Palm Springs is synonymous with heat. Anyone that’s visited the desert city knows that the scorching temperatures make it the perfect retreat. However, people don’t visit just to relax – vintage and thrift shopping is another major attraction in this desert oasis.
I first fell in love with Palm Springs as a child. Growing up in Los Angeles, my family would make summer trips to the city to soak in the sun and bake by the pool. My mom is the one who introduced me to the fashion scene of Palm Springs. She loves a good outfit almost as much as she loves a good deal.
Palm Springs is unique in that its thrift culture is steeped in brand names and vintage aesthetics. There are pieces in this city you would have a hard time getting anywhere else. You have to take advantage of the thrift scene when visiting or I promise you’ll be sorry.
Because the city is home to a thriving community of vintage boutiques, it can be hard to navigate it all. Therefore, we’ve compiled a list of some of our favorite and trendiest thrift and vintage shopping destinations.
Thriftology
Located in Palm Desert, just a half-hour drive from Palm Springs lies Thriftology. The inconspicuous outside is contrasted by the colors and textures that make up the clothes inside. Funky dresses, heavy, beaded jewelry, and fabulous patterns find their home here. That is until someone buys them.
The store’s owner, who’s known as The Dutchess, and her employees curate everything. They understand desert fashion like no one else. Their vintage clothing ranges from Coachella-worthy fringed two-pieces to floral-printed flowy dresses.
Thriftology
For unique, bejeweled queens 44855 San Pablo Ave #1 & #2 · Palm Desert, CA 92260(442) 282-8438
Website
RELATED: Bucket List: 10 iconic Greater Palm Springs places to visit in your lifetime
Iconic Atomic
@iconicatomicvintage Vintage cabana sets now in stock! Modeled by @lobo_of_steel #PalmSprings #Vintage #VintageStore #VintageFashion #Tiki ♬ Mr. Moai’s Mash – Jason Lee and the R.I.P. Tides
Iconic Atom is a vintage goldmine. Well-known and beloved in the Palm Springs area, Iconic Atom specializes in retro fashion.
And we don’t just mean shirts and dresses. No, this place has vintage sewing patterns, footwear, décor, and art. Entering the store can feel like being taken back to another time— where Dior’s “New Look” and The Jetson’s reign as the pinnacles of popular culture.
You can absolutely find everyday wearables here, but why would you want to? Vintage enthusiasts and accessory snobs will find everything they want within these walls.
Iconic Atomic
Retro & unique thrifting 1103 N Palm Canyon Dr · Palm Springs, CA 92262(760) 322-0777
Website
The Frippery
If you’re looking to make an entrance with a billow of fabric and daring prints, this is the only place you need to know about. Specializing in flowy dresses and floor-length caftans, The Frippery is all about drama.
Inspired by “mod, resort, bohemian, and a little rock ‘n roll,” this spot carries vintage designs from the 70s and 80s. Do these dresses and outfits work everywhere? They do if you’re dedicated and brave enough. Otherwise, you’ll rest easy knowing that you’re perfectly dressed for desert escapades.
preLoved
One of the best things about thrifting and shopping pre-owned is the good you can do for the planet. That’s one of the things preLoved focuses on. According to them, there’s no reason you can’t be unapologetically stylish while being earth-conscious.
Owner Denise Evangelatos has a slew of stylish friends whose closets she has personal access to. She can get name-brand pieces for a fraction of their original cost. This means that the Pre-loved thrift shopping experience is super affordable.
Trust me, you haven’t had a Palm Springs retreat until you’ve shopped your heart out. And the best way to do that is to thrift.
preLoved Palm Springs
Saving the planet one outfit at a time 668 N Palm Canyon Dr · Palm Springs, CA 92262(760) 992-4287
Website
