Vintage Shopping in Orlando: Where to Find Old School Treasures

Hats at Orlando Vintage (Photo: Rafael Tongol)

In Orlando, the best places to hunt for stellar vintage finds aren’t in the tourist corridor, but closer to downtown. (Yes! There’s a real city here.) The vintage scene is small but mighty. Browse the retro wares at the shops below to unearth a one-of-a-kind souvenir.

Orlando Vintage

Orlando Vintage (Photo: Rafael Tongol)

The queen of Orlando’s vintage scene is Lisa Smith. She has spent two decades finding rare and maintained designer goodies from her secret sources. In fact, her vintage for both men and women is so awesome that Janie Bryant, costume director for AMC’s “Mad Men,” has bought fantastic mid-century pieces from Smith to use on the show.

You won’t necessarily find a bargain here, but the quality of the pieces won’t disappoint serious collectors. The store is so comprehensive (circa 1890 to 1980s) that it’s easy to get overwhelmed. Let the experts behind the counter pull a look together for you and find pieces that fit your body type. And, if you are in need of a funky costume, OV has that service as well.

Retromended

Retromended (Photo: Rafael Tongol)

Relatively new to Orlando, this pretty vintage boutique is in the heart of the city’s Ivanhoe Row (also called the Design District), home to vintage furniture stores and artsy locally owned businesses.

Owner Brandy Tezak specializes in well-curated old-school finds and uses her sewing skills to tweak the garments for fits that are more trendy while keeping charm and integrity intact.

In other words, you’ll never guess it’s been updated. Retromended offers up dresses, blouses, men’s dress shirts and trousers, plus vintage shoes and accessories picked with Tezak’s expert eye.

Etoile

Etoile (Photo: Rafael Tongol)

At this little vintage and handmade boutique in Orlando’s Milk District (so named because of its proximity to the T.G. Lee Dairy plant), owner Falon Quillen focuses on finding pieces that are on the tip of cool-kid trends.

Patrons love her perfectly ripped, high-waist jean shorts, tanks, interesting handmade jewelry and collection of Doc Martens. Guys have a good selection here too, with plaid shirts, jackets and boots. Most pieces are under $40.