At Reruns, Old Clothes Are Given a 2nd Look
Loy, Bogart, Garbo, Lombard, Gable--names from the golden days of filmdom--set the styles of the ‘20s, ‘30s and ‘40s. Cloche hats, mink collars, padded shoulders and zoot suits were the order of the day--and they are very much in evidence at Reruns Men’s & Women’s Vintage Clothing. And they are hot right now. At both its locations, Reruns sells only vintage clothing in great condition and at super prices.
In the men’s department at the Studio City store, where styles are from the ‘20s, ‘30s and ‘40s, there’s a gorgeous linen “Guy Lombardo” shirt for $40 and hats from the same period, as good as new and $16 each. A World War II Army Eisenhower jacket (the real thing) was $35; an authentic Navy peacoat was $40. Hawaiian shirts were $16 to $18.
For women, wonderful sweaters are plentiful--they made good beaded sweaters back then--and at great prices. One hand-beaded number was $48, and a spectacular beige baby’s breath light wool with plunging V-neckline topped with a six-inch-wide mink collar was $35.
There are Betty Grable-type swimsuits that actually cover all of the important places for $20. Costume jewelry from the same decades ranges from $8 to $48 for matched sets. There’s even fine lingerie--silk peignoirs and teddies.
The formal wear is amazing. A gold waist-length blouse with plunging neckline made of lace was $40. A lovely pink lace dress, lined and intricately beaded from the high neck to the cuffs of the long sleeves, was $48.
There are tuxedos and dinner jackets for would-be Bogeys too. A shawl-collar sharkskin jacket was $48, and there’s a splendid assortment of cummerbunds and lace shirt fronts to complete the ensemble.
Warm coats in mint condition were from $60 for men and $38.50 for women.
The Sherman Oaks store is for tastes that run more towards “Happy Days” or “Grease” than “The Maltese Falcon,” with apparel from the ‘50s and ‘60s. Television and films play a large part in the requests here. The Buddy Holly or Elvis look is popular right now, and Fonzie’s jackets are always in demand.
“China Beach” and “The Wonder Years” bring in more shoppers hoping to duplicate the look. “Dirty Dancing” fans are still frequenting Reruns, and the upcoming film on the life of Jim Morrison is expected to bring in yet another market. Between both locations, you can outfit yourself in 50 years worth of pizazz--clothes that are truly one of a kind at fabulous prices.
Both locations of Reruns rent out vintage clothes. Genuine flapper dresses rent for $25 ($50 refundable deposit) in the Studio City store, and in Sherman Oaks you can lease a poodle skirt with a crinoline for the same price.
The items in both stores, some with the original price tags, come from a variety of sources, mainly estate sales, private collectors’ close-outs and surplus liquidators.
This is not a consignment operation. Reruns buys merchandise outright, and does so by appointment only. If you’ve been saving some treasures from your college days, here’s a way to profit from a little personal history.
Reruns ‘20s to ‘40s, 11626 Ventura Blvd., Studio City; (818) 506-4399.
Reruns ‘50s & ‘60s, 4625 Van Nuys Blvd., Sherman Oaks; (818) 990-9511. Hours at both places: 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, noon to 6 p.m. Sunday. Visa/MasterCard.
