Santa Barbara’s Fiesta could be a needed financial boost for small businesses such as vintage clothing and antique stores

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. - Old Spanish Days is a time for gatherings, festivals, and dressing up in period outfits, which serves businesses well if they specialize in Fiesta attire and interior design settings.

Already enthusiasm is apparent with flags, bunting and window designs at businesses in Santa Barbara.

Santa Barbara's 98th Old Spanish Days begins August 3.

The Vintage Fox Antiques and The Story Vintage Clothing at 609 Chapala St. are already setting up displays and putting out special clothing racks for those ready to immerse themselves into Fiesta.

This will include specially curated items for Fiesta parties, home decorations and also simply, what you will be wearing to any of the many events that are scheduled. That could be an outing to see a parade, or a higher end fundraiser.

At the Vintage Fox Antiques Ashley Fox said, "Fiesta is so fun because it is quintessential Santa Barbara and it's not like anywhere else. The whole town is a party." 

In her new display, "I have old Fiesta posters and pins and margarita glasses and whatever you need to make a party be fun I have it." Some of the items date back to the 1950's.

Walking around a displays she said,  the table-top gypsy wagon will be a quick seller,  "they'll put shot glasses in there."    Two were in the wagon already.

There were also flags, baskets, vases, and candle holders.

In the back building and courtyard, Nina Quiros with The Story antique clothing store showed several racks of colorful dress wear for Fiesta.

From the shelves she pulled down boots, tutus, hats and a multi-colored pair of women's shoes that were all ready for a night on the town for a Fiesta party. "Aren't they amazing? We just kind of put them out,  little heals,  you can dance all night ."

Quiros also takes repurposed clothing and adds special features to them,  making them one of a kind.   "I hope that we get people in here because we have really fun stuff," she said while wearing one of the outfits she plans to sell soon.

Her racks have clothing for men and women.   There are also many mix and match items to get multiple uses out of a purchase.

One display had a "vintage '70's shirt and they are really hard to come by and this one is in beautiful shape and it is white."

Also during Fiesta both stores will have a party for customers. "I will decorate the back patio with bright textiles and things and then have beer and chips and people can come by," said Fox.