I first heard about Dapper Day when I was living in Boston a few years ago. I’ve always loved going to Disneyland and I have a growing affinity for mid-century fashion. I felt sad that I had to miss out on a few upcoming events from Greater Boston Vintage Society, but after being told that Southern California is the heart of retro fashion, I’m totally in! Dapper Expo is different from Dapper Day. Dapper Day is a day where you can dress up in your favorite retro wear in the parks. Dapper Day Expo is where you can buy and shop for mid-century styles. This was held at the Disneyland Convention Center on Saturday, September 19, 2015. If you’re into retro fashion as much as I am, prepare your wallets! Also, it was pretty common to see Dapper Day Expo attendees “Disneybound” as Disney characters in retro style. I left feeling inspired and wanting to do a retro Disneybound variation of something…eventually…
The Dress
I ended up wearing my red Heidi dress from Pinup Girl Clothing. It’s one of my first retro dresses that was not bought second hand. I noticed several other people at Dapper Day Expo wear the exact same dress in the red colorway. I have found someone wearing the blue colorway. Additionally, the dress was going for $60 clearance at the Pinup Girl Clothing booth. I wore my Minnie Mouse ears my friend bought me as well as my cardigan from Anne Klein. Though it was 90 degrees outside, it was relatively cool inside the Disneyland Hotel convention center. I really didn’t know how to do my hair; I’m still new at pinup styles and I’m not sure if I could do anything with my current length.
The Car Show
One of the highlights of Dapper Day Expo was the classic car show. This was incentive for my significant other to check it out. I don’t know much about classic cars, but I do like gandering at displays. There were event vendors selling pomade.
The Expo
The main draw for Dapper Day Expo was the exhibition space. A good number of vendors showed up to sell vintage, mid-century fashion styles for men, women, and children. These ranged from vintage store finds and up and coming brands. Attendees can change in cabana’s to try out clothes. In addition to vintage vestments, there were also cosmetics that catered to mid-century style. Because I have a unique, mocha skin tone, it was very helpful to try out products in person. While I may have been familiar with some of these companies online, I’m never too sure what shade to get. There were plenty of booths selling old timey hats, and event custom ones as well. Bands were scheduled to play later in the day and if you were of age, you can pour yourself a drink or two. The exhibit hall was essentially a mid-century aficionado’s shopping paradise. Best of all? Dapper Day Expo is free and open to the public.
Overall
As someone who wasn’t quite sure if there would be a thriving community like Greater Boston Vintage Society in Southern California, I’m really impressed by the number of people that showed up for this event. In fact, there were so many people that showed up to Dapper Day in the park the previous day that Disney had to cut off attendance! I’m really surprising how big and active the vintage community is out in Southern California. There seems to be more stores located in Burbank (Pinup Girl Clothing, Sidecca, Unique Vintage, Besame, etc). However, as I’m transitioning into the real OC, I’d love to do this again next year. I’m already looking forward to Pinup Parade in the Park next month. I also hope to make new friends within this circle as well. Thank you again, Dapper Day for making this well worth my Saturday!
Links of Interest
– Eri Kagami
erica @ scarlet-rhapsody.com