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Writer's pictureAngelica Marin
Nov 135 min read

Where to Shop Vintage in Boston

As a city full of fashion lovers, Boston is expected to have great shopping. Between the Prudential Center, Newbury Street, and Beacon Hill, the city has a wide array of retail options. Even better, however, is Boston’s selection of second-hand and vintage. I spent the last month visiting five different consignment and vintage stores, hoping to score some unique pieces and provide insight for F&R’s readers. 


  1. The Vintage Underground


If you go to BU, you know The Vintage Underground. Located at 957 Commonwealth Ave, you’ve likely seen their racks of band t-shirts on the sidewalks several times a week. Once you go, as the name suggests, underground to their main store, it’s like entering another world. With hundreds of posters hanging and band tees lining the walls, it almost feels like being transported back in time. The decor is eccentric and inviting, and odds are you’ll see a picture or quote from your favorite musician somewhere on the walls. 

Beyond band t-shirts, The Vintage Underground had a plentiful selection of leather and army jackets, vinyl records, and unique tops. The pricing of these items was your standard consignment prices – not dirt cheap, but not unreasonable either. The selection of your everyday pieces is limited, but of course I didn’t walk out empty-handed. I scored a Bella Swann-esque, army green, vintage GAP jacket. 

I recommend this shop for music lovers and leather-wearers. The staff was incredibly helpful and outgoing, which is always a plus! Check out The Vintage Underground next time you’re in West Campus and looking for a quick shopping break. 



  1. Vivant Vintage 


Located in the heart of Allston, just a block behind the BU fraternity houses, is Vivant Vintage. At 318 Lincoln Street lies a storefront with an inviting mural, and every Friday, two hefty $5 bins on the sidewalk. Inside, you’re met with two walls shelved and filled to the brim with denim, organized by size and style. In the center of the store is a table housing a vast crystal collection (which you can pick and fill a bag from), vintage postcards, film slides, license plates, and more. 

Along with clothing, the shop has a surprisingly extensive collection of vinyl records. Next to the bins of vinyl there are two massive clothing racks with an astonishing number of denim, leather, and army jackets. At the back of the store there’s a second room with specialty denim, like printed overalls and carpenter style pants, along with a dizzying selection of Y2K tops and dresses. 

The cherry on top, however, was the shop’s jewelry collection. At the register, in a glass case, are some of the most unique and captivating bracelets, earrings, and necklaces you’ve ever seen. The bangle selection in particular is spectacular. 

The pricing of this shop is similar to that of other consignment and vintage stores, but the jewelry is on the pricier end. Visit Vivant Vintage for a limitless shopping experience and a good game of dress-up! 



  1. Great Eastern Trading Co. 


Speaking of dress-up, I spent an hour or two in our next store, just trying the pieces on. This store carries what you would call “true vintage.” With prom dresses from the 1980s, bolo ties, and capes, there’s not much you can’t find at Great Eastern Trading Co. 

At 49 River Street in Central Square, Cambridge, this store is a bit of a hike from BU’s campus, however, I can guarantee that it’s worth it. With an infinite selection of vintage accessories and flamboyant clothing, you could likely stay in this store for a lifetime and never get bored. The carries a great number of men’s vintage polos and denim, but has less practical women’s pieces, like the canary yellow dress I tried on that had a cape attached. I recommend this store if you have lots of time to browse and try-on. Many of the pieces are not for daily wear, especially not for college students, so having fun and utilizing the fitting room is the way to make the most out of your experience. 



  1. Groovy Thrifty 


Just beyond BU’s campus, on Brighton Ave, is where you can find the homiest curated vintage store, Groovy Thrifty. Hidden in a semi-underground storefront, Groovy Thrifty is unassuming in many ways. This store is the smallest of the ones covered in this article, but it is most definitely mighty. 

Groovy Thrifty has an excellent selection of graphic tees and crewnecks, along with unique, high quality outerwear. Admittedly, I was at the shop for a private event with Her Campus BU, so it may not have been an average visit. Nonetheless, I am positive that anyone’s experience would be comparable. I walked out of the shop with a fitted, dark wash denim jacket that will be the perfect substitute for a long sleeve t-shirt with the winter approaching. 

While I was shopping, I overheard the owner, Sadie MacIver, mention that she began her journey as a second-hand fashion aficionado by simply selling her closet overflow the summer before she went to college. If you’re reading this with the hopes of one day starting a vintage store, here’s your sign! Sadie only recently achieved her dreams, as the shop opened early this year, in March. 

Finally, this review would not be complete without mentioning the shop’s furry friend, Sadie’s German Shephard named Basil. Stop by Groovy Thrifty for curated vintage and some puppy love! 



  1. The Attic 



The Attic is a curated collection of eccentric pieces and investment-worthy basics in Harvard Square, Cambridge. The Attic is a great, centrally located pick for vintage shopping if you’re in the Harvard area. The shop carries lots of fun dresses and unique tops, as well as a great assortment of patterned skirts and vintage hoodies. Essentially, they’ve got it all. 

One of the coolest things about the Attic, though, is their events. A few weeks ago I attended a block party they organized that featured several other small businesses, including a vintage store I visited in Newport, RI, called Folk Vintage. I stopped by their storefront before heading to the block party, and left with a beautiful fringe bag that I have worn several time since purchasing it. 

The Attic is always taking part in or organizing it’s next event, so I recommend following their instagram, @atticvintagema for updates. The pricing at the Attic is super reasonable, as a lot of their marketing is towards the college students of the area. Check out the Attic for a fun, inviting shopping experience! 

(These are old events)



While shopping retail is often more convenient, taking the time to find a second-hand or vintage store can be incredibly worthwhile. For one, you get to support small businesses, which is always a plus, a. And, as we all know, shopping second-hand is significantly more sustainable than buying clothes new. Plus, you’re never going to have the same pieces as anyone else. Vintage and second-hand makes for a one of a kind wardrobe. It’s a win-win. Use this guide for the vintage shopping experience of your dreams! 





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