*EDIT: I realize this post attracted a lot of attention. Apparently this is one of the best resources for finding out about local West Michigan vintage. Awesome! Glad you're here. Please note this post is updated frequently. Last Update: January 2018

I adore vintage clothing. I'm not talking 1950's era swing skirts and patterned dresses, although they are beautiful. I lust for long caftans, belted bikinis, high-waisted bell bottoms, crop tops and everything in between. These pieces are so hard (SO HARD GUYS) to come by. Moving to Grand Rapids proved difficult when it came to the vintage department. I scoured google for recommendations and found nothing. NADA. Zilch. This is for you, lone wanderer, new Grand Rapids resident. Let me help you find your way to that gently used, metallic, disco jumpsuit (with the perfect neckline, mind you).

small earth vintage - inside lost and found on century

Small Earth is one of those places you won't find out about until you stumble face first into it. Lost and Found is a phenomenal mid-century antique and vintage store with everything ranging from a rare Marushka to shag carpets, beaded curtains to typewriters and just about everything in between. Small Earth has a small corner in the back of the warehouse complete with a dressing room (a plus in my opinion).

Small Earth *might* be my favorite vintage store in GR. Not only is their selection great (and always changing) but it's high quality and decently priced.

PS - Small Earth is also on IG (@smallearthvintage) and Etsy.

love charles vintage - online only

So, Love Charles isn't technically a physical store in Grand Rapids BUT owner Lily is very accommodating. Her selection is just as fantastic as Small Earth. I do appreciate her use of real models for her clothes so you can see the way a garment will move. Her selection covers everything from late 40s-90s and includes accessories, lingerie (the prettiest I've found thus far), dresses, swimwear and much more.

Find Love Charles on IG (@lovecharlesvintage and @lovecsale) and Etsy.

ic hair and vintage - located on diamond

IC Hair and Vintage isn't just a vintage shop, it's a salon too. I admit, I've never purchased clothing from IC, but I have purchased jewelry. They have an excellent selection of rental "furs" that would be great for weddings and special events (that I never go to). I wish IC featured more clothes from the 60s/70s but if you're into that weird "club" look of the 80s or cowboy boots, this place is for you.

gr vintage thrift - leonard

Ahh...GR Vintage Thrift. How I loathe thee. Here's the sitch...I've actually never been to GR Vintage Thrift. Caleb has attempted many, MANY times to shop here. However, they are always ALWAYS closed. And there is nowhere you can find their hours. Rumor has it that GR Vintage (also called Flashback on Leonard) hosts secret concerts on occasion.

PS - If someone is reading this and knows what the hours of GR Vintage Thrift are...please let me and the rest of America know so we can visit this lost gem.

flashlight alley - CLOSED

basement selection - eastown antiques

Well, ooook, it's not really called "basement selection" but I honestly don't know who runs the booth in the basement of Eastown Antiques. Regardless, this is probably your last resort if you're looking for a specific halloween costume item or vintage piece. The selection isn't great and sizes range from a sock to fit your pinky to a pair of jeans that will fit your entire family. Which, if you're looking to live in a house made of jeans from the 1990's, then, sure...you'll find them here. Regardless of the poor, costume-like, selection at Eastown, the entire antique store is beautiful and is worth checking out.