The Girl Can’t Help It

Needed to find some vintage jewelry for my daughter’s wedding. She had some specific items in mind and when we walked into the store she just loved everything! They had a good selection of jewelry and she found exactly what she was looking for.

First I would like to say I wear vintage everyday and have been for quite some time so I’m not a hard sell when it comes to vintage gems but this place is way over priced for what what they have in their shop. I was in San Diego for a vintage hunting day and was shocked at their prices. I saw a 50s cotton I liked that I thought it might be a little less than the rest of the store cause it was missing a few buttons but nope it was $ 95. No special brand not a fancy material. Just a cotton plaid dress with missing buttons for 3 times the cost of other stores. Now I am from Northern Orange County and maybe vintage is cheaper up here but I wouldn’t pay that much if it had all its buttons. I also got a weird vibe from the staff. Everyone in the store except me was greeted and had someone helping shop and picking out items for them which I’ve never really seen before in a vintage shop so an extra star there. But it was kind of weird that I was the only one that had some one hovering over me not saying anything while I shopped. Maybe I looked like I had «don’t talk to me» written on my forehead that day, or I snuck by their view at first cause I’m so short or the staff was shy but I don’t know if I would return cause I don’t really liked to feel like I’m being lurked over and their prices are way too high.

This is a dynamite vintage shop. The selection has been expertly curated and represents a diverse collection of well-​maintained vintage frocks, accessories, and kitsch. I appreciate that they do offer a few reproduction pieces, too, and they are quick to point out which ones they are so you don’t think you’re getting a vintage piece.
They have a relatively large selection of menswear and a great selection of funky old ties, including peek-​a-​boos!

This girl can’t help it!!!
I love this place! I was looking for a dress for a themed event at Disneyland (Dapper Days!) and had no idea where to go. I went here and it totally blew me away!
I loved the boutique feel and it has an amazing selection of cute and unique vintage dresses, gowns, swimsuits, separates and accessories. The woman who ran the store (in my excitement I have forgotten her name) was extremely helpful and even took my measurements to make finding the right dress easier.
I’m definitely going back! This store is a gem!

I’ve been to my fair share of vintage shops, but I have to say, this place TAKES THE CAKE!
In this day in age «vintage» means just not new. And it’s getting aggravating. But this place, boy this place is FULL of true vintage.
Most of the shop is 30s, 40s and 50s. With a few pieces on either side of those decades. Stunning dresses abound as well as super rare spectacles of Hawaiian dresses and shirts and western wear, plus holy grail items such as showgirl costumes, and unique lingerie. There are vintage stockings, jaw-​dropping hats, purses and glorious bobbles to wear.
There’s stuff for the men too! Ties, shirts and jackets of the most suburb caliber.
Also in stock are vintage repro/​inspired items from Vivian of Holloway. Perfect for the gal wanting a vintage dress, but not an avid collector or life-​style person.
Items have their waist measurements. And if you don’t know your waist, talk to Gail, she’ll measure you. And hey, it’s IMPORTANT to know, because it will make shopping a million times easier.
All of the items are in immaculate condition too.
The shop is pretty well lit, and items are organized well. The more delicate items are roped off, and I totally get that! You really don’t want people with no interest in buying or who don’t understand vintage trying on for kicks and giggles.
Prices reflect the quality and rarity of the items in stock. Not for the thrifter. For the collector of avid vintage wearer.

There are few places in this world that make me giddy and jump for joy, TGCHI is one of them. With glorious gowns for days to the perfect little novelty brooches, you are sure to find that special item to brighten your day. The owners of
The store are a wealth of knowledge too. Any questions I have they are willing to jump to help me and always finds the best item for any occasion. HAVE TO STOP BY WHILLE IN SAN DIEGO.

This place was great. Selling both reproductions and real vintage. There were a couple of pieces that were divine and well worth the price. A lot of quality 2 piece outfits. The highlight of my trip was finding this hand painted Mexican circle skirt with matching top. I bought one like it just 6 months ago and never thought I’d find one like it again. The owner and his wife were very informative on the subject and gave me all sorts of insider clues when spotting other Mexican Circle skirts while shopping.
Thanks! I will definitely be back.

Dear GAIL (as your profile lists you),
I went for a long time on Unilocal by my stage name, Paris Blues (Paris B.), as many people here knew me as such. Since I no longer perform, I’ve permanently switched my profile to my real name. See how silly that ‘gotcha!’ is, «Sparkle»?
A little hint from someone who used to work in customer service: You don’t insult someone, try to make their honest shopping experience look like a complete lie, and then attempt to «invite» them back into your store to hand over their money to you! WTH?! I’ve been on Unilocal for quite a long while, and I love writing favorable reviews. If you look at my history, they’re mostly all positive. People who follow me here know that I’m scrupulously honest in my reviews. What you term «personal attacks» are merely my painstaking efforts to paint a picture of the businesses I frequent and the sights I see while I’m there. How dare you?
If the customer service at your store was so excellent, then why was the «rail» of pants not pointed out to me the first time I was there? Why was I not even greeted? Perhaps because I didn’t fit the aesthetic mold of a white, snobby hipster?
No, I stand by my original review one hundred percent. I still cannot recommend this business. Anyone with the audacity to ask for my money without apologizing for the shoddy customer service or other insulting behavior doesn’t deserve it. I mean, that’s Retail 101. Arguing with your customers’ honest experiences in your store is not.
Also, GAIL, you fail at reading comprehension. My original post relates how you defended the racist term ‘coolie’ in reference to a hat, not that you used the exact word anywhere (although I wouldn’t put it past you). You pooh-​poohed other peoples’ objections to using the term. You laughed them off. That sort of oblivious cultural ignorance obviously extends to your customer service techniques, as your response to my original review bears out.
Making a living in vintage retail accompanies (or should) a certain amount of respect for current social sensibilities. You’re in the U.S. now – try picking up a book or two on cultural theory and customer service skills to better understand this country’s history and business practices. If it’s such a «pleasure» to assist customers, why did no one bother to assist me in your store (with your mostly-​expensive wares)?
«Sincerely,» my ass.
(Wow! This was a fun response to write… The owner of this shop really set herself up with that backhanded «invitation»!)

Amazing vintage and Gail is super fantastic to chat with about vintage!

Only one word for this store… WOW!!!
Not only does this store have everything we’ve always wanted as true vintage goes, but their taste in their vintage inventory is impeccable.
The minute we walked in there as a group, we knew we had found a true diamond in the rough; granted, yes there are definitely other vintage shops not only in North Park, but all over San Diego, but nothing quite like this. This shop is nothing less than remarkable and we felt like goddesses trying on all of their beautiful vintage gowns.
The customer service treatment we received from Sparkle and Jasja (store owners) was just the icing on the cake! Not only are they extremely knowledgeable regarding vintage wear and era-​specific clothing, but they are so nice and hilarious at the same time! We’ve definitely never received such great service at any other vintage shops around here.
If you have yet to shop there, we highly recommend you do, and really soon! Shopping there won’t be your typical normal shopping experience; you will be happily greeted the second you walk through this shop’s doors, as well as ask you if you’re looking for something special. Oh, and please feel free to let them know if you are unsure of your measurements, as they will measure you right on the spot!
We will never forget the first time we stepped foot into this shop; it was a match made in vintage heaven, and not only did they make lifetime customers and a bunch of burlesque gals happy, but they were so thrilled with us that they became our supporters and sponsors!
Anyone looking for top-​of-​the-​line vintage, needs to stop searching high and low and just step on in to TGCHI; we guarantee you that your quest for the most intricate and perfect vintage piece will end there.

Stopped in after passing by several times. This store is super rad. After checking everything out I started chatting with the guy/​owner behind the counter; super nice guy.
Anyways, all of the newest pieces were from the 50s-​60s and everything was in immaculate condition. The prices reflect the quality plus, it seems, a little something extra… that’s the only reason for not giving the place 5 stars. Just a little too rich for my blood, but we did go home with a piece or two (instead of way more).

The Girl Can’t Help It is new the vintage scene in San Diego and to that I am grateful.
My husband was unloading some old Army gear at the surplus store when their adorable sign caught my eye to lure me in to see what they had.
My favorite part about TGCHI is how they weed out people coming in to buy silly things for a Halloween or themed party. If you want that kind of low end crap, go to Flashbacks. TGCHI is clearly only for TRUE vintage lovers. The lady in here would easily point you to whatever you were looking for. I love the huge selection of vintage lingerie in the back that is still in great condition. The dresses on the back wall are fabulous and well preserved. Their garments will cost you a very, very, very, pretty penny which is the only downside. A little more affordability would be cool considering some of the prices I could easily go to Nordstrom and buy some new dresses however that defeats the vintage element. I’m sure I’ll suck up a price tag some day when something really catches my eye and knowing you can put deposits down on a dress which is awesome for those in between payday shopping finds.
I’ll definitely be keeping my eye out on this small business!

I’ve been an avid vintage dresser for nearly two decades and never had I had the chance to be around such an amazing selection of true vintage clothing such as this store has to offer.
I fell in love with this store, just as much as I fell in the owners Sparkle and Jasja! I’ve visited other vintage shops around town, and for some reason I’ve never really had an amazing experience until I stepped foot in this store that I’d like to refer to as «A huge slice of MY heaven»!
I will never forget my first visit at this shop. It was their grand opening and I had to go and show my support and welcome them to our San Diego community. As I was slowly moving my way up and down the racks, admiring all of the beautiful vintage clothing, I spot a gorgeous black halter top sarong dress with matching bolero by Vivien of Holloway (my favorite repro designer from the UK). I couldn’t believe that I had the opportunity to try on one of her pieces before buying so I was assisted into the dressing room by this gorgeous blonde bombshell. I tried the dress on and it was so lovely, my hubby had no choice but to buy it for me on the spot. Well I soon came to find out that the lovely blonde bombshell that assisted me was none other that Viven from Vivien of Holloway herself!!! Wow, what an experience it was to have had Vivien herself assist me with the purchase of one of her designs.
Needless to say that The Girl Can’t Help It definitely has a customer for my lifetime, and I can absolutely without a doubt support and highly recommend anyone wanting to purchase any of their vintage clothing to this store.
Thank you Sparkle and Jasja for making me feel so special every single time I walk thru your shop’s doors!

This store has it all. By far the best selection of vintage clothing in amazing condition and so attractively displayed. What a treat to be able to choose from such an extensive selection of vintage goodies. The owners, Sparkle and Cad really have an eye for Hollywood Glam and are so knowledgeable and does it show. I enjoyed my visits to their London stores and know they are going to do great in San Diego as well. This store is worth the trip.

I’ve been passing by this amazing little shop every day on my way to work, and today finally stopped in.
TOTALLY FELL IN LOVE!
There is so much fun to be had in this store! Everyone was very helpful, not pushy at all. I came across so many great dresses, skirts, sweaters… but totally fell for a beautiful 1930s dress, even found a bra from the 30s to complete the look of the dress! I can’t wait to wear it out!
If you love and appreciate vintage clothing you must check out this shop :)

Fun place to find vintage clothing for both men and women.
I found the hats to be the most appealing.
Be mindful that this is a VINTAGE shop, not a discount or bargain shop. Serious shoppers only.
If you are looking for something UNIQUE to wear for a special event, this may be the place to visit.
MAD MEN fans might consider this place a little bit of heaven on earth.
The quality of the clothing and accessories are very good… ‘They don’t make them like they used to’
Dresses seemed to have an average range from about $ 60 to $ 250
Have fun!