Deals of the week

Keywords: pre-loved vintage

BAGS

High-end ($1,500+)

1. Chanel 2.55 Reissue 226, 2008, metallic blue -- link

   1. $2,880 (compared to of $10,800 new)

2. Chanel 2.55 Reissue 226, 2010-11, patent brown -- link

   1. $2,725 (compared to of $10,800 new)

3. Dior Lady Dior Large tote, patent beige -- link

   1. $1,925 (compared to of $7,200 new)

4. Fendi baguette, 2001, light pink suede -- link

   1. $1,625 (compared to of $3,900 new)

Middle ($500-$1,500)

1. Fendi baguette, 2001, monogram PVC -- link

   1. $1,275 (compared to of $3,900 new)

2. Louis Vuitton Alma, 2009, patent beige -- link

   1. $996 (compared to of $1,900 new)

3. Fendi baguette, 2001, monogram fabric -- link

   1. $900 (compared to of $3,900 new)

4. Louis Vuitton Epi Soufflot bag, 1997, black -- link

   1. $635 (compared to of $1,280 new)

Under $500

1. Gucci vintage canvas top handle bag, red -- link

   1. $380 (instead of $475)

2. Celine vintage Macadam top handle, brown/tan -- link

   1. $326 (instead of $465)

      
      

Ready-to-wear

XS/S

1. Chanel vintage tweed coat, beige -- link

   1. $920 (instead of $2,045)

S/M

1. Chloe vintage fur coat, 1970s, brown -- link

   1. $1,082 (instead of $1,545)

2. Chanel vintage tweed coat, beige -- link

   1. $920 (instead of $2,045)

3. Chanel vintage cashmere coat, 2001, cream/blue/pink -- link

   1. $867 (instead of $1,445)

4. Prada vintage skirt, 2003, mint -- link

   1. $195 (instead of $325)

L/XL

1. Zandra Rhodes vintage fur coat, 2010s, brown -- link

   1. $986 (instead of $1,095)

2. Chanel vintage dress, 2009, black -- link

   1. $816 (instead of $1,020)

3. Celine vintage midi skirt, 1980s-90s, grey -- link

   1. $298 (instead of $425)

Accessories / Gifts

1. Chanel CC vanity case, 1997-99, black -- link

   1. $1,045 (instead of $1,100)

2. Dior vintage saddle pouch, 1998 -- link

   1. $325 (I feel like you could use this as a clutch!)

3. Hermes Ecuries Silk Scarf -- link

   1. $315 (instead of $525)

4. Miu Miu vintage sunglasses, white -- link

   1. $168 (instead of $210)

5. Burberry vintage cashmere scarf -- link

   1. $116 (instead of $210)

Best of ____. Who does it best?

Have you ever wondered to yourself:

• who makes the best cable knit sweater?

• who makes the best silk scarf?

• who makes the best coated canvas bag?

• who makes the best wedding shoes?

Well, you're in luck. That is, if you care about some anonymous girl blogger's opinion on the internet with zero proven credibility and no first-hand experience working in the fashion industry.

Now that I've given you all of the reasons NOT to listen to me, I'll give. you a couple reasons why you might.

• Like you, I love fashion, and I have a curiosity about all things clothes, bags, and shoes. I love doing "research" (aka, online shopping where I browse what's available and in-person shopping trips where I touch everything and buy nothing). I watch and follow many of the major fashion YouTube channels covering fashion news and commentary.

• Even though I haven't worked in the industry, I know quite a bit about it. As a history buff, I also love learning about the history of fashion and the various household-name designers, as well as the up-and-comers.

• I tend not to buy into hype (usually). That is, just because something is popular or trendy does not influence whether or not I'm likely to recommend it or have any interest myself. If anything, I tend to despise items that I see too often, since my favorite part about fashion is that it's meant to be an expression of individuality, not a way to signal that we blend in. Plenty of trendy things are shitty quality in my opinion, or purely overrated and not worth the money.

• I appreciate quality and design, regardless of trend. Of course, I also have my share of "basic" items I love, and for good reason, because some "basic" or frequently seen items are seen frequently for a reason: they're great. I'm cautious with my own money and how I spend it, and I am about yours too. I don't want to recommend items that are trendy if I think they're ugly, overpriced, or bad quality.

Now that I've stated my points, let's get into MY OPINION of some of the best of best across a bunch of different categories. Please keep in mind that these are purely my opinions and I do not believe that I am always right (only 99.99% of the time). If I hate something you happen to love, I hope you continue to love it. As someone who has often felt out of place in my life, this is meant to be fun and informative, never to insult. So if you love your hideous and wildly overrated canvas Goyard bag, please continue loving it. And I hope you have the further enjoyment of knowing that someone out there (me) is sitting in a corner envisioning the famous math gif thinking about how someone (you) could possible love (and pay for) such a thing.

me after someone exclaims "i love my Goyard Saint Louis PM"

1. The best cable knit sweater: Ralph Lauren

Classic for a reason, it's simply great. Whether you're on vacation, going to class, work, or running errands, this sweater is a staple for any and all occasions. It never looks out of place, making it one of the best items to pull together almost any outfit. Not to mention, a simple cable knit sweater is incredibly practical for those million occasions where you need an extra layer in case of a sudden chill. Forever a classic, you will never go wrong. Of course, a 'Ralph Lauren' part of the Ralph Lauren cable knit sweater is completely optional -- any cable knit will do.

2. The best silks: Versace

   Since its inception, Versace has become known for its gorgeous silks in the hallmark baroque and medusa patterns. They are just as silky and luxe as they are recognizable, and, despite the pretty loud patterns, they almost act as a neutral (in my. opinion). Now, I'm not saying mix your black/white/gold Versace silk blouse with a neon pink bag and a purple pant (although you do you, if that's your thing). I'm simply saying that the Versace silk has become its own culturally relevant phenomenon rooted in fashion history, and that can (and should) be used to your advantage.

3. The best suede: Brunello Cucinelli

   If you've felt it, you get it. It's soft, yet durable. Adds texture, but stays neutral. Casual, yet sophisticated. And the best part, they do it in a variety of bag and shoe styles. The bad part, price. I recommend visiting one of their several outlet stores if you have the chance, or looking to sites like TheRealReal for a great deal on pre-loved pieces, many in new or nearly new condition. They're a big player in the "quiet luxury" market, if that's your style. If not, you'll still be able to appreciate the timeless pieces for their ability to transcend trend cycles. If you're going to spend the money, at least you know the piece will stick around for years to come.

4. The best coated canvas: Louis Vuitton

   This one hurt me a little bit, as someone who despises the classic LV monogram canvas. I hate it, and is disgusts me. Now, if you somehow skipped over the previous sentence and made it to this one, thanks for giving me a second chance. It's not a personal attack, it's just a fact that every one and their mother seems to own the most basic LV canvas bag ever, and it's so overdone it makes me nauseous. Despite that, I have to give credit where credit is due. Though it may be overdone, people love it for a reason. LV canvas is notoriously durable and high quality, and that's why it's a staple. So there you have it, I'm just a hater (but at least I admit it).

5. The best monogram bag: Fendi

   Another classic monogram, but WAY better in my opinion than any other (including LV, Gucci, Goyard, and any other big ones I missed). I can't exactly explain why I think the Fendi monogram is way better than anybody else's, I just believe that it is. I think it has to do with fact that Fendi has weaved their monogram into items other than just bags much better (again, in my opinion) than any other brand. Shoes, clothes, colored monograms, Fendi simply does it in a way that, to me, feels much more cohesive and intentional than others.

6. The best evening bag: Benedetta Bruzziches

   This was another difficult one. There are SO many great evening (read: sparkly) bags out there, and you can hardly go wrong with any of them. What gave Benedetta Bruzziches the edge over the others was the fact that they specialize in these bags, whereas other brands' sparkly bag creations are a small part of an otherwise vast luxury offering including bags, shoes, and clothing. The only worthwhile competitor might be Judith Lieber (if you've read my other pieces, you know how big of a fan I am). That said, Judith Lieber bags START at $1,000 (most are much, much more), and so Benedetta Bruzziches seems the clear choice for a sparkly bag for those who don't yet own multiple real-estate properties.

7. The best silk scarf: Louis Vuitton and Hermes (tie)

   Maybe the hardest one of all. Hermes is the best known for silks, but they both do something that I've noticed all other brands lack recently: beautiful designs. I'm purely basing this category on how much I personally gravitate to the design of the brand's silks. While every other big name out there seems to only be doing silk scarves in their house monogram or the occasional in inspired, unrelated pattern that feels both increasingly trendy and disconnected, Hermes and LV are challenging the status quo. Both brands have long produced intricate silk designs, and they're not letting us down. If you go on either website, you'll see a wide range of beautiful designs from both that offer many great options. My personal favorites from Hermes: anything harkening back to their history as an equestrian brand. The ones with horses, jockeys, saddles, etc. My favorite from LV: the styles that reference the brand's history in luggage. The ones with LV trunks and luggage, bags from over the years....and the bonus one: the beautiful hot air balloon scarves.

8. The best light jacket: Burberry

   For weather where you just need a light layer, I think Burberry has to be a staple, both for the obvious trench coat, as well as their barn jackets. I personally have both a lighter weather barn jacket and a colder weather 100% wool suit-style long coat, and I love them equally, but the barn jacket is definitely the more practical and wearable for more occasions. The quality is there and, although Burberry has been doing MANY questionable things lately, they luckily seem to have left some of their classic jackets alone (and thank goodness for that -- can you imagine a literal furry sticking out of a beige barn jacket?).

9. The best heavy jacket: Moncler

   Ah, yes, the heavy jacket. Well, if you like puffers, you'll love Moncler. This ski-resort inspired brand is known for their off-duty millionaire jackets, which are a bit more understated than the main culprits, but still offers recognizable expertise in cold-weather outerwear. The price tag can be steep, but I think these are forever coats (especially if you pick a classic silhouette in a dark color). I personally have a big puffer coat in cherry red (so much for the dark, understated look, huh?). That said, I absolutely love it, and I got it for probably well over 50% off. The best part about Moncler? Whether you're taking it to NYC or Iceland, you'll be covered (literally) and cozy.

10. The best resort-wear: Casablanca

    Where do I start? Have you ever wanted to embody the laid-back aura of a wealthy urban professional that likes to work hard (and play harder) on vacation somewhere off the Mediterranean coast? That's kind of how I think about Casablanca, as their name suggests. They're known for their iconic silk sets (mainly shorts and resort-style shirts) in beautiful mural designs, as well as country-club knitwear. I foresee Casablanca only gaining popularity, and I'm always surprised that they're not talked about more. For the materials they use and the beauty of their pieces, I actually think their prices are not too bad, and you can find pieces occasionally on sale. Definitely worth checking out if you like silk. color, and interesting graphics.

11. The best wedding shoes: Jimmy Choo

    I don't even think this one needs an explanation. Several of Jimmy Choo's staple styles (especially the Saeda, Amita, Bing, and Romy) are known for being popular wedding shoes, primarily because of how iconic they are in white, and the crystal versions offered. Jimmy Choo even has a bridal section of their website. If you're in need of a bridal shoe no matter the heel height (or maybe even a sneaker?), look no further. If you're not tempted enough, Jimmy Choo's crystal slippers offers the closest Cinderella glass-slipper look-alike out there.

12. The best loafer: TOD's

    TOD's has been making leather goods, especially shoes, since the turn of the 20th century, and, if you've ever gone to a TOD's store or tried on a pair, you can probably tell. They're not the most famous brand out there, and they don't do flashy logos or offer many trendy pieces, but they are certainly good at what they do. TOD's are immaculately crafted in Italy from the finest leathers, and offer a perfect balance of comfort, class, and practicality. I personally find that people who really (I mean REALLY) know shoes know TOD's. That's because they're experts in the area. And when you have expertise, you don't need to overcompensate with anything else.

13. The best pump: Ferragamo

    While TOD's makes great shoes of all styles and so does Ferragamo, I wanted to separate the two and give credit to each in an area where I think they personally shine, respectively. While I associate TOD's more with day-to-day loafer, driver, and mule styles, Ferragamo has expanded their shoexpertise (it's a new word, I made it up just now) and extended it to more modern styles, including pumps. While Ferragamo is another brand with a history rooted in finely crafted leather shoes from Italy, they have recently been taking over the more feminine shoe styles with their Vara and Bow pumps. Don't get me wrong, Ferragamo does great shoes in every style, but I wanted to give special props for continuous innovation without losing sight of the brand's legacy.

Deals of the week

Keywords: pre-loved luxury, cool tones, pants

BAGS

High-end ($1,500+)

1. Hermes Epsom Kelly 32, Mykonos -- link

   1. $10,800 (instead of $13,500)

2. Hermes Epsom Della Cavalleria Elan, Vert Fizz -- link

   1. $5,695 (instead of $7,150)

3. Chanel patent medium Gabrielle bag, black -- link

   1. $2,845 (instead of $3,795)

4. Chanel Vintage Caviar CC shoulder bag, brown -- link

   1. $1,745 (instead of $2,495)

Middle ($500-$1,500)

1. Chanel Patent Quilted Shopping Tote, Black -- link

   1. $1,150 (instead of $2,095)

2. Celine classic box bag small, black -- link

   1. $1,345 (instead of $1,795)

3. Chanel Cambon calfskin tote, brown -- link

   1. $1,345 (instead of $2,250)

4. Prada Re-Edition 2001 antique two handle bag, light pink -- link

   1. $1,325 (instead of $2,150)

Under $500

1. Tory Burch Lee Radziwill croc embossed satchel, norwood green -- link

   1. $395 (instead of $565)

2. Demellier croc embossed medium Tokyo bag, black -- link

   1. $383 (instead of $425)

3. Alexander Wang heiress bag, black/crystal -- link

   1. $360 (instead of $695)

4. Demellier small Vancouver bag, grey -- link

   1. $300 (instead of $375)

SHOES

Size 5/6

1. Hermes 2023 Paris suede loafers, green (5) -- link

   1. $648 (instead of $1,220)

2. Prada pumps, black (6) -- link

   1. $444 (instead of $555)

3. Hermes suede loafers, green (6.5) -- link

   1. $613 (instead of $1,220)

4. Louboutin patent leather D'Orsay pumps, red (6.5) -- link

   1. $480 (instead of $725)

5. Burberry check pumps, grey/black (6.5)-- link

   1. $396 (instead of $565)

Size 7/8

1. Dior color-block heels, beige/black (7) -- link

   1. $660 (instead of $825)

2. Brunello Cucinelli Suede sneaker, navy/grey (7) -- link

   1. $750 (instead of $1,250)

3. Chanel 2021 CC leather slides, pink (M)-- link

   1. $698 (instead of $1,395)

4. Burberry quilted leather slides, black (7.5) -- link

   1. $180 (instead of $725)

Size 9/10

1. Prada crystal oxfords, black (9) -- link

   1. $700 (instead of $1,210)

2. Louboutin patent leather pumps, black (9) -- link

   1. $516 (instead of $790)

3. Saint Laurent leather boots, black (9.5) -- link

   1. $563 (instead of $1,125)

4. Louboutin embossed leather pumps, black (10) -- link

   1. $487 (instead of $695)

5. Loro Piana suede sandals, pink (11) -- link

   1. $660 (instead of $2,000)

Ready-to-wear

XS/S

1. Hermes cashmere mini dress, blue/white -- link

   1. $556 (instead of $695)

2. Brunello Cucinelli straight-leg pants, beige -- link

   1. $225 (instead of $375)

3. Brunello Cucinelli skinny-leg pants, grey -- link

   1. $196 (instead of $435)

4. Max Mara plaid pants, grey -- link

   1. $34.50 (instead of $115)

5. Cinq à Sept satin pants, white -- link

   1. $99 (instead of $165)

S/M

1. Brunello Cucinelli straight-leg pants, beige -- link

   1. $225 (instead of $375)

2. Max Mara plaid pants, grey -- link

   1. $34.50 (instead of $115)

3. Cinq à Sept satin pants, white -- link

   1. $99 (instead of $165)

4. Brunello Cucinelli skinny-leg pants, grey -- link

   1. $196 (instead of $435)

L/XL

1. Brunello Cucinelli skinny-leg pants, grey -- link

   1. $196 (instead of $435)

2. Prada 2022 mini dress, black -- link

   1. $1,208 (instead of $1,725)

3. Louis Vuitton 2021 silk blouse, black/white -- link

   1. $911 (instead of $2,025)

4. Fendi vintage short sleeve cashmere sweater, pink -- link

   1. $248 (instead of $275)

5. Fendi vintage midi skirt, tan -- link

   1. $298 (instead of $425)

Accessories / Gifts

1. Cartier Miss Pasha 18K white gold watch -- link

   1. $7,325 (instead of $7,710)

2. Hermes Farandole 18K rose gold pendant -- link

   1. $1,240 (instead of $2,225)

3. Hermes rose gold pop H pendant -- link (there is also a black available for even less!)

   1. $385 (instead of $510)

4. Hermes Vauban Chaine d'Ancre cap -- link

   1. $381 (instead of $635)

5. Hermes Bouclerie d'Attelage silk twilly -- link

   1. $203 (instead of $225)

6. Chanel vintage postcard scarf, multicolor -- link

   1. $268 (instead of $535)