We’re here: my first official haul on PMLF, and it’s fitting that it comes from Manhattan Vintage, a market I’ve long loved in the city. I buy 80% of my vintage online, usually from bed or my desk, with 14 tabs open. But nothing beats seeing things in person and trying them on (especially with my market partner Kendall Flavin).
It’s truly a high to be in one room with 1) so much beautiful vintage and, more importantly, 2) so many like-minded people who love vintage or want to get more into it. The fashion was 10/10, dealers and shoppers alike. I spent as much time studying outfits as I did the racks, which I’ve decided is part of the experience.
I also know a market like this (or even just a store full of vintage) can be overwhelming if you’re not as into it as I am. I’d love to continue to work tips into these paid posts: how I make decisions, what’s worth it, and why I may pass on an item.
Here’s how this works: first what I bought, with similar versions should you be interested, then what I didn’t buy but went home and searched for. Some of those I’ve since bought. Others I’m still contemplating, which is a very dangerous category.
I spotted this tapestry coat hanging across the Malena booth, among many beautiful things, and went straight for her. Isn’t it funny how vintage does that? I didn’t actually think I’d walk home with her, but then I put her on and she was a perfect fit. (I’m short, and I’d already tried on a few pieces that drowned me.) She seemed to have been made for me, which was a blessing and a curse, since I’d already bought too many things.
I’m convinced one of the best girlhood moments at a vintage market is watching something click for someone. “The click,” by my definition, is when you try on a piece and it feels like it was made for you. I got to witness it happen twice to others, both times with something I had just tried on that didn’t quite work, only for the next person to put it on and have it be perfect (like it was meant for their frame and energy). All this to say this coat clicked with me.
She’s a 60s tapestry with faux fur trim and these beautiful frog closures. I really do think a fun coat might be what’s missing from your closet. They’re a lot of bang for very little thought: you just grab one on your way out the door in the morning (school drop-off! grocery run! walking the dog!). I’m particular about larger prints on me, but I like this scale, and I’ve already worn her, as you can see. She was my most expensive purchase of the day at $456.
60s floral tapestry coat (M; $585) The closest palette and scale to mine.
Vintage tapestry w/ frogs (S; $356) Okay this is incredible w/ the frog closures
Borg-trimmed tapestry coat w/ matching skirt ($375) I repeat, a matching skirt!!!
60s tapestry coat w/ brass buckles ($148) Almost a southwestern vibe w/ epic buckles
60s ivory tapestry coat (XS/S; $200) Probably the most similar to mine of the bunch
60s tapestry coat w/ attached scarf ($376) Scarf and belt?!