Wasteland

Wasteland has long been a Haight Street standby, and the secondhand store reflects the sensibility and style of the surrounding neighborhood. It's split into vintage (largely from the '60s to '90s) and “vintage inspired” clothing from the aughts on. The buyers here are more discerning than at Buffalo Exchange or Crossroads down the street, resulting in higher-end brands and slightly higher prices. The modern section is aggressively trendy: denim jumpsuits, neon '80s prints, grungy plaid, and the like, but much of the vintage stock can be incorporated into a modern wardrobe without feeling overtly costume-y. The gently worn shoes are mostly contemporary (no retro kitten heels or satin pumps to be seen) and in good condition. It's a cavernous store compared to some of its neighbors, and those on the hunt can easily devote an afternoon flipping through dozens of racks. The staff maintains a coolly disaffected air; you're here for the low-priced gems, not the friendly service.