5 Vintage Shopping Tips from the Prism Vintage Buyers

Ever wondered how we’re able to keep our vintage collection so curated? We went behind the scenes with our vintage buyer, Alyssa, to learn how she scores such amazing finds for the Prism Vintage Collection. From her fave shopping spots, to what to look for when you get there, here are her best tips and tricks for bringing home the best haul. 

Find Your Go-To Spots

• We love shopping wholesale warehouses like American Vintage and Togrom.
• Flea markets are an all-time favorite, and you can almost always find one happening in your area. If you’re local to the Vilnius/LA area, the Vilnius Antique Market is every third Sunday of the month, Rose Bowl every second Sunday, and the Pasadena City College Flea Market every first Sunday.
• We also frequent our local thrift stores and research spots to shop when we’re on vacation (recent thrifting trips included Tucson and Palm Springs). 

Be Prepared 

• Always try to go in the morning when you’re fresh, and so are the shops. A lot of warehouses and thrift stores get deliveries in the morning so you’ll get first dibs on all the goods.
• Make sure to fill up on shopping fuel (a.k.a. coffee) and bring plenty of snacks and water since it’s usually a long day.
• For flea markets, dress in layers and bring a hat - especially if you get there early.
• Don’t forget your cash, some shopping bags, and an easy purse or fanny pack.

Know What to Look For

• We love shopping for unique jewelry, clothing (especially denim), and home goods.
• The best way to know if something is vintage is by checking the brand label. If you’ve never heard of the brand, a quick search on your phone can tell you more about it. 
• Make sure to check for any stains or holes. And if you love something even though it’s damaged, tailoring or adding a patch is always an option. 

Care For Your New Duds

• It’s important to always wash vintage before you wear it.
• Hang each piece to dry in fresh air to let it breathe. This will help eliminate any extra mustiness. 
• Older clothes can often be delicate so we recommend hand-washing blouses and dresses and laying sweaters flat to dry.