Photo Credit: Brian Garwood, Courtesy of The Blue Door
With plenty of great shopping also comes excellent thrifting, antiquing and vintage shopping in Santa Barbara. Whether you’re searching for a secondhand item to make your home look a little more timeless, add to your vintage jean collection or find the perfect, personalized souvenir, look no further than this roundup of businesses, each more multifaceted than the next. Before you begin, grab your caffeinated beverage of choice and dig into what The American Riviera®’s secondhand scene has to offer.
ANTIQUE SHOPS
Having started as a small-time swap meet in the ‘80s, walking into Antique Alley on State Street brings patrons into a world of unique wares covering the store from top to bottom, stocked with everything from one-of-a-kind pottery to vintage jewelry.
The little blue house on Chapala Street that began as a casual storefront to sell furniture and antiques is now a thriving, fully operational brick-and-mortar that goes by the name The Vintage Fox. It has since expanded its ware selection to unique treasures like home décor and eclectic gifts. Each room of the house is inspired by a different culture or theme, including Asian, French, dining, California Western and outdoor. There’s even a section dedicated to children’s items.
At Old Town Antiques, the walls and shelves are adorned with vintage guitars and records, inviting music lovers to step back in time and rediscover relics, in addition to other antique finds from days passed. sbmidmod, a mid-century modern antique shop that up-cycles furniture, lighting and other unique pieces, takes pride in restoring and preserving functional art to be appreciated for many decades to come. Josephine’s Antiques & Gallery’s estate sale-esque storefront is a favorite among Montecito residents and visitors for its wide selection of tasteful antique pieces.
Down the coast in Summerland, which is known for its antique shopping, Mary Suding Antiques & Design features a collection of mid-century modern, Western and folk art pieces—all hand-selected with expertise. Another Summerland favorite, which has been in operation for over 30 years, Summerland Antique Collective’s extensive selection of curated antique pieces showcases relics from the past, with everything from vibrant glassware to dazzling chandeliers.
In the laid-back neighboring town of Goleta, Antique Center Mall boasts its iconic checkered flooring throughout the showroom, drawing shoppers in for its collection of antique and retro items for every collector.
VINTAGE SHOPS
Giddy on up to this quaint vintage boutique in the upper downtown Santa Barbara area: Westward General. With housewares, vintage jeans and other western décor to boot, this Santa Barbara store is stocked with pieces chosen with intention.
Ducking into Urban Flea Market on State Street is like wandering down the ultimate rabbit hole of vintage furniture, clothing, trinkets, shoes, records—nearly everything imaginable. Follow the floorplan into different rooms filled from top to bottom with unique treasures from over the decades. The further into the store you go, the more difficult it is to emerge empty-handed.
It wouldn’t be appropriate to visit the Funk Zone without a visit to The Blue Door or LOVEWORN, both experts in all things vintage. Looking for an eccentric piece of furniture to liven up your home? The Blue Door, named after the brick-and-mortar’s giant blue statement door, sources vintage pieces that lean mid-century modern. Just a few minutes away is another must-shop vintage haven, where denim is LOVEWORN’s love language. Stop in for a selection of unaltered jeans from decades past, or opt for the custom-designed vintage pairs crafted by the owners.
SECONDHAND STORES
The Closet Trading Co., a carefully curated consignment store in the heart of downtown Santa Barbara, is where shoppers can find a selection of preloved designer and trendy pieces to add to their wardrobes. Stocked with everything from high-end jeans to workout wear, there’s something for everyone in this store. The Santa Barbara branch of Crossroads Trading is filled to the brim with the latest trends and staple pieces for all genders at reasonable prices. Also located conveniently on State Street, this consignment shop is a thrifter’s heaven. Reigning as another downtown secondhand gem, Renaissance Fine Consignment is where secondhand and luxury clothing meet.
Shopping secondhand doesn’t have to mean you’re compromising on staying up-to-date with fashion trends. From The Home & Closet only sells pieces that highlight recent seasonal trends to ensure your closet stays refreshed with every visit to the store. Designer items and hefty price tags usually go hand-in-hand—but not when you buy secondhand. Jessica Consignment carries brands like Chanel, Louis Vuitton, Tory Burch, Gucci and more for a fraction of the retail price.
In Goleta, Lazy Eye Shop’s MO is making the thrifting experience as stress-free as possible for those looking to shop secondhand, but not willing to sift through bins for the perfect thrift score for hours on end.
Once you’ve gotten your retail fix with these antique, vintage and secondhand stores, explore more shopping in Santa Barbara.
