rom my perch on a teetering Lucite stool, I surveyed the downtown scene at District, a swanky lounge on the outskirts of Chinatown. It's not a place I normally frequent, but this girl will do anything for a vintage fashion show. I must have stood out from the slickly dressed crowd in the my printed tunic and flat sandals, as John Alves, Calico's assistant stylist, kindly invited me backstage just as the team was finishing up hair and makeup.

Elissa Paquette, owner of Calico, a six-year-old vintage boutique in New Bedford, was throwing a fashion show with Ultimate magazine to celebrate the launch of the new Calico web shop. As I walked behind a metallic curtain, she was giving final approval to the models and their looks. I couldn't resist sneaking a peek at the pieces she had chosen for the presentation. A darling aqua and violet cotton romper stood out, as did a gem-encrusted bustier/harem pant combo, and a Valentino-inspired tiered floral dress with oversized bow. They were all things I could have seen myself buying if they hadn't been model sized.

The clothes had an '80s/'90s vibe. That's what most people seem to want to wear these days. My favorite look was a stonewashed mini denim jacket atop a hot pink/turquoise printed skirt. It's the kind of outfit that feels creative and on trend, but unexpected. Paquette planned the show as two mini collections. Seven models showed two looks each—one for day, one for night. "Considering we threw this together in a week," she said, "it's pretty cohesive."

That was thanks largely to the styling, especially in the accessory department—sweet summer handbags (a woven pouch, tiny cloth frame bag, white basket clutch) and cocktail rings always feel right in the heat (I liked the massive rhinestone baubles the best)—plus a dozen pairs of sunglasses in every shape you could think of (they are available online). Paquette has an eye for vintage that is trendy, wearable, and just a touch over the top.

While we were on the subject of accessories, Paquette reached for a piece of jewelry, covered with spangly gold flowers and rhinestones. "Have you seen these gorgeous necklaces? My friend makes them. They are all one of a kind." She slipped it over her head and the necklace transformed her striped tunic. The line, Please and Thank You by Cody Newell, is sold on Etsy as well as in the Calico web shop. Newell did a lovely job on the makeup for the show, and Salon Acote finished off the hair with slicked-back high ponytails and ballerina buns.

In addition to getting up close and personal with the Calico team, I met Sophia from Phosphene Fashion. As we ooohed and aahhhed over the looks, we agreed that Calico did a great job showcasing vintage in a modern and interesting way.

Of course, even after my insistent probing, Paquette will not reveal her vintage sources. All she'll say is that "New Bedford is the secret vintage mecca, and we're cheap!" Sounds like I'll have to make a trip down there and find out for myself.

If you can't make it to New Bedford or Providence, where Calico shares a space with Heir Antiques, you can browse the shop online.

Off the Rack

Summer’s here and Passport can help. With Ame & Lulu weekend duffels, Tocca SPF sunscreen towlettes, and OKAb flip flops, you’ll be ready for warm-weather travel in no time.

Stel's at 334 Newbury has Randolph Engineering aviators, an in-store exclusive. The only person you've probably ever seen wearing them is Don Draper on Mad Men, and what guy doesn't want to look like him?

The next Boldfacers next pop-up store will be a Beantown vs the Big Apple fashion battle Friday (June 4) from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. in Channel Center. This sounds like my kind of showdown.

Heading to the Cape? Check out great shopping secrets at the new MySecretCapeCod.com.

Additional reporting by Alessandra Carriero