VINTAGE SHOPPING NORTH PARK



URBAN SOLACE
NORTH PARK

      I have a friend, Jean, who lives in San Diego. She is really my “vintage friend” because we go back 64 years. On this fine day, we decide to have lunch at the highly recommended Urban Solace restaurant in North Park. We were not disappointed with the tasty vegetable pot pie, and warm spinach salad that we shared—the cheese biscuits added a nice touch to a perfect lunch. North Park is the new trendy area of San Diego with a lot of one-of-a-kind local shops and restaurants that you don't see at the mall. After lunch we decided to do some exploring.

2871 UNIVERSITY AVENUE, NORTH PARK

      We discovered a vintage shop called Hunt & Gather (I expect a lot of hunting goes into running one of these stores). I haven't found many “good value” vintage clothing shops and in my opinion this place qualifies. The front of the store is well marked with it's name and a display of vintage outfits for both men and women. I loved the old tiles below the large windows and the lovely tiled entrance floor. Signage on the lower window reads: “Reworked * Recycled * Reloved.”

      Hunt & Gather is located at 2871 University Avenue—the owners description of the merchandise is, “local designers, reworked vintage, one-of-a-kind jewelry, records, art & more.” Interesting description and quite appropriate. What I like the most is the fact that it offers a variety of one-of-a- kind vintage clothes as well as some new items—like cool Brazilian capris.

      My impression is that the sizes are a bit larger than some of the authentic old vintage clothes that you see in other shops. Perhaps they are not quite as old, which would account for slightly larger sizes, but they still have the vintage trendy look. Consequently, the prices reflect this—middle of the range and good value.

      Zoe Reynolds, one of the owners, is also a seamstress and designer—she is very friendly and has that “cool young vintage” look. Clearly she has a talent for finding the latest in trendy merchandise for this successful store. Zoe has a sewing machine, conveniently located in the back, for modifying her finds as needed. She and her husband, Lee, have run the business for four years.

      There are some lovely furs in this store—reasonably priced as well. The jewelry is unique and locally made. There are vinyl records for sale. The colorful pop-art on the wall, as well as the intriguing displays of shoes, boots, hats, and sunglasses, add to the ambience.



JEANS' COAT CHOICE FOR COLORADO

      Suggest you run—not walk—to this store if you need a reasonably priced vintage dress or accessories for your next event. I plan to purchase a sleek fitting vintage flowered dress for my next occasion—hope my conservative husband approves.