I started this fine Sunday like any other– exhausted and badly craving carbs. Only today, after stuffing my face full of bagels and schmear, I felt in need of a little adventure. So I went on a drive.
Enter Hidden Treasures, the genius vintage/costume store at the top of Topanga Canyon, mere minutes away from the Pacific Ocean’s glistening blue waves.
The eccentric, maritime-themed outpost truly is a treasure trove of reasonably priced, quirky clothing and accessories. And because Halloween is upon us, the store has even more out-there outfits than usual.
Multiple rooms house a selection of jackets, dresses, separates and accessories that come primarily from the 1980s and early ’90s. Think lots of sequins and shine, a ton of so-in-right-now velvet and our perennial favorite, big shoulders and bows.
Decades this is not, as most of the looks are label-less (save for a little black dress by Sonia Rykiel priced at a meager $12). And certain pieces are in need of a very good fluff and fold (I was excited to try a short, bejeweled sheath until realizing that someone very likely “Oops I crapped my pants” while wearing it).
Minor annoyances aside, Hidden Treasures is worth the trip for it’s vast selection of completely unique, conversation-starting pieces for men, women and even children.
Some of the items that made me literally “Ooh” and “Aah:”
1. A pair of black patent leather over-the-knee hooker boots, $23.
2. A puffy sleeve, Mardi Gras-style crop top, $22
3. A 1980s, matte black velvet cocktail dress with major multi-colored shoulder puff: $23
4. A long, halter-style navy sequined gown with a dangerously high slit: $22
5. A black, open-back cocktail dress with three ginormous bows that reminded me of Prabal Gurung in a major way: $15
6. Slouchy tuxedo pants with a satin side stripe: $1.50 (yes, really)
7. Black leather shorts: $12
8. A tie-dye, skinny-leg jumpsuit: $30
9. Mens black and white 1940s oxfords: $18
10. A Jessica Rabbit ensemble consisting of a red sparkly dress and long, purple gloves–aka my intended Halloween costume: $30 (If you copy me, make no mistake…I will find you. Not that you’d make as convincing of a red head, anyway.)
The accessories are a little “eh,” save for a tribal-printed fez hat purchased by my fellow adventure-seeking companion. And a selection of faux Chanel and badly done cowboy-esque handbags can be skipped altogether.
But if odd yet somehow amazing clothing is what you seek and you don’t mind a good hunt, scouring the various racks, bins and trunks of this resale gem will likely yield a hidden treasure of your very own.
I suggest adding Hidden Treasures to your next Sunday Fun-day agenda, too.
Hidden Treasures, 154 Topanga Blvd., Topanga. (310) 455-2998. Hours: 10:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. seven days a week.
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