Our Little Secret
Kitty Jensen is like the super-fun big sister you never had. At her by-appointment pop-up store, Kitty’s Secret Shop, located inside the comfy two-bedroom Los Feliz apartment she shares with her roommate and two cats, she's been known to crank up the Whitney Houston, dance around, look for adorable pieces for you to try on, offer her own brand of encouragement (i.e. “That is off the radar charts cute!”) and maybe even do your makeup.
Jensen, 30, a lifelong thrift-store shopper with a keen eye for what fashion-conscious femmes are looking to wear, moved to Los Angeles from Seattle two years ago, and quickly surmised that the city was sorely lacking in community-building opportunities outside of the usual art opening or bar scene.
She was working part-time as a personal assistant and stylist, so had lots of time to shop the local thrift stores. Eventually, she had collected more than she had room for — and hit upon the idea of having people over once a month, partly to shop the inventory and partly just to hang out.
“Growing up with three sisters very close in age, we were in and out of each other's bedrooms trying stuff on constantly," Jensen said. "And all of us had a lot of girlfriends; so on any given day there could have been six or seven girls running around. It was a lot of dressing up and getting ready and helping each other look good.”
When Jensen’s inventory grew to four overflowing racks (plus stacks and stacks of shoes, bags and accessories), she moved to a bigger apartment and began to spread the word. “When I go to a party, I usually feel awkward and like I’m just trying to find someone to have a good conversation with," she said. "And L.A.’s so spread out, it can be hard to meet people. I want people to feel at ease and welcome, and like they don't have to buy anything, they can just hang out.”
We took her up on her offer to chill, and discovered an easy-going treasure trove of well-edited gear ripe for the picking.
ART HOUSE: Kitty Jensen in her apartment-cum-shop in Los Feliz.
The Finds: Lots of comfortable-but-hip vintage from the 80s and 90s, with the occasional beaded 20s flapper dress thrown in. “I want people to have a lot of unique options to wear day to day," said Jensen. "I don’t dress up that often and when I do I might wear a sexy cocktail dress...but I don’t need a million of those. It’s exhausting trying to figure out what you’re going to wear every day and still look cute and special.”
Her clothing racks are filled to the brim with soft, worn-in t-shirts (the day I visited I passed up a perfectly sized-and-distressed Bauhaus t-shirt for $54 — was I out of my mind? Model Frankie Rayder, a loyal customer, snatched it up the next day), cotton and flannel button-downs, high-waisted slacks and sweet, summery floral and ethnic-print dresses.
A cute, Lindsey Thornburg-style cape hangs next to a royal-blue velvet Anna Sui-style mini dress with a lace bib straight out of Rosemary’s Baby. Wool, cotton and silk predominate – “I really won’t buy anything if it’s not comfortable” — and Jensen wants people to know that she doesn’t just shop for little girls. “When I’m shopping, I always keep in mind that not all girls are size 6 and under."
RETAIL RESIDENCE: Rolling racks brimming over with vintage finds.
The shop owner has a book for people to write down special requests, like that perfect extra-small brown leather bomber jacket or a pair of size-10 lace-up roper boots. A smaller men’s section features denim and leather jackets, comfy fishermen’s sweaters, boots and a lot of casual shirts.
“I literally dress men the way I would dress my boyfriend — nothing too hip. I would like them to please keep it simple, understated. If you don’t look comfortable, we’re kind of embarrassed for you.”
Prices: Can you say reasonable? Everything is under $200, and most items are under $50. “I mean, making money is a wonderful perk but honestly I have a job,” said Jensen. “I do this completely because I love doing it. I'll see someone wearing something that looks familiar to me and I realize it's from my shop and it's such a thrill, I love it. I get so happy to see people in the things I’ve picked out.”
STYLE HUNTING: Sisters Mia and Nastia Kazovsky shopping at the Secret Shop.
The Details: The shop is in Los Feliz and is open the first and third Sunday of every month and by appointment. “Technically, whenever I’m available people can come. Which is pretty often, actually.” Check out Kitty’s blog, asecretshop.blogspot.com and go to secretshopvintage.com to schedule your visit.
Sierra Feldner-Shaw is a writer and editor originally from Oregon, and excels in finding cool stories for Style Section L.A.