WAS THE NEWSLETTER #68

I’m Paige Wassel. WAS the Newsletter is your weekly dose of design inspiration, where we normally keep these stores to ourselves.

The first rule of vintage shopping is not talking about where we go vintage shopping.

When I find someplace great, my inclination is to not share the hot spots. But you all are a select group, so today I’m going to let you in on all my faves.

OFFICE SUPPLIES

We’re still in the works of getting her up and running, but my new storefront is what I have at top of mind when I think of the kind of place where I’d want to shop. We’re looking to do an April launch and you’ll be able to buy on Instagram. We’ll also have days when you can come into the store to shop. We’re equal parts excited and overwhelmed right now, but it’s really coming together.

MOTLEY

Of everything on this list, I’d say Motley has the coolest selects. But with having the best merch, it’s also the priciest, with lots of amazing MCM. (Not a lot of classic pieces here, but no worries, I’ve got recommendations for those, too.) Motley is probably my favorite place to browse, too. If you’re looking for that one perfect sofa you’re gonna have for the rest of your life, this is likely where you’ll find it.

VINTAGE ON POINT

Here’s another hot spot for MidCentury and what’s great about Vintage on Point is that they’re not nearly as expensive as Motley. While not super cheap, their prices are really fair and I think that’s all you can ask. I also love going here to browse and they are a hot spot for bigger pieces.

SALVARE

Salvare is all about the vibes. This place is giving vintage Miami Vice, just like a superb ‘80s and ‘90s time capsule, with a side of ‘70s disco and funk. Yes, please. When I shop here, I’m coming for their art and their lamps and staying for the cool artifacts everywhere. They also have a basement area that is a must-see.

VINTAGE CONCEPT

Ya’ll might already be familiar with Vintage Concept because we partnered with them for an awesome pop-up event a while back. You want MCM? You’re in the right place. Especially if you’re looking for a statement piece, something that’s super well-made with the kind of craftsmanship and the dovetail joints that will even impress your dad. This is my go-to spot for anything in a MidCentury wood. Also, they’re my friends, so… just go. You’re welcome.

THE LUXELUST LIFE

Luxe vintage is a smaller shop, but still mighty. Honestly, they are one of my faves. This is where I got those fantastic matching chairs when I first moved into my house. They were the perfect size and shape, so I had them reupholstered in my ideal fabric. (I did end up selling them because I wanted a sofa instead, but if you’ve been here a while, you know that’s kinda what I do.) I always have one eye on Luxe because I can count on them to have something that I love.

CASA VICTORIA

Casa Victoria is our neighbor, right down the street from Office Supplies. You’ll recognize them from their big, green storefront. What I really love about them is their variety. They carry a lot of French items. If you’re looking for say, a candelabra or a classic armoire, this is the place. They’re a little different from a lot of the vendors on this list, because it’s more classics. I love browsing their curated pieces and suspect you will as well.

POP UP HOME

Pop Up Home has been around for a while, likely because they carry such amazing pieces. They are on the pricier side, but I like to keep an eye on them—especially for my clients. You can count on them to always have something big and cool, plus it’s a fun showroom to visit.

PEPE’S 

Pepe’s in Culver City gets a spot on the list because they’re one of the more affordable options. I discovered this place years ago when I first lived in Culver City. You’ll want to allow some time when you come here because it’s less curated than some of the stores on this list, meaning you sometimes need to dig around. But isn’t that always a good time?

BTS THRIFT

BTS Thrift is a more upscale version of hitting up someplace like a Salvation Army. They definitely do hike up the prices on some things, but what’s nice is that you can bargain hard. I love shopping there because they carry such a variety of things, like clothes and fun glassware. (This is my go-to spot for GLASSWARE.) And while it’s filled with affordable treasure, sometimes you’ll find a piece of art there for $500, which is totally random, but also part of their charm because you never quite know what you’ll stumble across—or how they’ll price it.

PASADENA ANTIQUE CENTER

If you’re looking for antiques, this is where you want to go. Because it’s legit antiques, expect it to be pricier than just thrifting, and take your time as the browsing is just top-notch.

GURLEY ANTIQUES

This is another antique center, so if you’re already in Pasadena, you should hit both places and make a day of it. Get coffee or lunch. Wear comfortable shoes. It will be fun.

MIDCENTURY LA

This is one of the cooler Instagram accounts that I follow. They have amazing selects and they’re also a lot of fun to browse, especially if you’re looking to invest in a specific item. (They’re a little pricier as well.) What’s so special about them is that they have these giant containers that arrive from Italy, full of European stuff, so they’re an excellent resource for bigger pieces and one-of-a-kind items.

ROLEPLAY_LA

Roleplay is a showroom, doing the same sort of thing that we’re doing with Office Supplies where you can’t just pop on in. I love how they carry really unique pieces. They always have the best dining chairs, and stuff in primary colors. Follow their Instagram, because that’s how you buy from them. Again, they’re a little but pricier but it’s a great go-to spot for vintage.

Do not make me regret telling you MY SPOTS, heh.

xx,

Paige