when vintage is better than new

[vintage bags from top right 1, 9. Coach; 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 8. Dooney & Bourke; 7. Prada clutch]

When it comes to big name designer bags, vintage is better than new.  

As you might know, I’m trying to buy less leather and buy leather secondhand when I can.  I was in need of a small crossbody bag to carry my giant phone and pager while at work, searched for one at Poshmark, and was just blown away–99.99% deserve a big thumbs down 👎🏼 .  There were a few quality bags in the mix — all vintage .  It turns out the internet is full of affordable vintage designer bags in excellent condition and most are made in America and go for under $100.  I’ve included some of my favorites above.  Dooney & Bourke and Coach were the most common bags on sale.  Of course, I ended up purchasing the tiny minimalist black crossbody that’s just barely big enough to hold my iPhone 6+ (top right).  I like the ultra thin strap, sleek design and low profile side pocket where I can store my notes. Continue reading “when vintage is better than new”

outfit: functionality

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I’m having a hard time deciding whether to keep this NF ski jacket or not.  I bought it about 6 years ago at the REI store for a ski trip.  Used it once.  Later I zipped off the outer shell and used the interior quilted jacket as a lightweight jacket for medium cold days.  The outer shell has been stored under my bed, unworn, for years.   I rediscovered it when I was cleaning under the bed.  I took these pictures with the intention to sell this jacket, but now I’m starting to feel attached to it.  All its little details– vents, hooks, hidden pockets, detachable hood– would make it great for cold weather hiking trips upstate.  This is the only non-neutral color in my wardrobe and my perfectionist mind is like: get rid of it! it doesn’t fit in!  But I think the loud color actually works well for the occasions this would be worn (even if that’s rare).  On the other hand,  it is kind of ugly and I’m not a fan of wearing big logos.  And the reality is I rarely go hiking and it seems silly to keep this for those rare occasions. There’s a tan colored Patagonia jacket, I bought at a rock bottom price secondhand, coming in the mail soon.  I bought it for ordinary rainy spring days in the city.  I needed a small rainproof jacket for mild temperatures.   I don’t like carrying around umbrellas because in New York they often work against you.  If the tan jacket can replace this and look better, I will put this pink monstrosity up for sale. Continue reading “outfit: functionality”

the feng shui of seams

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I’m a big fan of form school feng shui, a branch of feng shui attuned to our natural tendency to seek safety and comfort at home. Form school is concerned mostly about the way we arrange furniture, but the same principles can be applied to almost anything, even clothes.

As I was folding laundry today, I realized that I had always been turned off by clothes with seams running down the middle of the front or back. Same goes for shoes. Ever notice a beautiful pair of boots from afar, only to become disappointed up close when you discover a seam running down to the tip? I could love everything about the silhouette, fabric, color, etc… but add a seam down the middle of it, and it’s ruined!

Continue reading “the feng shui of seams”

closet mindfulness

tank-everlane
When my closet is in order, I am in order.
 My favorite place at home is my closet room.  I’m grateful to have an entire room dedicated to my wardrobe and dedicated to myself.  I don’t have a dining room.  I don’t have an office or a desk, but I have my closet room.  It’s a quiet place where I can get ready in peace.  What happens in my closet sets the mood for the entire day.  As such, I’m careful about what enters and ruthless about what should go.  With age, getting dressed feels easier.  I’m left with more energy to start my day and do better at work.   Continue reading “closet mindfulness”

wardrobe planning: 11 necessities for the freezing cold

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I’m going to dress for winter right this year, dang it.  For the past 7 years, since moving from LA to NYC, I’ve been freezing my ass off every winter.  It took some traumatic experiences and nearly being frost bitten to convince myself to finally invest in the dreaded “poofy” coat.  I also went years without any proper winter boots.  I can’t really explain why it took me so long to learn how to dress well for winter.  Maybe it’s denial? Continue reading “wardrobe planning: 11 necessities for the freezing cold”