Take advantage of American Vintage

For moderately priced vintage finds, American Vintage in Westwood is the place to splurge all those ’90s mom style pieces (sorry, boys). So if you’re looking for worn-in high-waist denim and slouchy cashmere sweaters, this charming shop in Westwood Village is one that might suit your fancy. Though last weekend’s 50% off sale is over until the summer season, American Vintage still boasts a quality selection of lightly worn clothing and jewelry, for prices that won’t drain your wallets.

The best of the American Vintage collection includes its dresses, filled with retro dresses ranging from ’50s pin-up styles to ’70s florals to simple black maxis we love today. Most are set at about $20, a modest price for a lot of dresses that are still in really great shape.

The rack of cashmere sweaters and cardigans is also not a section to bypass, with most also priced at $20. This is especially true even if you’re not typically a fan of thrift store shopping. Most sweaters are very simple and minimalistic, coming in dark tones like black and gray, which will complement outfits regardless of personal style. Though stocking up on pullovers and cozy knits may not be most practical, here in southern California, a warm, but light sweater goes a long way on a chilly night.

But in spite of these sweet deals, as all seasoned thrifters and bargain hunters know, good finds are not easy to come by. Finding a really special piece that you’ll love and wear for years is no easy feat. It will take a lot of looking. The first step is to have patience, because without it, the selection will be never not be overwhelming. You’ll need the time to sift through the sizes that are too big, the fabrics that are too worn, and the styles that you’re just not a fan of. If you don’t have the patience or time set out to do a little treasure hunting, a store will just look like a jumbled mess that’s been vaguely organized by garment type, and not to mention, a really exhausting experience.

Like many stores that sell vintage wares and clothing, A.V. has its own buyers, so there is always new clothing coming through its doors. As of last week there were plenty of leather and denim jackets, as well as dresses, and denim shorts. A.V. has been open for about four years and now has six stores. The Westwood store is located at 945 Broxton Avenue, in the Westwood Village. Happy thrifting!

Viviane Eng is a freshman majoring in print and digital journalism. Her column, “Among Us & Other Things,” runs Thursdays.