'Oasis of Vintage' in East Bay

Since television's outset in the mid-century, the medium has often held sway over American fashion. For followers of mid-century modern style, cable reruns and recent dramas have certainly made TV a fruitful medium indeed.

Whether you're going for Jon Hamm's Don Draper, Elizabeth McGovern's Cora Crowley, or Fred MacMurray's Steve Douglas, you're sure to find your small-screen style Friday and Saturday November 14 and 15 at the Alameda Point Vintage Fashion Faire.

"If you're looking for something specific, this is the show to come to," promises Sandra Michaan. "You can definitely buy a ‘Downton Abbey' costume."

Michaan is owner of Antiques by the Bay and producer of the biannual fashion fair, now located in her showroom, in "one of the nicest hangars on the base," in Alameda.

The fair starts with an early-buy party from 6-9 p.m. Friday (Nov. 14), including a red-carpet costume party starring Sara and Swingtime that is decidedly big screen, "very Academy Awards. We'll be giving out Oscars."

Now in its ninth year, this fall's bazaar features fashion from the Victoria era to the 1990s, with some vendors who also sell at Alameda Point's monthly antique fair. Even so, says Michaan, "They save their best inventory for the indoor show."

Also among the 50 vendors will be some who otherwise only sell online or by appointment: "People have a chance to shop people who don't do any other shows. It's like an oasis of vintage."

For those seeking a mid-century look, Michaan has several recommendations, including one of the largest booths, MK Retro, which "bring a lot of mid-century modern clothing, very ‘Mad Men' style."

In addition, Michaan says, Hollywood pedigreed costumer Ardis Taylor "has lots of men's suits, shoes, cashmere sweaters, and things," while City Vintage "will get tailored suits from the ‘40s, Zoot Suits, everything."

For more information on the Nov. 14-15 Alameda Point Vintage Fashion Faire, click here.