09: Not To Scale: November Shopping Recommendations
Molly Goddard under $150, Sofia Coppola undies, & more vintage accessories
Not to Scale is a monthly list of everything I’ve been searching for and everything I’d recommend. Mostly secondhand but occasionally not.
On Halloween, I moved the last things out of my apartment, set the keys on the kitchen counter, closed the door behind me, and cried all the way to my boyfriend's father's house. We decided to leave the home we'd spent two years in together sometime before September, and despite two months of preparation, it hurt more than I could've prepared for. I loved the apartment and what we created in it. I wasn't necessarily inclined to leave the apartment, and I'm not sure when I would have if it were entirely up to me.
It's been a little over a week since we closed the apartment door, and for the next few weeks, we are in the suburbs of Spokane preparing for the next chapter. I have very little to do here, I don’t know anyone and there’s almost nothing you can do without a car. It’s both freeing and constraining. I am adjusting to the change (poorly and slowly) and trying to remember that the sadness I feel about our home doesn't mean it was the wrong decision. I'm heading to New York in January.
1. Molly Goddard
I look up “Molly Goddard” on all secondhand websites at least twice weekly. She’s my favorite contemporary designer and I am desperate for a few pieces. My best finds this week were this extra-large navy square neckline tank top, purple dress, and this hot pink tank top—all less than $150.
2. 1950s Lucite Bag
I absolutely love a mid-century plastic purse. After World War II, when plastic was no longer reserved for the war effort, it became associated with post-war innovation and modern design. Lucite became a desirable (and expensive) material for jewelry and handbags until it fell out of fashion in the 1960s. According to an online blog I once read, Llewllyn was one of the best designers. This one is and this one are great too.
3. Araks Lingerie
I don’t think there is any brand that does color and lingerie as well as Araks. I’ve followed them for years and have always admired them from afar. This week, 20 years after the release of Lost in Translation, they announced the rerelease of the undies Scarlett Johansson wears in the opening of the film. Sofia Coppola association of not – they make stunning lingerie.
4. Miu Miu 2012 Pearl Necklace
I don’t wear pearls because they look terrible on me but this one reminded me of a simpler time – Miu Miu’s 2012 Resort show which I think is etched into my memory because I’ve always associated it with Waldorf Designs. Miuccia Prada, Eleanor Waldorf. Potato, patato.
5. White Button-Up Blouse
I don’t have much to say on the white button up front – this is honestly just an excuse to link this fabulous woman on eBay wearing this sheer Jil Sander blouse.
6. Grey Margiela Tabi
Before I purchased by silver ankle strap pair, I seriously considered making an offer on these vintage ones. I’m pretty sure they’re from Martin Margiela’s tenure.
7. Dark Indigo Jeans
I keep going into Red Light and trying on the same pair of vintage deadstock Indigo Levis, but I can't for the life of me get them over my ass, which is saying something. I also don't really want to spend $150 to take jeans home and put them on soaking wet in my bathtub. My friend Amelie recommends the A.P.C ones and buys them on The RealReal (she has very good taste).
8. Vintage 1-Inch Buttons
Ever since I mentioned Shrimps in last month’s Not to Scale, I’ve been scouring the internet for a vintage black faux fur coat that I can button up to my neck. In the process of moving, I realized I already had what I was looking for but I hadn’t worn it in years. My mom bought a 1960s black faux fur coat before I was born at Buffalo Exchange and I wore it constantly in high school until it fell into disrepair. It is now at the tailor (actually my friend Sarah) getting a new lining and a new set of vintage buttons sewn on and I’ll see it in a few weeks. Although not the right size, this button set was a close contender.
9. Le Bon Shoppe “Her” Socks
I’ve mentioned them before but I’ll do it again – Le Bon Shoppe makes my favorite socks. I’m desperate for some in shades of purple and blue to wear with my lighter footwear this Autumn.
10. Pleated Skirt
Welcome to The Pleat! I have nothing good to link besides the Comme one that I obviously can’t afford. No really good pleated skirts have come my way recently.
11. Comme Des Garcons Tricot Peter Pan Collar
This Comme des Garçons TAO blouse is probably the only item I'll be trying to snatch up in the next round of sales—it is perfect. When I was 12, I watched Zoella religiously and was absolutely obsessed with Peter Pan-collared dresses, flimsy brogues, and topknot buns. I honestly never thought I'd return to the collar shape after I outgrew it, but the trend forecasters were right—2007 to 2012 is certainly upon us. Peter Pan collars have always been an essential part of Tao Kurihara's designs, both for Tricot and Tao, so they are quite easy to find on the secondhand market. Amazingly, you can go from taking the same style notes from Zoella to Comme des Garçons in a matter of years.
This Tricot blouse is great too.
12. Vintage Silver Puffy Heart Earrings
Good, very good, and even better.
13. Dries Van Noten
There are certain brands I search for routinely on secondhand websites but never buy – I always come back to Dries Van Noten and Marni. Not that they are in season, but I wanted to share these Dries Van Noten beaded flip-flops. They sold for $52 within hours of my finding them and for good reason. Besides the aforementioned sheer pink dress, I like these cream trousers, this Zebra print top, and these feather-trimmed mules.
14. Shushu/Tong Gray Sweater
In September, in proper blokette fashion, Reese Blutstein posted a photo of herself in a gray Shushu/Tong cardigan, a pair of navy track pants, and some tabi ballet flats. The photo immediately prompted my search for the same Shushu/Tong cardigan which I have yet to find but I did like the short sleeve equivalent. If you can sacrifice the frilly trim, a search for “women’s short sleeve gray cashmere sweater” does the trick on eBay. I like this Burberry one, this Pringle of Scotland one, and this Ralph Lauren one. I like the idea of creating a detachable trim but you will never catch my DIY-ing anything.
There’s nowhere to wear anything I want to buy in the suburbs so I’ll just post everything here instead.
Talk to you soon,
Sophia