Photo: The Feast/Karina Chavarria
While the 21st century has seen its fair share of retro comebacks (cat eye sunglasses anyone?), there’s nothing like the real thing. Take a fashion adventure back through decades of authentic designer confections and accessories. From crochet and macramé handbags to breezy dresses, wide leg bell-bottoms and tweed jackets, these vintage stores will have anyone feeling like a timeless style icon.
Angel’s Vintage Boutique
4308 NE 2nd Ave. / 305 573-4788
Run by a mother-daughter sales team, Angel’s Vintage Boutique is a store after any girl’s heart. Lauded for their collection of one-of-a-kind dresses that date back to the 1940s, the shop also offers practical prices, ranging from $10 to $150. For those not afraid to spend some more cash, the store is stocked with classic designer handbags, which include Gucci and Louis Vuitton.
Back-in-Style.com
1835 S. Bayshore Dr.- 305 519-4955/1-866-MIAMI-COUTURE, www.backinstyle.com
With a name like, “Back-in-Style.com,” you would think it was some futuristic electronics store. Far from it. Although primarily a website-based boutique, the style outlet offers customers a chance to rummage through one of the largest Emilio Pucci collections in the world by appointment. Don’t be afraid of the brand names. Prices start at about $35 and are fairly reasonable for designer vintage standards. One of the biggest perks: they allow returns!
C. Madeleine’s
13702 Biscayne Blvd. / 305 945-7770
Vogue called it Miami’s best-kept secret, but this warehouse of pure vintage goodness makes C. Madeleine’s anything but an underground operation. With decades worth of exclusive accessories and garments, make sure to set aside hours and hours from your schedule when visiting the mega showroom. Prices range from $55 for 1980s designer sunglasses to $5,000 for a Christian Lacroix vintage skirt suite.
Fly Boutique
650 Lincoln Rd. / (305) 604-8508
With a mix of upscale merchandise and a down-home atmosphere, vintage enthusiasts and the vintage curious will all feel comfortable shopping at Fly Boutique on South Beach’s Lincoln Road. Although the store has a large collection of classic clothing, their accessories are what keep customers coming back. Belts, patent-leather wedges, and painted purses litter the store’s interior. Prices range from the low $20s to several $100s.
L.A. Boudoir
6900 Biscayne Blvd. / 305 775-8127
Girls looking to bring out their inner pin-up can indulge themselves in L.A. Boudoir, where you’ll find all your sweet and spicy vintage garments. The elegant, Parisian-inspired showroom is packed with pre-owned corsets (everything is carefully washed beforehand) and burlesque-inspired collectables. If you don’t find what you’re looking for, owner Lauren Arkin can design a custom piece just for you. This is one shopping experience your boyfriend will not want to sit out on.
Night Owl Vintage Accessories
5528 NE 4th Ct., Suite 6b/ 305 989-9995
Ever need that perfect last-minute accessory for your Friday-night outfit, only to find that all your favorite stores are closed? If you can relate, Night Owl Vintage can help solve your late-night shopping woes. Located at the 55th Street Station in the historic MIMO neighborhood, the store only opens from 6 p.m. to midnight and offers some of the most eclectic shoes, handbags and jewelry pieces in SoFlo.
