Torso Vintages

The main reason I take issue with this place is because 90% of items in the store don’t have a price tag. How do you get a price, you ask? A clerk asks the owner of the store who literally sizes you up and decides how much you can pay. This is a terrible way to do business.
Is the selection here good? Yes, surprisingly good. However, it is extremely overpriced.
A comparable dress or suit in LA would be $ 200 – 400 less than this store. A handbag? $ 100 less.
I prefer Relic Vintage in the Haight over this store.

A perfect place for industry pro’s, stylist, costume designers and vintage fashion collectors. I have placed many pieces for commercial/​editorial usage, its all about making that client shine! These are pieces seen in movies, worn on the red carpet or used for specific historical placement. I always leave a nice budget open for this inventory. It’s a well coveted place, and easy to develop a versatile relationship, especially when I can shop on their
storefront (all pricing is listed) and have them pull in advance what I am interested in. Each piece has its own magic to pair with the right backdrop, and is kept historically relevant providing great inspiration. The inventory is well edited. I can only imagine Torso as a one-​of-​a-​kind location providing not just vintage or trendy or cheap, but tasteful well preserved fashion spanning over 100 years! A must for the industry, and a gold mine for the socialite vintage collector.

I have traveled all over the world, lived in NYC and frequently go to Europe looking for either inspiration on new pieces or great unique finds at thrift stores, flea markets, artisan markets, and of course Antique stores. Torso blew every one of those away. Beautifully curated, not cluttered but nicely stocked so that you definitely feel like you are in a swarm of glam. This would be my «night at the museum» dream. They also sell on 1^st dibs if you cant make it to the shop. The owner and the staff were knowledgeable, knew how to bring vintage into today’s world, and are just a blast. If you are looking for the best, this is it for clothing, shoes, accessories esp couture and designer as well as jewelry and shoes. If I could choose where I wanted to have a shopping spree it would so be here!

Picture this: Days in your youth as a little girl imagining what it would be like to wear precious gowns, couture, purses/​clutches, designer hats and timeless, hand chosen, quality pieces. If you want to relive that dream but it’s actually a reality in San Francisco, then «Torso» is for you. I was impressed by the quality, impeccable upkeep, non over whelming ambiance, KNOWLEDGABLE staff and beautiful selection. Torso was a joyful shopping experience where I spent over an hour learning about quality, cut and tailoring. Thank you Georgina, Veronica and John for all you help and sharing your wealth of knowledge about clothes and fashion! Truly a fun shopping experience!

(The last three sentences are the most eye opening if u don’t have time to read my whole review)
If I could I wouldnt give them any stars. The service was rude and the clothes were ugly. The sales women had a shitty attitude. First she asked me what occasion I was shopping for: my senior ball. Then she asked my price range: $ 500 (not cheap). She then looked me up and down and asked me what size as if I am a size ten (in reality a size 2, but whatever). Then she showed me an ugly brown dress my grandmother wouldn’t wear and an olive color green dress that was falling apart. I didn’t like either of course, I’m not 90. Then I asked if I could look at the dress down stairs and she said NO and then she told me to go somewhere else because this is all designer vintage that I couldn’t afford or appreciate because she thinks I’m only going to wear it once. Here is what I have to say: All the clothes are over priced and majority of it was NOT design… Saks off 5^th does not qualify as design! Just because I’m young don’t treat me like shit next time I’ll wear Gucci and hold my prada bag and tell her I will never shop there again.

Ok, I heard so much about this store and had high expectations when coming in. Unfortunately, this place is better for drama majors or people over 50 who have a thing for old stuffs.

A friend and I dropped by during our lunch hour, which magically transformed into a two hour fitting session.
Oh the clothes, the clothes! My friend began trying on fur after fur after fur, despite herself. Although I could never purchase real fur, these vintage pieces were quite lovely, and it was hard not to be enticed in this cold, wet winter weather.
Instead, I opted to try on beaded dresses. All of them were way too big for me because apparently, women ate food in the 1940’s. They were beautiful though, gorgeously beaded in excruciating detail, and priced accordingly (Read: Yikes).
The owners of Torso were fabulous. And a girl needs a heaping dose of fabulous every now and again. Before you break out the checkbook, however, I note that you can try to negotiate prices down, should you be so inclined. I never want to pay full price, but I always want to be full fashion, so I like to have this option.
Overall, it’s a big yes. Work it girl, own it.

Had one of the most unpleasant shopping experiences of my life at Torso. My friend who I was accompanying wedding dress shopping, wanted to check out their vintage accessories and potential dresses to wear to her rehearsal dinner, etc. While looking around I spotted a dress that was displayed in the back area. I asked the saleswoman who was standing around doing absolutely nothing whether I could try the dress on. «No», she replied. «We just got that in and if you’re not seriously considering buying it, we discourage people from trying it on.» We were in complete shock by this response. When my friend asked about another dress — this time, a white vintage cocktail dress — the woman said no again, that «they require brides to make appointments in advance, otherwise you are not allowed to try on their dresses due to the „fragility“ of their items.» We should have left right then and there but foolishly I dared to ask the saleswoman about the price of a vintage hat in fairly bad condition (there was a dark yellow ring around the base of the hat most likely caused by sweat) and she said she had to check. I commented that most of their items had no prices to which she coldly replied: «We’ve been collecting vintage for over 20 years; at a certain point we decided not to put prices on anything.» My reply: «So this place is more like a museum than a store» and she snapped, «no. It’s a store.»
ARE YOU SURE ABOUT THAT?
Oh and the soiled hat was $ 365.
Never again.

Torso was one of my favorite vintage stores for many years. About two years ago it completely changed. The high prices were always justified as the merchandise was flawless and clean. Now in place of impeccable merchandise is torn, unmaintained, and often stained clothing being sold as «top tier». Worse yet, the salespeople have become desperate to make a sale and will say anything (the owner included) to make the sale. It’s undignified.
I have stopped by a couple of times hoping the situation would improve but sadly the place feels dingy and the merchandise a far cry from its former self.

The collection and inventory here is amazing, and I think the prices are fair for the quality and location. Not bargains, but that’s really not the point here. Also, the hours listed on Unilocal are wrong, they open at 11am, not 10am. Not their fault, but do be aware if you are planning to go, which I do not recommend. The service is horrifying: rude, condescending, awful.
I am engaged, and looking for a vintage wedding dress. A couple of months ago, I was doing some dress shopping reconnaissance at several shops in town, and stopped in to check if Torso would be a good place to do some serious dress shopping in the future. I asked the salesperson (a young woman) if I needed to make an appointment to come in with my mother and try things on, because I know that is a common policy in the bridal wear world. She told me no, I didn’t need an appointment, that coming during the week is better because they’re not as busy, and they’d love to help. I was a little surprised, but thought «Great – they’re more low-​key than I expected.»
Fast forward to yesterday. My mom came in to town to shop with me, and we decided to start at Torso. I walked up to the counter and told the gentleman working that we wanted to look at some wedding gowns. He gives me this speech about how we need an appointment, and they have brides coming in every single day, and we can look, but certainly not try anything on. I said, «Oh, that’s surprising, because I came in and asked about appointments a couple months ago, and the woman I spoke to told me I didn’t need one.» To which he responds, «Yeah, it really depends who you talk to.» My mother, who owns a small shop of her own, was very surprised and pressed him further, and he told her that we «should have known you needed to email me.» I’m not really sure how we were supposed to know, since apparently only some of the staff is aware of their policies, but not getting to try dresses on really wasn’t the issue. Disappointment I can handle, but rudeness not so much. His tone was so rude, so condescending, and so horrible, it was as though we were absolute idiots for daring to even walk in. We’re not stupid, naïve country bumpkins. I know that appointments are usually necessary – that’s why I asked if I needed one in the first place. And even if we were stupid, naïve country bumpkins, show a little class and at least let us know politely that you can’t fit us in today but there are appointments available on these dates and to come back then.
We will never be back. We went to several other shops and had a great time. It’s too bad, because Torso has great stuff and myself and my bridal party would have loved to spend some money here, but not with that kind of horrible attitude.

I discovered this store today… And I cant get my mind off it. i love looking at all the beautiful items they have. It is like a museum. I do with wish there were a little bit more staff to explain some of the items. Some of them I was just looking because it was beautiful, but I had no idea who was the designer, era, material and most importantly price. It kind of sucks to have so many questions. But I also look really young and out a place. I was on a shopping marathon & was very under-​dressed.
but I am going to go check out their web site & then I can get all the details:-)
Besides that, phenomenal taste:-)

Buyer beware!
Torso will pass off something as so-​and-​so designer and charge mega bucks too!
Not worth the declining dollar these days.
I’ve bought thousands of $ of items here, and one would think that the owners would be more welcoming. Oh well. Money talks and BS walks, right?
I finally learned my lesson the hard way when I realized that the so-​called «Chanel» that they sold me was not.
Oh, the return policy is practically non-​existent.
Run!

I LOVED my first experience shopping at Torso on Sutter Street.
First and foremost, Veronica is AMAZING! She’s not only snappily outfitted, as she breezes around the store, plucking and picking out divine outfits for you, she intuitively knows how to put that vintage 1940’s crêpe dress together with not-​too-​match-​y accessories so you’ll look positively STUNNING for that event you’re going to! That’s what she did for me. I promised to send her pictures!
For those Unilocalers bemoaning (aka WHINING) about their prices, darlings, you’re in San Francisco not some little burg in Wisconsin, Indiana, Michigan, et al where your rent is probably the price of a single pair of Jimmy Choos.
Gorgeous selection and, if you’re not quite finding what you want, just ask Veronica. She’ll give you that «look» from head-​to-​toe and, trust me, you’ll be so incredibly over the moon with what she helps you find, you’ll be saving your spare 10’s, 20’s, etc. to go back and have blast!
Oh! Don’t miss Veronica’s show at the RRAZZ Room on May 21^st & May 22^nd. She sings just as divinely as she puts together outfits.

Hands down the best vintage couture collection I have ever seen. The prices reflect the caliber of such glamorous fashion but if your a vintage fan, you MUST check out this massive museum of a store. They have gowns worn by old opera star
s on the walls, hats, purses, men’s everything… You name it. I’m not easily impressed but this store is outstanding. 5 stars. 5 big glittery, beaded, vintage stars!

I should have never stepped foot in the store, I was just passing by to get my shoes fixed…
Anyways, I’m not a huge vintage fan at all, but I did find few gorgeous, one of the kind pieces. My jaw dropped every time they respond to my question: «How much is this?»
The beautiful dress, sleek black top, and another killer piece I inquired were all close to $ 1000 each… Which would take me months and months to save up by a cup noodle diet (and by then, I probably won’t fit in them either…) I did end up purchasing 2 fabulous hats to add to my collection.
The person who helped me was really nice (I think his name was Jose), and Veronica was a nice lady with great vibe. Versus the other salesperson who was walking around in the store, didn’t seem to care much for the customers and basically thinks I can’t afford anything (which is not far off but it’s no way to treat a customer).
Yes, I agree that most of the things are over priced here; I don’t want to say it’s a justifiable factor but considering what they are, I might find myself splurging once in a while (once in a LONGGGG while, that is).

High-​end vintage at it’s best. Great flow of merchandise in the store and the dresses & suits styled on display were tre chic. Sure the frocks and baubles are the expensive kind, but you’ve got to appreciate the little touches in every corner that gently scream Old Hollywood (yes i’m talking about you, HUGE, vintage, Seagreen fan blowin’!). And hey, there was even a nice little rack of party dresses that you can use to dress your Halloween Entourage as the cast of Dynasty. (If you don’t get my TV reference then you’re probably too young to shop at this store)
I actually saw an awesome ‘template’ for a lace wedding dress that I would love to emulate… so even though I left empty handed, I still walked away with a head full of creative ideas and inspiration.

Oh Dear! The prices here are absolutely ridiculous! A 50’s beaded cashmere sweater for $ 445? I’ve seen the same items at antique stores all over the place for about $ 50 to $ 75!
They had a necklace that had been re-​purposed out of various vintage jewelry pieces that was gorgeous but it was $ 600! WHAT?
I guess they have to charge exorbitant prices to pay for their rent and probably count on naïve people to pay those prices.
Buyer beware… these prices are WAAAAYYYY TOOOOOO HIGH!!!

If you want to feel fabulous and are willing to abuse your wallet, then this is the place for you. They have the most exquisite vintage pieces that are one of a kind and fit like a glove. The first item I purchased here was a black bridesmaid dress for my friend’s wedding. I never wore strapless dresses before this store but everything is such high quality that when I bent over in this strapless dress, my boobs were secure! I say that’s the mark of a high quality strapless dress. ;)
So when I got engaged, I was determined to find the vintage wedding dress of my dreams. There were only TWO wedding dresses here that I really liked. The first one was way too small on me but was still adorable. The second one fit me like a GLOVE with NO ALTERATIONS NEEDED. How many people can say that about their wedding dress? On top of that, Veronica picked out the most beautiful rhinestone necklace for me to wear with it. :)
Today I am picking up a beautiful aqua blue cocktail dress for a wedding I’m attending in 3 weeks. This place is my blessing and curse all at the same time. You will get wonderful service from John and Veronica, mark my words. They have such an eye for what looks great on your body type. LOVE YOU TORSO!!!

This is what an antique store would look like were it to have clothing only. However it really wasn’t my cup of tea.
Torso Vintages is a very boutique store and leaves a lot of space un-​used. I’m guessing this is to create atmosphere, but somehow it makes it seem empty and a little warehouse-​y.
As per overpriced, they very much were. I can’t say I’d buy a single thing from this store and not feel scammed. And where I would have expected the service to be steller (because with most Antique stores this is the case) there’s was lifeless and uncaring.
I’ve walked past again and shook my head. I won’t be returning.

I most likely will never buy anything in Torso.
That being said — I want to buy practically everything in Torso.
Torso is one of the most beautifully curated vintage stores in the city. Actually probably one of the most stunningly assembled stores I’ve been to — ever.
It’s like walking into a museum when you step inside Torso.
Everything is close to being one of a kind, authentic vintage, and absolutely spectacular. You have Oscar de La Renta vintage beaded gowns, perfect intact Chanel suits, classic unique men’s ties, jaw dropping jewelry, handbags — etc.
Torso is easily one of those places — that I would recommend in a second to check out — especially if you have a once in a lifetime event to attend.
As I said before, I will most likely never be able to buy something here, and if you have a chance to check out this place — I doubt you will either; but I’m sure both of us will and would agree — that everything in here would be a pure dream to own.
Five stars for their clothes collection. Six stars if I could afford it.