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20 Twenty - CLOSED
Categories: Arts & Entertainment Art Galleries Shopping Art Galleries Shopping Thrift Stores Shopping Fashion Used, Vintage & Consignment Art Galleries, Thrift Stores, Used, Vintage & Consignment [Edit]
5208 Ballard Ave NW(between N 20th Ave & Vernon Pl)
Seattle, WA 98107
Neighborhood: Ballard
(206) 706-0969
- Price Range:
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$$$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
25 reviews for 20 Twenty
Review Highlights
25 reviews in English
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Review from Janis H.
Kirkland, WA
Updated - 6/22/2010
I have been meaning to add another star or two for some time. After reading my initial review, the owner contacted me, concerned that I was too hard on his shop. We conversed over a few messages and I saw his point of view as much as he saw mine. I was impressed with his humility, it made me think about how I might have given some people the wrong impression. I also got the idea that this guy actually listens to his customers.
For those reasons, I think you should mosey on in, see if they have something that interests you.
And seriously, I DO love those of you who can legitimately rock the 80's look. I can't. And ya know, it might have been my own dismay over my fashion inepitude that had me poking fun at this shop.
Respect to the owner.1 Previous Review: Show all »
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8/31/2009
An enjoyable stroll down memory lane, but the fashions were a little too period 80's for me. Despite… Read more »
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Review from Tonya H.
Seattle, WA
2/8/2011 1 Check-in Here
It's ok. A small little shop and the girl here was very helpful towards me but I wasn't that interested in the clothes. They need more V-neck tops instead of crew tees. They were out of a lot of smaller sizes. I heard they will customize them for you but it will take awhile if you special order. I did buy a $30 dollar shirt because I just felt like helping out the local artist that designs here. I did like that the one I picked out was a hoodie, swoop neck and quarter length sleeves and to my surprise, not black!
I'll try again in the summer to see what's up. -
Review from Amanda B.
San Francisco, CA
9/8/2008
Hello? I love you. Won't you tell me your name?
Vintage rules. There's nothing better than finding a really cute dress that fits, is affordable and even better, one of a kind. It makes me want to punch a Norbot out of sheer glee. I love the selection of truly pretty typewriters, ironic vintage t-shirts and even new handmade items like silkscreened t-shirts. Last but not least, adorable vintage kids clothes, so you can dress your hipster spawn in equally cool duds. -
Review from Kimberley D.
Seattle, WA
3/25/2009
Update: I went to visit the physical store and it too is quite cool. It's a mixture of new clothes and vintage. Some of the vintage ones have also been screenprinted with 20twenty designs and some are just random cool stuff.
My experience with this store was actually via their etsy mail order (http://www.etsy.com/sh...). The clothes were great and the service very friendly. Then I learned there's now a full store in Ballard, so I plan on checking it out ASAP.
I bought a shirt for my boyfriend from their etsy store and it's great... stylish, cute, and soft. He's fond of it and it looks good. They have clothing for men, woman and children as well as accessories. The designs are screenprints of things like bikes, polaroid cameras, modern geometric line art, snakes, etc. -
Review from Jacob D.
Portland, OR
10/30/2009
I love, love, love visiting this store when I find myself in Seattle. It is staffed by a collection of the most sincere, friendly, warm people that Seattle has to offer, it's racks are filled to the brim with delicious vintage finds (( how the crap do they keep it stocked? )) including crazy designer brands from the 60's-80's at prices that remind me of Chicago. It's like a carefully cultivated thrift store....none of the fluff, all of the stuff. All of the time.
Plus? Extra double plus cool accessories made by local nice people.
AND? The art shows here at top-notch. Who curates this stuff?
Please go here if you live in/ visit Seattle. You will not be disappointed. -
Review from Alisa B.
3/1/2010
I love thrift stores. I love everything about them from how they promote green living and local economy to the funky out of the box stuff i find in them. This one was a real disapointment though.
We walked in close to closing and perused around quickly. I think only skinny girls sell their clothes here so no semi-new jeans for me. There weren't any sizes on the tops of the rails so you just kind of had to pick through and hope for hte best. They had some new stuff, some lightly used stuff and some down right vintage stuff.
My main issue with this place was their prices. I found an adorable shirt that looked something like a senior citizens bowling league t-shirt and was thrilled it was my size. But I didn't even get it to the fitting room, I looked at the price... $20!!! This is a used shirt people! That's one of my fave things about thrift and this place killed it for me... that you can go in with pocket change and get 2 or three very cool things. Not here, bring your card or at least a good chunk of the change under your couch coushions because this place is over priced. It kinda looked like they got out a price gun, set it $20 and went through the store just marking everything... I can see how this could make some things a total steal but it made what I wanted a complete deal breaker. I can now see where they get their name.Listed in: Thrift Thrift Thrift!!!
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Review from cathy g.
Seattle, WA
10/29/2009
### An hour after my review which is not good and a major bitch out from the owner 2 5 star reviews magically appear. He has a nice shop. Bad customer service and fake reviews hurt that business. ####Bleah!
I saw a warm angel hair sweater from the window and noticed the neat racks. I came in and got a desultory hello.
The stuff is excellent quality, not too crowded and everything is clean.
I was looking for a few things - no help.
I'll go yelp.
Off to another store.
**** NOTE*** Got a LENGTHY PM from owner. It is his store and he is upset. Well F it. Say hello like you mean it.
I am not in the business of teaching people customer service. I am in the business of enjoying my life and applying for jobs and I give excellent customer service. That sweater was cute. How much was it? -
Review from Ginger B.
Seattle, WA
12/12/2006
"It's Dead....Whatever It Was."
This was emblazoned in sketchy black silkscreen ink on the first tee-shirt I saw from 20 Twenty...on a rack they shared with OkOk Gallery at Bumbershoot 2005. This store/gallery/hangout that seems to refuse to be categorized has since become one of my favorite places to spend the cash for which I daily sell my soul to Paul Allen. The shop is located on the apparently hip Ballard Ave, right across the street from the Tractor Tavern and Hattie's Hat, occupying a simple, hospital green room with more going on in it than an Everything bagel.
What you'll find: ultracool silk-screened tee-shirts designed by local artists/designers; vintage clothing, accessories, and shoes for guys, gals, and small fry; journals from Olympia's ExLibris Anonymous; jewelry and accessories made by local crafties; vintage clothing silk-screened or embroidered by local crafties; vintage typewriters and cameras; vintage neckties updated with silk-screened images; monthly rotating art shows by local artists, with amazing (and affordable!) art; a sweet staff of artsy/musicy/awesome-type people you instantly want to be friends with.
What you won't find: anything that you wouldn't want to own, bad attitudes, and anything that you can find at Wal-Mart .
Over the past year, my 20Twenty shopping adventures have net me: two vintage silk-screened ties (one with a camera, another with a bicycle), 3 vintage men's western shirts (so I can embroider sea monsters on them for my best friends), an eel-skin vintage clutch, two paintings by Sarah Sandman, at least 6 tee-shirts with an array of silk-screened designs (robots, planes dropping riffs not bombs, people with umbrellas, etc) , a place to take my friends to impress them, a never-fail gift idea center, connections with local artists, and a few cool friends on the staff.
They're open from 11 to 7 pm Mon - Sat, and 11-5 Sun. I suggest going in the evening on a Second Saturday of any month (they're open late for art walk) when the new art comes in and the PBR is flowing. They still have those dead monster shirts, too. =)Listed in: Born to Shop
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Review from BothSides G.
Seattle, WA
12/11/2009
Quite possibly Seattle's best example of a shop that's riding the trendy thrift store wave, while actually being its sworn enemy: a sky-high priced boutique, elevating the look of thrift to a rarely affordable fashion statement -- A pose, an oxymoron, and true threat to real thrifters and thrift stores alike.
Most memorably, I honestly saw a Rick Springfield tour t-shirt from the 80's going for $80. Or was it $180?
Maybe it's a good sign, though: if money's that tight for them, hopefully the end isn't too far off.Comment from joel l. of 20 Twenty 1/27/2010
t-shirts (that aren't rock shirts) range from $14-18,… More » -
Review from Michele A.
Seattle, WA
2/4/2008
I think the thing I love best about 20twenty, aside from the great finds, is how superrr nice the staff is. I've been into all the vintage stores around this city and it seems almost painful for some of the shop employees to crack a smile at you let alone say hi.
When you walk into 20twenty you will most definitely be greeted with sweet hellos, which makes the shopping experience waaay more pleasant. I always feel like I can take my time here and find something truly unique! I think their prices are reasonable because the clothes, though they are used textiles, hardly ever need any repair.
I also love their accessories and art work. A lot of their jewelry is made locally, some are great thrift finds, and it's all totally cute! Anyway, if you like building your wardrobe one awesome piece at a time, you should check this place out! -
Review from lucy n.
New York, NY
5/26/2007
Double thumbs up to this little vintage/second or third time around clothing shop. Pretty equal amount of inventory for men and women as well as some pieces for the little ones. They print there own fantastic shirts and have a great selection of vintage funkiness.. definitely on the hipster end of things.
I love picking up a mystery bag as a gift..who knows what they'll get. -
Review from Jamie B.
Seattle, WA
10/29/2009
My favorite typewriter came from 20twenty. They usually have such a good collection of typewriters that I want more, even though I really don't need them. They also usually have a bunch of Polaroid cameras looking for a loving homes. Again, tempted.
I enjoy the artwork that frequents the walls. (I had the opportunity to be in the Polaroid show a while back.) Joel, the owner, was great to work with and very passionate about his shop and the show.
As far as the clothing, there are some good finds to be found- vintage t-shirts screen printed with various designs.
Mostly though, it's the feel of the shop that I enjoy. Laid back and fun. Even if I can't afford to buy something I pop in for a little inspiration. -
Review from Tiffany S.
Seattle, WA
12/13/2006
Ran down for the groovy t-shirts. Found two for Christmas presents. Graphics are cool though you have to look at each t-shirt style cuz they're not all the same. Prices were not too crazy though there were some things that seemed like a big splurge. Service was excellent and helpful. What a great little find! If I had kids I would totally buy a vintage coat for them here!
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Review from Chloe H.
Seattle, WA
3/19/2006
It's on 20th Ave NW and everything they sell is right around twenty bucks! Get it? I checked this place out on my lunch break last week, and will definitely be back. The premise is that they hand pick a bunch of super-cute vintage items, many of which have been personalized or screenprinted by indie designers. Very hip, but without the big pricetag of places like Blackbird or Velouria.
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Review from Jami M.
Seattle, WA
4/23/2008
Super great vintage pieces, lots with silk-screened images on them. I got a great 80's shirt with a Polaroid camera silk-screened on it. As said before, the staff was really nice and not "too hip for you". Very clean and organized, shirts were $10-20.
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Review from Andrew M.
Seattle, WA
7/26/2007
These clothes seriously are great. Joel (owner) knows how to pick them. I used to shop thrift stores until I realized I could save myself countless hours by seeing what Joel's brought back to his store.
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Review from Sara K.
Washington, DC
7/16/2010
Visiting Seattle from DC, I stumbled upon this great 80s vintage store. I loved everything in the shop and landed on a cute purple cardigan. Great color organization on the racks and cute stuff. I wish I could have bought a few more things like the plaid button down with the horses on the cuff or the Los Angeles compact. Just couldn't spend anymore money here. But cute shop with good finds.
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Review from erica e.
Seattle, WA
2/13/2008
All of my boyfriend's signature pieces come from this wonderful boutique!!! And they carry my favorite local handmade skin care line (Eva's Essentials) This place is better than a basket of kittens!
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Review from Lesley W.
Seattle, WA
4/21/2011
I used to shop here a few years ago, when it was a small shop on 20th Ave. Prices were excellent, customer service was great, and there was a great selection of clothes for men and women. I haven't been shopping in Ballard for a while, mostly because Ballard has changed so much in recent years and I'm priced out of most of the boutiques there. But I had some free time on my hands before meeting up with a friend for dinner so I thought I would take a look around. First thing I noticed were the prices had gone way up. Second thing was just how hipster-centric the clothes were. One of the things I love about shopping for vintage clothing is finding that one-of-a-kind piece. But after thumbing through racks of rayon floral dresses and Navajo prints, it felt more like a trip to Urban Outfitters. I don't know, maybe that's what sells and they have to cater to the new Ballard crowd? But the kicker for me was the customer service, rude rude rude. It was that unique brand of hipster rudeness that I expect from other shops on Ballard Ave, but not this place. I won't be coming back here, unfortunately.
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Review from Chris B.
1/13/2009
I like to imagine myself writing a great novel on a beat up typewriter I would buy from here. In a small room above a garage. In the winter, with a dog at my feet. I actually don't know if they sell the typewriters, but they are cool to look at (most useful review, ever). I also love the old books that were made into sprial bound notebooks.
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Review from seth t.
Brooklyn, NY
10/29/2009
This shop reminds me of the vintage clothing shops in Japan that carry only American vintage clothing. Where do they get this stuff? The way that it is curated is cool - sort of like if you took Seattle Grunge and crossed it with the costume trailer from the set of 'Revenge of the Nerds'.
So get your vintage duds here for cheap - if the kids in Japan are doing it, you know its got to be cool. -
Review from Myheartsinparis D.
Port Orchard, WA
6/1/2011
Cute store from the outside & inside but couldn't force myself to want to buy anything. I'm pretty versatile in fashion but I didn't see anything I could ever work. Besides that it's a bit pricey which I don't mind price if it's for something really cute! Too bad from reviews I thought I would love this store or find something.
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Review from Cheryl L.
Bothell, WA
5/24/2008
I am kind of a typewriter nut, and they are strangely hard to find in Seattle. You're probably thinking all the local Value Villages and whatnot are filthy with old Remingtons and Royals, but you'd be sadly wrong about that. However, 20Twenty had not one typewriter, but four, and I was very impressed. In addition they had an assortment of cool old Polariod cameras, and although Polaroid no longer makes the film in the United States, 20Twenty still stocks it. Where else are you going to buy Polariod film these days, I ask you?
I approve. Plus the clerk was nice and didn't give me hipster thrift attitude. Yay. -
Review from Ali D.
Seattle, WA
12/20/2009
I went to 20 Twenty for the first time last week..It's kind of off the beaten path, so a little bit hard to find at first.
Upon walking in, one of the bitchy clerks didn't even look up from the magazine she was reading, and continued to act sullen the whole time we were in there. It was literally like we were bothering her with our business.
It is true that this store has a bunch of really good pieces, but there were some items (especially sweaters) that looked like they were found at the local goodwill, and were being priced as $20-$30.
I found some really cute boots for $30, a little higher than i like to pay, but i guess when your looking for good vintage in this town you have to pay the price, and deal with the bitchy hipster people.. -
Review from Matthew M.
Seattle, WA
10/30/2009
im not fashionable, but i run with a flashy crowd. so when i need a new shirt, i go to 20 20 and usually find something me in a few minutes. hard to do anywhere else. fair prices, cool art work, cool neighborhood, joel is a good guy...best vintage place in town.
