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Happy weekend, my beautiful, lovely Trash Heads!
The leaves have fallen, there’s a spicy little chill in the air, and I’ve already fully caved…the Christmas tree is up in a desperate attempt to combat the daylight-savings existential gloom that sure loves to linger at 3:30pm 🙃
As far as I’m concerned, the holidays are officially here! Which makes it the perfect time to dip your toes into the “true vintage” waters — I promise it’s warm, come on in!
I’ve talked about this a few times before, so I’ll simply be lame and quote myself from dispatches of holiday times past —
you can catch up here…
How to Wear Weird Wacky Vintage
Though I consider myself a lifelong lover of all things old, kooky, strange, and unique, I didn’t actually start collecting and investing in true “collector” vintage pieces for my wardrobe until about seven-ish years ago. While there was always an occasional one-off piece I would fall truly madly-deeply-can’t-live-without-it in love, I found that every …
and here…
24 Hour Party People
I am firmly in the camp that the ✨holidays✨, much like vacation are *actually* the perfect time to experiment with your *whispers* personal style. In fear of further exhausting the discourse around finding your personal uniform (or perhaps lack thereof) I will just say that if we’re really playing by the
I am firmly in the camp that the ✨holidays✨, much like vacation are actually the perfect time to experiment with your whispers personal style. In fear of further exhausting the discourse around finding your personal uniform (or perhaps lack thereof) I will just say that if we’re really playing by the “everything is made up and the points don’t matter” approach and the “sometimes, stupid and cute are enough” approach I think there’s nothing wrong with “why are you dressed like that” approach - let your Great Aunt Susan say “I don’t understand your outfit” and find it deep within your soul to soft smile and just say thank you.
I would rather HAVE FUN and LOOK SILLY than feel sad, bland, and boring in something everyone else is wearing.
I’m also seeing a general sense of holiday dressing malaise and Notes discourse regarding the topic of festive wardrobe round-ups to which I say, poo poo to you. If you don’t have a holiday party to go to, I fear it may just be a sign that it’s your time to throw one (don’t worry, I’ll help you!) Also, the sun sets at 4pm, so the rules are, there ain’t no rules — any occasion is an evening occasion with the right mindset! A trip to the grocery store? Fun tights! A trip to the pharmacy? Statement coat! Dining in at In n’ Out? Ballgown skirt! A matinee at the movies? Your sparkliest shoe!
Stop bedrotting at 5pm, get yourself into some fancy pants, and go do a THING.
And if you don’t think I practice what I preach…
I wore this last year to eat 4:30pm dinner in an old school midwest supper club filled with senior regulars who did nothing but stare the entirety of my 90 minutes dining — the amount of people who stopped to ask me if I was in a play, a fashion show, or if it was a prank did not phase me!!
Life is short — be whimsical. Like, actually whimsical— full of WHIMSY. Some folks around here are throwing that word around too loosely… you have to be fearless! Unafraid of stares! Adventurous to new (old) things and their potential! On the other side is self discovery, I promise!
And if all else fails, just think WWBNW — What Would Bronwyn Newport Wear?
Today’s dispatch is a long one! I debated breaking it up into two, but your inbox is full enough as it is and I’ll be right back in it in a couple of days with both a (paid! only! consider upgrading your subscription!) Dump (of all the extras from this!) and a secondhand gift guide.
So put on some tunes, grab a hot cup of something delicious, and settle in.
Let’s get into it.
If you want to wear something really bold…
Polka dots, three ways ⚪ ⚫ ⚪ Polka dots were everywhere last year and this year I haven’t seen them taking over the new arrivals section as much (ah, the infinite churn of the trend cycle!) But fear not, polka dots are forever and it’s time to rescue those dusty 1980s holiday tops buried in the depths of eBay — you can make them feel modern!
polka dot velvet puff sleeve blouse (fem m/l, $176)
if you’re inching your way to bold vintage, pair with your favorite worn-in jeans and flats and rock a bold statement lip
vintage red judith leiber snakeskin wallet ($95, purchase on eBay)
might have to do a vintage judith leiber edit, her old stuff is very slept on and the price points are really goodle monde beryl patent kitten heel (new, various sizes, $655)
i absolutely love the silhouettes, colors, and leather options of le monde beryl shoes — who knew i would ever love a kitten heel?1980s mink fur trim evening jacket (see measurements, $289, purchase on eBay)
chic chic chic chic chic chic chicdorsey honey moissanite earrings ($490+)
dorsey has been all the buzz the last few years as they reinvent the lab grown gemstone — while i don’t think all of their products are worth the price for the quality, i do think these earrings are a really wonderful option for someone looking for every day pieces that are precious without being too precious. i really like that they have size options, too!francoise polka dot silk flared pants (new, various sizes, $590)
these are sold out, but i’m sure there’s something similar floating around eBay, like thesemanolo blahnik snakeskin pumps (fem 10, $210)
polka dot 🤝 snakeskinvintage black judith leiber clutch ($149.56, purchase on eBay)
if you don’t, i will… the clasp!!! the tassels!!vintage 1960s geoffrey beene dress (see measurements, $950)
this silhouette! the classic crystal buttons! a forever piece!vintage judith leiber white purse with chain ($150)
this! is! so! good! it has some age on it, but worth it for the price, me thinksvalentino polka dot knee high boots (new, various sizes, $1393 on sale)
santa, if you hear me….
Think like Alessandro Michele! So many people criticize Michele for making every fashion house he designs at look the same, to which I say, SHUSH. He is masterful in his ability to take “dated” silhouettes, wacky color palettes, and over the top glitz and glam and have it feel perfectly feminine with just the right amount of punk rock. If you’ve found that perfectly “weird” statement thing at the vintage store and aren’t sure how to wear it, scroll his runway collections for inspiration.
1960s czech glass cluster earrings ($47.39 on sale)
unique color combo, lovevalentino green silk polka dot dress (fem 8, $499.99, purchase on eBay)
it has a train, i repeat, it has a traincult gaia yasmin tassel clutch (new, $498)
cult gaia has done a crazy job at tweaking their POV through trend cycles, and i’m actually a fan of their bag and shoe offerings (minus how large their label is on some, womp)— this feels timeless for an evening bagmiu miu gold strappy heels (fem 10, $148)
really good classic heel, really good pricevintage 1960s lane bryant purple caftan (fem XL, $145, purchase on eBay) (another good caftan option, here)
FUNralph lauren knit flapper cap (new, $220)
i like a knit flapper cap option because you could honestly wear this with your every day puffer and be ✨GLAM✨vintage judith leiber snakeskin clutch ($175, purchase on eBay)
aquazurra green snake effect slingback (new, various sizes, $790, 30% off at checkout)
underrated holiday green
For the “I wanna be minimal but I wanna be out there” person, try playing around with statement neutrals, like this insane vintage Giorgio Armani coat or vintage Geoffrey Beene dress that are literal works of art.
vintage giorgio armani leopard print coat (fem 8, $999, purchase on eBay)
ALC slate blue leather gloves (new, $295)
good opera length gloves in festive colors are hard to find — i’m obsessed with these (there’s also a really good green and bordeaux!!)olympia le-tan to catch a thief book clutch ($1345)
sigh, so goodceline black riding boots (fem 10, $436)
gigi buriss lauren pill box hat (new, $395)
there are plenty of vintage hats floating around, but if you, like me, have a giant head, i think investing in a classic silhouette is worth the $$$vintage geoffrey beene for saks circle dress (fem m, $549, purchase on eBay)
a literal piece of art! and history!sterling silver hinged wrap bracelet ($124.79, purchase on eBay)
sterling silver swirl onyx bracelet ($95, purchase on eBay)
tory burch peep toe pumps (new, various sizes, $475)
while i’m not gaga over the new era of tory quite like everyone else, i can’t deny the shoes have been GOOD — these feel margiela without the price tag and bring visual interest while still being decently practical and all-season appropriate
An outfit worthy of your favorite nostalgic Christmas movie, but modern. If you’re going bold with prints, textiles, and silhouettes, consider keeping your hair, makeup, and accessories very minimal to avoid looking like you’re going to a costume party — think a little messy, a little smudged, a simple sparkle.
1980s red moire lanvin blazer (part of a skirt set) (fem 42, $395, purchase on eBay) (buy this too, while you’re at it — the color!)
so so so sosososososoososoooooooo good plz buy herswarovski crystal cluster clip on earrings ($22.99, purchase on eBay)
antique black velvet purse ($91.47)
banana republic high rise trousers (new, $110 on sale)
while i try to generally avoid mid-level fast fashion, i have these and wear them at least twice a week because they go with everything and the petite length is *perfect*le monde beryl pony hair flats (new, various sizes, $612)
red bell sleeve taffeta coat (fem xs, $558, purchase on eBay)
i didn’t even get to fully dive into all the opera coats i have saved — this is a showstopper and while it could be easily worn closed, i like the idea of a little leg…margiela knit hot pants (fem l, new with tags, $168.75)
swedish stocking black dot tights (new, various sizes, $37)
saint laurent black patent heels (fem 11, $284)
1940s bienen-davis black round purse ($90, purchase on eBay)
the shape! the little beaded clasp detail!dorsey honey moissanite earrings ($490+)
sonia rykiel floral dress (fem 0, $249, purchase on eBay)
vintage judith leiber yellow snakeskin purse ($298)
this color is !!!herbert levine red satin mule heels (new, various sizes, $825)
this shape is just 🤤
If you’re inching your way into vintage…
There are literally thousands of vintage beaded cardigans and sleeveless tops floating around the internet and likely your local thrift and/or antique mall. Make them feel modern with a hot pant/tap short/sparkly undies, a pair of fun tights, and a sleek flat for a party look that feels festive but functional for a long night out on the town.
black beaded cardigan (fem m/l, $98)
white beaded sequin top (see measurements, $58) (cutie black floral option here)
gold and black beaded cardigan (fem m, $69) (honorable mention to this insane green beaded one)
1960s elinor simmons for malcolm starr hot pants (26” waist, $128)
dare i say, a functional hot pant? a wardrobe must?vintage saks fifth ave shell purse ($79.99, purchase on eBay) (a vintage judith leiber option here)
this looks to have a decent amount of scratches, but nothing i think is too noticeable at a dimly lit holiday partywolford dot tights (various sizes, $55)
why have regular tights when you could have fun ones?le monde beryl black luna slipper (new, various sizes, $555)
If you’re a more casual dresser day to day, consider the statement coat and a fun bag for your evening look. I am a firm believer a pristine vintage over-the-top coat is a must in any wardrobe — it will pay for itself in compliments, I promise.
vintage celluloid hair comb ($115, purchase on eBay)
doen knit collar cardigan (fem l, $265.50)
vintage lilli ann animal print coat ($545, purchase on eBay) (other killer lilli ann options here, here, and here)
agolde black high rise straight leg denim (new, various sizes, $240)
cartier brown leather tank watch ($1885)
i love a worn-in watch, scratches and all — she has so much life left!1940s red snakeskin bakelite purse ($215)
this. is. insane.le monde beryl babouche kitten heels (new, various sizes, $640)
i’ll say it again, has a kitten heel ever looked this sexy? i think not, personally
It’s not cold for everyone attending a holiday party — consider this look, coat optional🌞 I still believe you can rock a more fall/winter toned boot with a silky slinky long dress in warmer weather. I am a more is more is more gal, if you can’t tell.
mahogany mink fur coat (see measurements, $545)
1970s ossie clark chiffon dress (see measurements, $1566, ships from Belgium)
this seller has some really amazing stuff that could be worth those extra tariff prices….zoé mohm sterling silver wisteria drop earrings ($595)
santa, if you’re listening, i want everything zoé makes, please and thank youantique blue beaded flapper purse ($75, purchase on eBay)
freda salvador tilly suede boots (new, various sizes, $695) (I’m also very obsessed with their woven boot options, here)
as a bay area gorl, i am a huge freda fan… i have about six pairs of their shoes i purchased all the way back to 2015 that i still wear regularly
A sexy twist on something that feels classically Betty Draper-esque, just add a dimly lit steakhouse and a jazzy soundtrack (and don’t forget her sharp, red nails 💅) (and a cigarette… just kidding…………)
mink fur stole ($63.71 on sale, purchase on eBay)
1950s sheer black lace dress (see measurements, $68!!, purchase on eBay)
in great shape for its agedorsey odette earrings (new, $280+)
fleur du mal black convertible bra (new, various sizes, $148)
you need underpinnings that are meant to be seen if you’re rocking a sheer lookkiki de monteparnasse high waisted silk panty (new, various sizes, $150)
gianvito rossi black velvet mule heels (new, various sizes, $895)
vintage gold wristlet purse ($299.99, purchase on eBay)
A coat that matches your tights? Yes. If you’re going LBD this holiday season, go all out with your accessories — bonus points if you wear a festive hat!
1970s faux fur shag coat (fem m, $423 on sale) (a white feather option, here)
90s nicole miller black dress (fem 4, see measurements, $95, purchase on eBay)
1960s black sequin cloche ($245)
swedish stockings rosa lace tights (new, various sizes, $59)
this color is just sooooo fun and festive and unique and looks incredible on every skin toneloeffler randall alexandra gold sandals (new, various sizes, $425)
another shoe company i’ve loved for a really long time (my first “grown up” work bag was loeffler and i spent my entire first paycheck on it 🥲)
loeffler makes silhouettes that don’t go out of style, like this caged sandal, which is a very functional evening shoe no matter the time of the year (love the idea of some festive socks layered with them, too!)1960s walborg medieval lady and knight purse ($150, purchase on eBay)
this is!!!! so fun!!! (and $300+ every other time i’ve seen it floating around!)
If you, like me, have been bombarded at all angles with Dôen’s new holiday collection, but don’t want to spend Dôen dollars, might I suggest some of these vintage mini dresses looking for a new chapter of life? Just add tights and your favorite little heel
(moving clockwise-ish, starting top left)
short sleeve white dress | long sleeve white polka dot dress | black and gold striped dress | black and brown fringe dress | velvet open back dress (the back is so fun!) | black and gold velvet dress | gold fur trim dress | black and white striped dress (it’s giving bode!) | mod metallic silver dress | long sleeve white dress
But wait, there’s more!
drop waist fringe dress (bonus option here) | midi fringe dress | bedazzled fringe dress | 90s high front mini dress | frog closure coat (make the coat the outfit!) | sleeveless sequin dress | sequin coat (this is so cool!!!!)| long sleeve sequin dress
You did it! You made it to the end!
I have so much more to share with you, coming later next week…
Before you click away, I would love if you threw me a like or a comment or both (for my ego! and the algo!), shared this with someone you love (a cousin, a co-worker, a group chat, a stranger in line at the coffee shop, your tiktok following!) and considered upgrading your subscription (it supports the time it takes to dig for treasure, and gives back to the community! I promise it’s worth it!)
You can also follow me on IG, where I’ll be sharing more vintage and secondhand finds in my stories ✨
Thanks for being here, love you, mean it.
Until next time,
xo,
G
trash panic may be my favorite substack - brilliant edit
My friend is hosting a 60s themed holiday party and the LBD with the sparkle and fringe fits the bill! Tysm for this collection 💕