Come Vintage Shopping With Me At a Current Affair!
Let's go on a cute little vintage date.
Early in May 2020—or the-year-that-shall-not-be-named—I was tucked into my favorite couch-nook at my family’s home, watching Drew Ginsburg of DYLANLEX try on some of the most beautiful vintage clothing I had ever seen. The clothes had been selected and curated by vintage industry giant Richard Wainwright, and Drew was describing each piece on Instagram Live for couch potatoes just like me all over the country—some of whom were also interested buyers. I, by no means a collector, could tell instantly that each item was special. I had hearts for eyeballs.
What I was watching was the virtual edition of A Current Affair, a vintage trade show founded by Wainwright. I would not be buying anything that day—I had no job (other than staying home and not getting anyone sick, and permanent KP*), and there would be no live theater for the foreseeable future (i.e., no income on the horizon). But Richard Wainwright and Drew Ginsburg were there to deliver me from that depressing hole with a rack full of fabulous vintage, and, on that day, that was theater enough for me! In some tiny little subconscious part of my brain, a future me walked around a future vintage fair, and everything was grand.
[*KP = Kitchen Police. Captain o’ the kitchen, chief cook and bottle washer, yes Chef.]
WELLLLLL, two weeks ago future me became current me at A Current Affair New York! My first time seeing all the good vintage in person! The buddies came with, and we drank free Topo Chicos and had a grand time. And in the spirit of whatever visual manifesting I was doing on our couch in 2020 that led to my real-life person at the real-life ACF, I documented some highlights for you in Costume Change’s first ever…vlog? Souvenir from the fair, here you go!
Some Highlights From A Current Affair
We love shopping, yes we do! Especially when it’s VINTAGE—aka pieces that have already proved they stand the test of time, that are special and unique (literally one of a kind), AND that cost our pretty little planet nada when it comes to resources. Good to remember this whilst actually attending A Current Affair, which did not cost me nada, lol. If you go to the fall show in November, you’ve (and by you, I mean your credit card has) been warned!
My hot tips for shopping vintage:
Travel light. You don’t want deal with a heavy bag while you’re going through racks of clothes.
Wear something easy to take off, OR that you can try clothes on over (like my bodysuit. A tank or a slip dress could also fall in this category).
Let your instincts guide you, rather than shopping with seasons, trends, [or even practicality? Lol?] in mind. You’re buying one-of-a-kind objects that you’ll hopefully own forever, so the most important thing is that you love them, not that you might have to wait for cooler (or warmer) temps to wear them. Think of it as an inner child exercise.
Touch everything! The feel of the fabric is so important (and these are previously worn items, so that part won’t change after a hand wash). If you think it’s itchy in the store, you won’t wear it IRL.
Whenever possible, try everything on. At the very least, know your measurements. Most vintage is final sale, so you want to like that fit (or think it’s tailor-able) before you buy it.
Remember the stores/sellers you like! They do the hard part of sourcing and curating a vintage selection, so, if you like their taste, they will probably continue to find goodies that you love in the future.
[For more tips on buying vintage, check out my cute CLOSET SWAP with Hannah Jennens here.]
And now!—
What I Bought
Here is what I took home with me like a greedy little pirate:
This 100% Merino Wool Polo Ralph Lauren Cropped Navy Sweater, James Rowland Shop:
I really love her. The fit in the shoulders is so good (and I’m built like a Power Ranger, which makes some vintage clothing a challenge for me), and I think she will be a closet staple for many moons. As soon as I put it on, I said “oh no, is it love”—no question mark, because when you know, you know. [I have to say, this shop in particular had a really excellent curation of beautiful, classic pieces. A little $$$ but wow, the quality. Peep that link if you’re interested.]
This Rainbow Crystal Necklace, Narnia Vintage:
It is so joyful! Also, the business owner sold the shit out of this necklace. She literally looked at me and said, “when you wear it, it just pours the properties of all the colors into you.” Did she read me like a book or WHAT. (Plus, I’ll be honest, it looked good with what I was wearing. Never hurts.) Funnn fact I am wearing it right now as I write this recap!
And! This Metallic Brocade Gown, Phenix Vintage:
When I held it up on the hanger to show my sister, I said, “I aspire to be the kind of lady that has a dress like this hanging in her closet.” After I tried it on, I showed my friend Tim the picture, and he said, “Ooo, it’s really pretty. You could wear that to the Oscars.” Manifest, Tim! And when I came back from the changing tents to return it to the rack, I found I had a problem in which I could not make my arm put the dress back with its friends. So I bought it instead! La la! I have plans for where to wear her too, but you’ll have to wait for it WINK.
And that’s all the eye candy for this week, my darlings! I’m off to sit on my hands so as to not spend any more cash for a while. Wish me luck!
Costume Change is a styling newsletter (vs. a shopping newsletter). There’s no spon-con in the above post—the shopping I did at A Current Affair was purely a result of my happy wandering. We love vintage! Thanks for reading, and reminder to keep those comments kind <3