Fashion Field Trip: A Current Affair

This weekend I made the trek to Los Angeles to check out the much talked about A Current Affair.  For those who are unfamiliar, it is a traveling event that brings the finest vintage sellers together under one roof.  The admission fee gets you through the door and puts a canned coffee beverage in your hand straight from the gate.  You’ll need to stay alert to get though the racks and racks of gorgeous clothing without anything slipping past your radar.  You will also need to win the lottery or sell a small expendable organ to afford the bulk of it. 

Never in my life have I seen so much Comme des Garçons in one place.  I saw a vintage Thierry Mugler leopard suit with fur trimmed collar and cuffs that made me weep.  I actually came very close to passing out when I saw the price tag.  Luckily, the place was well stocked with boxed waters, so I was able to rehydrate and regain my composure.  Sparkly Chanel jackets, lurex dresses and quilted coats peppered the rolling racks.  There were also some selections for the masculine crowd, taking the form of distressed fatigues and hole-riddled tees.  The stains not only add character, but value as well, apparently. 

Periodically I came up for air just long enough to locate my shopping partner, and take a sip of water.  It wasn’t until I was making my second round that I began to take notice of the humans surrounding me.  There was a single celebrity sighting, but I was too distracted by the Vivienne Westwood to notice on my own.  I was determined to bring home a souvenir that didn’t set me back a month’s rent.  

I’m proud to say I was able to find a piece of vintage to call my own—a metallic plaid velvet burnout skirt.  Huge bonus tha it’s the perfect length and color for the season.  It is important to note, when trying on clothing in a public space, it’s a good idea to wear a close fitting outfit.  Ideally, you would want to wear a body suit, or in my case, some high waisted pin-up pants.  Either way, prepare to put on some pants over your pants and do some beautiful mind equations to determine if said pants will fit under normal circumstances.  Whatever you do, don’t ever turn your back on something you don’t want to walk away—including your shopping partner who is also carrying your water.

All in all, the event was an Affair to remember.  The sheer number of vintage designer prices was impressive.  Even if you’re not able to find a little something to take home, consider the entrance fee as the cost of admission to a museum where you can touch all the things—and if you wore the right pants, try them on as well.