Why wear designer clothing that's derivative of vintage clothing when you can get the real deal—and, in pristine condition?

L.A. is known the world over for its killer vintage shopping. And three times a year it gets even more lethal with the arrival of the Vintage Fashion Expo. Normally held over one weekend sometime in or around the months of November, February and May, more than 80 dealers invade the Santa Monica Civic Auditorium to offer up oldies but goodies from every time period, for every budget—including high-end designers like Chanel. This is the Iron(wo)man decathlon of vintage shopping. We're not talking piled-up beaded sweaters and saddle shoes—this is vintage going back 100 years and more. Vintage specialists from all over the nation gather with their best wares to sell to each other, to the public and particularly to fashion designers' trendhunters. Occasionally, organizers have fashion shows featuring clothing sold at the expo. Pay the extra ten bucks for early buying privileges on Saturday, not only will you get first dibs, you are also granted an admission-free return on Sunday.