California Love

Posted by Charli

on March 23, 2010

I have fallen in love. With a “vintage” hoodie.

Last month, I would not have thought it possible to WANT to pay more than $100 for a grown-up version of the hoodie my friend’s big brother wore when we were 8. But this spring, I hope I win the lottery because the first thing I’m doing (after finally buying my dad that Porsche Carrera) is stocking my closet with Aviator Nation‘s pricey, flawlessly flawed recreations of “vintage” tees, tanks and sweats.

Much love goes out to creator and Texas native Paige Mycoskie, who got the itch to make perfect “retro sporty” vintage clothing from her obsession with Cali style and her inability to find a good vintage T-shirt anywhere else but in a thrift store. She began by researching how the real thing was made vs. stylized reproductions we often see today, and coupled with her super picky taste in feel and fabrics, Aviator Nation’s soft, sturdy goods were born.

Now, having been allowed to borrow and sink into several garments from the Spring 2010 collection, I can tell you that every piece looks and feels Ah!-mazing — enough to make me want to wear it all day, every day. (Er, you could say I almost managed to give back all of it.) It might have something to do with the fact that Paige sought out the same sewing machines used to make clothes in the 60s and 70s; or perhaps it’s the hand-stitched appliques and the uber-flattering cuts that make me feel as laid-back sexy as their Carmen Electra-esque model (whose name is Marielle, in case you were wondering). Who knows. It works. And of course, they go perfectly with you-know-what sunglasses.

Natch, at only a few years old, Aviator Nation has already garnered some celebrity citizens, from Kristen Stewart to Andy Samberg. Next up? Hopefully you.

Surf the racks at the Aviator Nation boutique, located at 1224 Abbot Kinney Blvd. in (where else?) Venice, Calif. Or check out their online store and find a shop near you at AviatorNation.com.

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