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EVENT FIFTY NINE

PICKWICK VINTAGE | LOS ANGELES

THE PICKWIC VINTAGE SHOW AT THE ROW – DOWNTOWN –  DRAWS LOVERS OF VINTAGE FAIRE

MERLE'S CLOSET | FASHION COMMENTARY  | LOS ANGELES | MODERATES

Step into Merle’s Closet for an insider’s view of the inner world of L.A. style.

OUR SHORT FILM

| PICKWICK VINTAGE SHOW |
MERLE'S CLOSET

SUMMER PICKS: HOT TOWN, SUMMER IN THE CITY VERSION

This May’s incarnation of the Pickwick Vintage fair was the first time retro popsicle hued summer looks came out to play. Which seemed perfectly coordinated with the hundred degree head at DTLA’s The Row. Even the normally layered-up vendors: hats, dresses, sweaters, jackets, scarves, boots – stripped down to sundresses and shorts.
 
This time was all about the goods – even vintage fashion curator-type collectors (like our friend Judy Jimenez, Pick regular) was picking up hot summer goodies, fresh as a mint julep in her assym maxi summer gown and titled huge straw hat – while everyone else (including myself) was melting into a puddle like the Wicked Witch of the east (east LA, anyway).
 
Craveworthy were silk and satin nightgowns, airy and fairytale for willowy LA summer streets and struts – paired with cowboy boots, instead of last year’s overexposed (ugh, toes, gross!) Birks. (CONTINUED)

Somehow, all of Pick’s perennial leather looks: jackets, bags, boots, sandals – were suddenly sweet sorbet sartorial. Loose crisp white cotton hippie dresses – like the nightgowns of “Peter Pan” – dominated every every rack. The hard-to-pass-up vintage sunglasses were flying off the tables – large, larger, largest Dior, Gucci, Chanel – at $425 a pair. Still cheaper than Jacques Marie Maje, anyway. Always amusing: booths laden with 50’s, 60’s and 70’s costume jewelry vs one long glass case chockablock with real gold necklaces, bracelets, with real gemstones. The difference in prices runs into the many thousands – can you guess which is which? Meanwhile, how do you know you’re buying a fake vs. a gem? There’s no authentication at Pickwick – you’re flying blind, though prettily. As we hightailed it an air-conditioned Ford Explorer back to Santa Monica, we watched the Fahrenheit score drop some 25 degrees. From now on, bring an umbrella and a portable fan that squirts water on your face. like some vendors. Or, if you wish, pack a vintage parasol. Meanwhile, Pickwick travels to NYC this weekend for its first truly urban go-round.

THE VENDORS

EVENT FIFTY NINE