Stock Options: The Port Davis Vintage Fair
This past Sunday I visited the first installation of the Port Davis vintage fair at the George Dilboy DFW Post in Somerville. Walking in was like being transported to a chic mid-century modern garage sale, complete with a Mad Men–style cash bar. Because who doesn’t like a little martini therapy while channeling their inner Joan Holloway?
Although I opted to forgo the cocktails — seeing as it was only 10:30 a.m. — the soundtrack of classic hits from the ‘60s and ‘70s piped through the loudspeakers overhead kept me in the spirit as I perused the 10 vendor stands awash in shades of orange, olive green, and brown. I strolled past a variety of shag rugs, bulbous ceramic table lamps, crates of vinyl records, and a hot dog sofa playfully dubbed the “wiener couch” (a nod to a certain present-day political scandal?) before spotting a rack of clothing that looked like it was wheeled in straight from Betty Draper’s closet. Jackpot.
Among the nearly mint-condition duds — all from the same estate and dating back to the ’50s and ’60s — were an elegant off-white Anne Fogarty tea-length dress for $175, a structured tangerine-and-teal linen dress by Bonwit Teller for $75, and a precious peach cardigan with a matching white polka-dot belt for $35. Not only were the clothes in great shape, but they also came in sizes made for the 5’3” and under crowd — a rarity, I’ve found, in the world of vintage clothing. I walked away with a lovely $38 navy and white striped bolero. Not bad. Best of all, the fair’s vendors accept credit cards. At the next table, statement-making costume jewelry (think vintage Chanel and Yves Saint Laurent necklaces) flashed and twinkled. A thick blue Larry Vrba necklace, made from re-purposed mid-century baubles, was on sale with a pair of matching earrings for a mere $950. Hmm, maybe I could use a drink, after all. Luckily the fair offered a variety of items priced to fit any budget, including furniture, kitchenware, books, handbags, artwork, and collectibles.
If you missed the fair this past weekend, don’t fret. The Port Davis Vintage Fair promises to return the second and fourth Sunday of each month this summer through September at the same location. But a word to the wise: Get there early to avoid the devastation of seeing a “sold” sign on, say, your favorite Ballpark frank–inspired davenport.
Every second and fourth Sunday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.; 371 Summer St. (VFW Post 529), Somerville, 617-304-4978.
Stephanie Horst contributes to Boston‘s online fashion and lifestyle coverage.
