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Pistol Bazaar - CLOSED
Categories: Shopping Fashion Used, Vintage & Consignment Event Planning & Services Cards & Stationery Shopping Arts & Crafts Cards & Stationery Shopping Flowers & Gifts Cards & Stationery Used, Vintage & Consignment, Cards & Stationery [Edit]
1717 W Chicago Ave(between Paulina St & Hermitage Ave)
Chicago, IL 60622
Neighborhood: Ukrainian Village
(312) 929-2350
- Price Range:
-
$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
19 reviews for Pistol Bazaar
Review Highlights
"...little shop that supports local artists and brings together..."
(in 3 reviews)
"There is a fun jewelry collection, much of which is modern..."
(in 6 reviews)
"...has a wonderful selection of dresses in a range of styles..."
(in 5 reviews)
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19 reviews in English
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Review from Laura P.
3/12/2010
I cannot believe that I have never written a review for PB. For probably about 2 years I have had a consignment relationship with the 2 owners of Pistol Bazaar. One day I got a call from PB saying that I had forgotten to cash a check they had sent me. What? I queried, I had not received said check. No problem...they just included it with my next months'. They were just wanting to make sure I got the check. I was floored. The store had been around for about 3 years and I am sure it is because they are smart, savvy businesswomen that have great taste....
Most recently they have decided to focus on the really special pieces of their inventory, bring out almost a whole new floor of pieces and cleared out some of the old stuff that may have been preventing you from finding that gem! So, if you haven't been to Pistol Bazaar in a while and you are getting a spring shopping bug go back to PB and see if they might have your new favorite piece just waiting to go home with you.....
They also have a really cute shop dog too....very sweet! Oh and jewelry too, of course I left with some big tribal earrings that were solid black but BLEW my mind! The accessory (shoes, bags, hats) selection is pretty amazing in terms of selection AND prices. Actually, all of their prices are good. My favorite find, that I did not buy, was a 1950's navy lace cocktail dress with a fuscia inset panel for $32! $32 and it looked like Lanvin? That cannot be real, but yes, it is real.
Get your spring shopping started here, seriously, before I spend all my money here and am homeless.....Listed in: Thriftstravaganza
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Review from Colleen C.
Brooklyn, NY
8/6/2009
Vintage prowlers...come hither. You will like.
Hats, shoes, scarves, dresses, dresses, dresses, skirts, shirts, boys, womens, accessories. Funky little shop that supports local artists and brings together urban + vintage. I like.
Prices: Average. I bought a pretty rad red silk dress (with high neck and belted waist!) for $29, in perfect condition. It's certainly not Salvation Army prices (duh), but the selection is expansive, and the condition is generally of good quality. My only beef was that I tried on another blue flowy dress...and they had left the price tag on there from wherever it had been rescued from...$15. Pistol Bazaar price: $29. Well, ok...fine, I realize the work that goes into finding these pieces, transporting, cleaning, etc...and of course, they need to make a profit. But, pay attention to details...REMOVE THE OLD TAGS. Ok, there I said it. I might've even bought that one, but I resisted, on principle.
Accessories: Very good stuff, but in my humble (thrifty) opinion, a tad overpriced for the pieces. There's a mish-mash of local designers, vintage finds, etc...but $12 for a plastic bracelet? Hmmm. Plastic is plastic, vintage or not. The belts are worth checking into, however.
Dressing Room: There is one. If you are tall, watch out. I nearly knocked the light fixture off the ceiling when wiggling into one of these dresses. :) ha!
Overall: A must-see on the vintage circuit...
Now, an occasion to wear my fabulously-unduplicated-anywhere-else red frock with black squigglies? I'll let you know... :)Listed in: Thrift Fit., Very Best Vintage.
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Review from Helena B.
10/9/2009
Pistol Bazaar is a kitchy-cool explosion. Beyond awesome vintage pieces, PB has old records (yep, I said "records" - I'm not cool enough to call it "vinyl"), letterpress cards, and other wares by local artists.
But the clothes! PB has a wonderful selection of dresses in a range of styles/eras. I scored an early-70's version of Hawaiian luau attire and the perfect frock to wear on Easter at the Kennedy Compound in Hyannisport circa 1960. Jet and set.
Small bummer: only one dressing room. If you go on a weekend, you are guaranteed to wait as there's at least one other girl jonesing to try on her finds.Listed in: Not "Used" - "Vintage"!
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Review from Tyler B.
Charlottesville, VA
9/18/2008
Never knew this place existed till i yelped it. Then on the ride over i passed it before turning around to find it. No sign, but look for a yellow facade with black windows. Just west of paulina-
Expect to pay at least $17 for western shirts- that seems pretty reasonable given the current state of our lovely economy, the cost to run a boutique, a vintage shirt and an original look. Think about that each time you complain about prices. Hmm...
$13.44 for a beautiful vintage vest that fits to the T. Tailored.
Pretty good selection of men's although would like to see more outerwear offered-Listed in: Looking classy on a budget
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Review from Khadijah L.
Chicago, IL
8/9/2010
I can't believe Pistol Bazaar is closed!
I recently moved to the neighborhood and was planning more visits.
I had found a really cute yellow linen shift dress that just screams ME ME ME. So, even at $40, I purchased it.
Sad to see another small business go. -
Review from Robin W.
Chicago, IL
12/22/2008
This is my absolute favorite vintage store in Chicago.
I needed some unique dresses for a photoshoot and this place delivered. Almost everything I tried on was amazing, and the price is SO right.
If you are a great customer, the owner will treat you to a free photo session with the in-house photo booth. You can even grab some props to make it extra fun. -
Review from Wayne C.
IL
1/10/2008
I was only in there for a bit but I liked what I saw. A lot.
Plus, they sell my jewelry. So yay to that. -
Review from Liz O.
Chicago, IL
9/17/2008
If vintage finds are what you need, Pistol Bazaar is the place to be.
It's quirky: mannequins in the front window are immediate evidence. It's fun: the name says it all. It's affordable: my fun vintage apron cost $10.
For those of you unsure of your vintage calling, Pistol Bazaar is still the place to be.
There is a fun jewelry collection, much of which is modern and crafted by local artisans. They also have a great selection of cards-- a little off-color, a little strange, a little make-your-own-- all are sure to make you giggle.
And, like many West Town retailers, it passes my ultimate test: Miss Molly (the dog) can shop with me. In fact, Pistol Bazaar has its own furry greeters that are sure to put a smile on your face if the window display doesn't get you first.Listed in: Shoppin' 'til I'm Droppin', Roam around the 'Hood
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Review from Julia H.
Chicago, IL
4/11/2009
I give Pistol Bazaar a third star because they support local artists who put a lot of love into their craft -- hand knitted beautiful scarves, prints and jewelry. They also hold art shows to draw people in.
The first time I came in here was about ...three months ago and I found a great black dress with tiny polka dots on it.. classic and it fit well. I am very picky about my vintage stores though -- and I noticed a lot of wear and stains on the clothing here.
But the most discouraging thing about Pistol Bazaar was that when I came in with a friend from out of town last week, I saw a lot of the same clothing that I saw months ago! I would prefer more of a rotation .. -
Review from julie a.
7/8/2008
I am a vintage dress lover, and constantly always on the prowl for awesome vintage dresses.
Well, they have them. And tons of other great vintage clothes, and they are appropriately priced, which makes it even better!
This is going to be a regular stop for me - love love love this place! -
Review from Jessica D.
Chicago, IL
3/6/2010
Pistol Bazaar has a lot of potential, but it needs some work for sure. It's super hard to find (the 66 is one of my main buses and yet I hardly ever notice this place), they need to really turn up the lights, they should order clothes by approximate size or some other reasonable method (I mean S/M/L/XL in a general sort of way, just so people can guesstimate), and the pricing is a little high for the quality of the goods.
The way it currently stands, yeah, you could definitely find a gem once in a while, but part of me wants to leave as soon as I walk in, so I don't take that time. Very Best Vintage, down the street, and some of the places in Pilsen are just so much lighter, brighter, and better organized and so I don't mind going through things for that one piece that makes it all worthwhile. It's also got that weird, old lady + mothball smell, which happens sometimes with older clothes, but also makes me think things haven't been washed or cleaned recently.
Also, the girl working today said prices are non-negotiable, which is weird in vintage. Most things are heavily marked up and that means you should be willing to drop things for stains, tears, or obvious repairs and they wouldn't. They were charging over $30 for the hand made mini dress my roommate found and held firm. She got it, but it was definitely over charging for what it was. I mean, if they wanna gimme a week to revamp the place, honey, I'll do it and do it right, but as for now, I could find better elsewhere. -
Review from Alex K.
Chicago, IL
5/17/2008
I"m not a boutique person so I the reason I went was 'cause i had free time to kill.
It was cute and stuff. But I really don't wear vintage clothing ever. Or wear jewelry. Or wear pretty feminine shoes.
And really don't care for the boutique-y prices.
So I can't tell you how it compares to others.
They have two dogs in there who are adorable and want to be petted all the time.
I got a really cool wallet which appears to be vintage and looks cool so I was proud of myself.
There are some hand made cards too.
I couldn't tell their open hours though.
Woman working there was really nice. and they have a cool vintage cash register. -
Review from Nourhy C.
Chicago, IL
2/25/2009
The store and the Owners are adorable. Its a great find and for a small store there is a lot to look at so be ready to spend some time...looking and trying things on...its fun and a nice way to spend an afternoon.
The prices are great and the clothes are clean,amazing! I found a nice vintage coat and it was in awesome condition, so I am a happy camper. I definetly will have to check in more often as I love getting something fabulous on a small budget. -
Review from Kate M.
Philadelphia, PA
3/4/2009
Was I in the same store that all these other reviewers were in? I found a lot of the clothes unwearable, overpriced, and in not-so-great condition. The staff barely acknowledged me and I walked out with nothing.
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Review from Leigh K.
Chicago, IL
2/26/2008
I went in on Sunday to bring them some of my Rhymes with Twee cards to sell. My friend Erica (littepretty) is selling her cards there too and they had a limited but quality selection of handmade goods. Pistol Bazaar is a treasure trove of vintage finds including shirts, dresses, shoes, and jewelry. Sure, you'll pay more than you would if you had found them yourself at thrift stores, but you didn't and they did! They also buy on consignment if you have vintage goods you're trying to unload. I was told they sell from the 50's through the 80's. They also have a photobooth. Plus, they are open until 7pm so you can hit them up on a week night if you have a 9-5 job to support your buying of vintage goods.
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Review from Rebecca H.
Chicago, IL
9/9/2009
what a fun store with lots of cool bits of every sort of odds and ends here. local, urban, vintage, artsy, pricy sometimes....
you can spend at least an hour browsing through their wide selection. one time i was in here and i saw so many things i wanted, i left empty handed only because i couldn't make up my mind. i came back a few short days later and mulling over it combined with some of my choices having been sold, i got what i was supposed to get. -
Review from Yumm y.
Chicago, IL
Updated - 8/5/2008
I may have been a bit harsh in my original review... perhaps a premature evaluation of the joint. I had a friend friend in town who was eager to stop in given his affection for vintage ensembles and to my surprise, I found a lovely blouse that I now call my own. The young lady working was really nice and although the prices are still a bit high for my thrifty approach to thrift-stores, I no longer shun pistol bazaar.
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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1/4/2008 First to Review
Hipster haven. My best friend would love this place where ugly is the new black. There are slim… Read more »
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Review from Danielle W.
Washington, DC
12/6/2009
Sorry Pistol Bazaar, I wanted to love you. A lot of other people on here adore you but you had nothing for me. PB reminded me of a lot of thrift stores in DC: overvalued, small selection, a lot of "as-is" condition cases and waaaaaay too much polyester at silk prices. I did love the cards and local crafts - those were adorable and reasonable. The rest was...meh. It felt cheap to the touch and I don't think I saw one dress less than $20. I think it definitely has prowling potential but only if I were in the neighborhood.
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Review from Sarah T.
Chicago, IL
4/24/2009
I like to go here to get clothing and props for vintage portrait sessions, and this cute place is a few blocks away from out studio. Our clients always like the things we have and I let them know we find them here. The people behind the counter are always helpful, and is important to me to support the businesses in my neighborhood. Shop local, yay!
