New year, new vintage
Let's kick off 2023 with the good stuff
Happiest of happy new years!
I don’t much subscribe to the school of thought that with a new year comes huge, new changes, but there is something satisfying in being able to close a chapter. This year brought lots of strange changes, a LOT of contemplation, a hefty amount of travel, and this cherished newsletter for which I cannot overstate how much your support means. But on to vintage!
Today we’re starting the year off with a classic version of RGV in which I offer you three styled looks, three ‘1-2 punches,’ and a large list of stuff I just like. I went really deep into an Anne Klein and Donna Karan wormhole last week (DK designed for AK!) so you’ll see a lot of those names below. If you’re new to the newsletter (thanks to Anna’s ‘Things I Would Buy if I Didn’t Have to pay Rent’ - hello!), here’s a quick starter on how I source online for this stuff and how best to use each website!
Now, happy shopping! Don’t forget to expand the email at the end because this one’s a long one and is clipped by Substack!
Boy if this isn’t the most classic RGV look in the book! And what a charmer. This look started with this sheer blouse that I would wear fully buttoned and untucked, with a crisp white tank tucked into these perfectly wide trousers. You know I love when pants come with a matching belt and because the blouse is so sheer you’ll still get to see that little detail. Then add some slip-on leather flats that look as comfy as slippers but chic as The Row and are $12!! Keep it tonal with this chic striped mohair coat that combines the bronze, navy, and black color scheme seamlessly.
More unbloused sheer styling! This outfit started with this moody and perfect Romeo & Juliet-themed slip skirt. As much as I love sleek minimal pieces, a photoprint will always turn my head. When styling it, a bodysuit felt too overt so I wanted something to ‘cool’ the skirt down so I turned to my trusty oversized button down - this one with a twist! I love this sheer hem and that wearing this untucked over the skirt means the print will still peek out and add visual interest. From there I found a long plaid blazer that mirrors the tones of the outfit and adds even more visual interest with its print mixing. The look needed something with weight for the bottom, a loafer or flat felt too slight, and a chunky boot skewed the outfit younger than I wanted, so I found this patent knee-high boot with western stitching that balances the outfit perfectly!
This is my Italian take on a vintage outfit. Maxi cargo skirts are still going strong, and this DKNY one would easily be seen walking around Milan! So I added more Italian flair with the classic Fiorucci angel tee (these are deadstock and there are three available!). Then throw on a cropped white leather jacket and boots with the best toe in town and boom! Yr done.
1. Lavender silk blazer, $17 + Rust silk blouse, $15. LOVE this color combo and sumptuous silk. These are both that matte silk that has a heavy weight which means they drape beautifully. Would wear with light, bootcut denim.
2. Donna Karan striped bodysuit, $35 + Grey suede belted skirt, $19. Classique! And chic! And that skirt with matching belt is a steal.
3. Psychedelic print jacket, $35 + Brown silk minidress, $21. The jacket reminds me of Lisa Says Gah! and the dress reminds me of COS, and both together are cheaper than one piece from either shop! Win-win-win.
1. Green leather miniskirt, $70. Feel like this needs no introduction. Green leather is a rarity, especially one with such a modern cut. No notes.
2. Donna Karan logo tank dress, $29. Not not daydreaming about wearing this this summer. Any ‘89 babies out there? You could wear a dress the exact same age as you!
3. Zebra-esque abstract dress, $52. I’m not huge on animal print and I love how tightly this one walks the line. It’s kind of zebra but it’s also kind of just a get shit done dress. LOVE this neckline.
4. Draped cowl front & back dress, $20. Click this link! The drape on the front and back are stunning and worth a much closer look.
5. DKNY pewter sheen dress, $52. So Romy & Michelle’s High School Reunion/Lizzie McGuire/She’s All That/great.
6. Anne Klein trench, $40. Simple and chic. Great collar detail. Would wear over #19.
7. Anne Klein mesh flats, $35. The original sheer flat (cough cough The Row), and I am feverishly looking for a pair in my size.
8. Green linen minidress, $30. Twirly and flirt in a great color, with a cute little button, to boot.
9. Navy Prada-esque shirtdress, $22. So Prada! So needs a Vespa!
10. Bold silk abstract skirt set, $44. Lightweight and bold! Add the tank to #1 and the skirt to #13.
11. Brown drop-waist minidress, $50. Another drop waist, this one with an even more daring hemline.
12. Black leather shorts, $86. Classic! Love that these are wide leg for much-needed breathing room.
13. Blue leather convertible jacket, $69. She unzips! To make a cropped leather jacket! Divine! And here’s another one in case that first one sells!
14. DKNY greige lounge set, $85. Very Gwyneth.
15. Brown asymmetric denim dress, $60. I know this could look cheesy and dated but I see the potential here and it’s great. This honestly feels like it could have walked an early runway of Phoebe Philo’s Celine. Just add the boots from the third styled look!
16. Faux fur trim purse, $30. Fun and cute!
17. Psychedelic op art top, $60 (short sleeve version here). Real trippy and I’m into it.
18. Lilac boiler suit, $25. I mean….
19. DKNY wrap skirt minidress, $40. Click this link, too! Photo doesn’t do this flirty babe justice.
If I could set any intention this year, it’s that this newsletter gets seen and shared and loved more, so I’m putting it out there into the universe! For now, though, thank you so much as always for being here and the very happiest of new years to you! xx Maggie
What a treat, to begin the New year! Just got that silver metallic dress ...thanks for the heads’ up!
Best newsletter in vintage!