Congress has cut federal funding for public media — a $3.4 million loss for LAist. We count on readers like you to protect our nonprofit newsroom. Become a monthly member and sustain local journalism.
This is an archival story that predates current editorial management.
This archival content was written, edited, and published prior to LAist's acquisition by its current owner, Southern California Public Radio ("SCPR"). Content, such as language choice and subject matter, in archival articles therefore may not align with SCPR's current editorial standards. To learn more about those standards and why we make this distinction, please click here.
Designer Duds at the Santa Monica Vintage Fashion Expo
()
()
Do you fancy wool letterman's jackets from the '50s, slick yellow thigh high boots from the '70s, or delicate beaded flapper dresses from the '20s? Then you might be familiar with the Vintage Expo held three times a year at the Santa Monica Civic Auditorium. As a self proclaimed thrift junkie, this LAist staffer decided to check out the chichi event that attracts starlets, fashion designers, and magazine editors.
Though the $10 entrance fee seemed a bit ridiculous (why pay just for the opportunity to spend more money?), I decided to treat this like a visit to a museum costume exhibit where I could touch the clothing and take photos freely without hovering guards. Printing out a $2 discount coupon and utilizing street parking also helped a bit.
Support for LAist comes from
I didn't run into any movie industry types, just teens scooping up colorful bangles and groups of middle aged women trying on hats from the 1940s. Since my shopping tastes run more toward Good Will and the PCC Flea Market rather than the achingly hip vintage stores on Melrose, I experienced sticker shock numerous times throughout the day.
Fortunately I did not leave the expo empty handed; at a booth ran by a friendly woman from Texas I found the perfect item to complete my Jackie O. Halloween costume: a tiny black pillbox hat with netting. It set me back only $8.50. Not bad, but I think I'll stick with eBay from now on.
(More Photos Under The Cut)
()
()
()
()
Support for LAist comes from
()
()
()
()
()
()
()
Support for LAist comes from
()
(One of the vendors wore his Halloween costume from last year... he was supposed to be an "eccentric flasher.")
As Editor-in-Chief of our newsroom, I’m extremely proud of the work our top-notch journalists are doing here at LAist. We’re doing more hard-hitting watchdog journalism than ever before — powerful reporting on the economy, elections, climate and the homelessness crisis that is making a difference in your lives. At the same time, it’s never been more difficult to maintain a paywall-free, independent news source that informs, inspires, and engages everyone.
Simply put, we cannot do this essential work without your help. Federal funding for public media has been clawed back by Congress and that means LAist has lost $3.4 million in federal funding over the next two years. So we’re asking for your help. LAist has been there for you and we’re asking you to be here for us.
We rely on donations from readers like you to stay independent, which keeps our nonprofit newsroom strong and accountable to you.
No matter where you stand on the political spectrum, press freedom is at the core of keeping our nation free and fair. And as the landscape of free press changes, LAist will remain a voice you know and trust, but the amount of reader support we receive will help determine how strong of a newsroom we are going forward to cover the important news from our community.
Please take action today to support your trusted source for local news with a donation that makes sense for your budget.
Thank you for your generous support and believing in independent news.
Chip in now to fund your local journalism
(
LAist
)
Trending on LAist
-
The critical findings are part of long-awaited after-action report was released Thursday. It contains recommendations for increasing emergency staffing and updating old systems. -
Diving has changed, mountain biking has been added. Here's where to watch the Olympics in person in 2028. -
'A Great Day in the Stoke' is a free, daylong event in Orange County billed as 'the largest gathering of Black surfers in history.' The fourth annual festival is set for Saturday in Huntington Beach. -
Kimmel returned less than a week after ABC suspended his show over comments he made about the assassination of right wing activist Charlie Kirk. -
Southern California might see some light rain tonight into Wednesday morning. After that, cooler weather is on the way, but expect the humidity to remain. -
A gate tax at Disney? It's a possibility.
Best of LAist