Looking for a vintage Red Cross uniform from the 1940s? How about go-go boots or a Diane Von Furstenberg wraparound dress from the 1970s? Your heart’s desire might be available at one of the vintage apparel shops in the Chicago area.
Be sure to dress comfortably before you go shopping because you’ll be slipping in and out of attire. Also be aware that some of these clothes, particularly dresses and skirts from mid-20th Century, are meant to be ultra-fitted. Women might even want to think about wearing a girdle and a crinoline to get the proper fit and look with some of the 1950s tulle gowns. Men are going to have a tougher time finding jackets, shirts and pants in larger sizes. Shoes also come in smaller sizes, so you might have to shop around before you find ones that fit.
If you’re willing to overlook a few imperfections (fading and some loose seams–things that can be easily corrected), you can have an outstanding, unique wardrobe that can take you from the office or class to nighttime with a few changes.
There’s an opportunity to do all your shopping in one fell swoop at the Midwest Antique Clothing, Jewelry, Textile and Art Deco sale at Hemmens Cultural Center in Elgin Friday and Saturday. Admission is $10 ($2 discount for those who arrive dressed head-to-toe in vintage). Call 847-428-8368 or visit www.catspajamasproductions.net.
Here are a few vintage clothing shops:
31st Street Antiques
1017 E. 31st St., LaGrange Park
708-352-1172
While this shop sells mostly furnishings, the back room is stuffed with vintage apparel from every decade. While owner Robyn Kriz has the requisite 1950s dresses, she also has numerous unique 1930s gowns, house dresses, playsuits and never-worn stockings and girdles like those seen in the movie “Mona Lisa Smile.” But these items aren’t cheap–a pair of white World War II era peep-toe pumps was priced at $300. However, this store has sales regularly. Open daily.
Night & Day
2252 W. Belmont Ave.
773-327-4045
Owner Jolie Tomasello sells dresses, skirts, blouses, nightgowns, even lingerie from the 1930s through the ’50s at the store, formerly Vintage Deluxe 2. She has hats hanging on the walls. She also has men’s shirts, suits and pants in hard-to-find larger sizes. Her store’s a favorite with rockabilly lovers and overseas tourists stocking up on garb before they return home. Call ahead to make sure the store’s open. Closed Mondays and Tuesdays.
Silver Moon
3337 N. Halsted St.
773-883-0222
Under new ownership, this shop sells only the best vintage apparel from the finest black dresses from the 1930s through ’40s and has a nice selection of men’s jackets, suits and ties. Prices are a bit steep, but there are some good values too. If you’re in the market for a wedding dress, check out the bridal salon with gowns and veils dating to the early 1900s. Prices for these vintage beauties range from $600 to $1,500. Closed Mondays and Tuesdays.
Store B
1472 N. Milwaukee Ave.
773-772-4296
In the heart of Bucktown, this spacious shop has a variety of vintage apparel, including never-worn 1950s cashmere sweaters ($55), 1940s hats ($40 and up), Art Deco jewelry, purses, fur coats and gloves. Closed Mondays and Tuesdays.
Thirty-One: Art and Vintage
31 Harrison St., Oak Park
708-848-3131
The front part of this store is devoted to art made with found objects, but the rest is vintage clothes galore. There’s a rack of coats, including some from a furrier that shut down recently. Jeannie Friedell also sells blouses, skirts, pants, hats, shoes, even vintage fabric yardage, all of it reasonably priced. I bought a 1950s wrap-around cotton blouse for about $25 as well as a yard of Depression-era fabric for $3. Closed Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays. Call ahead to make sure the store is open.
Vintage Deluxe
1846 W. Belmont Ave.
773-529-7008, www.vintagedeluxe.com
Located in a newly constructed retro-style building in Chicago’s Antique Row, this shop is for rockabilly lovers who often come here to stock up on vintage duds before attending “Viva Las Vegas,” a 1950s event held in Las Vegas every spring. Store owners Gabrielle Sutton and Lisa Frye sell a ton of 1950s dresses, tops, playsuits, even bathing suits. They have supplied garb for movies such as “Road to Perdition.” The store also sells 1950s-era furniture and lamps. Open daily.
Viva Vintage
1043A Chicago Ave., Evanston
847-475-5025
This shop stocks clothing, shoes and jewelry from the 1970s and earlier. It has an impressive collection of Bakelite bracelets and 1950s-era apparel for men and women. Costumers from local theaters such as the Steppenwolf and Goodman shop here regularly. Closed Tuesdays.
