My Favorite Places to find Old Stuff

by Elena Coates

One of my favorite shopping strips in Houston is 19^th Street in The Heights.  It’s as funky, eclectic, and fashionable as it is grungy, old-school, and fun.  Like the rest of Houston it evolves at a rapid rate, but there are some mainstay operations where I love to find Old Stuff.  Not just antiques, but a wide range of well-loved possessions waiting to find their way into my life and home.

Adding to 19^th Street’s allure for me is the fact that I live in the Heights, and it is accessible to me both as a pedestrian and a trike-rider.  For drivers, there is plenty of parking and all of it is free.

First stop traveling East to West is Chippendale Eastlake Antiques.  

This unassuming corner shop has presented me with an antique oak secretary desk and a

 to-die-for Bergere chair and ottoman that I 

saw through the window AND BOUGHT THE 

SAME DAY (although pink rose upholstery is 

currently being replaced). There are also 

brooches galore in this place, and some 

lovely antique rings.  But the thing I would 

send people here for is the silver - gobs of it, 

from flatware to serving pieces to tea & 

coffee sets, I have never seen so much in 

one place to choose from.  Even if you 

never buy a fork, you’ve already feasted 

your eyes.

A bit farther down the street on the North side is Grace Hart & Company Antiques.  This store is huge and eclectic, and it’s hard to categorize their inventory since they have so many vendors.  They have lots of dishes and furniture; memorabilia; usually some great
lamp bases; and an abundance of tabletop  

disco balls.  By the time you read this I will have acquired one.  I bought a triple-strand of Barbara Bush-style faux pearls here, in mint condition.  They were a gift for my husband, but that’s another story.  It’s such a big place, it’s likely you’ll see something that you like, or, at least, that makes you chuckle.

Moving away from Stuff and on to Clothing, I present you with the Mecca of re-sale garments & accessories: Retropolis.  So small and insignificant, the door is easy to overlook – it appears to belong to the store next door.  But when you enter you will realize you have stumbled upon a veritable clown car of vintage fashion:  a two-story treasure trove of clothing and accessories that looks like your fairy godmother’s attic.  From cowboy boots to handbags and jewelry, cabana wear to sequins, you will find it here.  I have bought vintage Caribbean shirts for my husband, a custom-made suede-fringed cowboy shirt, and a silk halter dress by Ralph Lauren.  And all for prices that will boggle your mind.  You will look fabulous!

Now that you’re outfitted, proceed westward to our final stop for Old Stuff, Gen’s Antiques.  Like the others, this store has much to offer; but the surprise is the enormous room in The Way Back, stocked with mid-century furniture: dressers, vanities, sideboards, wardrobes, and more – all at exceptional prices.  And they will give you a FAIR DEAL.  While I was there buying this flawless Avalon Yalton dresser, there was another dealer eyeballing the goods.  He buys them at Gen’s and sells them at a 500% markup at his place.  “For real.” 

So enjoy your search for Old Stuff on 19^th Street – and watch this space for my favorite places on 19^th to buy New Stuff!