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For one-of-a-kind gifts, shop Detroit’s vintage boutiques

Courtesy Mama Coo’s Boutique

There’s a special kind of joy in a great vintage find, and even more in sharing one with a friend or family member. And during COVID times, why not dress up your home lounge act with unique styles and vintage accessories while sparing your wallet the full impact of an off-the-rack shopping spree? Bonus: shopping for holiday gifts at vintage shops is sustainable, too.

Vintage shops are observing COVID safety protocols — limiting the number of patrons in at a time, generously doling out the hand sanitizer and offering online and even curbside options to help you get your gifts safely. 

Here are some of our favorite Detroit vintage spots for your holiday shopping list:

Mama Coo’s

At Mama Coo’s, you’ll find real leather handbags, the finest faux-fur coats, stunning jewelry, local handmade items, accessories and artisan artwork to brighten up your living space at reasonable prices. This upscale vintage and resale boutique stays true to its mission of being accessible, offering women’s clothing and a small selection for men. Mama Coo’s has curbside pickup and purchasing options through Facebook and Instagram using the CashApp: $mamacoosboutique or Venmo: 313-404-2543. Four people are allowed in-store at a time. 1701 Trumbull St., Detroit.

Boro Resale

Boro Resale is the ultimate consignment resale shop designed with all women in mind. You can find independent lines as well as designer and vintage clothing and accessories all in one convenient spot. Shoppers can grab the latest items online (they offer shipping or in-store pick-up). You can also book an appointment to shop in-store at 1440 Gratiot Ave. in Eastern Market. Walk-ins are welcome.

Gentle Vibes Vintage

Gentle Vibes Vintage is your one-stop-shop for polyester and psychedelic relics. All outfits will be steamed and cleaned prior to shipping. Stay tuned for their Fort St. location coming soon, but you can shop ‘till you drop through the Gentle Vibes Vintage Etsy store.

Old Soul Vintage

At Old Soul Vintage, find timeless clothing and accessories from the 1900s to the 1990s. Browse and purchase groovy styles and accessories online or in-store. 3627 B Cass Ave., Detroit.

Flamingo Vintage Detroit

Situated in Southwest Detroit in a 100-year-old renovated department store, Flamingo Vintage features a wide range of affordable men’s and women’s clothing and accessories from the 1920s all the way to the 1990s. Shop online or in-store at 5449 W. Vernor Hwy., Detroit.

Velvet Tower

The Velvet Tower is the ultimate destination for bold, colorful pieces ranging from the 1940s through the 1980s. Support local and treat yourself or a loved one to a statement piece you won’t find anywhere else. You can shop virtually on Instagram with ease, or hit follow for the latest pop-up shop location info.

Flossy’s Suitcase

Flossy’s Suitcase is a virtual gem. This online shop specializes in vintage women’s clothing but also has great finds for men. That’s not all — check out Flossy’s for special vintage jewelry, home goods, and classic vinyl records. Shop online via Instagram.

Thrift on the Ave

Thrift on the Ave is committed to the art of the resale. It’s not just a fantastic way to keep great fashion alive, it’s also a wonderful way to care for the environment. What sets Thrift on the Ave apart in its offerings is the mix of fashion eras it features. There’s vintage wear available, but also plenty of modern fashion, too. Check out what’s available on Facebook and Instagram, then make your purchase online.

Tekla Vintage

Tekla Vintage is a throwback style powerhouse with in-store, Poshmark, Ebay and Etsy shopping options available. Located at 9600 Joseph Campau Ave. in Hamtramck, the “Sweet Little Village” shop features items “for your everyday life in an old-world shop with a new-style flair.”

Hitsville Vintage

Hitsville Vintage is another Hamtramck-based small business that specializes in vintage furniture and other household items. Peruse their Instagram page for a look at the available selection and send a direct message to make a purchase.

Rosemarine Textiles

Rosemarine Textiles offers carefully crafted goods and accessories that are dyed using plants, “made by hand with intention and respect for our Earth.” Items include table linens, scrunchies, headscarves and silk ribbon. Check them out on Pinterest, Instagram or Facebook. Then, stop by their website or Etsy shop to make a purchase.

Selections by Allison Jacobs and Courtney Wise-Randolph

Nina Misuraca Ignaczak

Nina Misuraca Ignaczak is a contributing editor for Detour Detroit. She is the founder and executive editor of Planet Detroit, a digital media startup that tells Detroit’s environmental stories while building a community of engaged readers who are informed and empowered to act personally and publicly. She is an award-winning freelance journalist who writes, edits and produces stories about the environment, place and identity. Her recent work has been published by Detour Detroit, Belt Magazine, HuffPost, Detroit Free Press, WDET, Crains Detroit Business, Business Insider, Curbed Detroit and Model D. Prior to her career in journalism, she worked in urban planning in the local government and nonprofit sectors. She has a Master of Science in Natural Resource Ecology and a Bachelor of Science in Biology from the University of Michigan. Follow her on Twitter: @ninaignaczak

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