you went to a concert in Montrose in the aughts!) It continues to stock a huge selection of well priced goods that have already been edited once for quality.
There are other vintage clothing stores on 19th street, too. The best way to manage is to park across the street from Boomtown and grab a coffee, then mosey down the street toward Retropolis and stop in the boutiques between.
Furniture, Clothes & Cameras: Estate Sales
This is the one secret I am truly hesitant to share with you! Estate sales have the best selection of barely used or well loved furniture, clothes and hobby supplies. I have seen amazing pieces of solid wood or antique furniture sell for bargain prices on the last day of estate sales!
The selection at estate sales is so good that usually you'll spend the first day dodging vintage and antique shop owners who are running around like crazy tagging everything they want to buy and resell at a markup in their store!
The key to shopping at an estate sale is to bring cash and make sure to open all closets and drawers (unless the signs tell you not to.) The best clothing is usually hidden away in a closet or cedar chest. You can find dresses in perfect condition that are over 100 years old!
Estate sales also have amazing photography supplies. While buying expired film is a gamble, I have seen many Super 8 film cameras, twin-lens reflex cameras and even antique cameras with bellows available in perfect working condition.
You can find full listings for estate sales each week at EstateSales.net. Make sure you check photos before you go - some sales are duds, but others are amazing.
Thrifting as a Sport: Goodwill, Family Thrift, Value Village, Plato's Closet & Buffalo Exchange
Be honest, you really just love the thrill of the hunt! All those "well-edited" stores make it too easy, don't they? If you feel that way, then you have to check out the multiple locations from the chains above.
Everything you can imagine: Round Top, TX
The final place is for the most dedicated and tireless among you. You know the real gems, you have "the eye", you haggle like a pro, you can clean or repair anything, and you know what's overpriced. You are now ready for Round Top.
What is Round Top? It's like the Houston rodeo and New York Fashion Week had a child that sold antiques each Spring and Fall. It's the biggest vintage and antique event you've ever seen!
