Looking for something old? Anything at all? Or just looking for a crazy experience? This place is jammed full of everything! It's so cool to just walk around slowly looking at all the antiques. There really is everything! Also, they rent costumes. So we used their costumes for a play and they were great. Good rental price, very easy to work with. Just go walk Around this place. Just for fun! read more

It's a treasure hunt in there and if you are in need of something and you don't know where you would find it... you'll find it there!

Wonderful place full of treasures!! Lovely staff, great selection, and decent prices (willing to negotiate when appropriate). You can always find something here. The dishes and other kitchenware are my favorite to shop for here but they also have beautiful jewelry, a mega costume section, and all kinds of other odds and ends! Charlotte is wonderful and super helpful and kind. She helped me out with a beautiful gemstone for my sister a while back and even had a sterling silver band created for it. It was a smash hit and super gorgeous! I appreciate being able to visit and support this business when I can! read more

I was leaving a pawn shop that didn't want anything I had with me (a couple 22K gold plates, a couple class rings and a watch) and was all set to give up on selling these things. (I'd already contacted at least five places that bought silver and gold, along with three antique shops. The highest offer I got was $3-$4, and I definitely wasn't driving anywhere that would cost more in gas than the value of the items.) I just so happened to be driving past this place on my way to run errands. I looked a little closer under the construction signs blocking the entrance, and I saw that they were an antique shop that bought gold and silver. If I hadn't made a wrong turn, I'd have missed this store completely. The guy standing out front organizing everything was super friendly and greeted me immediately. He said "the lady" wasn't there right now. My guess is "the lady" is the owner. But he took photos of my items and texted them to her to see if she wanted them. By this point, I was already skeptical of whether this would work out, but I was pleasantly surprised by the deal they gave me on the watch, the rings and the plates. Two other guys marched in, grumpily yelling about how they had "bags of silver" in their backpacks a wee bit too aggressively for me. The guy who was helping me was professional with them but let them know that they'd need to come back later when "the lady" was there. He continued working with me after those two marched out again, realizing they had to wait a little bit for their transaction. I saw other people shopping in the store, buying some of the most RANDOM items. (My favorite item in the store was a set of napkins that said, "No f**ks to give.") I'd come in here just to see what kind of entertaining items I could find, but I wasn't there to shop that day. Although it's hard to spot due to construction, I like this place. Never seen it before, but it was a pleasant surprise. read more

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This place used to be an excellent source for interesting items at good prices, but the last two times I've stopped by, their prices have been ridiculous. I think maybe they're trying to be 'boutique', but they're still a resale store. Not sure I'll bother trying again. read more

Shopped here for 2 costumes this year and was very happy with my experience. There are lots of options to choose from and it's so nice to be able to rent. I find I often spend just as much buying random parts of a costume that I'll never use again, so it's nice to rent something high quality that looks great. The staff are super helpful, go in with an idea and they'll help you out a costume together. Moira Rose and Jareth from Labyrinth: read more

Lost Eras - Antiques Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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Oh man, such a cool place! The selection is outstanding, but the special sauce here is the staff. I've been here twice now and both times my interaction with the staff has been among the best I've had at any store ever. The first time I was looking to get a gift for my wife for our 10th anniversary. I was looking at the rings, but I'm sure I'm not alone in saying shopping for jewelry that's not for you can be overwhelming. I explained what I was going for and what kinds of things my wife likes, and immediately everyone working at the time got in on the hunt for the coolest ring within my price range - they were getting boxes that weren't on display, it was a whole thing and yeah, the ring we chose was amazing. The next time was on Christmas Eve, so I felt like a jerk for shopping anywhere - and beyond that at that moment none of my credit or debit cards worked because my daughter hid my wallet well enough that I'd thought it was actually lost. I was objectively being the worst, putting the dude through all kinds of payment complications, and not only was he far more patient than I deserved, but another guy working at the time offered me a home baked cookie while we confirmed the Zelle had gone through. There's so much cool, weird stuff here (every time I've come I've ended up leaving with a couple vintage pocket knives, just because I can't look at several displays of vintage pocket knives that miraculously I can actually afford), but despite this it has an incredibly welcoming atmosphere. The prices are really great too. I guess I could sum it up with "I love everything about this store". read more

This place is so amazing i highly recommend You will not see everything in one day it's 2 floors full of memories don't miss out check it out. From comic books to old sewing machines cameras Antique clothing shoes you name it unicycles, jewelry, toys' antique hats read more

So much stuff here, and super helpful staff. Will definitely go again for our costume needs or even just to look around

This place is legendary, and the ideal spot to stumble into a pair of incredible 60s plaid pants, or a full three-piece 70s suit. Charlotte knows her business like no one else and I consider this a staple for vintage clothing in Chicago. read more

I LOVE this place, but it's definitely not for everyone. It's half antique store, half costume shop (more theater than Halloween, though there is a bit of the latter). I've been antiquing my entire life and have never seen anything quite like it due to the sheer volume and variety of items - particularly clothing! The thrill of the hunt is strong here, though ultimately this is the kind of store where the item finds YOU. It's great for those with a strong imagination and a sartorial flair for the dramatic. I'll admit the quality can be dicey, but there are deals to be had if you don't mind pieces that are imperfect. I haven't purchased a piece of clothing here that didn't already have a hole or two and need to be deep cleaned, and much of their furniture is damaged, but some of my favorite things came from this store (at a great price) so it's still worth it. I must admit, I've seen pieces that I thought were outrageously overpriced (especially for their condition), and I've also seen certain items increase in price the longer they've been there, which is super sketchy, but the deals I've found balance it out in the end. I hope they continue to acquire more vintage clothing because that's the biggest draw for me. P.S. Many Yelpers seem to take issue with the owner, but I've never seen her in the half dozen times I've patronized this place so I can't speak to that. read more

Eleven months out of the year, this is a dumpy junk shop. I walk past here sometimes on my way to the Howard CTA station, and I almost never see anyone inside. However, during October, it becomes a treasure trove of costumes, props, and accessories. Selection dries up pretty severely as Halloween approaches, so shop early and take advantage of their "reserve" policy to hold your costume until the needed time. In 2005, I completed a classy modern-day Satan costume with a red-satin-lined cloak which was surprisingly high-quality and less filthy than it could have been (this passes for a compliment). Halloween 2006 was brilliant thanks in large part to a last-minute costume that I cobbled together at Lost Eras--a Highland warrior with kilt, sash, boots, sword, etc. Apparently many, many women want to ask what is under a man's kilt. This can lead to lots of interesting coversations (and more!). I had to return that costume a day late thanks to work committments, but the girl working the counter (not the owner, who is a notorious stickler) didn't charge me a late fee. read more

After exploring more antique stores in Chicago over the last 2 years(and becoming slowly more well-rounded on antiques), it really has dawned on me how junky this store really is, especially the basement. Although you can still find some decent things here, and this is definitely still better clothing-wise if you're looking for vintage/Halloween/etc. clothing, than either Edgewater Antique Mall, or Broadway Antique Market. If I could give it 3.5, I would. The pricing here isn't inconsistent like at Edgewater Antique Mall, or BAM, and the staff at least has remained decent over the years. I'd ideally put this at 4 stars, if the basement was ever cleaned up. And I don't even have a problem with their low basement ceiling, either! read more

I called this place when I was selling things from my grandmother's estate and the experience was truly revolting. At first, I was excited that they were interested in her things and they would be going to a good, new home. No one wants to see their loved one's whole life trashed. Both times the owner was coming to the house, she and the people she came with were late with no heads up (coffee in hand) and in the end she was rude and took advantage. She even had a rude, unjustified comment about mine and my relative's character on sale day. There was a lot going on one of the days she came to the house with her people, and she went behind my back when I was in another room by asking my relative if she could add a piece to her purchase. She had never met my relative before and had only been talking to me about the sale for weeks. So when she and I were negotiating on a final bulk price, she knew I personally did not agree to everything she planned on taking. She just kept taking things and saying we agreed on it and it was included in the price we agreed on. Even things we did not talk about and/or we found after she did her tour and made piles of things she wanted. Selling a deceased love one's things is so difficult (my gma lived in that house for over 65 years) and this person and her crew just kept taking things as if they were entitled to it. No heart, no empathy, just greedy and calculating. Take, take, take. I'm sure the store has nice things (aside my gma's stuff), but I also believe in supporting a company with integrity and soul. This is definitely not the place. read more

Take you back in time.if you like unique and strange things.this is the place. Really nice it's a different world once you come and visit shopping is amazing! read more

Lost Eras - Daring a Diva knows classic and elegant is a must! - Antiques Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

It's a great place for hoarders, people working on movie or creative sets and need props, or anyone with time to look at unique and eclectic collectors items. That I will say. However, some older European man that works there is outright rude (I dont know if it's the euro in him), aggressive, and has absolutely no customer service skill. We walked in, and being there before, we asked about the downstairs section. He goes "why for what. No you can't go it's storage..." we were we have been shown down there before and been told it's open for customers to browse. So we went anyway. He came down 20 minutes later, kicked us out of there. Started screaming saying I SAID IT WAS STORAGE. LEAVE GET OUT. WERE CLOSED. then TURNED THE LIGHTS OFF ON US and ushered us to the door. It was 20 minutes before closing time. And WHO THE HELL TURNS OFF THE LIGHTS ON A SHOPPER WHILE SCREAMING AT THEM. I turned around and told him he was being very aggressive and walked out. Anyway. Love the collections. Hate him. He needs to go. He is so damn rude. Next time I might have to take more action. read more

Why the lowest rating? Because I don't like people who don't have character or EMPATHY. An acquaintance of mine once rented a furnished studio from Charlotte and she encouraged me to visit this antique shop to check to see if there were any available units available for me to rent. I called Charlotte's son a year ago and he encouraged me to stop by...so I did and ended up purchasing 2 vintage coats and a shrug. On one instance I had placed a piece on lay away but my coat had been misplaced and they couldn't find my physical proof of purchase in their filing system. Fortunately for me I have a photographic memory because the owner was going to attempt to overcharge me. We decided on the remainder portion of what I owed and I mentioned I was still in deep need of an apartment but she stated her unit hadn't been fixed after her friend died of cancer there. I mentioned I had two separate storage fees I pay and renting from her would be of help to me to alleviate my high costs each month. She suggested I sell all my antiques to her; but that's not the answer I wanted to hear nor an option for me. One of my coats i purchased has a button that now must be repaired and the shrug was a poor purchasing decision I made because it's in poor condition. Nothing there is stored properly so you may end up buying an article of clothing with flaws or micro tears in the fabric if you aren't careful. I haven't been back to make any new purchases because I can get much higher quality elsewhere in the city. My word of advice to anyone is if you intend to put any item on layaway keep your receipts and don't wait too long to finish your payment plan because they are disorganized and indifferent here. read more

Lost Eras must have lost their minds. I should have known better when I bought a wig that was clearly marked $16.99 on the mannequin and the price was instantly marked up to $20 at the register. We protested the instant mark up but their explanation was "oh.. yea. that price is wrong" When we returned our costumes, which were stained and definitely not the cleanest when we borrowed them, they charged us an extra $5 cleaning fee for each item. Are you kidding? We are talking about dingy, used clothes here. The stains were definitely there before we rented them and we had no way to argue against their "photographic" memory. Even if they weren't, who cares the clothes are so dirty how could anyone tell. And shouldn't they be washing the clothes every time someone rents anyway? shady. Save your money and go to Goodwill where you can buy vinage clothing and actually keep them. $20 is way too much to rent clothes and then be charged a $5 fee on top of that. read more

I can't imagine WHY people don't like the owner! She's awesome! She's so nice and cool and willing to tell you all about the special pieces. My friend and I can't wait to go back next summer when we're in Chicago again. We spent around $1,100 there and the owner packed and shipped everything to my office with my FedEx number. Unlike smaller stores, she doesn't care why you are purchasing items, but just enjoys selling the pieces. (We went to another store and the shop owner was asking why we were buying her stock. None of your business, lady. But I digress...) We had a blast digging through two floors of treasures. We were there around 2.5 hours. I love this place! read more

I adore this store. You will too. It's got an amazing collection of oddments as well as normalments. Or even regularments. Looking to get some nice glassware for a new place, or housewarming gifts for unique individuals? This place has it. It's great for cosplay, weddings, decor, and fields of historical study. Give yourself time. It's an overwhelming amount of amazing stuff. You may rent costumes and props for theatrical productions or musical shows. Period pieces are a specialty. read more

Lost Eras - Antiques Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Their selection is outstanding - you could easily spend a day here and not see everything. Sadly, the service leaves something to be desired. They make up prices on the fly, and there seems to be no rhyme or reason or consistency in their policies. I hate feeling like I've been ripped off every time I've shopped here. Much of their costuming & "vintage" pieces are of dubious quality for what they charge. Still, this is the place that may have that one elusive item no other store has. In my book it's one of those necessary evils - I really love just killing time here wandering around every room with no idea what I'll find on the next shelf or around the next corner. Too bad I dread going to the register. read more

I have lived in Rogers Park for five+ years and have passed the eclectic looking Lost Eras store many times. I thought it would be the perfect place to go for a new project I have that needed vintage pieces. Wow, everything seemed great. So many items to choose from... They even had a basement that continued with the many wardrobe pieces we were in need of. Score!!! Or, at least I thought. After sifting through numerous items and spending over an hour in sewage filled air in the basement, picking out objects and clothing, we approached the front counter with our finds. There were no prices on our items - any of them - and the employee at the front desk insisted that he needed to call the "lady" for a price. He called her, and eventually another employee who spoke native English engaged her on speakerphone. She asked for a description of the items, and they described them, and she replied with "I need a picture. Send me a picture with your phone..." The employees struggled to figure out a camera on their phones and attempt to take a picture. We had two vintage, soiled neck-ties in our pile of clothing/costume items we were buying, unpriced as well, and asked the clerk who wasn't on the phone what they cost. He replied, after looking at the ceiling for a minute, "9.99 each!". We abruptly left the store while the speakerphone debacle ensued. $20 for two "vintage" ties. I wasn't about to find out what they thought the dirty, decaying suits we were about to buy were worth. Evidently, this is a wonderful collection of antique and vintage items. If you actually want to purchase anything, good luck. Prices are on less than 25% of the items in the store. After that, you're at the mercy of phone calls. Lost Eras makes me feel very lost. A shame. And if you're into thrift prices, that's a lost Era here too. read more

Man, the only time I DON'T go in there is on Halloween. The best reason to shop at secondhand stores is to feel like you've found lost treasure, something no one else in the world knows exists. Around Halloween, it's messy, crowded, and with one register, it's no fun. Plus, the owners are VERY comfortable with haggling, but around Halloween, it's just too crazy. The first floor is an overwhelming array of furniture, costume jewelry, houseware and costumes. For the most part, skip that stuff, unless you are really dying for a vintage armoire. The store has been in the family for something like 50 years, and they really don't know what's there. The secret to this place is... The basement. I'm not even going to talk about it. But the basement is the best undiscovered thrift store in Chicago. Don't go alone; it is incredibly creepy, but come to Rogers Park JUST to check out the weirdest fucking basement you have ever seen. And don't be a sissy--haggle. read more

"I want to go to there" one of my good friends lives in chicago, and you know, i love her and all, but i am plotting a return visit *cover your ears cheryl* just to go to this fantastic vintage store. I scored a 1950's Oscar de la Renta dress for 50 bucks! INSANE. I cannot wait to return to chicago and spend some quality time at Lost Eras...i mean, catching up with old friends. read more

This place is total bad ass! Check out the basement! (if you don't get too scared) You can dig for days. Costumes are great and Charlotte the owner is very helpful. I go there and rent a lot of things for our photoshoots and she has always been very helpful. Some things are a bit pricey but they price isn't set in stone.Just ask the staff. oxooxox read more

One of the coolest stores I've ever been to. Be sure to go downstairs into the vast basement area; there isn't even a sign and it looks as if you're not supposed to go down the tiny stairwell that leads there. I echo the sentiment that no matter how brave you are, I expect you'd be freaked out by exploring the basement alone. There are no exit signs, and it's very easy to lose your bearings. It's sprinkled with what must be purposeful placement of freaky dolls looking down at you. The basement somehow seems even bigger and more crammed with interesting stuff than the upstairs. I particularly enjoyed rummaging through someone's old memory box of letters and photos from World War II. There's an insane number of costumes and accessories, and the store is remarkably well organized. Prices seem average, many things are unmarked, but they must work tirelessly to keep this place in relative order. It is crammed with goodies, and I could easily spend four or five enjoyable hours here and only scratch the surface. read more

I love this place! They have unusual items that they don't have at any of the other costume shops in Chicago. One of the reasons for this is that it is also a vintage shop, and the owner sometimes provides costumes for television and movies. She also goes to estate sales and buys up some unique items. There is really quite a bit of stock. The basement is full of stuff too, but you have to duck your head in some places or you will receive a big bump. I could spend hours sifting through items if I had the time. The only thing I would change is that there are hardly any prices on anything, but sometimes that can work to your advantage, if the owner is feeling kindly towards you. You have to be willing to try and negotiate on prices. It is also in kind of a questionable area, but I am rating the shop itself and the staff. read more

Very well-kept secret. After eating an Italian beef at RPP (Roger's Park Pizzeria), walk on over to search for some giant easter bunny heads, wedding dresses, viking costumes, and FANCY HATS. I scored a cashmere and fox fur sweater here, in PERFECT condition, for $65. It's so luscious and sexy. Mmmm. read more

I've been going to Lost Eras for the past four years with my two teenagers for their costumes and other goods that one can find with available time in the store.My favorite is everything found in the"Basement" we did not see any ghosts yet my daughter who is very intuitive did sense the vibe of the building.I highly recommend telling your friends Lost Eras is for me a great real Chicago type of place in a great part of the city. The Pabs read more

I never seem to wake up in the morning and say "I'm going to go to Lost Eras," but sometimes, on Saturday afternoons I sorta just end up there. The place is crammed to the gills with antiques, costumes and old shit that you'll never use, but want none the less. Last time I was there, they had a CD rack full of 90's alternative rock. Be sure to head down to the basement. If you can, be sure to be on some heavy psychedelics, because the floors and ceilings are uneven and I'm sure that would be sorta trippy. Speaking of ceilings, if you're tall, watch your head down there. Basically, everything is over priced, but don't be afraid to haggle. They will work with you. Especially if you actually know how to haggle. I've never paid asking price there. An added bonus is that if you're there on a Saturday afternoon, sometimes you'll hear a stoner rock band practice upstairs. read more

A fan of used clothing stores, costumes, and cool junk, this is one of my favorite hidden treasures. Hidden, because it is on a part of Howard Street you may not normally stroll along when out window shopping. I've been ducking in for years around Halloween to construct my costume, picking and choosing from racks and racks of old and odd clothes in the basement, or to wander the impressive selection of costumes for rent--animals, medieval, sports, you name it, they probably have it. Looking for theater props? Loads of vintage items in the basement. I also purchased a red wood, claw foot dresser from the used/antique furniture side in 2005, which is still in my bedroom. Lots of awesome and weird stuff. If anyone lived in Andersonville when it was cool and remembers George's Junk Shop . . . like that, but with costumes. read more

I have never been inside Lost Eras until today and when I went inside it looked so disorganized and stuff was just left everywhere. But I guess that's what you expect when you go into a store that's in a semi-bad neighborhood. there were 3 pairs of shoes i wanted to get which were $3 each and i told the lady I only had $5 and she was like, "oh". I really wanted the other shoes........................................ P.S: Also, will someone please tell the store owner not to leave furniture ( for sale ) outside the store? Especially by the bus stop. So annoying. read more

Lost eras is a funky, eclectic place where you can find a little bit of everything - costumes, antiques, rings, masks - very cool. If you need a unique costume for Halloween, this is the place (but make sure you call ahead - they run out of the most popular costumes quickly). To me, this store represents the tough, diverse nature of my hood - the reason why east RP won't be taken over by hipsters and bobos looking for that "urban feel". read more

I seriously could get lost in here for days... or eras I suppose. They ended up selling the cabinet that I wanted but that's what I get for waiting to see if it will go down or not. One recommendation is to swing by the basement... it is creepy especially when they have the guy down there doing repairs (I can't help but think of every horror movie ever created especially house of a thousand corpses, if you've seen the movie you know what I'm talking about) and head down there with at least one friend... preferably a big strong guy (points if he's cute) read more

This place is amazing!!! Such a hidden gem. Could be there for hours! The basement was filled with old nic nacs. Organized for the most part! read more

Thank you so much to Lost Eras! High quality items, incredibly helpful staff, HUGE SELECTION, right in my neighborhood! I'll be setting aside an entire day to check out both levels more fully, as well as coming out for Wine Night. Thank you!!! read more

I need a Twenties Head Band. I made one stop and it was there and affordable. I did not want to buy it so I was able to rent it. At the end of the day, I had a perfect outfit. Jill M. read more

This place is immense with items from many time periods. Furniture, clothing, jewelry, dishes and much more available. The staff was very friendly and helpful. You can probably find anything here for a costume, theater group, and hip clothing etc. read more

Beautiful old place with loads of things to shop, explore, & and pretty much live in your own fantasy if you have some imagination. From books to costumes & little adventure this shop has it all. Some things maybe a little pricey but lucky the owner is always open to a little bargaining too. read more

Wonderful wonderful service. The owner and the guy who worked there was very helpful. Took the time to help me find everything i needed. Great service i will be back. Can't wait to show off my new 80s outfit. read more