Growing in popularity in the nation's capital are fashion auctions where the well-to-do can go to get their hands on some of the most luxurious and beautiful vintage fashions around.

The bidding begins at $20 and leapfrogs to $50 as auctioneer Steve Little, nattily dressed in a navy pinstripe suit and purple-pattern tie, jokes with and coaxes several dozen would-be shoppers in the Wisconsin Avenue basement of Sloans and Kenyon Auctioneers and Appraisers. “It’s a good day to buy something,” he says. The ante is upped to $80. In his mellifluous voice, Little pushes, “Looking for $90?” It’s a no-go. Lot 30 is sold for $80. Read More