Recap of Houston Vintage Preview Party and Market

**Recap of Houston Vintage Preview Party**

Oddfellows in the Heights was THE place to be if you were local to Houston and a lover of all things vintage, like myself; as it was the setting for the annual Houston Vintage Preview Party and Fashion Show – a prelude to its popular vintage market. The event was spearheaded by the lovely Dawn Bell and the fashion show was co-produced by Lindsay Halpin of Violet Peacock- Houston’s “Punk Rock Mad Hatter”. Before the 20s-inspired looks graced the runway, guests were treated to some shopping at the Replay on 19th Street booth. Owners Michael and Laura had a wonderful amount of vintage goodies, one of which- a beautiful floral crochet handbag (that I now own) was on display, waiting for a good home. After shopping, we all gathered in the main and nicely dated hall, where we were exposed to demonstrations of the “Charleston” and other 20s-style dances demonstrated by the Houston Hebcats. I wanted to get up and join the “flappers”, decked out in fringe dresses, shimmying with their partners on the dance floor. We also saw the works of Luna Tango… dancer Susana Collins performed the tango scene from the Phantom of the Opera. This dance represented the “golden era” of the tango, which was between 1935 to 1952. It was lovely and sensual. The last performer was Siouxie Monroe- who gave us a taste of burlesque. She wore a custom-made costume that was reminiscent of the 20s, igniting the audience’s exotic senses. The fashion show was energetic and showcased one-of-a-kind Great Gatsby-inpsired looks from Violet Peacock, Replay on 19th Street, Vida Antigua and others. It was a rather festive and dazzling affair and I was glad to have been a witness to it.

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** Recap of Houston Vintage Market **

The Houston Vintage Market that was recently held was really something to behold. The event was housed in the 1940s Air Terminal Museum, which is shadowed by Hobby Airport. I didn’t have the chance to check out the museum, as I was too immersed in the vintage at hand. I loved the A Hippy Heart Vintage camper that was parked outside the venue. The owner- Danna Hudson was really sweet and I just ADORED how she decorated {the interior and exterior of} her camper, whom she named- Lucy. Inside the venue was like a vintage treasure trove. More than eleven vintage vendors were on hand, selling their best pieces. Vida Antigua offered an array of sequins, florals and plaids. I had (and still have) my eye on a few cute floral rompers, a peach 70s dress with asymmetrical skirt and floral print and a dark pastel plaid jumper. Anitantique Vintage‘s own Anita G. had a lovely variety of costume jewelry, handbags and cute dresses at her booth. Stephanie Jimenez of Splendor- A Retrofit Boutique traveled from Austin to showcase her wares. There were quite a few upscale pieces that I really (am still) coveting, like: a GORGEOUS black Lilli Ann coat, a Victorian cape, a crazy 80s fuschia jumspsuit and a black and peach tie-dye caftan. Judy from My Flaming Heart offered vintage-inspired clothing, reworked and vintage jewelry and Texican/Mexican art. Leah- owner of French Fries and Fur and self-proclaimed french fry lover also had a booth full of amazing goodies. My heart is still panging for a really cute yellow jumpsuit that alas…wasn’t made for a tall frame. But needless to say, she had other fantastic options as well. Arrica of Collected Vintage also had a fantastic collection of pretties (clothing, hats and accessories), especially an oversize sequin and very 20s-influenced dress. Other vendors included: Eleanor Rose, Violet Peacock, Coronation Vintage, Houston Vintage Radio Association and Stacks on Racks. Aside from shopping the amazing vendors, there was also a Miss Houston Vintage 2013 pageant, which Jessie Rox was crowned queen. I’m soooo trying out next year! Sadly, I missed the Elvis that arrived after I left. But there is always next year!

If you’d like to be kept in the loop for all things Houston Vintage, check out their open Facebook group.