Best new indie shops: Best affordable vintage

Score chic old-school clothes.

By Lisa Butterworth Mon Apr 11 2011

Best new indie shops 2011

Black Bear Vintage

Black Bear Vintage

Winner: Black Bear Vintage & Handmade
Whether your personal style channels Mad Men's tailored aesthetic or skews funkier, you'll appreciate the near-pristine garb culled by Michelle Ferrara and Julia Duncan-Roitman. Primarily packed with womenswear from several different decades, this thrifty haven is replete with finds like a paisley pencil skirt from the 1960s ($20), an '80s sleeveless knit sweater with flower appliqus ($22) and suede '70s YSL heels ($25). Men have plentiful options too: One area is stocked with a variety of button-downs—a Pendleton plaid flannel ($20) recently hung with an array of wide-collar polyester throwbacks ($15--$20)—while another features jackets, including a London Fog trench ($22). 469 16th St between Prospect Park West and Tenth Ave, Windsor Terrace, Brooklyn (718-768-0250, blackbearbrooklyn.com)

Runner-up: Rob's Shoppe
One of Kings County's newest vintage dens is also among its cheapest, with most items priced between $15 and $100. Opened at the end of January by owner Rob Rodriguez in the old Southside Guitars space, the shop displays an eclectic assortment of gently worn clothes, plus a selection of new garments. We recently found up-to-date staples such as a striped Ralph Lauren crew-neck sweater ($23), an Ann Taylor long polka-dot shirt-dress with skinny belt ($44) and Betseyville polka-dot strappy wedges ($33). Among the old-school preppy men's goods we spotted an Evan-Picone buffalo-check flannel coat ($20) and a Ben Sherman striped button-down ($25). 742 Driggs Ave between South 2nd and 3rd Sts, Williamsburg, Brooklyn (347-384-2974, robsshoppe.com). Mention TONY at checkout to receive 10 percent off any article of clothing through May 1.

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