The651.com

There’s no better excuse than the annual RetroRama fashion show to get dressed up in your best vintage. For this year’s show, subtitled “Fashion Comes Full Circle,” you have even more options – they’ve expanded beyond the usual ‘50s theme to include the 1920s through 1960s in a nod to the brand-new Minnesota History Center exhibition, “Minnesota’s Greatest Generation.” Five top Twin Cities designers who regularly incorporate historical references into their clothing, including Max Lohrbach, Ivan Idland, Calpurnia Peach, Sarah Holm and Abigail Caperton, will each provide their take on a different decade, and Transmission DJ Jake Rudh will be providing stylish beats to the Anna Lee-produced fashion show.

Best of all, the show will take place under a tent on the Minnesota History Center grounds – just like a real fashion show. There will also be mixologists from Bradstreet Craftshouse mixing classic cocktails, live music from A Night in the Box, and vintage pop-up boutiques by Via’s Vintage Wear and Swank Retro. (7-11 p.m. Thu. $12-15. Minnesota History Center, 345 Kellogg Blvd. W., St. Paul. 651-259-3015.

But many of you may be wondering, where is one to shop? Fortunately, one of St. Paul’s greatest strengths is its vintage shopping.

Women:

The key for you is picking a decade and making sure your hair, make-up and accessories complete the look with at least some degree of historical accuracy. If you don’t have a favorite decade, you’ll probably have the best luck with a ‘50s or ‘60s look. It’s the most flattering on a variety of body types, and it’s an accessible look (be inspired by your favorite “Mad Men” character).

If you need some tips or are looking for something specific, there’s no better place to go than Lula’s Vintage Wear, which will be providing some of the clothing seen on the runway at RetroRama. Its owner Hayley Bush is a venerable expert of all things vintage. Either way, she’s got you covered, and Lula’s has some of the finest (and reasonably-priced) vintage offerings in town. (1587 Selby Ave., St. Paul. 651-644-4110.)

Men:

If you give her a few days advance notice, chances are Hayley should be able to find some great things for you in her off-site warehouse of goodies. Lula’s Vintage Wear is probably your best vintage shopping option if you’re a guy. And guys, be sure to shop early – vintage can be a tough fit, so you’ll want to allow a few days for last-minute alterations.

Though it’s not at vintage, a well-tailored suit from Heimie’s Haberdashery is sure to stay in your wardrobe long enough to become vintage one day. While you’re there, get a shave and haircut and you’ll be ready to go out on the town. (400 St. Peter St., St. Paul. 651-224-2354.)

More St. Paul vintage shopping destinations:

Up Six Vintage: 157 Snelling Ave. N., St. Paul. 651-917-0470

Succotash: 781 Raymond Ave., St. Paul. 651-603-8787

Sophie Joe’s Emporium: 453 W. 7^th St., St. Paul. 651-224-1357

Go Vintage: 1560 Selby Ave., St. Paul. 651-646-4455

Everyday People: 1599 Selby Ave., St. Paul. 651-644-4410

My Sister’s Closet: 1136 Grand Ave., St. Paul. 651-222-2819