Vintage Steals at Hunt and Gather in University Heights

It was a sad day when University Heights said goodbye to Neighbourhood boutique, but the mourning gave way to excitement when we learned who took over the lease.

San Diego residents and apparel designers of fifteen years, Zoe and Lee Reynolds birthed Hunt & Gather boutique to fill a void in the San Diego shopping scene. A vintage boutique reminiscent of shops in San Francisco, Notting Hill and New York, Hunt & Gather brings locals an incredible selection of garments and accessories as well as reconstructed vintage items.

You may be thinking San Diego already boasts many vintage stores and thrift shops; yes, but none quite like this one. Walking into Hunt & Gather is like creeping into Kate Moss’s closet. Devil-may-care style with a twist of international chic. One gander at the untraceable assortment and I figured the couple named the new style child Hunt & Gather because they went hunting and gathering for incredible finds, and then set up shop.

The store’s name, however, is a reflection of the most natural function: “We have to hunt for things to survive. Certain people can’t survive without fashion, for some its music,” explains Zoe. “It’s also a place to come together and gather with others.”

Who wouldn’t want to hang out in this jewel of a shop? Besides extraordinary, season-less female fashions, Hunt & Gather has an equally stylish men’s section, local art for sale and rare vinyl to boot; all while Lee, a local DJ, spins music.

Insider Tip: Some lady items to look out for in Hunt & Gather: a fur vest, English boots, strapless plaid tunics made from men’s dress shirts, and ‘80s glam earrings. Hunt & Gather items for gentlemen to look into: snappy dress shoes, MacGyver’s leather jacket and soft, soft tee shirts.