SCENE | California Surplus Mart


My local Army/Navy Surplus store, California Surplus Mart on the corner of Vine and Santa Monica in Los Angeles, is one of my all-time favorite places to shop. It all sort of started a few years ago with my friend Heather, whose friend Billy discovered how chic a $40 nylon helmet bag could be. This set off something of a micro fashion craze among friends. I bought a few of them and get asked about them all of the time—usually by sales associates in department stores or people in retail that can't put their finger on what label is inside my bag. There is no label.
If you're not in Los Angeles or your local surplus store doesn't carry helmet bags, you can get them online here for $21. They're great carry-on bags, laptop cases, work bags, you name it. But beyond their now-legendary supply of helmet bags, the California Surplus Mart always has something super rad.
Like these pants, which I did not take home with me. But I did grab a few chowdah mugs, some neon pink twine, a bandana, a camera bag (not pictured) and some rope for tying down the trunk of my car at flea markets—all for not a lot of lettuce.

Comments

jessd6 said…
I pass this place all the time and have always been curious...looks like I'll have to check it out!
Jeannine said…
Have just ordered a helmet bag!! I'm in Australia ..so the store stop by is'nt going to happen..thanks for the link!!
Amielle said…
I love that first bag you've got pictured! It's an interesting bag. :)
paper writers said…
Well the pants are looking too loud in the photo...and I am quite happy for you for managing to grab these two beautiful blue cups...
parfums said…
so nice bags . nice blog . i love it .
Parfum pas cher
julia wheeler said…
LOVE the army supply store for accessories... that's where my husband gets all of his work/band bags and i keep meaning to tag along on his next trip to score a new bag! great call:)
Jeannine said…
:( they dont ship internationally...I cant have one
Jeannine said…
:( they dont ship internationally...I cant have one
Lizzie said…
Jeannie: Try this Australian surplus store:

http://www.armysurplus.com.au

or this global one:

http://www.armysurplusworld.com/product.asp?ProductID=29486

Good luck!!
Danny said…
I love it there! I haven't been in years but I still wear my motorcycle cop boots I bought there-I have only had to re-sole them once!

I need to go back and re-find my 90's grunge tomboy waif style (well, at this point, after a couple of kiddos, I am a waif in spirit!).

Thanks for the reminder.

Unknown said…
Hy your article are really amazing.
I think it will be easy to get my Army cloths and shirt.
Army Surplus Store
Military Surplus Store

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