I was also invited to style the Phoebe boot for Margaux’s alongside women whose perspective I love and admire: , , , and . (Btw guys, my name is Sarah. I am lol-ing at the title of “and others.” Gotta keep me humble!!)

I also turned on paid subscriptions. If you’re new here, or a free subscriber, fear not: I’ll be publishing my deep dives for everyone (at least for now), while these Buy before I dos will now be for paid subscribers. Whether or not you become a paid subscriber, thank you for being here and supporting me with your kind words, comments, or even just a like.

This week is a mix of new and vintage, with some sprinkles of what I’m thinking about and searching for (and a new-to-me secondhand market I’ve been buying from).

It’s that time of year where, after the baby goes to bed, I immediately shower and change into sweats. My younger sister, the most discerning critic of my recs, is now hooked on these, and so is her wife. It’s hard to describe, but they fit perfectly (not a great photo, but I was wearing them here) and the time has come to get another pair. I have both smalls and mediums, and there isn’t a huge difference. I recommend starting on the resale market (like here, here, and here).

Hitting every single trend right now… purple! embellishment! shoe clips! perfect almond toe! Someone compliment me on the restraint of not having bought these for myself, because COME ON.

I am all in on vintage leather these days. A strong alternative to jeans, and wearable day and night (plus easy to wipe clean after sticky toddler fingers). Gabi posted this from PFW, and it made me almost press the buy button on these very similar Tom Ford leather pants I’ve had hearted on TRR. They are really, really good and I need you to buy them before I do. (Someone should also take the risk on these.)

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When I think about what to post, it’s important to me that it’s something I believe is a valuable item in your closet (or in your home). Not necessarily valuable as in $$, though perhaps, but valuable as in a helpful item to dress around. Sometimes it’s something I’ve had for a while, sometimes it’s something I’m hunting for, and sometimes it’s just something that has brought me immense joy, like a large floral brooch.

This week’s concept isn’t anything new, but I do think it’s timeless. It works for so many different lifestyles (and personal styles in general), and it’s ripe for vintage hunting.

Which brings me to the tartan (or plaid) skirt. I lived in Paris for a few months right after I got married, and the two outfits have stayed seared in my memory since.

Tartan was in then (and back in Queen Victoria's day), and it's as in as ever now, so I went down the vintage rabbit hole for us.

Tartan vs. plaid

Before writing this I could have loosely described the difference between tartan and plaid, but I definitely couldn’t have explained it succinctly. The short version: all tartan is plaid, but not all plaid is tartan.

Tartan is a very specific kind of plaid. It’s stripes woven in both directions, and the stripes have to repeat in the exact same order going across as they do going up and down. That order is called a “sett” and true tartan should look the same whichever way you turn it.

Many setts belong to specific clans and families, and they're officially recorded in the Scottish Register of Tartans. They're still worn with a lot of pride, especially at weddings and big family occasions. The good news is you can wear whatever tartan you love, regardless of your family name. The main "off-limits" one, per my research, is the royal Balmoral (which is reserved for the royal family).

So, think of plaid as an umbrella term. In Scotland, “plaid” was originally the blanket you wore (not the pattern on it). It was a huge length of wool that was belted at the waist and thrown over the shoulder.

We (Americans) borrowed the word, used it broadly to reference the pattern, and now it colloquially covers anything with crisscrossing stripes (gingham, madras, buffalo check, etc.). When you’re hunting for traditional tartan, at a high level, look for:

• Woven, not printed. You can tell by flipping it over. Woven tartan looks nearly the same on the back.

• Wool. If I want the real deal, I look for 100% wool. “Made in Scotland” on the label is a good sign (mills I’ve seen: Lochcarron, Kinloch Anderson, and Johnstons of Elgin).

We are staying loosely scoped to tartan, alongside a few special/fun plaid pieces I couldn’t help but include. I’ll warn you though, it’s a deep rabbit hole. There’s amazing vintage plaid taffeta out, endless flannel shirts (great plaid shirt post by ), and quirky plaid-adjacent accessories (gingham, checks, madras, etc).

New here? Hi! Three months ago I started PMLF as a running record of what I’m hunting for, how I plan on styling it, and a few other creative pursuits sprinkled in. Between weekly(ish) newsletters, find me on Instagram sharing vintage and the aforementioned hodgepodge.

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Start with the midi

I am very favorable towards the tartan midi skirt and can confidently recommend it as a cooler-season pillar (plus, did you hear the news? Skirt!) How can you argue with a staple this?

The longer length makes it feel less Catholic school (or Clueless) and more wearable, in my opinion. I also think a midi (or tea length) is easy to style in a way that feels modern, yet timeless, and will survive closet purges over the next decade.

As you can see above, you don’t have to reinvent the wheel. The beauty with a patterned skirt (including plaid/tartan) is that it’s a moment in and of itself. Each look is achieved with a dark sweater, turtleneck, or blazer (anything dark in your closet will probably work). There’s no shortage of inspiration for this (simple) equation, and it’s one of my own go-to fallback formulas.

For me, though, I'm into the idea of pushing myself a bit more with color and accessories that create some style contrast. Here's my vision:

Instead of leaning into something dark or bright pops of color, you also have the option of going lighter or tonal with browns, grays, or a crisp white button down.

Think more casual (almost channeling the sportiness of the English countryside) and bring in dimension with texture and layering. While I love the idea of a cape, like the original Paris outfits, I find it hard to wear one with a longer A-line skirt given I’m only 5’1. The good news is a shorter poncho over a jacket gets you the same effect.

An aside: I’ve had the poncho above in black for the past two winters. Something about where it hits means you can wear it over a simple turtleneck or over a thicker coat, and it has yet to fail me.

A quick note: I’ve officially turned on paid subscriptions. Going forward, my weekly “buy before I do” post will be partially paywalled, and my deep dives (like this one) will stay free for now.

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Subscribing (or upgrading to paid) is a way to support me sharing my hunts, perspective, and taste with you. I promise is to stay true to what I think is worth your time and to keep making posts that feel high-quality and thoughtful. I appreciate all the love and support so far. Thank you so much. <3

The finds

I have a classic Black Watch tartan wrap skirt I found on Etsy a few years ago. (An aside, the history of each tartan is very fun to read.) The wrap is tried and true, and I recommend it as a staple. The below finds follow the same classic shape.

1. Vintage Forbes tartan wrap skirt (S; $77) Classic and slimmer cut; good for the tall girls.

2. Vintage Edinburgh Woolen Mill (M; $45) This burgundy would look amazing with a crisp black blazer.

3. Vintage Cecile de Reve (S; $68) Very similar to the one I have and can wear a variety of ways

4. Vintage Thistle Woollens Scotland (8; $94) More unusual colors. Kind of dying to see it with cowboy boots (juxtaposition, baby!)

5. Vintage Scotch House tartan skirt (XS; $99) The classic wrap pattern with a single buckle and pleats in the back.

6. Daniela Gregis Wool Tartan Wrap Skirt (M; $675) It just feels designer with the way the volume sits asymmetrically. It would be amazing around the holidays.

7. Vintage Evan Picone wool skirt (8; $68) Feels Burberry. Love the colors and slim lines.

8. Vintage wool Pendleton (10; $82) I’m such a sucker for vintage Pendleton and Woolrich.

9. Vintage tartan wrap kilt (S; $125) A good classic that feels just enough different and vintage.

10. Vintage Saks Fifth 1969 skirt (6; $95) I love the unique light blue in this one.

11. Vintage Gap tartan skirt (16; $48) Holiday party waiting!

12. Vintage Johnston's of Elgin kilt (XL; $74) Great pleats and the right amount of volume.

It should come as no surprise that beyond the classic wrap, I'm a big advocate of 1) fringe and 2) cream tones. Fringe makes tartan feel softer and more relaxed, and cream breaks up all the dark greens and navies if you don’t want it to read so holiday.

1. Vintage Ralph Lauren country (S/M; $149) I love RL Country. Dress her for the city or country or all the above!

2. Ralph Lauren fringe skirt (new; $400) This isn’t vintage, but it’s a great skirt and one I believe you would have in your closet for decades.

3. TRR Vintage Ralph Lauren skirt (L; $304) Thinking she could be styled with black velvet or denim/western.

4. Vintage Eddie Bauer skirt (4; $22) Blanket vibes, but make it skirt! For the tall girls!

5. TRR Thom Browne skirt (M; $765) I love Thom Browne—imagine the movement you’ll get in the skirt! This Tory Burch skirt (on sale) is similar and looks promising.

6. Vintage 70s wool skirt (6; $60) Very into this unique plaid ith the color combo and amount of white/cream

7. TRR Ciao Lucia sheer skirt (S; $180) Unlike the others, but I wanted to throw a fun plaid in there. Someone wear her to a girls night out

8. TRR Victoria Beckham skirt (L; $211) Gorgeous, love it, no notes

Beyond skirts

If skirts aren't your thing, or don't fit into your life, you can still bring in tartan in fun ways. A little goes a long way with a pattern this strong, so one piece is usually enough to make an outfit feel seasonal.

The easiest is a wrap or scarf, like above. (Someone needs to beat me to fixing a plaid scarf with a floral brooch—I think the mix would be very good.)

1. Vintage Laird Porch Scotland wrap ($115) I want to pair this one with a floral brooch…it would be so good.

2. TRR Ralph Lauren silk scarf ($90) If you are going on a hunt (the real kind) or “countryside” weekend I need you to get this.

3. Vintage YSL silk plaid scarf ($105) I have a weakness for vintage YSL geometric silk scarves and the it feels like a perfect sprinkle if you’re dipping your toes with plaid.

4. Vintage 1930s plaid shawl with silk fringe ($135) The drama!!! Summer plaid baby

5. Extra large wool scarf/poncho ($65) I can smell the fire and crisp fall air from here.

6. Vivienne Westwood tartan bolero scarf (new; $602) I couldn’t help but include this. It’s cut so it can hang just like this effortlessly (VW is a classic and has been doing tartan pieces for years).

And then I obviously can't help but share other great plaid (or plaid adjacent) finds… a rabbit hole within the rabbit hole if you will.

1. Burberry wristlet/clutch ($74 with code) I have one of these, also found on ThredUp, and I love it more casually with jeans and sweater (or out west to contrast the suede/leather)

2. Giuseppe Zanotti beaded kitten mules (38.5; $450) A splurge, but SO good and hits all the highs of fashion week.

3. Vintage Christian Dior wool blazer (M; $428) Chic chic Thanksgiving?

4. Plaid wine tote (new; $29) This feels like the perfect holiday host gift (or rather, I would love to receive this)

5. Vintage Celine (Phoebe Philo) 2014 dress (L; $652) This was too incredible not to include—a collectors piece.

6. Vintage Ralph Lauren crossbody ($120) Also for your shooting weekend!

7. Vintage Diane Von Furstenberg weekender ($40) I mean, what a deal if you’re in the market for a weekend duffle.

8. Tartan garment bag (new; $262) This is incredible and could be from a major fashion house, imo. It’s too early for me to think about the holidays but this would be an amazing gift for someone that has everything.

If you don’t own any plaid, but share a house with literally anyone else (a roommate, your dad, your grandpa, your spouse), I promise they have some. I highly recommend stealing it and getting creative.

Finders keepers,
SN

This (very new) series is where I share the things I've been hoarding for myself on wishlists and in my hearts, in a very serious attempt not to buy everything good I see. I hope it brings you a new item, a fulfilling rabbit hole, or even just an entertaining moment inside my brain.

I knew I'd found my people when my vintage tapestry jacket was so well received. One of my main mottos is that you don’t need an occasion to wear vintage. This one has all the makings for delight: great colors, interesting trim, and velvet buttons (velvet buttons!!). I want her (or this zebra one), but I already have three, so one of you should have the honors.

Now that I know you want to hear more about small makers, meet one of my favorites, SJ Pottery. I first came across them at the Mount Vernon gift shop a few years ago and started my collection there.

SJ Pottery has since been discovered by Tory Burch, which I'm choosing to take as proof I'm onto the right things. I finally hung the platters I ordered from their Etsy shop back in the spring, and I just ordered another set of the above mugs for New York because I love them that much. (Sue, Joe's wife, says working with TB has been great. Good for them!)

Someone with a fitting event this fall or winter needs this (maybe for a big birthday bash?!). I wish I had something to wear it to. Like last week's Dries dress, I'd go with Skims underthings and lean into the sheerness. There are so many good accessory options, but I’m drawn towards big earrings and cuffs (maybe stacked) over the sleeves.

New here? Hi! Three months ago I started PMLF as a running record of what I’m hunting for, how I plan on styling it, and a few other creative pursuits sprinkled in. Between weekly(ish) newsletters, find me on Instagram sharing vintage and the aforementioned hodgepodge.

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I would wear this as a shirt with jeans for an easy, no-stress outfit. The collar and closures feel so refined to me, and you could easily layer a chunky open sweater or jacket over it. It's one of those pieces you almost don't buy, and then you do and wear it all the time.

I've been hemming and hawing over which midi pencil skirt to get for a speaking engagement. You can't save me from this one, because I already ordered the skirt above in pink and cream (research!). I saw it in person (not in my size) and it looks promising, so we'll see. (It kind of reminds me of this Khaite one.) I have a vintage cropped blazer with a slightly fluted hem that I plan to pair with it.

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If you’re just joining us, this is my honest (very serious) attempt not to buy everything myself, which works less than 50% of the time. I am my own biggest supporter, fortunately and unfortunately.

Same deal as last time: everything below is in my cart or on my watchlist right now. I’m showing you first, but if it’s still there come Tuesday, I’ll consider it fate and very likely scoop it up. All is fair in love and hunting.

I have the tweed version (same as this one) and can’t wait to be reunited with her in New York. I wear her as a top with jeans, or with cigarette pants and pointed mules. She’s easy to throw on as a shirt or a jacket, which we love. Put together and easy.

Sizing on jackets (this one specifically) is flexible. The above likely works for a 4/6/8 (mine is an 8P that I had tailored in the shoulders, and otherwise fits a bit boxy and cropped).

This geometric sheer feels Kallmeyer runway adjacent and I am very into it. I'm imagining her at a fall/winter event with a barely-there heel and Skims underthings. She’s really good, guys.

Speaking of runways, I'm slightly obsessed with the Tory Burch NYFW show (Tory just gets better year after year) imo. Beyond this coat that tried on, I hyper focused on this patent skirt. The above 2022 Gucci version isn't too shabby for 1/15th the price. I'm imagining it with a v-neck sweater (or a sweater polo) and a pop of color, with kitten mules or slingbacks. If you're dying for the color of the Tory one, take a peek here and here.

New here? Hi! Three months ago I started PMLF as a running record of what I’m hunting for, how I plan on styling it, and a few other creative pursuits sprinkled in. Between weekly(ish) newsletters, find me on Instagram sharing vintage and the aforementioned hodgepodge.

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The above heels mixes two of the most classic things in my book: pointed-toe kitten mules and Prada. I have an almost identical pair in black that I wear across the board (work, dinner, events). This red is perfect and it has taken severe restraint not to buy them. A true staple you'd have for years. (Related to Tory Burch things above, these also caught my eye and would have fit right in at last week’s show.)

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I went into a vintage store in Northeast Harbor, Maine, a few weeks ago with no intention of buying jewelry, fell in love with the below (far left) bracelet, and passed on it. (I am genuinely (!!) trying to live by my own buy before I do rule about not purchasing every good thing I see.)

I have thought about it most days since, which is slightly unhinged to admit. I would wear it the same way I wear my gold cuff, which is at least once a week, both dressed down and dressed up.

As you can see, I own a few vintage silver pieces, including this wavy Taxco cuff and the far right Pierre Cardin cuff, which I found in Paris, but I was very tempted by the detail and obvious age of this one.

I'm already a big fan of this chunky silver concept, and the proof is in most of the outfits I've posted this year. I'm not fooling myself into thinking anyone reads my newsletter as closely as I do while making it, but, to play a little I Spy…

I have technically been making this vintage silver argument for months. It's extremely versatile and a strong investment (because whatever else turns out to be true about the piece, it's still worth at least the silver it's made of).

So, as any rational person would, I’ve spent the three weeks since reading about silver, specifically the Southwestern and Mexican traditions, instead of several things I was actually supposed to be doing.

To be clear, this is not an expert’s post. People who have spent forty years on this would find my new knowledge “charming.” I do really believe, though, that there’s value in understanding what you’re buying and its tradition (as demonstrated by my Cowichan sweater post).

New here? Hi! Three months ago I started PMLF as a running record of what I’m hunting for, how I plan on styling it, and a few other creative pursuits sprinkled in. Between weekly(ish) newsletters, find me on Instagram sharing vintage and the aforementioned hodgepodge.

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Two potential hunts

When people think of chunky vintage Southwestern and Mexican silver, it’s usually one of two traditions.

Navajo silversmithing started around 1853, when a Diné blacksmith named Atsidi Sani is generally credited with learning metalwork from a Mexican smith. The earliest Navajo pieces were made from melted coin silver, stamped with tools the smiths filed themselves.

In 1931 an American architect, William Spratling, opened a workshop in Taxco, a colonial silver town in Mexico. This is where a lot of the vintage Mexican silver pieces you’ve seen likely come from.

Thus, we have two directions to hunt in:

Navajo for the heavier, more handmade-feeling pieces. They date earlier and tend to be a bit chunkier and less polished. The cuff I tried on in Northeast Harbor is Navajo. I really liked that it felt different from what you see reproduced for the mass market, and that it has obvious age.

• Heavy for its size, with stamped decoration

• Unsigned is fine (even good, as the early smiths didn’t sign their work)

Taxco is a good fit if you want something more sculptural, designerly, or current-feeling. If you’re like me, you too will now spend unreasonable amounts of time zooming in on maker’s marks.

• The Taxco eagle mark was used from 1948 to 1980. No eagle means pre-1948 (my favorite), and after 1980 you have letter codes

• The famous names (usually with prices to match): William Spratling, Antonio Pineda, Los Castillo, Héctor Aguilar, Margot de Taxco

Price ranges

Before I start throwing numbers around: I’m not your girl for what something is technically “worth.” With clothing I do look at material and era (and sometimes I cross-reference comparable sales), but mostly it comes down to how much I like the piece, how I imagine wearing it, and how unique it feels.

Silver (and gold) is the exception, because the metal itself gives you a benchmark, and silver is on the rise right now. Some silver math, the cousin of girl math, using sterling at roughly $1.90 a gram:

• Normal vintage cuff: 40–80g, so roughly $76–152

• Heavy stuff: 100–200g+, so roughly $190–380

• Concho belt, just as an extreme example: 300–700g, so roughly $570–1,330

Designer, age, and stones all push it up from there, but at least you know what the metal alone is worth.

Beyond this, most of what you can buy new is either 1) not actually sterling silver, like this very cute Julietta cuff, or 2) sterling and two to three times the price of similar vintage pieces below, like this incredible stamped Juju Vera cuff.

The good part

Now, to the finds. A chunky silver piece works with almost everything, which is how this became my recent fixation. A cuff or a collar goes with jeans and a white t-shirt, and I'd wear that same piece with a fun top and a skirt to dinner.

There is a staggering amount of silver out there, so I've kept this roundup to pieces I know I'd wear constantly. I favor the sculptural end of things, ideally with some texture, which is why it's mostly cuffs and collars, with a few earrings and brooches thrown in.

Left to right, top to bottom:

• Vintage Taxco chunky woven cuff, 89g, $401 (I love the loop effect; great statement cuff)

• Vintage Navajo silver cuff, 80g, $450 (This is the one I very likely may get to replace the one I passed on in Maine.)

• William Spratling–style “River of Life” cuff, 59g, $209 (Famous cuff design you’ll see a handful of; love the sense of movement and would look great stacked with something sleeker)

• Vintage square link cuff, 29g, $158 (Lightest of the bunch and the most graphic…reads almost like hardware in a good way)

• Taxco cuff by Rodrigo, 50g, $270 (Extremely similar to the inspiration picture on the far right)

• Ridged Mexican sterling cuff, weight not listed but it’s 47mm wide, $450 (This feels extremely current and modern, if that’s your vibe)

• Vintage Navajo stamped cuff, 96g, $1,440 (The heaviest and priciest here and of course I’m obsessed with it… the stamping and that diagonal sweep are so good)

• Wide Taxco wave cuff, 58g, $310 (Sculptural and would be so easy to dress up or down)

• Vintage Mexican oval cut-out cuff, weight not listed, $199 (Reminds me of the more abstract shape of my Pierre Cardin one)

Left to right, top to bottom:

• Vintage 3-stone Taxco cuff, 72.5g, $287 (Into the asymmetrical cut with onyx)

• Vintage sterling and gemstone cuff, weight not listed (about 1” wide), $175 (1980s but feels a lot like this Julietta one, but better bc of the price and it’s vintage)

• Taxco lapis cuff, 33g, $325 (The lightest one here but I really like the design. The alternative I had in mind when I passed on the one in Northeast Harbor.)

• Antonio Reina Taxco cuff with amethysts, weight not listed, $300 (Hinged and so unique. Begging for the spotlight!)

• Denmark amethyst cuff, weight not listed (30mm wide), $800 (The Danish outlier in a Mexican lineup but I’m really into it and fits the theme)

• Taxco black obsidian wide cuff, weight not listed (2” wide), $299 (Love the scale of the obsidian oval on the otherwise simple band)

• Taxco ribbed cuff with onyx cabochon, 52g, $148 (Best value of the nine, has a little scuffing but it makes the age obvious in a good way)

• 1990s multi-stone sterling cuff, 43g, $768 (It’s so so good. Reminds me of the Mondo Mondo cuff I love the width on this one)

• Mexico cuff with oval bloodstone, 81g, $175 (Heaviest here by a lot for the price, which means someone should snag it ASAP)

Left to right, top to bottom:

• Taxco cascading plates choker, 49g, $116 (Marked down from $165; great to dress up a tee or turtleneck)

• Wide scalloped Taxco collar, 71g, $249 (A great neck cuff that could be worn on its own or layered)

• Taxco collar with lapis pendant, 111g, $486 (Heaviest thing in any of these grids and I love the shape of the pendant)

• Hammered collar with lapis, weight not listed, $170 (Hammering is more unique; I didn’t see many pieces like this while searching)

• Los Castillo teardrop bib, weight not listed, $554 (I would loveee to dress this up and wear it to an event. The lacing reminds me of the fine jewelry line Julia just launched)

• Taxco modernist twisted collar, 55g, $228 (Simple but with some twisted rope for texture)

• Mexican sterling onyx collar, 48g, $375 (So fun and different)

• Choker with pink gemstone, 56g, $171 (Into this massive pink stone. I’ve bought from Rubylane, can vouch)

• Mexican black stone collar, weight not listed, $787 (There’s a coupon code bringing this down by $100. Would love to see it with an oversized Oxford with undone top buttons)

Left to right, top to bottom:

• Vintage Taxco earrings, $190 (These are in 9 carts so I’m sure they’ll go quick)

• Taxco drop earrings, $195 (Hollow so you don’t have to worry about them being too heavy)

• Antonio Pineda horse head screw backs, $450 (For our horse girlies, I believe these are quite rare)

• Modernist squiggle post earrings, $44 (These feel extremely current and come in at less than most Zara earrings)

• Taxco flying pig brooch, $125 (This is SO FUN with the gold accents; dress up a wool coat or blazer this season)

• Mexico malachite clip-ons, $150 (Love that green against silver)

• Mexico sterling sun face brooch, $125 (Down from $275 and an estate find! Would be so fun next summer to wear a pareo as a skirt to dinner)

• Beaded disk statement dangles, $225 (These are a good chunk of silver, so expect some weight)

• Taxco silver basket necklace, $800 (Very similar to the Tiffany ones Kallmeyer just showed on the runway. I originally had this one linked, but it sold. This one on Poshmark looks to be the exact same, but I would offer lower.)

Also, a trick of the trade to share… if a piece shows up looking dull, line a bowl with aluminum foil, add a spoonful of baking soda and some boiling water, and drop the jewelry in. The tarnish usually lifts right off (cheapest household trick there is and I use it often).

In other non-silver news, in the next few weeks I'll be turning on paid subscriptions. I've been thinking a lot about what it means to pay for a newsletter, and about asking you to pay to read this or have access to more finds. Where I've landed is that it's a small way of voting (at the price of a coffee) for what I'm sharing here, and for my perspective and taste.

Until then, and honestly after too for anything that stays outside the paywall, the best way to support this is to subscribe if you don't already, send it to someone who'd like it, and shop through my affiliate links (though guys, the earnings are a few dollars at best given almost everything is vintage or secondhand).

Finders keepers,
SN

This is barely working. I put a low offer on the 60s velvet fur jacket featured in my gilet post, and the seller accepted. Help! This was not the goal. Although 60s velvet fur jackets are always very much the goal.

Thus I’m presenting a new tactic (and a new type of post for PMLF). Everything below is sitting in my cart or my watchlist right now, and I need you to buy it before I wake up two mornings from now with the shoppies, see that it's somehow still available, and decide that must be fate.

This may be a one-off. It may become a bi-weekly thing. I make no promises!

I had the same one favorited and then it sold. I instantly had regrets. Then another came up, but $100 more than the last listing, hence my predicament. Don't you hate that? More appropriately priced ones here and here if petite sizing happens to work for you. (Or perhaps this brown version here.)

It's a touch girly/preppy for my usual preferences, but enough grandma that it evens out. The colors are really good, and I would style it a la Ari Goldwasser.

This isn’t vintage so only I can save myself (and I probably won’t). They may be trendy, and in a few months be on too many people that I get the ick, but 90% of what I buy is classic/timeless so I don’t think I care. This picture is what sold me.

I cannot tell you how much restraint it has taken me not to purchase this.

It's one of those jackets you see on someone else, compliment, ask where it's from — and then they say it's vintage, and you think “of course.”

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I’ve been doing a lot of thinking about what I want this newsletter to become, and I don’t really have any answers. It’s been such a fun creative outlet, but it takes time. I’m scared to turn on paid subscriptions for the obvious reasons (the potential heartbreak that no one finds this interesting or valuable enough, etc. etc.).

In the same breath, the brave (and better) version of myself reminds me that if you never try, you don’t know. Apparently the change of seasons brings all this up.

For now, I’m continuing as is, and I’m thankful for this community of new friends and subscribers who are finding value (or just fun/enjoyment!) out of this side of my creativity—which has been hilariously vulnerable to share, even semi-anonymously.

Okay. Hard pivot into gilets. I think they are so underrated!! You don’t see them here the way you do abroad, and I don’t understand it. A gilet is versatile, adds a fun layer, and gives you pockets. There are about twelve different directions to go in vintage and almost all of them do it for me.

A quick note on the name, since I’m going to keep saying gilet. Technically a vest, a gilet, a weste, and a janker aren’t the same thing. In the UK a vest is underwear and a gilet is the sleeveless layer. In Austria a janker isn’t even sleeveless (it’s the jacket). Anyway. Whatever you want to call them, I’m making the case that they’re a very worthy addition to your vintage/secondhand collection.

Boiled wool

A few years ago I bought the cropped cream version of this vest from Rier, which they seem to no longer make (this one is close and I love the color). I still wear it constantly through fall and winter even 4+ years later and it has yet to pill.

Rier is South Tyrolean, which is the home of boiled wool. ( wore the brown version of the same Rier one I have on safari, which is proof you can also get away with them in summer.) Given its utility and how much I wear it, I’m tempted to add a colored one to my arsenal, like the vintage one below.

As you can see above, you can dress a gilet up or down, and it adds exactly the right amount of layering in my humble opinion. I personally like the boxier fit—it's what makes it feel effortless to me. It does however mean it looks better over a slimmer base (versus a full skirt, for example).

They can be styled for a dinner, or for the park on the weekends. I’m thinking I’ll try a fun, oversized brooch (something like this) on mine at some point this fall. I like the idea of contrasting an androgynous, boxy gilet with an ultra feminine accessory.

Top row, left to right

• NWT Soeur (S; $282) Love the versatility with or without belt and a great in-between brown and green

• Vintage Norm Thompson boiled wool vest (L; $38) Don’t let the pop of red intimidate you! Would look great with a full denim (Canadian tuxedo) look

• Vintage Tally Ho wool vest (S; $25) Feels a lot like my Rier one but with a v-neck and fun clasps

Bottom row, left to right

• Steffner pure wool gilet (42; $48) Love how classic, old-school this one is (a lot like the one Blanca is wearing in the inspo pics above)

• NWT Soeur (34; $428) Very into the high-neck. I am tempted by this because I find navy works so well with black or brown through winter

• Vintage Burberry (44; $99) Can’t go wrong with vintage Burberry

Longer, for the countryside

I aim for this variety to hit below the hip, ideally tweed, suede, or tartan, and with a pocket situation. I’m usually channelling English countryside when I steal my husband’s decades old Barbour vest and tend to pair it with a plaid midi and tall boots.

Related, if you didn’t catch this article from about “countryside dressing,” it’s an entertaining read. I don’t know how the algorithm just now surfaced it to me, but an addition to her “loose” characterization would be “having a general wherewithal.”

Top row, left to right:

• Vintage Welsh Wollens Coracle vest (S; $53) I have few Welsh pieces. They are so well-made and the patterns are great. Love the belt clasp for a cinch

• Lauren Ralph Lauren vest (L; $43) Worth knowing it’s faux suede, which I’d normally skip, but the cut is unique (in a good way). Thinking over dark denim

• Aquascutum check gilet (UK 12; $58) Classic! If you like this but it’s not your size, use the same search terms…there’s a handful out there

Bottom row, left to right:

• Vintage Asian frog vest (S; $30) SO good! Someone needs to snag this. Very Merci, c’est vintage

• Vtg Royal Stewart tartan vest (36” chest; $25) Perfect for a weekend upstate/Vermont. I’d wear it on top of a winter white look (cream jeans and cable knit sweater)

• Woolrich lace-up fringed vest (M; $55) Virgin wool, fringed hem, leather lacing up the front…need I say more? It’s mine if none of you buy it

As a top

The one people forget! Fitted gilets can sneakily be worn as a standalone top. A lot of the inspiration you see skews summer…

However, my mind goes towards winter/holiday. Think with a slim midi skirt, over a slip dress, with a turtleneck underneath, belted over trousers…the opportunities are endless.

If I thought I could get my ribcage in the above vintage Prada, I’d be wearing this exact outfit (sans velvet/fur) on stage at a speaking event I have in October. I cannot. So one of you should, and then please come back and tell me about it.

Top row, left to right:

• Marks & Spencer black velvet vest (M; $26) Love the frogs and long split front

• Prada vintage late 90s/early 00s (M, $356) I love this. Even better with cigarettes and fun jewelry for holiday parties

• Jones New York 90s (4 petite; $88) Brown! And perfectly styled in the seller’s pic

Middle row, left to right:

• Vintage Miu Miu with coins (6/IT42; $750) Offer less. Collectible piece

• 1970s black long vest with frog closures (M; $15) Fifteen dollars!!! Guys!!!

• Vintage velvet vest with frog closures (M; $28) Listed as green, but photographs more as teal (a hot color for the season). Someone needs to buy (could be styled top or vest)

Bottom row, left to right:

• Ralph Lauren Tartan vest (M; $32) Ralph Lauren! Wine velvet! Mandarin collar! Down from $99….

• Vintage Italian chocolate brown velvet waistcoat (M; $96) Love the braided trim and buttons

• 1960s black wool gilet (XL; $65) For a tall gal! I would style you to belt it over pants…

It’s hard to go wrong and in most cases when it comes to gilets, as sizing is flexible and they can be styled so many different ways.

If you already own a vest/gilet you love, tell us about it (even better, send me on a welcomed hunt).

Thanks for being along for this ride. <3

Finders keepers,
SN

Some of these links may earn me a small commission, which I appreciate, since this whole thing runs on love.

Each week(ish) I’ll be sharing things from across home, fashion, travel, and littles…mostly wherever my vintage hunting and rabbit-hole deep dives take me. Thank you for the support.

So this week is a double feature of windbreakers and cotton anoraks. They’re the same sporty vibe, so can be styled the same way. Seemingly nobody is hunting for this stuff vintage but me (and maybe four sailing dads). Criminal, but good for us.

I've seen a lot of content creators (small and big alike) sharing links to fall windbreakers from the Zaras of the world. Guys, don't sleep on sporty vintage and secondhand!! I promise you can find better for less: unique, already worn in the good way, with hardware that is 10x better than anything coming out of fast fashion these days.

A quick hello to any new subscribers! PMLF is where I share what I’m hunting for, how I plan to style it, and whatever creative tangent I’ve fallen into, all in service of making vintage feel approachable.

Two announcements. One: I was approved for ShopMy, having previously been denied for being too new (humbling), which means shopping the finds is now significantly less annoying for all of us.

Two: My son turns one, and we are heading sailing for a week in Maine. My next post will be in September. Wringing out the last of summer over here. I hope you are too.

If you're new here: I love an origin story. A lot of pieces I hunt, especially sporty, started as pure utility (someone needed to stay warm, dry, or alive). The windbreaker's family tree starts with the anorak, which is Inuit technology out of Greenland. The original came in two weights, caribou for winter and sealskin for summer. Seasonal dressing predates all of us!

In the 1920s, Europeans borrowed the shape for outdoor activities like skiing and climbing. but in tightly woven cotton. Then, the postwar sailing boom brought the poplin pullover version. Fun fact, the “windbreaker” was originally one company's trademark (like Kleenex).

Wearing vintage more casually seems to be resonating with a lot of you, so let's start there (it's also how I'll actually be wearing mine, which is on a sailboat).

The short story: treat it like activewear. Active bottoms (track shorts, in my case) or jeans (white, blue, whatever) and easy flip flops, sneakers, or a ballet flat. A reliable, casual base you don't think about, and the sporty thing goes over top.

But you can absolutely dress these up, and I plan to this fall. I’m into the idea of one over a pencil skirt (or anything slimmer, if you’re petite like me).

From there you can bring it back down with flip flops, or up with a kitten heel. I love the concept of a tall boot under the skirt.

Vintage windbreakers

For windbreakers, I hunt for ones with elastic (or a tie) at the bottom, so you can cinch it and wear it more like a bomber than a rain layer (this is key!). This also makes sizing flexible!

I also prefer a higher collar, but this is more just personal preference. There is every color out there imaginable, and I love the idea of going with one that is a bit sheer. I’ve been into the teals, purples, and red lately, so that’s what I hunted.

1. Vintage red Eddie Bauer Medium/Large $95

2. Vintage red LLBean Medium $40

3. Vintage burgundy Catalina Small $16

4. Vintage purple Helly Hanson Small $30

5. Vintage purple Nike Small $24

6. Vintage purple Woolrich Large $25

7. Vintage teal Catalina Medium $54

8. Vintage Lands End Large $40

9. Vintage blue Eddie Bauer Small $20

Vintage anoraks

The vintage anorak I found is cotton and half-zip, which I love. It feels a bit less technical than a swishy windbreaker. For hunting purposes, here's what I'd look for: cotton or poplin, a half-zip or no zip at all, an actual hood, and nothing trying to be too sporty (think more New England prep).

1. 70s white anorak Extra small $177

2. Vintage military navy anorak Medium $106

3. Vintage red gap Medium $20

4. Yellow Levi Medium/Large $30

5. Vintage yellow gap Petite Large $28

6. 90s Tommy Hilfiger Large $20

7. Vintage red cotton anorak Extra large $97

8. Jungmaven navy anorak Small $74

9. 90s Ralph Lauren Medium $100

If you are buying new, go for something original or unique. My vote would be this taffeta windbreaker by Kallmayer, which is fabulous (I love Kallmayer these days). There are endless ways to style her (open, over an office look), but I'd probably end up wearing her most layered on very casual, basic outfit, like so.

If you made it this far, you should know I’m always taking requests. If there’s a deep dive you want to see, or something you’re hunting for and can’t seem to find, drop it in the comments and I would love to help.

Thank you for sharing, liking, commenting, and clicking any affiliate links. You all are the best. Find me on Instagram during my Substack vacation.

Finders keepers,
SN

Some of these links may earn me a small commission, which I appreciate, since this whole thing runs on love.

Each week(ish) I’ll be sharing things from across home, fashion, travel, and littles…mostly wherever my vintage hunting and rabbit-hole deep dives take me. Thank you for the support.

The whole premise is to help vintage feel approachable. You're early (this is only post is only #10!) which means you get to say you were here before the ShopMy account (application is still pending, ha). Between weekly(ish) newsletters, find me on Instagram sharing vintage and the aforementioned hodgepodge. Thank you for being here! <3

The first time I wore my suede fringe jacket in the city, I braced for it to read as a costume. It didn’t and I got two compliments before lunch, and one of them was from a woman whose was impossibly cool (is there anything better?).

So this week: suede fringe jackets, plus an incredible hodgepodge (if I do say so myself) of other leather and suede goodies that turned up while hunting. Per last week's opposite-season hunting agenda: the time to buy suede is when it's 90 degrees out, before the best ones are gone and sellers are extra willing to accept lower offers.

I know fringe jackets aren’t a new trend. Personally, I’ll love them whether they’re “in” or not. In my opinion, if you can pull photos of people wearing something across multiple decades (rodeo girls in the 1930s, basically everyone in the 1960s + 70s, and Sarah Jessica Parker in the 80s) then it’s a pretty safe investment.

Once, when I was in Wyoming and wearing said fringe jacket, an older fellow told me the fringe was originally incorporated to keep the flies away. The movement allegedly deterred them (a lot like the little table fans I supposed).

Upon further research, it would seem fringe surfaced as an element predominately for rain. On buckskin, the strips worked like a gutter, pulling water off the jacket so the leather dried faster instead of soaking through.

My suede fringe jacket is dark brown suede, found at a vintage market, and it’s the reason I’ll tell anyone to go vintage in this category. There are SO many incredible ones out there, usually for less than the new versions. Suede from the 70s has already survived fifty years of weather and closets, so I would like to think it’s not going to quit on you now.

While I wear my fringe jacket out west, it’s one of the few leather/suede pieces I bring back and forth, because I wear it constantly in the city too. If you need proof of range, our queen has worn hers about seventeen (inspiring) ways over the years:

In my mind, the goal with suede fringe is to be less 2014 music festival, more Dennis Hopper. To make it feel city-appropriate, my rule of thumb is to have the jacket be the only thing with fringe or tassels.

Fringe reads as costume easily, so everything in the above look provides some type of juxtaposition: tailored black trousers, a plain grey knit, a smooth leather bag in a good red. From there it’s mostly just playing with textures: patent croc loafers and a vintage silver sun pendant (for a touch of weird/whimsy). The scarf is flexible but I like the extra pop of pattern (in your hair, knotted on the bag, or around your neck).

As for what made the roundup: I pulled for boxier fits, longer proportions, thin fringe (a personal preference), and the right amount of patina.

First row, left to right:

• 1970’s Deerskin fringe jacket Extra Small; $100

• 1967 Ralph Lauren suede fringe on eBay Large; $249

• Orange/brown suede jacket Extra Small; $150

Second row, left to right:

• Yellow suede jacket w/ toggle buttons Medium; $150

• Bob’s dark brown fringe jacket Medium; $225

• 1970s Handmade orange suede jacket Large; $212

Third row, left to right:

• 1990s Scully fringed beige suede jacket Small; $193

• 1940’s Buckskin yellow fringe jacket Large; $320

• 1960s Jo-0-Kay brown leather Small; $164

Fourth row, left to right:

• 1990s Arella beige fringe jacket Small; $288

• 1940s stitched leather w/ belt Small/Medium; $345

• 1970s light brown fringe jacket on eBay Medium; $120

If none of these fit your needs, here are some search terms that could help your hunt: vintage fringe leather jacket, vintage suede fringe jacket, vintage western fringe jacket, 70s fringe suede jacket, 60s western leather jacket fringe, and buckskin jacket.

I personally wouldn't limit your search to women's jackets. In fact, I'd add "mens" for more results, and try material words like deerskin and cowhide.

And lastly, because I can’t help myself, some other great leather that I simply must share:

Row by row, left to right:

• Suede jacket with fur trim (Small; $33) (A more tailored look than fringe, but same suede effect)

• Ponyhair cowboy boots Size 6; $100 (If I didn’t already have almost an exact pair like this these would be mine)

• Stillman leather and mesh blouse Medium; $129 (Offer less and style unbuttoned at the bottom like this, but over jeans; premium city fall-fit)

• 2007 Vintage Prada runway leather skirt IT40; $386 (I love the colors in this)

• Vintage green suede jacket w/ fur Small/Medium; $338 (Insanely fabulous!!! Reminds me of Saks Potts)

• 70s green vest w/ trim Small; $125 (Offer less; imagining it more casually w/ a weekend errand look; very Maria de la Orden)

• Black suede top Small/Medium; $45 (Weird, but very into this; would style with black cigarette pants or over a black turtleneck w/ fun pants)

• TRR Chanel riding boots Size 7; $317 (It’s a riding boot fall and these are a steal; I want to see them with a patterned midi skirt)

• 90s Red leather jacket Large; $30 (I just bought a red 100p leather jacket off Depop just like this; another here)

Fringe (and even leather) isn’t for everyone, but then again, what is! I do think it deserves its spot in more ways than people expect, and per usual, I wouldn’t suggest it if I didn’t own one and stand behind its place in my own closet.

A very warm invite to share what you find! Reply, comment, DM me the listing you’re on the fence about and I’m happy to give you my opinion. It sounds trite, but connecting with like minded people has been one of my favorite parts of this new endeavor.

Finders keepers,
SN

Some of these links may earn me a small commission, which I appreciate, since this whole thing runs on love.

Each week(ish) I’ll be sharing things from across home, fashion, travel, and littles…mostly wherever my vintage hunting and rabbit-hole deep dives take me. Thank you for the support.

I have three saved eBay searches containing the word “Cowichan.” Speaking about fall feels criminal but I operate by a rule you’ve heard me say before: opposite season is the best time to hunt for vintage. Few others are looking, sellers are motivated, and the finds are plentiful.

I call it opposite-season hunting, and next week it arrives in strong form on PMLF: a roundup of leathers, suedes, and other delicious company for cooler seasons. But related, and first: sweaters.

Going back to the theme of my first post ever (shopping for a summer mandarin jacket), I’ve been on the hunt for a “summer Cowichan” to wear in Maine next month on our sailing adventure. Below is my vision (and a snapshot from my first ever cruise in Maine).

A confession: I do own two Cowichan sweaters already, both of which I love and wear a lot. A traditional classic-patterned one that mostly makes appearances out west (and has done many winters of cozy duty), and a black one with red koi fish (similar to the captain below) that fits me a bit slimmer and lives in nyc. I wear both a lot (casually, but also dressed up a touch for dinners) so I can vouch: they’re versatile, well-made, and easy to wear but still unique and cool.

A brief history tangent, because the hunt is always better when you know what you’re hunting. Cowichan sweaters come from the Coast Salish knitters of the Cowichan Valley on Vancouver Island, BC.

In the late 1800s, Salish spinners (who had been weaving blankets for generations) blended those traditions with knitting techniques brought over by European settlers. Cowichan sweaters are meant to be working sweaters for fishermen: hand-spun, bulky wool that keeps its lanolin (thus somewhat naturally water-resistant), knit in one piece, and with geometric or animal motifs.

What to look for. My criteria, in order: thick, hand-spun, and knit in one piece (so ideally no seams at the sides). A shawl collar, a zipper or buttons, and a motif of your choice (birds, deer, whales, geometric, etc.). On labels, the two or three names you’ll typically see when hunting:

• Genuine Cowichan: hand-knit by Coast Salish knitters, usually with no tag at all

• Mary Maxim: the Canadian pattern and kit company from the 50s/60s. These are typically knit by somebody’s grandmother from a pattern, with charmingly unhinged motifs (curling! horses! square dancers!)

• Kanata (or White Buffalo): Canadian commercial makers on tags from the 70s through 90s. Machine-assisted but quality wool, and a great option given the entry point.

New “Cowichan” sweaters (like this one, this one, and this one) are double the price of vintage and not always 1) hand-knit, 2) wool, and 3) as cool (imo).

My first roundup is summer-themed, which is what I’ve been hunting for. The plan is to wear the winner on the sailboat over this base:

Of course, as luck goes, it will probably be 95 degrees when we are in Maine. But alas, I’ll wear it regardless all fall with a different base (perfect for the park on weekends or as an elite wfh outfit).

Row by row, left to right:

1. Ebay Kanata whale Cowichan (I ordered this exact one but a medium) Large; $266

2. Ebay 60s nautical Cowichan (My favorite of the haul but also a splurge) Large; $600

3. 50s Scuba Cowichan (So whimsy; it’s very fun) Medium; $340

4. Ebay whale palm tree Cowichan (More modern than the others, but what a fun motif) Large; $279

5. Ebay 50s fishing Cowichan (The back has a very fun fish) Medium; $299

6. Ebay red whale Cowichan (I love the pop of color) Small; $299

I can’t do a vintage Cowichan roundup and not give you said vision for cooler temps. As always, the bases are easily interchangeable for basics you already have in your closet. I’m imagining jeans, a semi-sheer, long-sleeve fitted tee, and some kind of textured bag.

Cozy, right? Switch out the birkenstocks with cowboy boots when you’re out west or with ballet flats in the city to an early Sunday family dinner. The below roundup would be my fall and winter contenders, if I were in the market:

Row by row, left to right:

1. Ebay duck Cowichan (If I didn’t already have a good white one…) Large; $179

2. Brown horse Cowichan (Ralph Lauren makes a similar one for $800) X-Large; $336

3. Mary Maxim ski Cowichan (Think apres!) Small; $190

4. This sold before I could post it, but very similar Large on eBay here for $159

5. Mary Maxim horse Cowichan (horse girl is in for fall; love the pop of green) Large; $180

6. Kanata car Cowichan (Boy moms, this would be a hit; perfectly whimsy) Medium; $285

The lesson: Cowichans can do it all and opposite-season hunting works because everyone is too hot to think about sweaters (or leather).

And if you haven’t subscribed, consider subscribing so these posts land straight in your inbox. (Next week’s edit is sooo good, but I also really appreciate the support.)

Finders keepers (in July),
SN

Some of these links may earn me a small commission, which I appreciate, since this whole thing runs on love.

Each week(ish) I’ll be sharing things from across home, fashion, travel, and littles…mostly wherever my vintage hunting and rabbit-hole deep dives take me. Thank you for the support.

My hope is this sends you somewhere: down a vintage rabbit hole for your next occasion, or into your own closet to rethink how you style the dress you've worn a dozen times.

I am obsessed with this eBay cape/dress set, specifically the cape, and have come close to buying it no fewer than five times. It's outstanding. I would tailor the dress: thinner straps so it hangs a bit lower (vintage tends to sit high on the chest, which does me no favors seeing as I have broad shoulders). It would be fabulous for a summer event and the cape could be worn separately so the girl math works.

I'd pair it with white wedge heels, which are similar to a pair I have from years ago that are so versatile I wear them constantly. The Toteme box clutch is the modern counterweight to a somewhat “vintage-feeling” dress (and I would like to think something someone would be giddy finding vintage in 50 years).

The earrings are the ones I wore on my wedding day (a dear friend just wore them as her something borrowed on hers), and I still wear them all the time (more affordable alt here). I like the contrast of white throughout the look.

Damn, I love this D&G dress on eBay and want it. A vintage sheer slip dress, worn like the youths do, though in my case over higher coverage nude or black underthings.

In my opinion, minimal is the way here to really embrace the bare feeling. Strappy, barely-there mules (more sizes here), a clutch with the right pop of red, and a vintage cuff (which you could just as easily wear with jeans and a t-shirt, but here it edges the fit up and adds some weight exactly enough to balance out all the otherwise barely-there).

By now you know how much I love a mandarin collar. This vintage dress on eBay is so fun and the pattern is incredible. You could take it many directions, but I want to see it with silver. I generally like cool tones with silver, and with this many blues and purples it feels like a no-brainer. I own and wore the Calla Lily earrings to an event and received many compliments (but any silver drop would do).

I'm recently obsessed with any silver cage heel, but especially these Celine ones (a big splurge but so good) with a little gold in them. There are many great affordable versions like these and these.

Because the silhouette is simple, the texture comes in via the bag (in this case a $40 navy vintage clutch).

This Missoni is incredible. Few things are chicer to me than a high collar that is somehow still a v-neck. You could make it work for summer or for the swing seasons (maybe even with tall boots depending on where it hits you).

The above styling skews just slightly fall, but I personally would absolutely still wear it in July. I like the pop of black against the texture and color: the peep-toe mules are amazing, but the barely-there black sandals above would also work. The Ferragamo bag is a steal on TRR.

The vintage earrings bring an odd, unexpected mix I love. I like throwing in one thing that feels like a small (borderline weird) surprise.

If you follow me on Instagram, you already know I want this dress on eBay sooooo badly. THE MATCHING SHAWL!!! I'd wear it roughly as styled here, then take the shawl off later in the night.

It's screaming for contrast, which I'd bring in via silver. A silver wedge dresses it down and makes it just slightly more modern. Jewelry stays simple, because the shawl is obviously our pièce de résistance. I love this shell clutch (comes with a very fun onyx strap), but you can find lots of great silver clamshells on secondhand sites (like this one).

What an insane Givenchy find on eBay for whoever snags this. I’ll be jealous! Vintage purists, close your ears: with a kaftan like this, I would probably have a tailor put in finished-edge slits at the waist so I could add a belt. Kaftans swallow me, and I love them anyway…but a belt makes a big difference, and something this discreet means I could still wear it pregnant or postpartum.

Styled with our crowd-favorite Etsy tassel belt, a clutch with some texture and metallic to it (handmade via Etsy!), and, going full monochrome with green heels (currently on sale).

And there we have it! An aside: I love styling. This whole Substack is based on this exact idea…creating looks around vintage in a way that makes it feel more approachable and wearable. I typically do this for my own trips and events, but figured I don’t personally have enough occasions to dress for (and my closet is very small), so I should share the love.

Just to put this out into the universe, if you’d like me to style you for an event, email me! I would love to scheme on this exact type of assignment with you.

Finders keepers (all six, ideally),
SN

Some of these links may earn me a small commission, which I appreciate, since this whole thing runs on love.

Thank you for reading! If you love where this is headed, the best thing you can do is share with a friend.

Each week I’ll be sharing things from across home, fashion, travel, and littles…mostly wherever my vintage hunting and rabbit-hole deep dives take me.

Convenient, because I’m cruising up the Maine coast on a sailboat in August and I’ve been scouting for my outfit visions (no catwalk too humble for this girl).

The first vision, as my tiny Instagram following of approximately 100 people (thanks for following along, if you do) already knows, is a vintage rugby.

If you know me in real life, and more importantly my husband, you know he has been wearing rugbys for a decade, and not as a fashion statement. When I told him I was doing this roundup, he jokingly claimed I was taking his culture as a costume.

I assuaged his concern by agreeing that I’ve come around to their practicality, their timelessness, and their low key cool.

He is the resident expert, though, so he kindly shared his insight with us (me), and I’ll pass it along: ideally the buttons are covered (you know, for all the tackling we’ll be doing in them), and rubber. The classic rubber buttons exist because rugbys were built for actual rugby on 1800s English pitches, before Ivy League kids stole them for weekends. The energy we’re after is less frat basement, more young Paul Newman on a sailboat, which conveniently is the assignment.

This is also where vintage or secondhand is 10000x better than anything you can buy new: it’s already worn in and looks like it’s been living in your closet for decades. The goal!

The base

You know my philosophy by now: a reliable foundation, then fun, layered (potentially vintage) things on top. Everything in the base below I own and wear three out of five summer days.

The tank is the FloreFlore you’ve heard me talk about 10000x. I am still not anywhere close to large enough for ShopMy (still humbling!), but if anyone at FloreFlore is reading this, I would happily be sponsored.

For a less expensive option, my friend Aliki loves this tank from J.Crew and I’m eyeing this one for due diligence testing from Los Angeles Apparel (I like a slightly thicker strap, personally).

The shorts are track shorts (I have in white and green), but anything works here. I also love these Chan Luu taffeta ones for a bit nicer vibes.

One note: because we’re going bigger on top, I’d skip bermudas (which I do otherwise generally love, and did a great roundup for petite girls). But in this scenario we’re aiming to go big/oversized on the top and show the leg.

The rugbys

If helpful, I tend to target men’s mediums (I’m petite!).

Top row, left to right:

• Americana stripes (men’s L; $38)

• Y2K Eddie Bauer in red (men's L; $16)

• Izod green and navy stripes (men's L; $20)

Middle row, left to right:

• 90s multi-stripe (men’s L; $27)

• 90s Ralph Lauren (men’s M; $55)

• 90s Savile Row (men's M; $20)

Bottom row, left to right:

• 90s three stripe (men’s S; $42)

• 80s Debadged (men's L; $35)

• Blue navy striped (men’s XL; $40)

Same base, switch it up

My best friend from college was visiting last week, and she’d bought one of the first jean jackets I ever posted (after sharing my own Bill Blass vintage jean jacket). She agrees it’s superior and has been living in it ever since. We can use the same base as above, but switch out accessories and styling.

Whether you’re working from home or just running errands, accessories are what dress up an outfit (great place to go vintage!!!). You’ll look put together on Zoom calls, even if you’re ready for a workout on the bottom. And if you’re wondering whether a jean jacket counts as an accessory: in this house, it does.

I also love pairing this (or even the above rugby look) with ballet flats to mix it up and make it feel just a touch more polished.

The same idea applies to vintage jean jackets as rugbys: the more worn, the better, imo. Look at the below Prada and Doen ones. They are literally copycats of the vintage ones in the roundup below.

There are tons to choose from, but I try to go for something that fits more like a chore jacket or a husband's Barbour. Call it the Borrowed Barbour Test: hitting a little below the hips, deep pockets, and a structured collar.

If helpful, I have a size large in my Bill Blass jacket (but it is quite large/oversized on my frame). My friend got a medium (she’s much taller than me) and it’s still a great oversized fit. All this to say you have wiggle room in sizing on this front!

Top row, left to right:

• Vintage Bill Blass lighter jean (women’s XL; $75)

• Vintage Bill Blass (women’s M; $50)

• 90s Liz Claiborne (women’s L; $169)

Middle row, left to right:

• Dunbrooke jacket (women’s L; $45)

• 90s Woolrich (women’s S; $45)

• 90s Ralph Lauren (women’s S; $96)

Bottom row, left to right:

• Vintage Ralph Lauren (women’s S/M; $45)

• Vintage Bill Blass (women’s S; $54)

• 90s Lizwear (women’s M; $60)

The irony of this roundup is not lost on me. I spent the better part of a decade teasing my husband about his rugbys, and I am now a woman with many saved rugby searches. He would like this noted in the record. Noted!

But the bigger point is this: when people hear “vintage,” they picture occasion wear. I think the even better trick is the reverse: one interesting, aged piece dropped into your most casual outfit. Hopefully this post makes that idea more approachable.

One small ask: if you can share this with 1–2 people, that would be amazing. I have a goal of hitting 1000 subscribers/followers by the end of the summer (I will literally take hitting this goal on any platform). This is truly for the love of it until I find more of my people (and I love this little community).

Finders keepers,
SN

Some of these links may earn me a small commission, which I appreciate, since this whole thing runs on love.

Thank you for reading! If you love where this is headed, the best thing you can do is it share with a friend.

Each week I’ll be sharing things from across home, fashion, travel, and littles, and mostly wherever my vintage hunting and rabbit-hole deep dives take me.

A few weeks ago I asked what you wanted a roundup on, and the answer was summer entertaining. There are a few directions we could take this, but I figured we’d start with tablescapes, which happen to be one of my love languages. Collecting for the table is one of my great joys, and I’m a devout believer in mixing and matching, especially in summer!! Nothing needs to feel too precious.

One more thing before the finds: my friend shared this podcast episode with Priya Parker, who wrote The Art of Gathering (a book I relied on heavily while planning our wedding). A fun listen, and it gave me a few table topic questions I hadn’t heard before:

• What was your first concert, and who took you?

• What’s the most rebellious thing you’ve ever done?

• What’s the best way to eat a potato?

• What is one thing you own that you’re confident no one else (at the table) does?

And a few of my old standbys, in case they’re new to you:

• If you owned a strip mall, what five stores would you put in it?

• If your partner/spouse/best friend could get rid of one item in your closet, what would it be?

• What was your last rabbit hole?

• What is the worst thing you got in trouble for in school and was the punishment fit for the crime?

If the above doesn’t make it obvious, I am a firm believer that a great table topic is one of the best things you can bring to a dinner party.

Now, let’s start with the base. I apply the same philosophy to tables as I do to outfits: a reliable foundation, then fun, layered (potentially vintage) things on top. I’m a realist, which means many of my reliable base items below are on Amazon (everything below I literally have):

• Lighting: Candlelight is my preferred lighting choice, followed by table lamps. Hurricanes (we are on the coast which means wind) are a nonnegotiable when it comes to candles and a mainstay on my summer tables.

  • Amazon hurricanes (I use three of these at an 8 person table)

  • Antwerp hurricanes (My MOL got me two of these and I use them the most)

  • Amazon candles (Basic is fine; I prefer cream to white)

  • Amazon tablelamps (Great value, fun colors, warm light)

• Bug Prevention: Not sexy but part of the game.

  • Amazon fly traps (These things work! Make sure to hang them away from the dining area.)

  • Thermacell mosquito repeller (I don’t like scents near food so this thing is great)

• Table Basics: These generally go with any table and are items I use a lot (layered with more fun/unique pieces).

  • Bamboo flatware (You can find the real deal vintage, but I just bought sets for 12, throw them in the dishwasher, etc. It’s nice to not feel precious about them.)

  • Bamboo serving set (Same idea as above)

  • La Rochere bee glasses (These are as classic as they get. I will sometimes switch up water glasses to be more fun, but these are a great standby and we use them all the time.)

  • Crate and Barrel wine glasses (I’m a wine glass snob, but when it comes to entertaining you need good, not great, wine glasses. This way you can throw them in the dishwasher, have plenty as people switch from white to red, etc.)

• Accoutrements: Other helpful things…

  • Cocktail napkin holder (Necessity. I switch out paper cocktail napkins depending on season. My favorite are Caspari.)

  • Tablecloth clips (I only use these in extreme wind, but nothing is more annoying than a tablecloth blowing up and ruining our tablescapes.)

And now for the fun part! Think layers, textures, and color.

Roughly clockwise, starting top left:

• Floral tablecloth (loveeeee Lisa Corti)

• Red spiral taper candles (on sale!)

• Vintage ball candlestick holders (so good)

• Fish place cards (could def make these by hand too)

• Polka-dot glass tumblers (have the brown and use year around)

• Vintage frog salt and pepper shakers (adorable; great gift)

• Rattan placemats (any woven texture will do, but these are great)

• Blue splatterware dinner plate (very similar to my set from France)

• Vintage coral linen napkins (want these for myself)

• Bamboo flatware (same as above)

Roughly clockwise, starting top left:

• Green gingham tablecloth (gingham = summer)

• Rattan vase (I want this)

• Vintage mother of pearl salt and pepper shakers (buy them before I do, they’re amazing)

• Vintage silver shell place card holders (love a small detail like this)

• Vintage swirled glass tumblers (could be used as cute small vases too)

• Gurgling cod candle (amazing host gift to have on hand)

• Yellow linen placemats (classic and elegant)

• Mochaware dinner plate (I’ve recommended these before and stand by them. They are amazing.)

• Brown patterned napkins (get a mix of colors and mix/match)

• Bamboo flatware (same as above)

A few notes before I go: I post more regularly on Instagram, especially summer entertaining. Come hang over there! It’s fun. I have oodles of tabletop vintage finds that I’m planning to dump in a story.

I’ll also share, in the spirit of transparency, that these posts take a surprising amount of love and time to put together. If it’s something you’d like to keep reading, the single most helpful thing you can do is forward it to a friend who might appreciate it.

Enjoy being barefoot this holiday weekend.

Finders keepers,
SN

Some of these links may earn me a small commission, which I appreciate, since this whole thing runs on love.

And thank you for reading! If you’ve made it this far, the nicest thing you can do is subscribe and send this to a friend.

For some context, we had a baby at the end of last summer. Somewhere in the months since, my husband floated the idea of flying to London for a weekend to attend an event we’d been invited to. The timing wasn’t perfect, since we have a close friend’s wedding in Brittany at the end of June and two trips across the Atlantic in one month feels like (is) a lot.

But living in New England makes a quick London trip feasible (faster than SF with the right winds) so we went for it. The clincher was one of the events was white tie, and I’ve been waiting years for an excuse to wear opera gloves.

This trip was surgical (two nights of events, plus sleeping, which is what vacation means to me now), with a little vintage hunting squeezed in.

(This newsletter is quite long and Substack has warned me not all of it will appear in an email. You’ll need to expand at the end or read it in the Substack app.)

Thursday

We took the day flight over, which I cannot recommend enough. You take off mid-morning and land right before dinner in London. Most importantly, you arrive still feeling human.

For the plane I wore butter yellow jeans and a Quince cashmere sweater with a tank underneath. My ideal travel outfit: comfortable (the jeans are v stretchy), put together, warm enough for aggressive plane air conditioning, and easy to dress up on the other side.

We checked into Claridge’s, which was a splurge and worth it. It’s a classic London hotel with Art Deco interiors (thanks to a 1920s–30s redesign). It has quite the history which earned it the nickname “the annex to Buckingham Palace.”

For dinner we walked down the street to La Petite Maison, a cozy French spot. Dinner was good, but it would make a perfect summer lunch spot (great outdoor seating on a mostly pedestrian street).

I swapped the butter jeans for the Ganni skirt (also love this one I posted about a few weeks ago), kept the Quince sweater and tank on top, and added the heels I packed for Saturday night and the clutch I packed for Friday night.

Friday

We slept in, which as a new parent is a rarity. We had lunch at Scott’s, the old-school Mayfair seafood institution, where we sat outside. It’s nicer, as everything in Mayfair is more upscale, but great for people-watching.

Friday was the day the mandarin jacket vision came to life, and I was very pleased. The white base I’d planned held up exactly as I’d hoped and the silk jacket was perfect for the weather.

After lunch I talked my husband into some vintaging in Notting Hill, one of my favorite ways to spend an afternoon here. A few stops:

Archive by Natalie, where I was tempted by a little woven bucket bag. I imagined wearing it out west with brown suede and dark denim.

The Hirst Collection, which has incredible vintage costume jewelry…lots of insane 60s, 70s, and 80s earrings. I could have spent HOURS in here.

Vault Vintage was a favorite. I got the below three things but could have left with six.

The Friday night event was a river cruise on the Thames, dress code formal cocktail. I’d found a floral SIR dress on The RealReal that hit the floor o n me but is still linen (someone get the last size in this similar one). It felt right for a summer evening on the water.

I’d ordered a deep green shawl from Etsy that didn’t arrive in time, so I substituted a vintage fringe shawl (similar vintage one here). It’s a good example of why I adhere to a ‘buy-it-when-you-see-it’ motto, especially when it comes to accessories. The clutch is old-school J.McLaughlin. I loved the wood texture and dark tones against the darker floral of the dress.

Saturday

On Saturday, we treated ourselves to room service for breakfast. I love the Claridge’s china. Every time I’m in London I come home recommitted to having a proper tea with a proper setup. This year, maybe.

For the day I wore the yellow La Veste pants from my midi-skirt post that I picked up at the NYC pop-up a few weeks ago . The fabric texture is unreal and the yellow makes me happy.

We walked over to Savile Row to shop for my husband, and I admired this rugby shirt at Drake’s.

From there we went to the National Gallery, where I made my customary pilgrimage to Whistlejacket (one of my favorite paintings). We wandered back toward the hotel with a stop in Liberty London, which was having its annual sale, so I could have spent hours there. We picked up a very cute pajama set for our little third musketeer at home.

Saturday night was the white tie event, and styling for it was so fun. Per Emily Post, white tie essentially requires floor length dresses, closed-toe shoes, silver jewelry, and hair-up. The men, for their part, are in coats with tails.

I usually try to wear a designer from wherever I’m going (in my other life I do some public speaking at conferences, so this weirdly comes up more than you’d think).

I had bookmarked this dress from ByVarga, a very small London brand. However I’m petite and I was afraid the high-back would be too much on my frame. I reached out to Fanni (the designer) directly and asked about having it made to my measurements with a straight-across back, and she did. (Just another perk of shopping small!)

I loved working with Fanni (who also made the dress to my exact measurements, in addition to changing the back, at no charge). It’s always worth reaching out to small makers, where pieces are typically made-to-order, to see if they’ll make adjustments for you.

The rest came together around it. I found the silver clutch on Poshmark for $60 (similar here) and wore vintage earrings (I had also saved these). The opera gloves came from a small glove shop in New York that fits them to your hands, which was absolutely as fun as it sounds. The shoes are the same ones I’ve posted about before and highly recommend.

Sunday

We had a midday flight out and made it home right before bedtime. Ironically, less time in a city is less overwhelming: you know going in that you won’t do too much, so you’re pleased with anything you squeeze in. We did, and I was.

Per my last trip

An aside, do we like travel posts? They feel oversaturated yet I personally always enjoy reading more real accounts of travel (and what was packed/worn), so we’re giving it a try.

As always, I appreciate your feedback and love the here-and-there DMs I’ve been getting from you. If you don’t already, you can also follow along on Instagram.

Finders keepers,
SN

Some of these links may earn me a small commission, which I appreciate, since this whole thing runs on love, the hours I should be sleeping, and the thrill of a good find.

And thank you for reading! If you’ve made it this far, the nicest thing you can do is subscribe and send this to a friend.

How could I not? Look at this gem!!

I love a kaftan because it works over swim, or you can wear it to an event, (versatility, baby!) and both don’t require trying too hard. They are perfectly suited to vintage hunting because they’ve been around and beloved for decades.

The kaftan’s modern fashion moment started in the 1960s, when designers began looking toward Morocco and Turkey for inspiration.

Yves Saint Laurent made them for Talitha Getty, who was photographed on a Marrakech rooftop in 1969 (iconic photo on the left). From there, Halston, Pucci, and Oscar de la Renta all made their own versions.

I pulled together a roundup below, and tried to include a good mix of the different types you’ll find if you go searching. If you love a specific one and it’s not your size, take the keywords from the listing (the fabric, the era, the silhouette) and search those same terms. You’ll almost always turn up something similar in your size.

Top row, left to right:

• 70s embroidered white kaftan (medium; $210) I would honestly buy this myself but it would be criminal to hem off a foot at the bottom. For the tall girls!

• 70s floral w/ collar (medium/large; $98) This is calling ’s name.

• 60s yellow silk chiffon (medium; $115) This color would be a hit at summer cocktail parties. So chic!!

• 60s Rajkumar beaded kaftan (large; $142) A classic in a great color that could be day or night.

Bottom row, left to right:

• 70s Saks Fifth Avenue kaftan (xl; $318) Very Pucci. I love this, or really any old school Saks (holds value well!).

• 70s David Brown abstract kaftan (small; $125) I am imagining this with gold accessories or in the fall over tall boots. Incredible.

• 60s Odette Barsa with feathers (medium; $175) This is an amazing find and someone needs to buy this immediately. Shrimpton Couture sold one a few years ago. The seller offered me $140.

• 70s silky nylon w/ high neck (medium; $140) This just looks so comfy. Would be a great fall wedding guest dress if expecting.

Two quick housekeeping things. Shipping on some of these runs high. The girl math (aka my math) is that even with shipping factored in, you’re still landing under what the average dress costs on Shopbop, except it’s one-of-a-kind, sustainable, and bound to be higher-quality.

Second thing: I don’t have a ShopMy account yet, which would make linking and clicking infinitely easier. I applied, fully ready to be a person with a ShopMy account, and they denied me for being too new??? Humbling! We’ll get there, friends.

Now, onto styling. I think a lot of people freeze up here, because a kaftan can be a lot of fabric and they’re not sure what to do with it (or feel frumpy).

My advice is to just lean all the way into the glamour of it. Hair up! Big earrings! Platforms! I find the extra height keeps the kaftan from swallowing me, and it feels very 1970s in the best way.

You can find ones that skim a little closer to the body, which is what I’d steer you toward if you’re petite like me and worried about drowning in it.

While not vintage, there’s also strong case for the below: on sale, yellow, 100% silk, and can be worn sheer or with a slip. (I also love anything Kallmeyer does these days.)

The best thing about kaftans is you don’t age out of them. They also work well if you’re expecting or postpartum. If you find one you like, you should be able to wear it for decades, even as you switch up how you style it.

And if you’re still not sold, here’s some modern-day inspiration to push you over the edge.

Thank you for continuing to read, friends. I'm trying to be patient as I find my niche, my voice, and my crowd. It's a strange, out-of-body thing to dive into something so intrinsic to who I am, yet have it still feel so new. I appreciate you reading, liking, and sharing with a friend.

Finders keepers,
SN

Thank you for reading! If you’ve made it this far, the nicest thing you can do is subscribe and send this to a friend.

Each week I’ll be sharing things from across home, fashion, travel, and littles, and mostly wherever my vintage hunting and rabbit-hole deep dives take me.

Some of these links may earn me a small commission, which I appreciate, since this whole thing runs on love, the hours I should be sleeping, and the thrill of a good find.

If you love where this is headed, the best thing you can do is it share with a friend.

Share

I have a long-standing devotion to the midi skirt. I wear them with sandals all summer, swap in tall boots once the weather turns, and they go from daytime to dinner without requiring a change. If you're deciding what earns a spot in your suitcase this summer, I'd put a midi skirt near the top of the list.

My current saved folder is proof of how many directions a midi skirt can go: polka dots with red ballet flats, a good print with an oversized blue shirt, pale sheer silk with a simple black top. Each one has an interesting pattern, texture, or color.

The formula is the same one I'll keep coming back to on here: basics that are tried, true, and that you'll wear a thousand times over, plus something(s) interesting and unique layered in. A vintage midi skirt is excellent territory for that.

Here’s how I would build the base:

Next comes the main event. There are so many great vintage and secondhand midi skirts floating around. I'd go for a weird print, an unexpected color, cool fabric, or an unusual shape…anything that feels different. Here are some particularly good ones:

Top row, left to right:

• Vintage Pucci (38; $495) Always a great investment. Could be a coverup with a black bikini and open oxford this summer in Europe.

• 2015 Balenciaga for an incredible price (6; $102)

• Pleated Fendi (small; $650) Skews a bit more fall, but would be so great with tall boots. Would love to see it dressed down w/ a tank/flops.

• 1950s Italian silk skirt (medium; $80) I almost bought this one for London! It’s so good—looks like old Prada.

Bottom row, left to right:

• Vintage pink Ralph Lauren (6P; $60) Hard to beat vintage Ralph Lauren. (Similar color and print here for $50)

• Vintage The Limited yellow skirt (small; $20) I am really into yellow rn, can you tell?

• This one sold on TRR the morning I was posting this, but another great pink skirt here for $32

• Lauren by Ralph Lauren nautical skirt (large; $260) Someone who spends time at a yacht club needs this. Wear it with an oversized oxford and the sleeves rolled up for ~effortless~ vibes.

All of these would also look chic dressed down with a casual tank or white tee (what doesn’t look good with a white tee?!).

While I know I share mostly vintage, there’s a few pieces that fit the theme that I've had my eye on over the past month. When I buy new, I try to hold the piece to a two-part test: someone has to get giddy finding it vintage in 25 years, and I have to be able to picture wearing it across different occasions and places.

• Outfit 1: FloreFlore tank (on sale), Ganni skirt, Staud mules, Etsy satin knot bag

• Outfit 2: Cos tank, La Veste pants, Gap wedge flops, vintage Timmy Woods (I love)

• Outfit 3: Same FloreFlore tank and Jude heels as above, Goop skirt, 1940s tassel bag

(I did in fact purchase the yellow pants after trying them on at the La Veste pop up in NYC—the fabric is incredible. They run big!)

I really do believe in this formula: great basics you don’t have to think about, plus one or two interesting pieces that make you that cool girl.

Happy (first) summer Friday!

Finders keepers,
SN

Thank you for reading! If you’ve made it this far, the nicest thing you can do is subscribe and send this to a friend.

Each week I’ll be sharing things from across home, fashion, travel, and littles, and mostly wherever my vintage hunting and rabbit-hole deep dives take me.

If you love where this is headed, the best thing you can do is it share with a friend.

Share

I am writing this on Sunday, while taking a break from standing on a step stool trying to hang a mochaware platter the size of a small shield. I bought myself three of them for Mother's Day and am attempting to hang them in my office, alone, because I simply cannot wait for my husband.

I've been collecting plates (for my walls) for about ten years now, here and there. After visiting Tangier last year, I've been inspired to get back into collecting them, and specifically into larger format.

Plates on walls add dimension in a way that framed art can’t. Luckily for me, and now you, the antique/small-maker market is ripe with great ones, which means you can build a wall without spending a fortune.

I went down a rabbit hole and pulled together finds in three categories, with some inspiration images for each to give you a sense of how they could look on a wall. My advice is to commit to a style family, then vary within it. You want cohesion, but not for every plate to be the exact same.

Splatter & Mochaware

This is where my Mother’s Day platters fall. Splatterware and mochaware are American pottery traditions. I pulled in some Romanian pieces in this roundup because the styles are pretty similar, and they tend to be a little more affordable.

My platters are from SJ Pottery, a maker I came across at the Mount Vernon gift shop (a hilarious place to find someone, but we do love a good gift shop).

SJ Pottery has since been discovered by Tory Burch (proof I am onto the right things!). I ordered some mugs from Tory Burch for due diligence and can confirm they are still the real deal, so I stand by the recs below.

Top row, left to right:

• SJ Pottery x Tory Burch salad plates (set of 4; 8.5 in; $210) I can confirm these are fabulous, heavy, 10/10. Pivot from the wall plan and use on your summer table?

• 1960s Bennington Potters splatter plate (10.5 in; $28) I’m imagining hung as a single in a mudroom above a door (or used as a key tray).

• Romanian slipware plate (6 in; $30) Petite but great colors!

Middle row, left to right:

• Tory Burch spongeware (set of 2; 11 in; $90) Also a pivot to the summer table instead of the wall, but they are great.

• Vintage Peruvian plates (set of 2; 12 in; $32) Guys, I love these. I almost bought them for myself. Insane price.

• Italian oval splatterware platter (16 in; $105) Love this long skinny shape.

Bottom row, left to right:

• SJ Pottery extra large platter (16 in; $320) This is what I ordered for Mother’s Day, they are incredible.

• Vintage Romanian Herezu (4 in; $12) Too small for the wall, but I just love this pseudo mochaware technique. Good little gift.

• SJ Pottery x Tory Burch mochaware dinner plates (set of 2; 12 in; $160 ) I may order these for actual use next.

Folk

If you have a newer house (or really any space that feels like it needs more warmth and age) folk plates are where I’d start. The undertones are more terra cotta, so they bring an earthiness and age to a room. Folk works across a surprising range of interiors styles/vibes.

They are probably the most cost-effective category too, which makes them a great entry point if you're building your first plate wall.

Top row, left to right:

• This set sold before I could publish — search for antique southwestern folk ceramics

• 1920s Hungarian flower (8 in; $60) Would go great with the other Hungarian plate below.

• This one also sold before I could publish — here’s one similar

Middle row, left to right:

• 1930s Hungarian folk plate (9.8 in; $85) Love the colors and age.

• Vintage Greek Rhodos (9 in; $30) I like a lot of this seller’s plates with the greek keys.

• Vintage Tonala 1960s Mexican plates (set of 2; 11.5in; $95) This is the collection I have started in our NYC kitchen.

Bottom row, left to right:

• 1970s Georges Briard charger ($34) Your theme could also be equestrian!

• 1970s Transylvania Horezu plate ($70) The seller sent me 20% off so make an offer (the shipping is expensive but worth it if you order multiple.) So many good ones.

• Vintage Hans Schneider Swiss folk plate (8 in; $35) This would be so fun in a little boys room.

Oyster & Majolica

The last roundup is the most expensive because it’s the plate du jour of the moment. Traditional oyster plates (mostly French) are popular right now and the prices reflect it. I also included Majorcan plates in this group (the ones with a raised, relief-like texture).

Top row, left to right:

• Classic vintage oyster plates (9.5 in; $175) Can’t get more classic than this! Easy to build over time.

• 1870s Adams & Bromley fish plate (10.5 in; $625) An actual antique and collectible. A plate for the plate people.

• Antique Sarreguemines fruit plates (set of 6; 7.5 in; $75) Good value.

Middle row, left to right:

• Antique Sarreguemines oyster plate (7.5 in; $100) I love the scalloped edge.

• Antique Villeroy & Boch Majorlica plate set (set of 3; $200) I almost, almost bought these for myself. I love them so much.

• Handmade cabbage leaf platter (9 in; $70) Sometimes you want something that isn’t a circle.

Bottom row, left to right:

• Rabbit Majolica plates (set of 2; 10 in; $60) Charming! Could save them and whip them out at Easter.

• 1900 Majolica asparagus plate (9 in; $145) Classic majolica and will hold it’s value.

• Digoin Sarreguemines Barbotine oyster plates (set of 2; 10 in; $127) Love the pink/blue color combo — different than the usual greens.

How to Hang Them

For smaller plates, I love and swear by the English disc hangers, which are basically a wet adhesive disc you press onto the back. They’re invisible from the front, they hold well, and they’re so easy to put up.

For larger or heavier plates (like my new platters) I use a wire plate hanger. I recently saw a recommendation from for JES hangers, that you could also try.

Remember, you also don’t have to go full gallery wall. I love the little surprise of a lone plate tucked above a doorframe or next to a sconce. It’s more about balance than quantity.

This is only my second post, so I'm still figuring out what you want to hear about and what works well. Leave me a comment and let me know!

Finders Keepers,
SN

Thank you for reading! If you’ve made it this far, the nicest thing you can do is subscribe and send this to a friend.

Each week I’ll be sharing things from across home, fashion, travel, and littles, and mostly wherever my vintage hunting and rabbit-hole deep dives take me.

I’m heading to London in June for a long weekend, and I’m bringing a carry-on. It’s a short trip where the weather could go either direction. I always face the temptation to bring 4x what I need, but I’m determined to stick to simple bases with one or two interesting pieces on top.

I’ve had a velvet mandarin jacket for a few years and I wear it non-stop over the holidays. The mandarin jacket has been around since the Qing dynasty, when it started life as a Manchu riding layer worn over long robes. It migrated to Hong Kong’s tailoring scene somewhere along the way, then into Western wear. I’ve been hunting for a summer version for the past few months that I can wear more casually and in warmer weather.

If you don’t know how to start dabbling in vintage, accessories are the best entry point, and I count a jacket as an accessory. You don’t have to worry about fit the way you would with a dress or trousers.

The base itself is nothing revolutionary, which is the point. I am imagining:

• a white tee (I am truly obsessed with any FloreFlore tee (size m), I wear my white one 3x a week)

• a gray sweater tied around my waist (any will do)

• off-white jeans (these bone-colored Agolde I’ve had for years are my favorite)

• white flats (my latest TRR find, also considered these)

The jacket is our pièce de résistance. I wanted a cropped one because I’m on the shorter side and have too many long jackets, but there are so many great ones out there (cropped or not). The good news is that mandarin jackets haven’t totally blown up as a trend yet, so you can still have your pick at great prices.

If you're new to buying vintage, double-check the measurements—I never trust the sizing and have purchased anything from an xs to xl. (For what it's worth, I also never mind a jacket that runs a little big.)

Top row, left to right:

• 1970s Sage-green brocade cropped (xl; $90)

• 1950s Ivory brocade w/ flowers (m; $165)

• Mustard gold w/ frog buttons (s; $70)

Middle row, left to right:

• 1940s Japanese brocade w/ floral frog closures (m; $125)

• 1960s Blue floral duster (m; $128)

• Long cream silk coat w/ landscape print (l; $249)

Bottom row, left to right:

• 1940s dark brocade with insane tassels (s; $145)

• Japanese cropped jacket with frog closures (s; 150)

• 80s Peony florals (xl; $23)

I’m imagining swapping out the same white-on-white base I’m packing for London for a black tank and black pants (capris?!), with little heeled sandals for dinner out. Some modern inspiration for you:

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Finders keepers,
SN

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Each week I’ll be sharing things from across home, fashion, travel, and littles, and mostly wherever my vintage hunting and rabbit-hole deep dives take me.