Flashbacks Recycled Fashion

This thrift store is totally tubular and groovy, swell and nifty, all rolled into one. While there are a lot of costumes or items you could use as a costume, I would imagine loads of people shop there for unique finds for every day wear.
I found the shoes Molly Ringwald wore in Pretty in Pink, I’m pretty sure. There was also a pink matching lace corset style belt that’d go totally radical with the shoes. Alas, I did not purchase them and decided they’d be better suited for someone else.
If you’re looking for some hand me downs that are definitely unique and you won’t have to worry then that bitch Janice in the next cubicle over will have on the same outfit, then try Flashbacks.

The employees here are some of the rudest people I have ever encountered. I was accused of stealing because I took clothing off its hanger to try it on. This is the most poor, rude, and careless service i have ever received.

Lots of Halloween costumes. I liked that they are pretty organized. They are sectioned off and not thrown together so it makes it easier to find what you are looking for. They have shoes, jewelry, and tons of costumes. I don’t know what they have when it’s not Halloween but I can imagine you could find a thing or two.

ALL SALES ARE FINAL. I purchased some NEW shiny leggings a week ago, that once I got them home, realized did not match my outfit. I have not worn them, still have the receipt, and they won’t take them back or give me store credit or an exchange.
Seems a little drastic for a never worn week old purchase. I’d understand maybe final sales on vintage or used clothing, but brand new never worn???
You gotta wonder about a store that doesn’t take any returns or exchanges.
I’m sure I could sell the leggings back to them for 3 bucks (originally $ 18)
Kind of a bummer because they are right around the corner from me, and I did get a top that I really liked. Will not be returning.

I bought a pair of T.U.K pumps here the other day, I spent about ²⁰⁄₃₀ minutes walking around in them and making sure everything was intact. Literally the next day the entire front part of the shoe fell off the sole. I had called and I was told they were final sale and I should have checked the quality of the shoe more. I understand this, and I wasn’t asking for my money back, I just wanted a credit for another pair I saw instead.
It will be $ 30 to fix this shoe, I should have just bought it brand new.

We stop by here every year when we come down for vacation and are never disappointed! We always find great stuff at great prices.

My review is going to sound like I work there or am friends with someone there. But I’ve never stepped foot into this place before going and don’t know a single person who works there.
That said, it was an incredible shopping experience. I went in for an 80’s themed party, and I could not have been more impressed with the service. In addition to being some of the most happy people I’ve met (not in the «I want to smack you because you’re annoyingly happy» sort of way, but in a genuinely good mood sort of way), they were very helpful. They tried hard to find something that would work for the party, but when they didn’t have what I was looking for, they called their Carlsbad store and made sure a few items were put on hold for me. When I arrived at their Carlsbad store, I received the same amazing service … and found something for my party.
I referred several other people who were going to the party to Flashbacks, and they reported back the same experience.
Other retail shops need to take a cue from Flashbacks, or at least the experience I had. I still recommend them to others, and I’ll go back for any themed party I have in the future.

I came in today with my daughter searching for end of the year dance/​promotion dresses. First off, the staff! They were all extremely awesome and helpful. We ended up with two adorable dresses for less than the price of one dress she tried on across the street that im so glad we didn’t buy. I can’t wait to go back!

Meh… waste of time. Went in on two occasions to sell — they don’t buy anything unless it’s SUPER vintage (think things that you would never wear out except to a costume party). Brought in Marc Jacobs, Alice + Olivia and more… and nada! Time is precious and the amount of sorting and carrying it into the shop and out of it is a complete wash. I have yet to find a great second hand store… The search will go on…

I’m a big fan of thrift stores and stumbled in around the holidays last year while looking for an ugly Christmas sweater for a holiday party. I found what I was looking for (and so did my boyfriend). I came back last weekend to browse around at the accessories and realized that have a pretty good selection of vintage jewelry and body chains (which is what I happened to be looking for for a Vegas trip). I like the quality of the body chains as they were better made than the cheap ones you get at Forever 21 or a similar store. I would like to go back soon when I have a little more time to look around and try on some more jewelry. I’ll be coming back soon!

Very nice place to go if you want to dress up as a disco chick from the 1970s for halloween. Otherwise I would pass.

I have been here many of times, love the clothes! But the staff is beyond rude, your in customer service put on a smile!

Ah thrift stores! Back in the day (won’t divulge my age, but the Berlin Wall was still standing and I watched the countdown to the opening of a new tv station called MTV) thrift stores were just being discovered by the hip and cool. Bowling shirts with names like Bud or Jerry on a patch were de rigueur, authentic pencil secretary skirts, or leather fringe jackets could be bought for a few dollars. The favs were Wear it Again Sam and Buffalo Breath. Only the truly adventurous would try their luck in Amvets or Goodwill, and then there was the annual trek to LA for diehard scavengers. Why go to a mall and look like everyone else wearing Benetton sweaters and Guess jeans. Couldn’t afford them anyway.
It does my heart good to see the tradition is still being carried on at places like Flashbacks. The shop in particular is well stocked with clothes, shoes, and accessories. Like any thrift store, the fun is in the search, like panning for gold. Sometimes you leave empty-​handed, but then you strike it rich with a real treasure. Don’t expect Amvets prices — it’s on Coast Highway and mamma’s gotta pay rent!
The service is friendly, not snobby like in LA. But if it’s crowded, don’t expect them to gush all over you. It’s still a business, after all. Also, don’t expect top dollar for your trade-​ins. That cute dress you paid way too much money at UO might not be something the buyers believe others will want to spend top dollar on.
I’d recommend Flashbacks to locals and tourists. Maybe not anybody driving more than 10 miles away unless they are truly thrift junkies. Happy hunting!

I had a blast with my wife here after breakfast near by. Found some shoes for myself an two pairs of denim for her. We’ll be back!

I came here to sell some clothes, thought they didn’t buy anything and that way a let down, service was exceptional and I loved their store.
Jam packed with clothes ranging from new on one wall, to sorted by decades starting in the 20’s in the middle, designer fashion on the right, they have it all covered.
Tons of big name designers like Chanel, Gucci and Vuitton, mostly shoes and purses, I did find a new DVF vest for $ 30, score!
Purses range from $ 35 for a beat up Louie (I was still tempted!) to about $ 150 for a big Gucci bag, more than fair right?
The girls working were super nice and got through my suitcase in about 10 minutes. I won’t be bringing clothes back here, but I will be back to shop for sure!

Love –love– Love this place. Has everything from vintage 50’s clothing to radical 80’s! I recently went to a 70’s party. Was able to get my fiancé, daughter and myself the perfect clothes.
Everything is organized pretty good by eras. They have lots of shoes to choose from for women and men. Different kinds of accessories, purses, jewelry, hats, wigs and a lot more.
You can sell your items there too. Not a very big store. During the weekend can get pretty packed. I recommend going during the week.
Check them out.

I always visit Flashbacks when spending time in Encinitas — it is a FUN store. I love the way they organize by era. I feel a real sense of memory lane here — I wore this stuff.
Their items are really great — terrific shape, and nicely cared for. Some items are pricey, but the odds are good that if you are looking for specific items for a costume –cowboy boots, platform shoes, gogo dress, Elvis jumpsuit — you will hit the jackpot.
Most items are authentic retro wear, and there are also costumes for sale. I enjoy the accessories — some are just for fun, some are very trendy.
For fun browsing on a lazy afternoon, it’s a must.

One groovy store, that’s for sure.
Decent selection of clothes (for men and women) from all eras. Great for anyone looking for some funky, pre-​loved clothes or going to themed parties. Really wide selection of jewelry, shoes, and accessories as well.
The shop is affordable, clean, and the staff is helpful.
As for selling clothes, the employees that buy clothes are picky about some things, so it really depends on the type of clothes you are selling.

Sniff… sniff…sniff? What? No nasty thrift store smell? It must be my lucky day!
Scanning…scanning…wait –
–NO hunched over old ladies in their best sandal/​sock combos digging through boxes of old cross stitch patterns and souvenir spoons?
–NO creepy guys with their pet parrots on their shoulder looking at old record albums?
–NO scary thrift store shoppers who grab at clothes you’re holding, then ask you where the mens underwear section is. «I don’t work here,» I say. «I didn’t think you did,» he said. But that’s another review…
NOPE! Instead, I’m greeted by friendly, young hipster employees, sporting some pretty rad styles. The gentleman that showed me to my dressing room was wearing these bad a$$ shoes covered in spikey metal studs — well done my friend!
Let’s reverse, or «FLASH BACK» if you will. I was looking for a get up for Unilocal’s Elite Wild, Wild Western @ The Range event so I made my way over to the cowgirl boots. There was an excellent selection of really nice boots here! A little too nice for my 1-​time use budget. Prices ranged from $ 35 – 120! Boots can be expensive anywhere though, and these were quality.
«OK, I guess I’m not wearing boots tomorrow night,» I thought as I made my way near the front of the store to the vest section. Found a GEM of a vest there, absolutely perfect for the western party (see photos) — and was able to find a great shirt and earrings here to go with.
Flashbacks is a mix of old and new. Some old, a lot of brand new stuff (earrings, tights, 80’s wear, sunglasses, jewelry, platform shoes…) — everything in good condition, and DOESN’T SMELL YUCKY! I know it’s the second time I mentioned it, but it’s important to me.
You know what else is important to me? Parking in Encinitas sucks! I was lucky enough to get a spot on the street, but good luck with that on a normal day! The train station has free parking if you don’t mind crossing the street, or you can ninja your ’87 Volvo 240 Wagon (gotta have trunk space!) into a spot on 2^nd.
Also, I didn’t see this sign when I went to try on the clothes:

So yes, most of the 5 star rating is for aspects that are missing from this establishment, and much appreciated! Thanks for helping me out in a bind Flashbacks — will surely be back!

Service: A+
I was greeted with a happy smile and hello by the girl at the front counter as soon as I walked in. Totally makes a positive difference in the shopping experience! When I went to try on something in the dressing room, the girl working there was also really friendly and sweet.
I definitely give this Flashbacks praise for having excellent customer service. I didn’t buy anything during this visit, but when I come back and score awesome finds, I’ll raise the star rating that I gave this place.