OUT AND ABOUT : Vintage Look Won’t Wait for Halloween

Connie Victoria is always hearing about her clothes. She’s used to it, as you have to be if you don’t wear anything less than 40 years old.

“I don’t care what people think,” she says. “I wear what I like.”

Dressed in a decidedly offbeat ensemble--a long denim skirt paired with a lacy T-shirt and denim fringes--Victoria shows off her vintage clothing store in Ventura, Street Scene Classics.

A sleeveless black chiffon number with wine-colored lace and matching costume jewelry from the 1930s is displayed outside the door. A 1940s wedding dress and a white veil hang on the wall. A silk afternoon dress from the 1920s hangs in one corner.

Clothing comes in lace, brocade and velvet, and with gloves, hats, shoes and costume jewelry, dating from the 1920s to the present. Both sexes are represented. None of it is in any sort of order.

Victoria haunts estate sales, swap meets and garage sales. Treasures usually get a cleaning, but only one-fourth need repair, she said. “They’re made so well,” she said. “Everything is lined.”

Ballroom dancing allows her to show off her wardrobe, Victoria said, but most customers don’t generally wait for a costume ball or Halloween to dress up. They tend to be “weird people, just like me, who want to have fun.”

WHERE TO PICK UP SOME RETREAD THREADS

Stores that carry vintage clothing:

* Street Scene Classics

2478 Main St., Ventura.

Carries clothes and accessories from the 1920s to the present. Prices range from $10 to $25. Call 643-7706.

* Old Hat

86 S. Laurel St., Ventura.

Carries clothes from the 1920s to the 1960s. Prices range from $20 to $50. No phone.

* Ladies and Gentlemen

477 E. Main St., Ventura.

Carries clothes and accessories from the 1930s to the 1950s. Prices range from $40 to $250. Call 643-6367.

* Mademoiselle

481 E. Main St., Ventura.

Carries clothes and accessories from the 1890s to the 1950s. Prices range from $15 to $200. Call 643-3914.

* My Last Hurrah

433 E. Main St., Ventura.

Carries clothes and accessories from the 1930s to the 1950s. Prices range from $20 to $65. Call 643-6510.