often in the craftsmanship and detail, which Allegro says speaks to their timelessness. “The quality of some of these pieces are night and day compared to what you’d see that’s new,” she adds. Couture labels are among the most sought-after and therefore fetch the highest prices among wearers or collectors, but Allegro points out that within the vintage world exist several sublabels from designers who drew inspiration from A-listers like Gucci, Oscar De La Renta and Vera Wang. Some of the labels in Allegro’s collection attract specialized vintage-searchers. San Francisco designer Gunne Sax’s 1970s prairie-core dresses are an example. For those who require something more approachable to represent California style with color and flow—perfect for wine tasting—Allegro features a collection of Lilli Diamond dresses for what she calls “effortless California glamour from the 1960s and ’70s.” Chugg has managed to capture that history in the form of ’70s-era Levi’s 501s, dressed with old Carmel-branded T-shirts from the 1980s and difficult-tofind military, letterman or denim jackets propped up on a pair of snakeskin boots. Wally’s also sports a selection of men’s jewelry and watches, along with suitcoats, trousers and shoes that work for dressing up after a round of golf or even a wedding. Valentine’s offerings tell the story of casual and carefree living, in and around the Peninsula, with Sesto Meucci loafers, ’90s-era button-fly 501s, topped with a navy United Colors of Benetton tank, accessorized with a Universal Genève watch from the 1940s. There are other shops now focused on vintage lines, for example Reincarnation Vintage Clothing in Pacific Grove or Monterey’s funky Fashion Trade. Like Moxie, outfits found at Wally’s, Valentine and the others can define the personality of any wearer. Among the rare finds at Wally’s in Carmel are relaxed pieces, such as vintage jerseys matched with authentic python skin boots. Modeled by Sarone Kelete. DANIEL DREIFUSS 30 THE BEST OF MONTEREY BAY ® HAVEN 2026-2027 MtyCoFair_1-2h_Haven26_kb.indd 1 7/24/26 1:51 PM
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