Dorothea’s Closet, Des Moines, Iowa

Fringe Factor: “I buy local as much as possible,” says owner Angela Petraline, who routinely sorts through family estates and digs through neighborhood attics. “There is a sense of pride in the Midwest among women who have saved gowns from galas, weddings and funerals.”

What to Grab: Nineteen-twenties Egyptian Revival looks, 1940s printed jersey rayons and collectibles from Thierry Mugler, Bill Blass, Missoni and Lanvin.

Holy Grails: A Halston painted silk caftan ($3,500) and 1970s Stephen Burrows disco gown ($1,245). 1733 Grand Ave.; 515-991-3516; dorotheasclosetvintage.com.