TREASURE HUNTING: THE ULTIMATE GUIDE TO THRIFT AND VINTAGE STORES IN WOODLAND HILLS

Retro ALWAYS Rocks

When the American economy began going a bit south a few years ago – some even went so far as to label this period “the Depression of the Millennial era” – the notion of making second-hand purchases on everything from dresses to cars suddenly became a vivid reality for many. But while many consumers found themselves gravitating to “vintage” or “thrift”-esque shops out of a sense of necessity, the concept of browsing through the racks in these stores evolved to represent something more…an emerging trend among the fashionistas out there searching for that perfect distressed-style handbag or that pair of rhinestone-embellished jeans no typical retail outlet seemed to stock.

Thus, the modern day thrift boutique beckons the out-of-the-ordinary shopper on the hunt for that 1960s Peggy Moffitt mod couture or 1980’s stonewashed denim castaways from the Valley, and in a city that enjoys a reputation for attempting to make old look fresh again, it’s no surprise that L.A. houses some of the best vintage spots in the nation. For the Woodland Hills community, the situation becomes even more unique, with charming little boutiques guaranteed to offer something even the most persistent of treasure hunters may be looking for.

Taylors Treasures, located at 7120 Owensmouth Avenue in Canoga Park, is often called “the best thrift store” in the L.A. area – even taking into consideration the fact that there’s a Goodwill right next door. From furniture and office supplies to jewelry, clothing, toys, appliances, tools, antiques, collectibles and more, Taylors – recently established in January 2015 by two brothers sharing a common hobby of selling a variety of items to appreciative customers – boasts a wide array of items to choose from, all priced competitively. The shop also offers free furniture delivery within a 10-mile radius.

Owned by a mother and daughter team and situated at 22749 Ventura Boulevard, Juniper & Lane Vintage offers “all things vintage” – from an eclectic selection of high-quality vintage (and modern) women’s clothing, handbags, shoes, fashion accessories and designer goods to work from local artists and home décor items. Among the clothing selections typically found on the racks at Juniper & Lane are vintage dresses, skirts, pants, shorts, tops, cardigans, sweaters, cozies, jackets coats and capes, with jewelry pieces often appearing in the shop encompassing rings, necklaces, pendants, bracelets, bangles, watches, earrings, brooches, clips and pins.

Rebound Furniture & Décor Consignment, located at 22045 Ventura Boulevard, is described by Woodland Hills locals as a unique “home goodies store” selling a variety of hip, eclectic and fabulous one-of-a-kind “home fashion” items. From home staging and custom furniture to design services and prop rental, Rebound is more than your average consignment outlet – in fact, the store was an L.A. Daily News Reader’s Choice Award winner in 2012, Suzanne O’Connor’s L.A. Bargains Award winner and was featured in Marlo Thomas’ blog “It Ain’t Over Till It’s Over,” published in the Huffington Post.

With over 180 vendors, the Topanga Vintage Market – situated at Pierce College, Victory Boulevard at Mason Avenue – is returning on August 23 with a host of vintage dealers, select group of local artisans and great food trucks including sushi at The Hot Sauce stand. This swap meet-like extravaganza runs from 8 am to 3 pm on Sunday, August 23, with admission costing $3 (kids 12 and under free) and free parking. This month, the Topanga Vintage Market is hosting the Tin Machina Pop Up Vintage Portrait Studio, offering sittings using the “wet plate” technique developed in the 1850s for only $60.

Alabama Antiques, located at 7209 Alabama Avenue in Canoga Park, is considered a hidden treasure in “old town;” a low-profile little gem bursting with offbeat and uncommon items beckoning a unique clientele including valuable antiques, vintage clothing and luggage, semi-precious glassware, outdated analog audio and communications equipment – think vintage turntables – musical jewelry boxes from the 1960s, furnishings of unique and precisely individuated design, unusual jewelry, old French-pressed glass perfume bottles, Coca-Colaserving trays from the 1940s, cake stands with Edwardian-era maiden shapes, a vast selection of antique beer steins and Victorian-era jewelry made from silver spoons.

Whatever your tastes in merchandise, be prepared to dig around when visiting any of these Woodland Hills vintage and thrift boutiques…you may just find the perfect item you never knew existed.