Vintage Finds at the SF Vintage Fashion Expo

Despite being a bit burned out on vintage from all the Gatsby preparations I did, I was excited to head out to the San Francisco Vintage Fashion Expo this past weekend. Although I didn't have any event in mind to shop for, I managed to find a couple of dresses I couldn't resist buying. Most of the stuff I really loved was out of my price range, but I managed to find dresses in need of a little bit of TLC. For that reason, I think I got them at great prices.

This blue 1950s/early 1960s sundress needed the most repairs. The zipper was detached, it was unhemmed and there were various (hidden) holes around the neckline. Originally $28, I got it for $10 once I pointed out all the problems. The fixes were fairly easy to make and now it just needs a washing.

I bought this hat for $15. Even though I'm more a fan of straw hats, I couldn't resist the flowers.

Yes, I'm already thinking about next year's Gatsby. I know I want a later 1930s silhouette and this dress may just be a little too unstructured for the look I'm going for. That said, at $35 (it needs some mending around the shoulders), I could not let this dress go unpurchased. Dresses from the 1920s and 1930s are often way out of my price range so this was a nice surprise.

And finally -- the find of the day -- this velvet 1930s evening gown. It has absolutely no wear and is in near perfect condition. And despite its slender appearance, actually fits me. I absolutely love this dress and will most likely wear it to the next formal event I attend -- perhaps the Art Deco Preservation Ball. The dress was hanging high at the top of a expo booth so I had to ask the price. Though it was $125, the store owner let me have it for $95! I couldn't even get a new formal dress for that price.