Broad Ripple Vintage

While wandering around Indianapolis I thought it would be cool to hit up the Broad Ripple area. Of course what better to do along with that than check out a local vintage shop. My theory has always been that the best way to experience a local area is to check out the thrift shops and vintage shops. So after grabbing a cup of bubble tea I made a quick hop over to Broad Ripple Vintage.
At first sight, I found the neighborhood a bit questionable for my nicer looking rental car and the suit I was wearing. No matter, I give everything the benefit of the doubt. They had a neat façade with a few things on display outside to draw the eye. When you go in you’ll find yourself practically overwhelmed by the amount of stuff. Clothes, buttons, belt buckles, jewelry. All of it fairly well gaudy no less. The colors are profound. This is by no means your grandma’s antique shop. Think like 80’s movie in terms of color clash in yo face.
But I’ll digress, while there are basically two cramped aisles of colorful choices, the vast majority of the stuff I see in here is for women or folks that are far more liberal than I in what they’re willing to wear. Short of the belt buckles and a large selection of T-​shirts it is unfortunately lacking in menswear. The shop keeper seemed very helpful and interested in chatting. Not sure if she was the owner or just an employee but nonetheless an eclectic type.
After scanning over the buttons, patched and belt buckles I made my way out. It’s a quick trip in here unless you’re really diving into the clothes search. So perhaps for me it’s a sign I’m getting older and my tastes have been beaten into changing by wearing dark polos and khakis in an office all day. But that said, this wasn’t my kind of place for vintage wear and I have seen better.

What a find! My husband’s in the business so we often stop at vintage stores looking for unique items.
BRV is mostly vintage clothing and accessories. It’s a small shop but they use every inch available to display their wares. We each (including my son) came away with an item and also a very fun visit with the owner. (who should have her own TV series about vintage wares – seriously so sweet!)
There were dresses, T shirts, shoes, sunglasses, jackets, buttons, jewelry – all in great condition. I left with some 60 era sunglasses, my husband with a groovy shirt and my son with the cutest ocean pacific outfit from the 80’s. Everything at a reasonable price.
Sweet shop.

I was in for the first time briefly last weekend. The owners were nice and I picked up some great scarves for very reasonable prices. They were all in excellent condition and I was very pleased with my purchase and the selection. I’ll be back to check out more.

If I were 15 years younger, Broad Ripple Vintage would be the place where I’d buy most of my clothing. I’m a fan of old clothes, what can I say? But as a parent of two young children, I need to wear things that are easily washable, because it’s not a matter of IF I will get someone’s oatmeal on myself … it’s just a matter of WHEN.
But this vintage store is a great place to browse and dream about what I would buy if I didn’t have kids: polyester fringe, sequins, suede vests, hand-​knit sweaters with kittens on them. I saw several muu muus that would have made Mrs. Roper from «Three’s Company» proud.
And, of course, Broad Ripple Vintage has that requisite old-​man-​and-​moth-​balls smell that a good vintage store must have.
The display cases by the counters are packed to the gills with accessories like sunglasses, necklaces, patches, purses, and the like. There is so much stuff, it’s almost overwhelming.

When we were planning on moving to Indy I made sure to look up vintage shops and Broad Ripple Vintage popped up right away. While touring the area last fall (2014) we stopped in to check it out. I used to manage a vintage shop and I recognized right away how well it was organized, and they have mostly authentic vintage at reasonable prices (I spotted a few reproductions from Stop Staring and Modcloth). However, those were few and far between.
The lady who owns the shop seems genuinely interested in her business and her customers. I’ve been back several times and each time is better than the last. Lovely selections and service.

I love Broad Ripple Vintage! If you have not stopped in to check this business out yet, you should! The shop is filled with clothes and accessories for vintage lovers, or for those seeking outfits for themed parties, etc. I recently found outfits for a 1940s themed event as well as a 1950s party. The prices are extremely affordable and the cute lady who works at the shop is very helpful! I told her what I was envisioning and she was able to find exactly what I was looking for. THIS is key. I would recommend going when it is not real busy and enlisting the help of the store owner as it is easy to overlook accessories behind the counter that may be just what you are looking for. Truly a gem in broad ripple. This will definitely be my first stop in town for all things vintage.

This is THEE cutest little shop ever!
I came here in search of a specific item to wear to the Unilocal All White event: a pair of white rimmed window glasses.
When I first walked in, the owner greeted me very warmly, and was extremely attentive. Not only did she and I together find the perfect glasses for my outfit, she has a wide variety of all kinds of accessories. I didn’t have earrings to wear either, but I found them there! There were so many people revolving in and out of the store, and she didn’t seem overwhelmed at all. She attended to everyone’s needs, and make sure she circled back around to you.
I ended up spending almost $ 50– partly because I saw so many cool things, and partly because I wanted to support her.
I am into vintage skirts and one of a kind items, so I will be back here very soon. There are so many things to look at, and she said she gets new things all the time. If you are looking for something specific, she said she can order it.
If you are unique, or looking to find unique items, this place is great for that. I highly recommend it!

As a recent college grad– thrifting became second nature over the past few years. I stumbled upon this place and LOVED their selection. Great stuff for men and women. I found a great pair of vintage jean shorts and a denim jacket. Canadian tuxedo complete. Service was great– not what I usually expect when thrifting Good Wills and Salvos. The people that work here like their job and it shows. Cool dressing rooms too– says no pictures but I won’t lie selfies have been taken. Hit up next time you’re in a jam and need something cool, funky, and cheap to add to your wardrobe.

Wonderful collection of true vintage outfits for both men and women. Very nice selection and array of accessories and unique gifts.
I was lucky and found two amazing items, including a fantastic white fur jacket for the fall. It is stunning with a great price on it. Also got 20% off!
The owners were very sweet and helpful, I plan to return again soon when I have more time.

Absolutely love this place… the owner Stephanie is warm friendly and attentive. from the moment I walked in she helped me with everything… I found exactly what I was looking for got two evening dresses and two pair of shoes for 120.

Went to one of my favorite shops in broad ripple. When leaving with some friends one of the owners came out and told us we had been stealing, were banned, and never to come back. He said he had us on film but wouldnt discuss it with us. When we left he called my african american friend the n word. Im horrified and irritated the place ive been giving business to for years are run by awful people.

So I love Broad Ripple Vintage for the interactions and gems you can sometimes find.
Last time I was there and bought something (not just soaking up the character) was back in 2010 or 2011… And one of the owners became infatuated with myself and a friend. His name was John I think? He gave us a card and wrote on it that we could have 20% off whenever we wanted. And signed it. To make it legit. He talked the Doors with us. We tried to carry on a convo only using Beatles lyrics for awhile. It was a good time.
This was a also a favorite when I was in high school. A friend of mine (back then) loved it which is funny because (at that time) she hated thrift shops… I say that’s funny because I was at value Village the other day and a swarm of people I know from BRV were in there like bees. Going through racks and just grabbing tons of stuff…
I know they source things from places, but it’s just funny a lot of it seems to be sourced at such a readily accessible place.
I was with my mother at VV that day and she asked the associates — who confirmed what I had already thought… So I know it was them.
So you can go to BRV and get the awesome interactions or go to where they seem to get a ton of the merchandise on their own… And obviously pay a lot less (especially with a VV coupon) but have to pick through… But then again you have to pick through at BRV… Hmmm… This started with four stars and now I am going down to three…

I stopped in here because of the reviews, but I absolutely hated it. I’m used to the cramped stores of Broad Ripple, but I couldn’t get over just how cramped this place was. It was very dusty and just felt unclean. Their selection wasn’t the worst, but I just couldn’t stand being in here for long. I would also never pay the price they want. Maybe I’m just too used to Madison shops these days.

Really cool items at great prices.
While exploring Indianapolis, my niece wanted to find a thrift store. What we found instead was this really funky little gem. Everything was on sale when we went at 20% off. The prices were already reasonable before the discount.
The owner of the store rung us up and was so incredibly nice and helpful or he was just flirting with me. Either way, we got a great deal and loved this place.
If hippy shirts from the ‘70s and ‘80s surfer panchos are your thing, you too will love this place.

I mean, c’mon.this place rocks. They have so much stuff you could spend hours reminiscing about the horrible clothing decisions we made as kids. Plus they have so many sunglasses and accessories that are all priced crazy cheap. I love bringing out of town friends to this place and then walking down the road for some dinner and drinks. Parking is in the front and on the side of the building there is a lot with more spaces.

We were greeted by The Doors just as others suggested. If you want vintage clothing, this is the place to go. Racks and racks. We liked perusing the vintage posters too. I don’t think they’re for sale but they were the highlight for us. Everything appears to be reasonably priced and in good condition from tees to overalls to lingerie to suspenders. The owner was really nice. If they should ever decide to close up shop, I want the «vintage» sign on the outside!

Stopped here on impulse while visiting the area. I have a super curvy hourglass figure and have trouble finding modern clothes that fit in all the right places and therefore am partial to vintage clothing. However, my typical NYC vintage options are over priced & heavily picked over. I was pleasantly surprised by Broad Ripple Vintage in Indianapolis! John & Stephanie were super friendly and helpful, even assisting me by pulling suitable pieces that I could not have even seen with the amount of stock they have! Surprisingly organized, but definitely packed in tightly.
Their accessories stock was extensive (lingerie, buttons, scarves, shoes, & great purses!), fitting rooms were comfy & funky with multiple mirrors and shag carpet (great touch), and of course, they play The Doors non stop.
Fun, quirky little place that has fair prices, good stock, and lots of personality. They even offered to ship a dress I was interested in to me in NY if I was able to find a tailor that could make the alterations I desired to make it more wearable. Easily one of the best things to do in indie Indy.

Stopped by here on my hunt for an outfit for the 80s prom. The ladies in here were so wonderful and so helpful! I tried on dress after dress and nothing was quite right but they didn’t give up on me. The lady was kind enough to call the owner’s and ask them to look in the stuff they had at home. Although in the end nothing ended up working they were wonderful to work with and I will most definitely be back for the next «back in time» extravaganza!

Vintage range includes retro tees, casual and formal dresses, select boudoir/​burlesque corsets, and large men’s section (inc. vests, jackets, shoes). Excellent assortment of jewelry and sunglasses.
As well as pieces from other eras, the current retro trend for the 80s was well represented here. Yes, I grew up in the 80s and could find Molly Ringwald dresses, oxford shirts, bow-​at-​the-​neck blouses, and undergarments that I still consider clubwear. God bless Madonna.
Great assortment of casual sundresses/​long skirts from boho beachlife and crushed cotton to small floral prints and sequin saris. Several denim overalls available for the comfy Come-​on-​Eileen look, too.
Favorite find of the day: black Madonna-​style fitted dress for my daughter (yes, I hoped it would fit me first), giant owl earrings for me, cute retro frog tee for other daughter. But don’t tell her! It’s for her birthday.
For the brave girl who wants something different than the club tops at the mall, I recommend checking out the awesome corset-​style tops.
To-​the-​ceiling merchandise, but organized racks. I get anxious in tight quarters but was very comfortable shopping here. The Doors music and button collection kept my husband peacefully searching for gifts while my visiting-​from-​LA sister and I tried on treasures in the 2 roomy dressing rooms.

This is a really cool vintage store that carries just about everything you can think of thats retro. From the furry night stand lamps, to the old and faded 501 blue jeans. If this place were in the Haight and Ashbury, they would make a killing.
The owners were helpful and very personable. I also liked that they only play music by The Door’s in their store.