Vintage Clothing

Shopping in the Valley of the Sun

Compiled by Sue Meek

            Believe it or not, you can find vintage clothing in the metro Phoenix area!  Check out antique stores and thrift shops.  Each will probably have a selection of vintage clothing.  Antiques shops will be more expensive than thrift stores, and will also have their clothing – most likely – in one place.  Thrift shops tend to scatter the vintage clothing in with all the rest, so it is a little more difficult to find, but well worth the hunt.  There are a few stores in the Valley that are dedicated to vintage clothing and furnishings.  They are listed below.  Have fun!

A few tips to keep in mind:

• Delicate fabrics such as lace, organza, silks, etc. look wonderful but tear very easily.  These may be better kept for wearing but not for dancing.
• Keep in mind that that tight skirt might look really cute, but you may not be able to swivel or style if your hips can’t move!
• Test the mobility of your shoulders and upper arms in the outfit.  The design of the clothing may be too restrictive to allow turns and other arm movements. This has resulted in many a torn dress or top!
• If you are wearing a full skirt, you probably want to wear some type of modesty garment underneath.  This could be bike shorts, step-ins (a split skirt – like shorts) or vintage bloomers.  Look for step-ins at major department stores, and vintage bloomers at the stores listed below.

East Valley

• Buffalo Exchange; 227 W. University, Tempe, (480) 968-2557
  • Mon thru Fri 10-9, Sat 10-8, Sun 11-6
  • Vintage section
• Plush; 706 S. Forest Ave., Tempe, (480) 967-9200
  • Mon thru Sat 12-7

Central Valley

• Buffalo Exchange; 730 E. Missouri, Phoenix, (602) 532-0144
  • Mon thru Fri 10-8, Sat 10-7, Sun 11-6
  • Vintage Section
• Travel thru Time; 4725 N. Central Ave., Phoenix, (602) 274-0666
  • Mon – Sat, 10:30 – 5, Sun 12 – 4
• Vintage Fashion Inc., 4700 N. Central Ave. Ste 117, Phoenix,  (602) 462-1476
  • Open Saturdays ONLY, 12-5
• Yesterdaze! Vintage Wear; 2413 E. Osborn Rd., Phoenix, (602) 957-3944

West Valley

• Go-Kat-Go; 4832 W. Glendale Ave., Glendale, (623) 931-4926
  • Fri thru Sun 12-5
• Matilda’s Closet; 5745 W. Glendale Ave., Glendale, (623) 847-1847
  • Wed thru Sun 12-5