Weekly Secondhand Finds (Vol. LIV)

a collage of different types of women's clothing and accessories. All vintage or secondhand.

Is anybody else really sick of seeing Christmas overconsumption on social media? Like a million ads for brands you know they do not wear, and gift guide after gift guide of Amazon shit that don’t seem to be very well thought-out gift ideas?

Maybe I am just tired of social media in general and want to escape into my own little bubble.

One that consists of vintage shopping and styling outfits, while wishing that I could somehow make a job of it, because in the state of this world and economy, we need to have a job.

As my escapism this week, I tried to mostly theme my selections on statement-like, fun-to-wear pieces.

Something that you would bring into your wardrobe, and it just makes everything work, and makes better sense for your style.

Remember, before social media we would dress in a way that we loved or made us happy? A way that felt natural, not forced.

You would find a piece you loved, and you would wear it so much it was like a signature piece.

Something like hot pink leather gloves that you would wear all winter to the point that you were referred to as “the pink glove girl”.

I miss that.

The time before giant walk-in closets with more clothes than you could ever wear became aspirational.

I never wanted a giant walk-in until social media. I was happy with the standard size which if you were lucky, you would install an organizer to make the most of the small space.

But honestly, all of my closets have been the straight bar kind with the shelf on top, and a closing or sliding door. Even Caroline Bessette had a normal closet like that.

Anyway, that is my long-winded way of saying that you don’t need to buy new clothes every single week to stay on top of fashion.

Hold out for a special piece or two that will enhance what you already have and love.

So this week is about the standout pieces. Those items that have elements that make them just a bit more fun to wear.

Like this Junya Watanabe (intentionally) distressed striped sweater. Or this amazing band-style leather jacket.

Striped Sweater | Leather Jacket

Next, we have two very different Mulger jackets.

Mugler is one of those brands that I eventually am going to own. This blue blazer-esque jacket is so special.

It was actually part of a collection for a museum showing. It’s from 1996 I believe and if it wasn’t Christmas and I didn’t just buy the Junya Watanabe jacket, I would be all over this one.

The plaid scarf jacket is so on trend right now. You see these everywhere, but predominantly in synthetic fabrics.

So the question is, do you want the one from Zara, or do you want the vintage wool version by Mugler?

The only correct answer would be Mugler every single time.

Style tip: Always choose Mugler.

Vintage Mugler Scarf Coat | Vtg Mugler Blue Jacket

A little vintage 1960s MCM suede colourblock bag for an easy way to add some colour.

Coloured leather gloves are very trendy right now, but why buy a new pair when there is a luxurious green pair for sale?

6 1/2 is my glove size, so I am very tempted by these myself.

Vintage Striped Bag | Green Leather Gloves

Want to do something small to add a bit of interest to your outfit?

Try a brooch like this one that reminded me of a bird or plague doctor mask.

The other piece is a sweater clip, which you would usually use at the neckline of a cardigan to hold it together.

I prefer to use them in less traditional ways, like at the waistline to keep a sweater or shirt wrapped, or even just to pinch some fabric together on a regular crewneck sweater or t-shirt to give it some shape.

Vintage Brooch | Vintage Sweater Clip

Next week have some very Y2K mesh pieces which would integrate so well right now since mesh is everywhere.

Jean Paul Gaultier was known for these pieces during this time, and the second one is actually by JPG.

The burgundy one was inspired by JPG and is fabulous as well. If mesh isn’t for you, then try them as a layering piece like under a blazer where you can still have the mesh visibility, but you won’t feel as exposed.

I love these two.

Red Mesh Top | Vintage JPG Mesh Painting Top

Now we have a beautiful bag. In the world of traditional animal prin,t I love a variation.

It is also a fairly substantial size, so you could get a lot of use from this.

Next is an amazing find. It is a vintage Indigo Girls tee from their 1992 tour. Is there a hole in it? yes? Do I care? Fuck no. I’d just wear a lace camisole under it.

This is a good one. Really good.

Animal Print Bag | Indigo Girls t-shirt

How about some patent leather boots with a square toe and a perfectly walkable heel?

Did I mention that they are vintage Prada?

Or maybe a snake print bag that incorporates some colour instead of the regular neutral prints.

Prada Boots | Snake Print Bag

If the Prada boots aren’t your thing, these vintage 70s forest green ones with gold detailing might float your boat.

They are very tiny, though so if you have small feet, you are in luck.

And lastly, these amazing vintage Miu Miu crocodile embossed, western-esque booties might be the winner.

The colour is glorious, but alas, they won’t fit me as per usual.

Forest Green Boots | Lime Green Miu Miu Boots

That is it, friends.

I hope you are coping well through this highly stressful season.

Take care.

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Sara

Sara is the founder and creative behind livelovesara. A George Brown College Fashion Styling Graduate, she provides advice on finding your personal style regardless of age and budget. She is always on the hunt for the perfect wardrobe piece and is a vintage and thrifting enthusiast who can't wait to share her newest finds. She is also trying to learn French.

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