west los angeles recycled fashion

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By: Yogi Times
Edited date: November 8, 2022Estimated reading time: 5 minutes

Reduce, reuse, recycle. Any remotely environmentally conscious person remembers that alliterated adage, right? Well, this month we’ve scoured the West Side for stores that live that motto, bringing you a list of places to drop-and-shop for recycled vintage, designer and name brand clothing and accessories that, depending on your budget, will keep your wallet heavy and your conscience light.

1. Crossroads Trading Co.*
Crossroads Santa Monica buys, sells and trades hot brands such as Diane von Furstenberg, James Perse, Betsey Johnson, Ed Hardy, Theory, Tracy Reese, Banana Republic, A/X and much more. The store has a reputation for great shoes and accessories, with brands like Gucci, Dolce & Gabbana, Jimmy Choo and Ferragamo. They also offer an amazing selection of men and women’s denim, including Diesel, Antik, James, Seven for all Mankind, Citizens of Humanity, Miss Sixty, G-Star and True Religion.
1449 4th St.
Santa Monica, CA 90401
310.255.0500
crossroadstrading.com

2. Goodwill Southern California*
Good clothes, good prices and a good cause add up to one word: Goodwill. With new merchandise arriving daily””including recycled vintage and designer clothing, shoes and purses, furniture, books, jewelry, household items and more””shopping here also transforms lives through the power of work. Money from the stores goes to serve persons with disabilities or other vocational disadvantages, providing them with education, skills training, work experience and job placement services.
524 Santa Monica Blvd.
Santa Monica, CA 90401
310.393.1400
goodwillsocal.org

3. Aardvark’s*
If vintage is what you want, and you can make your way past the anatomically correct””yet hilarious””mannequins in the window displays, then your buck stops here. For over 20 years Aardvark’s has recycled fashions from as far back as the ’30s and ’40s, leaving no square-inch of the store uncovered. Authentic band T-shirts, vintage dresses, shirts, robes, aprons, hats, ties…you name it, and they’ve got it for a price you won’t be able to pass up.
7579 Melrose Ave.
Los Angeles, CA 90046
323.655.6769

4. The Salvation Army*
Whether you’re shopping for collectibles and antiques, the “boutique” section or persevering through racks and racks of clothing, you can find great deals on vintage and designer clothing, furniture, household goods, sporting equipment, books, electronics and more. Plus your purchases help others reclaim lives and heal families, as all proceeds go directly to the operation of The Salvation Army Adult Rehabilitation Centers.
1658 11th St.
Santa Monica, CA 90404
310.450.7235
satruck.org#mce_temp_url#
salvationarmy.org

5. The Wasteland*
Abercrombie & Fitch, Gap, American Eagle…forget about it! This Melrose spot lines the walls and racks the floors with daily shipments of new and recycled vintage, modern and designer labels, including over 100 new and internationally renowned clothing lines. It’s probably best to bring a friend to pull you from the sea of dresses, skirts, shirts and more, or you might never go home.
7428 Melrose Ave.
Los Angeles, CA 90046
323.653.3028
thewasteland.com 

6. National Council of Jewish Women – Los Angeles*
Founded in 1924 as a result of the Immigrant Aid Program, the first Council Thrift Store was stocked with useful household items. Now with eight locations in the LA area, they have become a treasure trove of used designer and vintage clothing, business wear, accessories, appliances, furniture, antiques, collectibles and one-of-a-kind items. Revenue generated by the stores helps fund community service programs for at-risk women, children and families, and any donated clothing not used in the store goes to benefit those in need in Africa.
11801 Santa Monica Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90025
310.444.7978
ncjwla.org

7. It’s a Wrap!*
Lights! Camera! Action! Take a piece of history””or a whole outfit””home, straight from the set! This unique store carries mostly contemporary clothing worn in TV shows and movies, and also features some western, sci-fi and specialty items. It’s also a hot spot for Halloween costumes””surprise, surprise””which are stored all year round and sold starting mid-September.
1164 S. Robertson Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90035
310.246.WRAP (9727)
itsawraphollywood.com 

8. Buffalo Exchange*
Born in Tucson, Arizona, in 1974, this sustainable company buys, sells and trades clothing and accessories directly with store customers. Their inventory includes one-of-a-kind recycled items such as designer wear, vintage, jeans and basics, as well as new merchandise. They also donate to local nonprofit agencies, raise money for the Center for Environmental Health, and support the Humane Society of the United States.
131 N. La Brea Ave.
Los Angeles, CA 90036
323.938.8604
buffaloexchange.com 

9. Resurrection
Located in the exclusive Melrose Heights shopping district, Resurrection’s third store has become one of LA’s most popular high-end vintage boutiques and a frequent stop-and-shop for Hollywood’s top celebrities and stylists. The all-white store provides a perfect canvas for its beautiful and brightly colored garments to stand out, and shopping here is almost like interacting with a work of art.
8006 Melrose Ave.
Los Angeles, CA 90046
323.651.5516
resurrectionvintage.com

* denotes multiple locations in LA area

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