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Above all else, I\u2019m a fashion fanatic. Playing dress-up is something I never grew out of, and under the pseudonym @mustbemargiela<\/a> I\u2019ve built an online community centered on exploring fashion through honest storytelling and deep-dive analysis. When I first moved to L.A. from Canada, I was eager to uncover every vintage and archive store the city had to offer. But I quickly realized there wasn\u2019t a single, comprehensive guide that aligned with my style or approach to shopping. The existing lists of \u201cbest vintage shops\u201d I did come across often felt repetitive and omitted places that specialized in archive designer and the rare fashion ephemera I was looking for.<\/p>\n Through years of exploring, researching, and \u2014 of course \u2014 trying things on, I\u2019ve curated my own list of 30 stores, showrooms and shops. This isn\u2019t just a directory; it\u2019s a field guide for fellow fashion lovers who see getting dressed as a form of creative expression and historical exploration. Whether you\u2019re hunting for rare designer pieces, a fashion magazine or just want to play dress-up with intention, this guide is for you.<\/p>\n Where I shop first and foremost<\/p>\n A must for me \u2014 no explanation needed. Open Monday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Sunday, noon to 5 p.m. 8451 Melrose Place, Los Angeles. maisonmargiela.com<\/a><\/p>\n Radiohead vintage T-shirt and Harley Davidson boots at Two Fold Vintage<\/p>\n Where I shop for vintage<\/p>\n Two Fold:<\/b> Eclectic. Find your favorite band\u2019s vintage graphic tee and more. Open by appointment only. DM for address and availability. @twofold_la<\/a> <\/p>\n Shop 925:<\/b> Perfectly curated vintage clothes for the divas. Open to the public on weekends and by appointment on select days. 305 E. 9th St. #135, Los Angeles. @shop_925_<\/a> <\/p>\n 194 Los Angeles: <\/b>For my Levi\u2019s lovers, this spot is for you. Vintage designer clothing and collectibles. Open daily from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. 4355 Melrose Ave., Los Angeles. @194losangeles<\/a> <\/p>\n The Way We Wore:<\/b> Designer, luxury and premium vintage. They\u2019ve got it all. Showroom open by appointment only. 8057 Beverly Blvd., Suite 200. @thewaywewore<\/a> <\/p>\n Ashant\u00e9a wears Rick Owens S\/S 2019 cropped blazer at Wild West Social House.<\/p>\n Where I shop for archive designer<\/p>\n Archived:<\/b> Go here to see your grails IRL. Find avant-garde archive and pieces of fashion history. Showroom open by appointment only. 2404 Wilshire Blvd. #12A, Los Angeles. @archived<\/a> <\/p>\n Wild West Social House: <\/b>An exclusive members-only showroom. Carefully curated to perfection with every iconic designer you can think of. Open Monday to Sunday, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. 646 N. Robertson Blvd., West Hollywood. @wildwestsocialhouse<\/a> <\/p>\n Groupie:<\/b> A whole lotta Chrome Hearts and Rick Owens. Go here to find items that carry a legacy. L.A. showroom by appointment only. @groupienyc<\/a><\/p>\n Justin Reed:<\/b> Iconic luxury item$$$. Birkins and beyond. L.A. showroom open by appointment only. @justinreed<\/a> <\/p>\n Replika Vintage:<\/b> Rare archival fashion with a punk sensibility. Open by appointment only. 5061 W. Sunset Blvd., Los Angeles. replikavintage.com<\/a> <\/p>\n Sleeper:<\/b> Don\u2019t sleep on this whimsical and subversive collection. Great Japanese designers found here, including Issey Miyake and Comme des Gar\u00e7ons. Open daily from noon to 6 p.m. 2002 Sunset Blvd., Los Angeles. @shopsleeper<\/a> <\/p>\n Tab Vintage:<\/b> Rare, wearable designer runway pieces from the \u201990s. L.A. studio open by appointment only. @tabvintage<\/a> <\/p>\n Timeless Vixen: <\/b>Think Hollywood glamour. If you have a special event, come here for archive gowns and vintage couture. Open Tuesday through Saturday, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. 1100 S. Beverly Drive, Los Angeles. @timelessvixen<\/a> <\/p>\n Ashant\u00e9a at Architecture.<\/p>\n Where I shop for books<\/p>\n A<\/b>rchitecture:<\/b> For lovers of design and conceptual art. Open Tuesday through Sunday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. 8010 Melrose Ave., Los Angeles. @arch___itecture<\/a> <\/p>\n Skylight Books:<\/b> Fashion magazines and art books galore. Open daily from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. 1818 N. Vermont Ave., Los Angeles. skylightbooks.com<\/a> <\/p>\n Hennessey + Ingalls:<\/b> A massive collection of architecture, design and history books, appropriately in the heart of the Arts District. Open daily 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. 300 S. Santa Fe Ave. M, Los Angeles. hennesseyingalls.com<\/a><\/p>\n The Last Bookstore: <\/b>A labyrinth of fashion and art books downtown. Open daily from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. 453 S. Spring St., Los Angeles. lastbookstorela.com<\/a> <\/p>\n A Good Used Book: <\/b>An incredible independent and affordable bookstore.\u2063 Open Wednesday through Sunday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. 307 Glendale Blvd., Historic Filipinotown. @agoodusedbook<\/a> <\/p>\n 424:<\/b> Iconic L.A.-based brand. The best store design, hands down. It feels like you\u2019re in a cave (in a good way). Opening times vary. 8441 Melrose Place, Suite C, Los Angeles. @424inc<\/a> <\/p>\n Kwame Adusei: <\/b>A luxury brand focused on fit, comfort and a deep respect for the human form. Open Monday through Saturday, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Sunday, noon to 6 p.m. 468 N. Doheny Drive, Los Angeles. @kwameaduseionline<\/a> <\/p>\n Chrome Hearts:<\/b> This L.A. legacy brand\u2019s store is experiential and a must-go \u2014 if you have the funds. Open by appointment only. 600 N. Robertson Blvd., Los Angeles. @chromeheartsofficial<\/a> <\/p>\n Good Evening Sir: <\/b>Underrated and understated custom. Minimal and beautifully made. Inquire for more information. 1023 S. Santa Fe Ave., Los Angeles. Ashant\u00e9a wears Jean Paul Gaultier trompe l\u2019oeil dress at H. Lorenzo.<\/p>\n Ashant\u00e9a wears Issey Miyake Pleats Please outfit at H. Lorenzo.<\/p>\n Dover Street Market Los Angeles:<\/b> Duh. Open Monday through Saturday, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Sunday, noon to 6 p.m. 608 Imperial St., Los Angeles. @doverstreetmarketlosangeles<\/a> <\/p>\n H. Lorenzo and H. Lorenzo Archive: <\/b>Find both emerging and acclaimed unconventional designers. Open times vary. Multiple locations. @h_lorenzo<\/a> <\/p>\n Bodega:<\/b> This may look like a regular bodega, but look a little closer and you\u2019ll find Kapital, Needles and more. Open Thursday through Monday, noon to 6 p.m. 1320 E. 7th St. Suite 150, Los Angeles. @bodega<\/a> <\/p>\n Departamento: <\/b>A hidden store behind one of the best cafes in L.A., Maru. A hidden L.A. staple with the best designers available. Open Monday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. 1019 S. Santa Fe Ave., Los Angeles. dpto.la<\/a><\/p>\n Where I shop for accessories<\/p>\n What Goes Around Comes Around: <\/b>The best for handbags, jewelry and accessories. Open Monday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Sunday, noon to 6 p.m. 9520 Brighton Way, Beverly Hills. @whatgoesaroundnyc<\/a> <\/p>\n Pechuga Vintage:<\/b> Go here for heels, hats and one-of-a-kind pieces straight off the runway. Shop online or by appointment only. @pechuga_vintage<\/a> <\/p>\n To Be Continued:<\/b> Discover designer accessories that you didn\u2019t know you needed. Open Monday through Saturday, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. 111 S. Robertson Blvd., Los Angeles. @tbcluxuryresale<\/a> <\/p>\n Ashant\u00e9a wears Aitor Throp C.P. Company 2009 goggle jacket, military quilted pants and Rock Woens F\/W 2020 Moncler boots.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n
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Where I shop L.A.-based brands<\/p>\n
@goodeveningsirateliers<\/a> <\/p>\n <\/p>\n
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Where I shop multi-brands<\/p>\n
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