photography courtesy of BelleBea's

In case you missed last weekend’s Vintage Clothing & Jewelry Show, never fear. There’s always Etsy, the online marketplace for all things vintage and handmade—and one of my personal favorite places to shop on the web. It’s full of gorgeous antiques, and guess what? Some of them come from right here in Dallas.

My latest discovery is BelleBea’s, a local Etsy boutique stocked with designer clothing and accessories. My personal picks include a fabulously oversized pair of Yves Saint Laurent sunglasses, a Christian Dior silk scarf, and graphic black-and-white Salvatore Ferragamo pumps—so fresh for spring.

Though there are a few pricier pieces (like these amazing Alpina aviators), most items in the shop fall under $200, so feel free to stock up.

Jessica Mitzner is a ShopTalk intern.

photography courtesy of Thrift Kitten

There’s still a void in my soul from the closing of Ahab Bowen, but my heart is open and willing to love anew. I’m looking forward to shopping the scene at new Thrift Kitten (update: now named Mieux & Mieux) on Boll Street. Owned and operated by local gal Kelsey McLain, the store offers “new and gently loved brand name women’s clothing and accessories.” I suggest you make a post-work pit stop this Friday for champagne, cupcakes, and a storewide 10 percent discount. To RSVP, text 214-886-1377.

photography courtesy of retailers

Thrifting and vintage shopping is no piece of cake. (Cake is all I can think about today.) There’s digging, long drives, and frustration involved. Not when you shop Dallas’ Factory Girl, which is edited down to only gorgeous, recycled designer pieces that would blow Nicole Richie’s mind. For a limited time (like, the next four days), you can head to Fab.com and shop a selection of Factory Girl goods online. (There’s a Bottega Veneta saddle bag that’s screaming my name.)

Perhaps, you’re looking for a few affordable basics? Try Dallas girl Tasha Robinson’s Imperfect Concepts e-boutique. Brands include lines like Calvin Klein, J. Crew, Liz Clairborne, Nine West, Ralph Lauren, and Splendid, but I spied a few fun designer steals, like these Dolce & Gabbana velour waistband shorts, this retro Givenchy hot pink and black windbreaker, and this awesome iridescent sequin blouse.

The store's collection of vintage designer duds includes jewelry, handbags, hats, and shoes among the apparel.

Sure, there’s drama surrounding Factory Girl co-owner Heather Hayler and her history. But there’s a reason we named her a “Taste Maker” back in 2008. Girl’s got style. I don’t know where the glorious goods in her new vintage shop come from, but they sure are cool.

Jump for more of an inside look.

Heather is a self-professed sunglass junkie. Every pair of frames I saw in the glass case begged me to take them home.

The row of designer clothing includes quality pieces from the late Alexander McQueen, Jean Paul Gaultier, Oscar de la Renta, and other heavy hitters.

Love these violet lenses.

These handcrafted Dutzi bags are made from recycled materials and assembled by Mayan men and women supporting their families and communities with this craft.

1. Bag, $27
2. Vintage teal velvet cape, $26.50
3. Sequin tops are all the rage, and these vintage versions ring in at $25, $18.50, and $35 (from left to right).
4. Chic lamp
5. The store’s packed with colorful crystal under $20.
6. Bugs, bats, and flying lizards for sale.
7. Who wouldn’t love this sunshiney phone for $45?
8. Not old, but super cool. Alice in Wonderland-themed jewelry box.
9. Bug-filled bracelets, $25

(left to right) vintage dress at Factory Girl, Charmaine Marshall baubles, and Heather Hayler

The thing I love most about this city is its creative people and the fact that they love to share their ideas with the public by opening storefronts, restaurants, and galleries. Tomorrow night you should really get your hiney to the opening of Factory Girl, Deep Ellum’s newest vintage shop owned by trendsetter Heather Hayler and uber talented photographer Scogin Mayo. In it you’ll find antique threads (that are 20 years and older) from both major designers and unknown labels, vintage jewelry, handbags, and accessories, and also new jewelry. Regular trunk shows (tomorrow night’s is a jewelry sale from Dallas jeweler Charmaine Marshall) will let shoppers see wares from up-and-coming local designers and original artwork from artists around the world. Stop by at 3005A Commerce St. tomorrow night 6 pm to 10 pm to be part of the shop’s first day of business. There will be cocktails from mixologist Doug Tucker and live tunes by DJ Woodtronic.

photos courtesy of vintagemartini.com

Chado Ralph Rucci fall 2009 fringe coat, $1,425

Vintage Martini sent an email blast, bragging about this Chado Ralph Rucci polyamide fringe jacket from fall 2009, right. I clicked to view it, clicked on another page, clicked again, clicked a thousand more times, and wound up in the middle of shoes. An  hour later, I’m bringing you this roundup of all kinds of deliciousness available now at the Carrollton vintage shop. Jump for photos.

Alexander Wang fall 2010 “Freja” knee-high zipper boots in size 40, $495 and Alaia fall 2010 raffia sandals with sea shells in size 8.5, $715

Pierre Cardin Boutique a-line wool coat with fox fur in size small, $1,495 and Bonnie Cashin mid-length wool skirt, $165 (Trends covered: statement coats and mid-length skirts)

Maison Martin Margiela collared blue-gray blouse in size large, $165 (Trends covered: 60s cocoon shape)

Norman Norell 60s full-length pleated skirt in size 24, $158; chunky 70s chain necklace, $65; and La Rock shift dress in extra small, $85  (Trends covered: pleated skirts, chunky jewelry, and polka dots)

photography courtesy of The Vintagemobile

How cool is this? A green bus-turned clothing store owned by a couple selling vintage wares! The Vintagemobile actually keeps weekend hours, when you can find the on-the-go store parked outside Smoke at the Belmont Hotel. There’s even a dressing room in the back of the bus! What a ridiculously fun way to shop vintage. (Ahab Bowen, get yourself a bus! We’d follow you around.) Vintagemobile, we’re looking forward to checking you out this weekend.

photography by Elizabeth Lavin

Michael Longcrier, owner of Uptown vintage shop Ahab Bowen, has confirmed the sad news. The pillar of vintage shopping in Big D will make its final sale in the cozy cottage at the end of the day on July 30. Even former mayor Laura Miller has called the shop “a Dallas institution,” according to Michael, and it’s true. We’ll really miss trying on all the full skirts, band tees, and jackets (oh, how I love the jacket rack), perusing the funky assortment of shoes and hats, and the room full of chunky costume jewelry. There is a silver lining, however. Everything in the shop is 25 percent off right now, and the floor is still being restocked daily. Come Monday, everything will be 50 percent off. There might even be a warehouse selling off the rest of the merchandise in the future, but stay tuned. Until then, we’ll see you soon, Ahab Bowen, to stock up on some vintage gems to remember you by.

*Update: A reader asked for the reason the store is closing: Michael told me after three years without seeing much profit, the store was becoming more of a hobby than a business. It’s financial, folks.

Bobette says:
“Have patience and be prepared to dig through a bunch of junk.” She suggests setting aside plenty of time to sort through all the things you’ll see in a vintage shop.

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Charlotte's skirt is a thrift store find.

Charlotte says:

“Observation is key. I found a Christian Dior bag on a random table in a thrift store in Denton after who knows how many people walked by without seeing it.”

“Don’t go in searching for a specific item. I have found the more openminded I am, the cooler and more unique things I discover.”

Check the label. It can help you discern a few things:
a) whether or not the item warrants the price it’s given
b) how authentic the item is
c) how to care for the item (“For me polyester is a no go, which rules things out.”)

“Try the garment on, even if it’s over your clothes. You don’t know how it will look unless it’s actually worn.”

Charlotte's belt is a Salvation Army find.

“Don’t be discouraged by minor signs of disrepair. Broken zippers and the like can be cheaply repaired and might be a factor in driving the price down. (It never hurts to ask!) Also, if the garment is well made, tailoring is always a option, especially if it is a piece that you will be able to wear forever.”

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I say:
If you’ve found a piece with fabric you love in a shape you hate, and you’re into sewing, why not try what Bobette does and rework garments into something more modern?

If you’re looking for vintage shops in the area, hit up the vintage and resale section of our shopping guide. Check back often. We’re constantly updating it!

Skip wearing vintage clothing and decorate with them! Get inspiration from Cath Kidston’s book, Brilliant Ideas for Using Vintage Fabrics in Your Home. I picked up a copy at The Gypsy Wagon.