Thrifters will be eager to browse through the wide selection of Western boots, an overload of tank tops and tees, and printed jeans at Pavement in Montrose. Image: Lorena Garcia
While buying resale isn’t new by any stretch, it has become trendy. Houston has a surprisingly large thrift and consignment scene that doesn’t require rummaging through $5 bins. With many vintage boutiques stretching from Post Oak to Midtown, shopping for a good deal is easy—if you know the right spots.
1629A Westheimer Rd
Despite its plain black-and-gray storefront, shoppers will be in high spirits at Lo-Fi when scoring Hypebeast Supreme and Ralph Lauren finds.
811 Westheimer Rd
Since 1971, The Cottage Shop has offered a dazzling secondhand selection from luxury brands like Dooney & Bourke and Fendi alongside affordable pieces such as $5 skirts and $8 blazers. The boutique also offers daily deals from 25 to 50 percent off on merchandise for an even better bargain. As an added bonus, the Women’s Home operates the shopping hub, meaning your purchases help support residential treatment and transitional housing programs for Houston women.
1639 Westheimer Rd
When you drive by an animal-print storefront with a swanky neon side, it’s only fitting to take a look inside. Leopard Lounge is the groovy thrift shop a few doors from Lo-Fi Vintage. Some thrifty finds include tour merch, graphic Ts, and an incredible Harley-Davidson clothes collection. While some vintage boutiques can be pretty costly, it’s possible to snag rare pieces in excellent condition for under $20 here.
1657 Westheimer Rd
For those of you wanting to relive your 2000s closet fantasies, Pavement is the place to shop. Thrifters will be eager to browse through the wide selection of Western boots, an overload of tank tops and tees, and scores of printed jeans. For less than $15, you’ll probably find a Georgio Armani jacket while stocking up on buildable pieces from the store’s $5 room, which is way better than a bargain bin.
2134 Richmond Ave
This charming pink shop in Montrose opened its doors in 2007 and has since been a critical destination for glamorous couture and accessories. Once inside the boutique, visitors can source through racks of merchandise dating back to the ’50s, ’60s, and ’70s. A plus for Cheeky Vintage is that it’s an organized thrift shop, which eliminates long sourcing hours.
3622 Main St, Ste B3
A whimsical bungalow tucked in Midtown is the Fashion Time Machine. After entering the yellow storefront, you can’t help but want to try on ’60s-era costumes or play with the nostalgic Furby doll. What started as a conceptual art installation by Houston native Mary Keene has now revamped into a vintage boutique for shoppers to find that one-of-a-kind accessory to complete their look or an exclusive dress that no one else in Houston will have.
2009 Dunlavy St
Shoppers will descend into the resale rabbit hole at this maze-like store. It’s brimming with timeless jewelry and antique treasures, and you’ll easily find the perfect item that fits your vintage style in your closet or home at The Guild Shop. A portion of the proceeds is donated to the local ministry St. John the Divine.
3622 Main St, Ste C
As soon as the spicy red doors catch your eye, you’ll want to enter the world of My Flaming Heart. Inside the eclectic gift shop, shoppers can peruse a curated collection of Texican and Mexican folk art, crystal trinkets, and custom pinup-inspired dresses from store owner Judy Aaliyah’s wardrobe. Mixing fashion with Latin culture, My Flaming Heart is eerie yet fascinating.
1121 Uptown Park Blvd, Ste 11
Skip the mall and head to the Little Bird for all things designer. The consignment shop, perfectly nestled in Post Oak, offers authentic handbags, apparel, and footwear from luxury brands like Jimmy Choo, Valentino, and Christian Louboutin. Shoppers can source a suede Celine handbag for $1,200 or oversize Prada sunnies for $175 in mint condition.
2419 S Shepard Dr
In addition to The Little Bird, Couture Blowout is a great destination for upscale resale. At this shop in the illustrious River Oaks area, shoppers can score clothing from designer labels like Bottega Veneta, Emilio Pucci, and Chloe, some surprisingly under $1,000, that can pass for popular Instagram-worthy styles today.