Fashion

Questions to Ask When Choosing a Backpack

Posted on November 15, 2019

Whether you are carrying textbooks, all your camping gear or your laptop and charged, having a sturdy backpack is essential. You want to make sure your backpack doesn’t drag you down and instead helps you with your load, whatever it may be. There are four questions you should consider before going out and buying a backpack. What Kind of Backpack Should I Get? There are literally backpacks for anyone and any purpose. You could get a hiking one for those outdoor trips to help alleviate carrying all your equipment. You might be considering a versatile rolling backpack or a lightweight and portable laptop bag. Another idea is a stylish canvas bag. Ask yourself how often you will use the bag and for what purpose. For example, you should probably avoid a high-end designer backpack...

3 Things to Consider When Buying Halloween Costumes

Posted on October 17, 2019

Halloween is one of the few times during the year where figuring what cape to wear doesn't sound silly. Whether you're young or just young at heart, finding the right Halloween costumes can be a big deal for a variety of reasons. Getting a costume for your child's trick or treating adventures, or an office party isn't always as easy as it seems. You need to keep certain factors in mind when shopping for that perfect costume. The Surplus Store in West LA has been the one-stop for surplus & camping goods since 1946. We also offer some of the best Halloween costumes and options you'll find anywhere. That's why we've also come up with 3 things to consider when buying Halloween costumes. 1. Consider the Setting Are you getting a child's costume...

3 Men’s Hats to Up Your Spring Wardrobe

Posted on May 21, 2019

As we make our way through spring, we notice things start to change -- the environment gets its green back, homes get cleaned out and fresh veggies grace seasonal menus everywhere. One of the more noticeable changes is packing away winter clothes in exchange for spring fashions and accessories. Men’s hats, in particular, are coming back in a very big way and are finding homes as regular accessories for everyday men. With these hat styles, timeless and reminiscent of decades past, men’s fashion continues to make a push toward modernization. Here are three men’s hats you need to know about today: Dad Hats What goes around comes around – ain’t it the truth. The cap you swore never to like after dad made it look super geeky is now a go-to for casual-wear...

Creative Halloween Costumes

Posted on October 22, 2018

The best Halloween costume ideas are creative ones. Anyone can order a costume online – but how about going as an '80s movie heartthrob? How about dressing up as a character from a cult classic or going as a character that is immediately recognizable but that no one would think to do? That’s where gold is at. Go with creative Halloween costumes, not boring ones, and if you are running low on ideas, we’ve got your back. Here are some creative Halloween costumes, all of which you can make at The Surplus Store. '80s Movies Love the 80s? Love cheesy bromance? Look no further than Top Gun. This costume works on a lot of levels, not least of which is that everyone loves Top Gun. If you want to go with a more...

Blue Coats to Modern Military Uniforms: A History of U.S. Military Attire

Posted on June 13, 2018

Modern military uniforms are the result of centuries of refinement, the apex of function and efficiency – and it all started with a blue coat and white overalls. Changes to the United States military uniform have been gradual but the goal has always been the same: keep our boys safe, keep them stocked, and keep America strong. The influences are numerous, even down to the materials, but the results have proven iconic. So let us take you through eras of American history and see the evolution of our modern military uniforms from humble beginnings. The American Revolution to the War of 1812 Considering the circumstances around the American Revolution, it’s no surprise that the Continental Army uniforms were nearly identical to those of the British. The main distinguishing factor of the standardized...

To Assemble the Perfect Last Minute DIY Halloween Costumes...Come Into Our Store!

Assembling the Perfect Last Minute DIY Halloween Costumes

Posted on October 17, 2017

Come to The Surplus Store for last-minute DIY Halloween costumes! We have great costume ideas that you can put together at our store with ease. If you haven't gathered any ideas so far, you can be assured that with our variety of costumes and uniforms, you can have a unique costume in no time. Being the largest surplus store in West Los Angeles, we are here to help you sift through our massive selection of outfits and accessories to help you with last-minute DIY Halloween costumes. DIY at The Surplus Store When going about shopping for a Halloween costume, you have three options, buying an outfit at your local costume store, online, or putting your own creation together. If you buy it at a costume store you should be aware of a...

Customize Your Own Festival Wear For This Year's Burning Man

Customize Your Festival Wear for Burning Man

Posted on August 15, 2017

The Festival of the Year In the vastness space of the Black Rock Desert in Nevada, a momentous occasion happens just once a year that requires extravagant and creative festival wear. The Burning Man Festival gathers thousands upon thousands of artists, enthusiasts, and venturers to erect a momentary metropolis based on the foundation of community, art, self-expression, and creativity. Held from Aug. 28-Sept. 5 this year, spectators at Burning Man will witness creative, experimental art and visuals, buildings, sculptures, performances, and music. It's an event that has established itself as a place that encourages people to be oneself. Before you start your trek to the desert later this month, discover all the festival wear that you can piece together at The Surplus Store and put together the perfect Burning Man outfit...

The Year-Round Bomber Jacket Trend

Posted on April 14, 2017

A Soaring Trend Every now and then, there seems to be a fashion trend that unexpectedly hits. Its' popularity spreads everywhere without a hint or a whisper, taking a spot in many of our closets. Currently, one of the largest and “coolest” trends around is that of the bomber jacket trend. Yes, military wear has finally gone full mainstream! Those classic aviation jackets have now become a staple in our on-trend, social society. More notably, we’re referring to the MA-1 bomber jackets, which was first developed in the late 1940s. The MA-1s are so in demand today that it's begging us to trace the roots of the bomber jacket and how it soared into popularity. This is also a gender-balanced trend that can be worn on multiple occasions and in any...

Stay Warm With Winter Clothing for the Snow

Posted on January 15, 2017

Let it Snow! January is a big month for people in Southern California to head to the snow! Whether you're looking to stay in California or head elsewhere, you need to make sure you have the right quality gear with you to brave the snow. At Surplus Store, we pride ourselves on being a friendly neighborhood store that has all of the winter clothing for the snow you will ever need. We know for people who are accustomed to Los Angeles weather, buying the right gear for the snow can be difficult, particularly when the citizens of the Greater Los Angeles Area aren't used to being in those snowy conditions. But don't worry, we've put together a list of reliable, name brand clothes you'll need to stay warm. Wearing the right...

The Last-Minute Christmas Gifts That Will Be Perfect For Your Loved One

The Perfect Last-Minute Christmas Gift for Your Loved One

Posted on December 10, 2016

Something for Everybody: Last-Minute Christmas Gift The perfect last-minute Christmas gift can be found just around the corner on Venice blvd. in Southern California. The Surplus Store is a low cost, affordable, family-owned and operated, camping and military surplus store that may be the exact place you need when looking for a meaningful gift this year. According to our calendars, that special holiday of giving is near; shoppers are scrambling to pick up the best gifts for their friends and family. We may be busy with work and planning events and trips that could pit us with a limited time to shop for gifts. Many shoppers panic on what to get for their loved ones, if you're one of them, don't worry. We’re a large surplus store in the West LA region...