All Dressed Up
a round up of vintage and secondhand finds perfect for a holiday soirée (and beyond!)
I spent a decent amount of my very early 20’s curbing the slightly (mostly) unwarranted resentment I felt as most of my closest friends graduated from college and seamlessly shifted into the big kid world of high rise sales jobs and tech start ups overflowing with sexy perks.
I was swirling in the never ending drain pipe of retail management, struggling to get interviews for entry level office jobs, convinced I was doomed to be a retail “lifer” who never got to enjoy a single weekend or holiday ever again. I was jealous of everyone’s paid vacations, free snacks, and flexible schedules, but most of all, I could never get over the jealousy I felt over what felt like the pinnacle of “making it” — the holiday office party.
Lavish themes, over-the-top decorations, cheesy photobooths, and sprawling locations like modern art museums and stadium venues — the bitterness I felt!!! As I was Cinderella, scooping up piles of inside out clothes from the floors of dressing rooms three days before Christmas, my friends were out getting dressed up and dancing the night away at the ball!! Rude!
As time went on, my perspective shifted, and eventually I found myself working some very weird office jobs, finally able to spend holidays and weekends at home (#blessed — I will never ever ever take it for granted!) and yes, at long last getting to attend a big ol’ ridiculous office party. Experience box, checked.
My only regret?
Not wearing something wildly funky, elaborate and ridiculously opulent.
I’ve been a weenie when it comes to expressing myself through vintage clothing since I was an awkward teen. As someone whose always wanted to feel like an individual, I’ve never wanted the attention that comes from “standing out” when showcasing personal style. I remember thrifting the most ornate, daintily sequined 1950’s cardigan as a 12 year old, only to have it sit in my closet for years because I was afraid everyone at school would stare at me.
Even in my 30’s, I’ll often wipe lipstick off in a last minute panic, or take off accessories/switch out a shoe if I feel like I’ll draw too much attention, despite having a decently large collection of incredibly unique antique pieces I crave sporting in public. It wasn’t until I was strutting down a casino floor in Vegas (a place I feel like you can always be ridiculous and over the top) that I realized even if people stare, it’s usually because they wish they could do it too — the amount of people who approached me the night I decided to rock a fully sequined suit and 6 inch Gucci platforms to tell me how they admired my confidence and loved my style was overwhelming.
If they only knew!
Which proves my point!! Life is truly too short to give such frivolous fucks! Use this holiday season as your entryway into experimenting with wacky wild prints and textiles and be the one that stands out at the corporate function! If you’re jaded, just remember there’s probably a girl somewhere, working retail, longing for corporate acceptance and a terrible Christmas office party - embrace the festivities!
My goal in the next year is to expand my collection of vintage occasion wear and find new ways and made up reasons to wear them. This is your sign to ditch the Reformation dresses and stop scrolling the never ending pages of that one model on Revolve.com and start treasure hunting.
Here’s an insane round up of just some of the best vintage and secondhand pieces I’ve come across on Etsy and eBay in the last few months, perfect for all your holiday party needs this season.
Embrace being the best dressed or overdressed at the family function, office party, or friendly get together.
It’s giving:
I think learning to wear vintage in a modern way that doesn’t scream “stage costume” is definitely an art that comes through experimentation and time (lurk the
for inspiration!)I’m not a believer in “rules” but if you’re looking for a place to start I would recommend finding a balance in the ratio of vintage and modern in your outfit. Mix a modern dress or suit with vintage jewels, or try a vintage dress with a modern shoe, etc etc. Get in the lab and experiment with what makes you feel good!
Now onto the goods —
Red Pantsuit - You *will* be the talk of the party in this.
Velvet Ostrich Trim Palazzo Pants - This photo does not do these justice and I demand you click into the listing to see the texture and movement!
Red Bow Detailed Dress - Wow, just WOW 🥵
Square Collar Black Dress - An LBD never fails.
1930’s Puff Sleeve Gown - My inner Barbara Stanwyck/Bette Davis wants this.
Victor Costa Bow Gown - The bows are so precious 🥹
One Shoulder Black Dress - This drop waist feels very modern and “on trend” with current silhouettes but is also classically late 1950s.
Red Mermaid Gown - There’s an ostrich feather train with a big bow that should feel too much and campy but it really feels *just* right.
1960’s Pink Bow Dress - She’s in incredibly pristine condition and is a true “forever” piece.
Floral Empire Waist Dress - My mom basically wore this exact dress to prom.
Palazzo Jumpsuit - I don’t often lean jumpsuit unless it’s got wild palazzo pants and this one checks all the boxes.
Strapless Plaid Victor Costa Dress - SOMEONE! BUY! HER!!!!
1930’s Lace Gown - I think this can go from super feminine pretty to a little sexy with the right under pinnings.
Velvet Opera Coat - An opera coat is a good option if you’re feeling “lazy” about dressing up. Add a vintage brooch for extra fanciness.
Angel Sleeve Psychedelic Dress - The sleeves. THE SLEEVES. The print. THE PRINT.
Psychedelic Matching Pant Suit - Beaded perfection.
Sequin Cocktail Jacket - Every day is a good day for sequins.
Feather Sleeve Dress - Feathers during the holidays just make sense.
Y2K Leather Mini Skirt Suit - LOVE the idea of this at a holiday party with modern kitten heel vibe (words I never thought I’d say….)
Silk Chiffon 1960’s Gown - The cape overlay on this is stunning.
Ruffle Hem Dress - This has a low back with really subtle embellishing - she is CHIC.
Vintage Dolce and Gabbana Dress - Dolce is problematic and lame but this secondhand vintage dress with the motif is perfection.
1970’s Saint Laurent Brocade Pants - 😩😩😩 so good
Beaded Opera Coat - I feel like this is even better in person.
Velvet Paisley Sport Coat - This is fun!!
Red Two Tone Sweater - The color. The pattern.
Brocade Tuxedo Jacket - This is also fun!!
Brown Velvet Blazer - Chocolate brown perfection!
Gold Velvet Double Breasted Suit - Someone needs this. NEEDS.
Blue Velvet Smoking Jacket - Is there anything sexier than blue velvet?
Plaid Dinner Jacket - Literally Don Draper when he’s forced to have dinner at Pete’s new upstate house.
Flat Front Dinner Pant - Bring back the flat front pant! It’s *the* best elevated silhouette.
Go forth and shop!
Until next week,
xo,
G
I want my waist to fit in those palazzo pants 😭😭😭