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Category: Used, Vintage & Consignment [Edit]
Neighborhood: Haight-Ashbury
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I dropped by Wasteland to try and find a costume and though I didn't find anything, it's still a pretty neat store with a ton of vintage styles.
For halloween they had some great wigs for 20 bucks and they have testers so you can check yourself out first. Apparently they don't carry these after halloween... more's the pity.
Photobooth in the corner which may or may not let you wear their clothes while in it (I'm a little unclear about the rules).
However one of the vintage dresses I tried on smelled a certain way. The way I remember doctor scrubs' smelling in the early 90's. A sort of chemical/ deathness. Not good.
Their service is also at a snail pace with the checker who was working looking bordering on keeling over from starvation.
I'll give it 3 stars and call it a day.
Everytime I come in here, I find something in good shape and on designer level without it costing me a fortune.
Last find: Nanette Lepore navy tweed, pleated short skirt that makes me look like a Japanese schoolgirl - $35. It makes me feel sexy and youthful all over again.
Word in the guide (The Lonely Planet Guide, that is) is that this place is one the best vintage stores in San Franciso. We wandered in as we were in the Haight and I loved the merchandise in here. I liked that they mixed it up with new and old and designer vintage was clearly marked. Also, the prices ranged from really reasonable to rather expensive, but they had a good collection of things.
The only negative thing I would say about the place is that the staff were appalling. Really really rude. My friend (who is the sweetest human alive) asked a question about a rip in a dress she wanted to buy, only to get a death stare and garbled answer. We went back another day, to buy my other friend something she loved as a surprise present, and they couldn't even provide a bag for the purchase.
In sum, fire the current staff and hire ones that are polite, friendly and courteous and it would have been five stars from me. Sadly, they're probably still there, snarling and being miserable.
Whenever I come here I find wonderful deals! I have found two vintage Gucci bags on two separate occasions one of which is in mint condition for $75 each! I revisited on Friday and found what appears to be a brand new cashmere Marc Jacobs winter coat for $115. When I saw it my jaw dropped to the floor as my hands trembled over the price tag. I slipped it on over my sweater, waltzed over to the floor length mirror and drooled at my reflection. That coat was meant for me and me alone. And thanks to my mom, it will now be waiting for me under the Christmas tree.
Cool stuff for great prices - Check
Short line for selling stuff - oh, nooooooo
I put my name on their clipboard and after waiting for an hour, I left. And, this was on a weekday. Wowzers.
will they ever know how much i love them? those fashion darlings that dig through all of the crap that people bring to them, just to sell it to me! i absolutely love you.
i love how selective the staff are, you guys really find me the most beautiful threads ever! the coolest store in San Francisco. today was my ultimate score. 3 incredible dresses, two Italian, one american. unbelievable, it's like stealing. i also found the most divine victorian jacket!!
sure, i paid almost $300 plus it's going to run me about another $100 for the tailor to make them just right. still a deal considering these dresses would of cost me about $2500 new, maybe more. I've been grinning all day.
http://www.youtube.com...
SCORED again. why is it no other store in Sf satisfies my clothing addiction like wasteland. these… Read more »
There might be a possibility of finding something special in this store but it will probably be priced at 3 times more than it should be. . They have a designer section with well made vintage pieces but they rack the prices up so high they are probably our of anyone's reach. It seems well stocked but I feel like that is mainly due to how expensive everything is. Bottom line, if you are looking for a bargain don't waste your time here.
Ok, so, I love Wasteland, they carry great brands, and their used stuff is often very cute.
However.... their staff is completely pretentious, I mean c'mon, YOU'RE NOT THAT COOL, you probably are, but while you're working you're not.
Some of their stuff is overpriced but eh, it's cool shit. This place is a definite stop when I'm on Haight.
Ive always found stuff here, but i have never bought anything due to the insane price tag...
but yes, according to the previous reviews, this place appeals more toward the female crowd.
this place has the most amazing collection of used vintage crazy stuff.
walked in randomly after wig shopping at the piedmont and was delighted to find some of the same delicious costume fare, previously owned, for cheaper. classic one-of-a-kind oddities, jackets, shirts, dresses, wigs, shoes.. this place has it.
the prices were a tad on the high side for used (and sometimes torn) garments.. but at least you're getting something original. in sum, it's worth it. they took their time picking out the best and the most outrageous -- and now you get the pleasure of getting to own it.
I have no beef with Wasteland.
I'm not a big clothing shopper, and I really hate spending money on clothing I don't need. Yes I have a fully developed vagina, but that doesn't mean I squeal and drop $50 at every sequin and bedazzled vest I see.
BUT....this IS my most favorite clothing store EVAR. In fact, my vagina roars with female pleasure every time I see the window display and sift through the racks. I always go for the vintage dresses; they are the best priced items in the store, and I can always find one I love for $16-25. Even if I don't buy anything (which is rare) I love going through all of the racks and admiring the unique sweaters, shoes, costume pieces and hats.
Wasteland is better organized than Buffalo Exchange, meaning there is way less silly crap to wade through before you get to the good stuff, and the employees are honest if you need a second opinion.
One thing to watch out for, skip the non-vintage items. You'll spend too much for something someone else has.
And can I just add a random shout out to people who wear glasses frames without the lenses? YOU LOOK STUPID.
I know it's expensive, but there's a 100% guarantee that you will find something amazing every time. It's worth it. There are SO many things in here that I can't believe someone would ever part with. I guess I just get attached to the better items in my closet and treat them as somewhat of a collection...
Everything is in really good condition and there is some ancient stuff that appears to have been stuffed in a closet and never touched for decades.
I've also got a bit of a feather obsession and stick 'em in my hair all the time, so I flipped out when I saw the gimungous, colorful earrings. They are fucking gorgeous. I tried out every single one and have been back twice to get new ones to match with different colored outfits.
Seriously, don't even walk in unless you've got some $$$ to blow. Otherwise you'll just be depressed about all the awesome you're missing out on.
If you know me, you know that I'm a big fan of feathers. Oversized feather earrings, in particular. After walking by Wasteland for the past 14 years, I finally decided to take a peek in here today. While I'm not really a fan of vintage, I was pretty impressed with the selection-both vintage and deadstock items. But, what I found to be the most pleasing to my eye was the large selection of bad ass feather earrings. They had humongous 14-inch pairs, down to more demure pairs as well.
I also saw a brown Fendi Spy that looked to be in almost perfect shape behind the counter for $4 hundo. If it weren't for my recent splurge on a Gucci hobo, I'd TOTALLY have snatched that bitch up!
I'll be back. It's definitely my kind of funky, boho/couture-vintage shop. A nice upgrade from shitty ass Crossroads down the street, and the staff was a lot friendlier as well-no self-important hipster vibe here.
Amanda says:
I love the Wasteland. I especially love the Vena Cava shirt and the Lover jumper I got this weekend. The buyers here really know their vintage and modern high-end designers.
What's the deal with people thinking the Wasteland people are rude? When would they have time to give anyone attitude? I was in there once and this homeless dude brought in this giant costco size bag of pretzels and just dropped it off in the buying area and left. Then some crazy woman came in and threw that same giant bag of pretzels over her shoulder and walked out with them. 10 minutes later the crazy smelly guy came back in and demanded to know where his pretzels went. Like seriously yelling at the adorable girl at the counter. True story.
And I don't think this kind of thing is a rare occasion. Personally I would freak the eff out if this happened to me on a daily basis.
Also the people that work at the Wasteland love our baby Lulu. When we come in you can hear the coo's from across the giant store. Every single one of them stops by to smile and wave at her. And guess what? If you take a minute to talk to the employees I bet they'll even remember your name next time you go in. Of course you'll have to catch them while they are cleaning up the huge mess someone made in the shoe section, or while they wipe up whoknowswhat in the dressing room (bet you wouldn't want to do that) to have said conversation, but it would probably be worth it. I love this place and I love the people.
I've been seeing the same staff for like 5 years and that's saying something, these people are saints for putting up with this crap.
And another thing! This isn't a thrift store. They are a re-seller. What thrift store has an Ossie Clark dress on the wall next to a Chloe dress next to a Vivienne Westwood shirt?
My boyfriend found a shirt here that literally paid for itself. (There was money left in one of the pockets). Dinner was on him of course.
You can't find a bargain like that when you buy something new.
Oh yeah...extra bonus for the photobooth. I hardly ever buy anything here but it's fun to browse and unlike other used clothing stores, there's plenty of room to move around.
So this is probably one of the best vintage stores I've ever been too. Their layout is key for fringe vintage buyers like me. I've been here numerous times and found nothing until last time. (I scored a cute belt and a reshaped mass produced queen t-shirt).
The staff is not very helpful at all until you pay, but it's probably b/c they work in a touristy area.
It's no Rag Tag, but good nevertheless.
Wasteland is amazing, but totally not conducive to the survival of my checking account or my ability to buy groceries. I really lose all control here.
Sometimes I feel like they are somewhat overpriced, but the poorly-educated economist in me recognizes that they kind of have a monopoly on all of the highest-caliber vintage items in the entirety of Haight street and can thus set the market as they please, and we poor feeble vintage addicts will grovel and offer what should be our PG&E bill for that perfect Ramones shirt.
I should probably stay away from here for a little while.
Anywhere I can find sequined ruby heels for $16 that fit perfectly already has my vote.
Wasteland's wares are a great mix of the truly vintage, designer consignment (found a beautiful indigo Anna Sui dress last time I was there, and they usually have a mini Betsy Johnson dress collection), and new clothing.
Although the new retail is not as comparably well priced as the second-hand selection, you can pretty regularly wait for a piece you're eyeing to go on sale, e.g. a Kanye's "Heartless" video inspired silver starred shirt-dress that went from $45 to $19 when I snagged it before New Year's... and promptly got a drink spilled down the front of it. But that was Bootie's fault (ok ok and mine), not Wasteland's. And at less than I paid for cover, no tears needed.
Somewhat surprisingly for such a hipster-packed haunt (I've been burned!), the staff is always really friendly! Major plus when you live blocks away and they don't make you feel like a turd when you roll in wearing your scrubs and feeling distinctly pre-coffee.
Some of my favorite shopping in the Haight - and I love me some Haight fashion.
Even despite having to forge through a river of hipsters to reach their front doors, Wasteland still remains my favorite place to waste money in San Francisco.
This store is well laid out, which makes it easy to shop their racks. This is entirely necessary for a good vintage store, setting this place apart from places like Held Over, Buffalo Exchange and Crossroads also on the street.
They always have great stuff here, but it takes awhile to weed through things. I don't mind the prices. Some people think it's a bit overpriced... but I realize that we are paying for a middleman so we don't have to take the time to search through mountains of crap to get to the things we want to see. Also a point that sets this place apart from other vintage/secondhand stores on the street. I find that the mass produced "New" stuff is really cheaply priced here, such as those checkered "Urban Outfitters" scarves that every-ones wearing these days. I saw them at UO for $38 and saw them at Wasteland for like $8. Only the great finds cost more.
Love the shoe section. Found great pair of Walla-bees for cheap! And then my girlfriend found a pair there the next month. I feel like I can never walk out of there without a pair of shoes.
Large selection of jeans too. I think the men really score on this one though. The women's jeans always seem to be in cuts and styles a normal person couldn't wear.
Service? I have heard negative things. In general I wouldn't consider the salespeople generally "helpful", but they are always super chatty and nice with me at the register. I don't know why people have issues with their attire? I think it's pretty much the norm on Haight street (I used to work there), and perhaps these people just don't like hipsters?
Overall, go to this store. You will find something. Plan to spend an hour.
Latest purchases here -
1.) working harmonica necklace
2.) Oscar De La Renta scarf for three dollars
3.) butter soft Diesel leather black trench-coat.
Four points of advice for Wasteland:
1.) Take the time to browse. And more importantly - make sure to enjoy it. If you just rush in and out - you're seriously missing out.
2.) If you see something you like - act fast and buy it. It probably won't be there next time if you don't.
3.) Take advantage of the photo-booth at the back of the store (I still have yet to do so)
4.) If something looks too small, and you're having trouble getting it over your head - just forget about it. I've learned the hard way that it won't magically get any bigger .
I can't go to bed knowing that I'm at 666 reviews. (shoot - note to self - updating a review -… Read more »
Like idiots, my sis and I decided to drive to Haight and Ashbury driving in circles till we found a metered spot! Two hour time limit and a quarter for each ten minutes... welcome to San Fran... eek.
I came here the other day and it's definitely one of the better vintage stores I've been in. I really liked their selection of sweaters! If I wasn't there with my impatient, I'm-so-tired-let's-go-home sister with me, I could've stayed there all day! Just be warned, this isn't a Goodwill and doesn't have their prices either. Sweaters were around $16, shirts around the same price.
you'll find the usual $30 screen printed kiss shirt, but i've gotten a few cool t-shirts from here. actually come to think of it i've only bought used t-shirts from this place, although it's fun to look at their new items. cool place if you love t-shirts.
Wasteland has very interesting pieces here. I've been here a few times and they have great selection. Prices can be steep for used items, but I really believe you get what you pay for in this store.
Lots of times I see really good luggage pieces, but they are always on hold for employees. It blows because it's literally the only thing I'd buy from this store, because I can find the clothes they sell at Buffalo Exchange for half the price. Anyone interested in selling their vintage LV suitcase or trunk, please don't bring it there... It goes straight to the employees who aren't helpful but have good humor if you pay for something.
4 stars for getting Jimmy Choo ankle boots like literally last minute x-mas gift for girlfriend and being that lucky store where I got it from. It would be 5 stars if employees didn't stash stuff on hold for weeks and let customers have a shot at the vintage LV/Gucci suitcases and treasure trunks.
I found a swell pair of vintage sunglasses here.
I've never really found anything that I was ecstatic about, in fact I think the sunglasses are the only thing I've ever purchased.
The staff are aloof for sure, but what do you expect?..it's Haight Street. Who cares anyway.
I work near Wasteland and come here often. They staff is great. You smile - they smile. No you are not going to get a personal shopper - for that go the bouquets up the street.
You will find the best Vintage in Haight and Haight has the best vintage in the city.
I have found several great pair of boots here, I'm talking hand made Italian leather, for a bargain. Way cheeper than you will find on eBay. Great accessories, sunglasses, belts etc. The best part, anything I buy they buy back when I am tired of it.
Hmmmmm....I want to like wasteland. I really do. It's one of those stores I walk into hoping, nay, EXPECTING I'll find something super cool,quirky, one-of-a-kind, totally me, if only I just look hard enough. This is the case with many, if not most, "vintage clothing" stores.
Every once in a while I think I'll have struck gold and then one of three things happens:
1. I look at the price tag and I suddenly hear my mom's voice saying "naomi, are you REALLY going to spend $30 dollars on a distressed, 'loved' tshirt that from the 80s, ironic&hip now, but that was probably purchased for 5 dollars, originally, from kmart?" But mom! it's so hip!
2. I look at the size on said goldmine item and realize that apparently I have "fat dude circa 1983" taste in tshirts or "Busty Large Marge circa 1968" taste in dresses. I am neither of those.
3. Looking around at the clientele's proudly worn wasteland fashunz I realize that everything is better in theory and just sad the second (or third) time around.
Not gonna lie, this place has some very hip sh**. I was tempted to blow 50 bucks (as in--HALF A BENJAMIN) on a limited edition artist tshirt that said "whatever you're looking for you're not going to find it here". But then I snapped out of it and decided to just take the advice. After all, my parents stopped paying for my clothes long, long ago.
But if you stick around long enough and listen very closely, you just might hear the faint sounds of the ghosts of fashions past laugh every time the register opens.
Monday night I ventured on the 33 to Wasteland with high hopes and few expectations of being able to sell anything. I usually stuff all of the wrong things into my canvas sack to lug over there and have to haul all of my unwanteds back across town.
Much to my surprise, I was helped by a really inviting Wasteland employee, who not only chatted me up, but complimented me on a few of my finds. She vented about the store's poor Yelp reviews, and although I have had a few disheartening doings with Wasteland in both Los Angeles and in San Fran, this particular store buyer persuaded me to think differently for the time being. Well done and thanks!
My boyfriend HATES vintage clothing.He thinks that people who buy vintage clothing have no style and have no money.
The other week I was fishing for compliments from him and asked him what he liked about me..among answers like, "your fun personality, your voice," well, I won't go on too much since this isn't a review about me..he also said, "your style."
Oh boyfriend..what you don't know is..I wear vintage clothing.
And I get my vintage clothing from Wasteland. First, the displays out front are super cool. Second, the way the staff organizes their clothes is immaculate. (They also carry some new clothing lines that are actually new, but not very vintage-y).
I love this place - even if I don't see anything I like -- the clothes give me so many ideas (e.g. what am I going to be for Halloween?), the staff members are all incredibly nice and each have a "look" to them. For example, the girl who rang me up yesterday totally had a 1970's, mousey, girl look that she played up. Very cute.
I managed to score some great vintage tees here, a great flapper dress and awesome vintage accessories. Great finds are definitely hidden at Wasteland.
I've visited here a few times, and usually find something I want to take home. It is a little more expensive than a usual thrift store but I think they have more high end/fashionable clothing. They definitely please my weird/bold fashion sense.
If you don't have any money, do yourself a favor and don't come here- you'll leave depressed. There is so much great shit here. If I had to make a top five list of the places I miss the most since moving away, this would be....trying to think of a better clothing store....#1. If you're a hardcore thrifter who spends hours at salvo or goodwill (like me) you'll notice a few things. First, the prices are definitely higher. Secondly, the prices are higher because they have sorted through all of the garbage that people bring in the door to sell, and they only take the best. Thirdly, you save time shopping here because you don't have to go through all the crap on your own like at Goodwill. They've done it for you. Now, the only issue is to decide how much money to blow through. Massive selection of vintage men's tees and women's shoes. My favorite score is a white vintage Lacoste polo with pastel stripes and a pink alligator. $16!! Margot Tenenbaum casual.
If you only have a few dollars, stop in anyway. There's a real black and white photobooth in the back for $3 a pop. Totally worth it. Don't mind the smell, it's the chemicals. Be patient...it's not a digital...this is the real deal. Escape from the heroin-addled gutter punks on Haight by coming in here! Also, they are really fair about buying clothing here.
Every time I go to Wasteland my bank starts crying. I love this place. I have found so many must have pieces from my 50's pink taffeta party dress, to my red nubby swing coat, to my gold fringe purse, and of course my F-in fantastic 70's knee-high stacked boots. Great selection of stuff in every price range
Why 4 stars and not 5? The staff, generally, sucks. They have this whole elitist thing about them that tends to make me see red every time I go. Lighten up. You're working with your friends in a cool vintage store and I KNOW you guys get a discount. So why the attitude?
I like this place better then the L.A location. The selction is alot better yes I said alot better then the L.A location. The staff here in S.F aint no aspring actors nor singers. The staff here has the time to take care of the store and the customers. I get good service everytime I go to this place. Yes it is expensive at times but its a good thing. But they cater to all price point customers not only to the rich. But to the everyday folks like you and me. Something that the L.A location fails to follow. I've bought some gnarly sliver jewelry here. I get compliments on my ring. Go there ya'll time to play dress up.
if you have tiny feet like i do and you're trying to sell some old shoes....go elsewhere. i tried selling some old sneakers here but they wouldnt take it.
"we dont do really well with size 5's. the smallest size we'll take is a 6."
man, that shit pissed me off. it was such a waste of time waiting and being rejected after a couple minutes. ugh. FML.
Their window displays are always eye-catching and I was a long time fan of the store. However, over the years it has changed its inventory to include more new clothing. I find their vintage clothing selection much more interesting, so the shift is in my opinion, not an improvement.
All of the vintage clothing on Haight St. is overpriced and Wasteland is no exception; however, the prices aren't that bad and they are more selective about what they carry. You'll find lots of '60s and '70s dresses and the shoe section is always worth a look. They carry handbags, scarves, belts and jewelry. The layout leaves plenty of room for maneuvering and makes for a pleasant shopping experience.
I'm split on this place. They've got a great vintage shoe collection. And the men's plaid shirts keep my husband stocked in his signature," I haven't showered or shaved in a week" look. but something about it just doesn't sit well with me.
Maybe it's all the tourist that buzz around this place like a termite infestation. Maybe its the fact that I've never found a single "I must own this or I seriously might die" piece. And that's odd to me. Because I've found amazing pieces at just about every other vintage store on Haight.
But I can totally see the appeal for people who don't get a chance to experience really amazing vintage stores on a regular basis.
A little more expensive than most thrift shops but worth it. Where else can you pick up a full length fur coat for under $100? Whether it's real or not is questionable (i think if it's fake it would be better... i don't like the idea of being draped in real carcass lol. but that's just me no hard feelings towards those that are lovin the animal skin!) but still... it's a great place to re-invent yourself, or at least get ideas towards re inventing your style.
They have great vintage suits here that help me sooooo much with my work clothes wardrobe. The accessories are hit or miss, for the price of the glasses and beads it's not so bad. I've never tried to sell anything of my own here so I can't advise on the process. One time when I went one guy was trying to sell all these Adidas shirts and they turned him down. I'm not sure what the conditions are but I felt bad for the guy :(.
Last time I went I got a throwback 49ers jacket for 15 dollars and a baby tee with two girls kissing for 8. I don't know if that interests any of you but just trust me on this one, it's worth a visit.
I've never really found anything here and it definitely has that vintage.. smell. but i'm sure this is due to my impatience w/humungo (sound it out) stores like this.
i LOVE the photobooth though. it's only been broken one time i've gone in and the quality is just like the ones on the boardwalks. if me and my bf get bored on haight, we'll swing by to be cheese balls and take some cute pics =)
Is this place a bit overpriced? Yes
Is this place all about quality vintage? No
Is this place laid out properly? Yes
Is this place a bit too cool for school? Yes
Is this place the place to find a most awesome and kick ass silver ninja kick pendent necklace? Hell yes it is!
Heeeeyaaaah!
I have been shopping at Wasteland since I first made my initial highly anticipated visit to the Haight when I was in high school. And to me it is still a solid vintage fixture that I always manage to find something at.
I worked at a similar store in Chicago when I was in my early 20's and am used to the wide range of price tags different pieces may require. Basic quirky vintage little league tee for ladies? Maybe $6. Amazingly still in decent condition Black Sabbath concert tee in size SMALL from their second tour? Maybe $100. Seriously. That sh*t is impossible to find, and can easily go for much higher on eBay. So not worth the freak out many claim to have with their prices. Remember, they are paying people to do the dirty work for you, to scour rack after rack at Good Will's and Salvation Army's all over the west coast just so you can have that perfect one of kind1960's mod black shift dress that you will receive a flood of compliments on every time you wear.
Wasteland is pretty massive which is awesome. They have an excellent shoe selection which I've purchased many vintage boots from all around a measly $30. But, be warned, their clothes do not seem to come cleaned so I would definitely suggest a cleaning pre-wearing. Yesterday I pulled on a top over my head that seriously reeked of cigs & BO... pretty nauseating on a Saturday morning. But my work paid off. I scored a Pink Floyd concert tee (under $50) that seemed made for my body. It's over 20 years old and fit just loosely enough to be a comfy tee w/jeans but just snugly enough to still show off my curves and work for a night at the bars w/skinny jeans and stacked heeled boots.
I was thinking 4 stars (the staff aren't the friendliest- I think it's kind of a I work on Haight St. elitist attitude thing, which I so don't get. Dude- dealing with tourists must sure, totally suck, but YOU chose to work on Haight Street, don't take it out on me!) then while reading other reviews, I can't believe I completely forgot they have a photo booth! I generally become a little slutty when it comes to photo booths, I have this automatic open arms policy, I tend to frequent most establishments that offer them (it's definitely a prerequisite for any dive that goes on my weekend bar crawl list!).
So, 5 stars it is!
Neighborhood: Haight-Ashbury
Category: Used, Vintage & Consignment
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Category: Used, Vintage & Consignment
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