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Best Vintage Clothing Stores In Chicago

Vintage shopping is more popular than ever, and Chicago boasts some of the most remarkable vintage clothing stores around. Forties-inspired evening wear, stylish men's hats, and mint condition leather apparel are available at these neighborhood vintage retailers. - Renita S. Manley-Garrett
StoreBvintage
If one was ever confused about the difference between vintage and thrift, the amazing finds at Store B will be sure to the clear up that confusion. (Credit: www.storebvintage.com)

Store B Vintage

1472 North Milwaukee Avenue
Chicago, IL 60622
(773) 772-4296
www.storebvintage.com

If one was ever confused about the difference between vintage and thrift, the amazing finds at Store B will be sure to the clear up that confusion. Antique kitchenware, original designer pieces ranging from the 40's to the 80's and a load of glitzy accessories are what you will find here. But don't expect your normal vintage store prices; these items are well worth the expense. Owner David Ginople keeps his strategy to obtaining the eagerly pursued pieces in his vintage boutique a tight secret, a great tactic since these finds are like no other.

KneeDeep
Upon walking into Knee Deep, a crazed vintage fanatic would be in awe at the jaw-dropping items hanging from the neatly packed racks. (Credit: www.kneedeepvintage.com)

Kneep Deep

1425 West 18th Street
Chicago, IL 60608
(312) 850-2510
www.kneedeepvintage.com

Upon walking into Knee Deep, a crazed vintage fanatic would be in awe at the jaw-dropping items hanging from the neatly packed racks. Although it has only been in the Pilsen neighborhood for two years, it has become a necessary stop for vintage lovers. Owners Trent and Carlos pride themselves on being very meticulous and cautious about each item they sell. There are items in here for everyone, from your classy hedge firm owner to the retro diva. Men are not forgotten and are particularly spoiled with a nice selection of pieces.

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The pieces at Deliciously Vintage boutique will leave on-lookers asking, "Where'd you get that?" (Credit: www.dvchicago.com)

Deliciously Vintage

1747 South Halsted Street
Chicago, IL 60608
(312) 733-0407
www.dvchicago.com

Every piece in this upscale vintage boutique is handpicked and re-purposed, completely modernizing the design. This spacious, tres belle boutique is a must for trendsetters and fashion forward individuals looking to make a fashionable splash. The pieces in this moderately priced vintage boutique will leave on-lookers asking, "Where'd you get that?"

second chance boutique
If you're looking to shop for vintage items with a cause, you've found it at 2nd Chance Resale Boutique. (Credit: www.2ndchancechi.org)

2nd Chance

6607 South King Drive
Chicago, IL 60637
(773) 678-5757
www.2ndchancechi.org

If you're looking to shop for vintage items with a cause, you've found it at 2nd Chance Resale Boutique. All proceeds from 2nd Chance go to Transitional Housing for Women and Children and other ministries that assist homelessness. Additionally, Lorene Price, the owner of 2nd Chance Boutique located on Chicago's South Side, offers customers an option if they do not want to travel North for great vintage and thrift items. Not only will you leave with a great find, you will leave knowing that you have helped the homeless.

LuLuVintage
A Pink chiffon mini dress with paillets at Lulu's sells for $158. (Credit: www.lulusbellekay.com)

Lulu's at the Belle Kay

3862 North Lincoln Avenue
Chicago, IL 60613
(773) 404-5858
www.lulusbellekay.com

The vintage dress mecca! Lulu's is the hub for vintage gowns and evening wear. This vintage boutique carries an impressive collection of incredible couture gowns and party dresses ranging in eras from the 30's to the 90's. Flattering accessories, near pristine leathers, and furs are also among the many gorgeous items at LuLu's. This vintage boutique is the perfect place for any daring woman who isn't looking to be ordinary, but extraordinary. Their items sell quickly, so make no hesitations when browsing.

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credit: Michael Buckner/Getty Images

U.S. #1

1460 North Milwaukee Avenue
Chicago, IL 60622
(773) 489-9428

On the hunt for boots and coats? Then visit U.S. #1. Rows of stylish cowboy boots, a plethora of coats (furs and leathers) and an impressive collection of Louis Vuitton purses are inside the surprising U.S. #1. Why surprising? From the outside, you won't expect to see the marvelous items at this slightly pricey vintage shop; nonetheless, it's well worth the expense. The furs and leathers are in near mint condition and with purposely no internet exposure, U.S. #1 keeps its word of mouth clientele exclusive.

PilsenVintage
Their incredible window display at Pilsen Vintage is just a peep into the wonderful treasures you will find inside. (Credit: Pilsen Vintage and Thift)

Pilsen Vintage & Thrift Store

1430 West 18th Street
Chicago, IL 60608
(773) 671-2513
Facebook: Pilsen Vintage and Thrift

Although this second-hand shop has only been in the Chicago Pilsen neighborhood for about a year, Pilsen Vintage & Thrift is quickly making a name for itself. Their incredible window display is just a peep into the wonderful treasures you will find inside. Beaded neck blouses, a variety of well-kept wool skirts, preserved furniture pieces, and literally clutch filled treasure boxes are among a few of the items you will find in this second-hand store.

ClothesOptional
Clothes Optional vintage isn't like your ordinary vintage shop. (Credit: Clothes Optional Facebook page)

Clothes Optional

2918 North Clark Street
Chicago, IL 60657
(773) 296-6630
Facebook: Clothes Optional Vintage

Clothes Optional vintage isn't like your ordinary vintage shop. Many of their items have a 70's appeal, and selected pieces are modernized by local fashion designers. For example, the very friendly and personable owner, Lori Lindberg, enjoys showing off a dress that uses a vintage blouse as the focal point. Clothing Optional also vends a highly pigmented, colorful, and Chicago based make-up line, Medusa. Feel free to try on a variety of eye-shadow shades as you enjoy the eclectic clothing and furnishes at Clothing Optional.

Digz
Mr. and Mrs. Digz, located in Edgewater, hosts an assortment of new and vintage items. (Credit: www.mrandmrsdigz.com)

Mr. and Mrs. Digz

5668 North Clark Street
Chicago, IL 60660
(773) 447-8527
www.mrandmrsdigz.com

Mr. and Mrs. Digz, located in Edgewater, hosts an assortment of new and vintage items. Not only are the vintage items unique; the new items in this boutique are inimitable as well. Mr. and Mrs. Digz also carry an array of hip, hard to find, graphic t-shirts, and cute clutches. The quaint boutique is well organized, and has the appeal of a well lit attic full of fun clothing and wonderful discoveries.

Renita S. Manley-Garrett is a Chicago and Chicago-land based Image/Wardrobe Consultant and the owner of Revamped Image Consulting. She specializes in personal shopping, styling, and offers a variety of image and wardrobe based services. Visit her website at www.revampedimageconsulting.com.

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