Archive - September 2011

Mr. Wainwright, you’ve done it again! Another “A Current Affair” show in the bag and what a success it was! For those that aren’t quite familiar with “A Current Affair,” it’s a two day-long pop-up marketplace of some of the best vintage retailers around, located in the Penthouse of the Cooper Design Space. The event is co-curated by Richard Wainwright of NEW/FOUND and Joey Grana of Scout. There is usually an installation curated by a famous stylist or designer. Melissa Coker of Wren styled (and hosted) this past show. September’s show boasted over twenty-five exhibitors and each booth has an overwhelming amount of vintage goodness. Marie Monsod, whose showroom is located in LA (by appointment only), had an amazing selection of 80s sequins and belts. I was also gushing over the jewelry, hats and purses! She has vintage dating from the 1920s to early 1990s. My friend and vintage dealer, the lovely Kimberly Truhler of GlamAmor was showing her adundance of simple but very chic coats and dresses (that are perfect for color-blocking). She was wearing a sample from her new vintage-inspired GlamAmor Originals line and the dress was darling! Again, if you want to perfect the color-blocking, Kimberly has what you need. Her new line as well as the vintage pieces she sells can take you from the office to an evening out just by adding a few accessories. Before the show, a vintage dealer befriended me on Facebook (gotta love it) and upon seeing the name on the vendors list, I just had to meet the owner! So, I would like to introduce Sainte-Marie Vintage, owned by Sissy Sainte-Marie Chacon. I loved how she paired a vintage dress with 80s metal belt and Jeffrey Campbell ‘Litas.’ I learned that along with her vintage store, she is also in a band with her hubby, called The Polyamorous Affair. She offered a great selection, including funky pair 80s/90s pants, a sweater with metal beading and a fabulous black jumper with metal embellishment. Check out the Saint-Marie Vintage Facebook page here. My other friend, miss Lacey Stevenson of Classic Clutches was showcasing her impressive amount of clutches, dating from 1930s through 1990s. It was taking everything I had to not buy out the entire booth that evening! I stopped by Martin Atelier due to the sequin pieces (yes, as I’m sure ya’ll know by now, I’m OBSESSED with vintage sequins) and the fun jewelry and hats. Martin Atelier is owned by Chris Martin and Juan Martin del Campo Jr. and offer unique clothing and accessories that dates from every era. For an appointment, call (323)244-9722 or email them at: mysecretlife@mac.com. It was pleasure meeting Vu-owner/designer of the Seattle-based store, The Vutique. The majority of the vintage pieces have been reworked and reimagined by him into looks for the modern-day customer. I spotted a Missoni jumpsuit among the goods and other fabulous 80s purses. There was a booth next to Vutique that had two OMG beautiful sequin dresses that were directly in my focal point. I was introduced to the very sweet Rodellee Bas, the owner of the online store- AdoreVintage. She carries ultra-feminine finds dating from 1900s to 1970s. Most of the dresses I saw looked like they came out of a fairy-tale…dreamy, sheer, flowy, floral patterns….(sigh). Next, I ventured on and spotted an exhibitor wearing an innovative 80s-inspired outfit. Meet Liz Baca of The Goods! By Liz Baca, which is based in Oakland. I loved how she organized her ‘goods’ by color and trend. She had a great selection of comfy sweaters, ready to be worn in the next month or so. Since one of the trends is tribal and western, she had plenty of items to make that trend work for the vintage-loving consumer. And ahem… she had a marvelous supply of GUCCI purses! Check out more goods here! Other fabulous finds from that night include a Marimekko and Oscar de la Renta dress from the Fashion by Robert Black booth. Fashion by Robert Black is owned by Robert Black and Doreen Picerne (who are both wonderfully hospitable) and is based in Scottsdale, AZ.

And those are just a few of the many exhibitors showing at the marketplace! Bet you can’t wait for the next “A Current Affair”, huh?! There’s another one in December!! For more information, check out the website here.