Just Do It

Plaid Pony Holiday Open House

by Amy Strauss

Sat., Dec. 8, 11 a.m.-7 p.m.; Sun., Dec. 9, 11 a.m.-5 p.m., Plaid Pony Vintage, 2213 Taggert St., 215-888-7673, plaidponyvintage.com

Lara Long is our favorite kind of scavenger. The founder of online boutique Plaid Pony Vintage travels the East Coast selecting truckloads of men's and women's retro gear, obsessively rummaging for flirty-yet-demure pumps that would make both you and grandma swoon. Just for the holidays, she's opening up her hubby's 1,000-foot studio for a party and sale.

With a few thousand items new to the inventory — most of which have not yet been listed online — holiday shoppers will have plenty of options. Strappy gold Gimbles' slingbacks, chiffon floral dresses, Betmar wide-brim hats, Western-style button-downs and cheeky slogan belt buckles only begin the list for both ladies and gents. Long is also putting out her expanding collection of kitschy housewares, including animal salt-and-pepper shakers, Holiday Inn ashtrays, sugar jars, needlepoint sets and W&R Berries figurines.

While first dibs on one-of-a-kind vintage pieces is a party in itself, there's plenty more to look forward to. "It'll really be a holiday party where you can also shop," says Long, who plans to break out her extensive collection of vintage board games for the occasion. The festive hostess will also wow her guests with Fluffernutter sandwiches, hot mulled cider and an assortment of finger foods. Donna Reed would be so proud.