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40 South Street
Category: Shopping Fashion Used, Vintage & Consignment Used, Vintage & Consignment [Edit]
40 South St(between Achorn Cir & Bardwell St)
Jamaica Plain, MA 02130
Neighborhood: Jamaica Plain
(617) 522-5066
- Nearest Transit:
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South St @ Carolina Ave (192, 37/38, 38, 39)
South St @ Custer St (192, 37/38, 38, 39)
South St @ Centre St (35, 37/38, 38, 39)
- Price Range:
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$$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
37 reviews for 40 South Street
Review Highlights
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"I've bought some of my favorite dresses here." In 15 reviews -
"Everything is hand picked, and it's pretty damn easy to..." In 4 reviews -
"This place has awesome clothes for men and women." In 14 reviews
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37 reviews in English
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Review from Blake J.
Allston, MA
10/19/2010
At first, I meekly tip-toed into the front room, but I soon realized that the real adventure was in the back: a room full of jeans in all sizes, all fits, and most standard colors! This room alone made the trip worth taking. Many boutiques and department stores never have this many options!
Outside of jeans, the rest of the clothes for the masculine-ly inclined are within the gray space of urban twentysomething-year-old street clothes. Nothing to write home about, but again the selection is great and the prices aren't too bad either. The space is tight for sure, but most folks were respectful and the dressing rooms were fine.Listed in: Thrifting in Boston
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Review from K M.
Boston, MA
5/11/2012
Don't be intimidated by the hipsters who hang out here. Yes, they're all cooler than you, they're all in a band and they all had an amazing gig last night. I'm none of the above and go here to find my vintage day dresses. The clothing (all vintage) is very wearable and relatively cheap ($20-$30ish). I'd say the store has a good guys selection, OK shirts and sweaters, OK shoes, a great supply of slips/lingerie, a wonderful selection of day dresses and a small but party-worthy supply of evening dresses. Unlike a lot of vintage stores, it is easy to shop because everything is well-organized by size. This store is definitely in my regular rotation. Reasons for 4, not 5 stars: it's not the classiest - there is A LOT of polyester and the evening section can sometimes seem a little Vegas-inspired. The lady who works/owns? the store is friendly but much more so to men than women.
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Review from May N.
3/12/2011
Adorable little store packed with vintage, consigned, and retro-inspired goodies. The front of the store has the women's selection, the back part of the store has the men's selection.
You step into the store and they currently have their dresses easy to peruse on 4-armed racks grouped by size. Most looked like they were from the 1940s-1970s and many had belts paired hanging off the hanger hook. All very wearable. There was an adorable baby blue dress with a bright blue bird print that a little too big for me. On the left were sweaters, shirts, and skirts and a sale rack. On the right were shoes and jackets. Some of the shoes I checked out were in like new condition, no scuffing on the soles! However, overall the selection for petites was pretty limited.
The men's selection was bigger with shirts, sweaters, vests, jackets, ties, and jeans. Prices were moderate and pretty affordable. The sales associate was very nice and friendly. An excellent reason to make the trek to JP. -
Review from Emily W.
Brookline, MA
12/2/2010
I was so excited to go to this place after reading all of the reviews and I was disappointed.
I get that it's a second hand store so the stock is constantly changing but I didn't realize how small the store is! It's hard to have good luck when the selection is small. I didn't find anything I was even tempted to buy and I was a little bummed.
As for selection - when I went there were a LOT of 80s or vintage looking sweaters. Also a fair number of shorts. Not a lot of dresses (boo!) and it's hard to reach the boots to try them on - they're high up on a shelf (like I said, space is at a premium).
If you're looking for jackets/coats and dresses, might not be the place for you. Sweaters that look like my 3rd grade picture - you're in luck. Or maybe I just went on a bad day. -
Review from Kiwi H.
9/4/2008
I love the layout of this vintage store with it's charming and almost boutiquey feel. If you're into vintage dresses, and actual vintage, get your gluteous maximus over here pronto. But be wary of hours - it's only open certain days of the week so unless you want to feel like Charlie (of Chocolate Factory fame) staring into the window of a candy shop where he can't go in licking his lips hungrily at things he can't have, check opening days and timings before you scurry your way over to JP.
They had a few pairs of cute heels and a whole slew of beautiful leather boots. Tons of belts, hanging on hooks and in baskets under the racks. Some cool tops and bottoms. Some funky sunglasses and regular glasses frames, interesting jewellery, and other accessories. But their real appeal is in the dresses. The condition of the items are great, and they've managed to pack a pretty great selection into a small space. And prices are reasonable too - the lovely owner offered me a discount since they were having a sale at the time as well, and I walked away with: one coral red belt, one beige embossed belt, one fantastic high-waisted pinstriped pencil skirt with the most adorable removable suspenders and a beautiful teal loose drop-waist dress with ruffled shoulders for about $40 I think.
The staff is not intrusive but is there if you need them. There is no fake bullshit bouncy-friendliness which I actually appreciate, but instead they are sincerely nice and cool when you actually begin talking to them. It's great. And there's tons of men's stuff too, which I'm sure Y-chromosome possessing folk appreciate. If you're into vintage and unique finds, check this place out. -
Review from Morgan F.
San Francisco, CA
4/3/2008
This place used to be Gumshoe and when it was Gumshoe it was AWESOME, but always open weird hours!
Well, they repainted the place, made it even MORE awesome and are now open pretty regular weekend hours as well as they open at 12 noon most days!
Check this place out for:
Members only jackets, they have a huge colorful selection!
Denim, especially guys vintage ones
NEW period stuff - unlike most "hand-picked" vintage stores these days, 40 South Street still has a HUGE selection of actual 70's 80's etc stuff in almost NEW condition!
Check out the old reviews here http://www.yelp.com/bi... -
Review from David D.
Jamaica Plain, MA
4/10/2008
Don't go here. Leave all the amazing clothes and the experience and the trinkets and the awesome people that shop there and work there to me.
Do not go here. -
Review from Allison T.
Allston, MA
Updated - 10/1/2009
I love shopping here - the owner has impeccable taste and is great for recommendations/suggestions when you're shopping. Her son - who I think only works there in the summer (not sure) is also an incredibly kind person.
I still shop here on the regular - not only do I get great dresses and one pieces, they also have amazing belts and jewelry. And - get this - on certain holidays (fourth of July and New Year's I believe) - they do 50% off the entire store! (I made out like a bandit on the fourth).
It's amazing - great quality clothes at very wallet friendly prices - especially given that the clothes are true vintage clothes (not thrifted crap), and beautifully cared for.Listed in: Veritable Vintage
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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4/7/2008
They take credit cards now!! happy happy day :)
After seeing Morgan's review I decided to venture… Read more »
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Review from Sarah S.
Jamaica Plain, MA
4/7/2008 1 photo
Forty South Street is the hybrid of former menswear shop Gumshoe meets Hilken Mancini's feminine vintage wonderland. Whereas before the Gumshoe hours were sporadic and weekends-only, Forty South Street has expanded hours: Thursday-Sunday. Finally a real life vintage store in Jamaica Plain where women's stuff isn't some haphazard find (Boomerang's). I love, love, love the menswear here, though I can't wait to see what incredible womenswear pops up.
Oh, and there's always an amazing soundtrack to shop to. Get brunch on Sunday and head over to Forty South St. to buy your afternoon ensemble. Gumshoe had amazing sales; I hope this place keeps up the generosity. -
Review from Karen H.
Allston, MA
7/21/2010
AWESOME STORE. :D
I stumbled upon this store while reading Yelp 2 Friday's ago and I was surprised to see so many 5 star reviews. That alone convinced me to check it out so I called the store and was given detailed directions to get there from Back Bay. I hopped on the 39 bus that took a whole hour! Luckily, I still had an hour left to shop.
The small store had the women's section in the front packed with shirts and skirts neatly hung and racks of dresses organized by size. There is a good selection of vintage boots also organized by size that looked really nice. I grabbed a few pieces to try on in the dressing room and there are two. I then ventured into the back to sift through the men's section for my boyfriend, and boy oh boy, so many shirts to choose from! I love shopping for him and I was truly amazed at all the options for guys!
Sam, the guy who was working, showed me the back room where they keep the men's vintage denim, jackets, courduroys, and cut offs. There were stacks upon stacks to choose from, you really could spend a few hours trying on colors and sizes. He was so friendly and also helpful when I asked for his opinion on which denim jacket to get for my boyfriend. He tried them on, explained what he thought was cooler, and asked me what type of fit my bf's style was.
I picked up a vintage navy blue polka dotted dress (which recently came in and I was told another girl had wanted to put on hold, but they don't do holds) and a new necklace for myself. For the boyfriend, I picked up a blue gingham short sleeve button up for $14 (also newly brought in) and a vintage medium blue Levi's denim jacket (discounted for $38). Prices are very reasonable and there seem to be sales going on all summer but more so for older items. All in all, rad shopping experience and worth the long bus ride and the sweat poured out digging for treasures! -
Review from Lacquita J.
Boston, MA
3/2/2010
I love this place, although I don't very often find something to buy. It can be one of those, "check in frequently for new things to find just a few that might be your treasure" type of places.
In order for me to really like a vintage/consignment place, it has to be organized. So many are not. But 40 South is. The space is a bit cramped, but organized. No clunky racks of random clothes that you have to sort through.
They have men's clothes as well as women's, which was a huge surprise to me. So many of these types of stores just focus on women. Score a star for that.
Quality is also key. Are the clothes run down, Goodwill style? Or are they well kept, well maintained vintage? The answer for 40 South, is that it is good quality.
Sometimes vintage stores are out of my price range. Okay, a lot of times. Especially for quality pieces. So, when you find good stuff at a good price, you know that the store is a winner.
With vintage, it can be hard to find clothes that aren't a size 2 or 0. Women were just much smaller back in the day! (or at least used devices to make themselves appear smaller). So many times I go to vintage stores a longingly look at a million size 2 dresses that I wish I could fit into. A size 24 waist I am not. But at 40 South there is a wide selection of sizes.
My friend found a pair of snakeskin cowboy boots here for $65. Great condition, looked incredible on her. She said those same type of boots would have gone for well over $100 in other places. Many of the adorable dresses I saw were in the $25-$40 range. Not bad. Other shoes were about $35. This is great stuff that you can afford.
The last thing of note is that the employees are fantastic. Friendly, willing to give fashion advice (spot on I may add), and you can tell they love the store. -
Review from Trina T.
New York, NY
6/24/2010
LOVE THIS PLACE.
The people who work here are very sweet, and the clothes! Oh, the clothes! Beautifully curated selection of vintage clothing and accessories. The cowboy boot/leather jacket section is great too. 40 South has been 5 stars ever since it got more normal hours and a credit card machine. Amazing little store! -
Review from Alaina B.
Boston, MA
5/30/2010
So, I went in here the other day expecting something pretty kick-ass, and was mildly disappointed. I LOVE that they actually have their clothes organized by size, but I didn't find anything that I liked. Maybe I just went on a bad day, but everything on the racks was...frumpy. Not the cool vintage finds I was hoping for.
BUT...the boots! Oh, the boots! If only I didn't have such giant feet, I would have bought lots and lots of boots! They were cheap, high-quality, and in great condition. There were even plentiful sizes. Just no 10s... -
Review from Jayna F.
10/27/2008
In my quest to show all my idiotic friends living in Back Bay that Jamaica Plain is one of the best places to live in the city, this is one of my stops. Yes for a "vintage" store it can be considered a little pricey, but that's what you get for not having to roll around in a pile of clothes that smell like triscuits and lice like at the Garment District. Everything is hand picked, and it's pretty damn easy to find something you like. The hipster in me always especially loves the members only jackets in obnoxious colors, and a size that will fit a 5'4" thin lady. Something I would (and did) gladly pay $30 for. They always have corduroys in really nice colors as well. And they always have a pair of boots I want to buy.
Price being stated, they seem to have a sale going on pretty much every single time I'm in here. Everything 20% off, third item 50% off, everything 50% off, just depends on the day.
The owner is great too - always there, always playing great music, always helping you out if you need to find something specific, or just down right friendly, but still pretty sassy and funny if you're just browsing.Listed in: My Old Boston Hood
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Review from Kristina M.
8/26/2008
Wow - I just love the way they re-designed this shop (formerly Gumshoe)! I used to be so envious of my husband for all the cool vintage hand-picked and cheap stuff he could get here, but now that they have women's clothes as well there is reason to be mad anymore...
They have some truly awesome fashion here (plus some jewelry and accessories), and the shop looks so much nicer now, too! Cool deco (I LOVE the lamps - wish they would sell them...), super-nice, friendly atmosphere, good music - it's a pleasure to walk in and browse (even though the space is very limited).
My suggestion: buy some cool vintage fashion here, spice it up (if necessary) with some great accessories from Salmagundi (on the opposite side of the street), and you're bound to be the star at the next party!Listed in: My former Neighborhood - JP
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Review from Robin J.
Jamaica Plain, MA
11/29/2008
I freaking love this place. I initially went here because a friend told me they have a good "big girls' selection". So I walked in and asked, and the owner just shrugged her shoulders and was like, "I don't discriminate with my selection", meaning that she buys clothes that are awesome no matter what size they are. Then she showed me some dresses she thought were my style, which I bought. And she was polite enough to make sure that I was planning on wearing a slip beneath them, as they're rather sheer (no worries, citizens of Jamaica Plain; I was already on that boat). There's a whole section of Levi's shirts, which made me happy, and some of them even fit me and my enormous boobs! Yay. I love this store. I feel so comfortable going in here.
Also? Elliott Smith is always gonna play at some point while you're shopping. It just seems to go that way. I'm so into that, even if it makes me want to hide in the jeans room in back and weep uncontrollably. -
Review from Alex S.
Brooklyn, NY
8/26/2008
The clothing--women and men's--at 40 South Street is just fabulous. The shop offers well-maintained vintage clothing, hand-picked by the owner, who freakin' rocks, at reasonable prices. They also carry a variety of old-school jewelry and accessories; don't forget to check out the items in the glass case, because they stock some wonderful, unique pieces.
The dresses, jeans, and sweaters are fairly inexpensive, especially for the quality and how downright badass they are. And keep a look out for their sales! Often, they offer serious discounts if you buy more than one article of clothing (though accessories, unfortunately, are usually not included in these promotions).
If you see something at 40 South Street that you just love, my advice is to grab it. Don't think about it and come back later, because unlike at a regular department store, once the item is gone, it's gone for good. And you don't want that.Listed in: There is a Light That Will…
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Review from Matt W.
7/28/2010
Probably the best vintage clothing store in Boston. Specializing primarily in 60s and 70s clothes, this little hole-in-the-wall has a pretty excellent selection, and will arm you in plaid shirts forever.
Prices are pretty reasonable, and they frequently have 50% off sales. If you're looking for something specific, ask the staff, because apparently, there is a huge warehouse somewhere where they store the majority of the year 1965. -
Review from Patricia M.
Somerville, MA
2/22/2009
This place has awesome clothes for men and women. My husband and I live in Somerville and stopped in to kill some time before we went out to dinner in J.P. I loved the selection of vintage clothing and was really pleased to see how they separated sizes from XS to XL. It's hard for me to sort out the really petite clothing so their organization made shopping much easier.
I ended up buying a cool sweater while my husband found cool vintage copper colored chords and a brown checkered wrangler shirt.
The staff/owners were AWESOME. And, they had a sale, everything 20% off with the third item 50% off. I'm definitely going to trek out to J.P. more often :) -
Review from Rachel D.
Brookline, MA
5/19/2009
I would waste money here any day. All of the stuff they have to offer is great. I am a big fan of the dresses but they are usually too long for me so i'll hesitate on buying them due to the future work of the hemming and the sewing i'd have to do. Great accessories and boots.. and they have a huge men's section! When I dropped by last weekend they had opened The whole back room up and turned it into an extended men's section. 50's, 60's cardigans and dresses here are just waiting for you to add them to your wardrobe.
It's totally worth the lame bus ride out to Jamaica Plains to go see what they've got to offer. Then while you're out there you can enjoy all the other fun and cute things Jamaica Plains has to offer :) -
Review from Jamie J.
Jamaica Plain, MA
2/16/2010
This is by far one of the best vintage clothing shops EVER. The clothes are so unique and such good quality. The best thing about it is that the prices are very resonable - I vertnure to even say a bargain! I've bought sunglasses, pants, a wallet, belts, necklaces,etc and would have paid more for every item.
The people who there there are super friendly too and they dont try to push items on you... they're honest if you ak their opinion.
I bought a vintage wallet that had a pen mark on it, and wihtout me even mentioning the mark, the lady helping me made it 50% off because of the pen mark (i didnt even notice it!). Everyone is so great and they get new stuff in all the time.
If you like unique vintage clothes, you'll never go anywhere else.
I love love LOVE this shop. -
Review from Amy B.
Newton, MA
7/26/2009
This store makes me smile! funky and fun! Enthusiastic and knowledgeable staff. The organization was incredible as was the selection of sizes and styles. I Found a fabulous, boldly colored, vintage, designer skirt made from polished cotton with ric rac trim that happened to be on sale and was in pristine condition. The selection appears to span 1950s-80s with a 60s-70s concentration. I could see that i wasn't going to make a dent in all this tiny trove has to offer in the short amount of time I had to spend. Boots, Jewelry etc.!!!!!!!!!!
I will certainly be back when i can really dive into all the nooks and crannies. Great selection of vintage duds for guys and gals looking to compliment their unique style. GO VINTAGE!!!!!! -
Review from George W.
Boston, MA
4/19/2010
Cool vintage clothing you would actually wear. I've bought a few great, reliable shirts from here, and my girlfriend loves it too. The kind of stuff that hangs in your closet and you grab at first sight to feel comfortable. Stuff isn't GoodWill cheap, but everything is much higher quality. The couple running it will also remember you and order you things if you tell them your preferences. Some interesting jewlery too, if you are in the market for some original artsy shit.
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Review from Alex T.
Jamaica Plain, MA
4/3/2009
i got my wedding ring here!!!!
the pretty lady that works here is so cool and she loves the L word -
Review from Cequesta K.
Boston, MA
3/9/2010
Ok, so you with vintage shopping you find one cool ass piece per visit? That's not the case here! I ALWAYS walk in that tiny dreesing room with at least 10 ridiculously fab dresses and jumpers. This place is a haven for all things truely vintage and irresistably funky. If you have an appreciation for true vintage you will be robbing yourself out of a super, unique wardrobe if you didn't make at least one trip here! Go!! Go!!!! Go!!!!!
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Review from F N.
Brooklyn, NY
11/24/2008
Quaint store with awesome clothes! Went here a couple of weeks ago and was amazed at the selection of clothes that Forty offers. End up purchasing 2 scarfs at affordable prices - yay! Will definitely return when I'm next in town . . .
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Review from Sara S.
Somerville, MA
3/26/2010
I love this place, amazing vintage finds. I've bought some of my favorite dresses here. Also, nabbed a cute 50's bathing suit for under $20. And their sales are pretty awesome as well. Be friends with them on facebook so you get all the news on new stock & sales.
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Review from Jenn H.
Boston, MA
4/23/2009
Since when did they change their name, i need to go in there now and see whats going on.
ok people this little shop is called GumShoe and its one of JP's little retro vintage shops. for indie rockers peeps and such. its badass.
and they have tons i mean tons of courdory. and denim jeans. the prices are a wee bit expensive. and they have tons of cowboy boots. and their only open 4 days a week. cuz there just cool like that. -
Review from Eli R.
Jamaica Plain, MA
8/13/2009
I so rarely find short-sleeved, button down shirts for summertime that suit me, but in the few months I have been living in JP, 40 South has improved my collection significantly. This place is filled with eclectic and fun vintage clothing, and the prices are reasonable for vintage in such good condition. This place is a gem, and the owner is really cool and helpful.
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Review from Aquanette J.
Boston, MA
8/15/2009
The quintessential vintage boutique! I feel like I've walked through some hatch-grated time machine whenever I enter this utopia of nostalgia. From the employees to the decor, you are subject to vintage cool bliss. Some of the items are even updated to fit better and look more modern. You'll want every sunglasses (straining in sunlight causes wrinkles friends!); every lizard skin cowboy boot from when your mama was protesting on the Washington Mall; every plaid, gingham, polyester, and Swiss eyelet item you pass your H&M weary/ mass-produced hands over.
The hours can be a little disappointing if you've been hungering for a "piece" all week, but if you happen to be aboard a sweaty and crowded 39 bus and pass by some sort of tiny, brightly colored sundress waving in the breeze like a beacon of "Reduce Reuse Recycle", be sure to hop off at the next stop and scurry through that hatch-gated door lickety-split! -
Review from Tracey B.
Boston, MA
5/12/2010
Hilken (one of the owners) is super sweet. She has a great eye. No crap in there. Amazing boots, dresses, shirts, jackets! Their prices are very reasonable and they are always having sales. The shop is small but loaded with only specially picked garb. Definitely go in if you are a fan of vintage. Staff is always super chill and helpful.
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Review from Danielle M.
Boston, MA
1/15/2011
Of the 4+ years I've spent in Boston and my love for vintage finds, I'm ashamed to admit that today was my first experience at 40 South Street. A relationship that will be nurtured and attended to from now on, my future patronage to the business will be fueled by my absolute LOVE for their awesome little boutique chock full of vintage and consignment dresses, skirts, shirts, jeans boots and accessories. With selections for both women and men, this shop is run by super friendly women that sell the merchandise for even friendlier prices. Fun vintage Jewelry runs from $10-$20 and clothing runs average prices between $10-$40. A little bit off the beaten path of JP Center, but not far enough not to be worth the trip. I highly recommend checking out the JP center strip on the way there, stopping at all the other eclectic little shops and eateries that make JP one of my favorite hoods in the city.
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Review from Katie M.
Jamaica Plain, MA
7/11/2009
Love it. Great selection & quality, reasonable prices - and frequent sales on top of that, and a friendly staff. What more could you want?
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Review from clare m.
Jamaica Plain, MA
12/15/2010
the first time i walked into 40 almost two years ago, my brain short-circuited. it looked like eleanor friedberger's closet had exploded...and it was glorious. i found some pretty sick boots here, and the dresses are very tempting. i want to see this unique place survive!
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Review from cc w.
Jamaica Plain, MA
2/27/2011
My fav vintage boutique! The people working here are always very friendly and helpful. They seem genuinely excited to see how you'll look when you try stuff on and the owner (Hilken) will tell you honestly when a certain look isn't working for you. Which is amazing if you don't have a friend in tow to tell you that polyester mini looks stupid on you. The prices are fairly reasonable and there are sales on most holidays so I try to go then.
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Review from Jack S.
Waban, MA
1/1/2010
All their shits legit.
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Review from Lynette S.
Roslindale, MA
5/28/2008
wow, one of the best vintage shops in the area...wow....most prices reasonable, a few were a lil crazy if u ask me...did u ask me??
Listed in: Best Second-hand, Vintage,…
