I'm so torn about giving up one of my most favorite top secret spots. Top secret because it's a rare breed that treks to the Bayview to hunt for treasure on a regular basis! Sigh. However, I want to give it the props it deserves. I hit this spot on my way home from the Flower Market in SF several times a month for two reasons: Treasures and ambiance. I have never been to a thrift store that makes me smile as much as this one does on a regular basis. First of all, they have, hands down, the best freaking soundtrack EVER. Old school soul and R&B without commercials. Love it. Love that at any given time at LEAST three employees are singing their hearts out and dancing to the songs while working. I never had that much fun at work ever. I kinda start singing too and no one stares at me which is a good thing. :) We all got a little TOO funky when some James Brown came on, but that's a totally different kind of post. So yeah, it's super fun music ALL the time, which takes away any, "Oh my God I'm sort of in the hood!" fears anyone could have.
Treasure. Yes. Lots of it. But let me qualify this by saying it depends what you are looking for. I know they seem to get tons of name brands like Nine West, Burberry, Banana Republic, Seven, Levis, Lucky and so much more, but I'm usually on the hunt for furniture and cool old books. BUT, I did score my daughter an amazing vintage wool Peacoat for 4.99, a vintage leather cowboy belt for a dollar, and a hot ass pair of leather motorcycle boots for 12.99. Yeah, I know you're jealous but don't hate.
Okay so the staff and the people that come in (including me?) are so worth a visit I can't even properly describe it. A couple weeks back I went in and there was a very small gentleman (4'?) who might possibly not be entirely free of drugs, and just maybe he might not always be of sane mind, but he was having a conversation with an equally small woman, who was quite possibly Lil' Kim (in incredible leopard spandex pants with a bleached blonde wig AND blue contact lenses), and they were discussing how he was training to compete in the next Olympics. As a boxer. In the heavyweight category. She was very impressed and was telling him all about her recording career in LA and how she was fixing to do a duet with some big time rapper whose name I have not yet heard (I'm a little out of touch).
Anyway it was so awesome I could hardly bear it and wished I had a recording of the whole thing. And that happens ALL the time there! I bought a ton of shit that day just because of my good mood. I got a gorgeous antique table I've now refinished and sold, a giant mirror, two side tables and a shit-ton of great old books.
Love it. Need it. Will never tire of it. read more