Several dozen things you can buy, if you're so inclined. Also we're back, baby
Without preamble about re-starting (besides that, and this) let’s shop:
I’ve decided the best use of this newsletter is to simply assemble links to interesting items. The overarching ethos (insofar as that endeavor needs one) will be to turn all the time I spend browsing vintage and second-hand items into an organized virtual bazaar for you! My qualifications: whatever feel I’ve developed by throwing money after pixelated promises to solve all my problems through material consumption. Also, if you’re here, it stands to reason that you like my style enough.
There will be categories that repeat but not always and not all of them. You’ll see, it’ll make sense. What I would love to have happen, however, is that you make requests — for certain genres or vibes or something much more specific. Because although my neediness is limitless, my needs are not.
Plaid maxi skirts
This category inspired by the sudden bout of infatuation that netted me not one but two such plaid maxi skirts even though I aspire to an aesthetic that leans more streetwear than Scottish highlands. Something about fall just brings out the latent horse girl in me. And now, I love them! If I had thought to take any photos you could see how I styled them in the postseason but instead you’ll have to watch the entire month of outfit roundup on TikTok. Pretty cute, no?
The fuller, black-and-white one is from actual brick-and-mortar Capital Vintage in Kingston, NY. The one that looks like it belongs in a Ralph Lauren ad is actual Ralph Lauren that I got on eBay. But here are some that you can buy:
If you like them both! Black-and-white Ralph Lauren wool skirt.
A more festive Ralph Lauren option, and right now less than $40.
This one just feels fancy: a little fuller, but somehow also sleek? They say it’s deadstock, so unworn, if the alternative gives you the heebie-jeebies.
The brand here is “Nicole Miller Sport.” I invite you to ponder which sports are best done in a pleated plaid midi skirt.
Simply have to include this colorful option with just a touch of fringe from a brand called “Forsyrh of Edinburgh” after making that Scottish highlands reference earlier.
I was looking primarily for 100% (or close to) wool skirts, which all of the above are. But made an exception for this one in case you prioritize pockets. (That extra-wide waistband is having some kind of effect on me, do I need this?)
Two more that are not wool, if you want lots of plaid with less coziness.
And one mini tartan skirt that wait, actually I want this.
Watch me shop
Alas, despite my persistent protestations, it has gotten cold again, just as it does every year. And on a similarly recurrent schedule, I realize one again that I somehow lack sufficient outwear? How can this be? I have a pink Northface puffer that I overpaid for on eBay last winter after deciding I couldn’t stand to have any sort of lesser version. I still love it, especially how cropped and sporty it is. But sometimes you need a coat that wouldn’t be best described by those two adjectives. And so, I require: a wool (or wool/cashmere?) long overcoat. I think camel-colored? Or would black be more timeless? But something brighter more fun? If money was no object (and the sustainability conceit of this newsletter not as compelling) I would head to the closest Max Mara. Some options I’m considering:
Eighty percent wool, 10% cashmere from Emerson Fry to look like a sharply dressed Hershey’s bar that is also a British operative in the early 20th century.
Eighty percent wool and 20% polyamide for this houndstooth (that is both black and brown if you look closely — love) from Elevnty. I think I could commit to the print but the belt is rubbing me the wrong way? They’re both a little buttoned-up, I think I was picturing something a tad slouchier.
Or at least more robe-like like this 100% wool one in a true camel color from Max & Moi.
But a more streamlined robe, like this one, which is majority cashmere.
I’m a little wary of the condition of this affordable 100% wool shawl collar option originally from Saks.
Be honest, will I look like Carmen Sandiego (or, otherwise regret the bold choice) if I go for this fire-engine red, 80% wool one?
Truly classic camel hair from the 1980s, but almost certainly comically oversized on me.
If I go black over tan/brown, this 100% wool double-breasted but otherwise totally paired down one is perfect.
On a similarly minimalist front, how do we feel about the single row of buttons and tiny lapels here?
The plaid on this 100% wool vintage Escada? obsessed. The “VERY generous” proportions in the description is spooking me a little. Also, the plaid is brown-on-brown, right? Not purple… Now that I’ve said that, does it look a little purple to you?
Not for me, but maybe you
Just cool stuff that’s not my size/style/current inclination but that someone should definitely admire.
Seasonally inappropriate hot pink mini skirt that I almost didn’t include so you don’t think my entire closet is vintage Ralph Lauren.
Look, it’s just really fertile ground right now, apparently! I’m not sure actually that anyone will appreciate this obnoxiously equestrian tan denim skirt (also from our friend Ralph!!!) more than I would, but it was too special to not include.
The internet is flush with high quality vintage leather blazers and if you’re looking for something specific, a simple google will likely get you there. But if you just want all the guesswork taken out of it, I quite like this fitted cognac-colored one with just enough detail.
If you were into the plaid vibe above but would prefer to do squats while gleefully shouting “they’re actually pants!” then you need these, which are being accurately called “trouser skirt.”
In spite of their oppressive trendiness, I will never update my personal stance (that is: absolutely not) on ballet flats. Loafers, however, loafers are a different story. These are a little too big (in size) and a little too not-chunky (in style) for me, but perfect condition vintage black leather Versace loafers with a 3D gold panther(!!!) embellishment have to be someone’s dream shoe.
If you don’t, I might
Here we have just a hodgepodge of some more of the most intriguing items I’ve come across this week that I am legit excited about. Please buy them so I can’t.
Admittedly this would be oversized on me as a medium/large but what the FUCK???? This pale-blue-with-pops-of-red super streamlined motorcycle jacket is unlike anything I’ve seen. Tiktok would have me to believe that these vaguely racing jackets are in vogue or are about to be, but I’ve yet to come across one in this color. In a sea of minimalist neutrals, the blue is so cool but not cartoonish. And if nothing else resonated: A leather jacket for less than $120.
Boxy oversized blazers are all the rage, but this long wool/silk Escada jacket makes me think we need to transition into circus ringleader-core.
My only hesitation about this Armani silk tank top is that I don’t have the most forgiving proportions and I think it’s gotta be second-skin fitted to be what I’m envisioning. Imagine the versatility, you could wear Armani to pick up takeout on a random Tuesday. Conventional women’s media has always seemed to overestimate the amount of holiday parties we’re all getting invited to (right? RIGHT?!??!?) but this would shine (literally… 😏) there, too.
This super precious sparsely floral cotton knit cardigan from Eddie Bauer is not even my style, which explains why I’m hemming and hawing about a $28 (including shipping) purchase. But I just know if I owned it I would wear it all the time.
This is not the coat I need. It is not timeless, versatile, or likely even all that warm. And so I must repeat: this is not the coat I need. Please, if you will though, imagine how fantastic it would look with my pink hair.
Sexy schoolgirl tropes are ageist and creepy and perpetuate the fetishization of patriarchal power dynamics and idealization of practically prepubescence as a beauty standard. But you can’t blame all of that on this mini pleated Burberry skirt which would look quite hot, you have to admit.
To be honest, I’m not seriously considering dropping over $1,000 on these Vintage Fendi Cow Print Pony Hair Boots and neither are you (unless you are, in which case, hello, let’s hang out). EVEN THOUGH they are literally my size and perfect. But at least now we can communally admire and commiserate.
And while we’re dreaming, if anyone who really loves me (👀) needs gift ideas, well, look no further.