New and Used: Hot Spots for Vintage

If boots were made for walking then Encore Vintage is where they?d walk to--for a little a TLC that is. Once loved equestrian, Mod-inspired patchwork, cowboy and suede boots get a second chance at love at this Hayes Valley shop, where restored boots, belts and bags are offered up in a kaleidoscope of colors with styles that are time-warped straight from the grooviest decades, minus all the disco dance floor scuff marks.

Grown up girls will love playing dress-up at this Parisian-style boutique in the Mission that's stocked with cheap treasures like silk jacquards and (pricier) vintage jumpers made from hundred year old lace. The inventory fluctuates every month, but expect anything from novelty pieces by local designers C.Beaton and Serial Cultura, and occasional exclusives like 19th century Orphism inspired knits from German designer Skoda.

Need to feed the sophisticated thrifter? Paul Smith can quell those hunger pangs with a luxurious London-style haberdashery be-fixed with antique collectables and served up with the freshest collections for men, women and children. And since you've got a sweet-tooth for vintage check out the selectively chosen goodies including antique globes, jewelry and kitchenware.

Thanks to the concept of Good Design, a 1950s notion of style, quality and staying power, teensy apartment-sized furniture, quirky vintage lamps, a wall of pre-edited throwback novelty tees and uber-unique found-under-a-rock-type jewelry and trinkets are easily scored (even by unskilled thrifters) at reasonable prices at this multifarious Mission shop.

Just because it's old doesn't mean it's out of style. This early 20th century retrospective in upscale Laurel Heights lets you indulge in estate sale treasures and consigned valuables including authentic 1950s cocktail dresses, Derby hats, crystal costume jewelry, and Victorian footwear.