This is the only vintage clothing store that is closest to where I live (Cerritos, CA). It's near the intersection of Firestone and Pioneer Blvd. and conveniently located next to another unique shop, which is a botanica. Parking is in the back of the shop. It's not a large store and it doesn't offer a lot of variety of clothes compared to other vintage/second-hand shops like the Wasteland in Santa Monica or Buffalo Exchange in Long Beach and Costa Mesa. Despite that, they've recently added more merchandise like shoes, accessories (bandanas and flower barrettes, asian parasols and mary janes), purses (black vinyl and cigar box purses), and vintage-inspired clothing. They even sell their brand t-shirts: one has a design with switchblade knives and the other has a burlesque dancer. The store also specializes in custom tailoring for quinceneras, prom, formals, or any other special occassion. The prices on the clothing are reasonable. The last time I went there I got a Banana Republic vintage-inspired blazer for only $20!!! Things are easy to find: the place is divided into the mens and womens' sections. The mens' section is on the left and the womens' on the right. Vintage-inspired clothing are towards the front and in the center. The second-hand clothing are on the racks towards the back. In the back are fitting rooms. Last time they only had a couple, but now they have more (I think four or five). A friend told me that they reminded her of a tattoo parlor. I like the recent design of the interior. It has bold colors and animal prints as well as a few vintage icons like James Dean. The salespeople and tailor are really cool: open and friendly to those who walk into their door since I notice that not a lot of people visit the shop often. They mostly cater to the LA/Latino rockabilly crowd, but they welcome anyone who wants to dive into the subculture. I shop every now and then to get my vintage fix.
www.swankysvintage.com
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