Total (Vintage) Request Live

you asked, i sleuthed the depths of the internet -- home tiki bar finds, an artsy look for an artsy black tie wedding, and bar cart essentials that are festively fabulous

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Happy weekend, friends!

Trying something new in this little corner of the internet!

Over the years (years! hard to believe), I've had so many of you reach out—through emails, DMs, and even in person—asking for help tracking down specific vintage pieces, wondering how to style something a little unusual, or debating whether to take the plunge on that one weird-but-cool find. Today is your lucky day!

I’ve decided to do a monthly column where I take your requests and dig for various vintage and secondhand things on the internet for you. Here’s how it will work:

• You can DM me on Substack or IG (I don’t post a lot on the grid, but I promise I’m active on stories!), or reply to a newsletter with your request (try to be decently specific: I’m x size, looking for x kind of thing, with a budget under x amount of dollars)

• I’ll pick a handful of prompts every month to answer, with paid subscribers getting priority pick (not everyone will get picked every month, but I’ll try my best to sprinkle in finds into other newsletters that are hopefully helpful!)

• Finds will go out to paid subscribers first, and be released to free subscribers later that evening or even the next morning (like this month!) Everyone will have access to the finds, so this is really also an exercise in helping inspire you to go down a rabbit hole, try a new key word, etc to find that perfect something.

I think that’s gist of it!

Let’s get into it.

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The Request -

Finds fit for a historic Echo Park apartment

Inspiration images from Kayla’s Pinterest board

Kayla’s on the hunt for inspiration and vintage finds for her new (very old) Echo Park apartment complete with floor-to-ceiling wood paneling and a built-in tiki bar (my idea of heaven!)

The Finds:

Inspiration: Sunken Harbor Club

If you’re looking for tiki inspiration, you’ve come to the right place because I’ve got plenty. Not only am I an avid tiki bar goer and collector, but I’m building a secret tiki bar in the closet of our wood-paneled living room that I’m very excited about…

While the joy of tiki is definitely in the kitsch, I do think there’s a way to make it feel a bit more elevated—and a little less... appropriative.

I’m drawing inspiration from the Sunken Harbor Club, a speakeasy-style hidden tiki bar in New York City (this photo is from their Bermuda location). They strike a great balance: mixing classic tiki elements like fishing nets, bold colors, and Polynesian-inspired motifs with vintage nautical vibes that feel timeless, intentional, and dare I say, a little sexy? We love a sexy shipwreck!!!

Here are the finds and my thought process behind them:

(moving clockwise, starting top left-ish)

• welcome to the bamboo room wooden sign ($269.50, purchase on eBay) (budget friendly tiki sign option here) (this is also cool)
  this is also something you could DIY and make it feel totally original to your space because it’s YOUR tiki bar! But this vintage one feels really cool in a 1940s way and not in a cheesy 90s man cave kind of way

• hanging woven rattan fish sign ($24.99, purchase on eBay)
  the hanging scroll portion says “early to bed, early to rise will fill this creel with a special prize” CUTE

• hand painted wooden fish wall hanging ($15, purchase on eBay)

• hanging wooden birds (set of four) ($75, purchase on eBay)
  you probably don’t need four, but i do think you probably need at least one (and don’t forget to have your friends over to help you name it)

• midcentury maroon tiki bark cloth fabric panel ($119, purchase on eBay) (cool schumacher remnant here, another alt here)
  there’s so much you could do with an old textile to make a tiki area feel modern/moody/sexy! draped on a wall, or made into pillows, or reupholster a bar stool or curtain draped on the front of the bar… or you could go the traditional fishing net route…

• embroidered parrot tea towel ($18, purchase on eBay)

• bamboo table lamp ($145, purchase on eBay) (this lamp gets an honorable mention, as does this one)

• midcentury lucite pineapple lamp ($139.27, purchase on eBay)
  it. lights. up. — going to a tiki bar means the lighting is KEY! get a color changing bulb with a remote for complete vibe control! (bonus if you get a laser light or fog machine…)

• abalone shell lamp ($44.97, purchase on eBay) (honorable mention)

• wooden bird cocktail picks ($14.75)

• cowrie shell drink coasters (set of four) ($19.99, purchase on eBay)

• framed oil on canvas sea captain portrait ($425, purchase on eBay)
  okay, i think every tiki bar should have a sea captain as the official mascot and guardian of the booze! it’s giving the ghost and mrs. muir (my favorite halloween time movie)

• unframed sea captain portrait ($79, purchase on eBay)

• vintage kon tiki matchbook ($12.99, purchase on eBay)

• framed ship oil on canvas painting ($50, purchase on eBay)

• teeny tiny bamboo frame ($17)
  for a picture of you and your boo, the owners of the tiki haven

• naked lady tiki mug ($29.89, purchase on eBay)
  i like to buy 60s novelty naked lady things because it feels empowering to have them live in a space that celebrates ladies and erases the gross male gaze vibes from which they were once created

• cast iron parrot bottle opener ($48) (honorable mention to this palm tree one, which would look great on a shelf)

• cast iron seagull bottle opener ($26, purchase on eBay)

• wooden ship wheel ($39, purchase on eBay)

• cast iron seahorse bottle opener ($28, purchase on eBay)

• skull tiki mug ($85)
  if you need drink inspiration start here or go vintage here

• hand-painted flamingo tray set (set of three) ($65)
  for serving snacks on the couch

• brass shell bookends ($48, purchase on eBay) (another alt here)

• brass mermaid sculpture ($55, purchase on eBay)
  patron saint of your tiki bar perhaps?

• vintage blue glass fishing float ($74.95)
  you can’t have a tiki bar and not have a fishing float (or a puffer fish?)

• vintage purple glass fishing float ($119.95) (bring this theme into your cocktails with these!)

• midcentury bamboo pencil reed wine holder ($118) (fun alternative here)

• don the beachcomber matchbook ($12.99, purchase on eBay) (frame it like this) (or frame an old tiki menu like this one)

• rope framed seascape painting ($75, purchase on eBay)

• unframed seascape oil on canvas painting ($114.99, purchase on eBay)

• brass anchor paperweight ($16, purchase on eBay)

• (honorable mention to these for decor that doesn’t feel literal, this rattan stool, these tiki glasses, this bamboo cup set, this brass bamboo planter and this brass crab trinket dish)

and while it might seem crazy to not include one single traditional tiki mug, that’s because I believe you gotta pick the ones that call to you! There’s plenty floating around eBay and Etsy, but I would recommend starting your own collection.

(Complete the home tiki bar vibe with making your own personalized swizzle sticks for friends to take home!)

a snippet of our personal tiki collection

Part II - Wood paneling home inspo

Inspiration: Reath Design

I think the best way to make wood paneling not feel tacky, cheesy, or like you walked off the set of Mad Men is to really play with punchy, fun color!

moving clockwise(ish) starting top left:

• celebrity headshot oversized poster ($45.99, purchase on eBay)
  this is insane! get weird and funky and conversation starter-y with your art! yes, it would cost $1000+ to frame this, but frick, what a cool conversation piece to have in your home…

• pottery barn striped pillow cover ($34.50, purchase on eBay)

• pottery barn striped pillow cover ($22.97, purchase on eBay)

• sterling silver swirly candle sticks ($46.97 on sale) (super funky alt here)

• set of five studio pottery bowls ($98)
  i love collecting handmade studio pottery — the colors are always fun, the shapes are unique, and you can have them on display but also use them when you have guests over, etc (search: drip glaze, splatterware, handmade pottery, studio pottery)

• pear shaped wood salt and pepper ($21.74, purchase on eBay) (another fun option here)

• scalloped wood bowl ($52)

• chrome flying saucer table lamp ($97, purchase on eBay) (fun fiberglass alt here)

• vintage cane folding chair set (set of two, $270, purchase on eBay)

• ceramic bubble top tea canister ($111.75, purchase on eBay)

• reversible green wool coverlet ($249, purchase on eBay)

• hammered metal gemstone bowl (set of three!) ($149)

• plaid mohair blanket ($207.22, purchase on eBay)

• faux wood ice bucket with tongs ($39.95)

• avocado green drip glaze cup set (set of six, $69.99, purchase on eBay) (cute alt here)

• chrome adjustable desk lamp ($100, purchase on eBay)

• red mohair blanket ($95, purchase on eBay)
  mohair adds very sexy texture to a space!!

• sasaki aria silverware set (34 piece set) ($150, purchase on eBay)

• round bamboo cane stool set ($249.99, purchase on eBay)

• brown reversible wool coverlet ($195, purchase on eBay) (if you’re into chenille, this is kind of sick)

• chocolate brown adjustable desk lamp ($32, purchase on eBay)

• matisse jazz book ($75, purchase on eBay) (budget friendly option here)
  okay, hot take alert — i would take this apart and make framed art out of these pieces….

• allergic to mornings snoopy framed art ($191.25, purchase on eBay)

• war is not healthy poster ($74, purchase on eBay)
  one of my favorite anti-war posters

• marilyn monroe poster ($69.99, purchase on eBay)
  i know marilyn stuff is generally oversaturated but this poster and this photo feels really powerful and poignant and would be stunning framed in a really funky special way

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The Request -

Non-binary babe looking for a formal look

Inspiration: Katharine Hepburn, David Bowie, Hunter Schafer, Emma D’Arcy, Angela Bassett, Nikhil Kapoor @posh_heat on IG

This pushed me creatively in the best way — more of this, please! (I messaged them and asked for clarification on if they preferred pieces in feminine or masculine sizing, their general style leanings and preferred silhouettes, style icons, their measurements, their budget, and the parameters of the dress code)

The consensus: they are very, very cool and I kind of want to sneak into this wedding? This reminds me that I need to write about how we need weirder artsy fartsy weddings…

The Finds:

We love multiple ways to wear a look! We love pattern mixing! We love layering! We love swan purses!

• long etro brocade jacket (fem xl, $825)

• khaite linen tunic (fem l, $374.50)
  it’s giving sexy medieval peasant and i’m into it

• tory burch leather jacket (fem l , $337.25)

• bode embroidered pants (masc 32, $580.50)

• vintage bronze brutalist bracelet ($54.99, purchase on eBay)

• vintage brass swan purse ($274.90, purchase on eBay) (or a fun brass fish option here, a butterfly here and here)
  dare i say, everyone needs a swan purse?

• khaite white western boot (fem 9, $925)

• black toteme loafers (fem 9.5, $395)

A little femme, a lot of punk and the perfect amount of color

• sterling silver bean shapes earrings ($35.99, purchase on eBay)

• 1970s modernist sterling silver face pendant ($149, purchase on eBay)
  love love love this

• red area leather biker jacket (fem xl, $1140)

• carolina herrera silk taffeta midi skirt (fem xl, $425)

• jil sander pink leather purse ($508)

• the row combat boots (fem 9, $750)

• gucci monogram tights ($175.50)

I imagine the velvet scarf being wrapped as a belt in this instance, which I think could be really fun/unique/add a vibe (would also consider adding a fun sock, perhaps also organza? or lace?)

• alexander mcqueen black long coat (fem xl, $927.50)

• sterling silver round modernist dangle brooch ($60, purchase on eBay)

• vintage lanvin velvet opera scarf ($69, purchase on eBay)

• khaite silk organza blouse (fem l, $380)

• alexander mcqueen silver ear cuff ($255)

• carolina herrera silk polka dot culottes (fem xxl, $452)

• margiela silver tabis oxfords (fem 9.5, $650)
  this price is good….

• paco rabanne long strap purse ($607.50)

I imagine the leather jacket worn buttoned (to the top!) and the scarf tucked like a cravat!

• alexander mcqueen silk skull scarf ($157.50)

• tory burch leather jacket (fem l, $337.25)

• khaite lace dress (fem l, $316)

• etro silk wide leg pants (fem xl, $595)

• alexander mcqueen spider cocktail ring (size 5.5, $276.50)
  it’s giving vampire pinky ring

• 1940s beaded blue spiderweb purse ($275, purchase on eBay)

• bottega veneta gold pumps (fem 10, $220)

The Request -

colorful bar cart and funky cocktail finds for a new apartment

The Finds:

Inspiration: Cai Haun’s apartment

spoiler alert: this is one of my best friends (we met first day freshman year of high school 🥲) and she just made the cross country move (after over a decade in NYC) to SF! This is her first apartment where I think she can really play around with buying investment pieces to have for a really long time, and I love that she loves kitsch, color, and isn’t afraid of a good tchotchke.

working clockwise(ish) starting top left(ish)

• black long stem luminarc wine glasses (set of two) ($15, purchase on eBay)

• folding chinese paper hanging lanterns (set of two, $34.95, purchase on eBay)

• red apple ice bucket ($39.88, purchase on eBay)

• silvertone peanut trinket candy/snack dish ($24.99, purchase on eBay)

• “cocktail” embroidered cocktail napkins (set of five) ($90, purchase on eBay)

• midcentury colorful trim cocktail glasses (set of five) ($48, purchase on eBay)

• dorothy thorpe lidded candy dish ($65)

• mirrored ice bucket ($39.50)

• wood ladybug appetizer cocktail picks ($29.90, purchase on eBay) (mushroom option here)

• silvertone duck toothpick holder ($25, purchase on eBay)

• green croc embossed ice bucket and tongs ($84.99)

• space age leopard table lighter! ($125, purchase on eBay)

• take your pick molar tooth cup ($24)

• glass olive cocktail picks (set of six, $20, purchase on eBay)

• cast iron lady bottle opener ($18.90, purchase on eBay)
  i love her frilly little lace!

• can can dancer cocktail napkins (set of four) ($39, purchase on eBay) (super collectible alt here)

• midcentury teak bar cart ($600, purchase on eBay)
  this looks like a library cart and i love that (especially the side bar for a cutie little tea towel)

• bohemian rattan swirly car cart ($765, purchase on eBay)

• midcentury scalloped top teak bar cart ($239, purchase on eBay)
  she’s cute and a great price for being shipped!

• dorothy thorpe cocktail pitcher ($25, purchase on eBay) (fun playboy alt here)

• wood cocktail picks ($48.94)

• handmade plastic needlepoint deck of cards coasters (set of four) ($15, purchase on eBay)

• crate and barrel orange wood serving tray ($14, purchase on eBay) (this acrylic one is cool too)

• studio pottery condiment caddy ($59.46 on sale)

• snoopy on a hot dog piggy bank ($100, purchase on eBay)
  i would draw a ”tip the bartender” sign and frame it next to this lol

• copper pear ice bucket ($39.99, purchase on eBay) (shiny alt here)

PHEW!

This was fun and exhausting in the best way — as always, please let me know if something isn’t linked correctly! Reward my ego by commenting and liking this and sharing it with people you love!

Until next week,
xo,
G