It’s the New Year, which means it’s time for a new look. Or maybe just a sweater or two.

But rather than shelling out top dollar for a fancy new sweater or compromising quality for cost at another bargain chain store, you can have your cake and eat it, too.

Shopping vintage and thrift stores is a great way to find a glamorous steal, and you can find some of the best stores right here in Oakland. So if you’re wondering how all your best dressed friends do it, we’re here to reveal their secrets.

Mercy Vintage
4188 Piedmont Ave.

Mercy Vintage has only been open for a couple years, but it has already established a name for itself as one of the premiere places to buy upscale, designer vintage. Its selection of winter fur coats is impressive, as well as its consistent stock of delicate Victorian blouses, glamorous 1930s slip dresses and "Mad Men" 1960s housewife dresses.

Mercy Vintage carries a variety of funky sweaters, Bohemian jewelry and fun, flirty dresses. Its men’s selection is equally well curated, offering classy threads for the gentleman in the know. You also can sell your vintage clothing here seven days a week for cash or trade. It’s hard to walk out of here without buying a beautiful new statement piece for your wardrobe, but if you do, you’ll probably be drooling with regret. If you’re looking for something elegant for a special event, Mercy Vintage is your store of choice.

Pretty Penny
5488 College Ave.

Pretty Penny has graced the Bay Area with its presence for years, and its latest incarnation on College Avenue has become a vintage clothing mecca for both CCA students and keen eyed shoppers alike.

With its hip aesthetic, Pretty Penny has a seemingly endless dress rack, where you can find voluminous tulle 1950s prom gowns, 1960s mod shifts, breezy 1970s boho items, brightly patterned 1980s body con dresses and grunge era 1990s pieces. Its shoe selection is equally impressive and Pretty Penny has earned a name as one of the best places to buy a new pair of sunglasses.

Thoroughly committed to living and shopping local, Pretty Penny carries clothing by local designers. The best part about it? You walk away with a deal every time. Pretty Penny also buys vintage clothing for cash or trade on Saturdays and Sundays. If you need to find something new to pep up your wardrobe, be sure to stop by Pretty Penny.


Down at Lulu’s
6603 Telegraph Ave.

If you’ve ever driven Telegraph and wondered what’s up with that bright pink façade at 66th Street, wonder no more. It’s Down at Lulu’s, and yes, you guessed correctly - it’s bursting with chutzpah and fashion.

This hair salon-cum-clothing store is known for stocking crazy colored, brightly patterned, Avant Garde party wear. If the excellent selection of local garage rock and hand made zines didn’t already give it away, Down at Lulu’s is a vintage haven for many of the movers and shakers in the local music scene. With its leather jackets, studded denim and micro-mini hemlines, Down at Lulu’s is one of the best places to play dress up like a rock star. It also is looking to buy your vintage duds.

So, if you’re looking for something completely different, and maybe also a haircut, come indulge your wild side at Down at Lulu’s.

Salvation Army Downtown
Eighth and Webster streets

If hard core thrifting is the name of your game, you’ll want to get to the Salvation Army in Chinatown. You’ll usually find a sale happening at this location, so bring your imagination and some funky inspiration to get down with the late 1990s selection of chunky sweaters, square-toed kitten heels and silky Victoria’s Secret slips. And make sure you have plenty of time (and patience) to peruse all of their racks.

If you’re new to thrifting, don’t get discouraged. It can take a bit of digging before you find your pièce de résistance, but, when you do, the rock bottom prices will make it all worth it. You also can help replenish its stock by bringing your donations to Salvation Army.

Truly a place for bargain hunters and forward thinking fashionistas, Salvation Army is one of Oakland’s best thrift store treasure troves.

Do you have a thrift store fave in the area? Share in the comments, please!