Everything’s Jake

This guy is awesome. Jonathan looks like he stepped out of a time machine or out of the TV set of Mad Men.
The day I walked in, he was just playing some guitar like he was Buddy Holly. He put down his guitar, turned down his hi-​fi and helped us out immediately.
I was looking for a suit for my upcoming nuptials and he asked some questions about color themes for the wedding and such. I didn’t really have an idea of what sort of suit I wanted, but he had ideas right off the bat. His suggestion was a Glenn Plaid suit with different colors that can be brought out with the right tie and pocket square combination. The Glenn Plaid would be flexible enough for a variety of color themes and be a nice suit to wear on other occasions.
When it was time to take measurements, he knew what my measurements were just by eyeing me. He only whipped out the tape measure to ensure he got the right suit. He not only did this for me, but for the two other guys in the wedding party. He was able to see what their measurements were even before measuring and this was done on three separate occasions since we all couldn’t go at once. We are different body sizes and body types.
Needless to say, my suit was great. It’s a suit that I’ll be wearing on other occasions for sure. I was sad to see that he had closed up shop. I hope him the best in his future endeavors and hope that he some day decides to open up shop again.

What a jewel! Jonathan is a character. And he is entertaining and affable.
This store is fueled by passion, and it shows in everything: from the guitars and the album covers to the wood panels and lamps. It is as much a store as it is a time machine. The suits are stunning, and there are some really great little objects lying around.
To the (very few) negative criticisms on here… it seems that they were put off by the cigarette smoking. That’s like complaining about the steam from the cappuccino machine at Starbucks.
It’s a 1960s vintage store. If a man can’t smoke in his 1960s vintage store… there truly is no logic to this universe anymore.

I needed a suit for my wedding, and I had absolutely no clue what to do. I have a small frame (i.e. I am scrawny), and the only suits I have ever had were too big for me and made me feel thoroughly uncomfortable and awkward. The first time I went in, Jonathan took my measurements and explained the various styles of suits ranging from the 40’s up to the late 60’s, narrowing in on what kind of suit would work for me in terms of my body type as well as the style I wanted. While he didn’t have anything in stock at the time, he told me to check back with him periodically (every couple of weeks) and he would keep me updated if he found anything.
One of the key points he made was: he might not be able to find me something that works in my size and in the right style. Since he is getting his clothing from various sources and you never know what will come up. He was very up-​front about this.
A month or so before my wedding, he told me to come in and check out a few items that he thought would work. I went in decided on one that fit almost perfectly and looked absolutely fantastic! Once I put it on, it was clear that this was the right suit. He helped me choose a tie, pocket square, shirt, etc. and directed me to his tailor to get it perfected (also a great resource: Fitwell on Ventura), and I was all set.
Most of the salespeople I have dealt with have pushed me towards suits that didn’t look right and didn’t fit well; this is something that Jonathan absolutely will not do. He is honest and to the point on this: if it doesn’t fit or look right, he won’t sell it to you. This may come across as harsh, but he won’t let you walk out of the store looking like an idiot.
I cannot say anything bad about my experience at Jake. It could not have gone any better and, most importantly, my wife was happy with how I looked!

My fiancé and I came into Jakes vintage looking for a nice suit for our wedding. We explained to him what we were looking for and gave him plenty of time to find something, over 4 months! He seemed confidant he could find what we were looking for, took my fiances measurements, and besides some annoying Hollywood name dropping it was a good experience. Then, after waiting two months to hear from him my fiancé called to check on the suit progress where he was rudely informed that Jake was working on June weddings right now and that he would have something for us later. Guess what, we NEVER heard from him, so a month before our wedding we ordered a custom made suit from Indochino. Thanks for wasting our time Jake, I guess we weren’t famous enough to shop here.

My boyfriend has been looking for a suit for a while. He is tall (6 ft) and very skinny (30 inch waist). He’s gone to stores, I’ve called around and no one has a 30 pant with a 36L jacket. No one.
But I thought vintage might work since clothes seem to be sized smaller back then. I Unilocaled vintage suits and up came Jake Vintage.
Jonathan (the owner) is super nice, super well-​dressed and super helpful. He will make sure you get a suit that you look good in AND feel good in.
He is VERY knowledgeable about suits and I liked knowing the history of each suit that my boyfriend tried on! It made it feel more personal.
If you are an odd size or skinny (or normal!), go to Jake Vintage stat! He’ll find you something great. And you’ll have a fun time!

This place is amazing, and the owner, Jonathan, is spot on about helping men who might not want to go so vintage mix it up with their current wardrobe.
I was a bit overwhelmed the first time I walked in here, but do yourself a favor and meet Jonathan. Besides being an incredible source of knowledge (not just on vintage and style), he is a true gentleman and will help guide you to find what you’re looking for. There is no pressure whatsoever, and he is very honest if something doesn’t work.
Jake Vintage can come across as looking expensive, especially if it’s your first time walking into the store. Do not be fooled — everything is priced quite fairly. You’ll find that each piece he has hand selected and is of the finest quality.
The only downside is that every time you feel like you know how to dress, you see Jonathan and, well, it’s just depressing how well this man dresses.

So the guy that owns this shop is an original badass. You can tell from his NRA sticker on the window and the clip of bullets sitting on his desk that he is there to sell some vintage f-​ing clothing. I had a really good talk with him, and he recommended a great tailor where I could have my suit let in. He also pointed me to a great leather goods store in the valley for luggage. He has a very good selection of vintage suits, shirts, glasses, etc, all of it professionally cleaned so it doesn’t have that weird «grampa» scent. Awesome store, if you like mid century fashions– check it out.

Trying to find a suit in LA is probably one of the easiest ventures to do. Although, finding a suit you love and makes you feel great, isn’t so easy to do. Johnathan’s passion and expertise is impeccable. I approached him not knowing what i wanted nor the fit that was just right for me, Johnathan picked out a couple for me to try and gave a lesson on fashion and design in the process.
He was out of my size in shirts, didn’t have any ties or shoes for me, but he sent me on my way with advice for what to buy and proceeded to help me complete my attire later.
After spending nearly the entire day at his shop I consider him a friend, a very nice guy who knows his subject well. He continued with sharing his knowledge, stories and patiently taught me how to perfectly tie a tie, allowing me a good half hour to practice under his watchful eye too.
I would highly recommend him, especially if your a bit under-​educated in the classier fashion department.

Every guy needs a thing.
A cool thing that you carry through life. Because. A pocket watch, killer cufflinks, a jacket you feel like a million $ in, a Swiss Army knife… The top you spin on the table to make sure you’re not in someone else’s dream.
Jake Vintage is emporium of things that you might not really need, but you REALLY want. Mostly clothing, but some great accessories.
I had to go to a ‘Mad Men’ themed charity event and had about 20 minutes to get it together. Jonathan, the owner, hooked me up. And what he didn’t have, he pointed me in the right direction.
One item was a vintage bottle of cologne that just smelled like the sixties (early sixties). The only place to get it: Barneys (Beverly Hills)… Way too far. But from my point of view, it was the difference between good and great.
Jonathan said «It’s a go big or don’t go thing?» Exactly. So he lent me his bottle. I mean who does that?
Way cool. Stuff, attitude, price.

Great old fashions for reasonable prices

First off, the selection is outstanding. But, as previously mentioned, the stock is extremely limited.
Sadly, I found the service off-​putting. As soon as I entered the store, the owner ran off to smoke in the doorway. I couldn’t tell if this was some nervous habit or an attempt at projecting some trite image of the 60s. Then, if I picked anything off the rack, he was there to smooth out my shoulders and tell me the history of the piece. Nice, right? Yes, but as soon as my hand went toward a pocket, he’s slap it away saying, «Stop that. Stop that.» I don’t even know if he realized he was doing it.
Either way, you’re sure to find something classic in this store. But for me, it’s not worth the effort.

An editor from GQ recommended Jake’s for my boyfriend. I was skeptical that such a small shop would have something that would fit, but we left with a suit of great quality and after a trip to the suggested tailor, we have a one of a kind suit that fits perfectly.
The prices are very reasonable considering the quality and care. The well-​groomed sales guy, Jonathan, made us feel welcomed and comfortable with his knowledge of vintage and men’s fashion.

Very cool guy, very cool spot, very cool guitars, very cool booze, very expensive, very limited inventory, very special vintage clothing. My shortest review ever but that says it all!

It’s not every guy who’s going to appreciate the nuance of an American made Pendleton wool shirt, mink-​lined drink coasters, a pure silk ascot or vintage shaving kits set up on an actual sink in this tiny but very lovingly maintained shop. But for those of you like Jake, men who don’t wake up and grab the first t-​shirt that doesn’t smell like death and call it an outfit, well for you classy gents there is Jake Vintage.
The selection here is small, but very well chosen. You can rest assured anything here that strikes your fancy is a quality made product, and probably one of those rare dying breed of items that was actually «made in America». Jake himself is pretty cool too. He’s more than willing to talk to you about his vintage guitars that are set up in the shop while standing by the doorway with a smoke in his mouth. This place is clearly a labor of love for the guy, and it shows that what he carries in the shop is all stuff he’d have in his own home. Still, with such limited stock it’s going to be hit and miss-​you may have luck with the silver cigarette cases, hats and martini shakers and even maybe a pair of the awesome pants, but the suits are impossible to tailor so you’ve sort of got to hope you have Jake’s build in order to possess one of those beauties.

Jake Vintage is a Gem in a world of gravel. Jonathan the owner is so knowledgeable that I was actually taking notes on the back of an old receipt at one point during our conversation!
Not only could he answer all of my questions but he had all kinds of helpful suggestions about how to figure out which suites look good on which frames (I was shopping for the hubb’s), how to wear (or not) a pocket handkerchief, ties, a great tailor recommendation, I could go on and on. I think we must have talked for at least a half hour…
I personally think that his suit prices are very, very reasonable especially considering that they are in absolutely perfect condition. The only thing I found to be a little pricey were his ties, I’ve found vintage men’s ties of equal quality elsewhere for less. But I think that you may pay a little more for things like that at his store because his over all selection, customer service, and my god the mans knowledge, are so superb.
I love vintage, definitely enjoy good customer service, and a knowledgeable owner /​staff is truly a gift. In all these areas Jake Vintage gets five stars, in the Customer Service and Knowledge categories they get ten stars because Jake Vintage stands out from the crowd by leaps and bounds.

Reasons why you need to go to Jake Vintage:
1. You are a man who’s got a unique, individual style (or desperately needs to find some).
2. You are a woman who’s got a man who fits one of the above.
3. Jonathan Kanarek (the owner) was named a finalist on
Esquire Magazine’s Best Dressed Real Man for 2007. (uh, HELLO! Could you ask for anything better?) This guy knows his stuff and you’ll get an expert’s personal advice.
4. You are looking for a shop that has quality, choice vintage (not stocked with gobs of «filler» that you have to dig through) This place only carries gems. They are clean and pristine and perfect in every way.
5. You want timeless and classic clothing and accessories, because well, you’re smart.
6. You’d be up for a seminar on the rules of style and etiquette. Jonathan will give you some great tips to make you look your very best. (He taught my husband how to tie a real bow tie for our wedding day, and how tailoring can truly make the man.)
We can’t say enough of this place. It is sharp, and personable, and a great place to not only learn how to put yourself on the «A» list of style, but to be a part of a new generation who are bringing back the coolness of being a «gentleman».

I have to say. I’m a little jealous that this place is for guys only. But trust me when I say this ladies, if you have the opportunity, it is worth popping in to this store with your man for some inspiration. Don’t get it twisted, this vintage shop in Los Feliz is a definite ‘stand out’ with its fresh new design concept. If Dean, Frank and Sammy were alive today, they all would shop here. Hell, forget shopping, they would just like to hang out here. Jake has a great selection of tailored vintage shirts, suits, a very smart selection of hats, and a few interesting books to flip through while you are hanging out. The store itself has a very laid back vibe with really great style everywhere you turn. I especially enjoyed the free-​standing forms along the wall (see photos), each with an outfit that showcased a style trend from different eras. Each outfit stood next to a corresponding classic album, and my favorite was the Style Council’s sexy mod ensemble. I wish that outfit came with a man, I was have bought it right there on the spot.