With designer pieces and quintessential California cool ‘n sexy helping to define style – from the Kardashians to the Klums – it’s no surprise that L.A. has become one of the best cities for thrifting. We hearken back to that moment in Raiders of the Lost Ark when Indiana Jones uncovers the Well of Souls, home to the most valuable archeological relic of all time, and the awe-inspired expression on his face (to say nothing of the self-satisfied gleam in his eyes) – indeed, you can find that exact same expression on the faces of the customers digging for buried treasures at scores of other L.A. vintage clothing boutiques.
Now, these “thrifters,” as they call themselves, may not be unearthing anything as biblically jaw-dropping as an ancient Hebrew text that was written by the hand of God, but, honestly, a gently-worn Chanel skirt for under $200 is almost as good in our eyes. Whether you’re looking for Armani or athleisure, check out our top picks for thrift shopping spots around Woodland Hills.
Maria’s Bargain Stop, located at 21506 Sherman Way in Canoga Park, is a quaint little gem bursting with stylish finds, whether it’s cool vintage pieces like jeans and tops or unique goodies such as toothbrushes, batteries, soaps and socks. Everything is organized and there are fitting rooms so you can try on your picks to ensure a perfect fit. One thing returning customers talk about regularly are Maria’s Bargain Stop prices, which may just be the best kept secret in the Valley. Open daily from 9 am to 10 pm.
Topanga Vintage Market, located on Victory Boulevard at Mason Avenue, has just about everything you could want in one spot – from hot vintage and cool collectibles to genuine Los Angeles antiques and local artisans. Dubbed “California’s absolute coolest flea market” by House Beautiful, Topanga Village Market is brimming over with more than 200 L.A. antique and vintage sellers, three dozen creatives and thousands of “flea market wonders” from the famous Los Angeles vintage market circuit spanning Ojai to San Diego. Bring the entire family or just a hot date while you scour for awesome antique and vintage items, and then refuel at the many gourmet food trucks – all for $5 per person (kids 12 and under are free). The market is situated at Pierce College’s Mason Avenue entrance and takes place on the fourth Sunday of every month; the next Topanga Vintage Market is scheduled for June 25 from 7 am to 2 pm.
Second Chance Bargain, located at 7216 Vassar Avenue in Canoga Park, offers diverse items at reasonable prices with something for everyone – from cute skirts and dresses to all manner of goods and knick knacks for the home. Browse tabletops, baby toys, baggage, jeans and more, whether you’re a “professional” thrifter or just an occasional one. Second Chance Bargain even boasts a 50-cent section for those on a super-tight budget but who are still looking for quality items. Open Monday through Friday from 11:30 am to 5 pm and Saturday from 10 am to 4 pm; closed on Sunday.
Reseda Super Thrift Store, located at 18344 Sherman Way in Reseda, is part of the Rescue Mission Alliance, a Christian non-profit organization ministering to the needs of the less fortunate in Southern California through emergency and long-term rehabilitation services. It is here that you’ll find everything from Nordstrom Rack clothes – many still with the tags on the pieces – to a bevy of stylish women’s shoes, all at prices that are simply unbeatable, no matter which way you cut it. It’s always great to give to a heartfelt cause like the Rescue Mission, but the Reseda Super Thrift Store takes it up a notch because it gives you the opportunity to donate as well as purchase items; from housewares to $1.99 dresses, you may just find the perfect item here. Open Monday through Saturday from 8 am to 8 pm; closed Sunday.
Hidden Treasures, located at 154 South Topanga Canyon Boulevard in Topanga, was founded by Darrell Hazen, who started selling vintage clothing on the Canyon roadside in the 70s and eventually opened a storefront in Topanga in the 80s. Shopping for vintage clothing and antiques allowed Darrell to express a creative vision and search for items from the past with flavor, eventually turning him into the perpetual collector, which allowed him to relate to Indiana Jones – his favorite film; ultimately, he likened Hidden Treasures to Pirates of the Caribbean, which just happens to be his favorite ride at Disneyland. Today, people enjoy traveling through Topanga Canyon on their way to the beach, to go for a hike or just to find a great buy when they visit the shop, the location giving Hidden Treasures something of a “magical” element with its close proximity to the hills – away from the hubbub of the city. Enter the store – which is artfully decked-out to resemble some kind of Disneyland attraction – and search an inventory of great vintage items from unique antiques to clothing dating from the Victorian era to the 1980s. Hidden Treasures also buys antiques, used and vintage clothing items as well as festival wear/costumes, and customers are always raving about the low prices and great steals on merchandise they’ve been looking for. Open Monday through Wednesday from 12:30 pm to 6:30 pm, Thursday and Friday from 11:30 am to 6:30 pm and Saturday/Sunday from 10:30 am to 6:30 pm.
Second Story: A Thrifty Boutique, located at 2321 A Tapo Street in Simi Valley, was established in 2014 and operates as a 501c3 non-profit ministry under Forever Found, an organization that fights against child trafficking – both in the USA and abroad – offering women’s and children’s clothing, shoes, purses, unique household items such as dishes and a variety of sports items, furniture, books, CDs and DVDs. All proceeds go to victims of child trafficking, a great cause on its own, and the volunteers who help run the shop are beyond super-friendly and helpful. Incredibly clean, stylish and organized setups make it easy to find what you’re looking for, too. Second Story is open Tuesday through Friday from 10 am to 4 pm and Saturday from 10 am to 3 pm; closed Sunday and Monday.
The Closet Trading Company, located at 6316 Topanga Canyon Boulevard Suite 1170 in Los Angeles, sells pre-loved contemporary designer clothing, shoes and accessories for women, specializing in current, on-trend styles from designer and premium labels. Established and founded in 2003 in Santa Barbara, The Closet Trading Company has become SoCal’s premier resale and consignment destination, offering a carefully-curated collection of your favorite brands including Chanel, Free People, and Rag & Bone – for a fraction of retail prices. Stop by to sell your lightly pre-worn fashion every day without an appointment. Open daily from 11 am to 6 pm.
As you can clearly see – and probably already know – there are a myriad of thrift stores all over Woodland Hills, catering to a vast variety of budgets and tastes. It is our hope that this roundup helps you find the right one for your particular needs, but don’t fret: no matter which shop you choose to browse, you can rest assured knowing you’re getting the best prices on some super-stylish fashions and more.
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