By Kevin B. Kalley
One of the hippest fashion trends in cities such as Chicago, Miami, New York and Los Angeles is vintage clothing, jewelry, and accessories. Well, you won’t have to travel to those locals because more than 50 of the most knowledgeable purveyors of chic, vintage, clothing and jewelry will be spreading the word, and selling their wares, at the Dallas Area Vintage Clothing and Jewelry Show at Grapevine’s Convention Center this March.
Vintage generally refers to something of a high quality from a specific period of the past. We often think of those very expensive items such as vintage cars, vintage boats, or vintage wines. But when it comes to jewelry and clothing, vintage can mean something from as recent as the 80’s, and you don’t need to spend a fortune to begin your very own vintage collection.
Pamela Wiggins, the co-founder of Costume Jewelry Collectors, International, advises, “… you can put together a fun collection starting at just a few dollars for each piece – inexpensive Christmas jewelry and small figurals come to mind. It’s really fun for little girls shopping with their moms and grandmothers to hunt for those [lesser priced items]. For adult collectors, mid-range pieces can be found in the $25-100 range.”
“Clothing and jewelry is the hottest thing in the vintage world right now,” says show promoter Melissa Sands. “Savvy vintage buyers can get the coolest vintage clothing made in the US and Europe, and this show is about bringing it all together under one roof. Even if you aren’t a full-fledged vintage wearing person, a few pieces to mix into an already fabulous wardrobe can bring it up a notch” she adds.
And the show isn’t just for those of the female persuasion. The hit television show Mad Men has made many men aware of the benefits of adding some vintage pieces of clothing and jewelry to their wardrobe. A classic tank-style watch, narrow 60’s tie, or theme-inspired bowling league shirt might be just the piece to make you look like you’ve just stepped out of the pages of GQ magazine.
If visiting the show whets your appetite for more vintage pieces, or if the show’s dates don’t fit your schedule, there are quite a few permanent, vintage clothing, jewelry, and accessory shops right in Grapevine’s Historic (or might we say “Vintage”) Downtown District. After all, Grapevine’s city motto is… Aged to Perfection.
More Information:
March 16 and 17 (Friday 3 p.m. to 8 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m. to 5 p. m.)
Admission $8.00 (Early Bird Special Admission, Friday 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. - $20.00)
www.dallasvintagejewelry.com Grapevine Convention Center, 1209 South Main St., Grapevine, TX 76051
Free Parking