The delight of not having to wear 47 layers is indescribable. The joy of sunshine after this long, long winter makes us appreciate how fun it is to get dressed in a dress.

The Twin Cities are known for their unique style, a blend of practical, vintage, designer, modern and DIY fashion. What sounds like a fashion disaster is actually turns out really quite fabulous. An afternoon walk around Uptown Minneapolis or the Walker Art Center will give you fashion inspiration enough for a whole season. A lot of stylish folks base their look around a single vintage piece - perhaps a print dress, an retro t-shirt, or some killer heels - and mix with modern clothes for a look that's all our own.

Part of the reason that the the Twin Cities love vintage clothing is that we are so eco-friendly. Giving a second life to old clothes saves them from the landfill, and saves the resources needed to make the new garment. It's the antithesis of disposable fashion. Vintage clothes were made to last and look good for many seasons when they are looked after. And vintage fashion is timeless so no worrying about whether it is last season. It's already way out of date, so throw it on, and head out!

Vintage divas should make tracks to the annual Spring Shindig, held by the St. Paul Retro Loop. Retro clothes, furniture, jewelry, art, LPs, plus vintage-style refreshments to celebrate spring. May 3 and 4, at the stores of the St. Paul Retro Loop.

Then, on the evening of May 15, the Minnesota Historical Society hosts RetroRama, a celebration of all things 1950s. There will be a fashion show, vintage fashions on sale, cocktails, music and Brad Zellar, the man behind the 1950s photo exhibition "Suburban World: The Norling Photos" currently running will be signing the accompanying book.

• Vintage Clothing Stores in Minneapolis and St. Paul
• St. Paul Retro Loop Spring Shindig
• Minnesota Historical Society's RetroRama Party