Lovers of everything old-school are making a mistake if they're not already shopping at Vintage California. Opened in February, this Orange-based antique mall is only a 10-minute drive from what few such stores are left in Old Towne Orange. But unlike at any depot in the plaza, you're paying flea market prices at Vintage California for nostalgic pieces, leaving you with some money to grab a few outfits at Thriftology next door.
As you enter Vintage California's 2,000-square-foot warehouse, you'll notice there's a cohesive theme that unites every small-shop space. Owner Janice Garcia has curated an eclectic but loosely related series of vendors that all tie in to classic California design styles with their selection of goods: Americana, midcentury modern, hacienda ranch, French country, Art Deco, Gothic, etc. Much of the vendors' inventory is salvaged, upcycled objects such as vintage signs, wrought-iron doors and fences, old wood pieces, ceramics, and rustic metal works, but you'll also encounter solid furniture sets, objets d'art and other interior accessories. There are paintings, posters, and original handicrafts and artwork available—and what's a California antique store without some succulents for sale?
But if you're into antiques of the retro, kitschy variety, stop by Funky Chic's space for deliciously gaudy Siamese-cat sculptures, neon-colored vases, leopard-print furniture and psychedelic lamps. You'll also find strange toys, including an impressive array of collectible Star Trek action figures and memorabilia.While the prices here are already pretty low, there are sales and markdowns throughout the place, which you can stay on top of by following it on Instagram (@vintagecalifornia).
According to Garcia, the store will expand into an adjacent building in the coming months to accommodate more amazing stock. But stop by now and get your Christmas shopping done early!
Vintage California, 305 E. Grove St., Orange, (714) 602-8998; www.facebook.com/vintagecaliforniamarketplace.
Aimee Murillo is calendar editor and frequently covers film and previously contributed to the OCW’s long-running fashion column, Trendzilla. Don’t ask her what her favorite movie is unless you want to hear her lengthy defense of Showgirls.