Detail oriented
little vintage accessories that add pizzazz
The weather may still be literal hell fire, but inside, we’re moving onto fall. It’s survival at this point, ignoring the intense anger that bubbles to the surface every morning when I open my blinds, greeted by another day of stupid fucking sunshine and not one goddamn cloud in the sky.
Onward, we must go! To the easy, breezy, beautiful, escape that is autumnal dressing! I don’t know why I ever moved to a place so hot when the thing I enjoy most about dressing is layers and layers and more layers.
Fall is Katharine Hepburn and her unconventional-for-the-time dressing. Suits, slacks, oxfords, sneakers, sweaters, wool coats — perhaps a place that feels most comfortable to my inner self, which has struggled with finding her just-right-Goldilocks spot on that abundantly broad gender identity scale.
Call it “quiet luxury” or “minimal chic” or a lot of other in betweenies but there’s no shortage of conventionally attractive girlies screenshotted on Pinterest in their loose suits, long coats, and penny loafers, dripping in The Row and worshipping Phoebe Philo. But how do you make yourself stand out in the homogeneity?
Here’s a selection of uniquely fun vintage accessories that will add a “je ne sais quoi” to the simplest of ensembles, as showcased (aka photoshopped by me) on the Fall/Winter 2023 runways. Use these as a guide for hunting down little things that speak to you - maybe it’s a flower, your astrological sign, or your favorite past time. Search on eBay or Etsy for that thing and add “vintage” in the search bar. Filter under “accessories” and go wild. You’ll be surprised of all the random fun stuff that is awaiting you! (Extra tip: filter by location to narrow down shipping costs/times/etc and mark “used” under condition to sift out the spam of new crap.)
PRADA FALL WINTER 2023
1. Green Satin Purse - A look that screams Jenny Walton. A vintage silhouette with modern proportions which makes it pair well with this bby satin purse without feeling costume-y. Someone, buy this bag! I would also wear it on an evening out with a long sleeve black dress.
2. Orchid Brooch - This pearlescent brooch would dress up a sweater without feeling campy. I would also consider getting a spool of ribbon and trying to make a choker out of it for an evening. Tie a big bow in the back and let the tails hang. Bonus points if you’re wearing something with a low back.
3. Anthurium Earrings - !!!! These earrings!! This price is actually pretty good for what I saw listed elsewhere. They’re so dainty and vintage and perfect and the tones of the colors are delightful. Take a note from Prada’s colored mascara and pair with this.
GUCCI FALL WINTER 2023
1. Silk Chiffon Bow Choker - Despite hating things touching my neck, I love the idea of a choker. Especially as a solo accessory to fancy party dress that speaks for itself.
2. Bakelite Cowboy - He’s so! charming! and is sure to start up a conversation wherever you go. Pinned on your go to wool coat is another wonderful option.
3. Bauble Bracelet - You would have to do some tricky measuring or maybe even consider a longer necklace you could wrap twice, but the idea of a bauble-y anklet over a fishnet feels! opulent!
MIU MIU FALL WINTER 2023
1. Green Purse - Cute. Tiny. Fun shape. Perfect autumnal color. *Add to cart*
2. Rhinstone Scorpion Brooch - Chic Goth is a category I ideally would always like to fall into and a scorpion brooch is an instant initiation into the club. I would also consider pinning this on a thick black turtleneck up near the collar. Reference previous seasons of Alexander McQueen for more inspiration in this vein…
LOEWE FALL WINTER 2023
1. Gold Necklace - It’s giving “art gallery opening night” vibes but I’m kind of living for it. This necklace has matching earrings!
2. Beaded Anthurium - So this is just a faux beaded flower, but I would glue a pin backing to it and use it as a bold statement brooch. Pinned to a sleeve? Or at the waist of a dress? Or the lapel of an oversized blazer?
BOTTEGA VENETA FALL WINTER 2023
1. Gold Sweater Clip - I’ve been in *such* a deep sweater clip hole on Etsy. Pin them to your cardigan or clip them to your shirt collar. Instantly cool. Wear this to the office!! People will gasp!!
2. Bakelite Horse Brooch - More horse things because I know you haven’t had enough. I live for old bakelite. This horse is weird and a little creepy but in a fun way? Love the idea of it on a funky old coat.
CHLOE FALL WINTER 2023
1. Gucci Silk Bandeau Scarf - A scarf tied or wrapped around a top handle purse is classic. I would mix and match the scarf and bag to feel like a juxtaposition of styles - preppy scarf, angsty goth bag?
2. Rhinestone Choker - Okay, hear me out. A choker length, or again, longer necklace wrapped twice over a riding boot? It sounds whimsical and I will be trying it out!! It has to be dainty though, which is why this 1950’s Rhinestone one seems perfect.
And there you have it! I have about 50 other accessories sitting in my favorites and watchlist. If you’re looking for more goodies, reply to this email or leave a comment.
I’m taking my own advice here and have a cart filled with treasures I will be adding to some of my fall workhorse favorites. Instagram bums me out these days but I’m thinking of challenging myself to document getting dressed every day as soon as we hit weather under 80 degrees. Spooky gorls just want to have fun, y’know?
Love you.
See ya Friday,
xo,
G