About

Our Story

For as long as I can remember, I’ve loved history, fashion and, well…. just plain OLD stuff.

As a little girl, I was often found playing in my great-grandmothers jewelry box, dressing up in her sparkly antique necklaces. I grew up in a 1920′s Chicago bungalow, discovering forgotten, hidden things from previous owners in the attic and basement. On the weekends, my father would let me pick out an old movie from the video store (yes, well before Netflix existed) and it was the highlight of my young life. I swooned over the fashions and dramatics of the sirens of the silver screen!

Later on as a teen, I began digging through thrift stores and seeking out things I couldn’t believe anyone would have donated. In college, I started out in fashion design, but ended up studying Art History.

(My future was so obvious! I just didn’t see it yet…)

I casually sold vintage on ebay for years, but never thought of it as a business. In 2010, I decided to make my vintage selling venture a more serious hobby and opened Archives Vintage. In early 2011, I left my career in museum administration to pursue Archives Vintage full time. I have taught classes on how to thrift the best vintage in Chicago; been featured in several online publications, sold wares to stylists, major retailers, theaters, television (including Mad Men!) and movie sets. Archives Vintage garments are sought after by clients both locally, nationally and internationally.
Aside from running the shop, my boyfriend and I travel as often as we can, taking our crazy little mutt Atlas along for the ride.

The Archives Vintage shop is updated weekly with new items, so check back often!

-Lisa Burback, Founder