Vintage a la Mode in Laurel Village (SF, CA)

When I visited Pacific Heights before Christmas, I wanted to photograph Vintage a la Mode.  But it was closed, so I had to go back to the Laurel Village neighborhood and visit them again.  Today, the weather here in San Francisco was beautiful, so I wore my vintage, floral Lilly Pulitzer dress for the occasion.  I took the long bus ride up there from the bart station and had the chance to catch the city sites, such as China Town and Nob Hill.  I found Vintage a la Mode in the heart of Laurel Village, which is a small neighborhood near Pacific Heights.  My first meeting was with their dog, Lilly, who works at the store and is their greeter.  Even though it was a busy shopping day today, Springer , the store's owner, was nice enough to take the time to talk to me and show me around the store, which is gorgeous.  In the dressing room area (with the bear rug), Deborah was busy fitting a dress to a customer.  She wanted me to share with you that when you buy a vintage dress from them, they will make alterations and they also do redesign.

If you live in the Bay Area, I suggest you check out this store.  They are only open on Saturdays.  And there are cafes nearby on California Street if you need a break from shopping.  If you do not live here and want to come to San Francisco on vacation, this store should be on your itinerary.   Vintage a la Mode has the most beautiful vintage clothes in San Francisco.  Springer and Deborah are knowledgeable and a wealth of information regarding fashion design and high-end vintage clothing.  They help their customers find that perfect outfit for what ever occasion.  Please enjoy the photos!

 This photo is an oops!

Springer Teich

 Vintage a la Mode

3234 Sacramento St.

San Francisco, CA

415-440-1554

415-407-3576

decolove@pacbell.net

 Springer, owner of Vintage a la Mode

 Lilly, the greeter at Vintage a la Mode

 A view of the store

 Springer helping a customer find the perfect dress

 Vintage a la Mode has a separate bridal area for dresses & accessories

 Rows of gorgeous dresses at Vintage a la Mode

 The dressing room area at Vintage a la Mode

 I liked this so much that I took it a few times!

Return to Treasure Island (SF, CA)

I drove over the new Bay Bridge yesterday afternoon to return to Treasure Island to the flea market held there the last weekend of every month.  There was a lot of traffic on the bridge, but luckily it is the first exit.  Treasure Island is an island that used to be owned and operated by the military, so it fairly pristine and the drive in is on a small windy road.  Below is the bridge traffic headed towards the city and to the side is the bay.  As I drove into Treasure Island, I saw a large gathering of people to my immediate right.  It wasn’t the area where the flea market is usually held, but I followed the crowd.  I was barely able to get a parking place in the lot, but luckily my car is tiny, so I was able to fit into a very small space.  I got out of the car and followed the crowd to what was the new location for the flea market.  It seemed smaller than the other site, but I found out it was in 3 different places, including a 2-story building.

I walked around the first part of the flea market and found many great items to photograph.  The place was so crowded with people shopping, enjoying the sunshine and eating at the food trucks.  There was a lot to choose from as far as food goes, but lines were long and didn’t move too quickly.  I settled for a homemade chocolate croissant and it was fantastic.  In the first area of the flea market I found a vendor that I have shared with you in previous blogs – Have Pitty? – Re-Designer Clothing.  They have the most beautiful clothes, purses and shoes and the proceeds from sales goes towards rescuing animals.  I particularly admired a crème colored Valentino jacket that was only $30.  Unfortunately, it was a little too small for me, but was snapped by another shopper.  I did buy a gorgeous black leather jacket  (for less than $30) from them as well as a pearl necklace redesigned into a choker for only $10.  And, the jacket was a lot less expensive than the one I saw at Fran’s favorite thrift shop a month ago and much more stylish.

After seeing everything there was to see in the first area, I walked into the adjoining building to see the flea market on 2 levels – the bottom level and the top balcony area.  There were beautiful murals on the walls and the building was very art deco.  It could have been a part of the World’s Fair held at Treasure Island in the 1930’s.  I explored both levels and then headed outside to the 3^rd section, which reminded me a little of the Alhemany Flea Market in San Francisco because there was a wide variety of all things vintage – furniture, jewelry, clothes and toys.  Someone was blasting 1980’s U-2, so the mood was set.  I walked around and shot random photos of anything that sought my fancy. 

During my travels yesterday, I did collect a few cards, so want to acknowedge those folks.  (1) Have Pitty? www.havepitt.com, (916) 835-6584); (2) C & M Vintage Pros (Carmen & Marshall),707-646-1557, 408-691-5741., jagman0007@ yahoo.com and (3) Horse of a different color, 408-251-8589.Seasideshadow@aol.com.  Look for them at vintage shows and Bay Area Antique flea markets.  Keep shopping recycled fashion!  See you soon.  Toni 

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 Have Pitty?

Have Pitty? mascot wishing you happy recycled shopping!