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Aaardvark's Odd Ark - CLOSED
Categories: Shopping Fashion Used, Vintage & Consignment Shopping Arts & Crafts Costumes Used, Vintage & Consignment, Costumes [Edit]
33 W Green StPasadena, CA 91105
Neighborhood: Pasadena
(626) 792-9185
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Garage, Street
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
32 reviews for Aaardvark's Odd Ark
Review Highlights
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"Aardvarks has moved 2 times since i first started going..." In 6 reviews -
"...love the selection of accessories they have, especially..." In 3 reviews -
"...women don't wear slips when in skirts or dresses: 'HUSH YO..." In 4 reviews
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32 reviews in English
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Review from MaRISA Y.
Sunnyvale, CA
1/14/2010
People are more violently opposed to fur than leather because it's safer to harass rich women than motorcycle gangs.
-Alexei Sayle
I just happened to stumble into this place as I took my mom to the Burke-Williams next door to it. We parked at the lot right in front of it since parking here in Old Town could be total beyeeootch.
So as this was right before Halloween the selection leans heavily to costumes, fake wigs and things that people don't usually wear unless you're the lead singer for a ska punk band. Hey I'm not knocking ska punk btw, I mean Gwen Stefani was totally more rad and cool as an OC Ska Punk girl rather the new Madonna-like-international-super-star.
But my mom found a really soft beige color faux-fur-collar with silk lining and impeccable stitching work for $15. When we took it to the dry cleaner we found out it's real fur and was charged close to the price for dry cleaning it. It's so beautiful and fluffy that I ended up wearing before my outdoor wedding ceremony on a cold October afternoon.
Then we saw a coat made of colorful needlework with sturdy lining for $20. I call it my joseph and the amazing technicolor dreamcoat. Think Chloe Sevigny quirky and not Cindy Lauper eclectic.
So for me and mom this store was a total SCORE..Oh mother dear we are the fortunate ones...cuz girls we sure did have fuuun...ooh girl we sure had some fun!!! -
Review from Madeline P.
Seattle, WA
9/20/2006
Very good Costume shopping source.
This particular store because of there slightly "off-strip" location is not very busy of the 3 times I've been in(open till 8pm). Also they have a workshop at that particular location that creates a lot of the new items in the store (like halter tops, frilly lingerie tops, and modified jeans-skirts).
I got a rather nice fitting black halter top there for $2 and a shimmery silver clubbing shirt for another $4.
The only issue with this place, which technically isn't bad, is that everything there is incredibly gaudy. One cannot do any sort of daily-wear shopping there, unless of course they are in an alternative line of work...
I would recommend this place over any once-a-year costume source. Their prices are great, and they have really unique items. -
Review from Amy K.
1/12/2008
Back in high school and early college, Aaardvark's was a place I went to buy everyday clothing. While buying stuff at a vintage place nets much less cred than finding it at the Salvation Army, Aaardvark's always had the best stuff, the coolest stuff, and *usually* for cheap enough to not feel too ripped off.
I hadn't been in forever, but I'm attending a 1950s-60s pajama prom, and combing places that sell new PJs for something that would pass was useless. Aaardvark's had several racks of vintage nighties and useless wispy robes, also some negligees that I would never touch because eeeeew, used lingerie.
Big drawback: no mirrors in the dressing rooms, meaning you must walk out and look at yourself in the mirrors placed in the corners. So there I was, wandering out in a fairly sheer nightie...fortunately, the store wasn't busy. With the random 30% off on everything sale, a nightie and sheer robe cost me $8.34.
I looked at everything else, too, and I have to say I was disappointed. The goods lean mostly toward the late 1960s-70s, and yeah, they're kooky and fun, but it makes me sad to think Aaardvark's has devolved into a costume store when everyone I used to know treated it as a place to get unique vintage stuff. Granted, the store sells some clothes that they make, and some are definitely costume pieces, a dozen together on a rack, like red/white/blue stars 'n' stripes pants, or gold fake leather jackets. But I like to think about who wore the clothing when it was new, and where they went and what life was like when these clothes were mundane and not because you're attending a dress-up party. -
Review from Jay H.
6/13/2007
Okay...so because I never see my friend or her fiance I was told that I HAD to go to LA for his birthday party.
Great...I effin' loathe the place!!!!
I get to her place and the bitch springs it on me that it's a 70's themed Hummer Limo Party!!! Good lord....I'm a Berkeley liberal! YOU'RE KILLING THE EARTH YOU DRUNKEN FOOLS!!! HUMMER LIMO!?!?!?! tsk tsk tsk....
So we go to Aardvark's....I decide that I refuse to wear a 70's geometric booty dress since my booty will be flashing EVERYONE and my legs are translucent pale white so that won't be cute AT ALL. So the alternate option is......one piece pantsuit! Groovy, baby!!
Dude...people in the 70's were some short ass bitches. All those things went up to my shins....BUT I found one! All black polyester body suit!!
Dancin' dancin' DANCIN'!!!!! I'm a dancin' machine!!!
Now when am I EVER going to wear that shit again?!?!? Who knows...but the fact remains...I'm one HOT ASS BITCH in that outfit!!!
Fer reals... -
Review from Ani P.
1/4/2008
What a weirdo store. They have have weirdo stuff. I mean, costume like sh*t. What a weirdo thrift store. I can't stop saying weirdo... help me!
First, everything was mad overpriced. Overpriced and not worth it. I don't know if I'd buy anything from Aardvark's. I take that back. This is a great place for a Halloween costume or to buy something if you want to look like a fool.
I truly don't understand how this place is still in business. This review is coming from a thrift store whore. Weirdo store. -
Review from Brad P.
Redwood City, CA
8/7/2007
Coming to LA for a Yelp prom-themed party, and staying with my cousin and her family in Altadena, I was in the market for some sort of kitchy accessories to bling up my otherwise drab and standard tux get-up for the evening's festivities.
In advance of arriving into town, I searched Yelp and came across this place and sent the business profile to my phone (have you noticed this cool feature yet?) so that I would have it handy. Well, my cousin's husband said, we should go to Aaardvarks (can I buy another vowel? I'd like an "A", please). There you have it: Yelpers recommendation combined with an in-person recommendation. I was set.
Boy, was I. This place is absolutely fantastic for any sort of costuming. It's huge with all sorts of different clothes and accessories for any sort of get-up imaginable. We naturally gravitated to the wigs and the clerk behind the counter patiently presented us with ever delightful offerings while the kids descended on the rest of the store, causing havoc that no one seemed to mind.
We ended up with 3 wigs for the happy grown-ups and one dress for the happy niece.
I loved this place, and can confidently recommend it the next time you're looking for a little extra somethin' somethin' to help you style yourself out. -
Review from Steven V.
La Puente, CA
9/4/2008
I've been going here for quite a while now. They have a huge location with way too many crappy clothes. Seems like all the cool stuff gets bought up rather quickly and what's left is, well, clearance looking vintage clothes. So that makes the hunt take twice as long. The prices are about average for vintage clothing stores now a days. A long snap-button western shirt usually cost about $15 some vintage concert T's can get up to $100 but they seem more like just displays anyway!
Better than a thrift store but not as good as some other vintage clothing stores. Still a good place to hunt, or buy your outfit for that 70's party. -
Review from Corazon R.
Los Angeles, CA
7/5/2007
Like many people have mentioned, it's a great place for costume and in general more eccentric regular wardrobe finds. I found a very cute wrap skirt with zebras there one time, and it's great for Halloween costumes. Prices are hit and miss: one article would be a total steal, and another would be waaaay too overpriced for polyester. Nonetheless, it is a thrifter's staple shopping place. Although I haven't tried it myself, I hear you can haggle some of the prices down, as some people I know have managed to do so at this location.
Surprisingly enough, it has its own parking lot out back. Not surprisingly, however, you'll be lucky if you get a spot. If you're parking on the street, I highly recommend reading signage carefully, because the street it's off is a ticket trap and parking enforcement literally CAMPS on that strip sometimes. -
Review from jennifer w.
Alhambra, CA
7/18/2007
I think this place is good if you need to find a costume. Each piece will cost you about 10-25 bucks. In the short time I was there I found Selena-ruffled red pants, leather chaps, cummerbunds, one-piece jail outfits, and many a prom dresses. They have racks dedicated to cheerleader skirts, bell-bottoms, and bright white pants.
I would not shop here for regular clothes because the price wouldn't be worth it and the practical everyday wear selection is slim...unless you're "one of THOSE" people (rolling eyes). IE Ms. Bai Ling or Ms. Downtown Julie Brown.
I apologize if you shop there frequently for your regular clothes...err I love bjork! -
Review from Elenis W.
Monterey Park, CA
10/9/2009
Unlike a lot of Yelpers who have reviewed this particular location, I was not a frequenter of Aardvark's in high school/college. I did not find out about it until my sister recommended it in hopes of finding a vintage gold clutch for her wedding. Though I've only been there once, I was really happy with my experience.
I went in sometime during the early afternoon, and when I walked in, I immediately liked the industrial space feel. Different from most other consignment/vintage stores. It's a little hard to find if you're equipped with address alone, but if you walk on the North side of Green between Delacey and Fair Oaks, you're sure to find it.
Sufficed to say, I did find the perfect gold clutch. I really love the selection of accessories they have, especially their belts. I was a little disappointed in the dress selections though. A lot of them reminded me of that pink prom dress that Iona (Annie Potts) gave Andie (Molly Ringwald) in "Pretty In Pink" .. too many polka dots and too much pink. I was hoping to find some lace or chiffon box dresses, but I had better luck at other stores.
The best aspect about this Aardvark's is their staff. When I went, they were not only helpful in finding the gold clutch, but they also made suggestions when I was perusing the shoes and accessories. Not pushy, just honest. Good retail staff is hard to come by these days and I really appreciated their input.
If I ever have the time, I'd definitely go back just to relax. If I really needed a vintage dress though, I'd rather head to my old favorites in Hollywood. -
Review from Jay J.
Los Angeles, CA
6/5/2008
3.75 stars :)
My friend R conned me into going to swing dancing at Cicada on a Sunday night...A SUNDAY, y'all! He's been inviting me for the past few months and I finally succumbed. What da heck, I needed a good sweat and I'm getting chunky.
He wanted to wear something vintagey, so off we trotted to good 'ol Aaardvark's in Pasadena. It has moved into the former Nissan dealership building.
If R weren't with me, I would've spent a whole extra hour piecing together my many eclectic personas for my one woman show (in my mind) - Resort Wear Jay, 70's P.I. Jay, 40's Secretary-smacking-gum-n-filing-my-nails Jay, you get the picture.
The prices could be better on some things, but the selection that day was excellent! You never see full slips anymore, and I'm always amazed that women don't wear slips when in skirts or dresses: 'HUSH YO' MOUTH!' It's just so uncivilized, hmpf!
I bought a 70's halter dress with built-in shelf bra, and a snug men's black vest - menswear is all the rage, don'tcha know? -
Review from Razmig M.
Pasadena, CA
8/1/2009
Can anyone tell us where Aaardvark's has moved to? One user indicated it's in Old town... but we need an address yall.
Also, the posted phone number (626) 583-9109 is wrong. I get some insurance company.
This also begs the question... what company with multiple locations these days doesn't have a damn website?! -
Review from Kush M.
Los Angeles, CA
9/4/2007
If you party up on the regular within a social network where all your friends throw THEME PARTIES week after week after week, then this is the place to go to get into character and put your costume together. I've been to all the Aaardvark's locations in SoCal, and this one in Pasadena is by far the best. Besides being the biggest and most organized and having the best selection, its also conveniently NOT located in a high traffic area like the one on Melrose.
You could find everything you need up in here to bring your ideas to life from wigs, hats, 70s gear, 80s gear, velvet tuxes, uniforms, jumpsuits, jackets / coats, military gear, etc... The stuff here is vintage and battle-tested, and for the most part, fairly cheap. In all the times I've been here in search of finding items for my costumes, I have never walked away feeling like my visit was a waste of time. Past classics I've made here include my costumes as Evel Knievel and Slash from Guns n' Roses (both under $40 total).
Just come with an open mind and bring your creative genius. Oh, and be ready to make some adjustments with the needle and thread kit cuz some of the stuff is a lil more than battle-tested. -
Review from CC S.
Los Angeles, CA
8/29/2009
Like many others I set off in search of the elusive Pasadena Aaardvark. Thanks to a prior post I was able to get the correct address:
33 W. Green Street Pasadena Ca /626-792-9185
I braved 101 degree weather to try and sell some of my clothes, only to get there and be told that the manager would not be there until 3. I then asked if they participate in the drop-off program and she "didn't recommend it."
So word to the wise. Call and schedule a time. -
Review from Elly D.
Los Angeles, CA
11/6/2009
2 words....OVER PRICED....(most items)!
Accessories are only somewhat reasonably priced.
REAL thrift stores are way better! -
Review from Joie P.
La Verne, CA
7/9/2007
Eh...this place is so-so.
I never find a period costume that I'm looking for. Years ago I was into bowling shirts and I guess I did fairly well finding those. When I went through my Audrey Hepburn beat-gen black turtle neck stage I found that shirt no problem. When it has come to halloween I never find anything. A few months ago I went to a 50's sockhop and thought of Aardvarks right off. I found nothing. They had plenty of poodle sweaters but no poodle skirts. I ended up having to go to a retro shop to get anything even close to 50's kitsch. The employee that thought she could help me was pointing out squaredance skirts with fake patchwork and sequence on them. Personally I would think that if you didn't know about retro costuming what the hell would you be doing working in a place like that? Better yet, just staring at me dumbfounded and admitting that you have no idea probably would have been an improvement to following me around and randomly choosing shit and holding it up like you know what you are doing. I was in used car salesman hell.
I visit this place only as a novelty and when I'm not seriously looking for anything in particular. -
Review from Maria L.
4/24/2008
When I was just a young lass, back when Marilyn's Backstreet was still around, this is primarily where I would get my clothes.
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Review from Tasha H.
Glendale, CA
10/14/2008
i like going into aardvarks to look rather than buy. maybe im not a retro lover as i would like to think i am... because i cant resist the feel of a new vintage-looking sweater in comparison to an actual vintage sweater. so with that said... i like to look.
everything is organized by decade, color, style, type and so forth. you would really have to look hard to find something for everyday use. i picked up a yellow jersey jacket that used to be owned by a Cheerio Champion of blahblah something or other, and it had a price tag of 350 dollars! wow... thats too vintage. then sometimes the items that cost you a whole 5 bucks are crappy poofy 80's clothes that your mom wouldnt even wear again. eh.
if i had a disco disco dance event that required platforms and purple wigs i definitely know where to get my digs. -
Review from Cleo M.
Los Angeles, CA
5/28/2007
This is a huge store! It was my first time at Aaardvark and I loved it. The only regret was I didn't have enough time to shop, about 30 minutes (I was being rushed). I only got a green boy scout shirt for $15. I would suggest that you give yourself atleast 2 hours just to allow yourself to thoroughly experience the thriftness of the store.
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Review from Liz M.
Chicago, IL
12/19/2007
Am I the only person that thinks Aaardvarks is OVERPRICED?
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Review from belinda n.
Los Angeles, CA
1/31/2010
what the hells going on w/old town pas?
this space used to be a ritzy car repair shop..
i used to frequent the aardvarks on colorado by pcc way back in the day when i used to wear bell bottoms..
i then returned during my rockabilly stage cuz that aardvarks always had cool silk sheaths & beaded cardigans.
but this aardvarks sucks balls.
expensive
cheap quality
tasteless muumuus even the stylist of "threes company" would never look twice at..
there wasnt a single "vintage" purse or pair of sunglasses.
no good jeans.
no amazing dresses.
just crap that belongs in the storage of that charitable organization "dress for success".
i will never return! -
Review from Ashley G.
Chandler, AZ
6/25/2007
So it seems that the great days of wearable finds at Aardvark's are over (just like every other second hand clothes store in the world). However, I must say that the Pasadena Aardvark's is a go to place for costume designers and costume enthusiasts. I know that I can always get military gear and classic levi's for not too much, and every once in a while, I come across a stellar vintage suit or dress. All in all, it's worth a shot if you're designing on a budget or just are looking for kooky clothing.
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Review from April S.
San Diego, CA
10/17/2008
uhh....thrift stores are supposed to be cheap.
That being said, good for costumes or if you really like to look like you're from the mid 70s. And, just to be fair, sometimes you can find a deal. But other than that, bring your mall wallet, not your thrift store wallet. -
Review from jasmine o.
Arcadia, CA
12/27/2006
Aardvarks is HUGE and pretty fun to walk around in if ever you're around the area and bored. I don't remember much about prices, but selection is pretty vast and I think they have all sorts of clothing. I remember seeing African style robes, authentic Kimonos, vintage scarves and ties. I haven't really gotten in to wearing used clothes, but for those of you who like vintage-y type clothes and like to dig, it's a sure bet that there are some gems in there!
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Review from Francesca M.
Beverly Hills, CA
10/28/2008
too wild, i found a few things that would've been great as costumes but i wouldn't have worn them out on a normal day if you bludgeoned my head with a hammer. I also feel icky touching the clothing, i don't think they wash them.
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Review from Maria R.
Pasadena, CA
Updated - 3/12/2010
Aaardvark's has CLOSED the Green St location. Stay tuned...
2 Previous Reviews: Show all »
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10/27/2009
NEW INFO:
33 W Green St (north side of street, between DeLacey & Fair Oaks)
Pasadena, CA 91105
… Read more »
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Review from Kimberly W.
New York, NY
7/7/2008
This was definitely one of the best vintage stores that I've ever been to (including stores in New York) because everything was cheap and although you do have to search, everything is organized very well. I got a bunch of dresses for $15 ea!!!!! =) This store is also definitely better than it's Melrose counterpart because it's bigger and less crowded!
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Review from Bobert S.
Arcadia, CA
1/21/2008
I have been shopping at this place on and off since high school, late 90's.
I agree, that the prices of some items have gotten a bit high considering it is a thrift shop. But good deals can still be had here. They have a decent inventory and it changes enough to come by every few weeks to look around. I do love the place, and find something almost every time I stop by. Great place to look for party costumes. Bought some decent things today, and will gladly go back again soon. -
Review from D C.
Los Angeles, CA
6/25/2009
Aardvarks has moved 2 times since i first started going there. This third move had me running around alleyways in old town trying to find them. There seems to be less things than ever before. The new location and setup make it look like its trying to compete with surroundings stores. I couldn't find any good cheap deals like i used to all the time. The employees were nice, which was cool. I had stopped going there because of an employee that was always rude to me every time i went in. But ill still stop by once and a while to see what they have.
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Review from Janet S.
Los Angeles, CA
8/20/2009
Aaardvark's Odd Ark has moved to 33. W. Green Street, Pasadena, CA 91105.
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Review from Daniel P.
Highland Park, Los Angeles, CA
10/20/2009
O.k., so I've been to 9 different web sites and no one has the phone number for the new Pasadena store. I tried 626-792-9185. It rang for five minutes with no answer. How can they not have a web site or give customers a phone number that works? Maybe they are going crazy since its a few days before Halloween. I hope they have the wig they promised me so I don't waste my time driving down there for nothing.
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Review from Rachelle A.
Tacoma, WA
1/8/2008
i love you, aardvarks. i really do. this place is perfect when you need a quick costume, or just want to incorporate some interesting pieces into your wardrobe. i could spend hours here just trying on random things. i always end up buying something. i guess i'm the only one... but i find the clothing reasonably priced here, especially compared to the location on melrose. and melrose is usually picked over by all the l.a. hipsters anyway. this is where it's at!
