Best Retail Time Machines
↣ Vintage Clothing Stores and Markets
In a world of one-click shopping, there’s something almost radical about stepping into a vintage store. For those looking to skip fast fashion, these retailers offer a more sustainable way to shop. In Livermore, siblings Aly and Addison Westbrook launched Best Budz Vintage, a gem stocked with denim and band tees. In Martinez, Faded Gold Vintage has finds spanning the 1920s through the ’90s, plus select Y2K styles and designer items. “I’m always hunting for great quality, brands you love, and pieces that take you back in time,” says owner Rachel Lowenthal.
Oakland’s vintage scene runs deep. In Montclair Village, Sola Lucy has spent over 30 years proving that great design and sustainability go hand in hand. On Telegraph Avenue, Down at Lulu’s—founded in 2006 by garage-punk legends Tina Lucchesi and Seth Bogart—remains a draw for musicians and consignment lovers alike. The shop recently added baby, toddler, and children’s clothing. Over in Rockridge, Mercy Vintage offers beautifully curated racks and an exceptional denim wall.
“I’m always hunting for great quality, brands you love, and pieces that take you back in time.”…